1
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Suparpprom C, Vilaivan T. Perspectives on conformationally constrained peptide nucleic acid (PNA): insights into the structural design, properties and applications. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:648-697. [PMID: 35755191 PMCID: PMC9175113 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00017b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid or PNA is a synthetic DNA mimic that contains a sequence of nucleobases attached to a peptide-like backbone derived from N-2-aminoethylglycine. The semi-rigid PNA backbone acts as a scaffold that arranges the nucleobases in a proper orientation and spacing so that they can pair with their complementary bases on another DNA, RNA, or even PNA strand perfectly well through the standard Watson-Crick base-pairing. The electrostatically neutral backbone of PNA contributes to its many unique properties that make PNA an outstanding member of the xeno-nucleic acid family. Not only PNA can recognize its complementary nucleic acid strand with high affinity, but it does so with excellent specificity that surpasses the specificity of natural nucleic acids and their analogs. Nevertheless, there is still room for further improvements of the original PNA in terms of stability and specificity of base-pairing, direction of binding, and selectivity for different types of nucleic acids, among others. This review focuses on attempts towards the rational design of new generation PNAs with superior performance by introducing conformational constraints such as a ring or a chiral substituent in the PNA backbone. A large collection of conformationally rigid PNAs developed during the past three decades are analyzed and compared in terms of molecular design and properties in relation to structural data if available. Applications of selected modified PNA in various areas such as targeting of structured nucleic acid targets, supramolecular scaffold, biosensing and bioimaging, and gene regulation will be highlighted to demonstrate how the conformation constraint can improve the performance of the PNA. Challenges and future of the research in the area of constrained PNA will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaturong Suparpprom
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Tah-Poe District, Muang Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand
- Organic Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Phayathai Road Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Tirayut Vilaivan
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Tah-Poe District, Muang Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand
- Organic Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Phayathai Road Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
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2
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Parameswaran P, Ranjan N, Flora SJS. New Approaches in Sensing and Targeting Bacterial rRNA A-site. Med Chem 2021; 17:299-309. [PMID: 31660840 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666191011160035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
New chemical agents that could combat increasing antibiotic resistance are urgently needed. In this mini-review, an old but highly relevant RNA sequence which is crucial for the continuation of bacterial life-cycle is covered. Some of the most significant advances of the last decade in sensing and targeting the bacterial rRNA A-site: a well-validated binding site of proverbially known aminoglycoside antibiotics are described. Some of the major advances in direct sensing of the bacterial decoding side (A-site) are described and also new fluorescent molecules that are capable of detecting lead compounds through high-throughput assays by displacement of fluorescent probe molecules are highlighted. Lastly, some of the recently discovered non-aminoglycoside small molecule binders of bacterial rRNA A-site as a new class of molecules that could provide future scaffolds and molecules for developing new antibacterial agents have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Parameswaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)- Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)- Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Swaran J S Flora
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, India
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3
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Liang X, Liu M, Komiyama M. Recognition of Target Site in Various Forms of DNA and RNA by Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA): From Fundamentals to Practical Applications. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266235, P. R. China
| | - Mengqin Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
| | - Makoto Komiyama
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, P. R. China
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4
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Das A, Pradhan B. Evolution of peptide nucleic acid with modifications of its backbone and application in biotechnology. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:865-892. [PMID: 33314595 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are getting prodigious interest currently in the biomedical and diagnostic field as an extremely powerful tool because of their potentiality to hybridize with natural nucleic acids. Although PNA has strong affinity and sequence specificity to DNA/RNA, there is a considerable ongoing effort to further enhance their special chemical and biological properties for potential application in numerous fields, notably in the field of therapeutics. The toolbox for backbone modified PNAs synthesis has been extended substantially in recent decades, providing a more efficient synthesis of peptides with numerous scaffolds and modifications. This paper reviews the various strategies that have been developed so far for the modification of the PNA backbone, challenging the search for new PNA systems with improved chemical and physical properties lacking in the original aegPNA backbone. The various practical issues and limitations of different PNA systems are also summarized. The focus of this review is on the evolution of PNA by its backbone modification to improve the cellular uptake, sequence specificity, and compatibility of PNA to bind to DNA/RNA. Finally, an insight was also gained into major applications of backbone modified PNAs for the development of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Das
- National Institute of Science Education and Research Bhubaneswar (HBNI), Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Biswaranjan Pradhan
- S. K. Dash Center of Excellence of Biosciences and Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
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5
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Efficient and selective catalytic N-Alkylation of pyrimidine by ammonium Sulfate@Hydro-thermal carbone under eco-friendly conditions. J CHEM SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12039-020-01776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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6
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Swenson CS, Heemstra JM. Peptide nucleic acids harness dual information codes in a single molecule. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:1926-1935. [PMID: 32009137 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc09905k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nature encodes the information required for life in two fundamental biopolymers: nucleic acids and proteins. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA), a synthetic analog comprised of nucleobases arrayed along a pseudopeptide backbone, has the ability to combine the power of nucleic acids to encode information with the versatility of amino acids to encode structure and function. Historically, PNA has been perceived as a simple nucleic acid mimic having desirable properties such as high biostability and strong affinity for complementary nucleic acids. In this feature article, we aim to adjust this perception by highlighting the ability of PNA to act as a peptide mimic and showing the largely untapped potential to encode information in the amino acid sequence. First, we provide an introduction to PNA and discuss the use of conjugation to impart tunable properties to the biopolymer. Next, we describe the integration of functional groups directly into the PNA backbone to impart specific physical properties. Lastly, we highlight the use of these integrated amino acid side chains to encode peptide-like sequences in the PNA backbone, imparting novel activity and function and demonstrating the ability of PNA to simultaneously mimic both a peptide and a nucleic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Swenson
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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7
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Tähtinen V, Verhassel A, Tuomela J, Virta P. γ-(S)-Guanidinylmethyl-Modified Triplex-Forming Peptide Nucleic Acids Increase Hoogsteen-Face Affinity for a MicroRNA and Enhance Cellular Uptake. Chembiochem 2019; 20:3041-3051. [PMID: 31206960 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
γ-Modified (i.e., (S)-aminomethyl, (S)-acetamidomethyl, (R)-4-(hydroxymethyl)triazol-1-ylmethyl, and (S)-guanidinylmethyl) triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (TFPNAs) were synthesized and the effect of the backbone modifications on the binding to a miR-215 model was studied. Among the modifications, an appropriate pattern of three γ-(S)-guanidinylmethyl modifications increased the affinity and Hoogsteen-face selectivity for the miR-215 model without ternary (PNA)2 /RNA complex formation. Moreover, the γ-(S)-guanidinylmethyl groups were observed to facilitate internalization of the TFPNAs into living PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Tähtinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Alejandra Verhassel
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Institution of Biomedicine, Medisiina D, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Tuomela
- FICAN West Cancer Research Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Institution of Biomedicine, Medisiina D, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20014, Turku, Finland
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8
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Jasiński M, Feig M, Trylska J. Improved Force Fields for Peptide Nucleic Acids with Optimized Backbone Torsion Parameters. J Chem Theory Comput 2018; 14:3603-3620. [PMID: 29791152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids are promising nucleic acid analogs for antisense therapies as they can form stable duplex and triplex structures with DNA and RNA. Computational studies of PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes are an important component for guiding their design, yet existing force fields have not been well validated and parametrized with modern computational capabilities. We present updated CHARMM and Amber force fields for PNA that greatly improve the stability of simulated PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes in comparison with experimental structures and allow such systems to be studied on microsecond time scales. The force field modifications focus on reparametrized PNA backbone torsion angles to match high-level quantum mechanics reference energies for a model compound. The microsecond simulations of PNA-PNA, PNA-DNA, PNA-RNA, and PNA-DNA-PNA complexes also allowed a comprehensive analysis of hydration and ion interactions with such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Jasiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Michael Feig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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9
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Pansuwan H, Ditmangklo B, Vilaivan C, Jiangchareon B, Pan-In P, Wanichwecharungruang S, Palaga T, Nuanyai T, Suparpprom C, Vilaivan T. Hydrophilic and Cell-Penetrable Pyrrolidinyl Peptide Nucleic Acid via Post-synthetic Modification with Hydrophilic Side Chains. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 28:2284-2292. [PMID: 28704609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a nucleic acid mimic in which the deoxyribose-phosphate was replaced by a peptide-like backbone. The absence of negative charge in the PNA backbone leads to several unique behaviors including a stronger binding and salt independency of the PNA-DNA duplex stability. However, PNA possesses poor aqueous solubility and cannot directly penetrate cell membranes. These are major obstacles that limit in vivo applications of PNA. In previous strategies, the PNA can be conjugated to macromolecular carriers or modified with positively charged side chains such as guanidinium groups to improve the aqueous solubility and cell permeability. In general, a preformed modified PNA monomer was required. In this study, a new approach for post-synthetic modification of PNA backbone with one or more hydrophilic groups was proposed. The PNA used in this study was the conformationally constrained pyrrolidinyl PNA with prolyl-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid dipeptide backbone (acpcPNA) that shows several advantages over the conventional PNA. The aldehyde modifiers carrying different linkers (alkylene and oligo(ethylene glycol)) and end groups (-OH, -NH2, and guanidinium) were synthesized and attached to the backbone of modified acpcPNA by reductive alkylation. The hybrids between the modified acpcPNAs and DNA exhibited comparable or superior thermal stability with base-pairing specificity similar to those of unmodified acpcPNA. Moreover, the modified apcPNAs also showed the improvement of aqueous solubility (10-20 folds compared to unmodified PNA) and readily penetrate cell membranes without requiring any special delivery agents. This study not only demonstrates the practicality of the proposed post-synthetic modification approach for PNA modification, which could be readily applied to other systems, but also opens up opportunities for using pyrrolidinyl PNA in various applications such as intracellular RNA sensing, specific gene detection, and antisense and antigene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruthai Pansuwan
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University , Ta-Po District, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thanesuan Nuanyai
- Rajamankala University of Technology Rattanakosin , Wang Klai Kangwon Campus, Huahin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
| | - Chaturong Suparpprom
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University , Ta-Po District, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
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10
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Tähtinen V, Granqvist L, Murtola M, Strömberg R, Virta P. 19 F NMR Spectroscopic Analysis of the Binding Modes in Triple-Helical Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)/MicroRNA Complexes. Chemistry 2017; 23:7113-7124. [PMID: 28370485 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201700601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids (TFPNAs) were targeted to double-helical regions of 19 F-labeled RNA hairpin models (a UA-rich duplex with a hexaethylene glycol (heg) loop and a microRNA model, miR-215). In addition to conventional UV- and circular dichroism (CD)-based detection, binding was monitored by 19 F NMR spectroscopy. Detailed information on the stoichiometry and transition between the triple-helical peptide nucleic acid (PNA)/RNA and (PNA)2 /RNA binding modes could be obtained. γ-(R)-Hydroxymethyl-modified thymine-1-yl- and 2-aminopyridin-3-yl-acetyl derivatives of TFPNAs were additionally synthesized, which were targeted to the same RNA models, and the effect of the γ-(R)-hydroxymethyl group on binding was studied. An appropriate pattern of γ-(R)-hydroxymethyl modifications reduced the stability of the ternary complex and preferred stoichiometric binding to the miR-215 model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Tähtinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Lotta Granqvist
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Merita Murtola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roger Strömberg
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, 141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
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11
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Modified Antisense Oligonucleotides and Their Analogs in Therapy of Neuromuscular Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-34175-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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12
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Patil KM, Chen G. Recognition of RNA Sequence and Structure by Duplex and Triplex Formation: Targeting miRNA and Pre-miRNA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-34175-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Advances and applications of synthetic genetic polymers (xeno-nucleic acids) are reviewed in this article. The types of synthetic genetic polymers are summarized. The basic properties of them are elaborated and their technical applications are presented. Challenges and prospects of synthetic genetic polymers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ma
- Department of Chemistry
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore 117543
| | - Danence Lee
- Department of Chemistry
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore 117543
| | - Yong Quan Tan
- Department of Biochemistry
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore 117597
| | - Garrett Wong
- Department of Biochemistry
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore 117597
| | - Zhiqiang Gao
- Department of Chemistry
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore 117543
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14
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Kirillova Y, Boyarskaya N, Dezhenkov A, Tankevich M, Prokhorov I, Varizhuk A, Eremin S, Esipov D, Smirnov I, Pozmogova G. Polyanionic Carboxyethyl Peptide Nucleic Acids (ce-PNAs): Synthesis and DNA Binding. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140468. [PMID: 26469337 PMCID: PMC4607454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
New polyanionic modifications of polyamide nucleic acid mimics were obtained. Thymine decamers were synthesized from respective chiral α- and γ-monomers, and their enantiomeric purity was assessed. Here, we present the decamer synthesis, purification and characterization by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and an investigation of the hybridization properties of the decamers. We show that the modified γ-S-carboxyethyl-T10 PNA forms a stable triplex with polyadenine DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Kirillova
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, SRI of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | - Nataliya Boyarskaya
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Dezhenkov
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mariya Tankevich
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, SRI of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan Prokhorov
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, SRI of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Structure-Functional Analysis of Biopolymers, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei Eremin
- Department of Biotechnology and Bionanotechnology, Moscow State University of Fine Chemical Technologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Esipov
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Biology Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Smirnov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, SRI of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Galina Pozmogova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, SRI of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
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15
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Moccia M, Adamo MFA, Saviano M. Insights on chiral, backbone modified peptide nucleic acids: Properties and biological activity. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2014; 5:e1107176. [PMID: 26752710 PMCID: PMC5329900 DOI: 10.1080/1949095x.2015.1107176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PNAs are emerging as useful synthetic devices targeting natural miRNAs. In particular 3 classes of structurally modified PNAs analogs are herein described, namely α, β and γ, which differ by their backbone modification. Their mode and binding affinity for natural nucleic acids and their use in medicinal chemistry as potential miRNA binders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moccia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Institute of Cristallography; Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro F A Adamo
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology (CSCB); Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michele Saviano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Institute of Cristallography; Bari, Italy
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16
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Murphy CT, Gupta A, Armitage BA, Opresko PL. Hybridization of G-quadruplex-forming peptide nucleic acids to guanine-rich DNA templates inhibits DNA polymerase η extension. Biochemistry 2014; 53:5315-22. [PMID: 25068499 DOI: 10.1021/bi5006859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The guanine quadruplex (G-quadruplex) is a highly stable secondary structure that forms in G-rich repeats of DNA, which can interfere with DNA processes, including DNA replication and transcription. We showed previously that short guanine-rich peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) can form highly stable hybrid quadruplexes with DNA. We hypothesized that such structures would provide a stronger block to polymerase extension on G-rich templates than a native DNA homoquadruplex because of the greater thermodynamic stability of the PNA-DNA hybrid structures. To test this, we analyzed the DNA primer extension activity of polymerase η, a translesion polymerase implicated in synthesis past G-quadruplex blocks, on DNA templates containing guanine repeats. We observed a PNA concentration-dependent decrease in the level of polymerase η extension to the end of the template and an increase in the level of polymerase η inhibition at the sequence prior to the G-rich repeats. In contrast, the addition of a complementary C-rich PNA that hybridizes to the G-rich repeats by Watson-Crick base pairing led to a decrease in the level of polymerase inhibition and an increase in the level of full-length extension products. The G-quadruplex-forming PNA exhibited inhibition (IC50=16.2±3.3 nM) of polymerase η DNA synthesis on the G-rich templates stronger than that of the established G-quadruplex-stabilizing ligand BRACO-19 (IC50=42.5±4.8 nM). Our results indicate that homologous PNA targeting of G-rich sequences creates stable PNA-DNA heteroquadruplexes that inhibit polymerase η extension more effectively than a DNA homoquadruplex. The implications of these results for the potential development of homologous PNAs as therapeutics for halting proliferating cancer cells are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor T Murphy
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
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17
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Abstract
Chiral open-chain PNAs have been shown to have improved properties in terms of control of helical handedness, DNA affinity, sequence selectivity, and cellular uptake. They can be synthesized either using preformed chiral monomers or by means of a submonomeric strategy. The former is preferred when only a stereogenic center is present at C-5, whereas for PNA-bearing substituents at C-2, the submonomeric approach is preferred, since racemization, generally occurring during the solid-phase synthesis, can be minimized by this procedure. Here we describe the protocols for the synthesis of PNA oligomers containing C-2- or C-5- (or both) modified monomers and a GC method for checking the optical purity of C-2-modified PNAs.
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18
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Delgado E, Bahal R, Yang J, Lee JM, Ly DH, Monga SPS. β-Catenin knockdown in liver tumor cells by a cell permeable gamma guanidine-based peptide nucleic acid. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2014; 13:867-78. [PMID: 23822752 DOI: 10.2174/15680096113139990081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the third cause of death by cancer worldwide. In the current study we target β- catenin, an oncogene mutated and constitutively active in 20-30% of HCCs, via a novel, cell permeable gamma guanidine-based peptide nucleic acid (γGPNA) antisense oligonucleotide designed against either the transcription or the translation start site of the human β-catenin gene. Using TOPflash, a luciferase reporter assay, we show that γGPNA targeting the transcription start site showed more robust activity against β-catenin activity in liver tumor cells that harbor β-catenin gene mutations (HepG2 & Snu-449). We identified concomitant suppression of β-catenin expression and of various Wnt targets including glutamine synthetase (GS) and cyclin-D1. Concurrently, γGPNA treatment reduced proliferation, survival and viability of HCC cells. Intriguingly, an angiogenesis quantitative Real-Time-PCR array identified decreased expression of several pro-angiogenic secreted factors such as EphrinA1, FGF-2, and VEGF-A upon β-catenin inhibition in liver tumor cells. Conversely, transfection of stabilized-β-catenin mutants enhanced the expression of angiogenic factors like VEGF-A. Conditioned media from HepG2 cells treated with β-catenin but not the mismatch γGPNA significantly diminished spheroid and tubule formation by SK-Hep1 cells, an HCC-associated endothelial cell line. Thus, we report a novel class of cell permeable and efficacious γGPNAs that effectively targets β-catenin, a known oncogene in the liver. Our study also identifies a novel role of β-catenin in liver tumor angiogenesis through paracrine mechanisms in addition to its roles in proliferation, survival, metabolism and cancer stem cell biology, thus further strengthening its effectiveness as a therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Delgado
- Endowed Chair for Experimental Pathology, Director- Division of Experimental Pathology (EP), Professor of Pathology (EP) & Medicine (GI, Hepatology and Nutrition), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street S-422 BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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19
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Bahal R, McNeer NA, Ly DH, Saltzman WM, Glazer PM. Nanoparticle for delivery of antisense γPNA oligomers targeting CCR5. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2014; 4:49-57. [PMID: 23954968 DOI: 10.4161/adna.25628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The development of a new class of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), i.e., gamma PNAs (γPNAs), creates the need for a general and effective method for its delivery into cells for regulating gene expression in mammalian cells. Here we report the antisense activity of a recently developed hydrophilic and biocompatible diethylene glycol (miniPEG)-based gamma peptide nucleic acid called MPγPNAs via its delivery by poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-based nanoparticle system. We show that MPγPNA oligomers designed to bind to the selective region of chemokine receptor 5 (CC R5) transcript, induce potent and sequence-specific antisense effects as compared with regular PNA oligomers. In addition, PLGA nanoparticle delivery of MPγPNAs is not toxic to the cells. The findings reported in this study provide a combination of γPNA technology and PLGA-based nanoparticle delivery method for regulating gene expression in live cells via the antisense mechanism.
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20
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Gambari R. Peptide nucleic acids: a review on recent patents and technology transfer. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2014; 24:267-94. [PMID: 24405414 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2014.863874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA/RNA-based drugs are considered of major interest in molecular diagnosis and nonviral gene therapy. In this field, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs, DNA analogs in which the sugar-phosphate backbone is replaced by N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine units or similar building blocks) have been demonstrated to be excellent candidates as diagnostic reagents and biodrugs. AREAS COVERED Recent (2002 - 2013) patents based on studies on development of PNA analogs, delivery systems for PNAs, applications of PNAs in molecular diagnosis, and use of PNA for innovative therapeutic protocols. EXPERT OPINION PNAs are unique reagents in molecular diagnosis and have been proven to be very active and specific for alteration of gene expression, despite the fact that solubility and uptake by target cells can be limiting factors. Accordingly, patents on PNAs have taken in great consideration delivery strategies. PNAs have been proven stable and effective in vivo, despite the fact that possible long-term toxicity should be considered. For possible clinical applications, the use of PNA molecules in combination with drugs already employed in therapy has been suggested. Considering the patents available and the results on in vivo testing on animal models, we expect in the near future relevant PNA-based clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- University of Ferrara, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section , Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44100 Ferrara , Italy +39 532 974443 ; +39 532 974500 ;
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Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are attractive, as compared to other classes of oligonucleotides that have been developed to date, in that they are relatively easy to synthesize and modify, hybridize to DNA and RNA with high affinity and sequence selectivity, and are resistant to enzymatic degradation by proteases and nucleases; however, the downside is that they are only moderately soluble in aqueous solution. Herein we describe the protocols for synthesizing the second-generation γPNAs, both the monomers and oligomers, containing MiniPEG side chain with considerable improvements in water solubility, biocompatibility, and hybridization properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunava Manna
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
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22
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Zengeya T, Gindin A, Rozners E. Improvement of sequence selectivity in triple helical recognition of RNA by phenylalanine-derived PNA. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2013; 4:69-76. [PMID: 24104925 DOI: 10.4161/adna.26599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Modified peptide nucleic acids (PNA) containing one or two thymine PNA monomers derived from phenylalanine were synthesized. Triple helix formation by these modified PNAs with RNA and DNA hairpins having a variable base pair in the middle of the helix were studied using isothermal titration calorimetry and compared with triple helix formation by non-modified PNAs. While unmodified PNA had low sequence selectivity against mismatched hairpins, introduction of one or two phenylalanine-derived monomers significantly increased the mismatch discrimination and sequence selectivity of the modified PNA. Consistent with our previous observations, PNA formed more stable triple helices with RNA than with DNA. Interestingly, the phenylalanine modification further improved the preference of PNA for RNA over DNA hairpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zengeya
- Department of Chemistry; Binghamton University; State University of New York; Binghamton, NY USA
| | - Artem Gindin
- Department of Chemistry; Binghamton University; State University of New York; Binghamton, NY USA
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry; Binghamton University; State University of New York; Binghamton, NY USA
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23
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Thomas SM, Sahu B, Rapireddy S, Bahal R, Wheeler SE, Procopio EM, Kim J, Joyce SC, Contrucci S, Wang Y, Chiosea SI, Lathrop KL, Watkins S, Grandis JR, Armitage BA, Ly DH. Antitumor effects of EGFR antisense guanidine-based peptide nucleic acids in cancer models. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:345-52. [PMID: 23113581 DOI: 10.1021/cb3003946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids have emerged over the past two decades as a promising class of nucleic acid mimics because of their strong binding affinity and sequence selectivity toward DNA and RNA, and resistance to enzymatic degradation by proteases and nucleases. While they have been shown to be effective in regulation of gene expression in vitro, and to a small extent in vivo, their full potential for molecular therapy has not yet been fully realized due to poor cellular uptake. Herein, we report the development of cell-permeable, guanidine-based peptide nucleic acids targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in preclinical models as therapeutic modality for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A GPNA oligomer, 16 nucleotides in length, designed to bind to EGFR gene transcript elicited potent antisense effects in HNSCC and NSCLC cells in preclinical models. When administered intraperitoneally in mice, EGFRAS-GPNA was taken-up by several tissues including the xenograft tumor. Systemic administration of EGFRAS-GPNA induced antitumor effects in HNSCC xenografts, with similar efficacies as the FDA-approved EGFR inhibitors: cetuximab and erlotinib. In addition to targeting wild-type EGFR, EGFRAS-GPNA is effective against the constitutively active EGFR vIII mutant implicated in cetuximab resistance. Our data reveals that GPNA is just as effective as a molecular platform for treating cetuximab resistant cells, demonstrating its utility in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bichismita Sahu
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Srinivas Rapireddy
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bruce A. Armitage
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Danith H. Ly
- Department
of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology (CNAST), Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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24
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Sugiyama T, Kittaka A. Chiral peptide nucleic acids with a substituent in the N-(2-aminoethy)glycine backbone. Molecules 2012; 18:287-310. [PMID: 23271467 PMCID: PMC6269907 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a synthetic nucleic acid mimic in which the sugar-phosphate backbone is replaced by a peptide backbone. PNAs hybridize to complementary DNA and RNA with higher affinity and superior sequence selectivity compared to DNA. PNAs are resistant to nucleases and proteases and have a low affinity for proteins. These properties make PNAs an attractive agent for biological and medical applications. To improve the antisense and antigene properties of PNAs, many backbone modifications of PNAs have been explored under the concept of preorganization. This review focuses on chiral PNAs bearing a substituent in the N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine backbone. Syntheses, properties, and applications of chiral PNAs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Sugiyama
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel./Fax: +81-3-5465-8743
| | - Atsushi Kittaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo University, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan; E-Mail:
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25
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Recent advances in chemical modification of Peptide nucleic acids. J Nucleic Acids 2012; 2012:518162. [PMID: 22991652 PMCID: PMC3443988 DOI: 10.1155/2012/518162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) has become an extremely powerful tool in chemistry and biology. Although PNA recognizes single-stranded nucleic acids with exceptionally high affinity and sequence selectivity, there is considerable ongoing effort to further improve properties of PNA for both fundamental science and practical applications. The present paper discusses selected recent studies that improve on cellular uptake and binding of PNA to double-stranded DNA and RNA. The focus is on chemical modifications of PNA's backbone and heterocyclic nucleobases. The paper selects representative recent studies and does not attempt to provide comprehensive coverage of the broad and vibrant field of PNA modification.
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26
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Pinheiro VB, Holliger P. The XNA world: progress towards replication and evolution of synthetic genetic polymers. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2012; 16:245-52. [PMID: 22704981 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.05.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Life's diversity is built on the wide range of properties and functions that can be encoded in natural biopolymers such as polypeptides and nucleic acids. However, despite their versatility, the range of chemical functionalities is limited, particularly in the case of nucleic acids. Chemical modification of nucleic acids can greatly increase their functional diversity but access to the full phenotypic potential of such polymers requires a system of replication. Here we review progress in the chemical and enzymatic synthesis, replication and evolution of unnatural nucleic acid polymers, which promises to enable the exploration of a vast sequence space not accessible to nature and deliver ligands, catalysts and materials based on this new class of biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor B Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Medical Research Council, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
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27
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Manicardi A, Fabbri E, Tedeschi T, Sforza S, Bianchi N, Brognara E, Gambari R, Marchelli R, Corradini R. Cellular uptakes, biostabilities and anti-miR-210 activities of chiral arginine-PNAs in leukaemic K562 cells. Chembiochem 2012; 13:1327-37. [PMID: 22639449 PMCID: PMC3401907 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A series of 18-mer peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeted against micro-RNA miR-210 was synthesised and tested in a cellular system. Unmodified PNAs, R8-conjugated PNAs and modified PNAs containing eight arginine residues on the backbone, either as C2-modified (R) or C5-modified (S) monomers, all with the same sequence, were compared. Two different models were used for the modified PNAs: one with alternated chiral and achiral monomers and one with a stretch of chiral monomers at the N terminus. The melting temperatures of these derivatives were found to be extremely high and 5 m urea was used to assess differences between the different structures. FACS analysis and qRT-PCR on K562 chronic myelogenous leukaemic cells indicated that arginine-conjugated and backbone-modified PNAs display good cellular uptake, with best performances for the C2-modified series. Resistance to enzymatic degradation was found to be higher for the backbone-modified PNAs, thus enhancing the advantage of using these derivatives rather than conjugated PNAs in the cells in serum, and this effect is magnified in the presence of peptidases such as trypsin. Inhibition of miR-210 activity led to changes in the erythroid differentiation pathway, which were more evident in mithramycin-treated cells. Interestingly, the anti-miR activities differed with use of different PNAs, thus suggesting a role of the substituents not only in the cellular uptake, but also in the mechanism of miR recognition and inactivation. This is the first report relating to the use of backbone-modified PNAs as anti-miR agents. The results clearly indicate that backbone-modified PNAs are good candidates for the development of very efficient drugs based on anti-miR activity, due to their enhanced bioavailabilities, and that overall anti-miR performance is a combination of cellular uptake and RNA binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Industriale, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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28
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Fabbri E, Brognara E, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Bianchi N, Sforza S, Tedeschi T, Manicardi A, Marchelli R, Corradini R, Gambari R. miRNA therapeutics: delivery and biological activity of peptide nucleic acids targeting miRNAs. Epigenomics 2012; 3:733-45. [PMID: 22126292 DOI: 10.2217/epi.11.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA/RNA mimics extensively used for pharmacological regulation of gene expression in a variety of cellular and molecular systems, and they have been described as excellent candidates for antisense and antigene therapies. At present, very few data are available on the use of PNAs as molecules targeting miRNAs. miRNAs are a family of small nc RNAs that regulate gene expression by sequence-selective targeting of mRNAs, leading to a translational repression or mRNA degradation to the control of highly regulated biological functions, such as differentiation, cell cycle and apoptosis. The aim of this article is to present the state-of-the-art concerning the possible use of PNAs to target miRNAs and modify their biological metabolism within the cells. The results present in the literature allow to propose PNA-based molecules as very promising reagents to modulate the biological activity of miRNAs. In consideration of the involvement of miRNAs in human pathologies, PNA-mediated targeting of miRNAs has been proposed as a potential novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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29
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Avitabile C, Saviano M, D'Andrea L, Bianchi N, Fabbri E, Brognara E, Gambari R, Romanelli A. Targeting pre-miRNA by peptide nucleic acids: a new strategy to interfere in the miRNA maturation. ARTIFICIAL DNA, PNA & XNA 2012; 3:88-96. [PMID: 22699795 PMCID: PMC3429535 DOI: 10.4161/adna.20911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PNAs conjugated to carrier peptides have been employed for the targeting of miRNA precursor, with the aim to develop molecules able to interfere in the pre-miRNA processing. The capability of the molecules to bind pre-miRNA has been tested in vitro by fluorescence assayes on Thiazole Orange labeled molecules and in vivo, in K562 cells, evaluating the amount of miRNA produced after treatment of cells with two amounts of PNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Avitabile
- Dipartimento delle Scienze Biologiche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
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30
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Al-Harbi RAK, Abdel-Rahman AAH. Synthesis and anti-hepatitis B virus activity of new pyrimidine peptide nucleic acid analogs. Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-012-0905-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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31
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Gupta P, Muse O, Rozners E. Recognition of double-stranded RNA by guanidine-modified peptide nucleic acids. Biochemistry 2011; 51:63-73. [PMID: 22146072 DOI: 10.1021/bi201570a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Double-helical RNA has become an attractive target for molecular recognition because many noncoding RNAs play important roles in the control of gene expression. Recently, we discovered that short peptide nucleic acids (PNA) bind strongly and sequence selectively to a homopurine tract of double-helical RNA via formation of a triple helix. Herein, we tested if the molecular recognition of RNA could be enhanced by α-guanidine modification of PNA. Our study was motivated by the discovery of Ly and co-workers that the guanidine modification greatly enhances the cellular delivery of PNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the guanidine-modified PNA (GPNA) had reduced affinity and sequence selectivity for triple-helical recognition of RNA. The data suggested that in contrast to unmodified PNA, which formed a 1:1 PNA-RNA triple helix, GPNA preferred a 2:1 GPNA-RNA triplex invasion complex. Nevertheless, promising results were obtained for recognition of biologically relevant double-helical RNA. Consistent with enhanced strand invasion ability, GPNA derived from d-arginine recognized the transactivation response element of HIV-1 with high affinity and sequence selectivity, presumably via Watson-Crick duplex formation. On the other hand, strong and sequence selective triple helices were formed by unmodified and nucelobase-modified PNA and the purine-rich strand of the bacterial A-site. These results suggest that appropriate chemical modifications of PNA may enhance molecular recognition of complex noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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32
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Fabbri E, Manicardi A, Tedeschi T, Sforza S, Bianchi N, Brognara E, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Borgatti M, Corradini R, Marchelli R, Gambari R. Modulation of the biological activity of microRNA-210 with peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). ChemMedChem 2011; 6:2192-202. [PMID: 22012891 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Herein we describe the activity of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) that targets microRNA-210 (miR-210), which is associated with hypoxia and is modulated during erythroid differentiation. PNAs directed against miR-210 were designed to bind with high affinity to the target RNA strand and to undergo efficient uptake in target cells. A polyarginine-PNA conjugate directed against miR-210 (Rpep-PNA-a210) showed both very high affinity for RNA and efficient uptake into target cells without the need for transfection reagents. An unmodified PNA of the same sequence displayed the ability to bind RNA, but cellular uptake was very poor. Consistent with this, only Rpep-PNA-a210 strongly inhibited miR-210 activity, as evaluated by assays on undifferentiated K562 cells and on cells treated with mithramycin, which was found to induce erythroid differentiation and miR-210 overexpression. Targeting miR-210 by Rpep-PNA-a210 resulted in: 1) a decrease in miR-210 levels as measured by RT-PCR, 2) up-regulation of raptor mRNA, 3) a decrease in γ-globin mRNA, and 4) decreased expression of differentiated functions (i.e., proportion of benzidine-positive cells, content of embryo-fetal hemoglobins). The efficient delivery of anti-miR PNAs through a suitable peptide carrier (Rpep-PNA-a210) leads to the inhibition of miR-210 activity, altering the expression of miR-210-regulated erythroid functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Fabbri
- BioPharmaNet, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara n.74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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33
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Gambari R, Fabbri E, Borgatti M, Lampronti I, Finotti A, Brognara E, Bianchi N, Manicardi A, Marchelli R, Corradini R. Targeting microRNAs involved in human diseases: a novel approach for modification of gene expression and drug development. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1416-29. [PMID: 21864506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The identification of all epigenetic modifications (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications and expression of noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs) involved in gene regulation is one of the major steps forward for understanding human biology in both normal and pathological conditions and for development of novel drugs. In this context, microRNAs play a pivotal role. This review article focuses on the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of gene expression, on the possible role of microRNAs in the onset and development of human pathologies, and on the pharmacological alteration of the biological activity of microRNAs. RNA and DNA analogs, which can selectively target microRNAs using Watson-Crick base pairing schemes, provide a rational and efficient way to modulate gene expression. These compounds, termed antago-miR or anti-miR have been described in many examples in the recent literature and have proved to be able to perform regulatory as well as therapeutic functions. Among these, a still not fully exploited class is that of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), promising tools for the inhibition of miRNA activity, with important applications in gene therapy and in drug development. PNAs targeting miR-122, miR-155 and miR-210 have already been developed and their biological effects studied both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gambari
- Laboratory for Development of Pharmacological and Pharmacogenomic Therapy of Thalassaemia, Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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34
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Multiple Triphenylphosphonium Cations as a Platform for the Delivery of a Pro-Apoptotic Peptide. Pharm Res 2011; 28:2780-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-011-0494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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35
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Tedeschi T, Calabretta A, Bencivenni M, Manicardi A, Corrado G, Caramante M, Corradini R, Rao R, Sforza S, Marchelli R. A PNA microarray for tomato genotyping. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:1902-7. [PMID: 21465054 DOI: 10.1039/c1mb05048f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The design and development of a PNA microarray designed for the simultaneous identification of several SNPs characteristic of seven different tomato varieties is described. Highly selective arginine-based monomer containing PNAs (Arg-PNAs) have been used in order to obtain very selective probes. Seven modified PNA probes were synthesised and their binding properties in solution were studied. PNA-microarrays based on these probes were prepared and applied to SNP discrimination in model experiments using oligonucleotide mixtures simulating the different sequences of the seven tomato varieties. The strength and the limitations of such a system for SNP recognition are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullia Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Industriale, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17a, I-43124, Parma, Italy
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36
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Gorska K, Keklikoglou I, Tschulena U, Winssinger N. Rapid fluorescence imaging of miRNAs in human cells using templated Staudinger reaction. Chem Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c1sc00216c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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37
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Morvan F, Debart F, Vasseur JJ. From anionic to cationic alpha-anomeric oligodeoxynucleotides. Chem Biodivers 2010; 7:494-535. [PMID: 20232324 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.200900220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- François Morvan
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS, Université Montpellier 1 and Université Montpellier 2, Place Eugène Bataillon, CC1704, FR-34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France
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38
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Gokhale SS, Kumar VA. Amino/guanidino-functionalized N-(pyrrolidin-2-ethyl)glycine-based pet-PNA: design, synthesis and binding with DNA/RNA. Org Biomol Chem 2010; 8:3742-50. [PMID: 20539879 DOI: 10.1039/c004005c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The N-(pyrrolidin-2-ethyl) glycine-based PNA (pet-PNA) backbone, with 4-amino or 4-guanidino-functionalized pyrrolidine ring, confers constrained conformational flexibility on aegPNA. The oligomers bind to the target DNA and RNA sequences with increased sequence specificity and antiparallel versus parallel orientation selectivity. The easy post-synthetic guanidination gives very good access to the positively charged PNA oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin S Gokhale
- Division of Organic Chemistry, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008, India
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39
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Ishizuka T, Tedeschi T, Corradini R, Komiyama M, Sforza S, Marchelli R. SSB-assisted duplex invasion of preorganized PNA into double-stranded DNA. Chembiochem 2010; 10:2607-12. [PMID: 19760691 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200900381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Ishizuka
- Department of Organic and Industrial Chemistry, University of Parma, Viale G. P. Usberti 17/a, University Campus, Parma, 43100, Italy
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40
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Sahu B, Chenna V, Lathrop KL, Thomas SM, Zon G, Livak KJ, Ly DH. Synthesis of conformationally preorganized and cell-permeable guanidine-based gamma-peptide nucleic acids (gammaGPNAs). J Org Chem 2009; 74:1509-16. [PMID: 19161276 PMCID: PMC2650244 DOI: 10.1021/jo802211n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A general method for preparing optically pure guanidine-based gamma-peptide nucleic acid (gammaGPNA) monomers for all four natural nucleobases (A, C, G, and T) is described. These second-generation gammaGPNAs differ from the first-generation GPNAs in that the guanidinium group is installed at the gamma- instead of the alpha-position of the N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine backbone unit. This positional switch enables GPNAs to be synthesized from relatively cheap L- as opposed to D-amino acids. Unlike their alpha-predecessors, which are randomly folded, gammaGPNAs prepared from L-amino acids are preorganized into a right-handed helix and bind to DNA and RNA with exceptionally high affinity and sequence selectivity and are readily taken up by mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichismita Sahu
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Venugopal Chenna
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Kira L. Lathrop
- Eye and Ear Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Sufi M. Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213 and
| | - Gerald Zon
- Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California 94404
| | - Kenneth J. Livak
- Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California 94404
| | - Danith H. Ly
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
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Berlinck RGS, Burtoloso ACB, Kossuga MH. The chemistry and biology of organic guanidine derivatives. Nat Prod Rep 2008; 25:919-54. [DOI: 10.1039/b507874c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sforza S, Tedeschi T, Corradini R, Marchelli R. Induction of Helical Handedness and DNA Binding Properties of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) with Two Stereogenic Centres. European J Org Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.200700644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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43
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Hudson RHE, Liu Y, Wojciechowski F. Hydrophilic modifications in peptide nucleic acid — Synthesis and properties of PNA possessing 5-hydroxymethyluracil and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. CAN J CHEM 2007. [DOI: 10.1139/v07-030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the chemistry for the incorporation of C5-hydroxymethyl-uracil and -cytosine in peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and the subsequent effect of this modification on PNA hybridization behavior. Largely based on literature precedent, we prepared a peptide nucleic acid monomer, possessing 5-hydroxymethyuracil, which was compatible with Fmoc-based oligopeptide synthesis. An improved, large-scale synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was developed, as a starting point for the synthesis of a monomer containing this nucleobase. In each case, the hydroxyl group was blocked as a t-butyldiphenylsilyl ether, and the exocyclic amino group of cytosine was additionally blocked with the benzoyl-group. The modified monomers were incorporated into isolated positions in the oligomer sequence using standard protocols. The modified oligomers showed that the 5-hydroxymethyl group is compatible with triplex and duplex formation.Key words: peptide nucleic acid, hydroxymethyluracil, hydroxymethylcytosine, modified nucleobase, hybridization.
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