Molecular Properties and Medical Applications of Peptide Nucleic Acids

Title:Molecular Properties and Medical Applications of Peptide Nucleic Acids

Volume: 14 Issue: 5

Author(s): Jakub Malcher, Joanna Wesoly and Hans A.R. Bluyssen

Affiliation:

Keywords: Antigene, Antisense, Antagomir, Cellular Delivery, Medical Applications, Peptide Nucleic Acid, PNA.

Abstract: Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are molecules combining structural features of proteins and nucleic acid. They resemble DNA or RNA by forming helical polyamides containing nitrogen bases attached to the backbone consisting of N-(2-aminoethyl)-glycine monomers, which mimics the alternating ribose-phosphodiester-backbone of a nucleic acid. Because PNAs bind exceptionally strong to complementary DNA or RNA sequences obeying Watson-Crick base paring, they became attractive candidates for antisense and antigen therapies. PNAs are also being tested as novel antibiotics, gene-activating agents, and as molecular probes for FISH and imaging or biosensors used in diagnostics. Although PNAs offer many exiting medical applications, improving their cellular uptake and developing specific delivery strategies is crucial for a successful entry in the clinic in the near future.

Cite this article as:

Malcher Jakub, Wesoly Joanna and Bluyssen A.R. Hans, Molecular Properties and Medical Applications of Peptide Nucleic Acids, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557514666140428114613