Chemical regulation of DNA triplex properties: Nucleobase and backbone modified novel DNA analogues as structural probes

摘要

During the past decade, a new approach using DNA analogues as therapeutic agents is emerging in medicinal chemistry. This is based on regulating expression of genes of disease-related proteins/enzymes by blocking their transcription (antigene) or translation (antisense). It is effected through sequence-specific binding of complementary oligonucleotides to either DNA. duplex via tripler formation to inhibit production of mRNA or interfere in the translation of the latter to proteins. Since oligonucleotides do not enter cells easily and are amenable to destruction by cellular nucleases, a variety of chemically-modified analogues of oligonucleotides are being designed, synthesized and evaluated for development as therapeutic agents. This article summarizes recent developments in tills futuristic area with a focus on results from the author's laboratory. [References: 72]