Functionalized oligonucleotides, synthetic catalysts as enzyme mimics

Abstract

This review describes the chemical rationale behind the modification of deoxyribonucleotides, which are later incorporated through an enzymatic or automated supported process, resulting in the synthesis of functionalized oligonucleotides (FuON). These additional handles (located on the base or the sugar moiety) were carefully chosen to enhance the rather limited repertoire of DNA to develop FuONs that display enzyme-like properties such as catalysis and recognition. We will exemplify the development of FuON either presenting RNA-cleaving activity or acting as peroxidase or protease mimics and discuss the impact of the introduced modifications.