Molecular Properties and Medical Applications of Peptide Nucleic Acids

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.

Modified internucleoside linkages for nuclease-resistant oligonucleotides

“…Therefore, PNA found major applications in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields which have been previously reviewed. [61][62][63][64][65][66]…”

Antisense oligonucleotide modified with serinol nucleic acid (SNA) induces exon skipping in mdx myotubes

“…1), a prominent class of acyclic nucleic acid analogues, attracted considerable attention in the eld of nucleic acid biology for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. 2,3 PNA exhibits very high target binding affinity and form extremely stable homo-and heteroduplex with complementary DNA or RNA. 4,5 In addition, PNA also shows very high stability against nucleases.…”

Biofilms by bacterial human pathogens: Clinical relevance - development, composition and regulation - therapeutical strategies

“…In the case of CF-associated chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection, the use of aerosolized antibiotic mixtures has positive results when compared to oral or intravenous administration, and many commercial aerosol formulations are available [323]. Furthermore, novel compounds such as antimicrobial peptides and peptide nucleic acids are highly effective at preventing biofilm formation and breaking down mature biofilms, thus showing great promise for future human use [324,325].…”