Versatility of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs): role in chemical biology, drug discovery, and origins of life1. (14th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Chiranjeev; Awasthi, Satish Kumar
• Is Part Of: Chemical biology & drug design. Volume 89:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2016-09-14
• Subjects: chemical biology -- food analysis -- gene therapy -- nanotechnology -- origin of life -- peptide nucleic acid; Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; 615.19005
• DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12833
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-0277

Abstract

Abstract : This review briefly discussed nomenclature, synthesis, chemistry, and biophysical properties of a plethora of PNA derivatives reported since the discovery of aegPNA. Different synthetic methods and structural analogs of PNA synthesized till date were also discussed. An insight was gained into various chemical, physical, and biological properties of PNA which make it preferable over all other classes of modified nucleic acid analogs. Thereafter, various approaches with special attention to the practical constraints, characteristics, and inherent drawbacks leading to the delay in the development of PNA as gene therapeutic drug were outlined. An explicit account of the successful application of PNA in different areas of research such as antisense and antigene strategies, diagnostics, molecular probes, and so forth was described along with the current status of PNA as gene therapeutic drug. Further, the plausibility of the existence of PNA and its role in primordial chemistry, that is, origin of life was explored in an endeavor to comprehend the mystery and open up its deepest secrets ever engaging and challenging the human intellect. We finally concluded it with a discussion on the future prospects of PNA technology in the field of therapeutics, diagnostics, and origin of life. Abstract : PNA reigns superiority to its natural counterparts and has clear advantages with high binding affinity and strong specificity. Targeted structural modifications have extended the arsenal of various biotechnological and diagnostic tools. Although the primary goal of creating a PNA‐based drug is unmet, harnessing its potential to make a new generation of drug provides the challenges and opportunities for the next decade.