Features of "All LNA" Duplexes Showing a New Type of Nucleic Acid Geometry. (14th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Förster, Charlotte; Eichert, André; Oberthür, Dominik; Betzel, Christian; Geßner, Reinhard; Nitsche, Andreas; Fürste, Jens P.
• Other Names: Bag Subhendu Sekhar Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nucleic acids. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-05-14
• Subjects: Nucleic acids -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/156035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0201

Abstract

Abstract : "Locked nucleic acids" (LNAs) belong to the backbone-modified nucleic acid family. The 2 ′ - O, 4 ′ - C -methylene- β -D-ribofuranose nucleotides are used for single or multiple substitutions in RNA molecules and thereby introduce enhanced bio- and thermostability. This renders LNAs powerful tools for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. RNA molecules maintain the overall canonical A-type conformation upon substitution of single or multiple residues/nucleotides by LNA monomers. The structures of "all" LNA homoduplexes, however, exhibit significant differences in their overall geometry, in particular a decreased twist, roll and propeller twist. This results in a widening of the major groove, a decrease in helical winding, and an enlarged helical pitch. Therefore, the LNA duplex structure can no longer be described as a canonical A-type RNA geometry but can rather be brought into proximity to other backbone-modified nucleic acids, like glycol nucleic acids or peptide nucleic acids. LNA-modified nucleic acids provide thus structural and functional features that may be successfully exploited for future application in biotechnology and drug discovery.