Versatility of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs): role in chemical biology, drug discovery, and origins of life

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.

Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Biosensors for Cancer Diagnosis

“…PNAs are synthesized using standard peptide solid-phase synthetic protocols [ 50 ]. PNA oligomers are cleaved from the solid-state support using conventional chemical procedures, purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and characterised by mass spectrometry.…”

Delivery, Effect on Cell Viability, and Plasticity of Modified Aptamer Constructs

“…Additionally, due to the lack of charges, the PNA oligomers are not well taken up by cells; they are often combined with various methods to assist the oligomer internalization, such as electroporation, liposomal transfection agents or by direct conjugation to Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) (151). Allthough, over the years many different PNA analogues have been synthesized that can overcome some of the limitations owning to poor solubility and uptake (150).…”

Peptide nucleic acid and amino acid modified peptide nucleic acid analysis by capillary zone electrophoresis

“…The high price of PNA no doubt will pose some difficulty and inconvenience for PNA related research. Besides, the neutral peptide backbone makes PNA highly hydrophobic, some PNAs with higher than 60% G‐rich purine and longer than 12 mer have low solubility in aqueous solution, and will show a tendency to aggregate, which increases the difficulty of its separation and purification in the post synthetic process . For the purity evaluation of PNA product, it is best to use as few samples as possible to reduce PNA sample cost.…”