Differential DNA and RNA sequence discrimination by PNA having charged side chains

PNA sequences modified with charged side chains were evaluated for base-pairing sequence selectivity under physiological conditions. PNA having negatively charged aspartic acid side chains shows higher selectivity with RNA, while PNA having positively charged lysine side chains shows higher selectivity with DNA. These observations provide insight into the binding selectivity of modified PNA in antisense and antigene applications.

Sequence selectivity of γ-modified PNA was investigated at physiological ionic strength. Changing the structure and charge of the PNA side chains provides differential selectivity for DNA and RNA.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide