Recent advances in the development of peptide nucleic acid as a gene-targeted drug.
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a non-ionic mimic of DNA that binds to complementary DNA and RNA sequences with high affinity and selectivity. Targeting of single-stranded RNA leads to antisense effects, whereas PNAs directed toward double-stranded DNA exhibit antigene properties. Recent advances in cell uptake and in antisense and antigene effects in biological systems are summarised in this review. In addition to traditional targets, namely genomic DNA and messenger RNA, applications for PNA as a bacteriocidal antibiotic, for regulating splice site selection and as a telomerase inhibitor are described.
Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890, USA.
Violeta L
VL
Marin
Subhadeep
S
Roy
Bruce A
BA
Armitage
D000818:Animals; D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics) / Q000494:pharmacology; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D018390:Gene Targeting; D006801:Humans; D020135:Peptide Nucleic Acids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects; D014162:Transfection
D016375:Antisense Elements (Genetics); D020135:Peptide Nucleic Acids; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA