DEVELOPMENT OF MODULAR NUCLEIC ACID SURROGATES

这个项目的总体目标是开发一类新的核子。 能够与单个序列特异结合的酸替代物 单链DNA和RNA以及双链DNA靶标。这个 建议的模块的重复结构单元包括肽- 以及基于多肽的核酸替代品。一旦合成 (以适当保护的形式)，含有碱基的模块将 通过多肽和/或酰胺键连接在一起，以提供 具有定义的碱基序列的所需低聚结构。 对于每种结构类型，研究计划将包括：(1) 对每个代理进行计算评估，以查看它是否可以 适应互补核酸靶标的杂交，(2) 低聚物结构的分子合成与表征 定义了碱基序列，最后(3) 杂交潜力的物理化学评价 产生具有特定核酸靶标序列的替代物。 这种Rational方法的迭代(设计、综合和 评估)有望导致结合的核酸替代物 特别是它们的核酸靶标序列。或者， 一种组合合成/亲和层析方法将是 用于生产能够测序的混合残基替代物 特殊三联体的形成及其分子识别 核酸三级结构(环、连接等)。如果 如果成功，这项研究项目可能会带来更有效的 反义/抗基因探针和/或药物载体 以基因为基础的药物治疗病毒感染和 癌症。

The overall aim of this project is to develop a new class of nucleic acid surrogates capable of sequence specific binding to single stranded DNA & RNA as well as double-stranded DNA targets. The repeating structural units for the proposed modules include peptide- and peptidomimetic-based nucleic acid surrogates. Once synthesized (in suitably protected form), the nucleobase-containing modules will be linked together via peptide and/or amide bonds to give the required oligomeric structures having defined nucleobase sequences. For each structural type, the research plan will entail: (1) computational evaluation of each surrogate to see if it can accommodate hybridization to complementary nucleic acid targets, (2) molecular synthesis and characterization of oligomeric structures having defined sequences of nucleobases, and finally (3) physicochemical evaluation of the hybridization potential of the resulting surrogates with specific nucleic acid target sequences. Iteration of this rational approach (design, synthesis, & evaluation) is expected to lead to nucleic acid surrogates that bind specifically to their nucleic acid target sequences. Alternatively, a combinatorial synthesis/affinity chromatography approach will be used to produce mixed residue surrogates capable of sequence specific triplex formation and molecular recognition of unusual nucleic acid tertiary structures (loops, junctions, etc.). If successful, this research project could lead to more effective antisense/antigene probes and/or drug carriers for use as genetically-based medicines in the treatment of viral infections and cancer.