Molecular recognition and structure formations of nucleic acids under unusual molecular environments

DNA在生物技术中有着广泛的应用，而DNA在特殊条件下的特性，如活细胞和生物芯片，是生物技术成功的关键问题。由于DNA和RNA的多电子性质，预计分子环境会对其功能产生重大影响，包括分子识别和结构形成。在这里，我们发现了与基因调控相关的DNA异常结构形成的促进，以及RNA酶催化活性的增强。这些发现可以用于监测分子环境和设计在异常条件下有效发挥作用的功能性寡核苷酸，并应用于生物技术。

DNA is widely used in biotehnology, and the DNA properties under unusual conditions, such as in living cells and on biochips, are the critical issue for the success of biotechnology. Due to the polyelectronic nature of DNA and RNA, significant influences of molecular environment on their functions, including molecular recognitions and structure formations, are expected. Here, we have found facilitations of unusual structure formations of DNA relevant to gene regulations, and enhancements of the catalytic activity of an RNA enzyme. These finding could lead to applications as monitoring molecular environment and design of functional oligonucleotides that efficiently function under unusual conditions applied for biotechnology.