Abstract
Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is a nucleic acid analogue that displays unprecedented hybridization affinity towards complementary DNA and RNA. Structural studies have shown LNA to be an RNA mimic, fitting seamlessly into an A-type duplex geometry. Several reports have revealed LNA as a most promising molecule for the development of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. For example, Tat-dependent transcription and telomerase activity have been efficiently suppressed by LNA oligomers, and efficient cleavage of highly structured RNA has been achieved using LNA-modified DNAzymes ('LNAzyme'). Furthermore, convincing examples of the application of LNA to nucleic acid diagnostics have been reported, including high capturing efficiencies and unambiguous scoring of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
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Biomimetic Materials / metabolism
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Biomimetic Materials / therapeutic use
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DNA / chemistry
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Gene Expression Profiling / methods
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
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Genetic Therapy / methods
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Genomics / methods*
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Humans
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Hybridization, Genetic
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In Situ Hybridization / methods*
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Macromolecular Substances
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Molecular Structure
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Oligonucleotides
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Oligonucleotides, Antisense / chemistry*
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Oligonucleotides, Antisense / metabolism
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Oligonucleotides, Antisense / therapeutic use*
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
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RNA, Double-Stranded / chemistry
Substances
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Macromolecular Substances
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Oligonucleotides
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Oligonucleotides, Antisense
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RNA, Double-Stranded
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locked nucleic acid
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DNA