Stay Connected With Us

Modified DNA backbone enables success of existing and novel oligonucleotide therapeutics

DNA
(Photo : Pixbay)

The two U.S. FDA approved oligonucleotide-based drugs on the market both have a modified chemical backbone made of phosphorothioates. The therapeutic advantages of the phosphorothioate group and the new types of gene expression-regulation oligonucleotide drugs that it is enabling are detailed in a Review article in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. publishers. The article is available free on the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics website until December 13, 2014.

In the article "Phosphorothioates, Essential Components of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides," Fritz Eckstein, Max-Planck-Institut für Experimentelle Medizin, Göttingen, Germany, describes how the chemical and biochemical properties of this significant nucleic acid modification have made DNA suitable for use as therapeutic agents. Initial applications focused on cleaving the mRNA product of genes to block protein production. Dr. Eckstein explores novel applications including microRNA and long non-coding RNA targets and the use of decoy oligonucleotides.

"We will advance the field of nucleic acid therapeutics by looking to key opinion leaders to educate and initiate the experienced and newcomers alike. In this review, Dr. Eckstein has produced a tour de force concerning the therapeutic application of phosphorothioates," says Executive Editor Graham C. Parker, PhD, The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI.

Nov 13, 2014 04:42 PM EST By

Provided By Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers

Right Now

Healthy Living 5 Benefits of Visiting A Dentist Regularly

5 Benefits of Visiting A Dentist Regularly
Medicine Where Do Unused and Expired Medications Go?

Where Do Unused and Expired Medications Go?

Don't Miss

Research Photo:

Tomatoes: Affordable Source of L-DOPA, Treament Drug for Parkinson's
Healthy Living Photo:

5 Everyday Foods That Slowly Harms Your Health
Why Your Medical Practice Needs To Be Accessible Both In-Person And Online Research

Why Your Medical Practice Needs To Be Accessible Both Physically And Online

As we enter into a period where equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of social agendas, it's becoming increasingly important for businesses, including medical clinics, to put steps in place to

BioVaxys: On the Cusp of Success for Cancer Vaccine Medicine

BioVaxys: On the Cusp of Success for Cancer Vaccine

The World Health Organisation categorizes cancer as the "second leading cause of death globally," and accounts for an estimated one in six deaths worldwide.
Product

Vaccine Temperature Monitoring Device

There's no running away from the fact that the healthcare facilities across the globe are trying hard to find a common ground when it comes to monitoring the temperature on the vaccine.
Real Time Analytics