Synthesis of Novel Disulfide Linked Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Monomers
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Nathanial Shank
Faculty Mentor Email
nshank@georgiasouthern.edu
Presentation Type and Release Option
Research Poster Presentation with Supplemental Video (File Not Available for Download)
Location
COUR Symposium 2021
Presentation Year
2021
Start Date
4-19-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
April 2021
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are pseudopeptides that utilize the same nucleobases as DNA and RNA that permits them to be incorporated in Watson-Crick base pairing to form homogeneous (PNA/PNA) or heterogeneous (PNA/DNA or PNA/RNA) duplexes. As a result, PNAs can function as either antigene (DNA transcription blockers) or antisense (RNA translation blockers) chemical agents. To do this, PNAs must reach the cytoplasm in order to hybridize with their respective DNA or RNA target. Unfortunately, this proves to be challenging as PNAs do not readily penetrate cell membranes. In efforts of addressing this issue, we proposed developing PNA/PNA duplexes consisting of an antisense probe duplexed with a temporary “delivery” PNA strand that is held together by disulfide bonds. Due the temporary PNA strand being decorated in chemical markers and cell penetrating peptides, the cell is “tricked” cell into taking the antisense PNA across the cell membrane and into the cytoplasm to reach its desired target. Specifically, our research is focused on synthesizing novel PNA monomers with different synthetic modifications near the disulfide bond. Ultimately, these monomers will be incorporated into the backbone of the temporary “delivery” PNA strand and assessed for any consequences they may have on cleavage efficiency.
Academic Unit
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Synthesis of Novel Disulfide Linked Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Monomers
COUR Symposium 2021
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are pseudopeptides that utilize the same nucleobases as DNA and RNA that permits them to be incorporated in Watson-Crick base pairing to form homogeneous (PNA/PNA) or heterogeneous (PNA/DNA or PNA/RNA) duplexes. As a result, PNAs can function as either antigene (DNA transcription blockers) or antisense (RNA translation blockers) chemical agents. To do this, PNAs must reach the cytoplasm in order to hybridize with their respective DNA or RNA target. Unfortunately, this proves to be challenging as PNAs do not readily penetrate cell membranes. In efforts of addressing this issue, we proposed developing PNA/PNA duplexes consisting of an antisense probe duplexed with a temporary “delivery” PNA strand that is held together by disulfide bonds. Due the temporary PNA strand being decorated in chemical markers and cell penetrating peptides, the cell is “tricked” cell into taking the antisense PNA across the cell membrane and into the cytoplasm to reach its desired target. Specifically, our research is focused on synthesizing novel PNA monomers with different synthetic modifications near the disulfide bond. Ultimately, these monomers will be incorporated into the backbone of the temporary “delivery” PNA strand and assessed for any consequences they may have on cleavage efficiency.
