Current Trends in Application of Cytosine-rich Oligonucleotides

Dear Colleagues,

Functional nucleic acids are very attractive in terms of their applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Among many different types of functional nucleic acids, there is growing interest in cytosine-rich oligonucleotides. A characteristic feature of oligonucleotides rich in cytosine (C-rich) is their ability to fold into a tetraplex called I-motif proceeded by cytosine protonation. The pH-dependent I-motif formation has found applications in many areas, i.e., in the design of molecular sensing devices, nanomachines, nanoswitches, electrodes, and other intelligent nanosurfaces or nanomaterials. Moreover, C-rich oligonucleotides can promote triplex structure formation and serve as efficient templates for fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). On the other hand, C-rich sequences have been found in eukaryotic genomes, and some proteins can selectively bind I-motif structures; therefore, such sequences are biologically relevant. Recent trends concerning C-rich oligonucleotides as well as other functional nucleic acids include the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of this kind of biomaterials. This Special Issue aims to provide an opportunity to share new knowledge, developments, and applications of cytosine-rich functional nucleic acids.

Prof. Dr. Bernard Juskowiak
Dr. Anna Renata Dembska
Guest Editors

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