Peptide Nucleic Acids: Applications in Biomedical Sciences

Dear Colleagues,

Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) is a purely synthetic DNA analogue that has been used in the last three decades for a variety of biomedical applications. PNA consists of a pseudo-peptide backbone from which one of each of the possible four canonical bases (A, G, C, and T) is introduced in a way that allows highly efficient hybridization to complementary RNA or DNA sequences. PNA oligomers have several properties that make them suitable for use in the field of biology/medicine including (1) high stability in biological fluids, and (2) cell permeability by conjugation of PNA to a CPP (cell penetrating peptide), lipid, or ligand, and/or encapsulation into nano/micro particles.

As therapeutic molecules, PNAs have been developed as potent and specific antiviral and antimicrobial agents. In addition, they have been used to effect splicing events as a means of treating genetic disorders (e.g., Duchene Muscular Dystrophy). In addition, modified PNAs (e.g., gamma-PNAs) have been shown to act as potent antigene molecules (targeting dsDNA as well as dsRNA). In the diagnostic field, PNAs have been used to detect a variety of RNA biomarkers in living cells associated with diseases (e.g., cancer) and were also designed to detect single point mutations associated with certain diseases.

This Special Issue is intended to provide a platform to report advances and challenges in both the therapeutic and diagnostic fields associated with PNA chemistry. Specifically, perspectives related to PNA cellular uptake, bio-availability, specificity, sensitivity, and potency are welcomed, as are focused review articles by experts in the PNA field.

Dr. Eylon Yavin
Guest Editor

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