DNA, the basis of life, consists of only four types of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine). Scientists at the University of Cologne (UoC) have challenged this natural limitation by synthesizing artificial nucleotides with an extra base pair.
This discovery, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, paves the way for the creation of entirely new forms of nucleic acids with improved functionality. These artificial nucleic acids, known as treofuranosyl nucleic acids (THNAs), differ from their natural counterparts in structural composition. This difference provides significant advantages such as increased stability compared to natural DNA and RNA.
The potential applications of TNCs extend far beyond therapy. Researchers envision using them to deliver drugs to specific organs, for diagnostic purposes to identify viral proteins and biomarkers, and even to create new biosensors.
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Source: Ferra
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