Action of PNAs on DNA

Reference #:

2000-029

Inventors/Contributors

Elliott Richelson M.D., Christopher L. Douglas, Beth M. McMahon Ph.D., Bernadette M. Cusack Ph.D., Daniel J. McCormick Ph.D., Karen R. Jansen-West B.A.

Description

Peptide or polyamide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA analogs that hybridize to complementary nucleic sequences with high affinity and stability. PNAs belong to a group of disease-fighting compounds called "antisense" and "antigene" agents. PNAs mimic many of the structural aspects of the body's natural DNA, but they are made differently. Composed of the individual bases that make up DNA, they are linked together by bonds that are found in peptides or proteins. From a drug-design point of view, this unusual structure and composition is an advantage. PNAs are more resistant to enzymatic degradation, provide greater stability, offer greater affinity for target molecules, and are more easily modified with compared to either natural DNA or first-generation antisense compounds. Mayo Clinic research was the first direct in vivo animal work to demonstrate the biological effects of PNAs. While PNAs were discovered elsewhere, Mayo Clinic studies established, among other things, that PNAs could cross both the cell membrane and the blood-brain barrier. Mayo research also demonstrated the ability of a PNA sequence to cause antisense effects through systemic administration.

Patent Status

	U.S. Patent Number 6,989,270 Issued January 24, 2006