Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongchao Zheng, Istvan Botos, Victor Clausse, Herman Nikolayevskiy, Elizabeth E. Rastede, Munira F. Fouz, Sharlyn J. Mazur, Daniel H. Appella
Summary: A series of synthetic nucleic acid mimics with customizable thermodynamic binding to DNA was reported in this study. By incorporating helix-promoting cyclopentanes into peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), the melting temperatures of PNA+DNA duplexes can be finely tuned. The cpPNA-9 sequence specifically binds to complementary DNA at high temperatures and functions as a PCR clamp, likely induced by cyclopentanes promoting a right-handed helix in the PNA for DNA binding.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Grace E. Newell, Axel Sabourin, Jean-Luc Montchamp
Summary: A propargyl-containing Fmoc-protected thymine monomer has been synthesized for potential use in preor post-functionalization of PNA oligomers via click chemistry. The monomer is suitable for incorporation in normal automated solid phase PNA synthesis and the synthesis method is capable of preparing gram-quantities of monomers using reductive amination as the key step.
TETRAHEDRON LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Biology
Gleb S. S. Ivanov, Vyacheslav G. G. Tribulovich, Nikolay B. B. Pestov, Temitope I. I. David, Abdul-Saleem Amoah, Tatyana V. V. Korneenko, Nikolai A. A. Barlev
Summary: Peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have garnered significant interest from the scientific community since their discovery by Nielsen in 1991. Due to their unique biophysical properties, these artificial hybrid polymers are now widely used in various areas of therapy and diagnostics. This review provides an overview of their structure, rational design principles, and biophysical features, highlighting successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. The review also discusses areas of improvement for their future use as a new class of therapeutics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marika Comegna, Gemma Conte, Andrea Patrizia Falanga, Maria Marzano, Gustavo Cernera, Antonella Miriam Di Lullo, Felice Amato, Nicola Borbone, Stefano D'Errico, Francesca Ungaro, Ivana d'Angelo, Giorgia Oliviero, Giuseppe Castaldo
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is characterized by airway obstruction caused by malfunctioning CFTR protein, and the main challenge in treatment is enhancing drug delivery to the lungs. This study reports the production and characterization of hybrid core-shell nanoparticles loaded with PNA for potential therapeutic use, showing their ability to overcome mucus barrier and release cargo in the cytoplasm.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikita Brodyagin, Aubrey L. Maryniak, Ilze Kumpina, John M. Talbott, Martins Katkevics, Eriks Rozners, James A. MacKay
Summary: Peptide nucleic acids (PNA) with extended isoorotamides containing nucleobases (I-o) were designed to bind A-U base pairs in double-stranded RNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry and UV thermal melting experiments showed improved affinity for A-U using the Io scaffold in PNA, with PNAs having four sequential Io extended nucleobases maintaining high binding affinity.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Karishma Berta Cotta, Saptarshi Ghosh, Sarika Mehra
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance has led to the need for better treatment approaches, and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have shown promising antibiotic properties by targeting cellular nucleic acids. This study investigated the efficacy of PNA as an anti-tuberculosis agent, along with combinatorial treatments using permeabilizing drugs to enhance PNA penetration. Results showed that combining anti-inhA PNA with permeabilizing drugs, especially ethambutol, significantly improved antibacterial efficacy against both extracellular and intracellular mycobacteria, suggesting potential for enhancing TB therapy with even small amounts of PNA.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gita Matuleviciute, Neringa Kleiziene, Greta Rackauskiene, Vytas Martynaitis, Aurimas Bieliauskas, Urte Sachleviciute, Rokas Jankauskas, Martynas R. Bartkus, Frank A. Slok, Algirdas Sackus
Summary: In this study, a series of new N-(aminocycloalkylene)amino acid derivatives were prepared as chiral building blocks. The method involved the conversion of enantiopure α-hydroxy acid esters into chiral triflate esters, followed by nucleophilic substitution reactions with aminopyrrolidine and aminopiperidine derivatives, resulting in the synthesis of methyl 2-[(Boc-amino)cycloamin-1-yl]alkanoates with high yield and enantio- and diastereomeric purity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruth Aizen, Zohar A. Arnon, Or Berger, Antonella Ruggiero, Dor Zaguri, Noam Brown, Evgeny Shirshin, Inna Slutsky, Ehud Gazit
Summary: Nucleobase crystals have unique fluorescence properties in the visible spectrum, unlike their monomeric counterparts. Additionally, some nucleobases exhibit a red edge excitation shift, which is uncommon in the field of organic supramolecular materials and may have implications in therapeutic and materials science.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fengyun Shen, Zijian Xiong, Yumin Wu, Rui Peng, Yue Wang, Lele Sun, Chunhai Fan, Zhuang Liu
Summary: Researchers constructed framework nucleic acids (FNAs) with regulated rigidity and size to organize epitopes and investigated their influence on peptide vaccine efficiency. They found that assembling epitopes on rigid tetrahedral FNAs could enhance their immunogenicity. By integrating epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 on preferred tFNAs, a COVID-19 peptide vaccine was developed, inducing high antibody titers and increasing memory B and T cell ratio in mice. This research provides a new idea for developing efficient peptide vaccines.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yichen Ye, Yan Hao, Meiyun Ye, Xiaojun Song, Zhaoxiang Deng
Summary: This study reports a simple and effective evaporative drying strategy for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs) grafted with highly dense DNA strands, known as spherical nucleic acids (SNAs). The method offers many advantages, including record-high DNA loading, generality for more NP materials, fully and quantitatively tunable DNA density, and readiness toward bulk production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjiao Huang, Tingyu Li, Yuanfeng Xu, Xinyu Wei, Jia Song, Bingqian Lin, Zhi Zhu, Yanling Song, Chaoyong Yang
Summary: Inspired by click reactions, this study introduces the concept of clipped aptamers, whose binding affinity is regulated by specific interactions. Experimental results demonstrate ideal binding thermodynamics and the ability to regulate cellular adhesion for the clipped aptamers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lajos Kovacs
Summary: Nucleic acids are crucial for life processes. The synthesis of analogues and investigation of their properties have provided insights into the essential characteristics of these building blocks. The accidental discovery of a side reaction led to the development of a new peptide sequencing method. The study of guanine derivatives and their properties further advanced the understanding of supramolecular systems composed of purine analogues.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shipra Malik, Vikas Kumar, Chung-Hao Liu, Kuo-Chih Shih, Susan Krueger, Mu-Ping Nieh, Raman Bahal
Summary: This study successfully engineered PNA amphiphiles using chemically modified gamma PNA, which self-assembled into spherical vesicles and further formed nano-assemblies. A comprehensive comparison of the physicochemical properties and cellular uptake of PNA self-assembly and nano-assemblies was conducted.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Stefano Volpi, Andrea Rozzi, Nicola Rivi, Martina Neri, Wolfgang Knoll, Roberto Corradini
Summary: A novel synthesis method of C(2)-modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) using minimally protected building blocks was proposed, reducing the required synthetic steps. The positively charged PNAs obtained from N(3)-unprotected, D-Lys- and D-Arg-based backbones showed high optical purity and improved sequence selectivity for targeting the G12D point mutation of the KRAS gene.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenjun Li, Yaping Zhang, Yanchao Wang, Yue Ma, Dongyuan Wang, Heng Li, Xiyang Ye, Feng Yin, Zigang Li
Summary: A novel nucleic acid induced peptide-based AIE (NIP-AIE) nanoparticle was developed using nucleic acids induced peptide co-assembly strategy, which showed strong fluorescence and fast cell imaging with good biocompatibility. This system can be used for real-time monitoring of drug release in vivo or in vitro, and may serve as a platform for constructing other organic AIE nanoparticles.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dalu Chang, Suihan Feng, Vladimir Girik, Howard Riezman, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: Protein trafficking and protein-protein interactions are crucial for cellular regulatory processes. Induced dimerization systems, particularly chemically induced dimerization, have been effective in controlling protein interactions and localization. A novel chemically induced dimerization system triggered by bioluminescence was developed, offering a new approach to study protein dynamics and regulation. This technology was successfully used to activate specific cellular pathways and study their impact on lipid metabolism.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emma E. Watson, Simona Angerani, Pramod M. Sabale, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: Life is orchestrated by biomolecules interacting in complex networks of biological circuitry, progress in chemistry enables the design of systems to recapitulate circuitry elements, DNA provides powerful platform for designing dynamic systems, programmability of nucleic acid hybridization inspires applications beyond heredity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Weilong Liu, Zhimei Yu, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: A palladium-catalyzed Barbier allylation/translactonization cascade reaction was developed for the rapid construction of a key motif in sesquiterpenes, showing a broad substrate scope and enabling the synthesis of two paraconic acids and two 1,10-seco-guaianolides in a protecting-group-free total synthesis approach.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simona Angerani, Eric Lindberg, Nikolai Klena, Christopher K. E. Bleck, Charlotte Aumeier, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: The authors report the discovery of a fluorogenic small molecule substrate QPD-OTf for native kinesin-1 transport activity in live cells. In vitro assays show that Kinesin-1 and MTs can yield fluorescent crystals, while in cells, Kinesin-1 transport of cargo from the Golgi appears as trails of fluorescence over time.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jean-Pierre Daguer, Arthur Gonse, Yevhenii Shchukin, Lluc Farrera-Soler, Sofia Barluenga, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: A dual Bcl-X-L / Bcl-2 inhibitor was discovered from DNA-encoded libraries using a two-step process. The best compound showed comparable cellular activity to venetoclax, the first-in-class therapeutic targeting Bcl-2. Through a series of assays, the compound was found to have tight binding adducts with selective target engagement and high affinity.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lluc Farrera-Soler, Arthur Gonse, Ki Tae Kim, Sofia Barluenga, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: The early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed a significant diagnostic challenge. In this study, a method combining recombinase polymerase amplification and a DNA-templated reaction was developed for dual readout detection of the virus, using either fluorescence or naked eye detection. This method offers a potential solution for rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emma E. Watson, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: Biosupramolecular networks harness the recognition power of biomolecules to process parallel signals, leading to the development of new smart diagnostic and therapeutic systems.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Balayeshwanth R. Vummidi, Lluc Farrera-Soler, Jean-Pierre Daguer, Millicent Dockerill, Sofia Barluenga, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: This method introduces a new strategy for rapidly assembling peptide libraries and increasing diversity using recombination technology, thereby improving the accuracy of the correlation between fitness and affinity after multiple rounds of selection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emma E. Watson, Francesco Russo, Dimitri Moreau, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: A Ru(bpy)(3)Cl-2 photocatalyst is used to convert a range of alkene-containing pharmacological agents from inactive substances to potent cytotoxic agents. The selective in cellulo activation of a CA-4 analog, Res-3M, is demonstrated, showing potent cytotoxicity and inhibition of microtubule dynamics.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Miguel Lopez-Tena, Si-Kai Chen, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: The specificity and predictability of hybridization in oligonucleotides can be enhanced with nucleobases and chiral XNAs, expanding their capabilities in assembly and network programming.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emma E. Watson, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: This article summarizes the available conjugation strategies to access protein-oligonucleotide conjugates and showcases the importance and utility of this technology through case study examples.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Millicent Dockerill, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: DNA-encoded library technologies are revolutionizing drug discovery by allowing faster identification of ligands and employing molecular evolution strategies. This technology utilizes larger libraries compared to traditional screening methods and enables the translation of genetic tags into synthetic molecules.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mateusz Imiolek, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: This study presents a novel proteomimetic strategy using peptide nucleic acid hybridization and intermolecular disulfide crosslinking to create high affinity binders. This approach offers a new direction for the construction of supramolecular proteomimetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miguel Lopez-Tena, Lluc Farrera-Soler, Sofia Barluenga, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: Artificial nucleobases were designed to reduce duplex formation in the pseudo-complementary pair without compromising duplex formation to targeted oligomers. The development of a pseudo-complementary A:T base pair, Us:D, was important in leveraging steric and electrostatic repulsion to enable dsDNA invasion at physiological salt concentration. This high yield of dsDNA invasion was harnessed for the detection of RT-RPA amplicon using a lateral flow assay, allowing discrimination of different strains of SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ki Tae Kim, Simona Angerani, Nicolas Winssinger
Summary: The article introduces a minimal HCR system based on PNAs, which achieves rapid amplification using a system consisting of a 5-mer stem and 5-mer loop/toehold hairpins, suitable for detecting cancer biomarkers on live cells. The use of gamma-peg-modified PNA was found to be beneficial in this system.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
