A collection of powerful new techniques for oligonucleotide synthesis and for the use of modified oligonucleotides in biotechnology. Among the protocol highlights are a novel two-step process that yields a high purity, less costly, DNA, the synthesis of phosphorothioates using new sulfur transfer agents, the synthesis of LNA, peptide conjugation methods to improve cellular delivery and cell-specific targeting, and triple helix formation. The applications include using molecular beacons to monitor the PCR amplification process, nuclease footprinting to study the sequence-selective binding of small molecules of DNA, nucleic acid libraries, and the use of small interference RNA (siRNA) as an inhibitor of gene expression.

This book presents the latest knowledge on a broad range of topics relating to the synthesis of natural and artificial oligonucleotides with therapeutic potential. Nucleic acid-based therapeutics are attracting much attention, and numerous therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, splice-switching oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid aptamers, are being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Synthesis of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides covers a broad range of topics in the field that are of high relevance to researchers, including the synthesis of natural and chemically modified oligonucleotides, the development of novel nucleic acid analogs, industrial scale synthesis and purification of oligonucleotides, and important aspects of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC). The aim is to provide new insights and inspire fresh ideas in nucleic acid chemistry that may ultimately lead to novel concepts and techniques and the discovery of more effective nucleic acid drugs. The book will be of high value for both established researchers in the field and students intending to specialize in nucleic acid chemistry research.

When first conceived, not only was the aim of Protocols for Oligo nucleotides and Analogs to provide wide coverage of the ohgonuc- otide chemistry field for readers who are well versed within the field, but also to give investigators just entering into the field a new perspective. The very first book on this topic was edited and published by Michael Gait in 1984, in whose laboratory I encountered the newer aspects of oligonucleotide chemistry. Since then, oligonucleotide research has developed to such an extent that its uses extend far beyond basic studies, and now find wide application throughout clinical science as well. Until recently, the major application of oligonucleotides has been in the area of DNA-based diagnostic and "antisense oligonucleotid- based therapeutic approaches. However, oligonucleotides are now also being used as therapeutic agents and are thus frequently found in clinical trials in humans. Synthesis of unmodified oligonucleotides using automated synthe sizers has become a common practice in numerous laboratories. How ever, improvements on the existing techniques and the introduction of ever newer methods for oligonucleotide synthesis is constantly driving ahead in the leading research laboratories. And several new oligonucle otide analogs have been synthesized and studied for their individual prop erties in recent years. The present volume strives to bring the readers the most up-to-date information on the newest aspects of synthesis of oligo nucleotides and their analogs. A separate volume covers synthesis of oligonucleotide conjugates, along with most of the analytical techniques presently used for analysis of oligonucleotides.

Good methods must be reliable, well-tested, and honed to minimize the time and expense required to achieve the desired results. CPNC provides a continuously growing and evolving set of protocols that allows researchers to benefit from the experience of other researchers around the world. The core manual provides a comprehensive set of protocols that have been compiled, revised, and streamlined over the last 6 years. Quarterly updates provide new protocols in emerging areas of research as well as continued advances and new applications for fundamental methods. The book is designed to grow and change with the field of nucleic acid chemistry. Fundamental nucleoside chemistry methods include sugar-base condensation, phosphorylation, and nucleoside protection. Methods for oligonucleotide synthesis include H-phosphonate and phosphoramidite approaches, solid-phase and solution-phase synthesis, large-scale synthesis, synthesis for modified and unmodified oligonucleotides, conjugation of oligonucleotides, synthesis without base protection, and synthesis on microarrays. More specialized synthetic methods include synthesis of biologically active nucleosides and prodrugs. Purification and characterization methods are detailed. Advanced methods include biophysical analysis, combinatorial methods, and nanotechnology. Each protocol includes rationale for choosing appropriate methods, step-by-step procedures, complete recipes, anticipated results, characterization data, and troubleshooting, as well as background and recommended reading. The level of procedural detail is far beyond that found in the research literature, and tips and comments from authors are geared towards ensuring reliable duplication in the laboratory.

A review of innovative tools for creative nucleic acid chemists that open the door to novel probes and therapeutic agents Nucleic acids continue to gain importance as novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. With contributions from noted scientists and scholars, Enzymatic and Chemical Synthesis of Nucleic Acid Derivatives is a practical reference that includes a wide range of approaches for the synthesis of designer nucleic acids and their derivatives. The book covers enzymatic (including chemo-enzymatic) methods, with a focus on the synthesis and incorporation of modified nucleosides. The authors also offer a review of innovative approaches for the non-enzymatic chemical synthesis of nucleic acids and their analogs and derivatives, highlighting especially challenging species. The book offers a concise review of the methods that prepare novel and heavily modified polynucleotides in sufficient amount and purity for most clinical and research applications. This important book: -Presents a timely and topical guide to the synthesis of designer nucleic acids and their derivatives -Addresses the growing market for nucleotide-derived pharmaceuticals used as anti-infectives and chemotherapeutic agents, as well as fungicides and other agrochemicals. -Covers novel methods and the most recent trends in the field -Contains contributions from an international panel of noted scientistics Written for biochemists, medicinal chemists, natural products chemists, organic chemists, and biotechnologists, Enzymatic and Chemical Synthesis of Nucleic Acid Derivatives is a practice-oriented guide that reviews innovative methods for the enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic synthesis of nucleic acid species.

This volume provides the information needed to synthesize peptides by solid-phase synthesis (SPS) - employing polymeric support (resins), anchoring linkages (handles), coupling reagents (activators), and protection schemes. It presents strategies for creating a wide variety of compounds for drug discovery and analyzes peptides, DNA, carbohydrates, conjugates of biomolecules, and small molecules.

This volume is comprised of 18 chapters, covering various aspects of DNA modification and RNA modified bases. It also discusses in detail circular RNA, therapeutic oligonucleotides and their different properties. The chemical nature of DNA, RNA, protein and lipids makes these macromolecules easily modifiable, but they are also susceptible to damage from both endogenous and exogenous agents. Alkylation and oxidation show a potential to disrupt the cellular redox equilibrium and cause cellular damage leading to inflammation and even chronic disease. Furthermore, DNA damage can drive mutagenesis and the resulting DNA sequence changes can induce carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Modified nucleosides can occur as a result of oxidative DNA damage and RNA turnover, and are used as markers for various diseases. To function properly some RNA needs to be chemically modified post-transcriptionally. Dysregulation of the RNA-modification pattern or of the levels of the enzymes that catalyze these modifications alters RNA functionality and can result in complex phenotypes, likely due to defects in protein translation. While modifications are best characterized in noncoding ribonucleic acids like tRNA and rRNA, coding mRNAs have also been found to contain modified nucleosides. This book is a valuable resource, not only for graduate students but also researchers in the fields of molecular medicine and molecular biology.

This book provides a compelling overall update on current status of RNA interference

Combining elements of biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology, artificial DNA can be employed in a number of scientific disciplines. Some of the varied applications include site-specific mutagenesis, hybridization, amplification, protein engineering, anti-sense technology, DNA vaccines, protein vaccines, recombinant antibodies, screening fo