Beyond DNA: The Promise of Threofuranosyl Nucleic Acid

Tuesday - March 26 2024, 10:50 UTC - 8 months ago

Threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) is an artificial nucleic acid with enhanced stability and potential uses in drug delivery and diagnostics. It differs from DNA and RNA in its sugar molecule and the number of nucleobases, offering unique advantages for therapeutic use. TNA can bind to target molecules in cells, making it useful for targeted drug delivery and the development of new aptamers. Ongoing research suggests future applications in diagnostics and the targeted transport of drugs to specific organs.

In recent years, the field of nucleic acid research has seen groundbreaking advancements, leading to the creation of a synthetic nucleic acid with immense potential - threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA). This artificial nucleic acid differs from the well-known DNA and RNA structures in a few key ways, offering enhanced stability and promising applications in the fields of drug delivery and diagnostics .

The DNA molecule, commonly referred to as the blueprint of life, is responsible for carrying the genetic information of all living organisms. It is composed of four different building blocks, known as nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and one of four nucleobases - adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. These nucleotides are connected in a specific sequence, forming the famous double helix structure that resembles a twisted ladder .

The team of scientists behind the recent breakthrough, from the Breakthrough in Nucleic Acid Research's Department of Chemistry, have shown that the structure of nucleotides can be modified to a great extent in the laboratory. The result of their research is the creation of threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with a new, additional base pair. These findings open the doors to fully artificial nucleic acids with enhanced chemical functionalities, expanding the boundaries of scientific research and discovery .

One of the most significant differences between TNA and DNA/RNA is the sugar molecule. In TNA, the 5-carbon sugar deoxyribose found in DNA is replaced by a 4-carbon sugar. This change not only alters the structure of the molecule but also has a significant impact on its stability. TNA has been found to be more resistant to degradation by the body's enzymes, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic use .

This stability is crucial for the successful introduction of nucleic acid-based therapeutics into the body. Currently, one of the major challenges in this field is the rapid degradation of synthetically produced RNA when introduced into a cell, leading to reduced effectiveness. With the introduction of TNAs into cells, this problem may be overcome, allowing for prolonged effects and improved efficacy .

In addition to its enhanced stability, TNA offers another intriguing advantage - the ability to bind to target molecules in cells. This feature could be particularly useful in the development of new aptamers, short DNA or RNA sequences used for controlling cellular mechanisms. By incorporating TNAs into these aptamers, scientists may have more options for targeting specific cellular processes and pathways .

Furthermore, TNA's unique structure and stability make it a promising candidate for targeted drug delivery and diagnostics. Due to its resistance to degradation and its ability to bind to specific molecules, TNAs can be used to target drugs to specific organs in the body, increasing their effectiveness and reducing potential side effects. In diagnostics, TNAs could also be used to recognize viral proteins or biomarkers, providing valuable information for disease diagnosis and management .

The recent study, 'Expanding the Horizon of the Xeno Nucleic Acid Space: Threose Nucleic Acids with Increased Information Storage', was published in the renowned Journal of the American Chemical Society. Led by lead author Hannah Depmeier and Professor Dr Stephanie Kath-Schorr, the research team has made significant strides in expanding the possibilities of nucleic acid research. Their findings have opened the door to a future where TNA and other artificial nucleic acids may play crucial roles in various areas of medicine and biotechnology .

In conclusion, TNA holds great promise as a groundbreaking advancement in the world of nucleic acid research. Its enhanced stability and unique structure offer a range of potential applications in drug delivery and diagnostics, paving the way for new discoveries and the advancement of medical science.TLDR: Scientists have created a new artificial nucleic acid called threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with enhanced stability and potential uses in drug delivery and diagnostics .

TNA differs from DNA in its sugar molecule and number of nucleobases. It has the potential to be used in targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and the development of new aptamers for controlling cellular mechanisms. Future research is ongoing in this exciting field of study.