DNA-based Diagnosis and Therapy

An Indian research team has deciphered the effects of a novel molecule when it was delivered into the helical structure of nucleic acids (DNA). Known as ‘thioacetamido linkage’ (TANA), the linker is an extended five-atom amide linker as opposed to four-atom phosphodiester linker backbone present in the DNA. Using sophisticated analytical techniques, it was observed that TANA destabilizes the helical structure of DNA.

The results of the study will widen our understanding on the nature and strength of forces that stabilize nucleic acids and facilitate the development of databases having potential applications in nucleic acid-based diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The findings of the study have been published in the 6th February 2009 online issue of Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.