<br/>We and others have demonstrated the use of triaminotriazine (melamine) as a synthetic base-triple motif in a family of molecules that include bifacial peptide nucleic acid (bPNA). Bifacial PNA and related artificial scaffolds displaying melamine, such as peptoid, polyacrylate and small synthetic backbones, can engage two oligo T/U strands simultaneously to form unique triple stranded structures. These bPNAs can serve as allosteric triggers of aptamer protein-binding, ribozyme catalysis, aptamer small-molecule binding and scaffolds for potent siRNA delivery. Recently, we have demonstrated successful siRNA packaging and in vivo silencing of an endogenous liver-target using GalNAc-modified bPNA-siRNA complexes, as well as development of new probes for RNA tertiary interactions. Fluorogen-tagged bPNAs can address internal, genetically encoded U-rich bulges and loops in folded nucleic acid structures and report on RNA tertiary interactions with RNA and protein within lncRNA models. Overall, a wide range of applications emerge from the use of a simple artificial base triple unit.

Applications of a synthetic base-triple motif in nucleic acid structure-function, diagnostics, and delivery

2019 Fall National Meeting

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