Conformationally restricted oligonucleotide analogues 'made in Bern': A mini review

Abstract

In our search for novel oligonucleotide analogues for use in therapy and DNA-based diagnostics we explored the concept of conformational preorganization as a means to improve duplex stability with complementary DNA and RNA. This research effort has led to a number of novel DNA analogues and has contributed to a deeper understanding of the interrelation between the structure of nucleosides and the properties of corresponding oligonucleotides. Some of these analogues show interesting biological properties. This article is a short review summarizing the properties of bicyclo-DNA and tricyclo-DNA, developed in our laboratory.