While molecular beacons are primarily known as biosensors for the detection of nucleic acids, it has proven possible to adapt other nucleic acid binding species (aptamers) to function in a manner similar to molecular beacons, yielding fluorescent signals only in the presence of a cognate ligand. Unfortunately, engineering aptamer beacons requires a detailed knowledge of aptamer sequence and str...

UNLABELLED The biologic evaluation in living rats of (68)Ga-labeled oligonucleotides as imaging agents for PET is reported. METHODS (68)Ga, a positron-emitting radionuclide (half-life, 68 min), along with a macrocyclic chelating agent, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N",N"'-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), was used for labeling of antisense oligonucleotides targeting activated human K-ras oncogen...

Oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates have attracted considerable interest especially for biomedical uses. In the first part of this chapter, we describe protocols for the stepwise synthesis of oligonucleotides carrying peptide sequences at the 3'-end on a single support. The resulting oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates may be used as exogenous effectors for the specific control of gene expression...

The use of oligonucleotide hybridization probes and PCR primers has become widespread in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology (for reviews, see references 3, 5, 7, 17, and 21), and descriptions of probe applications are abundant in the literature. We have encountered, however, a number of difficulties when relying on the literature for information on probes and primers: (i) probe de...

Although peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) are well-known for nucleic acids delivery and therapy, reports on internal attachment of peptides to oligonucleotides are limited in number. To develop a convenient route for preparation of internally labeled POCs with improved biomedical properties, peptides were introduced into oligonucleotides via a 2'-alkyne-2'-amino-LNA scaffold. Derivativ...

Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL are associated with treatment resistance and progression in many cancers, including prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel bispecific antisense oligonucleotide targeting both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL induces apoptosis and enhances chemosensitivity in androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cells. An antisense oligonucleotide with complete sequenc...

In the age of extensive global traffic systems, the close neighborhood of man and livestock in some regions of the world, as well as inadequate prevention measures and medical care in poorer countries, greatly facilitates the emergence and dissemination of new virus strains. The appearance of avian influenza viruses that can infect humans, the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SA...

We are attempting to produce high-density arrays of surface-bound oligonucleotides for hybridization experiments. Our approach is to mechanically miniamri~ conventional DNA synthesis chemistry. Ink-jet printer heads are used to deliver small drops of reagents to a chemically modified silicon dioxide surface, where they react to synthesize DNA. The drops are confined to small areas by a pattern ...

MOTIVATION Recognition of functional sites remains a key event in the course of genomic DNA annotation. It is well known that a number of sites have their own specific oligonucleotide content. This pinpoints the fact that the preference of the site-specific nucleotide combinations at adjacent positions within an analyzed functional site could be informative for this site recognition. Hence, Web...

In vitro selection of combinatorial nucleic acid libraries leads to specific target-binding molecules--RNA, single stranded DNA, modified RNA or modified DNA, commonly designated as aptamers--and to novel catalytic nucleic acids. The current state of aptamer and ribozyme technology is such that it establishes itself as a means of obtaining useful tools for molecular biology, diagnostics, molecu...