Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acid Modifications

Dear Colleagues,

Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, are the building blocks of life; they are essential for storing and transmitting genetic information. In eukaryotic species, nucleic acids carry a wide range of distinct chemical changes that can affect how genetic information is transmitted and have a significant impact on a number of cellular functions. Both base and backbone alterations are becoming more and more important. Furthermore, nucleic acids, particularly those that have been modified, are suitable and appealing tools for medical applications. Some examples include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), aptamers, microRNAs, mRNAs, and gene-editing guides. To improve their chemical and biological stability and expand their chemical diversity, chemically modified DNA and RNA analogues on backbones, sugars, or nucleobases, and even novel bases or base pairs, have been developed. This Special Issue investigates the dynamic alterations that take place within these molecules, providing information on how these modifications affect gene expression, epigenetics, and numerous cellular functions. At the same time, advances in therapeutics based on modified nucleic acids were studied. We want to compile the most recent research on the fundamental issues in the field of nucleic acid manipulation.

Dr. Zhiyong He
Guest Editor

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