peptide nucleic acid synthesis

PNAs, or peptide nucleic acids, is an analogue of oligonucleotide in which sugar-phosphate backbone has been replaced by a polyamide chain. Due to the unique backbone of PNA, it can be used in same applications as conventional DNA/RNA. Comparing with DNA, PNAs are neutral in charge, chemically more stable and resistant to DNases and proteases, as well as remaining high sequence specificity, binding activity and lower salt sensitivity. PNAs have been widely used in molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (Fish), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detection and antisense therapy.