LNA Phosphoramidites
LNA, or Locked Nucleic Acid was discovered and described in 1998 as a novel class of conformationally restricted oligonucleotide analogs. It's a bicyclic nucleic acid with a ribonucleotide between the 2'-oxygen and 4'-carbon atoms with a methylene unit, and is referred to as locked because it cannot be changed through normal processes.
LNA is highly thermally stable when mated with complementary DNA and RNA2, allowing for better mismatch discrimination, shorter probes, and allele specific sample preparation. It is ideal for the most specific hybridization assays, like dual labelled probes and molecular beacons. This relatively new area of molecular biology seems to have all kinds of potential.
In phosphoramidite chemistry, LNA oligonucleotides can easily be synthesized using automated DNA synthesizers. LNA phosphoramidites can be dissolved easily, but will take longer to couple than DNA phosphoramidites. Oxidation of phosphites in LNA phosphoramidites is also slower. After synthesis, they can easily be purified and analyzed. LNA phosphoramidites can be mixed with either DNA or RNA, as well as other nucleic acids. They are water soluble, and easily separate through gel electroporesis or ethanol precipitation.
As a synthesized compound, LNA phosporamidites are protected by US and foreign patents, including EP Pat No. 1013661 and US Pat No. 6,268,490. The license for any use must be obtained directly from Exiqon A/S.
Web Resources On LNA Phosphoramidites
LNA Controlled Pore Glass and Columns
Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Phosphoramidites
Book Resources On LNA PhosphoramiditesNucleic Acids: Structures, Properties, and Functions by Victor A. Bloomfield et. al
Understanding DNA: The Molecule and How it Works by Chris R. Calladine et. al
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