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Naturally occurring DNA is encoded by the four nucleobases adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine. Yet minor chemical modifications to these bases, such as methylation, can significantly alter DNA function, and more drastic changes, such as replacement with unnatural base pairs, could expand its function. In order to realize the full potential of DNA in therapeutic and synthetic biology applications, our ability to 'write' long modified DNA in a controlled manner must be improved. This review highlights methods currently used for the synthesis of moderately long chemically modified nucleic acids (up to 1000 bp), their limitations and areas for future expansion.

Original publication

DOI

10.1042/BST20160051

Type

Journal article

Journal

Biochem Soc Trans

Publication Date

15/06/2016

Volume

44

Pages

709 - 715

Keywords

chemical ligation, modified triphosphates, oligonucleotide synthesis, Adenine, Cytosine, DNA, DNA Ligases, DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase, Guanine, Oligonucleotides, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Thymine