Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

DNA-Tethered RNA Polymerase for Programmable In vitro Transcription and Molecular Computation
Published on: December 29, 2021
[Design, syntheses and properties of nucleic Acid switch in response to external stimuli]
1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan. kodama@phs.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
The control of molecular properties using external stimuli is an attractive research area that offers the potential for regulation of various biological phenomena. This review summarizes the concept, design, syntheses and properties of nucleic acid switches in response to external stimuli, namely, "external-stimuli-responsive bridged nucleic acids monomer". From (1)H-NMR experiments, every external-stimuli-responsive bridged nucleic acid monomer was found to have an N-conformation, while an S-conformation was predominantly observed after exposure to a proper stimulus. Each bridged nucleic acid monomer was effectively introduced into oligodeoxynucleotides using an automated DNA synthesizer. Moreover, oligonucleotides modified with these bridged nucleic acid monomer were changed in their hybridization property and tolerance to enzymatic digestion in response to each stimulus. These results clearly showed that external-stimuli-responsive bridged nucleic acids monomers should work as a nucleic acid switch, and have the potential for regulation of various biological phenomena.
Related Concept Videos
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA
RNA Performs Diverse...
Riboswitches
The aptamer has high specificity for a particular metabolite which allows riboswitches to specifically regulate...
Nucleosome Remodeling
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
Nucleic Acid Structure
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
Transcriptional Regulation: Riboswitches

