Threose nucleic acid as a primitive genetic polymer and a contemporary molecular tool

Nucleic acids serve a dual role as both genetic materials in living organisms and versatile molecular tools for various applications. Threose nuclei acid (TNA) stands out as a synthetic genetic polymer, holding potential as a primitive genetic material and as a contemporary molecular tool. In this review, we aim to provide an extensive overview of TNA research progress in these two key aspects. We begin with a retrospect of the initial discovery of TNA, followed by an in-depth look at the structural features of TNA duplex and experimental assessment of TNA as a possible RNA progenitor during early evolution of life on Earth. In the subsequent section, we delve into the recent development of TNA molecular tools such as aptamers, catalysts and antisense oligonucleotides. We emphasize the practical application of functional TNA molecules in the realms of targeted protein degradation and selective gene silencing. Our review culminates with a discussion of future research directions and the technical challenges that remain to be addressed in the field of TNA research.