Journal of Biomolecular Research & Therapeutics

Oligonucleotides and its Importance in Nanotechnology

Emi Kajuki^* Department of Biomolecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
^*Correspondence: Emi Kajuki, Department of Biomolecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan, Email:

Received: 10-May-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-21507; Editor assigned: 15-May-2023, Pre QC No. BOM-23-21507(PQ); Reviewed: 29-May-2023, QC No. BOM-23-21507; Revised: 06-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. BOM-23-21507(R); Published: 13-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7956.23.12.294

Description

Oligonucleotides are short sequences of nucleic acids typically ranging from 10 to 100 nucleotides in length. They consist of repeating units of nucleotides which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA are vital biomolecules that store transmit and express genetic information. The understanding of oligonucleotides and their role in various biological processes is fundamental to uncovering the mechanisms governing life. The basic structure of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine) extending from it. RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) has a similar structure but instead of thymine it contains uracil as one of its bases. Oligonucleotides can be synthesized chemically using solid-phase synthesis enzymatically using DNA polymerases or through transcription of RNA. Oligonucleotides exhibit specific properties that make them valuable in various applications. Their stability is crucial for hybridization-based assays and molecular recognition. It is an important parameter that represents the temperature at which half of the oligonucleotide strands in a duplex separate. Secondary structures such as hairpins and G-quadruplexes can significantly influence oligonucleotide functionality.

Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis is a powerful tool used to introduce specific changes in the DNA sequence. Through the design and delivery of oligonucleotides complementary to the target DNA, specific mutations can be introduced. This technique is widely employed in functional genomics, genetic engineering and model organism studies. Site-directed mutagenesis and protein engineering involve the use of oligonucleotides to introduce specific mutations or modifications in genes encoding proteins of interest. By designing oligonucleotides that target specific regions of the gene. This technique is crucial for understanding protein structure-function relationships and developing proteins with improved characteristics for various applications. Gene silencing and antisense technology utilize oligonucleotides to selectively inhibit gene expression. Through the design of complementary oligonucleotides, specific mRNA molecules can be targeted leading to their degradation or inhibition of translation. This approach has applications in therapeutics where it can be used to silence disease-causing genes and in basic research to study gene function.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing heavily rely on oligonucleotides as primers to amplify and sequence specific DNA regions respectively. The design of primers with high specificity is crucial for accurate and efficient DNA amplification and sequencing. Oligonucleotide probes are widely used in detection assays microarrays and next-generation sequencing. By designing oligonucleotide probes that are complementary to specific target sequences. RNA interference (RNAi) harnesses the ability of short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules which are synthetic oligonucleotides to selectively silence target genes by degrading specific mRNA molecules. This technology has immense potential in therapeutic applications as it can be used to silence disease-causing genes and treat various genetic disorders.

Gene therapy aims to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs, to modulate gene expression and treat diseases. These therapeutic oligonucleotides can target specific disease-causing genes either by inhibiting their expression or correcting genetic mutations. Gene therapy holds promise for the treatment of various genetic disorders, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and rare genetic conditions. Oligonucleotide microarrays also known as DNA chips or gene chips consist of thousands to millions of immobilized oligonucleotide probes on a solid surface. These arrays enable high-throughput analysis of gene expression, genetic variations and genotyping. They have revolutionized fields such as genomics and personalized medicine.