Deoxyribonucleic acid, double-stranded nuclear form. (DNA)

Double-stranded nuclear DNA is the heritable macromolecule found inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. It consists of two long, antiparallel strands of nucleotides, joined by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases (adenine-thymine, guanine-cytosine), forming a double helix with a sugar-phosphate backbone[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. DNA encodes all the genetic instructions necessary for development, functioning, and reproduction. It directs cell processes via storing, replicating, and transmitting genetic information, acting as a template for RNA synthesis and protein production[1][4][6][7]. Double-stranded nuclear DNA is not a conventional therapeutic target, but compounds that interact with DNA are used especially in cancer therapy to disrupt cell division and induce cell death. Damage or mutation in nuclear DNA is implicated in a wide variety of human diseases, from cancer to inherited disorders[6][7]. Detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies serves as an important biomarker for autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. Direct targeting of nuclear DNA raises significant safety concerns, primarily mutagenicity and risk of off-target effects.

Other names

Nuclear DNAdsDNA (double-stranded DNA)Genomic DNAChromosomal DNA

Crosslinking DNA strands (preventing replication/transcription) Intercalation (distorting helical structure) Inducing breaks via topoisomerase inhibition Alkylating bases causing mismatching or strand breaks Inhibiting polymerases or interfering with nucleotide incorporation