Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other polyanionic nucleic acids (DNA/RNA)

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and other polyanionic nucleic acids are the primary carriers of genetic information, essential for the replication, growth, and function of all known living organisms and many viruses [NIH, 2023]. In a therapeutic context, these molecules are targeted by a wide array of pharmacological agents, particularly in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases, where disrupting the integrity of the genetic template can halt uncontrolled cell division [PubChem, 2024]. Common mechanisms of action include DNA alkylation, where drugs form covalent bonds with nucleic acid bases, and intercalation, where planar molecules slide between base pairs to disrupt the double helix structure [StatPearls, 2023]. Additionally, antimetabolites can be incorporated into the growing DNA or RNA strand, leading to chain termination or the production of non-functional genetic material [PubMed, 2022]. Because these targets are fundamental to all dividing cells, drugs that interact with DNA often exhibit significant side effects, such as bone marrow suppression and potential secondary malignancies [Wikipedia, 2024]. Recent advancements also focus on the polyanionic nature of nucleic acids to develop targeted delivery systems for gene therapies and antisense oligonucleotides [Nature, 2023].

Other names

Nucleic acidsPolynucleotidesGenetic materialPolyanionic biopolymersGenomic DNA

DNA alkylation, intercalation, covalent cross-linking, and inhibition of synthesis or repair through antimetabolite incorporation