Nascent DNA

Nascent DNA refers to the newly synthesized strands of deoxyribonucleic acid produced during the process of DNA replication, primarily occurring during the S-phase of the cell cycle (Source: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). It serves as a critical intermediate for ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. In clinical pharmacology, nascent DNA is a major target for antimetabolite drugs and nucleoside analogs used in the treatment of cancer and viral infections (Source: StatPearls). These therapeutic agents, such as Gemcitabine or Cytarabine, are chemically similar to natural nucleotides and are incorporated into the nascent strand by DNA polymerases (Source: National Cancer Institute). Once incorporated, they often cause "masked chain termination" or induce significant structural distortions that stall replication forks (Source: PubMed). This stalling triggers the DNA damage response and replication stress, ultimately leading to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells (Source: NIH). Consequently, nascent DNA is a pivotal site for disrupting the uncontrolled proliferation characteristic of malignancy and viral replication.

Other names

Newly synthesized DNAReplicating DNAProgeny DNADaughter DNA strand

Inhibition of DNA synthesis through the incorporation of fraudulent nucleoside analogs into the growing nascent strand, leading to masked chain termination, replication fork stalling, and the induction of the DNA damage response.