Oligongleotideja

Oligongleotideja, also known as oligonucleotides, are short polymers of nucleotides comprising DNA or RNA sequences. They are typically between 15 and 100 nucleotides in length and are essential tools in molecular biology and biomedicine.

They are usually synthesized by automated solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry and purified by methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Many oligonucleotides are chemically modified or labeled with detectable or reactive groups, enabling detection, stability, or conjugation to other molecules.

Common applications include primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and qPCR; probes for hybridization-based assays and DNA microarrays; antisense oligonucleotides that modulate gene expression; small interfering RNA (siRNA) or guide RNAs for CRISPR systems; aptamers that bind specific targets; and components in library preparation for sequencing or diagnostics.

To enhance performance, oligonucleotides may incorporate chemical modifications such as phosphorothioate backbones, 2'-O-methyl or 2'-fluoro sugars, and locked nucleic acids (LNA). These changes can increase nuclease resistance, binding affinity, and overall stability.

Limitations include susceptibility to nucleases in biological environments, potential off-target effects, delivery challenges for therapeutic use, and cost. Careful design, modification, and delivery strategies are used to address these issues in research and clinical contexts.