Investigation of restricted backbone conformations as an explanation for the exceptional thermal stabilities of duplexes involving LNA (Locked Nucleic Acid):† synthesis and evaluation of abasic LNA

Abstract

In order to investigate the structural basis of the unique hybridization properties of LNA (Locked Nucleic Acid), an abasic LNA monomer (a 1-deoxy-2-O,4-C-methylene-D-ribofuranose derivative) was synthesized and evaluated with respect to influence on duplex stability, showing that effects mediated via the nucleobase are pivotal for the properties of LNA.