As a result, PNAs find more and more innovative applications both in vitro and in vivo that have practical potential for DNA diagnostics, gene therapy, and medicinal chemistry, and that could not be performed using oligonucleotides. This is the comprehensive manual on practical PNA applications edited by two PNA co-inventors, who are also the leading scientists in PNA research. The book includes joint contributions from 45 recognized experts and covers virtually all aspects of the field, from introduction to PNAs and basic PNA chemistry to PNA-based biomolecular tools and antisense antigene technology. Key topics include hybridization-based techniques with the use of PNA probes and biosensors, PCR clamping, purifying, and selectively manipulating nucleic acids. Each chapter explains clearly and in practical terms the concepts behind the particular protocol detailed.
All chapters have extensive reference sections and are well illustrated.
The final chapter describes approaches for the discovery of new PNA-based drugs. Some missing innovative methods, such as PNA-assisted DNA topological labeling and use of pseudocomplementary PNAs or PNA molecular beacons, were developed during or soon after the book was published. Still, this is essential reading if you wish to become familiar with novel, exciting technologies. It should encourage and inspire researchers who are eager to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and to further extend the possibilities of PNAs. The neutrality of the backbone and the flexibility of adding functional units to the PNA oligonucleotide make it a formidable tool, and its wide range of applications are well illustrated in the spectrum of protocols included in the book.