Emerging applications of peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates: Bioactive scaffolds, self-assembling systems, and hybrid nanomaterials

Tara Macculloch, Alex Buchberger, Nicholas Stephanopoulos

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) are covalent constructs that link a molecule like DNA to a synthetic peptide sequences. These materials merge the programmable self-assembly of oligonucleotides with the bioactivity and chemical diversity of polypeptides. Recent years have seen the widespread use of POCs in a range of fields, driven the by relative advantages of each molecular type. In this review, we will present an overview of the synthesis and application of POCs, with an emphasis on emerging areas where these molecules will have a unique impact. We first discuss two main strategies for synthesizing POCs from synthetic monomers such as phosphoramidites and functionalized amino acids. We then describe four key fields of research in POCs: (1) biomaterials for interfacing with, and controlling the behavior of cells; (2) hybrid self-assembling systems that balance peptide and oligonucleotide intermolecular forces; (3) template-enhanced coupling of POCs into larger molecules; and (4) display of peptides on self-assembled oligonucleotide scaffolds. We also highlight several promising areas for future applications in each of these four directions, and anticipate ever increasing uses of POCs in interdisciplinary research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1668-1682
Number of pages15
JournalOrganic and Biomolecular Chemistry
Volume17
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

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