Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides nucleotide-based compounds useful for treating various diseases, including cancer. In some aspects, the disclosure provides oligonucleotides that are chemically modified to include an engineered fatty-acid residue, for example, to assist with improving the half-life of such compounds or assisting with cell penetration (e.g., penetration into tumor cells). In some aspects, the disclosure provides compositions that include such modified nucleotides and a protein, such as albumin or mimetics thereof. The disclosure provides various uses of the compounds and compositions.