Abstract: Described herein are divalent nucleobases that each binds two nucleic acid strands, matched or mismatched when incorporated into a nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog backbone, such as in a ?-peptide nucleic acid (?PNA). Also provided are genetic recognition reagents comprising one or more of the divalent nucleobases and a nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog backbone, such as a ?PNA backbone. Uses for the divalent nucleobases and monomers and genetic recognition reagents containing the divalent nucleobases also are provided.

Abstract: Genetic recognition reagents comprising bivalent nucleobases are provided that bind two strands of nucleic acid, such as an expanded repeat sequence associated with an expanded repeat disease. In one example the expanded repeat disease is a polyQ disease, such as Huntington's disease. Methods of use of the reagents are provided, including a method of binding nucleic acid, such as an expanded repeat sequence associated with an expanded repeat disease, a method of identifying the presence of a nucleic acid comprising an expanded repeat, and a method of treating an expanded repeat disease are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are divalent nucleobases that each binds two nucleic acid strands, matched or mismatched when incorporated into a nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog backbone, such as in a ?-peptide nucleic acid (?PNA). Also provided are genetic recognition reagents comprising one or more of the divalent nucleobases and a nucleic acid or nucleic acid analog backbone, such as a ?PNA backbone. Uses for the divalent nucleobases and monomers and genetic recognition reagents containing the divalent nucleobases also are provided.