Abstract: Peptide nucleic acids containing histidine moieties are provided. These compounds have applications including diagnostics, research and potential therapeutics.

Abstract: A novel class of peptide nucleic acid monomers are synthesized having chirality in the backbone. Peptide nucleic acid oligomers are synthesized to incorporate these chiral monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid analogues in blocking nucleic acid amplification procedures and to diagnostic and analytical techniques based thereon. Also included are kits for use in the conduct of nucleic acid amplification reactions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid analogues such as peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs) which hybridize strongly to nucleic acids are used to inhibit nucleic acid amplification procedures such as PCR. False positives in subsequent PCR assays are prevented by hybridizing a PNA to PCR amplification products. Assays capable of discriminating between single base mutants are conducted by using a PNA hybridizing to one of the two allelic forms to inhibit a PCR amplification of that form selectively. Asymmetric PCR amplifications are carried out by starting a PCR symmetrically using like quantities of forward and reverse primers, and, once the amplification is established, disabling one primer by hybridizing a PNA thereto.

Abstract: RNA is transcribed from a double stranded DNA template by forming a complex by hybridizing to the template at a desired transcription initiation site one or more oligonucleic acid analogues of the PNA type capable of forming a transcription initiation site with the DNA and exposing the complex to the action of a DNA dependant RNA polymerase in the presence of nucleoside triphosphates. Equal length transcripts may be obtained by placing a block to transcription downstream from the initiation site or by cutting the template at such a selected location. The initiation site is formed by displacement of one strand of the DNA locally by the PNA hybridization.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, known as peptide nucleic acids, bind complementary DNA and RNA strands more strongly than the corresponding DNA or RNA strands, and exhibit increased sequence specificity and solubility. The peptide nucleic acids comprise ligands selected from a group consisting of naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone, and contain alkylamine side chains.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, known as peptide nucleic acids, bind complementary DNA and RNA strands more strongly than a corresponding DNA strand, and exhibit increased sequence specificity and binding affinity. Methods of increasing binding affinity and sequence specificity of peptide nucleic acids are provided wherein some peptide nucleic acids comprise ligands selected from a group consisting of naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone, while other peptide nucleic acids contain at least one 2,6-diaminopurine nucleobase and at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylamine side chain.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, known as peptide nucleic acids, bind complementary DNA and RNA strands more strongly than a corresponding DNA strand, and exhibit increased sequence specificity and solubility. The peptide nucleic acids comprise ligands selected from a group consisting of naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone, and contain C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylamine side chains. Methods of enhancing the solubility, binding affinity and sequence specificity of PNAs are provided.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, known as peptide nucleic acids, bind complementary DNA and RNA strands more strongly than the corresponding DNA or RNA strands, and exhibit increased sequence specificity and solubility. The peptide nucleic acids comprise ligands selected from a group consisting of naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone, and contain alkylamine side chains.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, known as peptide nucleic acids, bind complementary DNA and RNA strands more strongly than a corresponding DNA strand, and exhibit increased sequence specificity and solubility. The peptide nucleic acids comprise ligands selected from a group consisting of naturally-occurring nucleobases and non-naturally-occurring nucleobases attached to a polyamide backbone, and contain C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkylamine side chains. Methods of enhancing the solubility, binding affinity and sequence specificity of PNAs are provided.