Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) extend beyond genetic roles, exhibiting specialized recognition and catalytic functions. These natural or synthetic molecules, including aptamers, nucleic acid enzymes, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), are explored for diagnostics and therapeutics. Among FNAs, Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology holds significant promise in gene therapy; however, its efficiency in vivo is often constrained by the limited binding affinity of short ASOs (15–30 nucleotides), particularly when targeting RNA structures with stable secondary folding. To enhance RNA cleavage efficiency while maintaining specificity, we present a bivalent ASO design that facilitates binding across an extended region of folded RNA, thereby improving target recognition and cleavage.

Ннаньеруго В., Дубовиченко М.В. (науч. рук. Эльдиб А.А.) Enhancing rna degradation with functional nucleic acids: a multivalent approach // Сборник тезисов докладов конгресса молодых ученых. Электронное издание. – СПб: Университет ИТМО, [2025]. URL: https://kmu.itmo.ru/digests/article/14804