PubReading [7] - Modified nucleic acids: replication, evolution, and next-generation therapeutics - K. Duffy, S. Arangundy-Franklin and P. Holliger

<p><strong>Modified nucleic acids</strong>, also called <strong>xeno </strong>nucleic acids (<strong>XNAs</strong>), offer a variety of advantages for biotechnological applications and address some of the limitations of first-generation <strong>nucleic acid</strong> <strong>therapeutics</strong>. Indeed, several therapeutics based on modified nucleic acids have recently been approved and many more are under clinical evaluation. XNAs can provide increased biostability and furthermore are now increasingly amenable to in vitro <strong>evolution</strong>, accelerating lead discovery. Here, we review the most recent discoveries in this dynamic field with a focus on progress in the enzymatic replication and functional exploration of XNAs. K. Duffy, S. Arangundy-Franklin and P. Holliger -doi.org/10.1186/s12915-020-00803-6 - 2020</p>