Locked nucleic acids: a family of high affinity nucleic acid probes

The structure and synthesis of LNA (locked nucleic acid) is presented. LNA is defined as an oligonucleotide containing one or more 2'-O, 4'-C-methylene-beta-D-ribofuranosyl nucleotide monomer(s). The improved synthesis of the thymine LNA monomer is shown. The LNA molecular family is presented and the member classes are described in relation to their chemical structures. The hybridization property of each member is shown and similarities and differences in the properties of the members are discussed. Hybridization kinetics of oxy-LNA oligonucleotides is shown and it is concluded that the hybridization rate is nearly diffusion controlled. Finally, the perspective of the abroad biological application of LNA is discussed.