Glossary
A glossary of nucleic acid science.
Clear, plain language definitions of the terms used across oligonucleotide chemistry, design and RNA medicine.
A to Z
Terms of the field
- Antisense oligonucleotideASO
- A short single strand designed to bind a target messenger RNA and block or destroy it. Read definition
- Aptamer
- A short oligonucleotide that folds into a shape which binds a target molecule, like an antibody made of DNA or RNA. Read definition
- GalNAc conjugateN acetylgalactosamine
- A sugar tag that directs an oligo to liver cells after a simple injection. Read definition
- Gapmer
- An antisense oligo with a DNA core and modified wings, designed so RNase H cuts the target. Read definition
- GC content
- The percentage of an oligo's bases that are guanine or cytosine, a strong influence on binding strength. Read definition
- Locked nucleic acidLNA
- A modified nucleotide with a bridge that locks the sugar into a high affinity shape. Read definition
- Melting temperatureTm
- The temperature at which half of a duplex has separated into single strands. Read definition
- MorpholinoPMO
- An uncharged oligo analogue that blocks its target by steric hindrance rather than cutting. Read definition
- Nuclease
- An enzyme that degrades DNA or RNA, the main reason unmodified oligos do not survive in the body. Read definition
- Phosphorothioate linkagePS backbone
- A backbone modification that swaps an oxygen for sulfur, making an oligo far more resistant to enzymes. Read definition
- RNA interferenceRNAi
- A natural pathway cells use to silence genes by destroying matching messenger RNA. Read definition
- Small interfering RNAsiRNA
- A short double stranded RNA that silences a gene through the RNA interference pathway. Read definition
- Two prime O methyl2'-OMe
- A naturally occurring sugar modification that improves stability and lowers immune stimulation. Read definition
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