The centrality of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of gene expression and controlling diverse cellular and metabolic pathways, including suppression of viral and oncogenic RNAs, makes them attractive targets for modern oligonucleotide-based therapies. miRNAs are often relatively short hairpin structures that have bulges and internal loops in the double helical region. These non-canonical structures may act as binding pockets for small molecular ligands that may be utilized for the enhanced targeting of miRNAs. To certain miRNA hairpins triple helical recognition may also be applied.

Our goal is to find new methods for the miRNA-targeting, including ligand-induced cooperative recognition, artificial metal-mediated base pairs and developing of high affinity triplex forming PNAs. Furthermore, we have strong focus on providing deeper understanding of the binding modes upon targeting of the miRNAs.

Related publications

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