Highlights in Organic Chemistry [Modification of Nucleoside Heterocycles to Probe and Expand Nucleic Acid Structure and Function]

Recent progress in molecular biology and genetics has invigorated interest in modified nucleic acids both for fundamental studies and for practical applications. Herein, recent advances in design of modified non- Watson-Crick base pairs are highlighted. Examples of altered hydrogen-bonding patterns, size-expanded bases, and base pairing dependent on metal chelation and hydrophobic interactions are discussed.