Through the looking glass: milestones on the road towards mirroring life

Naturally occurring DNA, RNA, and proteins predominantly exist in only one enantiomeric form (homochirality). Advances in biotechnology and chemical synthesis allow the production of the respective alternate enantiomeric form, enabling access to mirror-image versions of these natural biopolymers. Exploiting the unique properties of such mirror molecules has already led to many applications, such as biostable and nonimmunogenic therapeutics or sensors. However, a 'roadblock' for unlocking the mirror world is the lack of biological systems capable of synthesizing critical building blocks including mirror oligonucleotides and oligopeptides to reducing cost and improve purity. Here, we provide an overview of the current progress, applications, and challenges of the molecular mirror world by identifying milestones towards mirroring life.

Automated summary

Advances in biotechnology and chemical synthesis have allowed the production of mirror-image versions of naturally occurring biopolymers, leading to applications in biostable and nonimmunogenic therapeutics or sensors. However, a lack of biological systems capable of synthesizing critical building blocks, such as mirror oligonucleotides and oligopeptides, remains a roadblock in unlocking the mirror world.