Photochromic Nucleosides and Oligonucleotides

Photochromism is a reversible phenomenon wherein a material undergoes a change in color upon exposure to light. In organic photochromes, this effect often results from light-induced isomerization reactions, leading to alterations in either the spatial orientation or electronic properties of the photochrome. The incorporation of photochromic moieties into biomolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, has become a prevalent approach to render these biomolecules responsive to light stimuli. Utilizing light as a trigger for the manipulation of biomolecular structure and function offers numerous advantages compared to other stimuli, such as chemical or electrical treatments, due to its non-invasive nature. Consequently, light proves particularly advantageous in cellular and tissue applications. In this review, we emphasize recent advancements in the field of photochromic nucleosides and oligonucleotides. We provide an overview of the design principles of different classes of photochromes, synthetic strategies, critical analytical challenges, as well as structure-property relationships. The applications of photochromic nucleic acid derivatives encompass diverse domains, ranging from the precise photoregulation of gene expression to the controlled modulation of the three-dimensional structures of oligonucleotides and the development of DNA-based fluorescence modulators. Moreover, we present a future perspective on potential modifications and applications. The incorporation of photoswitchable moieties into biological macromolecules has emerged as a promising approach to manipulate and study complex processes in living organisms. In this review, we emphasize recent advancements in the field of photochromic nucleosides and provide an overview of design principles, synthetic strategies, analytical challenges, as well as structure-property relationships and applications.+image

Automated summary

Photochromic nucleosides have emerged as a promising approach for manipulating and studying complex processes in living organisms. This review highlights recent advancements in this field, including design principles, synthetic strategies, analytical challenges, and applications. The incorporation of photoswitchable moieties into biological macromolecules allows for light-responsive behavior, offering advantages in cellular and tissue applications due to its non-invasive nature. This field holds great potential for precise control of gene expression and modulation of biomolecular structure and function.