Peptide conjugates of oligonucleotides: Synthesis and applications

This review covers the research findings related to almost all aspects of the peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs). First, a brief introduction into the need for conjugation of peptides to oligonucletides and their potential applications in diverse fields is given. Different POCs known so far are presented in a systematic manner to have a clear understanding on the possible modes of conjugation of peptides to oligonucleotides. Second, different types of chemical linkages and the means to achieve the same are summarized. There are two major synthetic protocols: solid-phase divergent and solid- or liquid-phase convergent methods. For synthesis of oligonucleotides or peptides, the solid-phase divergent method is the primary method of preparation but for preparation of conjugates, the solid-phase sequential method fails.