Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, T1K 3M4, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Functional Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Trends Biochem Sci. 2021 Nov;46(11):931-943. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2021.06.006. Epub 2021 Jul 19.
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.
天然存在的 DNA、RNA 和蛋白质主要以单一对映异构体形式存在（手性单一）。生物技术和化学合成的进步允许生产相应的对映异构体形式，从而获得这些天然生物聚合物的镜像版本。利用这些镜像分子的独特性质已经导致了许多应用，例如生物稳定和非免疫原性的治疗剂或传感器。然而，解锁镜像世界的一个“障碍”是缺乏能够合成包括镜像寡核苷酸和寡肽在内的关键构建块的生物系统，以降低成本并提高纯度。在这里，我们通过确定镜像生命的里程碑，来概述分子镜像世界的当前进展、应用和挑战。
