We put forward an influential concept of "molecular elements" to appreciate the composition of nucleic acids from a new perspective. The nucleic acids that exhibit different functions are designed based on the functional requirement. They are constructed by phosphodiester bonds formation from various "molecular elements" that have different bases, thus achieving a variety of functions such as specific molecular recognition, catalysis, and intelligent response. In this article we present an overview of representative research results of our laboratory upon functional nucleic acid molecules, including the screening and application of nucleic acid aptamers as macromolecular medicine; the synthesis and evolution of artificial bases; the mechanism of DNAzymes; molecular beacons, molecular motors and their applications in biosensing, biosynthesis, biopharmaceutical research. Moreover, we discuss the challenges and future research directions in the field of functionalized nucleic acid.

molecular element  /  functional nucleic acid  /  artificial base  /  aptamer  /  DNAzyme