Deuteration and Tritiation of 2′-Deoxyribonucleosides in the 5′ and 4′ Positions

Abstract

The deuterations of 2′-deoxyguanosine in the 4′ and 5′ positions have been described elsewhere (1). The starting material is the 5′-aldehyde formed by mild oxidation with N,N-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide in dimethyl sulphoxide of the fully protected nucleoside with free 5′-alcoholic function. The 5′4euteration was achieved by reduction with deuterated sodium borohydride. Incorporation of deuterium in the 4′-position was achieved v i a an enhanced keto-enol tautomerim by heating the aldehyde in 50/50 D20/pyridine, with subsequent reduction of the aldehyde with NaBH4. The 6-furanoid form was isolated from the I-lyxo by-product by reverse phase HPLC. Applied to pyrimidine 2′-deoxyribonucleosides, this method was shown to give deuterated 2′-deoxycytidine and thymidine in good yield.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 5′-tetrachlorophthalimido and 5′-azido 5′-deoxyribonucleosides

Reported is an efficient synthesis of adenyl and uridyl 5′-tetrachlorophthalimido-5′-deoxyribonucleosides, and guanylyl 5′-azido-5′-deoxyribonucleosides, which are useful in solid-phase synthesis of phosphoramidate and ribonucleic guanidine oligonucleotides. Replacement of 5′-hydroxyl with tetrachlorophthalimido group was performed via Mitsunobu reaction for adenosine and uridine. An alternative method was applied for guanosine which replaced the 5′-hydroxyl with an azido group. The resulting compounds were converted to 5′-amino-5′-deoxyribonucleosides for oligonucleotide synthesis. Synthetic intermediates were tested as antimicrobials against six bacterial strains. All analogs containing the 2′,3′-O-isopropylidine protecting group demonstrated antibacterial activity against Neisseria meningitidis, and among those analogs with 5′-tetrachlorophthalimido and 5′-azido demonstrated increased antibacterial effect.     

Synthesis of 5′-Fluoro-5′-deoxy-and 5′-Amino-5′-Deoxytoyocamycin and Sangivamycin and Some Related Derivatives

Abstract

A series of 5′-substituted analogs of toyocamycin were prepared by condensation of silylated 4-amino-6-bromo-5-cyanopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine with protected 5-azido-5-deoxy- or 5-fluoro-5-deoxyribofuranose followed by debromination and deblocking. Alternatively, 5′-azido-5′-deoxytoyocamycin was prepared by azidation of toyocamycin. Conversion of the 5-nitrile function of the toyocamycin derivatives into a carboxamide or a thiocarboxamide gave the corresponding analogs of sangivamycin or thiosangivamycin while reduction of the 5′-azido-5′-deoxy nucleosides provided 5′-amino-5′-deoxy derivatives.     

The 5′-Nor Aristeromycin Analogues of 5′-Deoxy-5′-Methylthioadenosine and 5′-Deoxy-5′-Thiophenyladenosine

To extend the potential of 5′-noraristeromycin (and its enantiomer) as potential antiviral candidates, the enantiomers of the carbocyclic 5′-nor derivatives of 5′-methylthio-5′-deoxyadenosine and 5′-phenylthio-5′-deoxyadenosine have been synthesized and evaluated. None of the compounds showed meaningful antiviral activity.     

Inhibition of the synthesis of polyamines and macromolecules by 5′-methylthioadenosine and 5′-alkylthiotubercidins in BHK21 cells

5′-Methylthioadenosine and four 5′-alkylthiotubercidins were tested for their ability to inhibit polyamine synthesis in vitro and to decrease polyamine concentration and prevent growth of baby-hamster-kidney (BHK21) cells. 5′-Methylthioadenosine and 5′-methylthiotubercidin decreased the activity of spermidine synthase from brain to roughly the same extent, whereas brain spermine synthase was much more strongly inhibited by 5′-methylthioadenosine compared with 5′-methylthiotubercidin. These nucleoside derivatives also inhibited the growth of BHK21 cells and increased the concentration of putrescine. 5′-Methylthioadenosine decreased cellular spermine concentration, whereas 5′-methylthiotubercidin lowered the concentration of spermidine. The activities of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were enhanced in cells grown in the presence of 5′-methylthiotubercidin. The growth inhibition produced by these nucleoside derivatives was not reversed by exogenous spermidine or spermine. 5′-Ethylthiotubercidin, 5′-propylthiotubercidin and 5′-isopropylthiotubercidin did not appreciably inhibit spermidine or spermine synthase in vitro or decrease the cellular polyamine content, but effectively prevented the growth of BHK21 cells. All nucleoside derivatives at concentrations of 0.2–1 mm caused a rapid inhibition of protein synthesis. It is concluded that the growth inhibition produced by 5′-methylthioadenosine and 5′-alkylthiotubercidins was not primarily due to polyamine depletion but other target sites, for instance the cellular nucleotide pool, cell membranes etc. must be considered.     

3′-3′,3′-5′ and 5′-5′ TpT-Amides: Synthesis,Characterization and Alkaline Hydrolysis

Abstract

A simple procedure is described for the preparation of the title compounds 1, 8 and 9. 3′-3′ or 3′-5′ or 5′-5′ TpT was reacted with a twofold molar excess of TPS in anhydrous DMF, at room temperature, for 5 min, followed by a 1 min in situ treatment of the reaction mixture with excess 7.0 N NH₄OH, at 0°C. The alkaline hydrolysis of 1, 8 and 9 proceeds without the assistance of 3′- and 5′-hydroxyl groups resulting in equimolar mixtures of thymidine (4) and thymidine 3′-phosphoramidate (6) (for the 3′-3′ isomer) or thymidine 5′-phosphoramidate (7) (for the 5′-5′ isomer) or 6 and 7 in equal quantities (for the 3′-5′ isomer).     

Syn- and anti-conformations of 5′-deoxy- and 5′-O-methyl-uridine 2′,3′-cyclic monophosphate

Two uridine 2′,3′-cyclic monophosphate (cUMP) derivatives, 5′-deoxy (DcUMP) and 5′-O-methyl (McUMP), were studied by means of quantum chemical methods. Aqueous solvent effects were estimated based on the isodensity-surface polarized-continuum model (IPCM). Gas phase calculations revealed only slight energy differences between the syn- and anti-conformers of both compounds: the relative energies of the syn-structure are −0.9 and 0.2 kcal mol^-1 for DcUMP and McUMP, respectively. According to the results from the IPCM calculations, however, both syn-conformers become about 14 kcal mol^-1 more stable in aqueous solution than their corresponding anti-structures. Additionally, the effects of a countercation and protonation on DcUMP were studied, revealing that the syn-structure is also favored over the anti-one for these systems.     

Differential methylation at the 5′ and the 3′ CCGG sites flanking the X chromosomal hypervariable DXS255 locus

Summary The degree of methylation at the 5 and 3 CCGG sequences flanking the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) region of the DXS255 locus at Xp11.22 was analysed separately in several haematopoietic cell lineages. The 5 CCGG site on active chromosomes was found to be completely methylated in B and T lymphocytes and granulocytes. Methylation of the 5 site on inactive X chromosomes differed between females (0%–60%), but was consistent in different cell lineages obtained from individual females. In contrast, methylation at the 3 CCGG site on active chromosomes was found to vary in B lymphocytes (40%–100%), whereas complete methylation was found in T lymphocytes and granulocytes. The extent of methylation on inactive X chromosomes was found to differ significantly between B lymphocytes (17%), T lymphocytes (54%) and granulocytes (82%). Thus, methylation at the 5 CCGG site seems to be primarily related to the status of X chromosome inactivation, whereas methylation at the 3 CCGG site is mainly subject to cell-lineage-specific influences.     

Allelic discrimination using fluorogenic probes and the 5′ nuclease assay

Large-scale screening for known polymorphisms will require techniques with few steps and the ability to automate each of these steps. In this regard, the 5′ nuclease, or TaqMan, PCR assay is especially attractive. A fluorogenic probe, consisting of an oligonucleotide labeled with both a fluorescent reporter dye and a quencher dye, is included in a typical PCR. Amplification of the probe-specific product causes cleavage of the probe, generating an increase in reporter fluorescence. By using different reporter dyes, cleavage of allele-specific probes can be detected in a single PCR. The 5′ nuclease assay has been successfully used to discriminate alleles that differ by a single base substitution. Guidelines have been developed so that an assay for any single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) can be quickly designed and implemented. All assays are performed using a single reaction buffer and single thermocycling protocol. Furthermore, a standard method of analysis has been developed that enables automated genotype determination. Applications of this assay have included typing a number of polymorphisms in human drug metabolism genes.     

Synthesis and Incorporation of 5″-Amino- and 5′-Mercapto-5′-Deoxy-2′-O-Methyl Nucleosides Into Hammerhead Ribozymes

Abstract

Novel 5′-amino-5′-deoxy-2′-O-methyl uridine, guanosine and adenosine 3′-O-phosphoramidites 5, 11, and 20, as well as protected 5′-mercapto-5′-deoxy-2′-O-methyl uridine 3′-O-phosphoramidite 23 were synthesized from 2′-O-methyl nucleosides. These analogs were incorporated at the 5′-ends of hammerhead ribozymes to evaluate achiral bridging 5′-N- phosphoramidates and 5′-S-phosphorothioates as alternatives for non- bridging phosphorothioates commonly used for end stabilization against nucleases. Oligonucleotide synthesis and deprotection conditions were optimized for better yields of these modified ribozymes.     

A long-range RNA–RNA interaction between the 5′ and 3′ ends of the HCV genome

The RNA genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains multiple conserved structural cis domains that direct protein synthesis, replication, and infectivity. The untranslatable regions (UTRs) play essential roles in the HCV cycle. Uncapped viral RNAs are translated via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) located at the 5′ UTR, which acts as a scaffold for recruiting multiple protein factors. Replication of the viral genome is initiated at the 3′ UTR. Bioinformatics methods have identified other structural RNA elements thought to be involved in the HCV cycle. The 5BSL3.2 motif, which is embedded in a cruciform structure at the 3′ end of the NS5B coding sequence, contributes to the three-dimensional folding of the entire 3′ end of the genome. It is essential in the initiation of replication. This paper reports the identification of a novel, strand-specific, long-range RNA–RNA interaction between the 5′ and 3′ ends of the genome, which involves 5BSL3.2 and IRES motifs. Mutants harboring substitutions in the apical loop of domain IIId or in the internal loop of 5BSL3.2 disrupt the complex, indicating these regions are essential in initiating the kissing interaction. No complex was formed when the UTRs of the related foot and mouth disease virus were used in binding assays, suggesting this interaction is specific for HCV sequences. The present data firmly suggest the existence of a higher-order structure that may mediate a protein-independent circularization of the HCV genome. The 5′–3′ end bridge may have a role in viral translation modulation and in the switch from protein synthesis to RNA replication.     

Unusual sequence conservation in the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the sea urchin spec mRNAs

Summary The Spec1 and Spec2 mRNAs (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus ectoderm mRNAs) represent a small gene family that encodes 10–12 members of the troponin C superfamily of calcium-binding proteins. These mRNAs and proteins accumulate in the aboral (dorsal) ectoderm of sea urchin embryos and larvae. Using genomic and cDNA clones, we have compared the sequences of four Spec mRNAs: Spec1, Spec2a, Spec2c, and Spec2d. The mRNAs all have at least 120 bases of 5 untranslated leader, approximately 450 bases of open reading frame, and 900 bases (Spec1) or 1250 bases (Spec2a, 2c, 2d) of 3 untranslated trailer. Unexpectedly, when long stretches of 5 untranslated regions or 3 untranslated regions are compared to one another, they are found to be less divergent than the protein-coding regions. Comparing Spec2d, the most divergent member of the family, with the other Spec mRNAs shows that while the protein-coding regions are 60–62% matched, the untranslated regions are greater than 80% matched. Comparisons among Spec1, Spec2a, and Spec2c demonstrate similar but less dramatic conservation of untranslated regions. Our data imply that the Spec gene family has evolved differently from most gene families, with mutations accumulating most rapidly in intron regions, less rapidly in protein-conding regions, and least rapidly in 5 and 3 untranslated regions.     

Conformation and Antiherpes Activity of 3′- and 5′-Azido and Amino Analogs of 5-Methoxymethyl-2′-Deoxyuridine

Abstract

The molecular conformations of 3′- and 5′-azido and amino derivatives of 5-methoxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine, 1, were investigated by nmr. The glycosidic conformation of 5-methoxymethyl-5′-amino-2′,5′-dideoxy-uridine, 5 had a considerable population of the syn form. The 5′-derivatives show a preference for the S conformation of the furanose ring as in 1. In contrast, the 3′-derivatives show preference for the N conformation. For 5-methoxymethyl-3′-amino-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine, 3, the shift towards the N state is pH dependent. The preferred conformation for the exocyclic (C4′,C5′) side chain is g⁺ for all compounds except 5 which has a strong preference for the t rotamer (79%). Compounds 1, 3 and 5 inhibited growth of HSV-1 by 50% at 2, 18 and 70 μg/ml respectively, whereas 2 and 4 were not active up to 256 μg/ml (highest concentration tested). The compounds were not cytotoxic up to 3,000 μM.     

Restriction endonuclease Asi256I recognizes and cuts the nucleotide sequence 5′-GATC-3′

A strain producing a restriction endonuclease was isolated from soil samples and identified as the Arthrobacter sp. strain Ck256. The enzyme produced by this strain was termed Asi256I. The isolation procedure for this enzyme was described, and the optimal conditions for its function were determined. It was shown that the restriction endonuclease Asi256I is a true isoschizomer of MboI, it has a temperature optimum of 6°C, and can be used in molecular-biological and genetic-engineering studies performed at low temperatures.     

Structure and Conformation of the Antiviral Agent 5-Methoxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine

Abstract

The three dimensional structure of the activiral agent, 5-methoxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (MmdUrd) was determined by x-ray diffraction methods. MMdUrd crystallized in space group P2₁2₁2₁ of the orthorhombic system with a = 9.166(1)A, b, = 25.348(1)Amm c = 5.270(1)A and Z = 4. The conformation of the glycosyl bond is anti (χ = 233.30), the deoxyribose ring has the C(2′)-endo envelope conformation (²E), the CH₂OH side chain has the g⁺ conformation and the methoxy group at the C(5) position is on the same side of pyrimidine plane as the 0(4′) oxygen. NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the conformation in solution. The spectra indicate that the sugar ring exists in a 60:40 equilibrium of the S- and N-states. The population of the three rotamers about the exocyclic c(4′)–C(5′) bond were estimated to be g⁺:t:g::61%:31%:8%. The correlaiton of molecular conforation with antiviral activity is discussed.     

Adenosine 5′-monophosphate transport across the membrane of synaptosomes and myelin

Synaptosome-enriched preparations from rat and guinea pig brain tissue vigorously accumulated [³H]-adenosine 5-monophosphate ([³H]AMP). When the accumulation of [³H]AMP was determined using incubation periods of 30 s or less, high concentrations of adenosine, dipyridamole and soluflazine did not inhibit the accumulation of label appreciably. The accumulation of [³H]AMP was saturable, temperature-dependent, osmotic-sensitive and exhibited structural specificity. Based on the kinetics of uptake by different subcellular fractions, and the inhibitory effects of other nucleotides, the uptake of AMP appeared to be mediated by three saturable systems with K_t values of approximately 0.2, 6, and 100 M. The transport system with the highest affinity for AMP was selectively inhibited by guanosine 5-monophosphate, and its V_max was several fold higher in a myelin-enriched fraction than in synaptosome-enriched fractions. The transport system with the K_t6 M was selectively inhibited by ,-methylene adenosine diphosphate, and its V_max was several times higher in a fraction enriched in high-density synaptosomes than in fractions enriched in low-density synaptosomes or myelin. Both of these transport systems were potently inhibited by ATP and ADP. Nucleotides that were either weak or inactive as inhibitors of AMP transport included 3-AMP, cyclic AMP, guanosine 5-diphosphate, and the 5-mononucleotides of cytosine, inosine, and uridine. GTP consistently enhanced uptake at concentrations 1 M. The transport of AMP was not Na⁺-dependent and was not inhibited by membrane depolarization. This transport system may mediate the release of AMP for subsequent conversion to adenosine extracellularly.Abbreviations used HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - NBTI nitrobenzylthioinosine - ,-MeADP ,-methylene adenosine diphosphate - GTPgS guanosine-5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) Special issue dedicated to Dr. Morris H. Aprison.     

Effects of 3′-C-Methylation on the Hydrolytic Stability and Hydroxyl pK a Values of Dinucleoside 2′,5′- and 3′,5′-Monophosphates

Abstract

The first-order rate constants for hydrolysis of 3′-C-methyluridylyl(2′,5′)- and -(3′,5′)adenosine and the corresponding native dinucleoside monophosphates (2′,5′- and 3′,5′-UpA) have been determined as a function of hydroxide-ion concentration (0.025 - 7 M) at 25°C. In addition to the effects on the hydrolytic stability of the compounds, the effects of the 3′-C-methyl substitution on the kinetically determined pK _a values for the sugar hydroxyls of the undine moiety are discussed.