A new modified thrombin binding aptamer containing a 5'-5' inversion of polarity site

The solution structure of a new modified thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) containing a 5′–5′ inversion of polarity site, namely d(^3′GGT^5′-^5′TGGTGTGGTTGG³′), is reported. NMR and CD spectroscopy, as well as molecular dynamic and mechanic calculations, have been used to characterize the 3D structure. The modified oligonucleotide is characterized by a chair-like structure consisting of two G-tetrads connected by three edge-wise TT, TGT and TT loops. d(^3′GGT^5′-^5′TGGTGTGGTTGG^3′) is characterized by an unusual folding, being three strands parallel to each other and only one strand oriented in opposite manner. This led to an anti-anti-anti-syn and syn-syn-syn-anti arrangement of the Gs in the two tetrads. The thermal stability of the modified oligonucleotide is 4°C higher than the corresponding unmodified TBA. d(^3′GGT^5′-^5′TGGTGTGGTTGG^3′) continues to display an anticoagulant activity, even if decreased with respect to the TBA.