Synthesis of 4′-C-aminoalkyl-2′-O-methyl modified RNA and their biological properties

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of 4′-C-aminoalkyl-2′-O-methylnucleosides and the properties of RNAs containing these analogs. Phosphoramidites of 4′-C-aminoethyl and 4′-C-aminopropyl-2′-O-methyluridines were prepared using glucose as starting material, and RNAs containing the analogs were synthesized using the phosphoramidites. Thermal denaturation studies revealed that these nucleoside analogs decreased the thermal stabilities of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Results of NMR, molecular modeling, and CD spectra measurements suggested that 4′-C-aminoalkyl-2′-O-methyluridine adopts an C2′-endo sugar puckering in dsRNA. The 4′-C-aminoalkyl modifications in the passenger strand and the guide strand outside the seed region were well tolerated for RNAi activity of siRNAs. Single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) and siRNAs containing the 4′-C-aminoethyl and 4′-C-aminopropyl analogs showed high stability in buffer containing bovine serum. Thus, siRNAs containing the 4′-C-aminoethyl and 4′-C-aminopropyl analogs are good candidates for the development of therapeutic siRNA molecules.     

华丽龙胆GsF3′5′H和GsFNS基因的克隆及表达分析

该研究以华丽龙胆(Gentiana sino ornata)5个不同开放阶段(H₁~H₅)的蓝色花冠为试材,利用RT PCR技术克隆GsF3′5′H和GsFNS全长序列,并进行生物信息学分析,比较GsF3′5′H和GsFNS在不同组织和不同开放阶段的基因表达模式。结果显示：(1)所克隆的GsF3′5′H和GsFNS基因分别包含1 560 bp和1 590 bp开放阅读框(OFR),并分别编码520和529个氨基酸。(2)结构分析显示,GsF3′5′H和GsFNS均具有典型的F3′5′H和FNSⅡ蛋白保守结构域。(3)系统进化树分析表明,GsF3′5′H和GsFNS亲缘关系最近的物种是三花龙胆(Gentiana triflora)。(4)qRT PCR结果显示,GsF3′5′H和GsFNS基因在根、茎、叶和花冠中均表达,其中GsF3′5′H基因在花冠H₃阶段表达量最高。GsFNS在根中表达量最高,其次在花冠H₄阶段两基因的表达均较高。研究推测,GsF3′5′H基因表达产生的飞燕草素苷和GsFNS表达产生的黄酮共着色作用可能使华丽龙胆的花冠呈更稳定艳丽的蓝色,为蓝色花分子育种提供重要的基因资源。     

2′-Azido-2′-deoxy- and 2′-amino-2′-deoxy-β-d-arabino-furanosyl purine nucleosides

A general method for the preparation of 2′-azido-2′-deoxy- and 2′-amino-2′-deoxyarabinofuranosyl-adenine and -guanine nucleosides is described. Selective benzoylation of 3-azido-3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose afforded 3-azido-6-O-benzoyl-3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose (1). Acid hydrolysis of 1, followed by oxidation with sodium metaperiodate and hydrolysis by sodium hydrogencarbonate gave 2-azido-2-deoxy-5-O-benzoyl-d-arabinofuranose (3), which was acetylated to give 1,3-di-O-acetyl-2-azido-5-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-d-arabinofuranose (4). Compound 4 was converted into the 1-chlorides 5 and 6, which were condensed with silylated derivatives of 6-chloropurine and 2-acetamido-hypoxanthine. The condensation reaction gave α and β anomers of both 7- and 9-substituted purine nucleosides. The structures of the nucleosides were determined by n.m.r. and u.v. spectroscopy, and by correlation of the c.d. spectra of the newly prepared nucleosides with those published for known purine nucleosides.     

5′-Monohydroxyphylloquinone from Anacystis and Euglena

The monohydroxy analogue of phylloquinone found in Anacystis nidulans and Euglena gracilis has been characterized as 5′-monohydroxyphylloquinone by MS analysis.     

In vitro incorporation of 2′-deoxyadenosine and 3′-deoxyadenosine into yeast tRNAPhe using tRNA nucleotidyl transferase,and properties of tRNAPhe-C-C-2′dA and tRNAPhe-C-C-3′dA

2′-Deoxyadenosine and 3′-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) can be incorporated into the 3′-terminal position of tRNA^Phe by tRNA nucleotidyl transferase. tRNA^Phe-C-C-2′dA and tRNA^Phe-C-C-3′dA, missing the cis-diol group at the 3′-terminal end are resistant to periodate oxidation and are not able to form borate complexes. In aminoacylation experiments only the tRNA^Phe-C-C-3′dA proved to be chargeable.     

2′,4′-BNA/LNA aptamers: CE-SELEX using a DNA-based library of full-length 2′-O,4′-C-methylene-bridged/linked bicyclic ribonucleotides

DNA-based aptamers that contain 2′-O,4′-C-methylene-bridged/linked bicyclic ribonucleotides (B/L nucleotides) over the entire length were successfully obtained using a capillary electrophoresis systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CE-SELEX) method. A modified DNA library was prepared with an enzyme mix of KOD Dash and KOD mutant DNA polymerases. Forty 2′-O,4′-C-methylene bridged/locked nucleic acid (2′,4′-BNA/LNA) aptamers were isolated from an enriched pool and classified into six groups according to their sequence. 2′,4′-BNA/LNA aptamers of groups V and VI bound human thrombin with K_d values in the range of several 10 nanomolar levels.     

中国桔梗PgF3′5′H基因的克隆及表达分析

利用RT-PCR结合RACE技术,从中国桔梗(Platycodon grandiflorus)花朵中分离克隆了1个类黄酮-3′,5′-羟基化酶(flavonoid-3′,5′-hydroxylase,F3′5′H)基因的全长cDNA序列,命名为PgF3′5′H(GenBank登录号JQ403611)。PgF3′5′H基因全长1 787bp,包含1个编码532个氨基酸长为1 599bp的开放阅读框。蛋白序列比对显示,PgF3′5′H基因蛋白与其他物种的F3′5′H蛋白有很高的相似性,包含有CYP基序、Ⅰ螺旋区和血红素结合区等保守性序列,以及一段类似于风铃草F3′5′H蛋白的9个氨基酸的特殊区。半定量RT-PCR结果显示,PgF3′5′H的表达量随着花朵发育和花色素的出现而呈递增趋势,在花发育第四阶段的蓝色花蕾中达到最高,而在叶中不表达。研究推测,PgF3′5′H基因可能在中国桔梗蓝色花色素的生化合成途径中起重要作用。     

Effective gene silencing activity of prodrug-type 2′-O-methyldithiomethyl siRNA compared with non-prodrug-type 2′-O-methyl siRNA

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are an active agent to induce gene silencing and they have been studied for becoming a biological and therapeutic tool. Various 2′-O-modified RNAs have been extensively studied to improve the nuclease resistance. However, the 2′-O-modified siRNA activities were often decreased by modification, since the bulky 2′-O-modifications inhibit to form a RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We developed novel prodrug-type 2′-O-methyldithiomethyl (MDTM) siRNA, which is converted into natural siRNA in an intracellular reducing environment. Prodrug-type 2′-O-MDTM siRNAs modified at the 5′-end side including 5′-end nucleotide and the seed region of the antisense strand exhibited much stronger gene silencing effect than non-prodrug-type 2′-O-methyl (2′-O-Me) siRNAs. Furthermore, the resistances for nuclease digestion of siRNAs were actually enhanced by 2′-O-MDTM modifications. Our results indicate that 2′-O-MDTM modifications improve the stability of siRNA in serum and they are able to be introduced at any positions of siRNA.     

Six 2′-hydroxyflavonols from Gutierrezia microcephala

Six 2′-hydroxyflavonols were isolated from Gutierrezia microcephala, including four new compounds, 5,7,2′-trihydroxy-3,6,4′,5′-tetramethoxyflavone, 5,7,2′-trihydroxy-3,6,8,4′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone, 5,2′-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,4′,5′-hexamethoxyflavone and 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,8,5′-trimethxoyflavone and two known compounds, 5,7,2′,5′-tetrahydroxy-3,6,8,4′-tetramethoxyflavone and 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,6,8,5′-tetramethoxyflavone.     

Substrate Properties of Adenosine- and Uridine- 3′- Phenylphosphonates for 3′-Nucleotidase/Nucleases

Abstract

Adenosine- and uridine- 3′-phenylphosphonates have been synthesized and evaluated as substrates of 3′-nucleotidase/nucleases. No other nucleases hydrolyzed these compounds. Since V_max values for the adenosine derivative were comparable to those for 3 -AMP and the apparent K_m were 1.4–2.6 mM, it may be a useful substrate.

     

Synthesis and biophysical properties of 5′-thio-2′,4′-BNA/LNA oligonucleotide

Phosphorothioate modification of oligonucleotides is one of the most promising chemical modifications in nucleic acid therapeutics. Structurally similar 5′-thio or phosphorothiolate-modified nucleotides, in which the 5′-bridging oxygen atom is replaced with a sulfur atom, are attracting attention and gaining importance in oligonucleotide-based research. In our present study, we synthesized 5′-thio-2′,4′-BNA/LNA monomers bearing thymine or 5-methylcytosine nucleobase. The 5′-thio-2′,4′-BNA/LNA monomers were successfully incorporated into target oligonucleotides, and their nuclease stability and binding affinity with complementary strands were evaluated.     

Restriction endonucleases from Selenomonas ruminantium which recognize and cleave 5′-AT/TAAT-3′

Two natural isolates from fallow-deer rumen identified as Selenomonas ruminantium were found to produce a restriction endonuclease which we called Sru4DI. This enzyme was isolated from cell extracts by phosphocellulose chromatography. Analysis of the Sru4DI recognition site showed that Sru4DI recognizes the hexanucleotide sequence 5-AT/TAAT-3 generating 5 dinucleotide protruding ends upon cleavage and thus is a true isoschizomer of VspI, a restriction enzyme isolated from Vibrio sp.     

Polarity of meiotic gene conversion is 5′ to 3′ within the niaD gene of Aspergillus nidulans

We have examined polarity of meiotic gene conversion in the niiA-niaD gene cluster of Aspergillus nidulans in two-point crosses. The type and position of the mutations represented by the niaD alleles and the correlation between the relative frequency of gene conversion and the physical position of these mutations were determined. We show that polarity of meiotic gene conversion is 5 to 3 (transcribed strand) within the niaD gene. Additional crosses involving a niiA allele and a niaD allele show little polarity of gene conversion, which suggests that the recombination events leading to restoration of the niaD gene are initiated upstream of the coding region of the niaD gene but within the niiA-niaD gene cluster, possibly within the intergenic promoter region.     

Occurrence of a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-Phosphosulphate synthesizing system In two Ochromonas species

The presence of an enzyme capable of incorporating ³⁵SO₄^2? into 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulphate has been demonstrated,in Ochromonas danica and O. malhamensis. This system probably includes the enzymes ATP:sulphate adenyltransferase. E.C. 2.7.7.4 and ATP:adenylsulphate 3′-phosphotransferase, E.C. 2.7.1.25.     

Identification of guanosine 3′:5′-monophosphate in the fruit of Zizyphus jujuba

Evidence is presented here confirming the identification of guanosine 3′: 5′-monophosphate (c GMP) in the tissue of higher plants. The c GMP activity detected in fruits of Zizyphus jujuba was separated from the c AMP activity also present. The separated sample was extensively purified by Bio-Rad AG 1 × 4 and aluminium oxide CC, and by TLC. The purified sample showed the same physicochemical properties as authentic c GMP by TLC using different solvents and by UV spectroscopy, and was decomposable by cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterase. The identification was further supported by HPLC. The amount of c GMP present increases 90-fold during fruit ripening.     

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.     

Synthesis of 3′-Amino-3′-deoxyguanosine 5′-Triphosphate

Abstract

Phosphorylation of 2′-0-acetyl-3′-trifluoroacetamido-3′-deoxy-N²-palmitoylguanosine with N-morpholino-O, O-bis(1-benzotriazolyl)phos-phate gives a 5′-phosphotriester. Removal of the benzotriazolyl group and addition of pyrophosphoric acid gave, after deblocking all protecting groups, GTP(3′NH₂).     

Synthesis and release of adenosine 3′: 5′-cyclic monophosphate by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

One of the labeled compounds synthesized by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii when ³²Pi was supplied was isolated from both the cells and the medium in which the cells had grown. This compound copurified with authentic [8-³H]cAMP by TLC to a constant ratio of ³²P/³H. The compound was degraded by beef heart cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase to a product which cochromatographed with authentic 5′AMP, at the same rate as the hydrolysis of authentic cAMP-[³H] to 5′AMP-[³H]. In both cases, 1-Me-3-isoBu-xanthine, a specific inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase, totally blocked the reaction. It is concluded that the compound synthesized by C. reinhardtii was cAMP, 85% of which was released into the medium.     

Comparison of mutagenicity and chemical properties of N-methyl-N′-alkyl-N-nitrosoureas

Thed mutagenic activities of 11 N-methyl-N′-alkyl-N-nitrosoureas were tested on Samonellatyphimurium TA1535 and compared with chemical properties (alkylating activity and decompostion rate). In their relative mutagenicities the N-nitrosoureas that had a cyclic N′-alkyl group showed far more mutagenic activity than those having a chain N′-alkyl group. M(1-A)NU and M(2-A)NU, which had the most bulky N′-alkyl group in this series, exhibited lethal effects at high concentrations. The mutagenicity showed a small positive correlation with decomposition rates but not with alkylating activities on 4-(p-nitrobenzyl_prridine. The highest mutagenicity in this series was observed in N-methyl-N′-cyclobutyl-N-nitrosourea.These results suggest that, in this series of N-methyl-M′-alkyl-N-nitrosoureas, structural differences in the N′-alkyl groups had great significance in mutagenicity.