3′-Terminal Modification of Oligonucleotides Using a Universal Solid Support

Abstract

A practical method to prepare 3′-terminally labeled oligonucleotides using a universal solid support (1) was developed. This novel method was demonstrated by incorporating thirteen different label moieties on the 3′-terminus of a common (dT)₇ sequence. Label incorporations were verified by ion exchange HPLC analysis and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry.     

The 3'-terminal nucleotide sequences of lambda DNA

The base sequences of the 3′-termini of coliphage λ DNA have been analyzed by a new technique. Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I was used to add a single radioactive nucleotide to the 3′-OH terminus of one of the DNA strands. The DNA was then digested with pancreatic DNase I, and the resulting oligonucleotides were separated by two dimensional ionophoresis. Terminal oligonucleotides were identified by the presence of the radioactive label, and the base sequence of the labelled terminus was deduced from the base compositions of the terminal di-, tri-, tetra-, etc., oligonucleotides. It is found that the left 3′-terminus of λ DNA ends with the sequence d(pCpGpCpG) and the right 3′-terminus ends with the sequence d(pCpG).     

A Novel Versatile Phosphoramidite Building Block for the Synthesis of 5′- and 3′-Hydrazide Modified Oligonucleotides

We introduce a novel versatile phosphoramidite building block for the modification of oligonucleotides (ONs) with acyl hydrazides on the 5′- or 3′-terminus, or both. The reaction of these hydrazide functionalized ONs with 4-methoxyphenylaldehyde is demonstrated for solution derivatization. Hydrazides are considered nowadays as promising reactants, which show enhanced reactivity at neutral and slightly acidic conditions and higher stability of yielding products as compared to the aliphatic amines, which are broadly used for ONs derivatization.

Our method to introduce hydrazides into ONs employs a phosphoramidite modifier designed to split, during ammonia or lithium hydroxide treatment, into two hydrazides via β-elimination of a central bis-2-carbonylethoxysulfone unit. It allows the creation of ONs derivatized with a hydrazide moiety at the 5′-, 3′- and both 5′- and 3′-termini, as well as two different hydrazide containing ONs at the same time, viz. in one sequence on the same solid support. In latter case one can, for example, synthesize two hydrazide containing ONs, where one is 5′-modified and second one is 3′-modified.     

Synthesis of Oligonucleotide Conjugates with the Aid of N-Chloroacetamidohexyl Phosphoramidite Reagent

Abstract

A novel phosphoramidite building block derived from N-chloroacetyl-6-aminohexanol is attached at the 5′-terminus on the last step of oligonucleotide synthesis. Postsynthetic treatment of support-bound modified oligonucleotides with a variety of amines and mercaptanes affords oligonucleotide conjugates in a high yield.     

The elongation factor Tu·GTPase reaction: Effect of 2′(3′)-O-aminoacyl oligoribonucleotides

The activity of synthetic (2′(3′)-O-aminoacyl trinucleotides, C-C-A-Phe, C-C-U-Phe, C-U-A-Phe, U-C-A-Phe and C-A-A-Phe, in promoting the EF-Tu·70 S ribosome-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis was investigated. It was found that the activity decreases in the order C-C-A-Phe > C-U-A-Phe > U-C-A-Phe > C-A-A-Phe ⪢ C-C-U-Phe. Thus, the substitution in ‘natural’ C-C-A sequence with other nucleobases weakens binding of 2′(3′)-O-aminoacyl trinucleotides to EF-Tu, with the substitution at the 3′-position having the most profound effect. Since the 2′(3′)-O-aminoacyl oligonucleotides mimic the effect of the aa-tRNA 3′-terminus on EF-Tu·GTPase, it follows that EF-Tu probably directly recognizes structure of nucleobases in the aa-tRNA 3′-terminus, with the 3′-terminal adenine playing the most important role.     

Concise Synthesis of Triazole-Linked 5′-Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates by Click Chemistry

A concise synthesis of oligonucleotide 5′-peptide-conjugates via copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in aqueous solution is described. Synthesis of reagents was accomplished by on-column derivatization of corresponding peptides and oligonucleotides. This method is well suited for the preparation of peptide–oligonucleotide conjugates containing 1,2,3-triazole linkage between the 5′-position of an oligonucleotide and the N-terminus of a peptide.     

Excision of β-L- and β-D-Nucleotide Analogs From DNA by p53 Protein

Abstract

The tumor suppressor p₅₃ protein plays a critical role in the cell-cycle progression. The role of the 3′-to-5′ exonuclease activity of p53 protein in the DNA repair process remains elusive. Using an in vitro exonuclease assay and defined oligonucleotides terminated with β-D- and β-L-nucleoside analogs at the 3′-terminus, we studied the ability of p53 protein to excise β-L- and β-D-nucleoside analogs which have anticancer or antiviral potential. p53 protein removes β-D-nucleoside analogs more efficiently compared to that of β-L-nucleoside analogs. The affinity of p53 protein for an β-L-nucleotide terminated primer was 5 fold lower compared to non-modified primer. The hypothesis on an important role of the 3′-to-5′ exonuclease activity of p53 protein in the action of nucleoside analogs was proposed.     

Solid Phase Synthesis of 2′, 5′-Oligoadenylates Containing 3′-Fluorinated Ribose

Abstract

2′, 5′-phosphodiester bond-linked oligoadenylate trimers with 3′-fluoro-3′-deoxyadenosine residues incorporated at specific positions of the nucleotide sequence were synthesized by the solid phase phosphite triester (phosphoramidite) method. The syntheses were in the 2′ to 5′ direction and were performed manually using commercially available microcolumns. The oligonucleotides were 5′-end phosphorylated on the support before deprotection.     

Synthesis and Properties of Some (2′-5′) Linked Dinucleoside Monophosphates Modified with 3′-Difluoromethylene Groups

Abstract

The title dimers were prepared to investigate conditions required for the synthesis of 3′-difluoromethylene modified oligonucleotides on solid support. As a result a new synthetic cycle was developed that enabled the solid phase synthesis of the modified oligonucleotides.     

2′-C-Cyano-2′-deoxy-1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (CNDAC): A Mechanism-Based DNA-Strand-Breaking Antitumor Nucleoside1

Abstract

The antitumor mechanism of action of 2′-C-cyano-2′-deoxy-1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (CNDAC) has been examined. CNDAC was designed as a potentially DNA-self-strand-breaking nucleoside. It had potent antitumor effects against various solid tumors in vitro as well as in vivo. Using a chain-extension method with Vent (exo^?) DNA polymerase and a short primer/template system, we found that 5′-triphosphate of CNDAC (CNDACTP) was incorporated into the primer at a site opposite a guanine residue in the template. After further chain-extension reaction of the primer containing CNDAC at the 3′-terminus, chain elongation was not observed. Therefore, CNDACTP appeared to act as a chain-terminator. Analyses of the structure of the 3′-terminus in the primer revealed 2′-C-cyano-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (ddCNC) together with CNDAC and 2′-C-cyano-2′-deoxy-1-β-d-ribofuranosylcytosine (CNDC). The existence of ddCNC in the 3′-end of the primer would be due to the self-strand-break by the nucleotide incorporated next to CNDAC. We also found that CNDAC was epimerized to CNDC in near-neutral to alkaline media. Therefore, CNDC found in the primer was epimerized after incorporation of CNDACTP into the primer. We also described the metabolism of CNDAC.     

Doxifluridine-conjugated 2-5A analog shows strong RNase L activation ability and tumor suppressive effect

RNase L is activated by 2′,5′-oligoadenylates (2-5A) at subnanomolar levels to cleave single-stranded RNA. We previously reported the hypothesis that the introduction of an 8-methyladenosine residue at the 2′-terminus of the 2-5A tetramer shifts the 2-5A binding site of RNase L. In this study, we synthesized various 5′-modified 2-5A analogs with 8-methyladenosine at the 2′-terminus. The doxifluridine-conjugated 8-methyladenosine-substituted 2-5A analog was significantly more effective as an activator of RNase L than the parent 5′-monophophorylated 2-5A tetramer and showed a tumor suppressive effect against human cervical cancer cells.     

PREPARATION OF OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDE 5′-TRIPHOSPHATES USING SOLID SUPPORT APPROACH

We report a synthetic procedure for conversion of oligonucleotides to their 5′-triphosphate derivatives with moderate yield. The oligonucleotides were synthesized on solid support using standard phosphoramidite protocols. The DMT protection group was removed and the 5′-OH was phosphitylated using 2-chloro-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin-4-one followed by reaction with tributyammonium pyrophosphate and iodine oxidation. After subsequent removal from support and complete deprotection, the products were isolated by anion-exchange HPLC chromatography. Structures of several 5′-triphosphate derivatives have been proven by phosphorus NMR, Mass-spectrometry and by HPLC comparison with authentic samples.     

Sequence analysis of small amounts of nonradioactive oligoribonucleotides containing ribose-methylated nucleosides by a combination of 3H- and 32P-labeling techniques

The oligonucleotides A-G-A-Cm-U and Gm-A-A-Y-A-ψ were used as model compounds to demonstrate how the complete nucleotide sequence of small amounts of nonradioactive oligoribonucleotides (0.2–0.3 nmol) can be derived by a combination of ³H-labeling procedures previously published and a new method for the characterization of 2′-O-methylated nucleosides based on enzymatic ³²P labeling. The newly developed method for the identification of ribose-methylated nucleosides entails ³²P labeling by [γ-³²P]ATP/polynucleotide kinase of the 5′-terminus of a ribonuclease T₂-stable 2′-O-methylated dinucleotide derived from the polyribonucleotide, conversion of the labeled dinucleotide to the ³²P-labeled 2′-O-methylated nucleoside 5′-monophosphate, and identification of the monophosphate by its chromatographic properties on a polyethyleneimine-cellulose thin layer. The novel method is simple, fast, and sensitive and, at present, represents the only way by which ribose-methylated nucleosides can be analyzed in small amounts (0.01 nmol) of nonradioactive oligonculeotides or RNA.     

A convenient solid phase approach to obtain lipophilic 5′-phosphoramidate derivatives of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides

This paper explores the potential of a modified phosphotriester approach to the synthesis of 5′-phosphoramidate derivatives of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. The modification of 5′-deprotected support-bound oligonucleotides is done in two steps: i) conversion of the 5′-OH group of an oligonucleotide into an activated phosphodiester, and ii) treatment of the activated phosphodiester with an aminocompound. The approach is efficient and compatible with conventional solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis. It can be used for the conjugation of therapeutically relevant oligonucleotides with functional moieties or carrier constructions, which are to be removed after endocytosis.     

Quantitation of non-amplified genomic DNA by bead-based hybridization and template mediated extension coupled to alkaline phosphatase signal amplification

Klenow I polymerase activity was combined with solid phase DNA hybridization to detect non-amplified genomic DNA (gDNA) sequences from Escherichia coli. Aminopropyl-controlled pore glass surface-bound oligonucleotides were hybridized to fragmented gDNA. The template-mediated extension at the 3′-terminus of the immobilized probe was then promoted in the presence of Klenow I polymerase and digoxigenin-labeled nucleotides. Detection of the extended probes was accomplished with an anti-digoxigenin alkaline phosphatase conjugate protocol coupled to colorimetric or fluorescent detection. Using the colorimetric protocol, the proof-of-concept was established. The fluorescence-based methodology, on the other hand, provided the basis for a quantitative interpretation of the data, affording a detection limit of 5 pM gDNA.     

Nucleotide sequence of 4.5S RNA (C8 or hY5) from HeLa cells

The nucleotide sequence of C8 RNA, one of the 4.5S RNAs of HeLa cells, was determined. C8 RNA consists of 83 or 84 nucleotide residues containing pppA at its 5′-terminus and oligo U at its 3′-terminus. This RNA is rich in uridylate residues (about 38%) and does not have any modified nucleosides. C8 RNA is present mainly in the cytoplasm, with some in the nucleus and the C8 RNAs from the nucleus and cytoplasm have the same sequence.     

Inhibition of the peptidyl transferase A-site function by 2'-O-aminoacyloligonucleotides

New “non-isomerizable” analogs of the 3′-terminus of AA-tRNA, C-A(2′Phe)H, C-A(2′Phe)Me, C-A(2′H)Phe and C-A(2′Me)Phe, were tested as acceptor substrates of ribosomal peptidyl transferase and inhibitors of the peptidyl transferase A-site function. The 3′-O-AA-derivatives were active acceptors of Ac-Phe in the peptidyl transferase reaction, while the 2′-O-AA-derivatives were completely inactive. Both 2′- and 3′-O-AA-derivatives were potent inhibitors of peptidyl transferase catalyzed Ac-Phe transfer to puromycin. The results indicate that although peptidyl transferase exclusively utilizes 3′-O-esters of tRNA as acceptor substrates, its A-site can also recognize the 3′-terminus of 2′-O-AA-tRNA.     

Polymer supported synthesis of aminooxyalkylated oligonucleotides,and some applications in the fabrication of microarrays

A new protocol has been described for solid phase preparation of 3′- and 5′-aminooxylalkylated oligonucleotides using commercially available reagents. This involves attachment of linker 4 either with an LCAA-CPG support via succinoylation followed by synthesis (3′-aminooxyalkylated oligomers) or formation of its phosphoramidite 6 followed by coupling with desired oligomer (for generating 5′-aminooxyalkylated oligomers). Both the routes produced modified oligonucleotides in sufficiently high yields and purity (on HPLC) via conventional oligonucleotide synthesis on an automated synthesizer and deprotection step using aqueous ammonia (16 h, 60 °C). Aminooxyalkylated oligonucleotides were used to construct microarrays on glass surface (biochips). The performance of the biochips was evaluated by immobilizing modified oligonucleotides on epoxylated glass microslides under different sets of conditions with respect to pH, temperature and time. Further, the constructed microarrays were successfully used for detection of nucleotide mismatches and bacterial typhoid.