Synthesis of Modified RNA-Oligonucleotides for Structural Investigations

Abstract

RNA exhibits a higher structural diversity than DNA and is an important molecule in biology of life. It shows a number of secondary structures such as duplexes, hairpin loops, bulges, internal loops etc. However, in natural RNA, bases are limited to the four predominant structures U, C, A, and G and so the number of compounds that can be used for investigation of parameters of base stacking, base pairing and hydrogen bond, is limited. We synthesized different fluoromodifications of RNA building blocks: 1′-deoxy-1′-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-ß-D-ribofuranose (F), 1′-deoxy-1′-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-ß-D-ribofuranose (M) and 1′-deoxy-1′-(5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)-ß-D-ribofuranose (D). Those amidites were incorporated and tested in a defined A, U- rich RNA sequence (12-mer, 5′-CUU UUC XUU CUU-3′ paired with 3′-GAA AAG YAA GAA-5’) (Schweitzer, B.A.; Kool, E.T. Aromatic nonpolar nucleosides as hydrophobic isosters of pyrimidine and purine nucleosides. J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 7238 pp.). Only one position was modified, marked as X and Y respectively. UV melting profiles of those oligonucleotides were measured.     

Methylphosphonate Modified DNA Hairpin Loops

Abstract

We synthesized and analyzed DNA hairpin molecules with methylphosphonate linkages of defined stereochemistry in the loop region. Dinucleotide building blocks ApA and TpT (p indicating methylphosphonate linkage with either Rp or Sp configuration) were synthesized, separated into the diastereomers, and incorporated at three positions of the tetraloops 5′-CGCAAAAGCG-3′ and 5′-CGCTTTTGCG-3′. The oligonucleotides were analyzed for their melting behavior. With a Tm of 67.5°C the molecule 5′-CGCAAApAGCG-3′ with a Sp configurated methylphosphonate is distinctly more stable than the Rp configurated one (Tm = 60.5 °C) and the unmodified oligonucleotide (Tm = 64.5 °C). In contrast to double helical DNA where the substitution of a phosphorodiester by a Sp configurated methylphosphonate results in a lower Tm, in DNA hairpin the introduction of Sp and Rp methylphosphonates at specific positions can lead to a stabilization of the structure.     

Explicit Solvent Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Duplex Formed by the Modified Oligonucleotide with Alternating Phosphate/Phosphonate Internucleoside Linkages and its Natural Counterpart

Abstract

Impact of the internucleoside linkage modification by inserting a methylene group on the ability of the modified oligonucleotide to hybridize with a natural DNA strand was studied by fully solvated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three undecamer complexes were analyzed: natural dT₁₁.dA₁₁ duplex as a reference and two its analogs with alternating modified and natural linkages in the deoxyadenosine chain. The isopolar, non-isosteric modified linkages were of 5′-O-PO₂-CH₂-O-3′ (5′PC3′) or 5′-O-CH₂-PO₂-O-3′ (5′CP3′) type. Simulations were performed by using the AMBER 5.0 software package with the force field completed by a set of parameters needed to model the modified segments. Both modifications were found to lead to double helical complexes, in which the thymidine strand as well as deoxyriboses and unmodified linkages in the adenosine strand adopted conformations typical for the B-type structure. For each of the two conformational richer modified linkages two stable conformations were found at 300 K: the -ggt and ggt for the 5′PC3′ and ggg, tgg for the 5′CP3′, respectively. Both modified chains adopted helical conformations with heightened values of the inclination parameter but without affecting the Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis and NMR Spectra of Some New Carbohydrate Modified Uridine Phosphoramidites

Abstract

The one step reaction of 2′- and 3′-keto derivatives of uridine with bromodifluoromethyl[tris(dimethylamino)]phosphonium bromide and zinc gives the corresponding 2′- and 3′-difluoromethylene nucleosides in good yield. Desilylation and phosphitylation of the resultant 2′- or 3′-hydroxyls provides the target 2′- and 3′-phosphoramidites 7 and 8 for use in oligonucleotide synthesis¹.     

Synthesis of Modified Nucleosides. Palladium-Catalysed Couplings of Organostannanes or Organoboranes with Pyrimidine Nucleosides

Abstract

Coupling of suitably protected 5-iodouridine or 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine with either arylboronic acids or aryltrimethylstannanes in the presence of a palladium catalyst gave moderate yields of the corresponding 5-aryluridines and 5-aryC2′-deoxyuridines. 5-Hydroxyuridine was converted into 5-(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)uridine in good yield and the triacetate of this modified nucleoside also underwent palladium-catalysed couplings with a variety of organostannanes to produce the 5-substituted uridine in excellent yield.     

Phosphate Modified Analogues of 5′-O-Phosphorylated 2′,3′-Dideoxynucleosides: Synthesis and Anti-HIV Activity

Abstract

Phosphonate analogues of 5′-O-phosphoryl-2′,3′-dideoxyribofuranosyl adenine, cytosine, hypoxanthine and thymine were synthesized. The hypoxanthine and thymine analogues were inactive against HIV induced cyopathy in the CEM-4 T-cell lines. The 2′,3′-ddC and 2′,3′-ddA analogues were marginally active.     

Reasons and Limits of Substrate Activity of Modified L-dNTP in DNA Biosynthesis

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental analysis of interaction of modified D- and L- dNTP as substrates for template-dependent and template-independent DNA polymerases was performed. It is shown that if the modified nucleoside 5′-triphosphates do not contain a substituent in position 3′ DNA chains can be extended by both strereoisomeric series with the same kinetic parameters. But the presence of even a 3′- hydroxy group in L-dNTP prevents their incorporation into the DNA chain.     

Protein and RNA of Human Telomerase as Targets for Modified Oligonucleotides

Abstract

Chimeric oligodeoxynucleotides containing phosphorothioate and N3′→P5′phosphoramidate linkages were synthesized. These oligomers show a high inhibitory activity against human telomerase.     

Synthesis of Uridylyl (3′-5′) Uridine Derivatives Containing 5-(Methylamino-Methyl) Uridine as A Modified Nucleoside Found from E. COLI Minor tRNAArg

Abstract

5-(Methylaminomethyl)uridine-containing uridylyl (3′-5′) uridine derivatives (14, 26, and 29), which were the original and modified sequences corresponding to the first letter (position 34) and the 5′-upper ribonucleoside (position 33) in the anticodon loop of minor tRNA^Arg, have been synthesized via 5-(methylaminomethyl)uridine derivatives (4 and 24).     

A Novel and Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Free 5′-Thiol Modified Oligonucleotides

Abstract

The synthesis of free 5′-thiol-modified oligonucleotides using a 4,4′,4″-trimethoxytrityl (TMTr)-protected linker and standard Poly-Pak^TM purification has been described.     

An Extended Phosphate Linkage: Synthesis,Hybridization and Modeling Studies of Modified Oligonucleotides

Abstract

Novel stretched oligonucleotides (A-D) containing a 3′-α-C-methylene phosphodiester bridge (5-atoms long) have been synthesized on an automated synthesizer utilizing phosphoramidite chemistry. The key building-block 1-[3′-O-β-cyanoethyldiisopropylaminophosphiryl-2,3-dideoxy-5-O-dimethoxytriphenylmethyl-3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-β-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl]thymine (21) was prepared in a stereoselective manner from thymidine. Hybridization studies indicated a drop (1.8–3.0°C/mod.) in affinity for the complementary RNA and DNA targets. Molecular modeling results indicated that the 5-atom modified backbone had a different geometry around the phosphodiester linkage compared to the natural phosphodiester linkage. The stretched backbone may not be useful for antisense or triplex constructs, however it may find applications in biochemical/enzyme studies.

     

2′-Deoxynucleoside 5′-Triphosphates with Reporter Groups Modified at α-, β,γ- or γ-Phosphates as Substrates for DNA Polymerases

Abstract

The presence of reporter or ligand groups in 2′-deoxynucleoside 5′-triphosphates (dNTP) makes it possible to monitor the diffusion of these compounds into cell and to observe their incorporation into DNA. Here we present the synthesis of new dNTPs modified at α-, β,γ- or γ-phosphates of types I-IV, and containing reporter or ligand groups at the C5 position of dUTP.     

Nucleosides,LVIII1 Synthesis of Base - Modified Oligonucleotides Containing 6- and 7-Aryl Lumazines

Abstract

6-Phenyl-, 7-phenyl-, 6-(4-biphenyl)- 7-(4-biphenyl)lumazine N-1-2-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosides were synthesized, then converted into the corresponding 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-3′-O-(β-cyanoethyl, N,N-diisopropyl)phosphoramidites and incorporated into different positions of self-complementary oligonucleotides. The influence of modifications on the melting temparature of the resulting duplexes was studied.

     

A Short High Yielding Synthesis of the Potent Anti-VZV Carbocyclic Nucleoside Analogue Carba-BVDU

Abstract

A short high yielding synthesis of the potent anti-varicella-zoster virus (VZV) carbocyclic nucleoside analogue carba-BVDU 1 starting from aminodiol 2 is described. Reaction of 2 with acyl carbamate 3 and subsequent ring closure under acidic conditions afforded 5-ethyl-2′-deoxy-4′a-carbauridine 5. In situ acetylation of 5 afforded 3′,5′-di-O-acetyl-5-ethyl-2′-deoxy-4′a-carbauridine 6 in 78% overall yield from 2. Radical bromination of 6 with either bromine or NBS and subsequent treatment with triethylamine gave an efficient conversion to 3′,5′-di-O-acetyl-5-(E)-(2-bromovinyl)-2′-deoxy-4′a-carbauridine 7. Deacetylation of 7 afforded 1 in an overall 45–53% yield from 2.     

Synthesis and Testing of New Modified Nucleosides

Abstract

New efficient routes for the high-yielding synthesis of several classes of modified nucleosides have been developed. We have prepared both the D- and L-enantiomers of the methylene-expanded oxetanocin isonucleosides 1a-c and the L-2′,3′-dideoxy isonucleosides 2abc (both the oxa and thia analgoues) as well as new routes for the preparation of L-ribose and 2-deoxy L-ribose 3ab and their modified nucleosides 4.     

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.     

Synthesis of 2′-Substituted Sulfide-Linked Dinucleotides

Abstract

3′-Deoxy-3′-(2-mesyloxyethyl)ribofuranosylthymine derivative 3, and its 2′-methoxy (16) and 2′-deoxy (38) analogs were condensed with 5′-deoxy-5′-thiothymidine 4 and 17 or 2′-O-methyl-5′-deoxy-5′-thiouridine 34 and 37 to provide, after standard functional group transformations, thymidine-thymidine and uridine-thymidine dimers 9, 21, 43 and 47. Oxidation of model sulfide dimer 48 with oxone gave sulfone 49. It was not stable to 27% ammonia.     

Binding of Bis-linked Netropsin Derivatives in the Parallel-Stranded Hairpin Form to DNA

Abstract

Cis-diammine Pt(II)- bridged bis-netropsin and oligomethylene-bridged bis-netropsin in which two monomers are linked in a tail-to-tail manner bind to the DNA oligomer with the sequence 5′-CCTATATCC-3′ in a parallel-stranded hairpin form with a stoichiometry 1:1. The difference circular dichroism (CD) spectra characteristic of binding of these ligands in the hairpin form are similar. They differ from CD patterns obtained for binding to the same duplex of another bis-netropsin in which two netropsin moieties were linked in a head-to-tail manner. This reflects the fact that tail-to-tail and head-to-tail bis-netropsins use parallel and antiparallel side-by-side motifs, respectively, for binding to DNA in the hairpin forms. The binding affinity of cis -diammine Pt(II)- bridged bis-netropsin in the hairpin form to DNA oligomers with nucleotide sequences 5′-CCTATATCC-3′ (I), 5′-CCTTAATCC-3′ (II), 5′-CCTTATTCC-3′ (III), 5′-CCTTTTTCC-3′ (IV) and 5′-CCAATTTCC-3′ (V) decreases in the order I = II > III > IV> V. The binding of oligomethylene-bridged bis-netropsin in the hairpin form follows a similar hierarchy. An opposite order of sequence preferences is observed for partially bonded monodentate binding mode of the synthetic ligand.     

Synthesis and Antiherpetic Activities of Several Acyclic Analogues Of Guanosine

Abstract

Several acyclic analogues of guanosine, 2′-deoxy-2′, 3′-secoguanosine(3), 3′-deoxy-2′, 3′-secoguanosine (4), and 2′-, 3′-dideoxy-2′-, 3′-secoguanosine were synthesized from guanosine. In addition, the 3′-, 5′-cyclic phosphate (21) and 3′-, 5′-cyclic methylphosphonates (22a, b) of 3 were also prepared. At concentrations up to 300 μM none of these compounds had significant antiherpetic activity in antiviral assays in vitro.     

Nucleosides and Nucleotides. 104. Radical and Palladium-Catalyzed Deoxygenation of the Allylic Alcohol Systems in the Sugar Moiety of Pyrimidine Nucleosides§,1

Abstract

New methods for the synthesis of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-2′ (and 3′)-methyl-5-methyluridines and 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′ (and 3′)-methylidene pyrimidine nucleosides have been developed from the corresponding 2′ (and 3′)-deoxy-2′ (and 3′)-methylidene pyrimidine nucleosides. Treatment of a 3′-deoxy-3′-methylidene-5-methyluridine derivative 8 with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidazole gave the allylic rearranged 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-[(imidazol-1-yl)carbonylthiomethyl] derivative 24. On the other hand, reaction of 8 with methyloxalyl chloride afforded 2′-O-methyloxalyl ester 25. Radical deoxygenation of both 24 and 25 gave 26 exclusively. Palladium-catalyzed reduction of 2′,5′-di-O-acetyl-3′-deoxy-3′-methylidene-5-methyluridine (32) with triethylammonium formate as a hydride donor regioselectively afforded the 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-methylidene derivative 35 and 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-methyl derivative 34 in a ratio of 95:5 in 78% yield. These reactions were used on the corresponding 2′-deoxy-2′-methylidene derivatives. An alternative synthesis of 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′-methylidene pyrimidine nucleosides (43, 52, and 54) was achieved from the corresponding 1-(3-deoxy-β-D-thero-pentofuranosyl)pyrimidines (44 and 45). The cytotoxicity against L1210 and KB cells and inhibitory activity of the pathogenicity of HIV-1 are also described