DO THE 16 MER, 5′-GUGGUCUGAUGAGGCC-3′ AND THE 25 MER, 5′-GGCCGAAACUCGUAAGAGUCACCAC-3′, FORM A HAMMERHEAD RIBOZYME STRUCTURE IN PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS? AN NMR AND UV THERMODYNAMIC STUDY

In a wide range of salt concentrations, 10–30 mM phosphate buffer containing up to 0.5 M Li₂SO₄ and 300 mM NaCl, 7.5 mM Mg²⁺, pH 5.5–7.5, a mixture of the 16 mer and the 25 mer RNA strands does not form a hammerhead in any amount detectable by NMR at 600 MHz. The imino-, amino-, aromatic- and anomeric protons in the NMR spectra of both the 16 mer and the 25 mer RNA have been assigned separately. Both the 16 mer and the 25 mer RNA both take up very stable hairpin structures, and when mixed together there is no major change of conformation in neither oligo-RNA.     

Template Activity of Oligoribonucleotides Synthesized by the Phosphoramidite Method Using 2′-O-Tetrahydrofuranyl and 2′-O-Tetrahydropyranyl Protecting Groups

Abstract

Solid-phase synthesis and functional activity of oligoribonucleotides containing native and modified translation initiation region (TIR) of phage MS2 and fr RNA replicase gene have been investigated.     

Synthesis and Activity of Modified Cytidine 5′-Monophosphate Probes for T4 RNA Ligase 1

We describe the synthesis of a series of unique base modified ligation probes such as p(5′)C-4-ethylenediamino 3, p(5′)C-4-biotin 4, and pre-adenylated form A(5′)pp(5′)C-4-biotin 6 and tested their biological activity with T4 RNA ligase 1 using a standard pCp probe 1 as a control. The intermolecular ligation assay was developed using a 5′-FAM labeled 24 mer single-stranded (ss) RNA and the average ligation efficiencies for pCp 1, p(5′)C-4-ethylenediamino 3, p(5′)C-4-biotin 4, and pre-adenylated form A(5′)pp(5′)C-4-biotin 6 were found to be 44%, 81%, 39% and 16% respectively, as determined using a denaturing gel analysis. Furthermore, confirmation of the ligation activity of the biotinylated probes to the RNA substrate was confirmed by streptavidin conjugation and analysis by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. These results strongly suggest that the new probes are valid substrates for T4 RNA ligase 1 and therefore could be useful for developing a miRNA detection system that includes rapid isolation, efficient labeling and detection of miRNAs on sensitivity-enhanced microarrays.     

Synthesis,thermal stability and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis of the oligonucleotides containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-2'-O-methyluridines

The synthesis of oligonucleotides (ODNs) containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-2′-O-methyluridine (D) is described, and thermal stability and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis of the ODNs are compared with ODNs containing 5-(N-aminohexyl)carbamoyl-2′-deoxyuridine (H). The ODNs containing D and the complementary RNA demonstrated a duplex thermal stabilization of 0.4–3.9°C per modification depending on the position and the number, while the ODNs containing H with the RNA showed slightly less effective thermal stabilization. Further more, the ODNs containing D were found to be more resistant to nucleolytic hydrolysis, not only by snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVPD; a 3′-exonuclease) but also by DNase I (an endonuclease). The half-life of the 17mer containing five molecules of D against nucleolytic hydrolysis by SVPD was 240 times greater than the unmodified 17mer ODN, which is 1.8 times greater than the ODN containing 5Hs in the same sequence. Against DNase I, the same ODN containing 5Ds was 24 times greater stable than the unmodified 17mer and 15 times more stable than the ODN containing 5Hs. We also examined whether the duplexes formed by the ODNs containing D and the complementary RNAs could be a substrate of Escherichia coli RNase H. It was revealed that a minimum of five contiguous unmodified 2′-deoxyribonucleosides between Ds was required to constitute a substrate of E.coli RNase H. Thus, the ODN with Ds and at least five contiguous unmodified 2′-deoxyribonucleosides between Ds was found to be a candidate for a novel antisense molecule.     

DNA Conjugates as Novel Functional Oligonucleotides

Abstract

Oligodeoxynucleotides with RNA cleavage activity 1) were conjugated with amines and peptides by solid phase fragment condensation (SPFC). It was found that 29 mer DNA enzyme conjugated with spermine at its 5′-end showed higher affinity to the target RNA sequence and 40 times higher activity of cleavage than native DNA enzyme. It is also to be noted that conjugate DNA enzymes showed increased resistance against nuclease digestion     

A novel cGUUAg tetraloop structure with a conserved yYNMGg-type backbone conformation from cloverleaf 1 of bovine enterovirus 1 RNA

The 5′-terminal cloverleaf (CL)-like RNA structures are essential for the initiation of positive- and negative-strand RNA synthesis of entero- and rhinoviruses. SLD is the cognate RNA ligand of the viral proteinase 3C (3C^pro), which is an indispensable component of the viral replication initiation complex. The structure of an 18mer RNA representing the apical stem and the cGUUAg D-loop of SLD from the first 5′-CL of BEV1 was determined in solution to a root-mean-square deviation (r.m.s.d.) (all heavy atoms) of 0.59 Å (PDB 1Z30). The first (antiG) and last (synA) nucleotide of the D-loop forms a novel ‘pseudo base pair’ without direct hydrogen bonds. The backbone conformation and the base-stacking pattern of the cGUUAg-loop, however, are highly similar to that of the coxsackieviral uCACGg D-loop (PDB 1RFR) and of the stable cUUCGg tetraloop (PDB 1F7Y) but surprisingly dissimilar to the structure of a cGUAAg stable tetraloop (PDB 1MSY), even though the cGUUAg BEV D-loop and the cGUAAg tetraloop differ by 1 nt only. Together with the presented binding data, these findings provide independent experimental evidence for our model [O. Ohlenschläger, J. Wöhnert, E. Bucci, S. Seitz, S. Häfner, R. Ramachandran, R. Zell and M. Görlach (2004) Structure, 12, 237–248] that the proteinase 3C^pro recognizes structure rather than sequence.     

NMR studies of the structure and Mg2+ binding properties of a conserved RNA motif of EMCV picornavirus IRES element

The structure and Mg²⁺ binding properties of a conserved 75mer RNA motif of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element of encephalomyocarditis virus picornavirus have been investigated by ¹H-NMR and UV melting experiments. The assignment of the imino proton resonances with characteristic chemical shift dispersion for canonical and non-canonical base pairs confirmed the predicted secondary structure of the 75mer and its fragments. Addition of Mg²⁺ resulted in a dramatic increase in apparent melting temperature, with the 75mer RNA registering the biggest increase, from 63 to 80°C, thus providing evidence for enhanced stability arising from Mg²⁺ binding. Similarly, addition of Mg²⁺ induced selective changes to the chemical shifts of the imino protons of a GCGA tetraloop in the 75mer, that is essential for IRES activity, thereby highlighting a possible structural role for Mg²⁺ in the folding of the 75mer. Significantly, the same protons show retarded exchange to water solvent, even at elevated temperature, which suggest that Mg²⁺ induces a conformational rearrangement of the 75mer. Thus, we propose that Mg²⁺ serves two important roles: (i) enhancing thermodynamic stability of the 75mer RNA (and its submotifs) via non-specific interactions with the phosphate backbone and (ii) promoting the folding of the 75mer RNA by binding to the GCGA tetraloop.     

Binding of Chemically-Modified Oligonucleotides to the Double-Stranded Stem of an RNA Hairpin

Abstract

We monitored the binding of triplex-forming oligopyrimidines to the double-stranded stem of the RNA hairpin responsible for the gag-pol frameshift in HIV-1. Whereas the substitution of 5, propynyl-C for C had a limited effect, the use of a Peptide Nucleic Acid 12mer led to a drastic reduction in the stability of the oligomer/RNA complex.     

Synthesis of the Oligoribonucleotides Incorporating 8-Oxo-Guanosine and Evaluation of their Base Pairing Properties

6-O-7-N-Bis(diphenylcarbamoyl)-2-N-phenoxyacetyl-5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-O-{[(triisopropyl- silyl)oxy]methyl}-8-oxoguanosine-3′-yl-β-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropylphosphoramidite (5) was synt- hesized as a new phosphoramidite precursor unit for the synthesis of RNA. Compound 5 was successfully incorporated into the middle of the RNA sequences, and the synthesized RNAs were identified by MALDI-TOF mass measurements. Their properties were evaluated for formation of the RNA duplex and RNA/DNA heteroduplex. ORNs 1 and 4 containing 8-oxo-G can form base pairs with rC or dC in an anti conformation, while it can also interact with rA or dA in a syn conformation in the RNA duplex or RNA/DNA heteroduplex. The described synthetic method is therefore a useful procedure for the synthesis of ORN containing 8-oxo-G and contributes to the study of 8-oxo-G in RNA.     

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing conformationally constrained abasic sites: a UV and fluorescence spectroscopic investigation on duplex stability and structure

The synthesis and incorporation into oligodeoxy­nucleotides of two novel, conformationally restricted abasic (AB) site analogs are described. The stability of oligonucleotide 18mer duplexes containing one such AB site opposite any of the four natural DNA bases was investigated by UV melting curve analysis and compared to that of duplexes containing a conformationally flexible propanediol unit 1 or a tetrahydrofuran unit 2 as an AB site analog. No major differences in the melting temperatures (ΔT_m 0–3°C) between the different abasic duplexes were observed. All AB duplexes were found to have T_ms that were lower by 9–15°C relative to a fully matched 18mer control duplex, and by 4–10°C relative to the corresponding 19mer duplexes in which the AB site is replaced by a mismatched nucleobase. Thus we conclude that the loss of stability of a duplex that is encountered by removal of a nucleobase from the stack cannot be compensated with conformational restriction of the AB site. From the van’t Hoff transition enthalpies obtained from the melting curves, it appears that melting cooperativity is higher for the duplexes containing the conformationally rigid AB sites. Fluorescence quenching experiments with duplexes containing the fluorescent base 2-amino­purine (2AP) opposite the AB sites showed a weak tendency towards more efficient stacking of this base in duplexes containing the conformationally constrained AB sites. Thus, such AB sites may structurally stabilize the cavity formed by the removal of a base. Potential applications emerging from the properties of such conformationally constrained AB sites in DNA diagnostics are discussed.     

Thermodynamics of Site-Specific Variant tRNAAla Acceptor Stem Microhairpins

Abstract

Thermal denaturation studies were carried out on a set of site-specific variants of a 22mer RNA hairpin comprising the aminoacyl acceptor stem sequence of E. coli tRNA^Ala. The pairing thermodynamics were calculated from the melting profiles.     

Chemical and enzymatic incorporation of N2-(p-n-butylphenyl)-2''-deoxyguanosine into an oligodeoxyribonucleotide.

An 18mer oligodeoxyribonucleotide containing a N2-(p-n-butylphenyl)-2'-deoxyguanosine (BuPdG) residue at the 3' end has been synthesized by both chemical and enzymatic methods. Chemical synthesis involved attachment of 5'-DMT-BuPdG as the 3'-H-phosphonate to uridine-controlled pore glass (CPG), followed by extension via H-phosphonate chemistry. After oxidation of the backbone, deprotection of bases, and removal from CPG, the uridine residue was removed by periodate cleavage and beta-elimination. The resulting oligomer 3'-phosphate was digested with alkaline phosphatase to give the free BuPdG-18mer. E.coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow) incorporated BuPdGTP at the 3' end of the corresponding 17mer primer annealed to a complementary 29mer template, and the properties of this product were identical to those of chemically synthesized BuPdG-18mer. E.coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow) was unable to extend the BuPdG-18mer, and the 3' to 5' exonuclease activity of the enzyme was unable to remove the modified nucleotide.     

Synthesis and Hybridization Properties of Oligonucleotides Containing (2 S ,3 R )-9-(2,3,4-Trihydroxybutyl)Adenine

The synthesis and properties of oligonucleotides (ONs) containing 9-(2,3,4-trihydroxybutyl)adenine, A ^C2 and A ^C3, are described. The ON containing A ^C2 involves the 3′ → 4′ and 3′ → 5′ phosphodiester linkages in the strand, whereas that containing A ^C3 possesses the 3′ → 4′ and 2′ → 5′ phosphodiester linkages. It was found that incorporation of the analogs, A ^C2 or A ^C3, into ONs significantly reduces the thermal and thermodynamic stabilities of the ON/DNA duplexes, but does not largely decrease the thermal and thermodynamic stabilities of the ON/RNA duplexes as compared with the case of the ON/DNA duplexes. It was revealed that the base recognition ability of A ^C2 is greater than that of A ^C3 in the ON/RNA duplexes.     

Pharmacologic Disposition of a Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxynucleotide in Mice

Abstract

G3139, an 18mer phosphorothioate (S-labeled), was administered to mice by single i.v. bolus or continuous S.C. infusion. The latter schedule resulted in reduced liver metabolism and urinary excretion together with greater tissue accumulation, in particular to the liver, kidney and bone marrow, probably reflecting the dose received.     

Identification of a 14mer RNA that recognizes and binds flavin mononucleotide with high affinity

Aptamers are nucleic acids developed by in vitro evolution techniques that bind to specific ligands with high affinity and selectivity. Despite such high affinity and selectivity, however, in vitro evolution does not necessarily reveal the minimum structure of the nucleic acid required for selective ligand binding. Here, we show that a 35mer RNA aptamer for the cofactor flavin mononucleotide (FMN) identified by in vitro evolution can be computationally evolved to a mere 14mer structure containing the original binding pocket and eight scaffolding nucleotides while maintaining its ability to bind in vitro selectively to FMN. Using experimental and computational methodologies, we found that the 14mer binds with higher affinity to FMN (K_D ~ 4 µM) than to flavin adenine dinucleotide (K_D ~ 12 µM) or to riboflavin (K_D ~ 13 µM),despite the negative charge of FMN. Different hydrogen-bond strengths resulting from differing ring-system electron densities associated with the aliphatic-chain charges appear to contribute to the selectivity observed for the binding of the 14mer to FMN and riboflavin. Our results suggest that high affinity and selectivity in ligand binding is not restricted to large RNAs, but can also be a property of extraordinarily short RNAs.     

Sequence-dependent hydrolysis of RNA using modified oligonucleotide splints and RNase H

To cleave RNA molecules using RNase H in a site-specific manner, a short deoxyoligonucleotide (3-5mer) joining with 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotide(s) was designed as a DNA splint to be used. Model experiments were carried out using ribooligonucleotide substrates (9 and 18 mer). It was found that the use of this type of splints (9 mer) causes a unique cleavage by RNase H. For example, when 3'm (GA)d(AGAA)m(GGU)5' was used as a hybridization strand, 32pUCUUUCUUCUUCCAGGAU was cleaved specifically between U11 and C12 to yield 32pUCUUUCUUCUU. This method will have a variety of applications for the study of RNA.