1
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Wiegand DJ, Rittichier J, Meyer E, Lee H, Conway NJ, Ahlstedt D, Yurtsever Z, Rainone D, Kuru E, Church GM. Template-independent enzymatic synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02244-w. [PMID: 38997579 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02244-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
RNA oligonucleotides have emerged as a powerful therapeutic modality to treat disease, yet current manufacturing methods may not be able to deliver on anticipated future demand. Here, we report the development and optimization of an aqueous-based, template-independent enzymatic RNA oligonucleotide synthesis platform as an alternative to traditional chemical methods. The enzymatic synthesis of RNA oligonucleotides is made possible by controlled incorporation of reversible terminator nucleotides with a common 3'-O-allyl ether blocking group using new CID1 poly(U) polymerase mutant variants. We achieved an average coupling efficiency of 95% and demonstrated ten full cycles of liquid phase synthesis to produce natural and therapeutically relevant modified sequences. We then qualitatively assessed the platform on a solid phase, performing enzymatic synthesis of several N + 5 oligonucleotides on a controlled-pore glass support. Adoption of an aqueous-based process will offer key advantages including the reduction of solvent use and sustainable therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wiegand
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Rittichier
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Ella Meyer
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
- EnPlusOne Biosciences Inc., Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Howon Lee
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Conway
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Erkin Kuru
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - George M Church
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Gordon S, Layton AM, Fawcett S, Ross K. A microRNA focus on acne. Dermatol Reports 2024; 16:9902. [PMID: 38957637 PMCID: PMC11216150 DOI: 10.4081/dr.2024.9902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Acne (syn. acne vulgaris) is a common inflammatory skin disorder associated with puberty and adolescence. The disease is characterized by comedoneous lesions, papules, pustules, and nodules that are mostly found on the face. These lesions are caused by intricate interactions between the pilosebaceous unit and the Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria. Unhealthy acne and its aftereffects, like pigment changes and scarring, have a detrimental impact on one's quality of life. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the approval of nucleic acid therapies (NATs), such as antisense oligonucleotides and short-interfering RNA medications, for rare diseases for which there are few or no effective treatments. These developments suggest that NATs may be useful in acne treatment plans down the road, as do clinical trials for microRNA (miRNA) modulation in skin contexts. We highlight promising miRNA targets for anti-acne therapy in this review. We outline the pathophysiology of acne in brief and emphasize the functions of C. acnes. Next, we concentrate on the distinct impacts of biofilm and planktonic C. acnes on a Toll-like receptor 2 axis that spans miR-146a-5p, which was recently discovered. Before discussing the potential contributions of miR-21-5p, miR-233-3p, and miR-150-5p to inflammatory axes in acne, we evaluate miR-146a-5p in sebocytes. Finally, we address patient involvement in miRNA-related acne research and translational perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison M. Layton
- Skin Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of York
- Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Harrogate
| | - Sandra Fawcett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University
- Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom
| | - Kehinde Ross
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University
- Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom
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3
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Androsavich JR. Frameworks for transformational breakthroughs in RNA-based medicines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:421-444. [PMID: 38740953 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00943-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA has sparked a revolution in modern medicine, with the potential to transform the way we treat diseases. Recent regulatory approvals, hundreds of new clinical trials, the emergence of CRISPR gene editing, and the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in dramatic response to the COVID-19 pandemic have converged to create tremendous momentum and expectation. However, challenges with this relatively new class of drugs persist and require specialized knowledge and expertise to overcome. This Review explores shared strategies for developing RNA drug platforms, including layering technologies, addressing common biases and identifying gaps in understanding. It discusses the potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform medicine, as well as the challenges associated with improving applicability, efficacy and safety profiles. Insights gained from RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs are used to identify important next steps for mRNA and gene editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Androsavich
- RNA Accelerator, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Umezawa K, Ikeda R, Sakamoto T, Enomoto Y, Nihashi Y, Shinji S, Shimosato T, Kagami H, Takaya T. Development of the 12-Base Short Dimeric Myogenetic Oligodeoxynucleotide That Induces Myogenic Differentiation. BIOTECH 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 38804293 PMCID: PMC11130974 DOI: 10.3390/biotech13020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A myogenetic oligodeoxynucleotide (myoDN), iSN04 (5'-AGA TTA GGG TGA GGG TGA-3'), is a single-stranded 18-base telomeric DNA that serves as an anti-nucleolin aptamer and induces myogenic differentiation, which is expected to be a nucleic acid drug for the prevention of disease-associated muscle wasting. To improve the drug efficacy and synthesis cost of myoDN, shortening the sequence while maintaining its structure-based function is a major challenge. Here, we report the novel 12-base non-telomeric myoDN, iMyo01 (5'-TTG GGT GGG GAA-3'), which has comparable myogenic activity to iSN04. iMyo01 as well as iSN04 promoted myotube formation of primary-cultured human myoblasts with upregulation of myogenic gene expression. Both iMyo01 and iSN04 interacted with nucleolin, but iMyo01 did not bind to berberine, the isoquinoline alkaloid that stabilizes iSN04. Nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that iMyo01 forms a G-quadruplex structure despite its short sequence. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a computational molecular dynamics simulation indicated that iMyo01 forms a homodimer to generate a G-quadruplex. These results provide new insights into the aptamer truncation technology that preserves aptamer conformation and bioactivity for the development of efficient nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Umezawa
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan; (K.U.); (Y.E.); (T.S.); (H.K.)
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
| | - Rena Ikeda
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
| | - Taiichi Sakamoto
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino-shi 275-0016, Japan;
| | - Yuya Enomoto
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan; (K.U.); (Y.E.); (T.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Centoral 5-41, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan;
| | - Sayaka Shinji
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimosato
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan; (K.U.); (Y.E.); (T.S.); (H.K.)
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kagami
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan; (K.U.); (Y.E.); (T.S.); (H.K.)
| | - Tomohide Takaya
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan; (K.U.); (Y.E.); (T.S.); (H.K.)
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina 399-4598, Japan
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5
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Obexer R, Nassir M, Moody ER, Baran PS, Lovelock SL. Modern approaches to therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing. Science 2024; 384:eadl4015. [PMID: 38603508 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl4015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic oligonucleotides are a powerful drug modality with the potential to treat many diseases. The rapidly growing number of therapies that have been approved and that are in advanced clinical trials will place unprecedented demands on our capacity to manufacture oligonucleotides at scale. Existing methods based on solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry are limited by their scalability and sustainability, and new approaches are urgently needed to deliver the multiton quantities of oligonucleotides that are required for therapeutic applications. The chemistry community has risen to the challenge by rethinking strategies for oligonucleotide production. Advances in chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and process engineering technologies are leading to increasingly efficient and selective routes to oligonucleotide sequences. We review these developments, along with remaining challenges and opportunities for innovations that will allow the sustainable manufacture of diverse oligonucleotide products.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Obexer
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M Nassir
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E R Moody
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P S Baran
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S L Lovelock
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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6
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Seliger H, Sanghvi YS. An Update on Protection of 5'-Hydroxyl Functions of Nucleosides and Oligonucleotides. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e999. [PMID: 38439607 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of natural and chemically modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides is in great demand due to its increasing number of applications in diverse areas of research. These include tools for diagnostics and proteomics, research reagents for molecular biology, probes for functional genomics, and the design, discovery, development, and manufacture of new therapeutics. The likelihood of success in synthesizing these molecules is often dependent on the correct choice of a protection strategy to block the 5'-hydroxyl group of a carbohydrate moiety, nucleoside, or oligonucleotide. This topic was reviewed extensively in the year 2000. The purpose of this article is to complement and update the original review with recently published methodologies recommended for the protection and deprotection of the 5'-hydroxyl group. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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7
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Paul S, Gray D, Caswell J, Brooks J, Ye W, Moody TS, Radinov R, Nechev L. Convergent Biocatalytic Mediated Synthesis of siRNA. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2183-2187. [PMID: 37061926 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
New technologies are required to combat the challenges faced with manufacturing commercial quantities of oligonucleotide drug substances which are required for treating large patient populations. Herein we report a convergent biocatalytic synthesis strategy for an Alnylam model siRNA. The siRNA chemical structure includes several of the unnatural modifications and conjugations typical of siRNA drug substances. Using Almac's 3-2-3-2 hybrid RNA ligase enzyme strategy that sequentially ligates short oligonucleotide fragments (blockmers), the target siRNA was produced to high purity at 1 mM concentration. Additional strategies were investigated including the use of polynucleotide kinase phosphorylation and the use of crude blockmer starting materials without chromatographic purification. These findings highlight a path toward a convergent synthesis of siRNAs for large-scale manufacture marrying both enzymatic liquid and classical solid-phase synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Paul
- Almac Sciences, Department of Technology, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Gray
- Almac Sciences, Department of Technology, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Caswell
- Almac Sciences, Department of Technology, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Brooks
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Wenjie Ye
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Thomas S Moody
- Almac Sciences, Department of Technology, Almac House, 20 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Northern Ireland BT63 5QD, United Kingdom
- Arran Chemical Company, Unit 1 Monksland Industrial Estate, Athlone, Co., Roscommon, N37 DN24, Ireland
| | - Roumen Radinov
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Lubomir Nechev
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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8
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Rosenqvist P, Saari V, Pajuniemi E, Gimenez Molina A, Ora M, Horvath A, Virta P. Stereo-Controlled Liquid Phase Synthesis of Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides on a Soluble Support. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37428953 PMCID: PMC10367069 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
5'-O-(2-Methoxyisopropyl) (MIP)-protected 2'-deoxynucleosides as chiral P(V)-building blocks, based on the limonene-derived oxathiaphospholane sulfide, were synthesized and used for the assembly of di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide phosphorothioates on a tetrapodal pentaerythritol-derived soluble support. The synthesis cycle consisted of two reactions and two precipitations: (1) the coupling under basic conditions, followed by neutralization and precipitation and (2) an acid catalyzed 5'-O-deacetalization, followed by neutralization and precipitation. The simple P(V) chemistry together with the facile 5'-O-MIP deprotection proved efficient in the liquid phase oligonucleotide synthesis (LPOS). Ammonolysis released nearly homogeneous Rp or Sp phosphorothioate diastereomers in ca. 80% yield/synthesis cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petja Rosenqvist
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Verneri Saari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Ella Pajuniemi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Alejandro Gimenez Molina
- Chemical Process Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Mikko Ora
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Andras Horvath
- Chemical Process Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
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9
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Van Giesen KJ, Thompson MJ, Meng Q, Lovelock SL. Biocatalytic Synthesis of Antiviral Nucleosides, Cyclic Dinucleotides, and Oligonucleotide Therapies. JACS AU 2023; 3:13-24. [PMID: 36711092 PMCID: PMC9875237 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides modulate diverse cellular processes ranging from protein production to cell signaling. It is therefore unsurprising that synthetic analogues of nucleosides and their derivatives have emerged as a versatile class of drug molecules for the treatment of a wide range of disease areas. Despite their great therapeutic potential, the dense arrangements of functional groups and stereogenic centers present in nucleic acid analogues pose a considerable synthetic challenge, especially in the context of large-scale manufacturing. Commonly employed synthetic methods rely on extensive protecting group manipulations, which compromise step-economy and result in high process mass intensities. Biocatalytic approaches have the potential to address these limitations, enabling the development of more streamlined, selective, and sustainable synthetic routes. Here we review recent achievements in the biocatalytic manufacturing of nucleosides and cyclic dinucleotides along with progress in developing enzymatic strategies to produce oligonucleotide therapies. We also highlight opportunities for innovations that are needed to facilitate widespread adoption of these biocatalytic methods across the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah L. Lovelock
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology,
School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
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10
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Sabat N, Katkevica D, Pajuste K, Flamme M, Stämpfli A, Katkevics M, Hanlon S, Bisagni S, Püntener K, Sladojevich F, Hollenstein M. Towards the controlled enzymatic synthesis of LNA containing oligonucleotides. Front Chem 2023; 11:1161462. [PMID: 37179777 PMCID: PMC10172484 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1161462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic, de novo XNA synthesis represents an alternative method for the production of long oligonucleotides containing chemical modifications at distinct locations. While such an approach is currently developed for DNA, controlled enzymatic synthesis of XNA remains at a relative state of infancy. In order to protect the masking groups of 3'-O-modified LNA and DNA nucleotides against removal caused by phosphatase and esterase activities of polymerases, we report the synthesis and biochemical characterization of nucleotides equipped with ether and robust ester moieties. While the resulting ester-modified nucleotides appear to be poor substrates for polymerases, ether-blocked LNA and DNA nucleotides are readily incorporated into DNA. However, removal of the protecting groups and modest incorporation yields represent obstacles for LNA synthesis via this route. On the other hand, we have also shown that the template-independent RNA polymerase PUP represents a valid alternative to the TdT and we have also explored the possibility of using engineered DNA polymerases to increase substrate tolerance for such heavily modified nucleotide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazarii Sabat
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Marie Flamme
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
| | - Andreas Stämpfli
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Steven Hanlon
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serena Bisagni
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Püntener
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Sladojevich
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Hollenstein
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Marcel Hollenstein,
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11
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Senthilvelan A, Shanmugasundaram M, Kore AR. Solution‐Phase Chemical Synthesis of Modified RNA Dinucleotides. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e583. [PMID: 36342272 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a simple, reliable, efficient, and improved solution-phase method for the gram-scale chemical synthesis of RNA dinucleotides such as pAm pA, pAm pG, and pAm pU that utilizes phosphoramidite chemistry. The overall synthetic strategy involves three steps. The first step involves the coupling reaction between 5'-O-MMT protected nucleoside-3'-O-phosphoramidite and a protected nucleoside containing a free 5'-OH group in the presence of tetrazole, followed by the oxidation of phosphite triester using tert-butyl hydroperoxide to give the corresponding protected Nm pN. Next, the 5'-O-MMT is cleaved under 3% trichloroacetic acid in dichloromethane conditions. Finally, the 5'-hydroxyl group is phosphorylated by the use of an activated bis(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropyl phosphoramidite using tetrazole, followed by the oxidation of trivalent to pentavalent phosphorus using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and subsequent deprotection using ammonium hydroxide to afford the corresponding RNA dinucleotide, pNm pN, in good yields with high purity (>99.5%). © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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12
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Senthilvelan A, Shanmugasundaram M, Kore AR. Efficient and Improved Solution-Phase Synthesis of Modified RNA Dinucleotides: Versatile Synthons in Cap 1 mRNA Therapeutics. Org Process Res Dev 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.2c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annamalai Senthilvelan
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
| | - Muthian Shanmugasundaram
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
| | - Anilkumar R. Kore
- Life Sciences Solutions Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2130 Woodward Street, Austin, Texas 78744-1832, United States
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13
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Oberemok VV, Andreeva OA, Laikova KV, Novikov IA, Kubyshkin AV. Post-genomic platform for development of oligonucleotide vaccines against RNA viruses: diamond cuts diamond. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:729-739. [PMID: 35523969 PMCID: PMC9075145 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has starkly demonstrated the need to create highly effective vaccines against various viral diseases. The emerging new platforms for vaccine creation (adenovirus vectors and mRNA vaccines) have shown their worth in the fight against the prevention of coronavirus infection. However, adenovirus vectors and mRNA vaccines have a serious disadvantage: as a rule, only the S protein of the coronavirus is presented as an antigen. This tactic for preventing infection allows the ever-mutating virus to escape quickly from the immunity protection provided by such vaccines. Today, viral genomic databases are well-developed, which makes it possible to create new vaccines on a fundamentally new post-genomic platform. In addition, the technology for the synthesis of nucleic acids is currently experiencing an upsurge in demand in various fields of molecular biology. The accumulated experience suggests that the unique genomic sequences of viruses can act as antigens that trigger powerful humoral and cellular immunity. To achieve this effect, the following conditions must be created: the structure of the nucleic acid must be single-stranded, have a permanent 3D nanostructure, and have a unique sequence absent in the vaccinated organism. Oligonucleotide vaccines are able to resist the rapidly changing genomic sequences of RNA viruses by using conserved regions of their genomes to generate a long-term immune response, acting according to the adage that a diamond cuts a diamond. In addition, oligonucleotide vaccines will not contribute to antibody-dependent enhanced infection, since the nucleic acid of the coronavirus is inside the viral particle. It is obvious that new epidemics and pandemics caused by RNA viruses will continue to arise periodically in the human population. The creation of new, safe, and effective platforms for the production of vaccines that can flexibly change and adapt to new subtypes of viruses is very urgent and at this moment should be considered as a strategically necessary task.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Oberemok
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea. .,Engineering Center 'Genetic and Cell Biotechnologies', V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea.
| | - O A Andreeva
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea.,Engineering Center 'Genetic and Cell Biotechnologies', V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - K V Laikova
- Biochemistry Department, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - I A Novikov
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnologies, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
| | - A V Kubyshkin
- Engineering Center 'Genetic and Cell Biotechnologies', V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Crimea
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14
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Zhou X, Kiesman WF, Yan W, Jiang H, Antia FD, Yang J, Fillon YA, Xiao L, Shi X. Development of Kilogram-Scale Convergent Liquid-Phase Synthesis of Oligonucleotides. J Org Chem 2021; 87:2087-2110. [PMID: 34807599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide drugs show promise to treat diseases afflicting millions of people. To address the need to manufacture large quantities of oligonucleotide therapeutics, the novel convergent liquid-phase synthesis has been developed for an 18-mer oligonucleotide drug candidate. Fragments containing tetra- and pentamers were synthesized and assembled into the 18-mer without column chromatography, which had a similar impurity profile to material made by standard solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Two of the fragments have been synthesized at ∼3 kg/batch sizes and four additional tetra- and pentamer fragments were synthesized at >300-g scale, and a 34-mer was assembled from the fragments. Critical impurities are controlled in the fragment syntheses to provide oligonucleotides of purities suitable for clinical use after applying standard full-length product purification process. Impurity control in the assembly steps demonstrated the potential to eliminate chromatography of full-length oligonucleotides, which should enhance scalability and reduce the environmental impact of the process. The convergent assembly and telescoping of reactions made the long synthesis (>60 reactions) practical by reducing production time, material loss, and chances for impurity generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhou
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - William F Kiesman
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Wuming Yan
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Hong Jiang
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Firoz D Antia
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jing Yang
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Yannick A Fillon
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Li Xiao
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Xianglin Shi
- Oligonucleotide Process Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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15
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Volarić J, Szymanski W, Simeth NA, Feringa BL. Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12377-12449. [PMID: 34590636 PMCID: PMC8591629 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00547a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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16
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Kim SW, Cho YI, Jung KE. Avoiding
High‐Pressure
Problem for Modified
RNA
‐attached Polystyrene Support by
Pre‐Swelling
Using Toluene in the Oligonucleotide Synthesis. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Won Kim
- Research Center, Oligo CDMO, ST Pharm Siheung 15086 South Korea
- Catholic University Department of Biotechnology Bucheon 14662 South Korea
| | - Yang Il Cho
- Research Center, Oligo CDMO, ST Pharm Siheung 15086 South Korea
| | - Kyeong Eun Jung
- Research Center, Oligo CDMO, ST Pharm Siheung 15086 South Korea
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17
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Andrews BI, Antia FD, Brueggemeier SB, Diorazio LJ, Koenig SG, Kopach ME, Lee H, Olbrich M, Watson AL. Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in Oligonucleotide Manufacturing. J Org Chem 2020; 86:49-61. [PMID: 33253568 PMCID: PMC8154579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
With a renewed and growing interest
in therapeutic oligonucleotides
across the pharmaceutical industry, pressure is increasing on drug
developers to take more seriously the sustainability ramifications
of this modality. With 12 oligonucleotide drugs reaching the market
to date and hundreds more in clinical trials and preclinical development,
the current state of the art in oligonucleotide production poses a
waste and cost burden to manufacturers. Legacy technologies make use
of large volumes of hazardous reagents and solvents, as well as energy-intensive
processes in synthesis, purification, and isolation. In 2016, the
American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute Pharmaceutical
Roundtable (GCIPR) identified the development of greener processes
for oligonucleotide Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) as a
critical unmet need. As a result, the Roundtable formed a focus team
with the remit of identifying green chemistry and engineering improvements
that would make oligonucleotide production more sustainable. In this
Perspective, we summarize the present challenges in oligonucleotide
synthesis, purification, and isolation; highlight potential solutions;
and encourage synergies between academia; contract research, development
and manufacturing organizations; and the pharmaceutical industry.
A critical part of our assessment includes Process Mass Intensity
(PMI) data from multiple companies to provide preliminary baseline
metrics for current oligonucleotide manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I Andrews
- Chemical Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Firoz D Antia
- Biogen, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Louis J Diorazio
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 4TF, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan G Koenig
- Genentech, Inc., A Member of the Roche Group, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael E Kopach
- Eli Lilly and Company, 1400 West Raymond Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Heewon Lee
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | | | - Anna L Watson
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 4TF, United Kingdom
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18
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Creusen G, Akintayo CO, Schumann K, Walther A. Scalable One-Pot-Liquid-Phase Oligonucleotide Synthesis for Model Network Hydrogels. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:16610-16621. [PMID: 32902960 PMCID: PMC7612451 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c05488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS) based on phosphoramidite chemistry is currently the most widespread technique for DNA and RNA synthesis but suffers from scalability limitations and high reagent consumption. Liquid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (LPOS) uses soluble polymer supports and has the potential of being scalable. However, at present, LPOS requires 3 separate reaction steps and 4-5 precipitation steps per nucleotide addition. Moreover, long acid exposure times during the deprotection step degrade sequences with high A content (adenine) due to depurination and chain cleavage. In this work, we present the first one-pot liquid-phase DNA synthesis technique which allows the addition of one nucleotide in a one-pot reaction of sequential coupling, oxidation, and deprotection followed by a single precipitation step. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to suppress depurination during the addition of adenine nucleotides. We showcase the potential of this technique to prepare high-purity 4-arm PEG-T20 (T = thymine) and 4-arm PEG-A20 building blocks in multigram scale. Such complementary 4-arm PEG-DNA building blocks reversibly self-assemble into supramolecular model network hydrogels and facilitate the elucidation of bond lifetimes. These model network hydrogels exhibit new levels of mechanical properties (storage modulus, bond lifetimes) in DNA bonds at room temperature (melting at 44 °C) and thus open up pathways to next-generation DNA materials programmable through sequence recognition and available for macroscale applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Creusen
- ABMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler- Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cecilia Oluwadunsin Akintayo
- ABMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler- Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems” (livMatS), 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Schumann
- ABMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- ABMS Lab, Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 31, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler- Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Living, Adaptive and Energy-Autonomous Materials Systems” (livMatS), 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Thorpe JD, O'Reilly D, Friščić T, Damha MJ. Mechanochemical Synthesis of Short DNA Fragments. Chemistry 2020; 26:8857-8861. [PMID: 32166818 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate the first mechanochemical synthesis of DNA fragments by ball milling, enabling the synthesis of oligomers of controllable sequence and length using multi-step, one-pot reactions, without bulk solvent or the need to isolate intermediates. Mechanochemistry allowed for coupling of phosphoramidite monomers to the 5'-hydroxyl group of nucleosides, iodine/water oxidation of the resulting phosphite triester linkage, and removal of the 5'-dimethoxytrityl (DMTr) protecting group in situ in good yields (up to 60 % over three steps) to produce DNA dimers in a one-pot manner. H-Phosphonate chemistry under milling conditions enabled coupling and protection of the H-phosphonate linkage, as well as removal of the 5'-DMTr protecting group in situ, enabling a one-pot process with good yields (up to 65 % over three steps, or ca. 87 % per step). Sulfurization of the internucleotide linkage was possible using elemental sulfur (S8) or sulfur transfer reagents, yielding the target DNA phosphorothioate dimers in good yield (up to 80 % over two steps). This work opens the door to creation of solvent-free synthesis methodologies for DNA and RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Thorpe
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Daniel O'Reilly
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Tomislav Friščić
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
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20
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Bisht B, Naganna N, Madhavan N. A rink-amide soluble support: high purity conotoxins and other peptides accessed with minimal reagents. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:7238-7246. [PMID: 31328741 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob01214a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of peptides as therapeutics has been growing due to their biocompatibility. Solid phase peptide synthesis typically used to access these peptides requires excess reagents and/or microwave irradiation to drive reactions to completion because the reaction medium is heterogeneous. Reported herein is a soluble polynorbornene support containing rink amide attached sites for synthesizing oligopeptides and conotoxins in high purity using only 1.2 to 2 equivalents of coupling reagents. The support can be isolated as a precipitate from the reaction medium by adding ether. The loading capacity of the support can be easily determined by spectroscopy and can also be tuned by varying the monomer ratio. This support is promising for accessing peptides as the methodology uses minimal reagents and by-products can be easily separated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babita Bisht
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India.
| | - Nimmashetti Naganna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600036, India
| | - Nandita Madhavan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076, India.
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