Synthesis of 2'-deoxyadenosine nucleosides bearing bipyridine-type ligands and their Ru-complexes in position 8 through cross-coupling reactions

Optimized Method for the Synthesis of Alkyne-Modified 2'-Deoxynucleoside Triphosphates

A general approach is presented for synthesizing alkyne-modified nucleoside triphosphates via the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of unprotected halogenated 2'-deoxynucleoside, followed by monophosphorylation and the reaction of the corresponding phosphoromorpholidate with tributylammonium pyrophosphate. A highly efficient approach for the milligram-scale synthesis of base-modified nucleoside triphosphates with an amino acid-like side chain was developed. The present chemical method outweighs the other reported methods of a base-modified nucleoside triphosphates synthesis in terms of it being a protection-free strategy, the shortening of reaction steps, and increased yields (about 70%). The resulting 8-alkynylated dATP was tested as a substrate for DNA polymerases in a primer extension reaction.

Covalent Modification of Nucleobases using Water-Soluble Palladium Catalysts

Nucleosides represent one of the key building blocks of biochemistry. There is significant interest in the synthesis of nucleoside-derived materials for applications as probes, biochemical models, and pharmaceuticals. Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions are effective methods for making covalent modification of carbon and nitrogen sites on nucleobases under mild conditions. Water-soluble catalysts derived from palladium and hydrophilic ligands, such as tris(3-sulfonatophenyl)phosphine trisodium (TPPTS), are efficient catalysts for a range of coupling reactions of unprotected halonucleosides. Over the past two decades, these methods have been extended to direct functionalization of halonucleotides, as well as RNA and DNA oligonucleotides (ONs) containing halogenated bases. These methods can be run under biocompatible conditions, including examples of Suzuki coupling of modified DNA in whole cells and tissue samples. In this account, development of this methodology by our group and others is highlighted along with the extension of these catalyst systems to modification of nucleotides and ONs.

"Chemistry-on-the-complex": functional RuII polypyridyl-type sensitizers as divergent building blocks

Ruthenium polypyridyl type complexes are potent photoactive compounds, and have found - among others - a broad range of important applications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis and phototherapy, energy conversion schemes such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and molecular assemblies for tailored photo-initiated processes. In this regard, the linkage of RuII polypyridyl-type complexes with specific functional moieties is highly desirable to enhance their inherent photophysical properties, e.g., with a targeting function to achieve cell selectivity, or with a dye or redox-active subunits for energy- and electron-transfer. However, the classical approach of performing ligand syntheses first and the formation of Ru complexes in the last steps imposes synthetic limitations with regard to tolerating functional groups or moieties as well as requiring lengthy convergent routes. Alternatively, the diversification of Ru complexes after coordination (termed "chemistry-on-the-complex") provides an elegant complementary approach. In addition to the Click chemistry concept, the rapidly developing synthesis and purification methodologies permit the preparation of Ru conjugates via amidation, alkylation and cross-coupling reactions. In this regard, recent developments in chromatography shifted the limits of purification, e.g., by using new commercialized surface-modified silica gels and automated instrumentation. This review provides detailed insights into applying the "chemistry-on-the-complex" concept, which is believed to stimulate the modular preparation of unpreceded molecular assemblies as well as functional materials based on Ru-based building blocks, including combinatorial approaches.

Applications of Ruthenium Complexes Covalently Linked to Nucleic Acid Derivatives

Oligonucleotides are biopolymers that can be easily modified at various locations. Thereby, the attachment of metal complexes to nucleic acid derivatives has emerged as a common pathway to improve the understanding of biological processes or to steer oligonucleotides towards novel applications such as electron transfer or the construction of nanomaterials. Among the different metal complexes coupled to oligonucleotides, ruthenium complexes, have been extensively studied due to their remarkable properties. The resulting DNA-ruthenium bioconjugates have already demonstrated their potency in numerous applications. Consequently, this review focuses on the recent synthetic methods developed for the preparation of ruthenium complexes covalently linked to oligonucleotides. In addition, the usefulness of such conjugates will be highlighted and their applications from nanotechnologies to therapeutic purposes will be discussed.

Crystal structure of 8-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-2'-de-oxy-adenosine hemihydrate

In the asymmetric unit, equalling the unit cell (triclinic, P1, Z = 1), two mol-ecules of the title compound, 8-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-d-2'-de-oxy-adenosine, C17H19N5O3, are present, with distinct conformations of the two sugar moieties, together with one solvent water mol-ecule. All three ribose O atoms are involved in hydrogen bonding and the crystal packing is largely determined by hydrogen-bonding or hydrogen-heteroatom inter-actions (O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N, N-H⋯O, C-H⋯O and C-H⋯N) with one independent mol-ecule directly linked to four neighbouring mol-ecules and the other mol-ecule directly linked to six neighbouring mol-ecules. The two independent mol-ecules of the asymmetric unit display three weak intra-molecular C-H-to-heteroatom contacts, two of which are very similar despite the different conformations of the deoxyribosyl moieties. The aromatic ring systems of both mol-ecules are in proximity to each other and somehow aligned, though not coplanar. The absolute structures of the two mol-ecules were assumed with reference to the reactant 8-bromo-d-2'-de-oxy-adenosine as they could not be determined crystallographically.

Fluorescent nucleobases as tools for studying DNA and RNA

Understanding the diversity of dynamic structures and functions of DNA and RNA in biology requires tools that can selectively and intimately probe these biomolecules. Synthetic fluorescent nucleobases that can be incorporated into nucleic acids alongside their natural counterparts have emerged as a powerful class of molecular reporters of location and environment. They are enabling new basic insights into DNA and RNA, and are facilitating a broad range of new technologies with chemical, biological and biomedical applications. In this Review, we will present a brief history of the development of fluorescent nucleobases and explore their utility as tools for addressing questions in biophysics, biochemistry and biology of nucleic acids. We provide chemical insights into the two main classes of these compounds: canonical and non-canonical nucleobases. A point-by-point discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of fluorescent nucleobases is made, along with a perspective into the future challenges and outlook for this burgeoning field.

Novel water-soluble phosphatriazenes: versatile ligands for Suzuki–Miyaura, Sonogashira and Heck reactions of nucleosides

Two new water-soluble phosphatriazene as versatile ligands for catalyzing Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of purines and pyrimidines in neat water with the possibility of recycling. Copper-free Sonogashira and Heck reaction were also made possible.

Palladium-catalyzed modification of unprotected nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides

Synthetic modification of nucleoside structures provides access to molecules of interest as pharmaceuticals, biochemical probes, and models to study diseases. Covalent modification of the purine and pyrimidine bases is an important strategy for the synthesis of these adducts. Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling is a powerful method to attach groups to the base heterocycles through the formation of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. In this review, approaches to palladium-catalyzed modification of unprotected nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides are reviewed. Polar reaction media, such as water or polar aprotic solvents, allow reactions to be performed directly on the hydrophilic nucleosides and nucleotides without the need to use protecting groups. Homogeneous aqueous-phase coupling reactions catalyzed by palladium complexes of water-soluble ligands provide a general approach to the synthesis of modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides.

A highly efficient copper and ligand free protocol for the room temperature Sonogashira reaction

A mild and efficient catalytic system based on PdCl₂ and Na₂SO₄ has been developed for the Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides at room temperature.

Ruthenium polypyridine complexes combined with oligonucleotides for bioanalysis: a review

Ruthenium complexes are among the most interesting coordination complexes and they have attracted great attention over the past decades due to their appealing biological, catalytic, electronic and optical properties. Ruthenium complexes have found a unique niche in bioanalysis, as demonstrated by the substantial progress made in the field. In this review, the applications of ruthenium complexes coordinated with polypyridine ligands (and analogues) in bioanalysis are discussed. Three main detection methods based on electrochemistry, electrochemiluminescence, and photoluminscence are covered. The important targets, including DNA and other biologically important targets, are detected by specific biorecognition with the corresponding oligonucleotides as the biorecognition elements (i.e., DNA is probed by its complementary strand and other targets are detected by functional nucleic acids, respectively). Selected examples are provided and thoroughly discussed to highlight the substantial progress made so far. Finally, a brief summary with perspectives is included.

Fluorescent C-linked C8-aryl-guanine probe for distinguishing syn from anti structures in duplex DNA

The synthesis and optical properties of the carbon (C)-linked C(8)-(2"-benzo[b]thienyl)-2'-deoxyguanosine ((Bth)dG), which acts as a fluorescent reporter of syn versus anti glycosidic conformations in duplex DNA, are described. In the syn-conformation, the probe stabilizes a G:G mismatch, emits at ∼385 nm (excitation ∼285 nm), and shows an induced circular dichroism (ICD) signal at ∼320 nm. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations predict a wedge (W)-conformation for the mismatched duplex with the C(8)-benzo[b]thienyl moiety residing in the minor groove. In contrast, the probe destabilizes the duplex when base paired with its normal pyrimidine partner C. With flanking purine bases, a major groove B-type duplex is favored with (Bth)dG present in the anti-conformation emitting at ∼413 nm (excitation ∼326 nm) and no ICD signal. However, with flanking pyrimidine bases, (Bth)dG adopts the syn-conformation when base paired with C, and MD simulations predict a base-displaced stacked (S)-conformation, with the opposing C flipped out of the helix. The different duplex (B-, S-, and W-) conformers formed upon incorporation of (Bth)dG are known to play a critical role in the biological activity of N-linked C8-dG adducts formed by arylamine carcinogens. Bulky environment-sensitive fluorescent C(8)-dG adducts that mimic the duplex structures formed by carcinogens may be useful in luminescence-based DNA polymerase assays.

Site-specific control of N7-metal coordination in DNA by a fluorescent purine derivative

A synthetic strategy that utilizes O6-protected 8-bromoguanosine gives broad access to C8-guanine derivatives with phenyl, pyridine, thiophene, and furan substituents. The resulting 8-substituted 2'-deoxyguanosines are push-pull fluorophores that can exhibit environmentally sensitive quantum yields (Φ=0.001-0.72) due to excited-state proton-transfer reactions with bulk solvent. Changes in nucleoside fluorescence were used to characterize metal-binding affinity and specificity of 8-substituted 2'-deoxyguanosines. One derivative, 8-(2-pyridyl)-2'-deoxyguanosine (2PyG), exhibits selective binding of Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) through a bidentate effect provided by the N7 position of guanine and the 2-pyridyl nitrogen atom. Upon incorporation into DNA, 2-pyridine-modified guanine residues selectively bind to Cu(II) and Ni(II) with equilibrium dissociation constants (K(d)) that range from 25 to 850 nM; the affinities depend on the folded state of the oligonucleotide (duplex>G-quadruplex) as well as the identity of the metal ion (Cu>Ni≫Cd). These binding affinities are approximately 10 to 1 000 times higher than for unmodified metal binding sites in DNA, thereby providing site-specific control of metal localization in alternatively folded nucleic acids. Temperature-dependent circular-dichroism studies reveal metal-dependent stabilization of duplexes, but destabilization of G-quadruplex structures upon adding Cu(II) to 2PyG-modified oligonucleotides. These results demonstrate how the addition of a single pyridine group to the C8 position of guanine provides a powerful new tool for studying the effects of N7 metalation on the structure, stability, and electronic properties of nucleic acids.

Synthesis of C-6-substituted uridine phosphonates through aerobic ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling

An efficient protocol for the construction of C-6-(hetero)aryl-substituted uridine phosphonate analogues utilizing an aerobic, ligand-free Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of a 6-iodo-precursor in aqueous media has been established. The method presents a modular approach toward the target compounds as demonstrated by the synthesis of a small library comprising 14 novel nucleoside phosphonates.

Base-modified DNA labeled by [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and [Os(bpy)(3)](2+) complexes: construction by polymerase incorporation of modified nucleoside triphosphates, electrochemical and luminescent properties, and applications

Modified 2'-deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) bearing [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and [Os(bpy)(3)](2+) complexes attached via an acetylene linker to the 5-position of pyrimidines (C and U) or to the 7-position of 7-deazapurines (7-deaza-A and 7-deaza-G) have been prepared in one step by aqueous cross-couplings of halogenated dNTPs with the corresponding terminal acetylenes. Polymerase incorporation by primer extension using Vent (exo-) or Pwo polymerases gave DNA labeled in specific positions with Ru(2+) or Os(2+) complexes. Square-wave voltammetry could be efficiently used to detect these labeled nucleic acids by reversible oxidations of Ru(2+/3+) or Os(2+/3+). The redox potentials of the Ru(2+) complexes (1.1-1.25 V) are very close to that of G oxidation (1.1 V), while the potentials of Os(2+) complexes (0.75 V) are sufficiently different to enable their independent detection. On the other hand, Ru(2+)-labeled DNA can be independently analyzed by luminescence. In combination with previously reported dNTPs bearing ferrocene, aminophenyl, and nitrophenyl tags, the Os-labeled dATP has been successfully used for "multicolor" redox labeling of DNA and for DNA minisequencing.

N2-functionalized blue luminescent guanosines by 2,2'-dipyridylamino and 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl chelate groups and their interactions with Zn(II) ions

The syntheses of new blue luminescent N(2)-modified guanosine derivatives with chromophores p-4,4'-biphenyl-NPh2 (1a), p-4,4'-biphenyl-N(2-py)2 (1b), and p-4,4'-biphenyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl (1c), respectively, have been achieved. These new N(2)-guanosines are moderate blue emitters with lambda(max) = 395 nm (1a), 370 nm (1b), and 403 nm (1c) and Phi = 0.13, 0.07, and 0.10 in tetrahydrofuran, respectively. Spectroscopic studies and density-functional theory calculations established that the guanine moiety and the new chromophore in all three molecules are involved in the luminescent process. We have also established that guanosines 1a-1c can interact with metal ions such as Zn(II). The interactions of Zn(II) ions with the three guanosines were examined via absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR spectroscopic analyses. We have found that these guanosines display a distinct fluorescent response toward Zn(II) ions which can be attributed to the presence of the chelate chromophore N(2-py)2 in 1b and 2-py-benzimidazolyl in 1c. For 1a and 1b, the addition of Zn(II) ions causes straight fluorescent quenching while for 1c the addition of Zn(II) ions causes quenching initially, which is followed by a distinct spectral red shift and the intensity enhancement of the new emission peak. NMR and CD studies demonstrated that the Zn(II) ions bind preferentially to the guanine moiety in 1a and 1b but to the 2-(2'-py)benzimidazolyl chelate site in 1c. Moreover, the anion-dependent CD response of 1a-1c toward Zn(II) salts points to the possible involvement of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the acetate bound to the Zn(II) ion and the hydroxyl groups of the guanosine.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of 7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosines bearing bipyridine ligands and their Ru(II)-complexes in position 7

The synthesis of the title 7-deazaadenine 2'-deoxyribonucleosides bearing bipyridine, phenanthroline or terpyridine ligands linked to position 7 via an acetylene or phenylene spacer is reported based on aqueous cross-coupling reactions of unprotected 7-iodo-7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine with ligand-functionalized acetylenes or boronic acids. The aqueous cross-coupling with acetylene or boronate building blocks containing the Ru(bpy)(3)-type of complex gave the corresponding Ru-containing nucleosides. Photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied and the most efficient type of complex was selected for future luminescent and redox labelling of DNA. The title nucleosides also showed some cytostatic and anti-HCV activities.

Nucleobase-containing transition metal complexes as building blocks for biological markers and supramolecular structures

The incorporation of metal complexes into nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides has provided a focus for the development of many novel compounds with a wide range of applications. In this perspective article the different methods to incorporate transition metal complexes into these species will be described. Applications of these compounds as biological markers, catalysts and how the hydrogen bonding properties may be employed in directing supramolecular assembly in both the solid state and solution will be discussed.

Modular synthesis of 5-substituted thiophen-2-yl C-2'-deoxyribonucleosides

A new modular methodology of preparation of 5-substituted thiophene-2-yl C-nucleosides was developed. A Friedel-Crafts-type of C-glycosidation of 2-bromothiophene with toluoyl-protected methylglycoside 2 gave the desired protected 1beta-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dideoxyribofuranose 4a in 60%. The key intermediate 4a was then subjected to a series of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The cross-coupling reactions with alkyl organometallics gave beta-(5-alkylthiophen-2-yl)-2-deoxyribonucleosides 4 and 7 in moderate yields accompanied by side-products of reduction. On the other hand, cross-couplings with arylstannanes proceeded smoothly to give a series of beta-(5-arylthiophen-2-yl)-2-deoxyribonucleosides 4 in good yields. Deprotection of toluoylated nucleosides by NaOMe in MeOH and silylated nucleosides by Et 3N.3HF gave a series of free C-nucleosides 6. Alternatively, other types of 5-arylthiophene C-nucleosides 6 were prepared in one step by the aqueous-phase cross-coupling reactions of unprotected 1beta-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dideoxyribofuranose with boronic acids. Title 5-arylthiophene C-nucleosides 6 exhibit interesting fluorescent properties with emission maxima varying from 339 to 396 nm depending on the aryl group attached.

Cross-coupling reactions of nucleoside triphosphates followed by polymerase incorporation. Construction and applications of base-functionalized nucleic acids

Construction of functionalized nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) via polymerase incorporation of modified nucleoside triphosphates is reviewed and selected applications of the modified nucleic acids are highlighted. The classical multistep approach for the synthesis of modified NTPs by triphosphorylation of modified nucleosides is compared to the novel approach consisting of direct aqueous cross-coupling reactions of unprotected halogenated nucleoside triphosphates. The combination of cross-coupling of NTPs with polymerase incorporation gives an efficient and straightforward two-step synthesis of modified nucleic acids. Primer extension using biotinylated templates followed by separation using streptavidine-coated magnetic beads and DNA duplex denaturation is used for preparation of modified single stranded oligonucleotides. Examples of using this approach for electrochemical DNA labelling and bioanalytical applications are given.

The first direct C-H arylation of purine nucleosides

Pd-catalyzed direct C-H arylation of unprotected purine nucleosides with aryl iodides at position 8 was developed to allow a straightforward single-step introduction of diverse aryl groups.