PNA HyBeacons for analysis of human mutations related to statin-induced myopathy

Aminoalkyl and alkyne-tagged PNA HyBeacons have been synthesized, labeled with fluorescein via conventional amide bond or triazole formation (click chemistry) and used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in statin-induced myopathy. The PNA HyBeacons gave much better mismatch/mutant discrimination than conventional DNA HyBeacons but smaller fluorescence changes on melting.

Pyrrolidine analogues of nucleosides and nucleotides

Among the structurally diverse nucleoside phosphonic acids, several compounds possessing strong antiviral properties have been found. Our effort in this area was focused to the synthesis of novel compounds - pyrrolidine-based nucleoside phosphonic acids and their derivatives.

A new fixation strategy for addressable nano-network building blocks

Rapid controlled self-assembly makes DNA ideal for building nanostructures. A problem using hybridized intermediates in hierarchic assembly is their thermodynamic lability. We demonstrate a click-fixation technology by which robust hexagonal DNA modules can be made. This principle is applicable to a wide variety of DNA nanoconstructs.

Rapid and efficient DNA strand cross-linking by click chemistry

Click chemistry has been used to covalently cross-link complementary DNA strands between bases to form very stable duplexes. Several alkyne- and azide-modified uracil monomers were used to evaluate the effect of the linkers on the efficiency of the click reaction. All cross-linked duplexes had much higher thermal stabilities than non-cross-linked ones, with increases in melting temperature of up to 30 degrees C. In some cases, the conversion was near-quantitative, and the reaction was complete in 5 min.

Nucleoside phosphonic acids in thymidine phosphorylase inhibition: structure-activity relationship

A number of structurally diverse nucleoside phosphonic acids have been tested against human recombinant thymidine phosphorylase and human platelets supernatant using 2'-deoxy-5-nitrouridine as the substrate. We have selected several inhibitors working at micromolar level as lead structures for further evaluation.

Nucleic acid duplexes with zippers of additional nucleobases and aromatics in minor or major groove

Two series of thymidine derivatives with additional nucleobases/aromatics attached to either the 5'(S)-C- or the 5-position were prepared by epoxide opening and/or "click chemistry" cycloaddition protocols and introduced into DNA duplexes. Interstrand base-base communication in the minor groove and intrastrand stacking interactions in the major groove were detected.

Synthesis of racemic and enantiomeric 3-pyrrolidinyl derivatives of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases

The present work relates to the synthesis of pyrrolidine nucleoside analogs. Starting from malic acid, we have elaborated a high-yield synthesis of racemic and enantiomeric N-protected 3-pyrrolidinols and their O-mesyl derivatives as key compounds for alkylations of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases. On varying base and solvent, we have found conditions providing both satisfactory N-/O-regioisomeric ratio and acceptable yield for pyrimidine compounds.