Synthesis of 3'- S-phosphorothiolate oligonucleotides for their potential use in RNA interference
James W Gaynor1, John Brazier, Rick Cosstick
1Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. j.w.gaynor@liverpool.ac.uk
Abstract:
The potency of RNA interference (RNAi) undoubtedly can be improved through chemical modifications to the small interfering RNAs (siRNA). By incorporation of the 3'-S-phosphorothiolate modification into strands of RNA, it is hoped that specific regions of a siRNA duplex can be stabilised to enhance the target binding affinity of a selected antisense strand into the activated RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC*). Oligonucleotides composed entirely of this modification are desirable so unconventional 5' --> 3' synthesis is investigated, with initial solution-phase testing proving successful. The phosphoroamidite monomer required for solid-phase synthesis has also been produced.
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