Photomodulation of PS-modified oligonucleotides containing azobenzene substituent at pre-selected positions in phosphate backbone
摘要:
A new protocol has been developed for incorporation of a photoisomerizable azobenzene moiety into synthetic stereo-enriched [R-p] and [S-p] PS-oligonucleotides. The azobenzene pendant is attached at pre-selected positions in internucleotidic phosphorothioate oligonucleotides of both [R-p] and [S-p] diastereomers using a novel reagent, N-iodoacetyl-p-aminoazobenzene, 1. The modified oligomers are purified on HPLC, characterized by LC-MS, and examined for their thermal and photoisomerization properties. The azobenzene moiety imparts greater stability to oligomer duplexes in (E) N=N con. guration as compared to (Z) configuration. The placement of the azobenzene pendant close to 5'-terminus (n - 1) and 3'-terminus of the modified PS-oligos contributes maximum stability to the duplex while a gradual decline in stability occurs with azobenzene moving toward middle of the duplex. Circular Dichroism studies reveal that the chiral environment at the phosphorus center of the PS-oligos does not alter the global conformation of the DNA duplex as such, suggesting conservation of conformation of the modified DNA strands. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.