Chemical Synthesis of Modified Oligonucleotides Containing 5'-Amino-5'-Deoxy-5'-Hydroxymethylthymidine Residues

摘要

Introduction of cationic modifications into an oligonucleotide can increase its nuclease resistance and duplex- or triplex-forming abilities. In a recent study, we found that the nuclease resistance and RNA binding selectivity of an oligonucleotide containing a 5'-(R)-amino-5'-deoxy-5'-(R)-hydroxymethylthymidine residue were greater than those of the unmodified oligonucleotide. In this article, we describe the synthesis of 5'-amino-5'-deoxy-5'-hydroxymethylthymidine via dihydroxylation of the 5'-alkene derivative using either of two commercial AD (asymmetric dehydroxylation) mixes or via epoxidation and ring opening. We also provide detailed protocols for the syntheses of oligonucleotides containing 5'-amino-5'-deoxy-5'-hydroxymethylthymidine residues.