Fast and efficient synthesis of Zorro-LNA type 3'-5'-5'-3' oligonucleotide conjugates via parallel in situ stepwise conjugation

Org Biomol Chem. 2016 Apr 14;14(14):3584-90. doi: 10.1039/c6ob00211k. Epub 2016 Mar 15.

Abstract

Zorro-LNA is a new class of therapeutic anti-gene oligonucleotides (ONs) capable of invading supercoiled DNA. The synthesis of single stranded Zorro-LNA is typically complex and laborious, requiring reverse phosphoramidites and a chemical linker connecting the two separate ON arms. Here, a simplified synthesis strategy based on 'click chemistry' is presented with a high potential for screening Zorro-LNA ONs directed against new anti-gene targets. Four different Zorro type 3'-5' 5'-3' constructs were synthesized via parallel in situ Cu(i) [3 + 2] catalysed cycloaddition. They were prepared from commercially obtained ONs functionalized on solid support (one ON with the azide and the other ON with the activated triple bond linker N-propynoylamino)-p-toluic acid (PATA)) and after cleavage from resin, they were conjugated in solution. Our report shows the benefit of combining different approaches when developing anti-gene ONs, (1) the ability for rapid and robust screening of potential targets and (2) refining the hits with more anti-gene optimized constructs. We present as well the first report showing double-strand invasion (DSI) efficiency of two combined Zorro-LNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • locked nucleic acid