Prof. Barbara Shaw, Duke University

Coding, Decoding, and Modulating Genetic Information with Boranophospate Mimics of Nucleotides, DNA and RNA

Biochemistry Seminar Series

The P-boranophosphates are efficient and near perfect mimics of natural nucleic acids in permitting reading and writing of genetic information with high yield and accuracy. Substitution of a borane (â€"BH3) group for oxygen in the phosphate ester bond creates near perfect isoelectronic and isosteric mimics of naturally evolved nucleotide phosphate esters found in mono, di, trinucleotides (AMP, ADP, ATP) and in RNA and DNA. Relative to naturally evolved nucleic acids, the borane-containing DNA and RNA analogues demonstrate increased lipophilicity and resistance to endo- and exonucleases, yet they retain a negative charge and similar spatial geometry. Borane NTPs have the ability to serve as good substrates for naturally evolved nucleotides (like ATP and dATP) and as templates in replication, transcription and reverse transcription. We are exploring their use in aptamer selection, and antiviral, antisense, and RNAi therapeutics.

For more information contact Prof. Loren Williams (404-894-9752).