Synthesis of oligoribonucleotides with phosphonate-modified linkages

Abstract

Solid phase synthesis of phosphonate-modified oligoribonucleotides using 2′-O-benzoyloxymethoxymethyl protected monomers is presented in both 3′→5′ and 5′→3′ directions. Hybridisation properties and enzymatic stability of oligoribonucleotides modified by regioisomeric 3′- and 5′-phosphonate linkages are evaluated. The introduction of the 5′-phosphonate units resulted in moderate destabilisation of the RNA/RNA duplexes (ΔT_m −1.8 °C/mod.), whereas the introduction of the 3′-phosphonate units resulted in considerable destabilisation of the duplexes (ΔT_m −5.7 °C/mod.). Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to explain this behaviour. Both types of phosphonate linkages exhibited remarkable resistance in the presence of ribonuclease A, phosphodiesterase I and phosphodiesterase II.