RNA Cloaking by Reversible Acylation.

ABSTRACT: We describe a selective and mild chemical approach for controlling RNA hybridization, folding, and enzyme interactions. Reaction of RNAs in aqueous buffer with an azide-substituted acylating agent (100-200?mm) yields several 2'-OH acylations per RNA strand in as little as 10?min. This poly-acylated ("cloaked") RNA is strongly blocked from hybridization with complementary nucleic acids, from cleavage by RNA-processing enzymes, and from folding into active aptamer structures. Importantly, treatment with a water-soluble phosphine triggers a Staudinger reduction of the azide groups, resulting in spontaneous loss of acyl groups ("uncloaking"). This fully restores RNA folding and biochemical activity.

SUBMITTER: Kadina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5842138 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature