RNA cleavage efficiency and catalytic turnover of an oligonucleotide-two copper complexes conjugate.

We synthesized a 2'-O-methyloligonucleotide with two terpyridine-Cu(II) complexes in the central part, and found that this antisense agent cleaves an RNA oligomer more efficiently than an analogous agent with one Cu(II) complex. Determination of the pH dependence of the activity revealed the existence of an optimum pH for the two complexes-agent, which may be a result of the cooperative action of the complexes. In addition, we demonstrated that the novel agent catalytically cleaved an excess of the RNA substrate.