Nucleosides and nucleotides. 121. Synthesis of oligonucleotides carrying linker groups at the 1'-position of sugar residues.

Novel 2'-deoxyuridine analogues carrying aminoalkyl linkers at the 1'-position of the sugar residues were synthesized and incorporated into oligonucleotides, then intercalating groups such as an anthraquinone derivative and a pyrene derivative were attached to the amino groups. Duplexes consisting of the oligonucleotides carrying the linker groups and a complementary ribonucleotide were more stable than an unmodified parent duplex, but the duplexes consisting of the oligonucleotides and a complementary deoxyribonucleotide were less stable. The oligonucleotides carrying the linker groups were more resistant to nuclease P1 and venom phosphodiesterase than an unmodified oligonucleotide. Furthermore, a duplex formed by the oligonucleotide analogue and the complementary ribonucleotide was a substrate for ribonuclease H.