Native transfer RNA catalyzes Diels-Alder reaction

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2002 May 31;294(1):145-8. doi: 10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00452-7.

Abstract

In this paper we show that transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs) catalyze the Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction. A new DNA oxidative damage product, 6-furfuryladenine (kinetin) or its riboside (diene), was transformed with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate or maleic anhydride (dienophile). The reaction proceeds in the presence of tRNA at high pressure but not at ambient condition. If so tRNA in prebiotic conditions (RNA world) had at least two functions: catalytic and a carrier of genetic information. It means that tRNA at high pressure shows catalytic properties and is a true Diels-Alderase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenine / metabolism
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Catalysis
  • DNA Damage*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Kinetin
  • Maleic Anhydrides
  • Models, Chemical
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Pressure
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism*
  • Yeasts

Substances

  • Maleic Anhydrides
  • RNA, Transfer
  • Adenine
  • Kinetin