A new modified thrombin binding aptamer containing a 5'-5' inversion of polarity site

Nucleic Acids Res. 2006;34(22):6653-62. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkl915. Epub 2006 Dec 1.

Abstract

The solution structure of a new modified thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) containing a 5'-5' inversion of polarity site, namely d(3'GGT5'-5'TGGTGTGGTTGG3'), is reported. NMR and CD spectroscopy, as well as molecular dynamic and mechanic calculations, have been used to characterize the 3D structure. The modified oligonucleotide is characterized by a chair-like structure consisting of two G-tetrads connected by three edge-wise TT, TGT and TT loops. d(3'GGT5'-5'TGGTGTGGTTGG3') is characterized by an unusual folding, being three strands parallel to each other and only one strand oriented in opposite manner. This led to an anti-anti-anti-syn and syn-syn-syn-anti arrangement of the Gs in the two tetrads. The thermal stability of the modified oligonucleotide is 4 degrees C higher than the corresponding unmodified TBA. d(3'GGT5'-5'TGGTGTGGTTGG3') continues to display an anticoagulant activity, even if decreased with respect to the TBA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Thermodynamics
  • Thrombin / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • d(3'-GGT5'-5'TGGTGTGGTTGG3')
  • thrombin aptamer
  • Thrombin