Expanding biohybrid-mediated asymmetric catalysis into the realm of RNA

Chem Commun (Camb). 2016 Jun 30;52(55):8604-7. doi: 10.1039/c6cc03540j.

Abstract

The recent development of biohybrid catalytic systems has allowed synthetic chemists to reach high levels of selectivity on a wide variety of valuable synthetic transformations. In this context, DNA-based catalysts have emerged as particularly appealing tools. Interestingly, while long RNA sequences (ribozymes) are known to catalyse specific biochemical reactions with remarkable efficiencies, RNA-based catalysts involving a catalytically active metal complex interacting in a non-covalent fashion with short sequences have never been evaluated to date. We report here our results, which have led to the first example involving a short RNA-based catalyst.

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Biocatalysis*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation*
  • RNA, Catalytic / chemistry
  • RNA, Catalytic / metabolism*
  • Solvents / chemistry

Substances

  • RNA, Catalytic
  • Solvents