Detection and validation of QTLs for green stem disorder of soybean ( (L.) Merr.).

In mechanically harvested soybean, green stem disorder (GSD) is an undesirable trait that causes green-stained seeds, which are graded lower in Japan. To obtain DNA markers for reduced GSD, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for 2 years using F and F lines from a cross between 'Suzuotome' (less GSD) and 'Fukuyutaka' (more GSD). We validated the effect of a detected QTL for GSD by first identifying F or F plants in which one or more markers in the QTL region were heterozygous.

Development of antiparallel-type triplex-forming oligonucleotides containing quinoline derivatives capable of recognizing a T-A base pair in a DNA duplex.

A triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) can bind to genomic DNA and inhibit the expression of genes with specific sequences. However, to date, there have been a few reports of modified bases in antiparallel TFOs that can recognize and strongly bind to T-A base pairs. In this study, we introduced several quinoline derivatives into antiparallel TFOs to develop modified bases that can recognize the T-A base pair and evaluated their ability to form triplexes and to discriminate between base pairs.

Chemical Synthesis of Modified Oligonucleotides Containing 5'-Amino-5'-Deoxy-5'-Hydroxymethylthymidine Residues.

Introduction of cationic modifications into an oligonucleotide can increase its nuclease resistance and duplex- or triplex-forming abilities. In a recent study, we found that the nuclease resistance and RNA binding selectivity of an oligonucleotide containing a 5'-(R)-amino-5'-deoxy-5'-(R)-hydroxymethylthymidine residue were greater than those of the unmodified oligonucleotide. In this article, we describe the synthesis of 5'-amino-5'-deoxy-5'-hydroxymethylthymidine via dihydroxylation of the 5'-alkene derivative using either of two commercial AD (asymmetric dehydroxylation) mixes or via epoxidation and ring opening.