Fluorescent Platforms for RNA Chemical Biology Research.

Efficient detection and observation of dynamic RNA changes remain a tremendous challenge. However, the continuous development of fluorescence applications in recent years enhances the efficacy of RNA imaging. Here we summarize some of these developments from different aspects.

Fluorescence-Based Binding Characterization of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting CUG RNA Repeats.

Pathogenic CUG and CCUG RNA repeats have been associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2), respectively. Identifying small molecules that can bind these RNA repeats is of great significance to develop potential therapeutics to treat these neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies have shown that aminoglycosides and their derivatives could work as potential lead compounds targeting these RNA repeats.

Synthesis of 6-Aza-2-Hydroxyimino-5-Methylpyrimidine Nucleosides for Antiviral Evaluation.

The syntheses of a series of novel 6-aza-2-hydroxyimino-5-methylpyrimidine and related nucleosides are described. A suitably protected 2-methylthiopyrimidine nucleoside was selected as the precursor for installing a hydroxyimino moiety at the C-2 position. The starting nucleobase 6-aza-5-methyl-2-thiouracil is prepared in two steps from thiosemicarbazone and ethyl pyruvate.

Synthesis and Purification of N -Methylcytidine (m C) Modified RNA Oligonucleotides.

This protocol describes a step-by-step chemical synthesis approach to prepare N -methylcytidine (m C) and its phosphoramidite. The method for synthesizing m C starts from commercially available cytidine, and proceeds via N -methylation in the presence of MeI, which generates the N -methylcytidine (m C) nucleoside, followed by the installation of several protecting groups at sites that include the 5'-hydroxyl group (4,4'-dimethoxytrityl protection), the 4-amino group (benzoyl protection), and the 2'-hydroxyl group (tert-butyldimethylsilyl, TBDMS, protection). Standard phosphoramidite chemistry is applied to prepare the final m C phosphoramidite for solid-phase synthesis of a series of RNA oligonucleotides.