Consensus Integrase of a New HIV-1 Genetic Variant CRF63_02A1.

The high genetic variability of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) leads to a constant emergence of new genetic variants, including the recombinant virus CRF63_02A1, which is widespread in the Siberian Federal District of Russia. We studied HIV-1 CRF63_02A1 integrase (IN_CRF) catalyzing the incorporation of viral DNA into the genome of an infected cell. The consensus sequence was designed, recombinant integrase was obtained, and its DNA-binding and catalytic activities were characterized.

Synthesis of modified nucleotide building blocks containing electrophilic groups in the 2'-position.

Chemical syntheses of 2'-O-(allyloxycarbonyl)methyladenosine, 2'-O-(methoxycarbonyl)methyladenosine and 2'-O-(2,3-dibenzoyloxy)propyluridine 3'-2-cyanoethyl-N,N-diisopropyl phosphoramidite building blocks are described. These monomers were used successfully to incorporate carboxylic acid, 1,2-diol and aldehyde functionalities into synthetic oligonucleotides.