pH-Dependent Switching of Base Pairs Using Artificial Nucleobases with Carboxyl Groups

J Org Chem. 2018 Feb 2;83(3):1320-1327. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b02828. Epub 2018 Jan 23.

Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides consisting of benzoic acid or isophthalic acid residues as new nucleobases. As evaluated by UV thermal denaturation analysis at different pH conditions (5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0), these modified oligonucleotides exhibited pH-dependent recognition of natural nucleobases and one is first found to be capable of base pair switching in response to a pH change. The isophthalic acid residue incorporated into the oligonucleotide on a d-threoninol backbone could preferentially bind with adenine but with guanine in response to a change in the pH conditions from pH 5 to pH 7 (or 8) without significant difference in duplex stability. These findings would be valuable for further developing pH-responsive DNA-based molecular devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing
  • Benzoic Acid / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oligonucleotides / chemical synthesis*
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • Phthalic Acids / chemistry*

Substances

  • Oligonucleotides
  • Phthalic Acids
  • isophthalate
  • Benzoic Acid