Developments in the Chemical Synthesis of Naturally Occurring DNA and RNA Sequences with Normal and Unusual Linkages

Abstract

A general method for the chemical synthesis of long oligoribonucleotide chains has been developed. The key features of the method are the use of alkylsilyl protecting groups for the 2’-position and the ȁphosphite” coupling procedure for internucleotide bond formation. The procedure has been adapted to an automated process using controlled pore glass supports. The successful synthesis of a 43-mer similar in sequence to the 3’-terminus of the f-met tRNA from E. coli is described. The method has been adapted to the synthesis of novel sequences including the branched trimer at the juncture point in the splicing of eucaryotic messenger RNA. © 1987 IUPAC