γ-Hydroxymethyl PNAs: Synthesis, interaction with DNA and inhibition of protein/DNA interactions

The ability of PNA to interact with DNA double stranded has been recently investigated. In a decoy approach these interactions are of great importance as may lead to inhibition of interactions of DNA sequences to specific transcription factors and may be employed as a strategy for the inhibition of gene transcription alternative to the antisense strategy (targeting transcription factors mRNAs) and the transcription factor decoy approach (targeting transcription factors). We explored the ability of PNA and PNAs with modified monomers to bind to DNA and to interfere in the formation of DNA/transcription factor complex. We report a procedure for the synthesis of Fmoc–γ-hydroxymetyl PNA, the synthesis and CD analysis of PNA oligomers containing the modified monomer in different positions and EMSA assays to test the: (a) binding to double stranded DNA and (b) inhibition of DNA–protein interactions.

Graphical abstractγ-Hydroxymethyl PNAs were synthesised and incorporated into PNA oligomers. The ability to bind to DNA and to disrupt DNA/transcription factor complexes was investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide