Structure–activity relationships in new polycationic molecules based on two 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes as artificial ribonucleases

•A novel series of DABCO based artificial ribonucleases was synthesised.•The linker moiety plays a key role in RNA cleavage by DABCO-contained aRNases.•The hydrophobic groups are an important requirement for the aRNase activity.•Compound 18 displayed the best cleavage activity.

In the present study, we designed and synthesised new polycationic molecules based on two 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) moieties with hydrophobic groups connected by different linkers. The structure and the RNA-cleavage activity relationships of this novel series of artificial ribonucleases (aRNases) were investigated.

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