Selection of Aptamers with Large Hydrophobic 2′-Substituents

• DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b10538
• Publication Date: 2020-01-21T18:57:12Z
• Authors: Qian Shao; Tingjian Chen; Kai Sheng; Zhixia Liu; Zhuochen Zhang; Floyd E. Romesberg
• Keywords: Aptamer; Hydrophobic effect; Template

Previously, we evolved a DNA polymerase, SFM4-3, for the recognition of substrates modified at their 2′ positions with fluoro, O-methyl, or azido substituent. Here use SFM4-3 to synthesize 2′-azido-modified DNA; then group attach different, large hydrophobic groups via click chemistry. We show that recognizes templates under standard conditions, producing natural and thereby allowing amplification. To demonstrate utility this remarkable property, select aptamers substituents bind human neutrophil elastase blood coagulation protein factor IXa. The results indicate should facilitate discovery adopt novel perhaps more protein-like folds cores in turn allow them access activities.