Yu. A. Berlin

New Pyrene Derivatives for Fluorescent Labeling of Oligonucleotides

Abstract A series of pyrene-containing reagents have been synthesized and used for the fluorescent labeling of oligonucleotides.

[Synthesis and fluorescent properties of 5-(1-pyrenylethynyl)-2'- deoxyuridine-containing oligodeoxynucleotides].

Novel reagents for the fluorescent labeling of oligo- and polynucleotides have been prepared: 5-(1-pyrenylethynyl)-2′-deoxyuridine 3′-phosphoramidite and a solid support carrying this nucleoside. Oligo-nucleotides containing one or several modified units have been synthesized, and the fluorescence of these probes has been shown to change upon hybridization with the complementary sequence.

New Fluorescent Nucleoside Derivatives -5-Alkynylated 2-Deoxyuridines

Abstract Four fluorescent nucleosides, 5-(4-pyrenylethynyl)-, 5-(l-pyrenylbutadiynyl)-, 5-(3-perylenylethynyl)-, and 5-[4-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenylethynyl]-2′-deoxyuridines, were synthesized.

Optimization of PCR-based diagnostics for human cytomegalovirus.

Various techniques of DNA template preparation for the PCR-based analysis of human CMV in biological fluids have been compared. Structural polymorphism of a CMV DNA segment (part of the major immediate early gene) in clinical isolates is described; the molecular markers (nucleotide substitutions, deletions, insertions) localized in the analyzed amplicon appear to be suitable for molecular-epidemiological studies. A scheme of spreading of the molecular markers in the population is suggested.

Synthesis and Fluorescent Characteristics of Oligodeoxynucleotides Containing a Novel Fluorescent Label, p-(2-Benzoxazolyl)tolane

A functional (dihydroxybutyl) derivative of p-(2-benzoxazolyl)tolane, a fluorescent label novel for biopolymers, was synthesized. The functionalized solid support obtained on its basis was employed in the synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides 3-terminally labeled with benzoxazolyltolane (these oligonucleotides also contained 1-phenylethynylpyrene residues). This fluorophore within its dihydroxybutyl derivative and the oligonucleotides modified with it display an intensive fluorescence characterized by a high Stokes shift. The oligonucleotides labeled with this fluorophore are potential probes sensitive to the bioplymer microenvironment.

Perylene-Labeled Oligonucleotide as a Probe in Homogeneous Hybridization Assay

Abstract An oligodeoxynucleotide bearing a 3′-terminal perylene-containing pseudonucleoside unit was synthesized and used as a probe in homogeneous hybridization. The fluorescence anisotropy of the perylene dye rose upon hybridization of the modified conjugate with the complementary nucleotide sequence. These results provide for designing efficacious hybridization probes.

“Molecular biology in the year 2000” revisited

The history of civilization is to a no small extent the history of foreseeings, forecasts, prophesies. Forecasted were the coming of Messiah and the advent of Doomsday, the thousand-year existence of the third Reich and the global triumph of communism. As a rule, forecasts adopt an utterly illegible form, although sometimes exact dates of the distinctly formulated events are set forth. The preferable style is the prophesies for hundreds or even thousands of years; such intervals allow even Methuselah to play it really safe. Few dare predict for scores of years or just for years-when the time comes, the prophet may well be around yet, and accessible for a reprimand. Francis Crick did dare. Fortunately, we are still able to call this great contemporary of ours to account.