Site-specific modification of the 5"-terminal fragment of PGY1/MDR1 gene mRNA by reactive conjugates of antisense oligonucleotides

The site-specific modification of the 5"-terminal fragment of PGY1/MDR1 mRNA by oligodeoxyribonucleotide conjugates bearing residues of bleomycin A₅ (Blm), cobalt(ii) tetracarboxyphthalocyanine (Phcn), 4-[N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methylamino]benzylamine (RCl), or perfluoroarylazide (Az) was studied. Conjugates of oligonucleotides complementary to the RNA sequences 123—138 and 155—166 selectively modify RNA in the vicinity of these regions. The highest efficacy (up to 50%) was achieved in reactions with alkylating and perfluoroarylazide conjugates of oligonucleotides. Conjugates of perfluoroarylazide with 2"-O-modified oligonucleotides are much more efficient than analogous conjugates with oligodeoxyribonucleotides (extents of RNA modification are 40—50% and 20%, respectively).