Post-synthetic chemical modification of rna at the 2'-position of the ribose ring via "click" chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to a 2′-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2′-O substituent having an alkyne functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2′-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2′-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5′-end of the RNA strand. This invention also relates to a 2′-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2′-O substituent having a triazole functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2′-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2′-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5′-end of the RNA strand.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for introducing 2′-modifications into RNA, said process comprises a) obtaining RNA with an alkyne functional group at the 2′-position on at least one ribose ring; b) creating a solution of RNA in a solvent; and c) adding an organic azide and a metal catalyst to the solution to form a reaction and creating a 2′-modified RNA.