RNA-DNA HYBRID BINDING AGENTS

本研究项目的主要目标是设计和合成

The primary goal of this research project is the design and synthesis of RNA-DNA hybrid agent, which might inhibit the RNase activity of retroviral DNA polymerase. Thus, such a agent would be a possible therapeutic agent against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One characteristic function of the retroviruses, which is generally not found in normal eukaryotic cells, is production of a long RNA-DNA hybrid in the viral replication phase. If agents are designed which bind only to the RNA-DNA hybrid, but not to DNA or RNA, such agents will be able to inhibit specifically the RNase H activity of retroviral DNA polymerase, and therefore will suppress viral replication. Actinomycin analogue might be able to bind to an RNA-DNA hybrid. This hypothesis has been tested by a molecular mechanics calculation using a model structure of the complex between the actinomycin analogue and a small RNA-DNA hybrid. The results of the molecular mechanics calculation suggest that the analogue can bind to the RNA-DNA hybrid. Thus, this actinomycin analogue is a molecule which may stop the degradative activity of retroviral RNase H by binding preferentially to the RNA-DNA hybrid. This would suppress viral replication. The compound should therefore be investigated and tested as a possible therapeutic agent against AIDS.