Synthesis and Characterization of Conjugates Formed between Periodate-Oxidized Ribonucleotides and Amine-Containing Fluorophores

The synthesis and purification of new fluorescently labeled derivatives of GDP and ATP are described. The fluorescent groups are coupled initially through amine-containing linker arms to periodate-oxidized nucleotides. Reduction of the initial product yields primarily a six-membered morpholine-like ring. Fluorescein-labeled GDP, rhodamine-labeled GDP, and fluorescein-labeled ATP were characterized by absorbance spectroscopy and TLC. NMR and FAB-MS studies were carried out on a single nucleotide derivative formed by reacting periodate-oxidized guanosine and benzylamine with subsequent reduction to establish the modification to the ribose moiety. The synthesis of the guanosine—benzylamine conjugate led to a mixture of products that were separated. The predominant product (70%) resulted in conversion of the ribose moiety to a six-membered morpholine-like ring having no hydroxyl group, and the minor product (30%) resulted in an open ring structure having one hydroxyl. When NaCNBH₃ was used as the sole reductant, only the product with the morpholine-like ring was formed. These probes were prepared for use in solution studies of the interactions of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 with other components of mammalian protein synthesis initiation.