Redox-Active Metal-Containing Nucleotides: Synthesis, Tunability, and Enzymatic Incorporation into DNA

Abstract

Novel redox-active DNA labeling tags with tunable electrochemical potentials are modularly synthesized using (a) bis-substituted Ru2+ or Os2+ precursors (R2bpy)2ML2, (b) substituted 2,4-pentanediones or hydroxamic acids bearing a functionalized linker, and (c) modified nucleotides. DNA polymerase efficiently incorporates the metal-containing nucleotide triphosphate into DNA oligonucleotides.