Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Advanced RNA synthesis as a key tool in RNA biology research

4^th International Conference and Exhibition on Cell & Gene Therapy

August 10-12, 2015 London, UK

Andrei Laikhter

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Stem Cell Res Ther

Abstract:

Conventional method of RNA synthesis by 3’ → 5’ direction is now well established and currently in use for synthesis and
development of vast variety of therapeutic grade RNA and siRNA etc. A number of such synthetic RNA requires a
modification or labeling of 3’- end of an oligonucleotide. The synthesis of 3’- end modified RNA requires lipophilic, long chain
ligands or chromophores, using 3’ → 5’ synthesis methodology is challenging, requires corresponding solid support and generally
results in low coupling efficiency and lower purity of the final oligonucleotide in general because of large amount of truncated
sequences containing desired hydrophobic modification. We have approached this problem by developing reverse RNA monomer
phosphoramidites for RNA synthesis in 5’ → 3’- direction. We demonstrated that a number of lipophilic modifications such as
cholesterol, PEG-2000 and PEG 4500 can be introduced at 3’-end with high efficiency. Highly pure desired oligonucleotides
have been isolated using reverse-phase HPLC purification. Currently we offer therapeutically highly potent S-isobutanoyl2-(2-
mercaptoethoxy)ethoxyl(BMEG) oligonucleotides. That type of RNA oligomers are cell-permeable having neutral phosphate
backbone that converting into natural phosphate diester backbone inside of the cell.

Biography :

Andrei Laikhter graduated from bioorganic chemistry department of Moscow Institute of Fine Chemical Technology in 1982. He received his PhD degree in 1987
at the age of 27 years, from Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences. He worked at University of Delaware in 1993 and University
of Virginia 1994-1996. Since 1999 he worked at Integrated DNA Technology, Inc., he became the vice president of chemistry research in 2004. From 2007, he is
working as a chief scientific officer at Chemgenes Corporation. Till now he has published over 40 papers and patents.