Synthesis of oligonucleotide inhibitors of DNA (Cytosine-C5) methyltransferase containing 5-azacytosine residues at specific sites.

The incorporation of 5-azacytosine residues into DNA causes potent inhibition of DNA (Cytosine-C5) methyltransferases. The synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides incorporating single or multiple 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine residues at precise sites was undertaken to generate an array of sequences containing the reactive 5-azacytosine base as specific target sites for enzymatic methylation. Preparation of these modified oligonucleotides requires the use of 2-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyloxycarbonyl (NPEOC) groups for the protection of exocyclic amino functions. These groups are removed under mild conditions, thus avoiding conventional protocols that are detrimental to the integrity of the 5-azacytosine ring.