Molecular recognition of single-stranded RNA: neomycin binding to poly(A).

Poly(A) is a relevant sequence in cell biology due to its importance in mRNA stability and translation initiation. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is well known for its ability to target various nucleic acid structures. Here it is reported that neomycin is capable of binding tightly to a single-stranded oligonucleotide (A(30)) with a K(d) in the micromolar range. CD melting experiments support complex formation and indicate a melting temperature of 47 degrees C. The poly(A) duplex, which melts at 44 degrees C (pH 5.5), was observed to melt at 61 degrees C in the presence of neomycin, suggesting a strong stabilization of the duplex by the neomycin.