Metal-ion catalyzed polymerization in the eutectic phase in water-ice: a possible approach to template-directed RNA polymerization.
The emergence of an RNA world requires among other processes the non-enzymatic, template-directed replication of genetic polymers such as RNA or related nucleic acids, possibly catalyzed by metal-ions. The absence of uridilate derivative polymerization on adenine containing templates has been the main issue preventing an efficient template-directed RNA polymerization. We report here the investigation of template-directed RNA polymerization in the eutectic phase in water-ice. In particular, it was found that activated uridilate monomers in the presence of metal-ion catalysts could efficiently elongate RNA hairpins whose 5'-overhangs served as the templating sequence. The same applies for every other pyrimidine and purine nucleobase. Moreover, the initial elongation rates were always higher in the presence of a template complementary to the nucleotide than in systems without proper base-pairing opportunities. These results suggest that a template-directed RNA polymerization catalyzed by metal-ions could be carried out under eutectic phase in water-ice conditions.
Monnard
Pierre-Alain
PA
Los Alamos National Laboratory, EES-6, PO Box 1663, MS-D462, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. pmonnard@lanl.gov
Szostak
Jack W
JW
D000225:Adenine / Q000737:chemistry; D003596:Cytosine / Q000737:chemistry; D019418:Evolution, Chemical; D006147:Guanine / Q000737:chemistry; D007053:Ice; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D013698:Templates, Genetic; D014498:Uracil / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water
D007053:Ice; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D014498:Uracil; D006147:Guanine; D012313:RNA; D003596:Cytosine; D000225:Adenine