Activation of Nucleotides and Amino Acids in Aqueous Media

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Clemens Richert
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326025951

Reactions of activated ribonucleotides and other biomolecules in aqueous solution are pivotal for the cell. Triphosphates, such as ATP or GTP induce the majority of endergonic reactions of primary metabolism. At the same time, ATP, GTP, CTP, and UTP are also monomers for the synthesis of RNA strands in all known forms of life. Finally, reactions of amino acids and ATP are critical for the biosynthesis of polypeptides. During our study of enzyme-free primer extensions with in situ activation we identified reaction conditions that induce the simultaneous growth of RNA and peptide chains, starting from free amino acids and ribonucleotides in aqueous buffer. The available data suggest that activated nucleotides play a key role in these processes. Gaining a better understanding of the underlying activation chemistry is the focus of the project. This activation chemistry appears to produce an organically activated species reminiscent of ATP in biochemistry. In this context, the organocatalysts inducing efficient chain growth will be studied.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants