Catalytic cofactor ancestors to promote P-O bond formation for RNA polymerization (A03)

• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 521256690

It is the central aim of project A3 to elucidate the role of cofactor ancestors in RNA polymerization. The first part focusses on prebiotically plausible synthetic routes towards structurally diverse flavin cofactor ancestors. Building on their function as redox catalysts and their ability to reversibly form covalent bonds, we will study the activity of the cofactor ancestors in P‒O bond formation reactions using sulfites and phosphites as reagents. Following this strategy, project A3 has the aim to achieve the formation of activated (cyclic) phosphates and phosphoric acid anhydrides, which are reactive substrates for RNA polymerization.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 392: Molecular evolution in prebiotic environments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Dr. Golo Trutz Benjamin Storch, since 1/2024