Modified oligoribonucleotides as site-specific probes of RNA structure and function

Modified nucleotides can be incorporated site specifically into RNA by the use of total chemical synthesis as well as by use of a variety of recombinant RNA techniques. The range of nucleotide analogues includes modifications to base, sugar, and phosphate for structure-function analysis and for cross-linking studies us well as to answer specific mechanistic questions in RNA catalysis. We describe how RNA containing site-specific modifications are prepared, concentrating in particular on routes involving chemically synthesized oligoribonucleotides, and give examples of their application in studies of the hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.