SYNTHETIC POLYAMINES STIMULATE IN-VITRO TRANSCRIPTION BY T7 RNA-POLYMERASE

The influence of nine synthetic polyamines on in vitro transcription w ith T7 RNA polymerase has been studied. The compounds used were linear or macrocyclic tetra- and hexaamine, varying in their size, shape and number of protonated groups. Their effect was tested on different typ es of templates, all presenting the T7 RNA promoter in a double-strand ed form followed by sequences encoding short transcripts (25 to 35-mer s) either on single- or double-stranded synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleo tides. All polyamines used stimulate transcription of both types of te mplates at levels dependent on their size, shape, protonation degree, and concentration. For each compound, an optimal concentration could b e defined; above this concentration, transcription inhibition occurred . Highest stimulation (up to 12-fold) was obtained by the largest cycl ic compound called [38]N6C10.