Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method for the solid phase synthesis of polyamides containing imidazole and pyrrole carboxamides. The polyamides are prepared on a solid support from aromatic carboxylic acids and aromatic amines with high stepwise coupling yields (>99%), providing milligram quantities of highly pure polyamides. The present invention also describes the synthesis of analogs of the natural products Netropsin and Distamycin A, two antiviral antibiotics. The present invention also describes a novel method for the solid phase synthesis of imidazole and pyrrole carboxamide polyamide-oligonucleotide conjugates. This methodology will greatly increase both the complexity and quantity of minor-groove binding polyamides and minor-groove binding polyamide-oligonucleotide conjugates which can be synthesized and tested.

Abstract: The invention encompasses improved polyamides for binding to specific nucleotide sequences in the minor groove of double stranded DNA. The 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrole/N-methylpyrrole carboxamide pair specifically recognizes the T·A base pair, while the N-methylpyrrole/3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrole pair recognizes A·T nucleotide pairs. Similarly, an N-methylimidizole/N-methylpyrrole carboxamide pair specifically recognizes the G·C nucleotide pair, and the N-methylpyrrole/N-methylimidizole carboxamide pair recognizes the C·G nucleotide pair.

Abstract: Charged compounds are provided that comprise one or more regions of localized positive charge, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of synthesizing such compounds, methods of screening such compounds to identify those having anti-infective activity, and methods of using such compounds to prevent or inhibit infections. These compounds, and compositions containing them, have multiple applications, including use in human and animal medicine and in agriculture.