Abstract: Oligonucleotides having a low molecular weight tail molecules joined to the 3' terminus of the oligonucleotide via a linking molecule of the structure:Z is ##STR1## wherein ##STR2## m and m' are positive integers less than 11, n is 0 or 1 and Q is a connecting group, are synthesized by selectively reacting three independent functional groups on the linking molecule, i.e., an amine, a primary hydroxyl and a secondary hydroxyl, in a stepwise manner. A tail molecule R is first connected to the amino functionality of the linking molecule. Next the linking molecule-tail molecule combination is attached to a solid state support via the secondary hydroxyl group. The oligonucleotide is systematically stepwise synthesized beginning on the primary hydroxyl group followed by release of the oligonucleotide having the low molecular weight tailed joined to its 3' terminus from the solid state support.

Abstract: A solid support for oligonucleotide synthesis has the structure ##STR1## where CPG represents a controlled pore glass matrix, the wavy line represents a carbon chain covalently linking the NH group with the controlled pore glass matrix, X is 2,2'-dimethoxytrityl or H, and R is alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, or heteroaryl. The dimethoxytrityl group is removed from the solid support by treatment with acid, and the oligonucleotide is built, step-by-step in a conventional synthesizer after attachment of the 3' end of the first oligonucleotide unit to the hydroxyl function connected to the R group.

Abstract: This invention relates to safe and effective methods for the extraction of nucleic acids. In particular, methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a biological mixture of nucleic acids and other biological compounds wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution containing at least one organic compound such as benzyl alcohol or a benzyl alcohol derivative to form an aqueous and non-aqueous phase. The nucleic acid is isolated from the aqueous phase. Preferably, the resulting combined solution also contains bentonite, as defined below. Typically, the sample will first be combined with a lysing agent before extraction. The lysing agents preferred are chaotropic salts such as guanidinium hydrochloride and guanidinium isothiocyanate.

Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides formed from .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside monomers, including oligonucleotides in which one or more of the monomer units is functionalized, are disclosed herein, as well as functionalized monomeric .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides and nucleotides. A generic formula for the oligomers is: ##STR1## in which B is a nucleotide base which will vary from one monomeric unit to the next in a preselected oligonucleotide sequence; R is phosphate, phsophorothioate, phosphoramidate, or alkanephosphonate; t is 1 for functionalized monomeric units and zero for the others; W is a chemical linker arm; A is a functional group; and n is the number of monomeric units in the oligomer. The oligomers are useful for diagnostic and chemotherapeutic uses. A novel reaction is also disclosed, in which an .alpha.-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleoside with exposed hydroxyls at the 2'- and 3'-positions is selectively protected at the 2'-position in a single reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to safe and effective methods for the extraction of nucleic acids. In particular, methods are described for isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing a biological mixture of nucleic acids and other biological compounds wherein the sample is combined with an extraction solution containing at least one organic compound such as benzyl alcohol or a benzyl alcohol derivative to form an aqueous and non-aqueous phase. The nucleic acid is isolated from the aqueous phase. Preferably, the resulting combined solution also contains bentonite, as defined below. Typically, the sample will first be combined with a lysing agent before extraction. The lysing agents preferred are chaotropic salts such as guanidinium hydrochloride and guanidinium isothiocyanate.

Abstract: Described herein are novel 6-alkylthio and 6-arylalkylthio purine 3',5' cyclic nucleotides variously exhibiting adenyl cyclase and (in animal studies) tumor inhibitory properties, interferon potentiation, antiviral activity, and the ability to activate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate-dependent protein kinase while enjoying resistance to phosphodiesterase hydrolysis superior to that of its naturally occuring analog. The compounds are obtained by alkylation of the corresponding 6-thio nucleotide, which is in turn provided by a novel synthetic route.