RNA basic building block produced biocatalytically for the first time

The Graz researchers are the first in the world to demonstrate 'YeiN', an enzyme that is a suitable biocatalyst for the production of C-nucleosides, the basic building blocks of RNA. (Symbolic photo from enzyme research) © Lunghammer - TU Graz By Susanne Eigner - Researchers from TU Graz and acib succeed in the first enzyme-driven biocatalytic synthesis of nucleic acid building blocks. This facilitates the development of antiviral agents and RNA-based therapeutics. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the associated intensive search for therapeutics and vaccines, the chemical substance class of nucleosides is experiencing an enormous increase in interest. Natural and synthetic nucleosides have an antiviral effect and can act as building blocks of ribonucleic acids (RNA). When incorporated into RNA, novel interactions within the macromolecule result with positive consequences for stability and biological effectiveness. In medicinal chemistry, the molecular family of carbon (C)-nucleosides is particularly in demand.