Figure 8. An oligonucleotide with phosphorothioate linkages reduces target RNA cleavage and enhances cOA production.

(A) Comparison of target RNA cleavage for unmodified target RNA (A26) and the same sequence with two sets of three phosphorothioate bonds at sites B1 and B2 (indicated by *). Target RNA cleavage was slowed significantly, with a particular reduction in cleavage at site B2. The synthesis of cOA₄, on the other hand, was strongly stimulated over the course of the reaction. Time points are 0 (denoted ‘c’), 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 min. (B) Quantification of cOA₄ production, showing four-fold higher levels of cOA₄ after 100 min when the P-thioate modified target RNA was used. Values are the means of triplicate experiments, with standard deviation shown, and are normalised to the signal from the unmodified target RNA at 100 min.