Synthesis, RNA binding and nuclease activity of porphyrin-hydroxamic acid derivatives

The interaction modes and nuclease activity against RNA of methylpyridiniumyl/phenyl-hydroxamic acid porphyrin adducts have been investigated. These compounds are derived from the tetracationic meso-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridiniumyl) porphyrin (H2TMPyP-4) by replacing one or two pyridinium rings with a phenyl group. This group is bearing an aliphatic chain of three carbon atoms in the para position to a hydroxamic acid. A different interaction mode is observed depending on the number of charges and hydroxamic acid function. The nuclease activity of the porphyrin adducts against RNA has been demonstrated. Also the effect of the presence of various lanthanide ions on the porphyrin nuclease activity has been tested.