Modified oligoribonucleotides as site-specific probes of RNA structure and function

Modified nucleotides can be incorporated site specifically into RNA by the use of total chemical synthesis as well as by use of a variety of recombinant RNA techniques. The range of nucleotide analogues includes modifications to base, sugar, and phosphate for structure–function analysis and for cross-linking studies as well as to answer specific mechanistic questions in RNA catalysis. We describe how RNA containing site-specific modifications are prepared, concentrating in particular on routes involving chemically synthesized oligoribonucleotides, and give examples of their application in studies of the hammerhead and hairpin ribozymes.