Controlling RNA Digestion by RNase H with a Light‐Activated DNA Hairpin

Making sense: A DNA hairpin was synthesized by attaching a 20-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) to a sense ODN through a bifunctional photocleavable linker. This conjugate became much less stable upon UV photoactivation (ΔTm=−29 K, ΔΔG=4.6 kcal mol−1), which facilitated binding of the asODN to the complementary RNA. By this strategy, photomodulation of RNase H activity towards a variety of RNA targets was performed.