Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an oligonucleotide or analog thereof conjugated to a molecule comprising a structure, which structure (a) is of substantially fixed conformation; (b) contains, is directly attached to, or is attached to a carbon atom that is directly attached to, an first amine; and (c) contains, is directly attached to, or is attached to an atom that is directly attached to a phosphate, a second amine, or a cationic sulfur. In a preferred embodiment, the structure consists of at least a nonaromatic cyclic portion or substituted derivative thereof. In a specific embodiment, the structure is a nonaromatic cyclic compound. In another embodiment, the molecule is a steroid. In yet another particular aspect, the structure is an aromatic compound. In another embodiment, the structure can bind to a nucleic acid sequence in a nonintercalative manner. The invention also relates to a conjugate comprising a steroid or substituted derivative thereof containing, or attached directly or through a carbon atom to, an amine, which steroid or substituted derivative is conjugated to at least one hydrogen-phosphonate and a cation; such a conjugate may be used as an intermediate in synthesis. The oligonucleotide conjugates of the invention can have a number of uses. For example, the conjugates may be used for diagnostic purposes by detecting a nucleic acid sequence.

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First Claim