Modified 2'-deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) bearing [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and [Os(bpy)(3)](2+) complexes attached via an acetylene linker to the 5-position of pyrimidines (C and U) or to the 7-position of 7-deazapurines (7-deaza-A and 7-deaza-G) have been prepared in one step by aqueous cross-couplings of halogenated dNTPs with the corresponding terminal acetylenes. Polymerase incorporation by primer extension using Vent (exo-) or Pwo polymerases gave DNA labeled in specific positions with Ru(2+) or Os(2+) complexes. Square-wave voltammetry could be efficiently used to detect these labeled nucleic acids by reversible oxidations of Ru(2+/3+) or Os(2+/3+). The redox potentials of the Ru(2+) complexes (1.1-1.25 V) are very close to that of G oxidation (1.1 V), while the potentials of Os(2+) complexes (0.75 V) are sufficiently different to enable their independent detection. On the other hand, Ru(2+)-labeled DNA can be independently analyzed by luminescence. In combination with previously reported dNTPs bearing ferrocene, aminophenyl, and nitrophenyl tags, the Os-labeled dATP has been successfully used for "multicolor" redox labeling of DNA and for DNA minisequencing.

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic Gilead Sciences and IOCB Research Center Flemingovo nam 2 16610 Prague 6 Czech Republic