Photo-Regulation of RNA Hydrolysis by the Zinc(II) Complex Carrying Azobenzene

The first photo-regulation of non-enzymatic RNA hydrolysis has been achieved. A positively-charged and bulky regulator has been linked to a catalytically active Zn(II) complex, via a photo-responsive linker involving an azobenzene. The rate of RNA hydrolysis has been reversibly modulated by photo-irradiation.