Intramolecular DNA coiling mediated by metallo-supramolecular cylinders: differential binding of P and M helical enantiomers

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Apr 16;99(8):5069-74. doi: 10.1073/pnas.062634499.

Abstract

We have designed a synthetic tetracationic metallo-supramolecular cylinder that targets the major groove of DNA with a binding constant in excess of 10(7) M(-1) and induces DNA bending and intramolecular coiling. The two enantiomers of the helical molecule bind differently to DNA and have different structural effects. We report the characterization of the interactions by a range of biophysical techniques. The M helical cylinder binds to the major groove and induces dramatic intramolecular coiling. The DNA bending is less dramatic for the P enantiomer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Circular Dichroism
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Ligands
  • Metals / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Protein Binding
  • Spectrophotometry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Metals
  • DNA
  • Iron