Inhibition of DNA Transcription Using Cationic Mixed Monolayer Protected Gold Clusters

Abstract

Efficient recognition of DNA is a prerequisite for the development of biological effectors, including transcription and translation regulators, transfection vectors, and DNA sensors. To provide an effective scaffold for multivalent interactions with DNA, we have fabricated mixed monolayer protected gold clusters (MMPCs) functionalized with tetraalkylammonium ligands that can interact with the DNA backbone via charge complementarity. Binding studies indicate that the MMPCs and DNA form a charge-neutralized, nonaggregated assembly. The interactions controlling these assemblies are highly efficient, completely inhibiting transcription by T7 RNA polymerase in vitro.

Applications of Nanoparticles in Biology

“…2a and b) by Rotello. [17] The binding of the DNA inhibited transcription by T7 RNA polymerase, indicating the high affinity of the NP-DNA complex, and pointing out a [18] A third approach to DNA conjugation exploits the high affinity and specificity of DNA-DNA interactions (Fig. 2c).…”

Modulatory Effect of Citrate Reduced Gold and Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on α-Amylase Activity

“…In addition, because of their extremely large surface area to volume ratios, a significant number of proteins can be adsorbed and "trapped" on AuNPs surfaces when they are introduced into biological entities [22][23][24][25][26][27]. Gold nanoparticles present an alternate and advantageous synthetic scaffold for targeting protein surfaces [28] and have been demonstrated to bind biomacromolecules, [29] facilitate DNA transfection [30], and reversibly inhibit enzymes [31]. The binding of albumin protein on the surfaces of silver and gold nanoparticles has been studied for surface adhesion by researchers to understand the effect on its structural changes [32,33].…”

The interaction of native DNA with Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 5-triethyl ammonium methyl salicylidene orto-phenylendiimine

“…Over the past decades there has been substantial interest in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding properties toward a number of metal complexes, with the aim to develop novel reagents which can control genetic information and or prevent the growth and replication of cancerous cells through the inhibition of transcription [1][2][3][4][5]. The necessary requisites that such complexes should obviously possess, are to be stable and inert in biological environment and water-soluble.…”