Interfering with DNA High‐Order Structures using Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Abstract

In this work, it was found that DNA can undergo B-Z transformational changes and compaction in the presence of DNA intercalators such as ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes. The link between B-Z transition and condensation is weak but can be strengthened under certain circumstances with slight alterations to the structures of the ruthenium(II) complexes. Here, following on from previous research, this work reports a series of ruthenium(II) complexes with imidazophenanthroline ligands, which vary in size and planarity. The complexes exhibit distinct effects on DNA structures, ranging from little impact to the transformation of DNA secondary structures to the formation of higher-order DNA structures. Further studies on DNA morphological changes induced by chiral ruthenium(II) complexes are observed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

A robust photoluminescence screening assay identifies uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitors against prostate cancer

“…[25][26][27] However, the use of oligonucleotides labeled with organic dyes is limited by the high cost of synthesis of labeled DNA. 28,29 Moreover, the nanosecond lifetime of organic dyes is generally too short to allow their uorescence to be separated from the high background uorescence of samples and can result in false negatives, which greatly limits their drug screening applications. 30 Consequently, the problem of background uorescence is a major concern for the screening of small molecule inhibitors.…”