Expanding DNA Sequence Recognition with Minor Groove Binders

The Analogues of DNA Minor-Groove Binders as Antineoplastic Compounds

Characterization of a protein recognizing minor groove binders-damaged DNA.

By using electromobility shift assay (EMSA), we have identified a protein able to recognize the DNA only if it was previously reacted with minor groove binders. This protein binds with very high affinity AT containing DNA treated with minor groove binders such as distamycin A, Hoechst 33258 and 33342, CC-1065 and ethidium bromide minor groove intercalator, but not with major groove binders such...

Comparison of Computational Methods to Model DNA Minor Groove Binders

There has been a profound interest in designing small molecules that interact in sequence-selective fashion with DNA minor grooves. However, most in silico approaches have not been parametrized for DNA ligand interaction. In this regard, a systematic computational analysis of 57 available PDB structures of noncovalent DNA minor groove binders has been undertaken. The study starts with a rigorou...

Expanding the repertoire of heterocycle ring pairs for programmable minor groove DNA recognition.

The discrimination of the four Watson-Crick base pairs by minor groove DNA-binding polyamides have been attributed to the specificity of three five-membered aromatic amino acid subunits, 1-methyl-1H-imidazole (Im), 1-methyl-1H-pyrrole (Py), and 3-hydroxy-1H-pyrrole (Hp) paired four different ways. The search for additional ring pairs that demonstrate DNA-sequence specificity has led us to a new...

From old alkylating agents to new minor groove binders.

Alkylating agents represent the oldest class of anticancer agents with the approval of mechloretamine by the FDA in 1949. Even though their clinical use is far beyond the use of new targeted therapies, they still occupy a major place in the treatment of specific malignancies, sometimes representing the unique option for the treatment of refractory tumors. Here, we are reviewing the major classe...