Probing DNA charge transport with metallointercalators

Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2000 Apr;4(2):199-206. doi: 10.1016/s1367-5931(99)00075-7.

Abstract

A wide range of experiments have emerged recently regarding charge transport through DNA, including spectroscopic studies of rates of DNA-mediated electron transfer and biochemical studies of DNA base oxidation over long distances. These experiments have, in turn, led to new proposals about the way in which charge moves through DNA and have prompted the consideration of physiological roles for DNA electron transfer. Importantly, metallointercalators have been key players in many of these experiments. Metallointercalators provide critical probes to examine the migration of charge through the DNA base stack.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Intercalating Agents*
  • Metals*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation

Substances

  • Intercalating Agents
  • Metals
  • DNA