The journal Chemistry Eur J highlights in its cover the first structure of a new type of DNA/ligand complex where selective recognition of interfaces between different DNA secondary structures is observed for the first time.
Targeting the interface between DNA G-quadruplex and duplex regions by small molecules holds significant promise in both therapeutics and nanotechnology. In this paper, scientist from CSIC (IQOG and IQFR) and Universidad de la Rioja describe the first family of compounds that binds with high affinity to a quadruplex/duplex junction. The first three-dimensional structure of a DNA/ligand complex involving a quadruplex/duplex junction is determined by NMR methods, and reveals a new mode of DNA recognition: insertion of a ligand ammonium moiety into the center of a partially exposed interfacial G-tetrad.
Publication:
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Enrique Pedroso, our dear colleague and friend, who passed away on last September 7th, 2020
- 2021.Díaz-Casado, I. Serrano-Chacón, L. Montalvillo-Jiménez, F. Corzana, A. Bastida, A.G. Santana,* C. González,* J.L. Asensio.* Selective recognition of Quadruplex-Duplex Junctions: Targeting the G4 Hot-Spot. Chem. Eur. J., 27, 6204–6212, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202005026
