Long-range charge transfer in DNA: transient structural distortions control the distance dependence

Ultrafast investigation of photoinduced charge transfer in aminoanthraquinone pharmaceutical product

We investigated the mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer and the following radiationless dynamics of the excited states of 1-aminoanthraquinone using steady state and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculations. Following photoexcitation with 460 nm, conformational relaxation via twisting of the amino group, charge transfer and the intersystem crossing (ISC) processes have been established to be the major relaxation pathways responsible for the ultrafast nonradiative of the excited S₁ state. Intramolecular proton transfer, which could be induced by intramolecular hydrogen bonding is inspected and excluded. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations reveal the change of the dipole moments of the S₀ and S₁ states along the twisted coordinate of the amino group, indicating the mechanism of twisted intra-molecular charge transfer (TICT). The timescale of TICT is measured to be 5 ps due to the conformational relaxation and a barrier on the S₁ potential surface. The ISC from the S₁ state to the triplet manifold is a main deactivation pathway with the decay time of 28 ps. Our results observed here have yield a physically intuitive and complete picture of the photoinduced charge transfer and radiationless dynamics in anthraquinone pharmaceutial products.

Microsolvation of the pyrrole cation (Py+) with nonpolar and polar ligands: infrared spectra of Py+–Ln with L = Ar, N2, and H2O (n ≤ 3)

IR spectra and dispersion-corrected density functional calculations of pyrrole cluster ions with Ar, N₂, and H₂O reveal the competition between H-bonding and π-stacking motifs of this prototypical heterocyclic aromatic cation in a hydrophobic and hydrophilic solvent.

The effect of sequence on the ionization of guanine in DNA

The accurate estimation of the ionization energies and understanding the nature of the ionized states of the nucleic acid bases (NABs) are crucial to the understanding of the DNA damage mechanism. The vertical ionization energy (VIE) of guanine is the lowest among the NABs and the ionization energies are strongly affected by the environment, such as solvation and characteristics of nearby NABs. Therefore, we investigate the sequence dependence of the VIEs of guanine in B-DNA. We use the equation of motion coupled cluster method for the estimation of ionization potential with single and double excitations (EOM-IP-CCSD) and density functional theory with dispersion corrected ωB97x-D for the estimation of VIEs. A significant amount of non-additivity or cooperativity, directly proportional to charge delocalization, is noticed in the change in VIE due to the interaction with the nearby NABs. While the change in VIE due to base pairing originates predominantly from charge-dipole interactions, stacking between base pairs is a more complicated balance of dispersion and charge-dipole interactions as well as stabilization due to the delocalization of the positive charge. The long range interactions are however dominated by 1/r(3) distance dependence which shows the major role played by charge-dipole interactions. The extent of localization of positive holes on guanine is also estimated for various sequences.

DNA Charge Transport: from Chemical Principles to the Cell

The DNA double helix has captured the imagination of many, bringing it to the forefront of biological research. DNA has unique features that extend our interest into areas of chemistry, physics, material science, and engineering. Our laboratory has focused on studies of DNA charge transport (CT), wherein charges can efficiently travel long molecular distances through the DNA helix while maintaining an exquisite sensitivity to base pair π-stacking. Because DNA CT chemistry reports on the integrity of the DNA duplex, this property may be exploited to develop electrochemical devices to detect DNA lesions and DNA-binding proteins. Furthermore, studies now indicate that DNA CT may also be used in the cell by, for example, DNA repair proteins, as a cellular diagnostic, in order to scan the genome to localize efficiently to damage sites. In this review, we describe this evolution of DNA CT chemistry from the discovery of fundamental chemical principles to applications in diagnostic strategies and possible roles in biology.

Selective and sensitive electrochemical device for direct VB2 determination in real products

The developed by us electrochemical device for vitamin B₂ (VB₂; riboflavin) determination, without preconcentration step, in real products exhibits high sensitivity, selectivity, stability and low detection limit compared to those described in the literature. The determination procedure was based on the monitoring of the reduction current signal of VB₂ bound with dsDNA anchored to the electrode surface through intermediary - carboxyphenyl layer. The application of such intermediary layer formed during electroreduction of appropriate diazonium salt at CV peak potential guarantees high efficiency of hybridization process and thus fully available places for VB₂ interaction. Moreover, such intermediary layer provides good electrical contact, what is very important in the case of electrochemical sensors. The analytical range of work of the proposed VB₂ sensor was between 0.08-1µM (30-377μgL^-1) of riboflavin concentration. The obtained detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) were 24±2 and 55±5μgL^-1, respectively. The proposed VB₂ detection method was used for determination of riboflavin content in commercially available dietary supplements and yolk of hen egg samples. The accuracy of the obtained data was proved using comparison with an independent method (HPLC FLD).

Redox Signaling through DNA

Biological electron transfer reactions between metal cofactors are critical to many essential processes within the cell. Duplex DNA is, moreover, capable of mediating the transport of charge through its π-stacked nitrogenous bases. Increasingly, [4Fe4S] clusters, generally redox-active cofactors, have been found to be associated with enzymes involved in DNA processing. DNA-binding enzymes containing [4Fe4S] clusters can thus utilize DNA charge transport (DNA CT) for redox signaling to coordinate reactions over long molecular distances. In particular, DNA CT signaling may represent the first step in the search for DNA lesions by proteins containing [4Fe4S] clusters that are involved in DNA repair. Here we describe research carried out to examine the chemical characteristics and biological consequences of DNA CT. We are finding that DNA CT among metalloproteins represents powerful chemistry for redox signaling at long range within the cell.

N7-(carboxymethyl)guanine-Lithium Crystalline Complex: A Bioinspired Solid Electrolyte

Electrochemical device with components having direct significance to biological life processes is a potent futuristic strategy for the realization of all-round green and sustainable development. We present here synthesis design, structural analysis and ion transport of a novel solid organic electrolyte (G7Li), a compound reminiscent of ion channels, derived from regioisomeric N7-guanine-carboxylate conjugate and Li-ions. G7Li, with it’s in-built supply of Li⁺-ions, exhibited remarkably high lithium-ion transference number (= 0.75) and tunable room temperature ionic conductivity spanning three decades (≈10⁻⁷ to 10⁻³ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹) as a function of moisture content. The ionic conductivity show a distinct reversible transition around 80–100 °C, from a dual Li⁺ and H⁺ (<100 °C) to a pure Li⁺ conductor (>100 °C). Systematic studies reveal a transition from water-assisted Li-ion transport to Li hopping-like mechanism involving guanine-Li coordination. While as-synthesized G7Li has potential in humidity sensors, the anhydrous G7Li is attractive for rechargeable batteries.

Ultrafast Electron Transfer in Complexes of Doxorubicin with Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes and GC Duplexes Probed by Femtosecond Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a natural anthracycline widely used in chemotherapy; its combined application as a chemotherapeutic and photodynamic agent has been recently proposed. In this context, understanding the photoinduced properties of DOX complexes with nucleic acids is crucial. Herein, the study of photoinduced electron transfer in DOX-DNA complexes by femtosecond fluorescence spectroscopy is reported. The behaviour of complexes with two model DNA structures, a G-quadruplex (G4) formed by the human telomeric sequence (Tel21) and a d(GC) duplex, is compared. The DOX affinity for these two sequences is similar. Although both 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometries have been reported for DOX-G4 complexes, only 1:1 complexes form with the duplex. The steady-state absorption indicates a strong binding interaction with the duplex due to drug intercalation between the GC base pairs. In contrast, the interaction of DOX with Tel21 is much weaker and arises from drug binding on the G4 external faces at two independent binding sites. As observed for DOX-d(GC) complexes, fluorescence of the drug in the first binding site of Tel21 exhibits decays within a few picoseconds following a biphasic pattern; this is attributed to the existence of two drug conformations. The fluorescence of the drug in the second binding site of Tel21 shows slower decays within 150 ps. These timescales are consistent with electron transfer from the guanines to the excited drug, as favoured by the lower oxidation potential of the stacked guanines of G4 with respect to those in the duplex.

Characteristics of Low-Frequency Molecular Phonon Modes Studied by THz Spectroscopy and Solid-State ab Initio Theory: Polymorphs I and III of Diflunisal

THz absorption spectra of two polymorphs of diflunisal, form I and form III, exhibit distinct features due to the influence of packing conformations on the frequency distributions and IR activities of gamma point phonon modes within the 100 cm(-1) region. In order to understand the origins of these THz modes, we perform a detailed mode analysis. The result shows that although the spectral features are different, these low-frequency phonon modes of the two molecular polymorphs have similar vibrational characteristics in terms of harmonic couplings of intermolecular and intramolecular vibrations.

Low-dose carbon-based nanoparticle-induced effects in A549 lung cells determined by biospectroscopy are associated with increases in genomic methylation

Nanotechnology has introduced many manufactured carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) into our environment, generating a debate into their risks and benefits. Numerous nanotoxicology investigations have been carried, and nanoparticle-induced toxic effects have been reported. However, there remain gaps in our knowledge, primarily regarding mechanism. Herein, we assessed the global alterations induced by CNPs in A549 lung cells using biospectroscopy techniques, including attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A549 cells were treated with fullerene (C₆₀), long or short multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or single-walled carbon nanotubes at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0.001 mg/L. Exposed cells were then analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and SERS. Spectra were pre-processed via computational analysis, and information on biochemical alterations in exposed cells were identified. Additionally, global DNA methylation levels in cells exposed to CNPs at 0.1 mg/L were determined using HPLC-MS and genetic regulators (for DNA methylation) were checked by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. It was found that CNPs exert marked effects in A549 cells and also contribute to increases in global DNA methylation. For the first time, this study highlights that real-world levels of nanoparticles can alter the methylome of exposed cells; this could have enormous implications for their regulatory assessment.

Electron Transfer Rate Maxima at Large Donor-Acceptor Distances

Because of their low mass, electrons can transfer rapidly over long (>15 Å) distances, but usually reaction rates decrease with increasing donor-acceptor distance. We report here on electron transfer rate maxima at donor-acceptor separations of 30.6 Å, observed for thermal electron transfer between an anthraquinone radical anion and a triarylamine radical cation in three homologous series of rigid-rod-like donor-photosensitizer-acceptor triads with p-xylene bridges. Our experimental observations can be explained by a weak distance dependence of electronic donor-acceptor coupling combined with a strong increase of the (outer-sphere) reorganization energy with increasing distance, as predicted by electron transfer theory more than 30 years ago. The observed effect has important consequences for light-to-chemical energy conversion.

Electronic Structure Change in DNA Caused by Base Pair Motions and Its Effect on Charge Transfer in DNA Chains

One important aspect of carrier transfer in DNA is its coupling with atomic motions. The collective motion of the base pairs can either improve the charge transfer by enhancing the π stacking between the bases, or trap the carriers due to strong coupling. By utilizing a pseudo-helical base pair stack model, we systematically studied the electronic structure and its dependence to geometry changes that represent the important DNA motions, including the translation, the twist and the torsion of the base pairs. Our calculations reveal that the above motions may significantly change the electron structure and affect their transport properties. In order to improve the transport of carriers in DNA so that it can become a prospective material in future electronics, it is necessary to make large changes to the atomic structure. Our calculations of the electronic structure under large geometry variation, including large base pair stacking deformation and the insertion of phenyl rings in the bases, can provide good guidelines for such structural modifications of DNA.

Double path integral method for obtaining the mobility of the one-dimensional charge transport in molecular chain

We report on a theoretical investigation concerning the polaronic effect on the transport properties of a charge carrier in a one-dimensional molecular chain. Our technique is based on the Feynman's path integral approach. Analytical expressions for the frequency-dependent mobility and effective mass of the carrier are obtained as functions of electron-phonon coupling. The result exhibits the crossover from a nearly free particle to a heavily trapped particle. We find that the mobility depends on temperature and decreases exponentially with increasing temperature at low temperature. It exhibits large polaronic-like behaviour in the case of weak electron-phonon coupling. These results agree with the phase transition (A.S. Mishchenko et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 146401 (2015)) of transport phenomena related to polaron motion in the molecular chain.

Delocalized hole domains in Guanine-rich DNA oligonucleotides

Differential pulse voltammetries of guanine-rich single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides containing up to six consecutive guanines are reported. The observed progressive lowering of the first voltammetric peak potential as the number of adjacent guanines increases unambiguously points toward the establishment of delocalized hole domains; the hole stabilization energy is ca. 0.1 eV per GG step, significantly lower than that observed for AA steps.

O-Benzoyl pyridine aldoxime and amidoxime derivatives: novel efficient DNA photo-cleavage agents

Pyridine oxime esters are effective DNA photocleavers, causing single-/double-stranded DNA cleavage at concentrations as low as 1 μM.

Vibronic couplings and coherent electron transfer in bridged systems

A computational strategy to analyze the dynamics of coherent electron transfer processes in bridged systems, involving three or more electronic states, is presented.

Direct observation of guanine radical cation deprotonation in G-quadruplex DNA

Although numerous studies have been devoted to the charge transfer through double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), one of the major problems that hinder their potential applications in molecular electronics is the fast deprotonation of guanine cation (G(+•)) to form a neutral radical that can cause the termination of hole transfer. It is thus of critical importance to explore other DNA structures, among which G-quadruplexes are an emerging topic. By nanosecond laser flash photolysis, we report here the direct observation and findings of the unusual deprotonation behavior (loss of amino proton N2-H instead of imino proton N1-H) and slower (1-2 orders of magnitude) deprotonation rate of G(+•) within G-quadruplexes, compared to the case in the free base dG or dsDNA. Four G-quadruplexes AG3(T2AG3)3, (G4T4G4)2, (TG4T)4, and G2T2G2TGTG2T2G2 (TBA) are measured systematically to examine the relationship of deprotonation with the hydrogen-bonding surroundings. Combined with in depth kinetic isotope experiments and pKa analysis, mechanistic insights have been further achieved, showing that it should be the non-hydrogen-bonded free proton to be released during deprotonation in G-quadruplexes, which is the N2-H exposed to solvent for G bases in G-quartets or the free N1-H for G base in the loop. The slower N2-H deprotonation rate can thus ensure less interruption of the hole transfer. The unique deprotonation features observed here for G-quadruplexes open possibilities for their interesting applications as molecular electronic devices, while the elucidated mechanisms can provide illuminations for the rational design of G-quadruplex structures toward such applications and enrich the fundamental understandings of DNA radical chemistry.

Direct observation of hole shift and characterization of spin states in radical ion pairs generated from photoinduced electron transfer of (phenothiazine)(n)-anthraquinone (n = 1, 3) dyads

Photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer of dyad PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1-B-AQ consisting of phenothiazine trimer (PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1), bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (B), and anthraquinone (AQ) was investigated. After excitation (∼20 ps) of the AQ moiety in THF, a metastable radical ion pair (RIP) PTZ3-PTZ2-PTZ1(+)-B-AQ(-) appeared at ∼620 nm. From 500 ps to 6 ns the spectrum changed to a new absorption (∼950 nm), which was assigned to the hole-shifted stable RIP state PTZ3-PTZ2(+)-PTZ1-B-AQ(-). The time constant of the hole-shift process was determined to be 6.0 ns. The hole-shifted RIP state had a lifetime (τ) of 250 ns and was characterized by spin-polarized signals as a spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) by means of time-resolved ESR. These results were compared with those for the phenothiazine monomer analog PTZ-B-AQ, which also produced the RIP state PTZ(+)-B-AQ(-) with τ = 1.9 μs. Time-resolved ESR showed an all emission signal pattern showing the triplet mechanism of PTZ-B-(3)AQ* → (3)[PTZ(+)-B-AQ(-)]. The origin of the difference in the lifetimes between the trimer and the monomer RIP states was discussed from various points of view, including free energy difference in the RIP states, reorganization energy difference in the charge recombination process, and the spin-state difference. Of these, the spin-state difference effect provided the most reasonable explanation.

Donor-acceptor electron transport mediated by solitons

We study the long-range electron and energy transfer mediated by solitons in a quasi-one-dimensional molecular chain (conjugated polymer, alpha-helical macromolecule, etc.) weakly bound to a donor and an acceptor. We show that for certain sets of parameter values in such systems an electron, initially located at the donor molecule, can tunnel to the molecular chain, where it becomes self-trapped in a soliton state, and propagates to the opposite end of the chain practically without energy dissipation. Upon reaching the end, the electron can either bounce back and move in the opposite direction or, for suitable parameter values of the system, tunnel to the acceptor. We estimate the energy efficiency of the donor-acceptor electron transport depending on the parameter values. Our calculations show that the soliton mechanism works for the parameter values of polypeptide macromolecules and conjugated polymers. We also investigate the donor-acceptor electron transport in thermalized molecular chains.

Electronic Interactions of Michler's Ketone with DNA Bases in Synthetic Hairpins

The mechanism and dynamics of photoinduced electron transfer in two families of DNA hairpins possessing Michler's ketone linkers have been investigated by means of steady state and time-resolved transient absorption and emission spectroscopies. The excited state behavior of the diol linker employed in hairpin synthesis is similar to that of Michler's ketone in methanol solution. Hairpins possessing only a Michler's ketone linker undergo fast singlet state charge separation and charge recombination with an adjacent purine base, attributed to well-stacked ground state conformations, and intersystem crossing to the triplet state, attributed to poorly stacked ground state conformations. The failure of the triplet to undergo electron transfer reactions on the 7 ns time scale of our measurements is attributed to the low triplet energy and reduction potential of the twisted triplet state. Hairpins possessing both a Michler's ketone linker and a perylenediimide base surrogate separated by four base pairs undergo photoinduced hole transport from the diimide to Michler's ketone upon excitation of the diimide. The efficiency of hole transport is dependent upon the sequence of the intervening purine bases.

Luminescence quenching by photoinduced charge transfer between metal complexes in peptide nucleic acids

A new scaffold for studying photoinduced charge transfer has been constructed by connecting a [Ru(Bpy)3](2+) donor to a bis(8-hydroxyquinolinate)2 copper [CuQ2] acceptor through a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) bridge. The luminescence of the [Ru(Bpy)3](2+*) donor is quenched by electron transfer to the [CuQ2] acceptor. Photoluminescence studies of these donor-bridge-acceptor systems reveal a dependence of the charge transfer on the length and sequence of the PNA bridge and on the position of the donor and acceptor in the PNA. In cases where the [Ru(Bpy)3](2+) can access the π base stack at the terminus of the duplex, the luminescence decay is described well by a single exponential; but if the donor is sterically hindered from accessing the π base stack of the PNA duplex, a distribution of luminescence lifetimes for the donor [Ru(Bpy)3](2+*) is observed. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to explore the donor-PNA-acceptor structure and the resulting conformational distribution provides a possible explanation for the distribution of electron transfer rates.

Mechatronic DNA devices driven by a G-quadruplex-binding platinum ligand

Contractile duplexes are DNA double helices that incorporate two strategically placed patches of guanine-guanine (G·G) base mismatches. Such duplexes are cation-driven mechatronic devices, able to toggle between states with distinct mechanical and charge conduction properties. In aqueous lithium chloride solution contractile duplexes have an extended (E) and poorly conductive conformation; however, potassium ions drive them to a relatively conductive and structurally contracted (C) conformation, via intramolecular G-quadruplex formation. Here, we report that even in the absence of K(+) ions, a known G-quadruplex binding ligand, Pt-PIP [phenylphenanthroimidazole ethylenediamine platinum(II)] efficiently promotes the E→C transition, while a poor binder, Pt-bpy [bipyridine ethylenediamine platinum(II)], does not promote this transition. An examination of E→C transitions within two different designs for DNA contractile helices found an unexpected complexity: the formation of distinct C states, both electrically conductive, but possessing dissimilar DNA topologies. Ligand-driven DNA mechatronic devices such as these may constitute prototypes for electronic biosensors that identify G-quadruplex binding ligands.

Cisplatin intrastrand adducts sensitize DNA to base damage by hydrated electrons

The oligonucleotide TTTTTGTGTTT with or without a cisplatin adduct was reacted with hydrated electrons generated by ionizing radiation. Hydroxyl radicals were quenched with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the solutions were bubbled with wet nitrogen to eliminate oxygen, a scavenger of hydrated electrons. Prior to irradiation, the structure of the initial cisplatin adduct was identified by mass spectrometry as G-cisplatin-G. Radiation damage to DNA bases was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), after enzymatic digestion of the TTTTTGTGTTT-cisplatin complex to deoxyribonucleosides. The masses of the platinum adducts following digestion and separation by HPLC were measured by mass spectrometry. Our results demonstrate that hydrated electrons induce damage to thymines as well as detachment of the cisplatin moiety from both guanines in the oligonucleotide. This detachment regenerates both unmodified guanine and damaged guanine, in equimolar amounts. At 1000 Gy, a net average of 2.5 thymines and 1 guanine are damaged for each platinum lost from the oligonucleotide. Given the extensive base damage that occurs for each cisplatin adduct lost, it is clear that, prior to undergoing detachment, these adducts must catalyze several cycles of reactions of hydrated electrons with DNA bases. It is likely that a single reaction leads to the loss of the cisplatin adduct and the damage observed on the guanine base; however, the damage to the thymine bases must require the continued presence of the cisplatin adduct, acting as a catalyst. To our knowledge, this is the first time that platinum-DNA adducts have been shown to have catalytic activity. We propose two pathways for the interaction of hydrated electrons with TTTTTGTGTTT-cisplatin: (1) the hydrated electron is initially captured by a thymine base and transferred by base to base electron hopping to the guanine site, where the cisplatin moiety detaches from the oligonucleotide via dissociative electron attachment, and (2) the hydrated electron interacts directly with the platinum-guanine adduct and induces detachment of the cisplatin moiety via dissociative electron attachment. Although the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated, our results provide important insights into the radiosensitization of DNA by cisplatin.

Mechanistic aspects of hydration of guanine radical cations in DNA

The mechanistic aspects of hydration of guanine radical cations, G(•+) in double- and single-stranded oligonucleotides were investigated by direct time-resolved spectroscopic monitoring methods. The G(•+) radical one-electron oxidation products were generated by SO4(•-) radical anions derived from the photolysis of S2O8(2-) anions by 308 nm laser pulses. In neutral aqueous solutions (pH 7.0), after the complete decay of SO4(•-) radicals (∼5 μs after the actinic laser flash) the transient absorbance of neutral guanine radicals, G(-H)(•) with maximum at 312 nm, is dominant. The kinetics of decay of G(-H)(•) radicals depend strongly on the DNA secondary structure. In double-stranded DNA, the G(-H)(•) decay is biphasic with one component decaying with a lifetime of ∼2.2 ms and the other with a lifetime of ∼0.18 s. By contrast, in single-stranded DNA the G(-H)(•) radicals decay monophasically with a ∼ 0.28 s lifetime. The ms decay component in double-stranded DNA is correlated with the enhancement of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) yields which are ∼7 greater than in single-stranded DNA. In double-stranded DNA, it is proposed that the G(-H)(•) radicals retain radical cation character by sharing the N1-proton with the N3-site of C in the [G(•+):C] base pair. This [G(-H)(•):H(+)C ⇆ G(•+):C] equilibrium allows for the hydration of G(•+) followed by formation of 8-oxoG. By contrast, in single-stranded DNA, deprotonation of G(•+) and the irreversible escape of the proton into the aqueous phase competes more effectively with the hydration mechanism, thus diminishing the yield of 8-oxoG, as observed experimentally.

Photoresponsive supramolecular complexes as efficient DNA regulator

Two supramolecular complexes of trans-1⊂CB[8] and trans-2⊂CB[8] were successfully achieved by the controlled selective complexation process of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) with hetero-guest pair containing azobenzene and bispyridinium moieties in aqueous solution, exhibiting the reversibly light-driven movements of CB[8] upon the photocontrollable isomerization of azophenyl axle components. Significantly, the obtained bistable supramolecular complexes and their corresponding [2]pseudorotaxanes could act as a promising concentrator and cleavage agent to regulate the binding behaviors with DNA molecules.

Study of picosecond processes of an intercalated dipyridophenazine Cr(iii) complex bound to defined sequence DNAs using transient absorption and time-resolved infrared methods

Excited-state quenching of DNA intercalated [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ by guanine proceeds by rapid forward and back electron transfer of <3 ps.

Combined spectral experiment and theoretical calculation to study the interaction of 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone for metal ions in solution

The interaction between 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone (1,4-DHA) and metal ions was studied by UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopies in solution. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations confirmed complex structures. The investigation results showed 1,4-DHA can selectively respond some metal ions and can be monitored by UV-Vis, fluorescence spectra and naked-eye. So 1,4-DHA has a potential application in the design of metal ions probe. More, as typical metal ions, Hg(2+) and Er(3+), their reaction abilities for 1,4-DHA were studied in detailed. Experimental results showed they have better response for 1,4-DHA. And theoretical calculation concluded that Er(3+) easily reacts with 1,4-DHA over Hg(2+) attributed to the low reaction energy of Er(3+)-1,4-DHA than Hg(2+)-1,4-DHA.

Binding of a positron to nucleic base molecules and their pairs

Hole attack: A theoretical one-electron oxidation of nucleic base molecules and their pairs by positron is proposed, based on the calculations for positron-attached neutral forms of species, adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and their Watson-Crick base pairs (A-T and G-C). The results reveal that binding of a positron to neutral isolated nucleic base molecules is base-selective.

Stacking interactions between adenines in oxidized oligonucleotides

The effects of stacking interactions on the oxidation potentials of single strand oligonucleotides containing up to four consecutive adenines, alternated with thymines and cytosines in different sequences and ratios, have been determined by means of differential pulse voltammetry. Voltammetric measurements point toward the establishment in solution of structured oligonucleotide conformations, in which the nucleobases are well stacked altogether. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that finding, indicating that single strands assume geometrical parameters characteristic of the B-DNA form. The analysis of the voltammetric signals in terms of a simple effective tight binding quantum model leads one to infer a robust set of parameters for treating hole transfer in one-electron-oxidized DNA containing adenines and thymines.

Highly efficient synthetic iron-dependent nucleases activate both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic death pathways in leukemia cancer cells

The nuclease activity and the cytotoxicity toward human leukemia cancer cells of iron complexes, [Fe(HPClNOL)Cl2]NO3 (1), [Cl(HPClNOL)Fe(μ-O)Fe(HPClNOL)Cl]Cl2·2H2O (2), and [(SO4)(HPClNOL)Fe(μ-O)Fe(HPClNOL)(SO4)]·6H2O (3) (HPClNOL=1-(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-3-chloropropan-2-ol), were investigated. Each complex was able to promote plasmid DNA cleavage and change the supercoiled form of the plasmid to circular and linear ones. Kinetic data revealed that (1), (2) and (3) increase the rate of DNA hydrolysis about 278, 192 and 339 million-fold, respectively. The activity of the complexes was inhibited by distamycin, indicating that they interact with the minor groove of the DNA. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes toward U937, HL-60, Jukart and THP-1 leukemia cancer cells was studied employing 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), fluorescence and electronic transmission microscopies, flow cytometry and a cytochrome C release assay. Compound (2) has the highest activity toward cancer cells and is the least toxic for normal ones (i.e. peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)). In contrast, compound (1) is the least active toward cancer cells but displays the highest toxicity toward normal cells. Transmission electronic microscopy indicates that cell death shows features typical of apoptotic cells, which was confirmed using the annexin V-FITC/PI (fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide) assay. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that at an early stage during the treatment with complex (2) mitochondria lose their transmembrane potential, resulting in cytochrome C release. A quantification of caspases 3, 9 (intrinsic apoptosis pathway) and caspase 8 (extrinsic apoptosis pathway) indicated that both the intrinsic (via mitochondria) and extrinsic (via death receptors) pathways are involved in the apoptotic stimuli.