Specific binding of hoechst 33258 to the d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 duplex: calorimetric and spectroscopic studies

Thermodynamics of drug-DNA interactions

Many anticancer, antibiotic, and antiviral drugs exert their primary biological effects by reversibly interacting with nucleic acids. Therefore, these biomolecules represent a major target in drug development strategies designed to produce next generation therapeutics for diseases such as cancer. In order to improve the clinical efficacy of existing drugs and also to design new ones it is necessary to understand the molecular basis of drug-DNA interactions in structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic detail. The past decade has witnessed an increase in the number of rigorous biophysical studies of drug-DNA systems and considerable knowledge has been gained in the energetics of these binding reactions. This is, in part, due to the increased availability of high-sensitivity calorimetric techniques, which have allowed the thermodynamics of drug-DNA interactions to be probed directly and accurately. The focus of this article is to review thermodynamic approaches to examining drug-DNA recognition. Specifically, an overview of a recently developed method of analysis that dissects the binding free energy of these reactions into five component terms is presented. The results of applying this analysis to the DNA binding interactions of both minor groove drugs and intercalators are discussed. The solvent water plays a key role in nucleic acid structure and consequently in the binding of ligands to these biomolecules. Any rational approach to DNA-targeted drug design requires an understanding of how water participates in recognition and binding events. Recent studies examining hydration changes that accompany DNA binding by intercalators will be reviewed. Finally some aspects of cooperativity in drug-DNA interactions are described and the importance of considering cooperative effects when examining these reactions is highlighted.

Circular dichroism and thermal melting differentiation of Hoechst 33258 binding to the curved (A(4)T(4)) and straight (T(4)A(4)) DNA sequences

The ability of the B-DNA minor groove ligand Hoechst 33258 to discriminate between prototype curved and straight duplex DNA sequences was investigated by circular dichroism (CD) titrations at the wavelengths of absorbance of the ligand. The sequences were studied either within the framework of the ligated decamers (CA(4)T(4)G)(n) and (CT(4)A(4)G)(n), or within that of the single dodecamers GCA(4)T(4)GC and GCT(4)A(4)GC, to confirm and extend our earlier results based on fluorescence titrations of ligated decamers. A unique, strong binding site is invariantly present in both sequence units. The binding affinity of the drug for the site in the curved A(4)T(4) sequence was found 3- to 4-fold higher compared to the straight sequence. All these features hold true irrespective of the sequence framework, thus confirming that they reflect specific properties of the binding to the two sequences. Ligand binding increases the thermal stability of straight and curved duplex dodecamers to the same extent, thus maintaining the melting temperature differential between the two sequences. However, the different melting patterns and the difference between [total ligand]:[site] ratios needed for site saturation in the two duplexes are in agreement with the difference between binding constants derived from CD measurements.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of the cleavage of DNA catalyzed by bleomycin A5

Microcalorimetry and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to conduct thermodynamic and kinetic investigations of the scission of calf thymus DNA catalyzed by bleomycin A5 (BLM-A5) in the presence of ferrous ion and oxygen. The molar reaction enthalpy for the cleavage, the Michaelis-Menten constant for calf thymus DNA and the turnover number of BLM-A5 were calculated by a novel thermokinetic method for an enzyme-catalyzed reaction to be -577 +/- 19 kJ.mol-1, 20.4 +/- 3.8 microm and 2.28 +/- 0.49 x 10-2 s-1, respectively, at 37.0 degrees C. This DNA cleavage was a largely exothermic reaction. The catalytic efficiency of BLM-A5 is of the same order of magnitude as that of lysozyme but several orders of magnitude lower than those of TaqI restriction endonuclease, NaeI endonuclease and BamHI endonuclease. By comparing the molar enthalpy change for the cleavage of calf thymus DNA induced by BLM-A5 with those for the scission of calf thymus DNA mediated by adriamycin and by (1,10-phenanthroline)-copper, it was found that BLM-A5 possessed the highest DNA cleavage efficiency among these DNA-damaging agents. These results suggest that BLM-A5 is not as efficient as a DNA-cleaving enzyme although the cleavage of DNA by BLM-A5 follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Binding of BLM-A5 to calf thymus DNA is driven by a favorable entropy increase with a less favorable enthalpy decrease, in line with a partial intercalation mode involved in BLM-catalyzed breakage of DNA.

Interactions of the DNA intercalator acridine orange, with itself, with caffeine, and with double stranded DNA

Caffeine (CAF) inhibits the intercalation of acridine orange (AO) into cellular DNA. Optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to determine the molecular interactions of AO with itself, with CAF, and with double stranded herring sperm DNA (dsDNA). AO dimerization was observed at concentrations >2 micromol. The sharp increase in fluorescence (lambda(em)=530 nm) at 5 micromol of AO was attributed to AO multimer formation. From 0.5 to 5.0 micromol, the AO self-association binding constant (K(assoc)) was determined to be 38620 mol(-1), however, the presence of 150 mmol NaCl increased K(assoc) to 118000 mol(-1) attributed to the charge neutralization. The K(assoc) for AO with CAF was confirmed to be 256 mol(-1). K(assoc) for the binding of AO with 20 micromol DNA ranged from, 32000 mol(-1) at 2 micromol AO, to approximately 3700 mol(-1) at 10 micromol AO, in the absence of NaCl. This AO concentration dependency of K(assoc) value with DNA was attributed to AO intercalation into dsDNA at high dsDNA/AO ratios, and electrostatic binding of AO to dsDNA at low AO ratios. The findings provide information used to explain fluorescence intensity values at lambda(em) at 530 nm from studies that combine AO, caffeine, and dsDNA.

Comparative thermodynamics for monomer and dimer sequence-dependent binding of a heterocyclic dication in the DNA minor groove

Phenylamidine cationic groups linked by a furan ring (furamidine) and related symmetric diamidine compounds bind as monomers in the minor groove of AT sequences of DNA. DB293, an unsymmetric derivative with one of the phenyl rings of furamidine replaced with a benzimidazole, can bind to AT sequences as a monomer but binds more strongly to GC-containing minor-groove DNA sites as a stacked dimer. The dimer-binding mode has high affinity, is highly cooperative and sequence selective. In order to develop a better understanding of the correlation between structural and thermodynamic aspects of DNA molecular recognition, DB293 was used as a model to compare the binding of minor-groove agents with AT and mixed sequence DNA sites. Isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance results clearly show that the binding of DB293 and other related compounds into the minor groove of AT sequences is largely entropy-driven while the binding of DB293 as a dimer into the minor groove of GC-containing sequences is largely enthalpy-driven. At 25 degrees C, for example, the AT binding has DeltaG degrees, DeltaH degrees and TDeltaS degrees values of -9.6, -3.6 and 6.0 kcal/mol while the values for dimer binding to a GC-containing site are -9.0, -10.9 and -1.9 kcal/mol (per mol of bound compound), respectively. These results show that the thermodynamic components for binding of compounds of this type to DNA are very dependent on the structure, solvation and sequence of the DNA binding site.

Base-sequence specificity of Hoechst 33258 and DAPI binding to five (A/T)4 DNA sites with kinetic evidence for more than one high-affinity Hoechst 33258-AATT complex

The binding of Hoechst 33258 and DAPI to five different (A/T)4 sequences in a stable DNA hairpin was studied exploiting the substantial increase in dye fluorescence upon binding. The two dyes have comparable affinities for the AATT site (e.g. association constant K(a)=5.5 x 10(8) M(-1) for DAPI), and their affinities decrease in the series AATT >> TAAT approximately equal to ATAT > TATA approximately equal to TTAA. The extreme values of K(a) differ by a factor of 200 for Hoechst 33258 but only 30 for DAPI. The binding kinetics of Hoechst 33258 were measured by stopped-flow under pseudo-first order conditions with an (A/T)4 site in excess. The lower-resolution experiments can be well represented by single exponential processes, corresponding to a single-step binding mechanism. The calculated association-rate parameters for the five (A/T)4 sites are similar (2.46 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) to 0.86 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)) and nearly diffusion-controlled, while the dissociation-rate parameters vary from 0.42 s(-1) to 96 s(-1). Thus the association constants are kinetically controlled and are close to their equilibrium-determined values. However, when obtained with increased signal-to-noise ratio, the kinetic traces for Hoechst 33258 binding at the AATT site reveal two components. The concentration dependencies of the two time constants and amplitudes are consistent with two different kinetically equivalent two-step models. In the first model, fast bimolecular binding is followed by an isomerization of the initial complex. In the second model, two single-step associations form two complexes that mutually exclude each other. For both models the four reaction-rate parameters are calculated. Finally, specific dissociation kinetics, using poly[d(A-5BrU)], show that the kinetics are even more complex than either two-step model. We correlate our results with the different binding orientations and locations of Hoechst 33258 in the DNA minor groove found in several structural studies in the literature.

Distamycin A affects the stability of NF-kappaB p50-DNA complexes in a sequence-dependent manner

The effect of two different DNA minor groove binding molecules, Hoechst 33258 and distamycin A, on the binding kinetics of NF-kappaB p50 to three different specific DNA sequences was studied at various salt concentrations. Distamycin A was shown to significantly increase the dissociation rate constant of p50 from the sequences PRDII (5'-GGGAAATTCC-3') and Ig-kappa B (5'-GGGACTTTCC-3') but had a negligible effect on the dissociation from the palindromic target-kappaB binding site (5'-GGGAATTCCC-3'). By comparison, the effect of Hoechst 33258 on binding of p50 to each sequence was found to be minimal. The dissociation rates for the protein--DNA complexes increased at higher potassium chloride concentrations for the PRDII and Ig-kappaB binding motifs and this effect was magnified by distamycin A. In contrast, p50 bound to the palindromic target-kappaB site with a much higher intrinsic affinity and exhibited a significantly reduced salt dependence of binding over the ionic strength range studied, retaining a K(D) of less than 10 pM at 150 mM KCl. Our results demonstrate that the DNA binding kinetics of p50 and their salt dependence is strongly sequence-dependent and, in addition, that the binding of p50 to DNA can be influenced by the addition of minor groove-binding drugs in a sequence-dependent manner.

Tris-benzimidazole derivatives: design, synthesis and DNA sequence recognition

Two tris-benzimidazole derivatives have been designed and synthesized based on the known structures of the bis-benzimidazole stain Hoechst 33258 complexed to short oligonucleotide duplexes derived from single crystal X-ray studies and from NMR. In both derivatives the phenol group has been replaced by a methoxy-phenyl substituent. Whereas one tris-benzimidazole carries a N-methyl-piperazine at the 6-position, the other one has this group replaced by a 2-amino-pyrrolidine ring. This latter substituent results in stronger DNA binding. The optimized synthesis of the drugs is described. The two tris-benzimidazoles exhibit high AT-base pair (bp) selectivity evident in footprinting experiments which show that five to six base pairs are protected by the tris-benzimidazoles as compared to four to five protected by the bis-benzimidazoles. The tris-benzimidazoles bind well to sequences like 5'-TAAAC, 5'-TTTAC and 5'-TTTAT, but it is also evident that they can bind weakly to sequences such as 5'-TATGTT-3' where the continuity of an AT stretch is interrupted by a single G*C base pair.

Analysis and interpretation of ligand-DNA binding isotherms

Binding studies provide information of fundamental and central importance for the complete understanding of ligand-DNA interactions. Studies of ligand binding to long natural DNA samples, to synthetic deoxypolynucleotides of simple repeating sequence, and to oligonucleotides of defined sequence are all needed to begin to understand the interaction in detail. Binding studies provide entry into the thermodynamics of the DNA interactions, which in turn provides great insight into the molecular forces that drive the binding process. This chapter summarizes both model-dependent and -independent approaches for the analysis and interpretation of binding isotherms, and should serve as a concise guide for handling experimental data.

In situ staining with DNA-binding fluorescent dye, Hoechst 33258, to detect microorganisms in the epithelial cells of oral leukoplakia

This study was performed to investigate the presence of microorganisms in the epithelial cells of leukoplakia. Frozen sections of 20 specimens of leukoplakia were stained with DNA-binding bisbenzimide Hoechst 33258. As a control, 20 specimens of normal oral mucosa and five specimens of normal skin were used. In all preparations of leukoplakia, small granular fluorescing structures were observed within the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells, predominantly within the cytoplasm of prickle cells, although the amount of the granular structures varied between specimens, layers of the epithelium and even areas of the epithelium within a single section. Less granular structures were observed, or none at all, in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of normal mucosa. No structures were observed in the cytoplasm of the epithelium of skin. The results in this study strongly suggest that microorganisms are present in the epithelial cells of oral mucosa, and that they are closely associated with the development of oral leukoplakia. It is postulated that the microorganisms in the epithelial cells could be bacteria, particularly mycoplasmas.

Molecular modelling of ligand-DNA minor groove binding: role of ligand-water interactions

A procedure was developed for quantitative estimation of the ligand affinity for the DNA minor groove with allowance for ligand hydration, whereby the binding energy was calculated as the difference in the energies of ligand-DNA and ligand-water interactions. Adequacy of the procedure was demonstrated with the structural motifs (pyrrolecarboxamide, benzimidazole, furancarboxamide, and phthalimide) of well-known ligands for the case of a d(GCA10CG).d(CGT10GC) duplex. On the strength of the results obtained, an indole-based motif was proposed as the basis for a highly affined minor groove binder.

Heterogeneous DNA binding modes of berenil

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) profiles of berenil bound to different DNAs show that, despite the strong preference of berenil for AT-rich regions in DNA, it can bind to other DNA sequences significantly. The ITC results were used to quantify the binding of berenil, and the thermodynamic profiles were obtained using natural DNAs as well as synthetic polynucleotides. ITC binding isotherms cannot be simply described when a single set of identical binding sites is considered, except for poly[d(A-T)2]. Ultraviolet melting of DNA and differential scanning calorimetry were also used to quantify several aspects of the binding of berenil to salmon testes DNA. We present evidence for secondary binding sites for berenil in DNA, corresponding to G+C rich sites. Berenil binding to poly[d(G-C)2] is also observed. Circular dichroism experiments showed that binding to GC-rich sites involves drug intercalation. Using a molecular modeling approach we demonstrate that intercalation of berenil into CpG steps is sterically feasible.

A simple, high-resolution method for establishing DNA binding affinity and sequence selectivity

Full details of the development of a simple, nondestructive, and high-throughput method for establishing DNA binding affinity and sequence selectivity are described. The method is based on the loss of fluorescence derived from the displacement of ethidium bromide or thiazole orange from the DNA of interest or, in selected instances, the change in intrinsic fluorescence of a DNA binding agent itself and is applicable for assessing relative or absolute DNA binding affinities. Enlisting a library of hairpin deoxyoligonucleotides containing all five base pair (512 hairpins) or four base pair (136 hairpins) sequences displayed in a 96-well format, a compound's rank order binding to all possible sequences is generated, resulting in a high-resolution definition of its sequence selectivity using this fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assay. As such, the technique complements the use of footprinting or affinity cleavage for the establishment of DNA binding selectivity and provides the information at a higher resolution. The merged bar graphs generated by this rank order binding provide a qualitative way to compare, or profile, DNA binding affinity and selectivity. The 96-well format assay (512 hairpins) can be conducted at a minimal cost (presently ca. $100 for hairpin deoxyoligonucleotides/assay with ethiduim bromide or less with thiazole orange), with a rapid readout using a fluorescent plate reader (15 min), and is adaptable to automation (Tecan Genesis Workstation 100 robotic system). Its use in generating a profile of DNA binding selectivity for several agents including distamycin A, netropsin, DAPI, Hoechst 33258, and berenil is described. Techniques for establishing binding constants from quantitative titrations are compared, and recommendations are made for use of a Scatchard or curve fitting analysis of the titration binding curves as a reliable means to quantitate the binding affinity.

Increased stability and lifetime of the complex formed between DNA and meta-phenyl-substituted Hoechst dyes as studied by fluorescence titrations and stopped-flow kinetics

The large increase in fluorescence upon binding of five para- and meta-phenyl substituted hydroxy and methoxy derivatives of the Hoechst dye with poly[d(A-T)], d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2, and its corresponding T4-looped 28-mer hairpin was used to monitor the binding by equilibrium titrations and by stopped-flow kinetics. The affinity increases in the same order for the three DNAs: p-OH<m-OCH3, p-OH<m-OH<m-OH, p-OCH3<bis-m-OH. The association constants K(a) are three to 11 times larger for the AATT site than for poly[d(A-T)]. The AATT site binds m-OH Hoechst with K(a)=3.8 x 10(9 )M(-1) and bis-m-OH Hoechst with K(a)=1.9 x 10(10 )M(-1), which are seven and 37 times higher than p-OH Hoechst (Hoechst 33258), respectively. The high K(a )values determined at equilibrium agree with the kinetically defined association constants K(kin)=k(on)/k(off). The association-rate parameters k(on) were obtained by stopped-flow kinetics and the dissociation-rate parameters k(off) by dissociation kinetics using poly[d(A-5BrU)]. For binding to the AATT site, k(on) values are similar and nearly diffusion-controlled (2.0 x 10(8) M(-1) x s(-1) to 2.9 x 10(8) M(-1) x s(-1)), while k(off) values (0.42 s(-1) to 0.012 s(-1)) depend on the phenyl substitution and determine the affinity. At the AATT site, the longest-living complex is formed when the dye carries a bis-m-OH phenyl group that probably integrates in a hydrogen-bonding network of water molecules. With poly(dA).poly(dT), poly[d(A-T)] and poly[d(A-5BrU)], k(on) (between 6.1 x 10(7) M(-1) x s(-1) and 5.2 x 10(8) M(-1) x s(-1)) depends on the DNA.

Novel class of DNA binding motifs based on bistetrahydrofuran and bisfuran skeleton with long alkyl chains

Small molecules with DNA-binding affinity within the minor groove have become of great interest. In this paper, new DNA binding molecules; diamino-bistetrahydrofuran (bisTHF) and diamino-bisfuran are reported. The bisTHF ligand with RR configuration at the amino groups and C8 alkyl chains (RR8) stabilized GC-rich duplex. In contrast, bisfuran compounds stabilized AT-rich duplex. The binding affinity of RR8 with 12 mer duplex DNA was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry to be 3.3 x 10(8) M-1.

Synthesis of fluorescent microgonotropens (FMGTs) and their interactions with dsDNA

A new class of microgonotropen compounds (FIMGTs), which fluoresce upon binding to dsDNA, is introduced. The FMGTs consist of a minor groove binding moiety based upon Hoescht 33258 covalently attached to a polyamine chain capable of interacting with the phosphodiester backbone of dsDNA. The interactions of FMGTs with dsDNA were investigated by fluorescence and UV spectroscopy. Several different dsDNA oligomers were studied to determine the effect of binding site sequence on stoichiometric and binding affinity. The FMGTs were found to bind a dsDNA oligomer that contained the sequence 5'-AATTT-3' with FMGT:dsDNA stoichiometrics equal to 2:1 or 3:1. Hoechst 33258 bound the same dsDNA oligomer with a 1:1 stoichiometry. The second and third order equilibrium constants for complexation were determined to be Log(K1K2) = 17.9 M(-2) and Log(K1K2K3) = 26.1 M(-3), respectively, for two of strongest binding FMGTs. From thermal melting experiments deltaTm for Hoechst 33258 was determined to be 10 degrees C while the deltaTm values for FMGTs ranged from 20-26 degrees C indicating the greater stability of the latter.

Binding of symmetrical cyanine dyes into the DNA minor groove

Optical methods, such as fluorescence, circular dichroism and linear flow dichroism, were used to study the binding to DNA of four symmetrical cyanine dyes, each consisting of two identical quinoline, benzthiazole, indole, or benzoxazole fragments connected by a trimethine bridge. The ligands were shown to form a monomer type complex into the DNA minor groove. The complex of quinoline-containing ligand with calf thymus DNA appeared to be the most resistant to ionic strength, and it did not dissociate completely even in 1 M NaCl. Binding of cyanine dyes to DNA could also be characterized by possibility to form ligand dimers into the DNA minor groove, by slight preference of binding to AT pairs, as well as by possible intercalation between base pairs of poly(dG)-poly(dC). The correlation found between the binding constants to DNA and the extent of cyanine dyes hydrophobicity estimated as the n-octanol/water partition coefficient is indicative of a significant role of hydrophobic interactions for the ligand binding into the DNA minor groove.

A thermodynamic and structural analysis of DNA minor-groove complex formation

As part of an effort to develop a better understanding of the structural and thermodynamic principles of DNA minor groove recognition, we have investigated complexes of three diphenylfuran dications with the d(CGCGAATTCGCG)(2) duplex. The parent compound, furamidine (DB75), has two amidine substituents while DB244 has cyclopentyl amidine substituents and DB226 has 3-pentyl amidines. The structure for the DB244-DNA complex is reported here and is compared to the structure of the DB75 complex. Crystals were not obtained with DB226 but information from the DB75 and DB244 structures as well as previous NMR results on DB226 indicate that all three compounds bind in the minor groove at the AATT site of the duplex. DB244 and DB75 penetrate to the floor of the groove and form hydrogen bonds with T8 on one strand and T20 on the opposite strand while DB226 forms a complex with fewer interactions. Binding studies by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) yield -delta G degrees values in the order DB244>DB75>DB226 that are relatively constant with temperature. The equilibrium binding constants for DB244 are 10-20 times greater than that for DB226. Isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) experiments indicate that, in contrast to delta G degrees, delta H degrees varies considerably with temperature to yield large negative delta Cp degrees values. The thermodynamic results, analyzed in terms of structures of the DNA complexes, provide an explanation of why DB244 binds more strongly to DNA than DB75, while DB266 binds more weakly. All three compounds have a major contribution to binding from hydrophobic interactions but the hydrophobic term is most favorable for DB244. DB244 also has strong contributions from molecular interactions in its DNA complex and all of these factors combine to give it the largest-delta G degrees for binding. Although the factors that influence the energetics of minor groove interactions are varied and complex, results from the literature coupled with those on the furan derivatives indicate that there are some common characteristics for minor groove recognition by unfused heterocyclic cations that can be used in molecular design.

Drug-DNA recognition: energetics and implications for design

In this article we review thermodynamic studies designed to examine the interaction of low molecular weight ligands or drugs with DNA. Over the past 10 years there has been an increase in the number of rigorous biophysical studies of DNA-drug interactions and considerable insight has been gained into the energetics of these binding reactions. The advent of high-sensitivity calorimetric techniques has meant that the energetics of DNA-drug association reactions can be probed directly and enthalpic and entropic contributions to the binding free energy established. There are two principal consequences arising from this type of work, firstly three-dimensional structures of DNA-drug complexes from X-ray and NMR studies can be put into a thermodynamic context and the energetics responsible for stabilizing the observed structures can be more fully understood. Secondly, any rational approach to structure-based drug design requires a fundamental base of knowledge where structural detail and thermodynamic data on complex formation are intimately linked. Therefore these types of studies allow a set of general guidelines to be established, which can then be used to develop drug design algorithms. In this review we describe recent breakthroughs in duplex DNA-directed drug design and also discuss how similar principles are now being used to target higher-order DNA molecules, for example, triplex (three-stranded) and tetraplex (four-stranded) structures.

Energetics of drug-DNA interactions

Understanding the thermodynamics of drug binding to DNA is of both practical and fundamental interest. The practical interest lies in the contribution that thermodynamics can make to the rational design process for the development of new DNA targeted drugs. Thermodynamics offer key insights into the molecular forces that drive complex formation that cannot be obtained by structural or computational studies alone. The fundamental interest in these interactions lies in what they can reveal about the general problems of parsing and predicting ligand binding free energies. For these problems, drug-DNA interactions offer several distinct advantages, among them being that the structures of many drug-DNA complexes are known at high resolution and that such structures reveal that in many cases the drug acts as a rigid body, with little conformational change upon binding. Complete thermodynamic profiles (delta G, delta H, delta S, delta Cp) for numerous drug-DNA interactions have been obtained, with the help of high-sensitivity microcalorimetry. The purpose of this article is to offer a perspective on the interpretation of these thermodynamics parameters, and in particular how they might be correlated with known structural features. Obligatory conformational changes in the DNA to accommodate intercalators and the loss of translational and rotational freedom upon complex formation both present unfavorable free energy barriers for binding. Such barriers must be overcome by favorable free energy contributions from the hydrophobic transfer of ligand from solution into the binding site, polyelectrolyte contributions from coupled ion release, and molecular interactions (hydrogen and ionic bonds, van der Waals interactions) that form within the binding site. Theoretical and semiempirical tools that allow estimates of these contributions to be made will be discussed, and their use in dissecting experimental data illustrated. This process, even at the current level of approximation, can shed considerable light on the drug-DNA binding process.

DNA-binding peptides searched from the solid-phase combinatorial library with the use of the magnetic beads attaching the target duplex DNA

We have exhibited successful and rapid screening of DNA-binding peptide ligands from solid-phase library beads with the use of the target DNA-conjugated magnetic beads. The target duplex DNA (3) has a polyether linker between two complementary sequences (T4A3G-ether linker-CT3A4) and is stable in the duplex form during the selection procedure. Finally, 71 pentapeptide sequences were identified from the solid-phase pentapeptide library. From an analysis of the peptide sequences identified in this study, it has been revealed that peptide ligands contain hydrophobic amino acids as the major component. The synthetic peptides with identified sequences and a combination of the major components have exhibited moderate to high binding affinity to the duplex DNA in competition experiments with ethidium-DNA complexes.

Sequence-dependent variation in DNA minor groove width dictates orientational preference of Hoechst 33258 in A-tract recognition: solution NMR structure of the 2:1 complex with d(CTTTTGCAAAAG)(2)

The solution structure of the dodecamer duplex d(CTTTTGCAAAAG)(2)and its 2:1 complex with the bis -benzimidazole Hoechst 33258 has been investigated by NMR and NOE-restrained molecular dynamics (rMD) simulations. Drug molecules are bound in each of the two A-tracts with the bulky N-methylpiperazine ring of each drug located close to the central TG (CA) step, binding essentially to the narrow minor groove of each A-tract. MD simulations over 1 ns, using an explicit solvation model, reveal time-averaged sequence-dependent narrowing of the minor groove from the 3'-end towards the 5'-end of each TTTT sequence. Distinct junctions at the TpG (CpA) steps, characterised by large positive roll, low helical and propeller twists and rapid AT base pair opening rates, add to the widening of the groove at these sites and appear to account for the bound orientation of the two drug molecules with the N-methylpiperazine ring binding in the wider part of the groove close to the junctions. Comparisons between the free DNA structure and the 2:1 complex (heavy atom RMSD 1.55 A) reveal that these sequence-dependent features persist in both structures. NMR studies of the sequence d(GAAAAGCTTTTC)(2), in which the A-tracts have been inverted with the elimination of the TpG junctions, results in loss of orientational specificity of Hoechst 33258 and formation of multiple bound species in solution, consistent with the drug binding in a number of different orientations.

Specific molecular recognition of mixed nucleic acid sequences: an aromatic dication that binds in the DNA minor groove as a dimer

Phenylamidine cationic groups linked by a furan ring (furamidine) and related compounds bind as monomers to AT sequences of DNA. An unsymmetric derivative (DB293) with one of the phenyl rings of furamidine replaced with a benzimidazole has been found by quantitative footprinting analyses to bind to GC-containing sites on DNA more strongly than to pure AT sequences. NMR structural analysis and surface plasmon resonance binding results clearly demonstrate that DB293 binds in the minor groove at specific GC-containing sequences of DNA in a highly cooperative manner as a stacked dimer. Neither the symmetric bisphenyl nor bisbenzimidazole analogs of DB293 bind significantly to the GC containing sequences. DB293 provides a paradigm for design of compounds for specific recognition of mixed DNA sequences and extends the boundaries for small molecule-DNA recognition.

Synthesis of a fluorescent microgonotropen (FMGT-1) and its interactions with the dodecamer d(CCGGAATTCCGG)

A new type of microgonotropen that fluoresces upon binding to dsDNA has been synthesized. FMGT-1, an analogue of the minor groove binder Hoechst 33258, is functionalized with a polyamine chain capable of interacting with the phosphate backbone of DNA. Binding studies indicate that FMGT-1 binds more tightly to dsDNA than the parent compound Hoechst 33258.

Interaction between antitumor drugs and a double-stranded oligonucleotide studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used to investigate the complex formation between a double-stranded oligonucleotide and various antitumor drugs belonging to two categories: intercalators (ethidium bromide, amsacrine and ascididemin) and minor groove binders (Hoechst 33258, netropsin, distamycin A, berenil and DAPI). The goal of this study was to determine whether the relative intensities in the mass spectra reflect the relative abundances of the species in the solution phase. The full-scan mass spectra suggest non-specific binding for the intercalators and specific binding for the minor groove binders. The preferential stoichiometries adopted by each minor groove binder were determined by studying the influence of the drug concentration on the spectra. We obtained 2:1 > 1:1 for distamycin, 1:1 > 2:1 for Hoechst 33258 and DAPI and only the 1 : 1 complex for netropsin and berenil. These features reflect their known behavior in solution. The compared tandem mass spectra of the 1 : 1 complexes with Hoechst 33258 and netropsin, when correlated with published crystallographic data, suggest the possibility of inferring some structural information. The relative binding affinities of the drug for the considered duplex were deduced with two by two competition experiments, assuming that the relative intensities reflect the composition of the solution phase. The obtained affinity scale is netropsin > distamycin A > DAPI > Hoechst 33258 > berenil. These examples show some of the potential uses of mass spectrometry as a useful tool for the characterization of specific drug binding to DNA, and possibly a rapid drug screening method requiring small amounts of materials.

DNA cleavage by hydroxy-salicylidene-ethylendiamine-iron complexes

Bis(hydroxy)salen.Fe complexes were designed as self-activated chemical nucleases. The presence of a hy-droxyl group on the two salicylidene moieties serve to form a hydroquinone system cooperating with the iron redox system to facilitate spontaneous formation of free radicals. We compared the DNA binding and cleaving properties of the ortho -, meta- and para -(bishydroxy) salen.Fe complexes with that of the corresponding chelate lacking the hydroxyl groups. DNA melting temperature studies indicated that the para complex exhibits the highest affinity for DNA. In addition, this para compound was considerably more potent at cleaving supercoiled plasmid DNA than the regio-isomeric ortho - and meta -hydroxy-salen.Fe complexes, even in the absence of a reducing agent, such as dithiothreitol used to activate the metal complex. The DNA cleaving activity of the para isomer is both time and concentration dependent and the complexed iron atom is absolutely essential for the sequence uniform cleavage of DNA. From a mechanistic point of view, electron spin resonance measurements suggest that DNA contributes positively to the activation of the semi-quinone system and the production of ligand radical species responsible for subsequent strand scission in the absence of a reducing agent. The para -hydroxy-salen.Fe complex has been used for detecting sequence-specific drug-DNA interactions. Specific binding of Hoechst 33258 to AT sequences and chromomycin to GC sequences were shown. The para -bis(hydroxy)salen.Fe derivative complements the tool box of footprinting reagents which can be utilised to produce efficient cleavage of DNA.

Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and DNA-binding studies of the novel imidazoacridinone antineoplastic agent C1311

C1311 is a novel therapeutic agent with potent activity against experimental colorectal cancer that has been selected for entry into clinical trial. The compound has previously been shown to have DNA-binding properties and to inhibit the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II. In this study, cellular uptake and mechanisms by which C1311 interacts with DNA and exerts cytotoxic effects in intact colon carcinoma cells were investigated. The HT29 colon cancer cell line was chosen to follow cellular distribution of C1311 over a time course of 24 h at drug concentrations that just inhibited cell proliferation by 50% or 100%. Nuclear uptake of C1311 and co-localization with lysosomal or mitochondrial dyes was examined by fluorescence microscopy and effects on these cellular compartments were determined by measurement of acid phosphatase levels, rhodamine 123 release or DNA-binding behaviour. The strength and mode of DNA binding was established by thermal melting stabilization, direct titration and viscometric studies of host duplex length. The onset of apoptosis was followed using a TUNEL assay and DNA-fragmentation to determine a causal relationship of cell death. Growth inhibition of HT29 cells by C1311 was concomitant with rapid drug accumulation in nuclei and in this context we showed that the compound binds to duplex DNA by intercalation, with likely A/T sequence-preferential binding. Drug uptake was also seen in lysosomes, leading to lysosomal rupture and a marked increase of acid phosphatase activity 8 h after exposure to C1311 concentrations that effect total growth inhibition. Moreover, at these concentrations lysosomal swelling and breakdown preceded apoptosis, which was not evident up to 24 h after exposure to drug. Thus, the lysosomotropic effect of C1311 appears to be a novel feature of this anticancer agent. As it is unlikely that C1311-induced DNA damage alone would be sufficient for cytotoxic activity, lysosomal rupture may be a critical component for therapeutic efficacy.

The mechanics of minor groove width variation in DNA, and its implications for the accommodation of ligands

In duplex DNA, groove width and depth are salient structural features that may influence the binding of drugs and proteins. These features are affected by movement of the bases, which for example may enforce groove compression or expansion through a rolling action of the adjacent base-pairs. Moreover, the sugar-phosphate backbone can also undergo limited movement, independently of the bases, which will affect the groove shape. We have examined how the movement of the sugar-phosphate backbone may affect the minor groove width for a fixed base geometry. In agreement with earlier studies, the sugar-phosphate backbone is found to have a certain degree of conformational flexibility in A and B-like helices, and we note a comparable freedom even in the highly curved TATA element of the TATA-binding protein/DNA complex. Phosphate mobility is highly anisotropic in all cases with favoured directions that can significantly change the groove width, independent of any changes in base geometry. We describe how the movement of the sugar-phosphate backbone may affect the accommodation of drugs and proteins in the minor groove, and we present a co-ordinate scheme which emphasises the groove adjustments associated with ligand binding. The observations have implications for the related problem of how cognate molecules are accommodated in the major groove.

Electrostatic contributions to heat capacity changes of DNA-ligand binding

Significant heat capacity changes (DeltaCp) often accompany protein unfolding, protein binding, and specific DNA-ligand binding reactions. Such changes are widely used to analyze contributions arising from hydrophobic and polar hydration. Current models relate the magnitude of DeltaCp to the solvent accessible surface area (ASA) of the molecule. However, for many binding systems-particularly those involving non-peptide ligands-these models predict a DeltaCp that is significantly different from the experimentally measured value. Electrostatic interactions provide a potential source of heat capacity changes and do not scale with ASA. Using finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann methods (FDPB), we have determined the contribution of electrostatics to the DeltaCp associated with binding for DNA binding reactions involving the ligands DAPI, netropsin, lexitropsin, and the lambda repressor binding domain.

Drug--DNA interactions

Significant progress has been made over the past few years in studies of drug-DNA interactions. Structure-based design strategies have yielded new DNA-binding agents with clinical promise. The hairpin polyamides represent the result of a design strategy with outstanding potential. One specific molecule of this class has now been proven to inhibit the expression of a specific gene in vivo. A new bisintercalating anthracycline antibiotic binds with high affinity to DNA, and appears to overcome a specific form of multidrug resistance. Progress in fundamental studies of drug binding to DNA continues, with detailed thermodynamic studies providing new insights into the forces that drive complex formation. New tools have been developed in order to characterize both the binding mode and the sequence specificity of drug binding to DNA, tools that will enable the fundamental aspects of these biologically important reactions to be understood in more detail.

The effects of salt on the TATA binding protein-DNA interaction from a hyperthermophilic archaeon

This study investigates the thermodynamics of the interaction of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) from Pyrococcus woesei (Pw) with an oligonucleotide containing a specific binding site. Pw is a hyperthermophilic archeal organism which exists under conditions of high salt and high temperature. A measurable protein-DNA interaction only occurs at high salt concentrations. Isothermal titration calorimetric binding studies were performed under a range of salts (potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, potassium acetate and sodium acetate) at varying concentrations (0.8 to 1.6 M). At the high salt concentrations used the observed equilibrium binding constant increases with increasing salt concentration. This is very different to the effect reported for all other protein-DNA interactions which have been studied at lower salt concentrations. Thermodynamic data suggest that the protein-DNA interaction at high salt concentration is accompanied by the removal of large numbers of water molecules from the buried hydrophobic surface area. In addition, the involvement of ions appears to influence the binding which can be explained by binding of cations in the interface between the electrostatically negative lateral lobes on the protein and the negatively charged DNA.

DNA recognition by quinoxaline antibiotics: use of base-modified DNA molecules to investigate determinants of sequence-specific binding of triostin A and TANDEM

The methodology of DNAase I footprinting has been adapted to investigate the sequence-specific binding of two quinoxaline drugs to DNA fragments containing natural and modified bases. In order to help comprehend the molecular origin of selectivity in the bis-intercalation of triostin A and TANDEM at CpG and TpA sites respectively, we have specifically examined the effect of the 2-amino group of guanine on their sequence specificity by using DNA in which that group has been either removed from guanine, added to adenine or both. Previous studies suggested that the recognition of particular nucleotide sequences by these drugs might be dependent upon the placement of the purine 2-amino group, serving as a positive or a negative effector for triostin A and TANDEM respectively. However, the footprinting data reported here indicate that this is not entirely correct, since they show that the 2-amino group of guanine is important for the binding of triostin A to DNA but has absolutely no influence on the interaction of TANDEM with TpA steps. Apparently the binding of triostin A to CpG sites is primarily due to hydrogen bonding interaction between the cyclic peptide of the antibiotic and the 2-amino group of guanine residues, whereas the selective binding of TANDEM to TpA sites is not hydrogen-bond driven and probably originates mainly from steric and/or hydrophobic interactions, perhaps involving indirect recognition of a suitable minor groove structure.