Efficient Inhibition of Photo[2 + 2]cycloaddition of Thymidilyl(3‘−5‘)thymidine and Promotion of Photosplitting of the cis-syn-Cyclobutane Thymine Dimer by Dimeric Zinc(II)−Cyclen Complexes Containing m- and p-Xylyl Spacers

Catalytic Double [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Relay Enabled C-C Triple Bond Cleavage of Yne-Allenones

An unusual catalytic double [2 + 2] cycloaddition relay reaction of yne-allenones with unactivated alkenes and alkynes has been achieved, which enabled C-C triple-bond cleavage to access more than 60 examples of functionalized phenanthren-9-ols with generally good yields. This reaction provides a regioselective and practical method for the construction of carbocyclic ring systems with a high degree of functional group compatibility. Aside from surveying the scope of this transformation, mechanistic details of this process are provided by conducting systematic theoretical calculations.

Molecular recognition of hydrocarbon guests by a supramolecular capsule formed by the 4:4 self-assembly of tris(Zn(2+)-cyclen) and trithiocyanurate in aqueous solution

We have previously reported that the trimeric Zn(2+)-cyclen complex (tris(Zn(2+)-cyclen), [Zn(3)L(1)](6+)) and the trianion of trithiocyanuric acid (TCA(3-)) assembled in a 4:4 ratio to form a cuboctahedral supramolecular cage, [(Zn(3)L(1))(4)(TCA(3-))(4)](12+) (hereafter referred to as a Zn-cage), in neutral aqueous solution (cyclen=1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). Herein, we examined the molecular recognition of C(1)-C(12) hydrocarbons (C(n)H((2n+2)) (n≈1-12)), cyclopentane, cyclododecane, cis-decalin, and trans-decalin by the Zn-cage under normal atmospheric pressure. This cage complex was also able to encapsulate guest molecules that had larger volumes than that of the inner cavity of the Zn-cage, thereby suggesting that the inner shape of the Zn-cage was flexible. Computational simulations of Zn-cage-guest complexes provided support for this conclusion. Moreover, the solvent-accessible surface areas (SASA) of the Zn-cage host, guest molecules, and the Zn-cage-guest complexes were calculated and the data were used to explain the order of stability determined by the guest-replacement experiments. The storage of volatile molecules in aqueous solution by the Zn-cage is also discussed.

11B NMR sensing of d-block metal ions in vitro and in cells based on the carbon-boron bond cleavage of phenylboronic acid-pendant cyclen (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)

Noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including the "chemical shift imaging (CSI)" technique based on (1)H NMR signals is a powerful method for the in vivo imaging of intracellular molecules and for monitoring various biological events. However, it has the drawback of low resolution because of background signals from intrinsic water protons. On the other hand, it is assumed that the (11)B NMR signals which can be applied to a CSI technique have certain advantages, since boron is an ultratrace element in animal cells and tissues. In this manuscript, we report on the sensing of biologically indispensable d-block metal cations such as zinc, copper, iron, cobalt, manganese, and nickel based on (11)B NMR signals of simple phenylboronic acid-pendant cyclen (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane), L(6) and L(7), in aqueous solution at physiological pH. The results indicate that the carbon-boron bond of L(6) is cleaved upon the addition of Zn(2+) and the broad (11)B NMR signal of L(6) at 31 ppm is shifted upfield to 19 ppm, which corresponds to the signal of B(OH)(3). (1)H NMR, X-ray single crystal structure analysis, and UV absorption spectra also provide support for the carbon-boron bond cleavage of ZnL(6). Because the cellular uptake of L(6) was very small, a more cell-membrane permeable ligand containing the boronic acid ester L(7) was synthesized and investigated for the sensing of d-block metal ions using (11)B NMR. Data on (11)B NMR sensing of Zn(2+) in Jurkat T cells using L(7) is also presented.

Molecular recognition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and model compounds in aqueous solution by ditopic Zn(2+) complexes containing chiral linkers

We report on molecular recognition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P(3)), an important intracellular second messenger, and some related model compounds, cyclohexanediol bisphosphate derivatives (CDP(2)), by ditopic Zn(2+) complexes containing chiral linkers ((S,S)- and (R,R)-11) in aqueous solution at physiological pH. A crystal structure analysis of (S,S)-11 indicated that the distance between two Zn(2+) ions (6.8 A) is suitable for accommodating two phosphate groups at the 4- and 5-positions of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and two phosphate groups of trans-1,2-CDP(2). (1)H NMR, (31)P NMR, potentiometric pH, and isothermal calorimetric titration data indicate that (S,S)-11 forms 1:1 complexes with (S,S)- and (R,R)-1,2-CDP(2) at pH 7.4 and 25 degrees C. The apparent 1:1 complexation constants (log K(app)) for (S,S)-11-(S,S)-1,2-CDP(2) and (S,S)-11-(R,R)-1,2-CDP(2) (K(app) = [(S,S)-11-1,2-CDP(2) complex]/[(S,S)-11][1,2-CDP(2)] (M(-1))) were determined to be 7.6 +/- 0.1 and 7.3 +/- 0.1, respectively, demonstrating that both enantiomers of 11 bind to chiral trans-1,2-CDP(2) to almost the same extent. The log K(app) value of 6.3 was obtained for a 1:1 complex of (S,S)-11 with cis-1,3-CDP(2), while a small amount of 2:1 (S,S)-11-cis-1,3-CDP(2) was detected, as evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). In contrast, 11 formed several complexes with trans-1,4-CDP(2). On the basis of isothermal titration calorimetry data for (S,S)- and (R,R)-11 with Ins(1,4,5)P(3), it was concluded that 11 forms a 2:1 complex with Ins(1,4,5)P(3), in which the first molecule of 11 binds to the 4- and 5-phosphates of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) and the second molecule of 11 binds to the 1- and 5-phosphates.

Design and synthesis of a stable supramolecular trigonal prism formed by the self-assembly of a linear tetrakis(Zn2+-cyclen) complex and trianionic trithiocyanuric acid in aqueous solution and its complexation with DNA (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)

A new supramolecular complex, {(Zn(4)L(4))(3)-(TCA(3-))(4)}(12+), was designed and synthesized by the 3:4 self-assembly of a linear tetrakis(Zn(2+)-cyclen) complex (Zn(4)L(4))(8+) and trianionic trithiocyanurate (TCA(3-)) in aqueous solution (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). The {(Zn(4)L(4))(3)-(TCA(3-))(4)}(12+) complex, which should have a trigonal prism configuration, was found to be very stable in aqueous solution at neutral pH and 25 degrees C, as evidenced by (1)H NMR titration, potentiometric pH and UV titrations, and MS measurements. The complex does not dissociate into the starting building blocks in the presence of Zn(2+)-binding anions such as phosphates and double-stranded DNA. The results of the competitive binding assays with ethidium bromide and calf-thymus DNA, thermal melting experiments, gel mobility shift assays, and dynamic light-scattering data strongly indicated that the trigonal prism functions as a polycationic template to induce the aggregation of double-stranded DNA.

Synthesis, X-ray structure of ferrocene bearing bis(Zn-cyclen) complexes and the selective electrochemical sensing of TpT

The new ligand, [Fc(cyclen)(2)] (5) (Fc=ferrocene, cyclen=1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane), and corresponding Zn(II) complex receptor, [Fc{Zn(cyclen)(CH(3)OH)}(2)](ClO(4))(4) (1), consisting of a ferrocene moiety bearing one Zn(II)-cyclen complex on each cyclopentadienyl ring, have been designed and prepared through a multi-step synthesis. Significant shifts in the (1)H NMR signals of the ferrocenyl group, cf. ferrocene and a previously reported [Fc{Zn(cyclen)}](2+) derivative, indicated that the two Zn(II)-cyclen units in 1 significantly affect the electronic properties of the cyclopentadienyl rings. The X-ray crystal structure shows that the two positively charged Zn(II)-cyclen complexes are arranged in a trans like configuration, with respect to the ferrocene bridging unit, presumably to minimise electrostatic repulsion. Both 5 and 1 can be oxidized in 1:4 CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)CN and Tris-HCl aqueous buffer solution under conditions of cyclic voltammetry to give a well defined ferrocene-centred (Fc(0/+)) process. Importantly, 1 is a highly selective electrochemical sensor of thymidilyl(3'-5')thymidine (TpT) relative to other nucleobases and nucleotides in Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.4). The electrochemical selectivity, detected as a shift in reversible potential of the Fc(0/+) component, is postulated to result from a change in the configuration of bis(Zn(II)-cyclen) units from a trans to a cis state. This is caused by the strong 1:1 binding of the two deprotonated thymine groups in TpT to different Zn(II) centres of receptor 1. UV-visible spectrophotometric titrations confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry for the 1:TpT adduct and allowed the determination of the apparent formation constant of 0.89+/-0.10x10(6) M(-1) at pH 7.4.

Photolysis of the sulfonamide bond of metal complexes of N-dansyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane in aqueous solution: a mechanistic study and application to the photorepair of cis,syn-cyclobutane thymine photodimer

Sulfonamide constitutes a ubiquitous functional group that is frequently used in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. We report herein on the photolysis of a dansylamide moiety of 1-dansyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazzacyclododecane (N-dansylcyclen, L(2)) in the presence of a zinc(II) ion in aqueous solution. By potentiometric pH titrations, the complexation constant for the 1:1 complex of L(2) and Zn(2+), log K(s)(ZnL(2)), in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C with I = 0.1 (NaNO(3)) was determined to be 6.5+/-0.1. The structure of the ZnL(2) complex was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. During fluorescence titrations of L(2) with Zn(2+) (irradiation at 308 or 350 nm) in aqueous solution at pH 7.4 (10 mM HEPES with I = 0.1 (NaNO(3))) and 25 degrees C, considerable enhancement in fluorescence emission of the Zn(2+) complex of L(2) (ZnL(2)) was observed, while metal-free L(2) exhibited only a negligible emission change upon UV irradiation. It was revealed that this emission enhancement arose from the photoinduced cleavage of a sulfonylamide moiety in ZnL(2), yielding the Zn(2+)-cyclen complex and 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfinic acid, which has a greater quantum yield (Phi) for fluorescence emission than that of L(2) and ZnL(2). For comparison, the photolysis of N-(1-naphthalenesulfonyl)cyclen (L(3)) and its Zn(2+) complex (ZnL(3)) under the same conditions (irradiation at 313 nm) gave the corresponding sulfonate (1-naphthylsulfonate). We also describe the results of a photoreversion reaction of cis,syn-cyclobutane thymine photodimer (T[c,s]T) utilizing the photolysis of ZnL(2) and ZnL(3).

Binding of [Pt(1C3)(dien)](2+) to the duplex DNA oligonucleotide 5'-d(TGGCCA)-3': the effect of an appended positive charge on the orientation and location of anthraquinone intercalation

The binding of a platinum intercalator complex [Pt(1C3)(dien)](2+) (1C3 = 1-[(3-aminopropyl)amino]-anthracene-9,10-dione, dien = 3-azapentane-1,5-diamine) to DNA and to the self-complementary oligonucleotide 5'-d(TGGCCA)-3' has been investigated by UV-visible spectrophotometry and 2D NMR spectroscopy, respectively. The uncomplexed anthraquinone, 1C3, has an apparent DNA binding constant of 1.4 x 10(4), similar to that of ethidium bromide. Addition of the coordinatively saturated {Pt(dien)} moiety increases the binding constant to 3.7 x 10(5) M(-1), showing the effect of the increased positive charge introduced by this moiety. Multiple binding modes are evident from the lack of isosbestic points in the titration spectra and the non-linear nature of the half-reciprocal plot used to calculate the binding constant. [Pt(1C3)(dien)](2+) forms a 2 : 1 adduct with 5'-d(TGGCCA)-3' and is shown by 2D NMR to intercalate primarily in the TG:CA base pairs at the ends of the oligonucleotide with the side chain and {Pt(dien)} situated in the minor groove.

Sequence dependence in base flipping: experimental and computational studies

Base flipping is the movement of a DNA base from an intrahelical, base-stacked position to an extrahelical, solvent-exposed position. As there are favorable interactions for an intrahelical base, both hydrogen bonding and base stacking, base flipping is expected to be energetically prohibitive for an undamaged DNA duplex. For damaged DNA bases, however, the energetic cost of base flipping may be considerably lower. Using a selective, non-covalent assay for base flipping, the sequence dependence of base flipping in DNA sequences containing an abasic site has been studied. The dissociation constants of the zinc-cyclen complex to small molecules and single strands of DNA as well as the equilibrium constants for base flipping have been determined for these sequences. Molecular dynamics simulations of the zinc-cyclen complex bound to both single- and double-stranded DNA have been performed in an attempt to rationalize the differences in the dissociation constants obtained for the two systems. The results are compared to previous studies of base flipping in DNA containing an abasic site.

The combination of transition metal ions and hydrogen-bonding interactions

This feature article presents an overview of the types of hydrogen bonding interactions involving metal complexes and their functional effects. It shows with recent examples why hydrogen bonds have become a crucial functional and structural element in modern inorganic chemistry. The relevance of this combination in tackling current chemistry challenges such as energy production and the development of new materials and more effective catalysts, sensors and medicines is illustrated.

Efficient cycloreversion of cis,syn-thymine photodimer by a Zn2+–1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane complex bearing a lumiflavin and tryptophan by chemical reduction and photoreduction of a lumiflavin unit

DNA photolyases (EC 4.1.99.3) are enzymes that catalyze photoreversion of cis,syn-thymine photodimer (T[c,s]T), which is one of major photolesion products in DNA, by utilizing UV light. In this work, we have designed and synthesized Zn2+ -1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane complexes bearing a lumiflavin and L: -tryptophan (ZnL3) or L: -phenylalanine (ZnL4) as artificial DNA photolyases. We have found that (ZnL3)red, whose flavin unit was reduced in situ by Na2S2O4, accelerates the photoreversion of T[c,s]T utilizing near-UV light in aqueous solution at pH 7.6 and 11. Interestingly, more efficient photoreversion of T[c,s]T was achieved by UV irradiation of an oxidized form of ZnL3 [(ZnL3)ox] in the presence of an excess amount of Et3N at pH 11. UV-vis and fluorescence measurements and action spectra showed that an oxidized form of flavin of (ZnL3)ox was photoreduced by Et3N into its reduced form (ZnL3)red, which promoted the photoreduction of T[c,s]T. Comparison of the photochemical properties of ZnL3 with those of ZnL4 suggested that a tryptophan unit in ZnL3 contributed to the stabilities of the flavin through intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer.

Selective product amplification of thymine photodimer by recognition-directed supramolecular assistance

Two symmetric ditopic supramolecular templates (1 and 2) each presenting two hydrogen bonding recognition subunits were synthesized. Each such subunit comprises the same donor and acceptor pattern, capable of binding a substrate molecule with complementary hydrogen bonding groups to form a supramolecular complex. Substrate molecules, such as thymine or uracil derivatives, yield 2 : 1 complexes with the acceptors involving two hydrogen bonds to each subunit with ideal orientation for subsequent [2 + 2] dimerization upon photoirradiation. Selective syn photoproduct formation and concomitant suppression of the trans isomer are favored by orientation of the two guest nucleobases within the template cleft. Complementary donor and acceptor hydrogen bonding induced positioning of the two substrates and steric hindrance within the template clefts are responsible for the selective product formation.

Asymmetric Indolylmaleimide Derivatives and Their Complexation with Zinc(II)−Cyclen

The spectroscopic properties of two asymmetric indolylmaleimide derivatives, 4-bromo-3-(1'H-indol-3'-yl)maleimide and 4-methyl-3-(1'H-indol-3'-yl)maleimide, are investigated. The bromo derivative was crystallized and its X-ray structure was determined. Both compounds are strongly colored while their separate components (indole and maleimide) absorb in the UV region only. To understand the ground- and excited-state behavior, the photophysical properties of the two compounds were studied in detail by steady state and time-resolved absorption and emission spectroscopy. Their solvatochromic behavior was investigated by using the Kamlet-Taft approach, which indicates some charge transfer (CT) character in the excited state. Nano- and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was used for the identification and investigation of the CT state. Furthermore, the effect of the complexation with zinc(II) 1,4,7,11-tetraazacyclododecane (Zn-cyclen) on the photophysical properties of these two compounds was studied. An enhancement of the fluorescence intensity upon self-assembly (up to 90 times) and high association constants were observed, which illustrate the potential use of these compounds as luminescent sensors. DFT calculations indicate that HOMO-1 to LUMO excitation is mainly responsible for the charge transfer character and that this transition changes its character drastically when Zn-cyclen complexation occurs, thus giving it sensor properties.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of a biomimetic artificial photolyase model

Two new artificial photolyase models that recognize pyrimidine dimers in protic and aprotic organic solvents as well as in water through a combination of charge and hydrogen-bonding interactions and use a mimic of the flavine to achieve repair through reductive photoinduced electron transfer are presented. Fluorescence and NMR titration studies show that it forms a 1:1 complex with pyrimidine dimers with binding constants of approximately 10(3) M(-1) in acetonitrile or methanol, while binding constants in water at pH 7.2 are slightly lower. Excitation of the complex with visible light leads to clean and rapid cycloreversion of the pyrimidine dimer through photoinduced electron transfer catalysis. The reaction in water is significantly faster than in organic solvents. The reaction slows down at higher conversions due to product inhibition.

[Supramolecular chemistry of multinuclear zinc(II) complexes in aqueous solution]

We report novel supramolecular polyhedrons formed by three-dimensional self-assembly of multinuclear zinc(II)-12-membered tetraamine (= cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) complexes with potentially multidentate ligands such as cyanuric acid (CA) and trithiocyanuric acid (TCA) in aqueous solution. Two new supermolecular frameworks were isolated by self-assembly of a tris (Zn(2+)-cyclen) (Zn3L1) with di-(CA2-) or tri-deprotonated cyanuric acid (CA3-) in aqueous solution. One was a very stable 2:3 complex of Zn3L1 and CA2- formed above pH6, which was stable in aqueous solution at neutral pH. The second was an unexpected supramolecular complex formed by 4:4 self-assembly of Zn3L1 and CA3-, which was isolated by allowing a 1:1 mixture of Zn3L1 and CA to stand in aqueous solution at pH 11.5. X-ray crystal analysis showed a highly symmetric 4:4 assembly complex with a cuboctahedral exterior and an inner hollow, which was schematically represented as a truncated tetrahedron formed by binding four equilateral triangles and four scalene hexagons with each other through CA(3-)-Zn2+ bonds. The 4:4 complex was found to be stable only in solid form or in DMSO solution and tends to revert to the 2:3 complex in the presence of H2O. This problem has been overcome by replacing CA with TCA, of which the thioimide functions possess lower pKa values than those of CA. TCA acted as a tridentate donor for three Zn3L1 at neutral pH to yield a similar type of 4:4 self-assembling supercomplex, in which the deprotonated TCA3- in an aromatic 1,3,5-triazine binds to Zn3L1 through Zn(2+)-S- (exocyclic) coordination bonds, and thus the 4:4 assembly is a chiral twisted cuboctahedron. More interestingly, this supramolecular capsule was found to be stabilized by encapsulation of various size-matched and hydrophobic guest molecules such as adamantane in the twisted truncated cavity. Finally, we succeeded in synthesizing new supramolecular trigonal prisms from linear multinuclear zinc complexes such as p-Zn2L2 and p,p-Zn3L3 with TCA3- in aqueous solution at neutral pH, which are stabilized by Zn(2+)-S- or Zn(2+)-N- coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds in aqueous solution at neutral pH. Thus we discovered a new approach to the design of various supramolecular structures in aqueous solution.

[Creation of new supramolecular chemistry based on multiple interaction in aqueous solution]

Novel supramolecular chemistry of multinuclear zinc(II) complexes in aqueous solution has been created by utilizing multiple interactions with polyanions. We have established reliable and convenient synthetic methods of multidentate macrocyclic polyamines and their zinc(II) complexes and thereby undertook a focused investigation of four topics: 1) efficient inhibition of photo[2 + 2] cycloaddition of thymidine dimer by dimeric zinc(II) complexes; 2) selective extraction and transport of thymidine nucleotide derivatives from the aqueous phase to the organic phase by lipophilic zinc(II) complexes and selective recognition of thymidine nucleotides by ditopic zinc(II) complexes in aqueous solution; 3) supramolecular polyhedrons formed by self-assembly of a trimeric zinc(II) complex with cyanuric acid or trithiocyanuric acid; and 4) a selective fluorescent probe for lanthanide ions such as Y3+ and La3+ based on a double-functionalized ligand with carbamoyl and dansyl groups. This knowledge should afford new methodology for supramolecular chemistry in aqueous solution.

New supramolecular trigonal prisms from zinc(II)- 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) complexes and trithiocyanurate in aqueous solution

The multiple bonding between multinuclear zinc(II)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen, a 12-membered tetraamine) complexes and multidentate ligands is an effective method for constructing supramolecular complexes having well defined and distinct structures in aqueous solution. Herein we present examples of supramolecular D(3h) prisms formed by self-assembly of linearly dimeric or trimeric zinc(II)-cyclen complexes with a potentially trianionic C(3) subunit trithiocyanuric acid (TCA(3-)), wherein Zn(2+)-S(-) or Zn(2+)-N(-) coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds are responsible for stability of the multicomponent architectures in aqueous solution at neutral pH.

Recent progress in artificial receptors for phosphate anions in aqueous solution

Phosphate esters exist ubiquitously in nature in the form of nucleoside phosphates (nucleotides) as components of RNA (or DNA), sugar nucleotides for glycosylation of oligosaccharides or proteins, activated form of proteins responding to extracellular signals, and chemical mediators playing central roles in intracellular signaling signals. Phosphorylation of anti-viral nucleoside analogues by intracellular kinases yields nucleoside phosphates (nucleotide) as biologically active forms as anti-viral agents. Development of artificial phosphate receptors would afford new methodologies for detection, separation, or transport of biologically important phosphates. Herein, a recent progress of artificial phosphate receptors is reviewed with special focus on macrocyclic polyamines and their metal complexes as a new prototype. In comparison to most of the previous artificial receptors (most of them are organic molecules), our system characteristically works in aqueous solution at neutral pH with extremely strong affinities with phosphate anions. Moreover, zinc(II)-macrocyclic tetraamine (cyclen) complexes were discovered to selectively bind thymine and uracil, so that nucleotides of these bases are specifically recognized by the bis(Zn2+-cyclen) complexes.

Selective recognition of consecutive G sequence in double-stranded DNA by a zinc(II)-macrocyclic tetraamine complex appended with an anthraquinone

A zinc (II) complex with a macrocyclic tetraamine appended with an anthraquinone ((9,10-anthraquinon-2-yl)methyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, ZnL, anthraquinonyl-cyclen) selectively recognizes consecutive G sequence in double-stranded DNA. The affinity of the Zn2+-anthraquinonyl-cyclen to consecutive dG groups in DNA was disclosed by comparison of K(app) values (=[DNA-bound ZnL]/[uncomplexed ZnL][uncomplexed nucleobase in DNA]) determined by the UV spectrophotometric titrations at pH 8, I=0.1 (NaNO3), and 25 degrees C for poly(dG) x poly(dC) (K(app) = 1.5 x 10(5) M(-1)), poly(dG-dC)2 (2.8 x 10(4) M(-1)), poly(dA-dT)2 (4.3 x 10(4) M(-1)), and calf thymus DNA (2.8 x 10(4) M(-1)). The corresponding K(app) values with the Zn2+-free ligand were 5.3 x 10(3) M(-1), 7.4 x 10(3) M(-1), 7.4 x 10(3) M(-1), and 5.9 x 10(3) M(-1), respectively. The selective recognition of consecutive G sequence was concluded from the DNase I footprinting of SV40 early promotor DNA fraction (197 bp) containing a TATA box and six GC boxes. The present finding is in remarkable contrast to the previous selective T-recognition by Zn2+-cyclen complexes appended with acridine, quinoline(s), and naphthalene(s) [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121 (1999) 5426]. While the Zn2+-acridinyl-cyclen inhibited TATA binding protein from interacting with a TATA box consensus DNA [J. Inorg. Biochem. 79 (2000) 253], the present Zn2+-anthraquinonyl-cyclen inhibited the Sp1 transcriptional factor protein from interacting with a GC box-consensus DNA.

Controlling gene expression by zinc(II)-macrocyclic tetraamine complexes

The zinc(II) complexes of 12-membered macrocyclic tetraamines (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, cyclen) appended with one or two aryl-methyl group(s) (quinolyl-methyl, naphthyl-methyl, and acridinyl-methyl) selectively bind to thymines in a TATA box of the SV40 early promoter region and thus inhibit the binding of a transcriptional factor, TATA binding protein. These Zn2+-cyclen derivatives also act as inhibitors of DNA-targeted enzymes, type I and type II topoisomerases. They also exhibited strong antimicrobial activities for the gram-positive bacterial strain. These biochemical and biological properties were compared with those of conventionally established AT-recognizing drugs, distamycin A and DAPI. The Zn2+-cyclen complexes are a new type of small molecular, genetic transcriptional regulation factor.