The different binding modes of Hoechst 33258 to DNA studied by electric linear dichroism

Coumarin 6H-fused fluorescent probe for highly sensitive detection of coralyne using oligonucleotide-modified silver nanoparticles

In this study, a novel, rapid, and sensitive fluorescence sensing platform was developed for the detection of coralyne (COR) by the conjugation of coumarin 6H (C6H) fluorescent dye with oligonucleotide-modified silver nanoparticles [(dT)₃₂-AgNPs]. In the presence of COR, a remarkable and rapid decrease in the fluorescence signal of the probe with a quenching efficiency of around 62% was observed. The quenching response of the system towards COR was possibly due to the displacement of thymidine-rich deoxyoligonucleotides by COR on the surface of AgNPs. The complementary experiments with an adenine-rich single strand as well as with two different secondary structures (i.e., duplex and triplex) revealed a favorable sequence specificity of the sensing platform. The influence of key parameters including the incubation time and temperature was evaluated and optimized to achieve the highest performance. The linear range of 10-183 nM with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.9982 and a limit of detection of 5.24 nM were obtained under the optimized conditions. The selectivity of the proposed probe towards COR was revealed by the evaluation of its response to other small molecules that have molecular structures similar to COR. Finally, the successful applicability of the system was shown with the obtained average recoveries in the range of 87.28-104.52% in human urine samples.

Controlling Nuclease Degradation of Wireframe DNA Origami with Minor Groove Binders

Viruslike particles (VLPs) fabricated using wireframe DNA origami are emerging as promising vaccine and gene therapeutic delivery platforms due to their programmable nature that offers independent control over their size and shape, as well as their site-specific functionalization. As materials that biodegrade in the presence of endonucleases, specifically DNase I and II, their utility for the targeting of cells, tissues, and organs depends on their stability in vivo. Here, we explore minor groove binders (MGBs) as specific endonuclease inhibitors to control the degradation half-life of wireframe DNA origami. Bare, unprotected DNA-VLPs composed of two-helix edges were found to be stable in fetal bovine serum under typical cell culture conditions and in human serum for 24 h but degraded within 3 h in mouse serum, suggesting species-specific endonuclease activity. Inhibiting endonucleases by incubating DNA-VLPs with diamidine-class MGBs increased their half-lives in mouse serum by more than 12 h, corroborated by protection against isolated DNase I and II. Our stabilization strategy was compatible with the functionalization of DNA-VLPs with HIV antigens, did not interfere with B-cell signaling activity of DNA-VLPs in vitro, and was nontoxic to B-cell lines. It was further found to be compatible with multiple wireframe DNA origami geometries and edge architectures. MGB protection is complementary to existing methods such as PEGylation and chemical cross-linking, offering a facile protocol to control DNase-mediated degradation rates for in vitro and possibly in vivo therapeutic and vaccine applications.

Modulating the chemo-mechanical response of structured DNA assemblies through binding molecules

Recent advances in DNA nanotechnology led the fabrication and utilization of various DNA assemblies, but the development of a method to control their global shapes and mechanical flexibilities with high efficiency and repeatability is one of the remaining challenges for the realization of the molecular machines with on-demand functionalities. DNA-binding molecules with intercalation and groove binding modes are known to induce the perturbation on the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of DNA at the strand level, which might be effective in structured DNA assemblies as well. Here, we demonstrate that the chemo-mechanical response of DNA strands with binding ligands can change the global shape and stiffness of DNA origami nanostructures, thereby enabling the systematic modulation of them by selecting a proper ligand and its concentration. Multiple DNA-binding drugs and fluorophores were applied to straight and curved DNA origami bundles, which demonstrated a fast, recoverable, and controllable alteration of the bending persistence length and the radius of curvature of DNA nanostructures. This chemo-mechanical modulation of DNA nanostructures would provide a powerful tool for reconfigurable and dynamic actuation of DNA machineries.

HI-NESS: a family of genetically encoded DNA labels based on a bacterial nucleoid-associated protein

The interplay between three-dimensional chromosome organisation and genomic processes such as replication and transcription necessitates in vivo studies of chromosome dynamics. Fluorescent organic dyes are often used for chromosome labelling in vivo. The mode of binding of these dyes to DNA cause its distortion, elongation, and partial unwinding. The structural changes induce DNA damage and interfere with the binding dynamics of chromatin-associated proteins, consequently perturbing gene expression, genome replication, and cell cycle progression. We have developed a minimally-perturbing, genetically encoded fluorescent DNA label consisting of a (photo-switchable) fluorescent protein fused to the DNA-binding domain of H-NS — a bacterial nucleoid-associated protein. We show that this DNA label, abbreviated as HI-NESS (H-NS-based indicator for nucleic acid stainings), is minimally-perturbing to genomic processes and labels chromosomes in eukaryotic cells in culture, and in zebrafish embryos with preferential binding to AT-rich chromatin.

Recent Advances in Therapeutic Applications of Bisbenzimidazoles

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are one of the most common structural motifs in approximately 80% of the marketed drugs. Of these, benzimidazoles analogues are known to elicit a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, antifungal as well as chemosensor effect. Based on the benzimidazole core fused heterocyclic compounds, crescent-shaped bisbenzimidazoles were developed which provided an early breakthrough in the sequence-specific DNA recognition. Over the years, a number of functional variations in the bisbenzimidazole core have led to the emergence of their unique properties and established them as versatile ligands against several classes of pathogens. The present review provides an overview of diverse pharmacological activities of the bisbenzimidazole analogues in the past decade with a brief account of its development through the years.

DNA minor-groove binder Hoechst 33258 destabilizes base-pairing adjacent to its binding site

Understanding the dynamic interactions of ligands to DNA is important in DNA-based nanotechnologies. By structurally tracking the dissociation of Hoechst 33258-bound DNA (d(CGCAAATTTGCG)₂) complex (H-DNA) with T-jump 2D-IR spectroscopy, the ligand is found to strongly disturb the stability of the three C:G base pairs adjacent to A:T the binding site, with the broken base pairs being more than triple at 100 ns. The strong stabilization effect of the ligand on DNA duplex makes this observation quite striking, which dramatically increases the melting temperature and dissociation time. MD simulations demonstrate an important role of hydration water and counter cations in maintaining the separation of terminal base pairs. The hydrogen bonds between the ligand and thymine carbonyls are crucial in stabilizing H-DNA, whose breaking signal appearing prior to the complete dissociation. Thermodynamic analysis informs us that H-DNA association is a concerted process, where H cooperates with DNA single strands in forming H-DNA.

Fluorescent determination of micro-quantities of RNA using Hoechst 33258 and binase

Detection of small amounts of RNA in various biological samples is an important applied task. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the hydrolysis by binase of rRNA and tRNA, stained with Hoechst 33258, in aqueous solutions was investigated. The binding constant of Hoechst with rRNA is 10⁶ M^-1. Specific hydrolysis of rRNA and tRNA by binase during 1-2 min at room temperature leads to a multiple decrease in fluorescence of the dye. This rapid hydrolysis goes to large polynucleotide fragments, but not to short oligonucleotides. The binding constant of binase with rRNA is about of 2.5 × 10⁶ M^-1, which is several dozen times higher than with oligonucleotides. The susceptibility to binase attack depends on the secondary structure of RNA, determined by non-canonical ribonucleotides. The developed highly sensitive fluorescent method can be used for the rapid selective detection of trace amounts of rRNA or tRNA, as well as for studying the physicochemical properties of these RNAs. Using the proposed method, one can confidently detect RNA from 10^-7 M.

Determination of Micro-Quantities of DNA Using DNAse and Fluorescence of Hoechst 33258 and Light-Scattering

The DNA hydrolysis by deoxyribonuclease (DNAse I) in aqueous solution was studied, using fluorescence spectroscopy and high-sensitive light-scattering detection. Specific hydrolysis of high-polymer DNA or fragmented DNA by the enzyme led to a strong decrease in the fluorescence of the Hoechst dye. The hydrolysis of mitochondrial DNA was accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence of the dye only in 1.6 times. Hydrolysis within minutes and even hours led to appearance of large polynucleotide fragments, but not to short oligonucleotides, that was confirmed using polarized fluorescence and highly sensitive measurement of light-scattering. At the moment of the time of formation of a complex between DNA and DNAse I, a strong light-scattering occurred, which then dropped sharply during hydrolysis of high-molecular DNA, and slowly decreased during hydrolysis of fragmented DNA. The proposed methods can be applied for selective detection of trace amounts of various types of DNA, as well as for studying their physic-chemical properties.

Rhodamine-Hoechst positional isomers for highly efficient staining of heterochromatin

Hoechst conjugates to fluorescent dyes are popular DNA stains for live-cell imaging, but the relationship between their structure and performance remains elusive. This study of carboxyrhodamine-Hoechst 33258 conjugates reveals that a minimal change in the attachment point of the dye has dramatic effects on the properties of the final probe. All tested 6'-carboxyl dye-containing probes exhibited dual-mode binding to DNA and formed a dimmer complex at high DNA concentrations. The 5'-carboxyl dye-containing probes exhibited single-mode binding to DNA which translated into increased brightness and lower cytotoxicity. Up to 10-fold brighter nuclear staining by the newly developed probes allowed acquisition of stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy images of outstanding quality in living and fixed cells. Therefore we were able to estimate a diameter of ∼155 nm of the heterochromatin exclusion zones in the nuclear pore region in living cells and intact chicken erythrocytes and to localize telomeres relative to heterochromatin in living U-2 OS cells. Employing the highly efficient probes for two-color STED allowed visualization of DNA and tubulin structures in intact nucleated erythrocytes - a system where imaging is greatly hampered by high haemoglobin absorbance.

Fluorescence detected linear dichroism spectroscopy: A selective and sensitive probe for fluorophores in flow-oriented systems

Fluorescence detection typically enhances sensitivity and selectivity for fluorescent analytes. The potential for combining fluorescence detection with flow orientation of the sample in the normal configuration of linear dichroism experiments is explored in this work by measuring the fluorescence emitted from flow-orientated DNA-bound ligands and M13 bacteriophage. Data for ethidium bromide, Hoechst 33258, and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenyindole are presented. The theoretical basis of the technique is also presented for instruments running in both the fixed direct-current mode, which is the normal operation mode of circular dichroism spectropolarimeters, and also in fixed high-tension voltage mode. The role of the stray light reaching the detector that results in a spectral shape in fixed direct current mode that resembles the shape of a linear dichroism spectrum, rather than the expected reduced linear dichroism, is also explored.

Impact of Linker Length and Composition on Fragment Binding and Cell Permeation: Story of a Bisbenzimidazole Dye Fragment

Small molecules that modulate biological functions are targets of modern day drug discovery efforts. In a common platform fragment-based drug discovery, two fragments that bind to adjacent sites on a target are identified and are then linked together using different linkers to identify the linkage for optimum activity. What are not known from these studies are the effects these linkers, which typically contain C, H, and O atoms, have on the properties of the individual fragment. Herein, we investigate such effects in a bisbenzimidazole fragment whose derivatives have a wide range of therapeutic applications in nucleic acid recognition, sensing, and photodynamic therapy and as cellular probes. We report a dramatic effect of linker length and composition of alkynyl (clickable) Hoechst 33258 derivatives in target binding and cell uptake. We show that the binding of Hoechst 33258-modeled bisbenzimidazoles (1-9) that contain linkers of varying lengths (3-21 atoms) display length- and composition-dependent variation in B-DNA stabilization using a variety of spectroscopic methods. For a dodecamer DNA duplex, the thermal stabilization varied from 0.3 to 9.0 °C as the linker length increased from 3 to 21 atoms, respectively. Compounds with linker lengths of ≤11 atoms (such as compounds 1 and 5) are localized in the nucleus, while compounds with long linkers (such as compounds 8 and 9) are distributed in the extranuclear space, as well, with possible interactions with extranuclear targets. These findings provide insights into future drug design by revealing how linkers can influence the biophysical and cellular properties of individual drug fragments.

Triaryl Benzimidazoles as a New Class of Antibacterial Agents against Resistant Pathogenic Microorganisms

A new class of nontoxic triaryl benzimidazole compounds, derived from existing classes of DNA minor groove binders, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. Molecular modeling experiments suggest that the newly synthesized class cannot be accommodated within the minor groove of DNA due to a change in the shape of the molecules. Compounds 8, 13, and 14 were found to be the most active of the series, with MICs in the range of 0.5-4 μg/mL against the MDR Staphylococci and Enterococci species. Compound 13 showed moderate activity against the MDR Gram-negative strains, with MICs in the range of 16-32 μg/mL. Active compounds showed a bactericidal mode of action, and a mechanistic study suggested the inhibition of bacterial gyrase as the mechanism of action (MOA) of this chemical class. The MOA was further supported by the molecular modeling study.

Linker dependent intercalation of bisbenzimidazole-aminosugars in an RNA duplex; selectivity in RNA vs. DNA binding

Neomycin and Hoechst 33258 are two well-known nucleic acid binders that interact with RNA and DNA duplexes with high affinities respectively. In this manuscript, we report that covalent attachment of bisbenzimidazole unit derived from Hoechst 33258 to neomycin leads to intercalative binding of the bisbenzimidazole unit (oriented at 64-74° with respected to the RNA helical axis) in a linker length dependent manner. The dual binding and intercalation of conjugates were supported by thermal denaturation, CD, LD and UV-Vis absorption experiments. These studies highlight the importance of linker length in dual recognition by conjugates, for effective RNA recognition, which can lead to novel ways of recognizing RNA structures. Additionally, the ligand library screens also identify DNA and RNA selective compounds, with compound 9, containing a long linker, showing a 20.3°C change in RNA duplex Tm with only a 13.0°C change in Tm for the corresponding DNA duplex. Significantly, the shorter linker in compound 3 shows almost the reverse trend, a 23.8°C change in DNA Tm, with only a 9.1°C change in Tm for the corresponding RNA duplex.

A Quinacrine Analogue Selective Against Gastric Cancer Cells: Insight from Biochemical and Biophysical Studies

One of the earliest synthetic antimalarial drugs, quinacrine, was recently reported as interesting for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Inspired by this and similar findings, we evaluated a set of quinacrine analogues against gastric (MKN-28), colon (Caco-2), and breast (MFC-7) cancer cell lines and one normal human fibroblast cell line (HFF-1). All the compounds, previously developed by us as dual-stage antimalarial leads, displayed antiproliferative activity, and one of the set stood out as selective toward the gastric cancer cell line, MKN-28. Interestingly, this compound was transported across an in vitro MKN-28 model cell line in low amounts, and approximately 80 % was trapped inside those cells. Nuclear targeting of the same compound and its interactions with calf thymus DNA were assessed through combined fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy, and calorimetry studies, which provided evidence for the compound's ability to reach the nucleus and to interact with DNA.

Molecular sled sequences are common in mammalian proteins

Recent work revealed a new class of molecular machines called molecular sleds, which are small basic molecules that bind and slide along DNA with the ability to carry cargo along DNA. Here, we performed biochemical and single-molecule flow stretching assays to investigate the basis of sliding activity in molecular sleds. In particular, we identified the functional core of pVIc, the first molecular sled characterized; peptide functional groups that control sliding activity; and propose a model for the sliding activity of molecular sleds. We also observed widespread DNA binding and sliding activity among basic polypeptide sequences that implicate mammalian nuclear localization sequences and many cell penetrating peptides as molecular sleds. These basic protein motifs exhibit weak but physiologically relevant sequence-nonspecific DNA affinity. Our findings indicate that many mammalian proteins contain molecular sled sequences and suggest the possibility that substantial undiscovered sliding activity exists among nuclear mammalian proteins.

Aggregation features and fluorescence of Hoechst 33258

The functionality of the bisbenzimide Hoechst 33258 in solution has been largely exploited in the quantification of DNA. Understanding of its behavior is essential to promote its widespread application and learning of biological processes. A detailed study of the dimerization process of the fluorescent blue dye Hoechst 33258 is carried out by isothermal titration calorimetry, absorbance, fluorescence, differential scanning calorimetry and T-jump kinetic measurements. The dimer/monomer ratio depends on the dye concentration and the ionic strength. The dimerization constant determined under physiological conditions (pH = 7.0; I = 0.10 M), KD = 3 × 10(4) M(-1), conveys that only micromolar concentrations of the dye can ensure reasonably high amounts of the monomer species in solution. For instance, for 10 μM dye content, the dimer prevails for I > 0.08 M, whereas the monomer is observed at low ionic strength, a key issue to be elucidated as long as the dimer species is more fluorescent than the monomer and the fluorescence intensity strongly relies on the ionic strength and the dye concentration.

Extracting physical chemistry from mechanics: a new approach to investigate DNA interactions with drugs and proteins in single molecule experiments

In this review we focus on the idea of establishing connections between the mechanical properties of DNA–ligand complexes and the physical chemistry of DNA–ligand interactions.

The phosphate clamp: sequence selective nucleic acid binding profiles and conformational induction of endonuclease inhibition by cationic Triplatin complexes

The substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(II) complex (PPC) series, [{trans-Pt(NH3)2(NH2(CH2)nNH3)}2-μ-(trans-Pt(NH3)2(NH2(CH2)nNH2)2}](NO3)8, where n = 5 (AH78P), 6 (AH78 TriplatinNC) and 7 (AH78H), are potent non-covalent DNA binding agents where nucleic acid recognition is achieved through use of the 'phosphate clamp' where the square-planar tetra-am(m)ine Pt(II) coordination units all form bidentate N-O-N complexes through hydrogen bonding with phosphate oxygens. The modular nature of PPC-DNA interactions results in high affinity for calf thymus DNA (Kapp ∼5 × 10(7) M(-1)). The phosphate clamp-DNA interactions result in condensation of superhelical and B-DNA, displacement of intercalated ethidium bromide and facilitate cooperative binding of Hoechst 33258 at the minor groove. The effect of linker chain length on DNA conformational changes was examined and the pentane-bridged complex, AH78P, was optimal for condensing DNA with results in the nanomolar region. Analysis of binding affinity and conformational changes for sequence-specific oligonucleotides by ITC, dialysis, ICP-MS, CD and 2D-(1)H NMR experiments indicate that two limiting modes of phosphate clamp binding can be distinguished through their conformational changes and strongly suggest that DNA condensation is driven by minor-groove spanning. Triplatin-DNA binding prevents endonuclease activity by type II restriction enzymes BamHI, EcoRI and SalI, and inhibition was confirmed through the development of an on-chip microfluidic protocol.

Translational repression of thymidylate synthase by targeting its mRNA

Resistance to drugs targeting human thymidylate synthase (TS) poses a major challenge in the field of anti-cancer therapeutics. Overexpression of the TS protein has been implicated as one of the factors leading to the development of resistance. Therefore, repressing translation by targeting the TS mRNA could help to overcome this problem. In this study, we report that the compound Hoechst 33258 (HT) can reduce cellular TS protein levels without altering TS mRNA levels, suggesting that it modulates TS expression at the translation level. We have combined nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy methods with docking and molecular dynamics simulations to study the interaction of HT with a region in the TS mRNA. The interaction predominantly involves intercalation of HT at a CC mismatch in the region near the translational initiation site. Our results support the use of HT-like compounds to guide the design of therapeutic agents targeting TS mRNA.

pH-controlled reversible drug binding and release using a cytosine-rich hairpin DNA

Here we report that a cytosine-rich DNA carrier, that oscillates between a hairpin and an i-motif structure in its response to pH variation, can be used as a drug binding and release device.

Development of a high-throughput G4-FID assay for screening and evaluation of small molecules binding quadruplex nucleic acid structures

G4-FID (G-quadruplex fluorescent intercalator displacement) is a simple and fast method that allows to evaluate the affinity of a compound for G-quadruplex DNA and its selectivity towards duplex DNA. This assay is based on the loss of fluorescence of thiazole orange (TO) upon competitive displacement from DNA by a putative ligand. We describe here the development of a high-throughput version of this assay performed in 96-well microplates, and fully transposable to 384-well microplates. The test was calibrated with a set of G-quadruplex ligands characterized for their ability to bind quadruplex within a large range of affinity. The comparison of the results obtained in microplates and in cuvettes was conducted indicating a full agreement. Additionally, the spectral range of the test was enlarged using two other fluorescent on/off probes whose absorption are red-shifted (TO-PRO-3) and blue-shifted (Hoechst 33258) as compared to that of TO. These labels enable to screen a large diversity of compounds with various optical properties, which was exemplified by evaluation of affinity and selectivity of the porphyrin TMPyP4 that could not be evaluated previously. Altogether, our study demonstrates that the HT-G4-FID assay offers the possibility to label a large variety of G-quadruplexes of biological interest and should enable screening of collections of putative G4-ligands of high structural diversity. It thus represents a powerful tool to bring into light new ligands able to discriminate between quadruplexes of different structures.

DNA binding, prominent DNA cleavage and efficient anticancer activities of tris(diimine)iron(II) complexes

The complexes rac-[Fe(diimine)(3)](ClO(4))(2)1-4, where diimine = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) 1, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) 2, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5,6-dmp) 3 and dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq) 4, have been isolated, characterized and their interaction with calf thymus DNA studied by using a host of physical methods. The X-ray crystal structure of rac-[Fe(5,6-dmp)(3)](ClO(4))(2)3 has been determined and the packing diagram shows the presence of two enantiomeric forms of the complex cations in the same unit cell. The structures of 1-4 in solution have also been studied using UV-Visible, Cyclic Voltammetry and ESI-MS data and all data available suggests that they retain their solid state structures even in solution. The absorption spectral titrations of the iron(ii) complexes with CT DNA reveal that the DNA binding affinities of the complexes vary in the order, 4 (K(b): 9.0 × 10(3)) > 2 (6.8 × 10(3)) > 3 (4. 8 × 10(3)) > 1 (2.9 × 10(3) M(-1)). The DNA interaction of dpq complex (4) involves partial insertion of the extended phen ring in between the DNA base pairs, which is deeper than that of phen (2). The 5,6-dmp (3) complex is involved in groove binding in the major groove of DNA. The lower DNA binding affinity of 1 is due to electrostatic interaction of the cationic complexes with exterior phosphates of DNA. The EthBr displacement assay and DNA viscosity study support these DNA binding modes and the above trend in DNA binding affinities. The complexes of 1 and 2 show induced CD (ICD) upon interaction with CT DNA while 3 and 4 bound to DNA exhibit inversion in the positive band with the helicity band showing very small changes, which implies that 3 and 4 bind enantiopreferentially to DNA. The DNA cleavage abilities of 1-4 have been observed at 10 μM concentration of complexes in the presence of 100 μM H(2)O(2) and the DNA cleavage efficiency (> 90%) follows the order 3 > 1 > 2 > 4. The anticancer activity of 1-4 against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) has also been studied. The IC(50) values of the complexes at different incubation time intervals of 24 and 48 h follow the order, 3 (0.8, 0.6) < 4 (20.0, 17.0) < 2 (28.0, 22.0) < 1 (32.0, 29.0 μM). Interestingly, 3 exhibits anticancer activity more potent than 1, 2 and 4 and cisplatin for both 24 and 48 h. It induces cell death both through apoptosis and necrosis mechanisms, as revealed by morphological assessment data obtained by using AO/EB and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining methods.

Interaction of small molecules with double-stranded RNA: spectroscopic, viscometric, and calorimetric study of hoechst and proflavine binding to PolyCG structures

Design and synthesis of new small molecules binding to double-stranded RNA necessitate complete understanding of the molecular aspects of the binding of many existing molecules. Toward this goal, in this work we evaluated the biophysical aspects of the interaction of a DNA intercalator (proflavine) and a minor groove binder (hoechst 33258) with two polymorphic forms of polyCG, namely, the right-handed Watson-Crick base paired A-form and the left-handed Hoogsteen base paired H(L)-form, by absorption, fluorescence, and viscometry experiments. The energetics of the interaction of these molecules with the RNA structures has also been elucidated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Results suggest that proflavine strongly intercalates in both forms of polyCG, whereas hoechst shows mainly groove-binding modes. The binding of both drugs to both forms of RNA resulted in significant conformational change to the RNA structure with the bound molecules being placed in the chiral RNA helix. ITC profiles for both proflavine and hoechst show two binding sites. Binding of proflavine to both forms of RNA is endothermic and entropy driven in the first site and exothermic and enthalpy driven in the second site, whereas hoechst binding to both forms of RNA is exothermic and enthalpy driven in the first site and endothermic and entropy driven in the second site. This study suggests that the binding affinity characteristics and energetics of interaction of these DNA binding molecules with the RNA conformations are significantly different and may serve as data for future development of effective structure-selective RNA-based drugs.

Investigation of double-stranded DNA/drug interaction by ESI/FT ICR: orientation of dissociations relates to stabilizing salt bridges

Noncovalent complexes of DNA and Hoechst 33258 were investigated by ESI-FT/ICR MS in various activation modes (collision-induced dissociation (CID), sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID), infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) and electron detachment dissociation (EDD)). The binding selectivity of Hoechst 33258 was confirmed by the comparative study of its noncovalent association with different DNA sequences. The CID spectra of [ds + HO - 5H](5-) obtained with a linear hexapole ion trap resulted in unzipping of the strands. This outcome is a clue to the drug-binding mode, shading light on the localization of the binding sites of Hoechst 33258 to the DNA sequence. The IRMPD and SORI-CID experiments mainly gave DNA backbone cleavages and internal fragment ions. From this result, information on the localization of the binding sites of Hoechst 33258 in the DNA sequence was obtained. No sodium cationization was observed on the DNA sequence ions although they were present on fragmentation of the duplex, indicating that the backbone cleavages were generated from the single strand associated with the Hoechst 33258 where the number of alkali cation is restricted. Under electron detachment (ED) conditions, multiple EDs were achieved for the [ds + HO - 5H](5-) ion without any significant dissociation. The presence of drug appears to enhance the stability of the multiply charged system. It was proposed that the studied noncovalent complex involved the formation of zwitterions and consequently strong salt-bridge interactions between DNA and drug.

Hoechst 33258--poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) complexes of three types

It was found recently that Hoechst 33258, a dsDNA fluorescent dye used in cytological studies, is an efficient inhibitor of the interaction of TATA-box-binding protein with DNA, DNA topoisomerase I, and DNA helicases. In addition it proved to be a radioprotector. Biological activity of Hoechst 33258 may be associated with dsDNA complexes of not only monomeric, but also dimeric type. In this work, the Hoechst 33258 interaction with poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) was studied using UV-vis and fluorescent spectroscopy, circular and flow-type linear dichroism. It was found that Hoechst 33258 formed with poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) complexes of three types, namely, monomeric, dimeric, and, apparently, tetrameric, and their spectral properties were studied. Complexes of monomeric and dimeric types competed with distamycin A, a minor groove ligand, for binding to poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC). We proposed that Hoechst 33258 both monomers and dimers form complexes of the external type with poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) from the side of the minor groove.

Calorimetric and spectroscopic studies of Hoechst 33258: self-association and binding to non-cognate DNA

Sequence and structure-specific molecular recognition of DNA by small molecules is an important goal in biophysical chemistry and drug discovery. Many candidate ligands possess flat aromatic surfaces and other molecular features that allow them to self-associate. In addition, non-specific binding to the target is a complicating feature of these interactions. Therefore, multiple equilibria are present and need to be accounted for in data analysis in order to obtain meaningful thermodynamic parameters. In order to address these issues we have systematically examined the bis-benzimidazole dye Hoechst 33258 (H33258) in terms of self-aggregation and binding to DNA oligonucleotides lacking any cognate minor groove A.T sites. This model system has been interrogated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy and pulsed gradient spin echo NMR. Three distinct binding events and ligand self-aggregation have been identified and, where possible, quantified. H33258 self-aggregation involves a step-wise aggregation mechanism, driven by stacking interactions. The DNA binding process includes two specific binding modes and non-specific DNA-templated H33258 stacking. We have written novel ITC data-fitting software (IC-ITC; freely available to the biophysics community), which simultaneously fits ligand aggregation and ligand-DNA binding. Here, this numerical analysis, which uses simulated annealing of complex calorimetric data representing multiple coupled equilibria, is described.

Multiple Binding Modes for Dicationic Hoechst 33258 to DNA

The binding of dicationic Hoechst 33258 (ligand) to DNA was characterized by means of the fluorescence spectra, fluorescence intensity titration, time-resolved fluorescence decay, light scattering, circular dichroism, and fluorescence thermal denaturation measurements, and two binding modes were distinguished by the experimental results. Type 1 binding has the stoichiometry of one ligand to more than 12 base pairs, and it is defined as quasi-minor groove binding which has the typical prolonged fluorescence lifetime of about 4.4 ns. In type 1 binding, planar conformation of the ligand is favorable. Type 2 binding with phosphate to ligand ratio (P/L) < 2.5 has the stoichiometry of one ligand to two phosphates. It is defined as a highly dense and orderly stacked binding with DNA backbone as the template. Electrostatic interactions between doubly protonated ligands and negatively charged DNA backbone play a predominant role in the type 2 binding mode. The characteristics of this type of binding result in a twisted conformation of the ligand that has a fluorescence lifetime of less than 1 ns. The results also indicate that the binding is in a cooperative manner primarily by stacking of the aromatic rings of the neighboring ligands. Type 1 binding is only observed for double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with affinity constant of 1.83 x 10(7) M-1. In the type 2 binding mode, the binding affinity constants are 4.9 x 10(6) and 4.3 x 10(6) M-1 for dsDNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), respectively. The type 2 binding is base pair independent while the type 1 binding is base pair related. The experiments described in this paper revealed that the dication bindings are different from the monocation bindings reported by previous study. The dication binding leads to stronger aggregation at low ligand concentration and results in orderly arrangements of the ligands along DNA chains. Furthermore the dication binding is demonstrated to be beneficial for enhancing the DNA's stability.

The Hoechst 33258 covalent dimer covers a total turn of the double-stranded DNA

With the goal to design ligands recognizing extended regions on dsDNA, a covalent dimer of the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 [bis-HT(NMe)] composed of two dye molecules linked via the phenol oxygen atoms with a (CH2)3-N+ H(CH3)-(CH2)3 fragment was constructed using computer modeling and then synthesized. Its interactions with the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) were studied by fluorescent and UV-Vis spectroscopy and circular (CD) and linear dichroism (LD). Based on variations in the affinity to the dsDNA, it was shown that complexes of three types are formed. The first type complexes result from binding of a bis-HT(NMe) monomer in the open conformation; in this case the ligand covers the total dsDNA turn and is located in the minor groove according to the positive value of CD at 370 nm. In addition, the ability to form bis-HT(NMe)-bridges between two dsDNA molecules, i.e., each of the two bis-HT(NMe) ends binds to two different dsDNA molecules, was demonstrated for the first type complexes. Spectral characteristics (maximal absorption at 362 nm, positive sign, and maximal value of CD at 370 nm) of the first type complexes conform to those of the specific Hoechst 33258 complex with poly[d(A-T)] x poly[d(A-T]. The second type complexes correspond to the bis-HT(NMe) sandwich (as an inter- or intramolecular) binding to dsDNA with stoichiometry > or = 5 bp. Thereby, a negative LD at 360 nm and the location of bis-HT(NMe) sandwiches in the minor groove of B form dsDNA seems contradictory. Spectral characteristics (maximal positive CD at 345 nm, a dramatic decrease in fluorescence intensity and the shift of its maximum to 490 nm) of these complexes favor a suggestion that this binding correlates to the formation of nonspecific dimeric Hoechst 33258 complex with dsDNA. The third type complexes are characterized by stoichiometry of one bis-HT(NMe) molecule per approximately 2 bp and the tendency to zero of LD values at 270 and 360 nm. We assume that in these complexes bis-HT(NMe) sandwich dimers are formed on dsDNA. The complexes of this type conform to the aggregation type complex of Hoechst 33258 with dsDNA. The ability of bis-HT(NMe) to cover the whole dsDNA turn or form bridges with two dsDNA upon the formation of the first type complexes essentially distinguishes it from Hoechst 33258, which can only occupy 5 bp and does not form such bridges. This specific property of bis-HT(NMe) may support new biological activities.

Binding mode and affinity studies of DNA-binding agents using topoisomerase I DNA unwinding assay

A topoisomerase I DNA unwinding assay has been used to determine the relative DNA-binding affinities of a model pair of homologous naphthalene diimides. Binding affinity data were corroborated using calorimetric (ITC) and spectrophotometric (titration and T(m)) studies, with substituent size playing a significant role in binding. The assay was also used to investigate the mode of binding adopted by several known DNA-binding agents, including SYBR Green and PicoGreen. Some of the compounds exhibited unexpected binding modes.

Simultaneous quantitative measurement of luciferase reporter activity and cell number in two- and three-dimensional cultures of hepatitis C virus replicons

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health problem and an important human pathogen. The development of cell culture models for HCV infection has been difficult to accomplish, primarily because HCV is very sensitive to the host cell state. Future models will require the use of three-dimensional (3D) cultures that model the host cell state and environment more accurately. Higher information content screens for anti-HCV therapeutics will also involve 3D cell cultures. Here we report a method for screening cell models for HCV replication that involves normalizing luciferase reporter activity based on cell number in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D HCV replicon cultures. Human hepatoma cells stably replicating luciferase-containing HCV replicons were cultured in 2D monolayer culture and 3D spheroid culture. Optimization of cell lysis was performed so that cell lysates could be used to quantify both luciferase activity and cellular DNA content. Cellular DNA content was quantified using Hoechst 33258 dye and was converted to cell number. The method is straightforward, reproducible, and sensitive down to 5000 cells. This method enables low-throughput but high-information content screening of HCV replicons, with the potential for high-throughput screening in a variety of 3D cultures and cocultures.

Hydration changes in the association of Hoechst 33258 with DNA

The role of water in the interaction of Hoechst 33258 with the minor groove binding site of the (AATT)2 sequence was investigated using calorimetric and equilibrium constant measurements. Using isothermal titration calorimetry measurements, the heat capacity change for the reaction is -256 +/- 10 cal/(K mol of Hoechst). Comparison with the heat capacity changes based on area models supports the expulsion of water from the interface of the Hoechst-DNA complex. To further consider the role of water, the osmotic stress method was used to determine if the Hoechst association with DNA was coupled with hydration changes. Using four osmolytes with varying molecular weights and chemical properties, the Hoechst affinity for DNA decreases with increasing osmolyte concentration. From the dependence of the equilibrium constant on the solution osmolality, 60 +/- 13 waters are acquired in the complex relative to the reactants. It is proposed that the osmotic stress technique is measuring weakly bound waters that are not measured via the heat capacity changes.

Influence of initial charge state on fragmentation patterns for noncovalent drug/DNA duplex complexes

The charge state-dependent dissociation of various DNA duplexes and drug/duplex complexes has been investigated using collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QIT-MS). Several non-self-complementary 14-residue oligonucleotides were employed, in addition to an array of known DNA-interactive ligands, including the intercalators daunomycin and nogalamycin, as well as the minor groove binding agents distamycin, netropsin, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and Hoechst 33342. In general, the dissociation pathways exhibited by both the duplexes and the drug/duplex complexes were found to be markedly sensitive to initial charge state. Time- and activation voltage-independent duplex strand separation predominated for higher charge states, which was interpreted to be a result of internal Coulombic repulsion or partial unzipping in the interface, while time- and activation voltage-dependent covalent cleavage predominated for lower charge states. The identity of the drug and the sequence of the duplex were both found to affect the competition between different dissociation processes. The dissociation pathways for the lower charge state complexes are probably more reflective of specific drug-DNA interactions because Coulombic and/or conformational effects are less marked for these precursors.

Acid-Base and Electronic Structure-Dependent Properties of Hoechst 33342

An ab initio quantum mechanical study of the bis-benzimidazole derivative Hoechst 33342 is presented. Specifically, we report on the molecular geometry, proton affinity, gas-phase basicity, hydration, pKa, and molecular interaction potential map of Hoechst 33342 and the forms obtained by its protonation and deprotonation. Results have been compared with those obtained for Hoechst 33258 to analyze the influence of the chemical structure on the properties of this bis-benzimidazole derivative. Finally, the connection of some theoretical predictions with experimental evidences has been examined.

Syntheses and DNA-binding studies of a series of unsymmetrical cyanine dyes: structural influence on the degree of minor groove binding to natural DNA

Twelve crescent-shaped unsymmetrical dyes have been synthesized and their interactions with DNA have been investigated by spectroscopic methods. A new facile synthetic route to this type of cyanine dyes has been developed, involving the preparation of 6-substituted 2-thiomethyl-benzothiazoles in good yields. The new dyes are analogues to the minor groove binding unsymmetrical cyanine dye, BEBO, recently reported by us. In this dye, the structure of the known intercalating cyanine dye BO was extended with a 6-methylbenzothiazole substituent. Herein we further investigate the role of the extending benzazole heterocycle, as well as of the pyridine or quinoline moiety of the cyanine chromophore, for the binding mode of these crescent-shaped dyes to calf thymus DNA. Flow LD and CD studies of the 12 dyes show that the extent of minor groove binding to mixed sequence DNA varies significantly between the dyes. We find that hydrophobicity and size are the crucial parameters for recognition of the minor groove. The relatively high fluorescence quantum yield of many of these cyanines bound to DNA, combined with their absorption at long wavelengths, may render them useful in biological applications. In particular, two of the benzoxazole containing dyes BOXTO and 2-BOXTO show a high degree of minor groove binding and quantum yields of 0.52 and 0.32, respectively, when bound to DNA.

Ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopic study of the binding modes of the bis-benzimidazole derivative Hoechst 33258 with DNA

Ensemble and single-molecule fluorescence measurements of 2'-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-[5-(4-methylpiperazine-1-yl) benzimidazo-2-yl]-benzimidazole (H-258)- calf thymus (CT) DNA complexes at various [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios were performed to elucidate the binding of H-258 with DNA. Upon binding to double-stranded CT DNA (CT ds DNA) at a [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratio of 0.05 the relative fluorescence quantum yield, Phi(f), of H-258 increases from 0.02 to 0.58. The fluorescence decay can be fitted almost by a mono-exponential model with a lifetime of approximately 3.6 ns. This indicates that H-258 binds almost quantitatively in the minor groove of DNA at low [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios. With increasing [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios, e.g. 0.15 and 0.20, the fluorescence quantum yield of H-258 decreases to 0.28 and 0.19, respectively. Fitting of the fluorescence decays measured for higher [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios reveals the presence of additional shorter fluorescence lifetime components in the range of 0.5-2.0 ns. Our results suggest that H-258 partially intercalates in G:C sequences at higher [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios reflected by a lifetime component of 1.5-2 ns. In addition, stacking or adsorption of H-258 molecules on DNA occurs at higher [H-258]/[DNA bp] ratios. These molecules exhibit a short fluorescence lifetime of approximately 500 ps and are more exposed to the aqueous environment. Fluorescence transients of the intensity and lifetime of single H-258 CT ds DNA demonstrate that weakly (unspecific) bound H-258 molecules exhibit a shorter fluorescence lifetime and a strongly reduced photostability.

On the protonation equilibrium for the benzimidazole derivative Hoechst 33258: an electronic molecular orbital study

Hoechst 33258 and its deprotonated forms have been examined in the gas-phase and in solution using quantum mechanical methods. Ab initio calculations at the HF level have been used to investigate the more relevant geometrical trends of such species, while proton affinities and gas-phase basicities were derived from B3LYP and MP2 electronic energies. Solvation energies were calculated using a dielectric continuum model: MST. The Delta(p)K(a) values were estimated by combining the gas-phase basicities and the free energies of solvation. Comparison of these Delta(p)K(a) values with experimentally reported data have been used to highlight the advantages and limitations of this strategy.

Determination of affinity, stoichiometry and sequence selectivity of minor groove binder complexes with double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray mass spectrometry was evaluated regarding the reliability of the determination of the stoichiometries and equilibrium association constants from single spectra. Complexes between minor groove binders (Hoechst 33258, Hoechst 33342, DAPI, netropsin and berenil) and 12mer oligonucleotide duplexes with a central sequence (A/T)4 flanked by G/C base pairs were chosen as model systems. To validate the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) method, comparisons were made with circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. ESI-MS allowed the detection of minor (2 drug + DNA) species for Hoechst 33258, Hoechst 33342, DAPI and berenil with duplex d(GGGG(A/T)4GGGG). d(CCCC(A/T)4CCCC), which were undetectable with the other techniques. Assuming that the duplexes and the complexes have the same electrospray response factors, the equilbrium association constants of the 1:1 and 2:1 complexes were determined by ESI-MS, and the values show a good quantitative agreement with fluorescence determined constants for Hoechst 33258 and Hoechst 33342. It is also shown that ESI-MS can quickly give reliable information on the A/T sequence selectivity of a drug: the signal of a complex is directly related to the affinity of the drug for that particular duplex. The potential of ESI-MS as a qualitative and quantitative affinity screening method is emphasized.

Synthesis, DNA-binding activity and cytotoxicity of carbamate derivatives of Hoechst 33258 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells

A series of carbamate derivatives of Hoechst 33258 was prepared as potential anticancer agents. These new compounds (1-4) were readily prepared in good yields by addition of chloroethyl, bromoethyl, chloropropyl or 4-(chloromethyl)phenyl isocyanates to Hoechst 33258. Their cytotoxic activity was evaluated on human breast cancer MCF-7. Compounds 1-4 were more cytotoxic than Hoechst 33258. In particular derivative 4, the most active of the series, is up to 3 times more potent than Hoechst 33258. The DNA-binding ability of these compounds was evaluated by an ultrafiltration method using calf thymus DNA. These data show that in broad terms the cytotoxic potency of 1-4 in cultured breast cancer MCF-7 cells increases, in accord with their increases in DNA affinity, as shown by the binding constant values.

Visualization of complexes of Hoechst 33258 and DNA duplexes in solution by atomic force microscopy

Tertiary structure changes in DNA duplexes, induced by Hoechst 33258 binding, have been examined by the use of atomic force microscopy. Besides minor groove binding, which is an established mode of binding for this drug, Hoechst 33258 has now been found to show another binding mode, which causes an unwinding of the duplex. When the drug concentration is as high as 0.5 microg/ml, the Hoechst 33258 molecule seems to function as a clamp for two DNA chains and forms a condensate. The condensate was found to have a toroidal shape. By surveying more than 100 microscopic images of such condensates formed in I microg/ml drug solution, a mechanism of toroidal condensate formation has been proposed.