Download MendeleyStructural basis for G.C recognition in the DNA minor groove.
Kielkopf, C.L., Baird, E.E., Dervan, P.B., Rees, D.C.(1998) Nat Struct Biol 5: 104-109
- PubMed: 9461074
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nsb0298-104
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
365D - PubMed Abstract:
Small molecules that target specific DNA sequences offer a potentially general approach for the regulation of gene expression. Pyrrole-imidazole polyamides represent the only class of synthetic small molecules that can bind predetermined DNA sequences with affinities and specificities comparable to DNA binding proteins. Antiparallel side-by-side pairings of two aromatic amino acids, imidazole (Im) and pyrrole (Py), distinguish G.C from C.G, and both from A.T/T.A base pairs. A high resolution X-ray crystal structure of a four-ring pyrrole-imidazole polyamide specifically bound as a dimer to a six-base pair predetermined DNA site reveals a structural framework of hydrogen bonds and interactions with the walls of the minor groove that underlies the pairing rules for DNA recognition.
Organizational Affiliation:
Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125, USA.
