title: Probes for double helical DNA sequence information: molecular mechanics study of a proposed model.
abstract: The biological activity of many molecules which bind to double helical DNA is related to the sequence specificity of their binding. The development of new substances of this type is challenging; a general solution to the problem does not exist. A new mechanism for small molecule-duplex DNA interaction termed intercalative displacement is proposed. The approach is promising for the design of new substances which will recognize sequence information on DNA. Molecular mechanics calculations in the absence of solvent and counterions predict that the proposed model is structurally and energetically closely related to the well known process of standard intercalation. The implications of these calculations for experimental studies are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Shea
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Olson
mesh_terms: D001482:Base Composition; D001483:Base Sequence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D007364:Intercalating Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation / Q000187:drug effects; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D007364:Intercalating Agents; D004247:DNA