title: Inhibition of DNA transcription using cationic mixed monolayer protected gold clusters.
abstract: Efficient recognition of DNA is a prerequisite for the development of biological effectors, including transcription and translation regulators, transfection vectors, and DNA sensors. To provide an effective scaffold for multivalent interactions with DNA, we have fabricated mixed monolayer protected gold clusters (MMPCs) functionalized with tetraalkylammonium ligands that can interact with the DNA backbone via charge complementarity. Binding studies indicate that the MMPCs and DNA form a charge-neutralized, nonaggregated assembly. The interactions controlling these assemblies are highly efficient, completely inhibiting transcription by T7 RNA polymerase in vitro.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: McIntosh
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Boal
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Simard
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Rotello
mesh_terms: D002412:Cations; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D008024:Ligands; D010316:Particle Size; D055672:Static Electricity; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014764:Viral Proteins
chemical_list: D002412:Cations; D008024:Ligands; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D014764:Viral Proteins; D006046:Gold; D004247:DNA; C062210:bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases