title: Different strategies for controlling DNA conformation: compaction and decompaction.
abstract: In the present review we summarize different strategies to induce DNA compaction and decompaction. DNA compaction is achieved using different cationic co-solutes, such as trivalent ions, surfactant, and polycations. In addition, single-chained DNA compaction can also be achieved in solvents with low dielectric constants and by confinement. The decompaction strategies depend, naturally, on the method used for the compaction and can be accomplished by, for example, heparins, cyclodextrins, non-ionic or anionic surfactants.
authors.affiliation: Physical Chemistry 1, Centre for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. alfredo@memphys.sdu.dk
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Perez
authors.forename: Rita S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Dias
mesh_terms: D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000494:pharmacology; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011073:Polyamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D003505:Cyclodextrins; D004247:DNA; D006493:Heparin; D011073:Polyamines; D000071228:Polyelectrolytes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents