Beta-cyclodextrin in DNA decompaction: an imaging approach.
In the present work we investigate the CTAB:DNA complexes decompaction process using beta-CD as a decompacting agent. The transition from globules (compacted DNA) to coils (decompacted DNA) was achieved without a coexistence region between coils and globules. This non first-order transition was investigated combining fluorescence microscopy (FM), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and TEM of negatively stained samples. Additionally the presence of multi-globular aggregates in the proximity of the critical transition was elucidated. A possible mechanism for the decompaction process was suggested.
Gonzalez-Perez
Alfredo
A
Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Southern Denmark, MEMPHYS - Center for Biomembrane Physics, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark. alfredo@memphys.sdu.dk
D000077286:Cetrimonium; D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation / Q000187:drug effects*; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
D002593:Cetrimonium Compounds; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; D004247:DNA; C031215:betadex; D000077286:Cetrimonium