Small DNAs That Specifically and Tightly Bind Transition Metal Ions
Mo Zhou, Tianbin Xu, Kai Xia, Haiqing Gao, Wei Li, Tingting Zhai, Hongzhou Gu
Abstract
Specific DNA-binding to metal ions is a long-standing fundamental research topic with great potential to transform into nano/biotechnology and therapeutics applications. Herein, based on the mobility change of DNA in denaturing gels, we develop a selection strategy to discover a series of 40–45 nt small DNAs that can bind Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ specifically and tightly. The Zn 2+ - and Cd 2+ -bound DNA complexes can even tolerate harsh denaturing conditions of 8 M urea and 50 mM EDTA. The discovery not only exposes a new class of transition metal ion-binding DNAs but also provides potentially a new tool for targeting drug therapies based on metal ions.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryDNAMetal ions in aqueous solutionCombinatorial chemistryIonTransition metalDrug discoveryMetalNanotechnologyBiophysicsBiochemistryOrganic chemistryBiologyCatalysisMaterials scienceAdvanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniquesDNA and Nucleic Acid ChemistryRNA Interference and Gene Delivery