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Interaction of cationic porphyrins with DNA: Importance of the number and position of the charges and minimum structural requirements for intercalation

Journal Article · · Biochemistry; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/bi00469a025· OSTI ID:6323167
; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Universite Rene Descartes, Paris (France)
  2. Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif (France)

Thirty-three porphyrins or metalloporphyrins corresponding to the general formula (meso-(N-methyl-4(or 3 or 2)-pyridiniumyl){sub n}(aryl){sub 4-n}porphyrin)M (M = H{sub 2}, Cu{sup II}, or ClFe{sup III}), with n = 2-4, have been synthesized and characterized by UV-visible and {sup 1}H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These porphyrins differ not only in the number (2-4) and position of their cationic charges but also in the steric requirements to reach even temporarily a completely planar geometry. Interaction of these porphyrins or metalloporphyrins with calf thymus DNA has been studied and their apparent affinity binding constants have been determined by use of a competition method with ethidium bromide which was applicable not only for all the free base porphyrins but also for their copper (II) or iron (III) complexes. Whatever their mode of binding may be, their apparent affinity binding constants were relatively high and a linear decrease of log K{sub app} with the number of porphyrin charges was observed. Studies of porphyrin-DNA interactions by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosimetry, and fluorescence energy transfer experiments showed that not only the tetracationic meso-tetrakis(N-methyl-4(or 3)-pyridiniumyl)porphyrins, which both involved four freely rotating meso-aryl groups, but also the corresponding tri- and dicationic porphyrins were able to intercalate into calf thymus DNA. These results show that only half of the porphyrin ring is necessary for intercalation to occur.

OSTI ID:
6323167
Journal Information:
Biochemistry; (USA), Journal Name: Biochemistry; (USA) Vol. 29:17; ISSN 0006-2960; ISSN BICHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English