Role of Alkali Cations in DNA-Thioflavin T Interaction.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the role of alkali cations in modulating the interaction between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Thioflavin T (ThT) in dilute and condensed phases. The emission characteristics of ThT were analyzed in the presence of double-stranded DNA and G-quadruplex structures with a focus on the effects of four cations: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The ThT emission in double-stranded DNA was influenced by direct DNA binding and steric hindrance within the hydration shell of DNA, which was modulated by the presence of alkali cations. Lasing spectroscopy experiments further highlighted ThT sensitivity to the spatial arrangement of water molecules in the DNA hydration shell. Lasing was exclusively observed in the presence of Mg²⁺ in the G-quadruplex struct

SUBMITTER: Hanczyc P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11317975 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature