DNA hairpins containing the cytidine analog pyrrolo-dC: structural, thermodynamic, and spectroscopic studies.

ABSTRACT: Structures formed by single-strand DNA have become increasingly interesting because of their roles in a number of biological processes, particularly transcription and its regulation. Of particular importance is the fact that antitumor drugs such as Actinomycin D can selectively bind DNA hairpins over fully paired, double-strand DNA. A new fluorescent base analog, pyrrolo-deoxycytidine (PdC), can now be routinely incorporated into single-strand DNA. The fluorescence of PdC is particularly useful for studying the formation of single-strand DNA in regions of double-strand DNA. The fluorescence is quenched when PdC is paired with a complementary guanine residue, and thus is greatly enhanced upon formation of single-strand DNA. Hence, any process that results in melting or opening of DNA strand

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2717277 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature