New insight into the molecular mechanisms of the biological effects of DNA minor groove binders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bisbenzimides, or Hoechst 33258 (H258), and its derivative Hoechst 33342 (H342) are archetypal molecules for designing minor groove binders, and widely used as tools for staining DNA and analyzing side population cells. They are supravital DNA minor groove binders with AT selectivity. H342 and H258 share similar biological effects based on the similarity of their chemical structures, but also have their unique biological effects. For example, H342, but not H258, is a potent apoptotic inducer and both H342 and H258 can induce transgene overexpression in in vitro studies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Hoechst dyes induce apoptosis and enhance transgene overexpression are unclear.

Methodology/principal findings

To determine the molecular mechanisms under

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3187808 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature