Assembly of DNA recognition elements on an octahedral rhodium intercalator: predictive recognition of 5'-TGCA-3' by .DELTA.-[Rh(R,R)-Me2trien]phi]3+

Targeting DNA Mismatches with Rhodium Metalloinsertors

DNA has been exploited as a biological target of chemotherapeutics since the 1940s. Traditional chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin and DNA-alkylating agents, rely primarily on increased uptake by rapidly proliferating cancer cells for therapeutic effects, but this strategy can result in off-target toxicity in healthy tissue. Recently, research interests have shifted towards targeted chemotherapeutics, in which a drug targets a specific biological signature of cancer, resulting in selective toxicity towards cancerous cells. Here, we review a family of complexes, termed rhodium metalloinsertors, that selectively target DNA base pair mismatches, a hallmark of mismatch-repair (MMR) deficient cancers. These rhodium metalloinsertors, bind DNA mismatches with high specificity and display high selectively in killing MMR-deficient versus MMR-proficient cells. This cell selectivity is unique for small molecules that bind DNA. Current generations of rhodium metalloinsertors have shown nanomolar potency along with high selectivity towards MMR-deficient cells, and show promise as a foundation for a new family of chemotherapeutics for MMR-deficient cancers.

Solution, surface, and single molecule platforms for the study of DNA-mediated charge transport

The structural core of DNA, a continuous stack of aromatic heterocycles, the base pairs, which extends down the helical axis, gives rise to the fascinating electronic properties of this molecule that is so critical for life. Our laboratory and others have developed diverse experimental platforms to investigate the capacity of DNA to conduct charge, termed DNA-mediated charge transport (DNA CT). Here, we present an overview of DNA CT experiments in solution, on surfaces, and with single molecules that collectively provide a broad and consistent perspective on the essential characteristics of this chemistry. DNA CT can proceed over long molecular distances but is remarkably sensitive to perturbations in base pair stacking. We discuss how this foundation, built with data from diverse platforms, can be used both to inform a mechanistic description of DNA CT and to inspire the next platforms for its study: living organisms and molecular electronics.

Metallo-intercalators and metallo-insertors

Since the elucidation of the structure of double helical DNA, the construction of small molecules that recognize and react at specific DNA sites has been an area of considerable interest. In particular, the study of transition metal complexes that bind DNA with specificity has been a burgeoning field. This growth has been due in large part to the useful properties of metal complexes, which possess a wide array of photophysical attributes and allow for the modular assembly of an ensemble of recognition elements. Here we review recent experiments in our laboratory aimed at the design and study of octahedral metal complexes that bind DNA non-covalently and target reactions to specific sites. Emphasis is placed both on the variety of methods employed to confer site-specificity and upon the many applications for these complexes. Particular attention is given to the family of complexes recently designed that target single base mismatches in duplex DNA through metallo-insertion.

DNA Binding by a New Metallointercalator that Contains a Proflavine Group Bearing a Hanging Chelating Unit

The new bifunctional molecule 3,6-diamine-9-[6,6-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,6-diaminohexyl]acridine (D), which is characterised by both an aromatic moiety and a separate metal-complexing polyamine centre, has been synthesised. The characteristics of D and its ZnII complex ([ZnD]) (protonation and metal-complexing constants, optical properties and self-aggregation phenomena) have been analysed by means of NMR spectroscopy, potentiometric, spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric techniques. The equilibria and kinetics of the binding process of D and [ZnD] to calf thymus DNA have been investigated at I=0.11 M (NaCl) and 298.1 K by using spectroscopic methods and the stopped-flow technique. Static measurements show biphasic behaviour for both D-DNA and [ZnD]-DNA systems; this reveals the occurrence of two different binding processes depending on the polymer-to-dye molar ratio (P/D). The binding mode that occurs at low P/D values is interpreted in terms of external binding with a notable contribution from the polyamine residue. The binding mode at high P/D values corresponds to intercalation of the proflavine residue. Stopped-flow, circular dichroism and supercoiled-DNA unwinding experiments corroborate the proposed mechanism. Molecular-modelling studies support the intercalative process and evidence the influence of NH+...O interactions between the protonated acridine nitrogen atom and the oxygen atoms of the polyanion; these interactions play a key role in determining the conformation of DNA adducts.

[Ruthenium(II)(bpy)(2)L](2+), where L are imidazo[f]-1,10-phenanthrolines: synthesis, photophysics and binding with DNA

Three Ru(II) complexes of type as [Ru(II)(bpy)(2)L](2+) were synthesized, where L are l,10-phenanthroline derivatives of imidazole (1), having at position 2 alpha-naphthyl (2), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl (3). All complexes show intense MLCT transition both in acetonitrile and in water and also exhibit strong emission at room temperature, which is efficiently quenched by oxygen as well as, to some extent, by water. The binding of complexes 1-3 to calf thymus DNA was investigated by using electronic absorption, steady-state luminescence, luminescence quenching, excited-state lifetime and circular dichroism spectra. Hypochromic effect, luminescence enhancement, and quenching studies demonstrate the existence of intercalation mode. Circular dichroism spectra indicate the stereoselectivity of the binding. The binding of 1-3 with DNA is sensitive to the nature of ligands, such as planarity, pi-electron extension and hydrophobicity. Complex 3 exhibits the strongest binding with DNA, which can be attributed to hydrogen bonding.

A rhodium(III) complex for high-affinity DNA base-pair mismatch recognition

A rhodium(III) complex, rac-[Rh(bpy)(2)phzi](3+) (bpy, 2,2'-bipyridine; phzi, benzo[a]phenazine-5,6-quinone diimine) has been designed as a sterically demanding intercalator targeted to destabilized mismatched sites in double-helical DNA. The complex is readily synthesized by condensation of the phenazine quinone with the corresponding diammine complex. Upon photoactivation, the complex promotes direct strand scission at single-base mismatch sites within the DNA duplex. As with the parent mismatch-specific reagent, [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)](3+) [chrysene-5,6-quinone diimine (chrysi)], mismatch selectivity depends on the helix destabilization associated with mispairing. Unlike the parent chrysi complex, the phzi analogue binds and cleaves with high affinity and efficiency. The specific binding constants for CA, CC, and CT mismatches within a 31-mer oligonucleotide duplex are 0.3, 1, and 6 x 10(7) M(-1), respectively; site-specific photocleavage is evident at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, the specificity, defined as the ratio in binding affinities for mispaired vs. well paired sites, is maintained. The increase in affinity is attributed to greater stability in the mismatched site associated with stacking by the heterocyclic aromatic ligand. The high-affinity complex is also applied in the differential cleavage of DNA obtained from cell lines deficient in mismatch repair vs. those proficient in mismatch repair. Agreement is found between photocleavage by the mismatch-specific probes and deficiency in mismatch repair. This mismatch-specific targeting, therefore, offers a potential strategy for new chemotherapeutic design.

Stabilization of duplex DNA structure and suppression of transcription in vitro by bis(quinone diimine) complexes of rhodium(III) and ruthenium(II)

The ability of octahedral complexes possessing quinone diimine ligands to inhibit transcription by stabilization of the DNA duplex structure was investigated. Rh(III) and Ru(II) complexes possessing two quinone diimine ligands in their coordination sphere were found to significantly increase the melting temperature (DeltaT(m)) of a 15-mer duplex DNA. [Rh(phi)(2)phen](3+) and [Ru(phi)(2)phen](2+) (phi = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) exhibit DeltaT(m) values of +21 and +15 degrees C relative to free 15-mer duplex (T(m) = 55 degrees C) at [complex]/[DNA bases] = 0.067 (two complexes/duplex). Similarly, a shift in the melting temperature of +14 degrees C was measured for [Rh(bqdi)(2)phen](3+) (bqdi = 1,2-benzoquinone diimine), which possesses the nonintercalating bqdi ligand. In contrast, [Ru(phen)(2)phi](2+) and [Rh(phen)(2)L](3+) (L = phi, bqdi), which possess a single quinone diimine ligand, the parent [Ru(phen)(3)](2+) and [Rh(phen)(3)](3+) complexes, and ethidium bromide result in small shifts in the melting temperature of the duplex oligonucleotide. A distinct correlation between DeltaT(m) and the relative concentration of each complex required to inhibit 50% of the transcription (R(inh)(50)) was observed, independent of the presence of an intercalative ligand. The duplex stabilization by bis(quinone diimine) complexes results in inhibition of transcription in vitro at significantly lower complex concentrations than for the corresponding [Ru(phen)(2)phi](2+) and [Rh(phen)(2)L](3+) (L = phi, bqdi) complexes. Possible explanations for these observations are discussed.

Recognition of base mismatches in DNA by 5,6-chrysenequinone diimine complexes of rhodium(III): a proposed mechanism for preferential binding in destabilized regions of the double helix

5,6-chrysenequinone diimine (chrysi) complexes of rhodium(III) have been shown to be versatile and specific recognition agents for mismatched base pairs in DNA. The design of these compounds was based on the hypothesis that the sterically expansive chrysi ligand, which should be too wide to readily intercalate into B-DNA, would bind preferentially in the destabilized regions of the DNA helix near base mismatches. In this work, this recognition hypothesis is comprehensively explored. Comparison of the recognition patterns of the complex [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)](3+) with a nonsterically demanding analogue, [Rh(bpy)(2)(phi)](3+) (phi = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine), demonstrates that the chrysi ligand does indeed disfavor binding to B-DNA and generate mismatch selectivity. Examination of mismatch recognition by [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)](3+) in both constant and variable sequence contexts using photocleavage assays indicates that the recognition of base mismatches is influenced by the amount that a mismatch thermodynamically destabilizes the DNA helix. Thermodynamic binding constants for the rhodium complex at a range of mismatch sites have been determined by quantitative photocleavage titration and yield values which vary from 1 x 10(6) to 20 x 10(6) M(-)(1). These mismatch-specific binding affinities correlate with independent measurements of thermodynamic destabilization, supporting the hypothesis that helix destabilization is a factor determining the binding affinity of the metal complex for the mismatched site. Although not the only factor involved in the binding of [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)](3+) to mismatch sites, a model is proposed where helix destabilization acts as the "door" which permits access of the sterically demanding intercalator to the base stack.

DNA repair: models for damage and mismatch recognition

Maintaining the integrity of the genome is critical for the survival of any organism. To achieve this, many families of enzymatic repair systems which recognize and repair DNA damage have evolved. Perhaps most intriguing about the workings of these repair systems is the actual damage recognition process. What are the chemical characteristics which are common to sites of nucleic acid damage that DNA repair proteins may exploit in targeting sites? Importantly, thermodynamic and kinetic principles, as much as structural factors, make damage sites distinct from the native DNA bases, and indeed, in many cases, these are the features which are believed to be exploited by repair enzymes. Current proposals for damage recognition may not fulfill all of the demands required of enzymatic repair systems given the sheer size of many genomes, and the efficiency with which the genome is screened for damage. Here we discuss current models for how DNA damage recognition may occur and the chemical characteristics, shared by damaged DNA sites, of which repair proteins may take advantage. These include recognition based upon the thermodynamic and kinetic instabilities associated with aberrant sites. Additionally, we describe how small changes in base pair structure can alter also the unique electronic properties of the DNA base pair pi-stack. Further, we describe photophysical, electrochemical, and biochemical experiments in which mismatches and other local perturbations in structure are detected using DNA-mediated charge transport. Finally, we speculate as to how this DNA electron transfer chemistry might be exploited by repair enzymes in order to scan the genome for sites of damage.

Spectral and Structural Characterization of 5,6-Chrysenequinone Diimine Complexes of Rhodium(III): Evidence for a pH-Dependent Ligand Conformational Switch

Rhodium(III) complexes containing 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine (phi) ligands have been broadly applied for the construction of DNA binding and recognition molecules, and more recently, derivatives containing the 5,6-chrysenequinone diimine (chrysi) ligand have been shown specifically to recognize base mismatches in DNA. Here the structural properties of [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)]Cl(3) and spectroscopic properties of derivatives are examined and compared to those of phi complexes of rhodium. Although similar in many respects, phi and chrysi complexes display distinctly different protonation behavior. The pK(a) values of chrysi complexes are as much as 1 unit lower than analogous phi compounds, and visible spectra of the chrysi complexes differ markedly from the phi counterparts in acidic but not basic solution. This protonation behavior is traced to the presence of a steric clash between a proton on the aromatic ring of the chrysi ligand and the acidic immino proton of the metal complex. In avoidance of this steric clash, a significant disruption in the planarity of the chrysi ligand is evident crystallographically in the structure of [Rh(bpy)(2)(chrysi)]Cl(3).3CH(3)CN.2H(2)O (triclinic crystal system, space group P&onemacr; (No. 2), Z = 2, a = 9.079(3) Å, b = 10.970(3) Å, c = 21.192(8) Å, alpha = 86.71(3) degrees, beta = 89.21(3) degrees, gamma = 78.58(3) degrees, V = 2065.4(12) Å(3)). Phi complexes, lacking the additional aromatic ring, require no similar distortion from ligand planarity. NMR spectra support this pH-dependent structural distortion for the chrysi complex. Rhodium complexes of chrysenequinone diimine, therefore, not only represent new DNA binding molecules targeted to mismatches but also provide an illustration of a pH "gated" ligand conformational switch.

Functionalized Rhodium Intercalators for DNA Recognition

A series of rhodium complexes containing the phenanthrenequinone diimine (phi) ligand have been prepared which bind DNA by intercalation and, upon photoactivation, promote DNA strand breaks. In this series, the ancillary, nonintercalating bipyridyl or phenanthroline ligands have been functionalized to yield complexes containing guanidinium, amido, or amino groups arranged with defined stereochemistry for site-specific interaction with the DNA bases. Lambda-1-[Rh(MGP)(2)phi](5+) (MGP = 4-(guanidylmethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline) site-specifically targets the 6-base pair sequence 5'-CATATG-3' with a binding affinity of 1 (+/-0.5) x 10(8) M(-)(1) while Delta-1-[Rh(MGP)(2)phi](5+) displays an affinity of 5 (+/-2) x 10(7) M(-)(1) for 5'-CATCTG-3'. Even though these two isomers target sites which differ by only a single base, binding is highly enantioselective. The specificity is derived chiefly from interactions of the pendant guanidinium groups with the DNA bases. For the racemates of 1-[Rh(GEB)(2)phi](5+) (GEB = (4-(2-guanidylethyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine) and 1-[Rh(GPB)(2)phi](5+) (GPB = (4-(2-guanidylpropyl)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine), photocleavage patterns also show the strongest site of photocleavage as 5'-CATCTG-3', the target site for Delta-1-[Rh(MGP)(2)phi](5+). Moreover, consistent with the dominance of the guanidinium groups in establishing specificity, significantly enhanced photocleavage is evident for the 1-positional isomer of these complexes, where the guanidinium moieties are directed toward the DNA (above and below the phi ligand) compared to the 2-isomer, in which the guanidinium groups are directed away from the DNA. In contrast to Lambda-1-[Rh(MGP)(2)phi](5+), Lambda-1-[Rh(GEB)(2)phi](5+) shows little cleavage at 5'-CATATG-3'; this sensitivity to linker length likely depends on the mode of recognition of 5'-CATATG-3' involving sequence-dependent unwinding of the DNA site. Analogous site-specificity or isomer-specificity is not evident with the complexes which contain pendant amido or amino functionalities. Instead these complexes appear to resemble the parent, unfunctionalized [Rh(phen)(2)phi](3+) with respect to recognition. Pendant guanidinium functionalities appear to be particularly advantageous in the construction of small molecules which bind DNA with site-specificity.

Can a polyproline II helical motif be used in the context of sequence-selective major groove recognition of B-DNA? A molecular modelling investigation

Proline-rich peptides are known to adopt preferentially the extended polyproline II (PPII) helical conformation, which is involved in several protein-protein recognition events. By resorting to molecular modelling techniques, we wished to investigate the extent to which PPII helices could be used for the formation of isochelical peptide-DNA complexes leading to the selective recognition of the major groove of B-DNA. For that purpose, we have grafted to a cationic intercalator, 9-amino-acridine, an oligopeptide having the sequence: Pro- Arg-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-Asp-Pro-Pro. Each residue in the sequence was set in the D configuration, to prevent enzymatic hydrolysis, and each Arg residue was designed to target O6/N7 of a guanine base following the intercalation site. The Asp residue was designed to target a cytosine base, whilst simultaneously forming a bidentate complex with the Arg three residues upstream. Energy-minimization, using the JUMNA procedure, led to the following conclusions : 1) major groove binding is favoured over minor groove or exclusive binding to the phosphates by large energy differences, of over 50 and 90 kcal/mole, respectively: 2) the two best bound sequences are those having three successive guanine bases on the same DNA strand, immediately adjacent to the intercalation site. Sequence d(CGGGC G), encountered in the Primer Binding Site of the HIV retrovirus, thus ranks amongst the best-bound sequences; 3) replacement of an individual guanine amongst the three ones upstream of the intercalation site, by an adenine base, weakens by > 6 kcal/mole the binding energetics; 4) the conformational rigidity of the DNA-bound PPII helix should enable for a modulation of the base sequence selectivity, by appropriate replacements of the Arg and Asp residues. Thus sequence CGGCAAG, also encountered in the HIV genome, could be targeted by an oligopeptide having the sequence Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-Asp-Pro-Pro-Asn-Pro-Pro-Asn-Pro-Pro-Arg-Ala.

Sequence-specific DNA binding by a rhodium complex: recognition based on sequence-dependent twistability

The chemical construction of small molecules targeted to DNA depends upon the sequence-dependent structure of the double helix. Here we describe a new structural element to be considered in the sequence-specific recognition of DNA, sequence-dependent DNA twistability. The importance of sequence-dependent DNA twistability is demonstrated in the DNA recognition properties of a novel synthetic rhodium intercalator, lambda-1-Rh(MGP)2phi5+. This metallointercalator, containing pendant guanidinium groups, binds in the major groove of DNA at subnanomolar concentrations to the 6 base pair sequence 5'-CATATG-3' with enantiospecificity. An essential feature of this recognition is the sequence-specific unwinding of the DNA helix, which permits direct contacts between guanidinium functionalities on the metal complex and guanine residues. Through an assay developed to test for sequence-specific DNA unwinding, a 70 +/- 10 degrees unwinding of the sequence 5'-CATATG-3' is established with specific binding by the metal complex. This sequence-dependent twistability may be an essential feature of the recognition of sequences by DNA-binding proteins and may be exploited in future design.

Molecular modelling study of DNA-Troeger's bases interactions

The two enantiomeric forms: 1R,5R (R) and 1S,5S (S) of the Troeger's base analog, 9,19-methano-9,10,19,20-tetrahydrodiacridino-[b,f]-[1,5]- diazocine which possess a C2 axis of symmetry, are susceptible to interact differently with DNA. This paper reports the results of molecular modelling calculations on B DNA-Troeger's base complexes. Two interaction modes have been examined: intercalation and binding in the grooves. Into the limits of accuracy of such a kind of calculations, some tendencies seem to appear. In the intercalation mode, the R and S enantiomers exhibit a selectivity for alternating dinucleotidic sequences and the minor groove is enantioselective for S. Binding in the major groove is selective for S with G-C sequences, and in the minor groove the stereoselectivity appears for R with A-T sequences. The S-(dG-dC)5.(dG-dC)5 complex in the major groove seems to be the most favoured.

Sequence-specific recognition of DNA by phenanthrenequinone diimine complexes of rhodium(III): importance of steric and van der Waals interactions

The importance of steric and van der Waals interactions in the sequence-specific recognition of DNA by [Rh(phi)]3+ complexes has been explored through the synthesis and application of a series of Rh(phi)3+ (phi: 9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine) derivatives. [Rh(phi)]3+ complexes intercalate in the major groove of DNA via the phi ligand and promote strand scission in the presence of UV light. The complexes reported here are derivatives of the parent molecules [Rh(phi)2bpy]3+ and [Rh(bpy)2phi]3+ (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridyl). The [Rh(phi)]3+ complexes have comparable photoefficiencies; therefore, their different photocleavage patterns on 32P-end-labeled DNA fragments reflect their unique sequence-specific recognition characteristics. The shapes of the [Rh(phi)]3+ complexes are found to govern DNA recognition and reaction. Importantly and generally, the more sterically bulky complexes, containing methyl or phenyl groups on the ancillary ligands, cleave DNA at a subset of sequences recognized by their parent molecules. [Rh-(diphenylbpy)2phi]3+ specifically targets the site 5'-CTCTAGAG-3'. Furthermore, chiral discrimination in site selectivity is observed; the different isomers target different sites. delta- and lambda-[Rh(5,5'-dimethylbpy)2phi]3+ cleave specifically at sites that are defined by the consensus sequences 5'-C-T-N-G-3' and 5'-A-C/G-T-C/G-3', respectively. The sequence selectivities may be understood on the basis of both negative steric clashes and positive van der Waals interactions between methyl groups on the metal complex and thymine methyl groups in the DNA major groove.