Intercalation is the reversible inclusion of a molecule or group between other molecules or groups.
DNA Intercalation
There are several ways in which molecules (in this context called ligands ) can interact with DNA . Ligands can bind covalently or electrostatically or intercalate. Intercalation is possible if the ligand is of suitable size and chemical nature and can fit between the bases of DNA. Such ligands usually have a polycyclic, aromatic structure, are flat. [one]
DNA intercalators are used in chemotherapy as agents that inhibit DNA replication in fast-growing cancer cells, for example, doxorubicin ( adriamycin ) and daunorubicin (both used to treat Hodgkin's disease ), and dactinomycin (used to treat nephroblastoma , Ewing's sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma ).
The interaction of RNA polymerase with the DNA matrix is blocked by the antitumor antibiotic actinomycin D, which binds in the gaps between adjacent pairs of nitrogen bases, often between GC pairs (intercalation process), counteracting the interaction of the enzyme with the polydeoxyribonucleotide chain.
In molecular biology, intercalating agents, such as ethidium bromide , are used for fluorescence labeling of DNA, for example, by agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA . [one]
See also
- Layered Double Hydroxides
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 Osterman L. A. Methods for the study of proteins and nucleic acids: Electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. - Moscow: Nauka, 1981. - 288 p.