Recent Developments in the Chemistry of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Intercalators Principles, Design, Synthesis, Applications and Trends 英文参考文献.docVIP

Molecules 2009, 14, 1725-1746; doi:10.3390/moleculeOPEN ACCESS molecules ISSN 1420-3049 /journal/molecules Review Recent Developments in the Chemistry of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Intercalators: Principles, Design, Synthesis, Applications and Trends Brenno A. D. Neto 1,* and Alexandre A. M. Lapis 2 1 Laboratory of Medicinal and Technological Chemistry, University of Brasilia (IQ-UnB), Brasilia, DF, Brazil 2 Universidade Federal do Pampa, Unipampa, Bagé, RS, Brazil * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: brenno.ipi@. Received: 15 February 2009; in revised form: 20 April 2009 / Accepted: 5 May 2009 / Published: 7 May 2009 Abstract: In the present overview, we describe the bases of intercalation of small molecules (cationic and polar neutral compounds) in DNA. We briefly describe the importance of DNA structure and principles of intercalation. Selected syntheses, possibilities and applications are shown to exemplify the importance, drawbacks and challenges in this pertinent, new, and exciting research area. Additionally, some clinical applications (molecular processes, cancer therapy and others) and trends are described. Keywords: DNA; RNA; photointercalators; fluorescence; rational design; therapy; cancer 1. Introduction DNA is a nucleic acid (biomolecule) that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (and many viruses). DNA is often referred to as the molecule of heredity, as it is responsible for the genetic propagation of all traits [1-3]. During reproduction, DNA is replicated and transmitted to the offspring. Its sequence defines many features ranging from organism type through physical traits to disease susceptibility. As it is nowadays well-established, the DNA sequence is copied (transcription) onto RNA biomolecules, which are then used in protein synthesis to en