On demonstrating DNA intercalation

Abstract

Considerable attention has focused on new DNA-binding
\nand -modifying agents, from natural products to wholly
\nsynthetic designs, as probes of DNA structure and as potential chemotherapeutic agents. The application of
\nthese molecules necessitates a precise understanding of the
\nstructural details of the agents' mode of interaction with
\nthe target molecule, double-helical DNA. DNA binding
\nagents tend to interact noncovalently with the host molecule
\nthrough two general modes: (i) in a groove-bound fashion stabilized by a mixture of hydrophobic, electrostatic,
\nand hydrogen-bonding interactions and (ii) through
\nan intercalative association in which a planar, heteroaromatic moiety slides between the DNA base pairs.
\nSurprisingly, however, only a fraction of known DNA-interactive agents have been structurally characterized to
\natomic detail in noncovalent complexes with DNA.