Sequence‐Specific Recognition of DNA by a Major and Minor Groove Binding Ligand

Abstract

A combination of the binding models for the simultaneous recognition of both grooves of DNA led to the design of a polyamide–oligonucleotide ligand that binds to a specific DNA sequence with an association constant of Ka > 2 × 1010 M−1. The oligonucleotide portion forms a triple helix in the major groove of DNA, and the polyamide unit forms a hairpin in the minor groove (see ribbon model below).