Metalloregulation in the Sequence Specific Binding of Synthetic Molecules to DNA

The design, synthesis, and DNA binding studies of a series of bis(netropsin)s linked by homologous polyether tethers has been undertaken. DNA affinity cleaving experiments show that one compound, bis(netropsin)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxahepta-decanediamine-EDTA:Fe(II) (1b:Fe(II)) is positively activated for specific DNA binding in the presence of Sr^(2+) or Ba^(2+) ions. The effects of linker structure, metal ion concentration, and DNA sequence on the metalloregulated binding are reported.