Synthesis of a Hoechst 32258 analogue amino acid building block for direct incorporation of a fluorescent, high-affinity DNA binding motif into peptides

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

The synthesis of a new versatile "Hoechst 33258-like" Boc-protected amino acid building block for peptide synthesis is described. It is demonstrated that this new ligand is an effective mimic of Hoechst 33258 in terms of DNA affinity and sequence specificity. Furthermore, this minor groove binder was conjugated to a DNA condensing peptide (KSPKKAKK) by continuous solid-phase peptide synthesis, and the conjugate exhibited increased DNA affinity (ca. 10-fold), but similar sequence preference compared to Hoechst 33258 as analyzed by DNaseI footprinting. Finally, the fluorescence quantum yield of the new chromophore is found to increase 30% upon binding to double stranded DNA.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBioconjugate Chemistry
Volume12
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)1021-7
Number of pages7
ISSN1043-1802
Publication statusPublished - 22 Nov 2001

    Research areas

  • Affinity Labels, Amino Acid Motifs, Amino Acid Sequence, Amino Acids, Animals, Benzimidazoles, DNA, DNA Footprinting, DNA-Binding Proteins, Esters, Fluorescent Dyes, Heterocyclic Compounds, 1-Ring, Histones, Humans, Intercalating Agents, Peptide Fragments, Spectrum Analysis

ID: 154517776