Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Nanomanipulation of Single RNA Molecules by Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 20, 2014
Photoinduced switch of a DNA/RNA inactive molecule into a classical intercalator
Kristina Starcević1, Grace Karminski-Zamola, Ivo Piantanida
1Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Abstract:
Spectroscopic titrations and thermal denaturation experiments show that "acyclic" analogue 1 does not bind to ds-DNA, but under same conditions "cyclic" 2 strongly interacts with ds-DNA and ds-RNA by intercalation into the double helix. Besides, 2 is significantly more effective in inhibition of the tumor cell growth in vitro than 1. We have shown that it is possible to efficiently and irreversibly convert "DNA inactive" compound 1 into "DNA active" compound 2 by light irradiation of the aqueous solutions of the former. This strategy offers a new and attractive approach to photoinduced anticancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
DNA as a Genetic Template
Nucleosome Remodeling
Nucleosome remodeling complex
Eukaryotic cells have specialized enzymes called ATP-dependent nucleosome remodeling enzymes. These enzymes...
DNA Helicases
Gene Conversion
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
DNA Bacteriophages

