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DNA fluorescence induced by polymethine cation pyrvinium binding
J C Stockert1, C I Trigoso, A R Llorente
1Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
The Histochemical Journal
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Pyrvinium pamoate is a novel fluorescent dye that binds to DNA. It shows bright yellow fluorescence in kinetoplast DNA and chicken erythrocyte nuclei, suggesting potential as a DNA-binding fluorochrome.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Pyrvinium is a polymethine cation with known fluorescence and DNA binding properties.
- Kinetoplast DNA and chicken erythrocyte nuclei are relevant biological targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fluorescence emission and DNA binding properties of pyrvinium.
- To explore pyrvinium as a potential DNA fluorochrome.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic studies (absorption and fluorescence) were performed.
- Pyrvinium pamoate was applied to kinetoplast DNA and chicken erythrocyte nuclei.
Main Results:
- Pyrvinium pamoate induced bright yellow fluorescence in DNA from Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and chicken erythrocytes.
- No photobleaching was observed.
- Spectroscopic analysis showed bathochromic and hypochromic shifts upon DNA binding.
- Fluorescence was enhanced in high-viscosity solvents and when bound to DNA.
Conclusions:
- Pyrvinium exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement upon DNA binding.
- The minor groove of adenine-thymine rich DNA regions is suggested as the specific binding site.
- Pyrvinium is a promising new DNA fluorochrome.