Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

06:07
Continuous Fluorescence-Based Endonuclease-Coupled DNA Methylation Assay to Screen for DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors
Published on: August 5, 2022
Interaction of anticancer drug methotrexate with nucleic acids analyzed by multi-spectroscopic method
Changqun Cai1, Xiaoming Chen, Hang Gong
1Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan 411105, PR China. cai_mao3@hotmail.com
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
|November 18, 2008
Summary
This study investigated methotrexate (MTX) interactions with DNA and a surfactant. Researchers found an optimal MTX dosage that significantly enhances resonance light scattering signals, indicating complex formation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used antifolate chemotherapy drug.
- High-dose MTX therapy can cause toxicity, particularly to liver cells.
- Understanding MTX interactions with biological molecules is crucial for optimizing its use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between methotrexate (MTX) and nucleic acids (DNA) in an aqueous solution.
- To explore the influence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB), a cationic surfactant, on MTX-DNA interactions.
- To determine the optimal MTX dosage for enhanced resonance light scattering (RLS) signals.
Main Methods:
- Resonance light scattering (RLS) spectroscopy.
- UV-vis spectroscopy.
- Fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- An optimal MTX dosage of 4.54 ng/mL was identified for maximum RLS enhancement.
- The interaction formed a ternary complex: MTX-CTMAB-DNA in BR buffer (pH 9.30).
- This ternary complex exhibited strong enhanced RLS signals at 339.5 nm.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully characterized the formation of a MTX-CTMAB-DNA ternary complex.
- Enhanced RLS signals indicate a significant interaction between MTX, CTMAB, and DNA.
- Findings provide insights into MTX-nucleic acid interactions relevant to its biological activity and potential toxicity.

