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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Iterative Optimization of DNA Duplexes for Crystallization of SeqA-DNA Complexes
Published on: November 1, 2012
Line up base pairs and intercalators one by one in a stable duplex
Xingguo Liang1, Toshio Mochizuki, Hidenori Nishioka
1Department of Molecular Design and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan.
Abstract:
A stable double helix involving alternating base pairs and azobenzene moieties was constructed. In this supramolecule, base pairs and azobenzenes are lined up one by one to form an interstrand-wedged motif: each base pair is sandwiched with two azobenzenes, and each azobenzene intercalates between two base pairs. This motif was formed by the hybridization of two modified DNA tethering multiple azobenzene moieties at a frequency of one azobenzene for every two nucleotides. Furthermore, this structure could be simply dismantled by UV light irradiation and reformed with the irradiation of visible light. By using this new duplex motif, construction of a variety of photoresponsive nanostructures and nanodevices is highly expected.
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