The GC-selective ligand mithramycin alters the structure of (AT)n sequences flanking its binding sites

DNA fragments containing (AT)n inserts cloned adjacent to putative mithramycin binding sites have been examined by footprinting experiments using a variety of nucleases in the presence of the drug. The results demonstrate that mithramycin induces a DNA structural change which renders adjacent (AT)n sequences sensitive to attack by DNase II. Significant changes are also revealed with DNase I and micrococcal nuclease. The results are consistent with a model in which mithramycin opens the DNA minor groove changing it to a structure which is locally more like A-DNA.