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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues
Published on: November 22, 2014
Sequence-specific covalent labelling of DNA
Anna Gottfried1, Elmar Weinhold
1Institute of Organic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52056 Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
Sequence-specific DNA modification is of significance for applications in bio- and nano-technology, medical diagnostics and fundamental life sciences research. Preferentially, labelling should be performed covalently, which avoids doubts about label dissociation from the DNA under various conditions. Several methods to label native DNA have been developed in the last two decades. Triple-helix-forming oligodeoxynucleotides and hairpin polyamides that bind DNA sequences specifically in the major and minor groove respectively were used as targeting devices for subsequent covalent labelling. In addition, enzyme-directed labelling approaches utilizing nicking endonucleases in combination with DNA polymerases or DNA methyltransferases have been employed. This review summarizes various techniques useful for functionalization of long native DNA.
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