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Astaxanthin Binding Affinity to DNA: Studied By Fluorescence, Surface Plasmon Resonance and Molecular Docking Methods
Farideh Ranjbary1, Farzaneh Fathi2,3, Parvin Samadi Pakchin4
1Traditional Medicine and Hydrotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Journal of Fluorescence
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Carotenoid astaxanthin (Ax) binds to double-strand DNA (dsDNA) through hydrogen bonding. This interaction is spontaneous and exothermic, suggesting therapeutic potential for Ax in treating diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Carotenoid astaxanthin (Ax) is a pink-red pigment with potent antioxidant properties.
- Ax exhibits therapeutic potential for various diseases due to its antioxidant capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding affinity of astaxanthin (Ax) to double-strand DNA (dsDNA).
- To evaluate the interaction mechanism using spectroscopic, biophysical, and computational methods.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence spectroscopy to assess DNA fluorescence quenching.
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to determine kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.
- Molecular docking to elucidate specific binding interactions.
Main Results:
- Astaxanthin (Ax) quenches DNA fluorescence via static quenching.
- SPR analysis yielded a dissociation constant (KD) of 6.89×10⁻⁵ M.
- Thermodynamic analysis indicated hydrogen bonding as the primary interaction, with a spontaneous and exothermic binding mechanism (ΔG ≈ -41.63 kJ/mol).
Conclusions:
- Astaxanthin (Ax) exhibits significant binding affinity to double-strand DNA (dsDNA).
- The interaction is characterized by hydrogen bonding and follows a spontaneous, exothermic pathway.
- Findings support the potential therapeutic applications of astaxanthin in disease treatment through DNA interaction.
