Method of targeting mismatched DNA using d8 square planar metal complexes
AssigneeThe University of Hong Kong
InventorsChi Ming Che, Sin Ki Fung, Taotao Zou
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods of using d8 square planar metal complexes containing tridentate π-conjugated ligands and ancillary ligand of N-heterocyclic carbene or di-phosphine ligand to target mismatched DNA. Targeting of mismatched DNA can be revealed by monitoring the differences in emission enhancement of metal complexes toward mismatched DNA and matched DNA; or the gradually heat release from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) when complexes bind toward mismatch DNA; or the significant increase in melting temperature of the mismatched DNA after adding complexes.
Claims20
A method to target mismatched DNA, the method comprising
- bringing into contact a DNA sample comprising pairing nucleobases and/or non-pairing nucleobases and a d8 square planar metal complex, and
- detecting the emission of the complex intercalated into DNA in the sample,
- wherein emission above a threshold level indicates the presence of mismatched DNA in the sample, wherein the threshold level is the emission from a metal complex intercalated into a well-matched DNA, and
- wherein the complex has a structure according to Formula I or Formula II:
- wherein:
- X^Y^Z and X′^Y′^Z′ are each, independently, a tridentate π-conjugated ligand;
- X, Y, Z, X′, Y′, and Z′ are each, independently, carbon or nitrogen;
- R, R′, and R″ are each, independently, a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand or a phosphine ligand;
- each M is a d8 metal atom;
- n is the charge of the complex;
- A is the counter-ion for the complex;
- b is the charge of the counter-ion;
- and
- y is the absolute value of n/b.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.