DNA-binding polymers
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsPeter B. Dervan, Shane Foister, Raymond Doss, Michael A. Marques
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Abstract
Methods and compositions are provided for forming complexes between dsDNA and novel DNA-binding polymers comprising N-terminal thiophene-containing moieties which exhibit selectivity for T-A base pairs. By appropriate choice of target sequences and DNA-binding polymers, complexes comprising polymer-DNA are obtained with high association constants. The formation of complexes can be used for identification of specific dsDNA sequences, for inhibiting gene transcription, and as a therapeutic for inhibiting proliferation of undesired cells or modulation of expression of specific genes.
Claims23
A DNA-binding polymer comprising:
- a first terminus,
- an oligomeric backbone optionally containing a linking element, and
- a second terminus;
- wherein:
- said first terminus is an optionally substituted thiophene-containing moiety;
- said oligomeric backbone comprises a plurality of optionally substituted monomer elements;
- said second terminus is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted N-methylpyrrole, optionally substituted N-methylimidazole, and optionally substituted benzimidazole moiety;
- said DNA-binding polymer is effective to bind to a double-stranded DNA sequence having a number of DNA base pairs in the range (n/2) to (2n) where n is the number of monomer elements in said DNA-binding polymer;
- and
- said first terminus and said second terminus of said DNA-binding polymer are effective in combination to bind to a T•A DNA base pair.
A DNA-binding polymer according to claim, wherein said linking element is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkylene, optionally substituted alkenylene, and optionally substituted polyethylene glycol diyl.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.