Recognition of DNA by octahedral coordination complexes

Abstract

Strategies for the site-specific recognition of DNA are described through the design of a family of octahedral metallointercalating complexes. Coordination complexes, which mimic DNA-binding proteins with regard to their affinity and specificity for DNA sites, may be prepared by the specific functionalization of chiral metal complexes so as to achieve the ensemble of non-covalent contacts in the DNA major groove anchored through intercalation.