Abstract
The interactions of compounds with DNA have been studied since the recognition of the role of nucleic acid in organisms. The design of molecules which specifically interact with DNA sequences allows for the control of the gene expression. Determining the type and strength of such interaction is an indispensable element of pharmaceutical studies. Cognition of the therapeutic action mechanisms is particularly important for designing new drugs. Owing to their sensitivity, simplicity, and low costs, electrochemical methods are increasingly used for this type of research. Compared to other techniques, they require a small number of samples and are characterized by a high reliability. These methods can provide information about the type of interaction and the binding strength, as well as the damage caused by biologically active molecules targeting the cellular DNA. This review paper summarizes the various electrochemical approaches used for the study of the interactions between pharmaceuticals and DNA. The main focus is on the papers from the last decade, with particular attention on the voltammetric techniques. The most preferred experimental approaches, the electrode materials and the new methods of modification are presented. The data on the detection ranges, the binding modes and the binding constant values of pharmaceuticals are summarized. Both the importance of the presented research and the importance of future prospects are discussed.
Highlights
Research results compiled in this review show that electrochemical methods are a powerful tool in Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)–drug interaction studies
The selection of the appropriate voltammetric technique and electrode material, the properties of the studied drug, and the specificity of the experiment performed present an opportunity to obtain a distinct set of information on the type and strength of the interaction
This summary demonstrates that Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques are the most frequently used for DNA–drug interaction studies
Summary
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plays an important role in the functioning of life, as it carries the genetic information of living organisms and some viruses. Small molecules interact with the DNA helix in several different ways (Figure 1), which primarily include intercalation, major and minor groove interaction, and nonspecific electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged nucleic acid sugar–phosphate structures, as well as covalent bonding [3,7]. The DNA phosphate–sugar skeleton is flexible, which allows the torsion degree of the double helix to change depending on certain factors This flexibility is affected by the number of hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases. The molecules that are composed of both polycyclic systems and elastic side chains interact with the DNA helix by intercalation and by binding to the DNA grooves. An example of such compounds is actinomycin D [16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
