The structural effect of methyl substitution on the binding of polypyridyl Ru–dppz complexes to DNA

DOI: 10.1021/om501208x

Authors: James P. Hall (Department of Chemistry, University of Reading) , Hanna Beer (University of Reading) , Katrin Buchner (University of Reading) , David Cardin (Chemistry Department, University of Reading) , Christine J. Cardin (University of Reading)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Organometallics , VOL 34 (11) , PAGES 2481 - 2486

State: Published (Approved)
Published: June 2015

Abstract: Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes have been intensively studied and possess photophysical properties that are both interesting and useful. They can act as probes for DNA, with a substantial enhancement in emission when bound, and can induce DNA damage upon photoirradiation. Therefore, the synthesis and characterization of DNA binding of new complexes is an area of intense research activity. While knowledge of how the binding of derivatives compares to that of the parent compound is highly desirable, this information can be difficult to obtain. Here we report the synthesis of three new methylated complexes, [Ru(TAP)2(dppz-10-Me)]Cl2, [Ru(TAP)2(dppz-10,12-Me2)]Cl2, and [Ru(TAP)2(dppz-11- Me)]Cl2 (TAP = 1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene; dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), and examine the consequences for DNA binding through the use of atomic-resolution Xray crystallography. We find that the methyl groups are located in discrete positions with a complete directional preference. This may help to explain the quenching behavior found in solution for analogous [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ derivatives.

Subject Areas: Biology and Bio-materials, Chemistry


Instruments: I02-Macromolecular Crystallography

Added On: 20/10/2015 14:47

Discipline Tags:

Molecular Complexes Biochemistry Chemistry Structural biology Life Sciences & Biotech

Technical Tags:

Diffraction Macromolecular Crystallography (MX)