Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Biological Chemistry

DNA Structures Imaged In Live Cells

Ruthenium complex lights up quadruplexes, a DNA structure with diverse biological function

by Stu Borman
October 19, 2009 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 87, Issue 42

[+]Enlarge
This ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complex can be used to image specific DNA structures in cells.
This ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complex can be used to image specific DNA structures in cells.

A new imaging agent enters live cells readily and makes it possible to visualize DNA, including special DNA conformations such as quadruplexes (Nat. Chem., DOI: 10.1038/nchem.406). Currently, luminescent, cell-membrane-permeable stains can mark DNA and make it viewable by fluorescence microscopy, but many of these dyes are poorly soluble in water, highly toxic, prone to photobleaching (loss of fluorescent activity), and subject to background interferences. What’s more, their emission is activated only by UV light, which can damage cells. DNA markers made from metal ion complexes are activated in the safer visible region and are less prone to background interference but are generally cell-membrane-impermeable. Now, Giuseppe Battaglia, Jim A. Thomas, and coworkers of the University of Sheffield, in England, have identified a ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex that is actively transported across cell membranes into living cells and acts as a structure-sensitive DNA probe, detectable by luminescence microscopy or transition electron microscopy. It has multiple emission peaks and shines at a different frequency when bound to quadruplex instead of conventional duplex DNA, suggesting that it might find use as a quadruplex-DNA imaging tool.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.