Metal-Based DNA Binding Agents

Dear Colleagues,

Gene transcription is the process by which eukaryotic cells copy the genetic information stored in DNA into messenger RNA, which travels across the cytoplasm in order to reach the ribosomes, the protein factories of the cells. This process is fundamentally controlled by the interaction between specific DNA sequences and a particular class of proteins called transcription factors (TFs), which are able to regulate the standards of transcription, both positively and negatively. It is well established that failures in the regulation of TFs are closely related to the appearance of many diseases, such as, for example, cancer. In this context, there is increasing scientific interest in understanding the molecular rules behind the recognition of specific DNA sequences and/or particular DNA minority secondary structures (G-quadruplexes, DNA junctions, etc.), as well as in developing synthetic DNA-binding agents able to carry out such a process. Moreover, in addition to the potential applications that these latter systems may have, the development of non-natural DNA binders is definitely a colossal defiance in the interface of supramolecular and biological chemistry that transcends its biological relevance and that could have future applications in the field of molecular materials.

Most of the work done in the recent past in the field of artificial DNA-binding agents has been focused on small-molecule species and, in particular, in metal complexes. These typically bind to the DNA through groove insertion or intercalation mechanisms and have been the subject of several reviews.

This Special Issue of Molecules wants to highlight this multidisciplinary scientific subject of increasing interest and enormous potential. Original research as well as review papers dealing with all aspects of artificial metal-based DNA-binding agents, including synthesis, DNA recognition, cell-internalization, molecular docking studies or therapeutic effects are welcome for inclusion in this Special Issue of Molecules.

Best regards
Prof. Dr. Miguel Vázquez López
Guest Editor

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• DNA binding
• DNA recognition
• metallodrugs
• metal complexes
• chemical biology
• supramolecular chemistry
• DNA