Simple Characterization of DNA Intercalators by Retarded Gel Electrophoresis

抄録

Polyaromatic compounds which possess different base-pair selectivities in their DNA-binding (intercalating) properties were covalently bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG) via ester bonds. These PEG-bound intercalators are highly soluble in water and induced the retardation of DNA electrophoresis in agarose gel. The pattern of mobility retardation reflected the binding characteristics of the parent intercalators to DNA. Use of PEG-bound intercalators in the gel electrophoresis is discussed as a simple and convenient method for the characterization of polyaromatic DNA intercalators of low water solubility.