Reversible photo-cross-linking of a DNA duplex through the [2+2] photocycloaddition of styrylpyrene is reported. Styrylpyrene moieties on d-threoninol linkers were introduced into complementary positions on DNA strands. Irradiation of the styrylpyrene pair in the duplex with visible light at λ=455 nm induced a [2+2] photocycloaddition between styrylpyrenes that cross-linked the two strands of the duplex. Two diastereomers were formed after [2+2] photocycloaddition as a result of rotation of the styrylpyrene residues. Also, the cycloreversion reaction was induced by UV light at λ=340 nm, which reversibly yielded the uncross-linked strands.

Differences in structures and flexibilities of DNA duplexes play important roles on recognition by DNA-binding proteins. We herein describe a novel method for structural analyses of DNA duplexes by using orientation dependence of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). We first analyzed canonical B-form duplex and correct structural parameters were obtained. The experimental FRET efficiencies were in excellent agreement with values theoretically calculated by using determined parameters. We then investigated DNA duplexes with nick and gaps, which are key intermediates in DNA repair systems. Effects of gap size on structures and flexibilities were successfully revealed. Since our method is facile and sensitive, it could be widely used to analyze DNA structures containing damages and non-natural molecules.

Energy migration between the identical chromophores is a necessary process in both natural and artificial photosynthesis. The distance and orientation dependence of energy migration have not been experimentally investigated in detail. Here we propose a method to investigate energy migration. Two fluorophores are introduced into one strand of a DNA duplex with a quencher placed opposite one of fluorophores. This design enables asymmetrization of identical fluorophores and allows one fluorophore to behave as an acceptor. The emission intensities and lifetimes decrease depending on the efficiency of energy migration. Distance and orientation dependence are successfully quantified, and the excitation energy migration efficiencies measured are in excellent agreement with those calculated based on Förster theory. We also demonstrate that multi-step energy migration among four fluorophores can be estimated from the theory. These results may provide a basis for design and preparation of efficient light-harvesting photonic devices and chemical probes.

Förster resonance energy transfer between identical chromophores (homo‐FRET) has been difficult to analyze since neither emission intensity nor lifetime changes with the occurrence of homo‐FRET. Herein we used a DNA scaffold to analyze homo‐FRET between pyrene moieties. The DNA scaffold was modified with two pyrenes and a quencher, anthraquinone. Homo‐FRET was detected by monitoring quenching of pyrene emission and the decrease in the fluorescence lifetime of pyrene. Homo‐FRET efficiencies could be calculated by excluding effects of hetero‐FRET. The experimentally determined efficiencies showed an excellent agreement with Förster theory. These results will inform design of novel molecular probes and light‐harvesting antennae.

We report a new Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) system for structural analyses of DNA duplexes using perylene and Cy3 as donor and acceptor, respectively, linked at the termini of a DNA duplex via D-threoninol. Experimentally obtained FRET efficiencies were in good agreement with theoretical values calculated based on canonical B-form DNA. Due to the relatively long Förster radius, this system can be used to analyze large DNA structures, and duplexes containing photo-reactive molecules can be analyzed since perylene can be excited with visible light. The system was used to analyze a DNA duplex containing stilbene, demonstrating that in the region of the stilbene cluster the duplex adopts a ladder-like structure rather than helical one. Upon photodimerization between stilbene residues, FRET efficiencies indicated the reaction does not disturb DNA duplex. This FRET system will be useful for analysis of photoreactions of nucleobases as well as a wide range of nucleic acid structures.