To synthesize and characterize a series of N-alkylaryl benzothiazole styrylcyanine dyes as potential fluorescent probes for nucleic acids (NA) detection. Methods. Synthesis, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis. Results. The modification of N-alkyl styrylcyanine by variation of aromatic moieties insignificantly affected its inherent fluorescent properties. Weakly fluorescent in an unbound state, the dyes noticeably increased their emission upon binding to dsDNA/RNA (up to 83-fold for the derivative with N-alkylbenzylamine group (Sbt1) complexed with dsDNA: with a binding constant (Kb) of 5.0 × 10 4 M −1 , detection limit of dsDNA in solution of 6.2 × 10-7 Mbp (0.4 µg)). When bound to dsDNA, styrylcyanines have moderate quantum yields (up to ~22 %). The variation of structure of the terminal aromatic group allowed to discriminate between dsDNA and RNA: the fluorescence of the Sbt2 dye with the N-alkylphenantroline group increased 14 and 55-fold, respectively. A higher discernibility of post-electrophoretic staining at low DNA concentrations (3.6 ng/lane) by the Sbt3 dye with the N-alkyldipyridyl group was observed compared to the commonly used ethidium bromide. Conclusions. Due to the sensitivity of novel styrylcyanines to NA in solution and in gel electrophoresis, they could be proposed as photostable, low-toxic and inexpensive fluorescent probes for laboratory use.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a clinically heterogeneous genetic syndrome, associated with a wide array of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The clinical presentation is likely to be influenced by environmental factors, yet little is known about this. Here, we review the available research literature on the role of the environment in 22q11DS. We find that within-patient design studies have mainly investigated the role of parental factors, stress, and substance use, reporting significant effects of these factors on the clinical profile. Case-control studies have been less successful, with almost no reports of significant moderating effects of the environment. We go on to hypothesize which specific environmental measures are most likely to interact with the 22q11 deletion, based on the genes in this region and their involvement in molecular pathways. We end by discussing potential reasons for the limited findings so far, including modest sample sizes and limited availability of environmental measures, and make recommendations how to move forward.

Synthesis and characterization of benzothiazole-based styrylcyanines functionalized by different N-alkyl tail groups as potential photostable probes for nucleic acids (NA) detection. Methods. Chemical synthesis, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, irradiation with a visible light source, confocal microscopy. Results. Styrylcyanines are weakly fluorescent when free, but in the presence of NA they show emission intensity increase of up to 83 times; the most pronounced emission increase was observed for the dyes Sbt1 and Sbt3 bearing positively charged N-alkyl tail group. Photostability of the dyes Sbt1 and Sbt3 when non-bound to NA is low while binding to DNA results in a strong increase in their photostability. Dyes with uncharged and negatively charged N-alkyl groups are more photostable when free, and DNA slightly affects their photostability. This is also due to low binding of dyes with negatively charged tail groups to DNA. Sbt1 brightly stains cytoplasm and nuclear components (probably nucleoli) of mesenchymal stem cells; therefore this dye may be used to visualize cytoplasmic RNA and nuclear RNA clusters. Conclusions. Variation of chemical nature of N-alkyl tail group allows to design styrylcyanines of different photostability. Functionalized styrylcyanine dyes may be used for detection of nucleic acids in solution and visualization of RNA-containing components in microscopy.