DNA Binding and Cleavage Activity of Zinc(II) Complex of N,N′‐Bis(2‐guanidinoethyl)‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxamide

Abstract

The interaction of zinc(II) complex of N,N'-bis(guanidinoethyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide (Gua) with DNA was studied by CD spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis. The results indicate that the DNA binding affinity of Zn 2＋ -Gua is stronger than that of Gua and the Zn 2＋ -Gua can promote the cleavage of phosphodiester bond of supercoiled DNA under a physiological condition, which is ～10 6 times higher than DNA natural degradation. The hydrolysis pathway was proposed as the possible mechanism for DNA cleavage promoted by the Zn 2＋ -Gua. The acceleration is due to cooperative catalysis of the zinc cation center and the functional groups (bisguanidinium groups).