Analysis of cationic comb-type copolymers/DNA interaction by the single molecular observation and intermolecular force measurement

Nucleic Acids Symp Ser (Oxf). 2008:(52):715-6. doi: 10.1093/nass/nrn361.

Abstract

We have reported that poly(L-lysine)-graft-dextran (PLL-g-Dex) accelerates DNA hybridization and increases stability of a double stranded DNA (dsDNA). Furthermore, PLL-g-Dex was found to stimulate the DNA strand exchange reaction between dsDNA and its complementary single stranded DNA (ssDNA). In order to better understand these phenomena, we evaluate PLL-g-Dex/DNA interaction by the single molecular observation and intermolecular force measurement at single molecular level. We have been able to observe PLL-g-Dex/DNA complex at single molecular level. PLL-g-Dex was found to increases the dissociation force of a dsDNA.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Dextrans / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Polylysine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polylysine / chemistry

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • poly(lysine)-graft-dextran
  • Polylysine
  • DNA