The DNA Binding Molecules

Review of DNA Binding Molecules and their Binding Mechanisms

Abstract

Interactions between DNA and DNA binding molecules govern the life of cells that are building blocks of all living organisms. Differences in gene expression form the basis for why and how different cells with diverse functions are found. Expression of undesired genes can lead to cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Immunodeficiency and a number of birth defects. This review primarily discusses about molecules like drugs and transcription factor domains that affect gene expression, different moieties (HNCCH, enediynes, strained rings, flat intercalating rings) with which such molecules bind to specific regions of DNA and synthetic analogues that were produced from the design of parent scaffolds. Understanding different mechanisms with which molecules bind to DNA allows the design of novel molecules that can bind to any given sequence of DNA and show desired activity after binding to DNA.