Objective
Understanding, on a molecular level, how genetic information is expressed and how to stimulate or prevent this process is a key step towards the development of new chemotherapeutic strategies. In this framework, dimine transition metal complexes present particularly well-suited photophysical properties to develop new DNA photoprobes. Dinuclear iron (II) and ruthenium (II) complexes have been recently shown to interact very strongly within the DNA grooves and are probably the most promising candidates for such applications. The aim of the project is to deepen the knowledge about the photophysical properties and the interaction with DNA of this class of compounds. More precisely, sequence-selective recognition will be explored through fictionalization of their ligands. Two complementary research approaches will be developed: 1. The in-depth study (including both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects) of the effects of fictionalization of these dinuclear complexes on their interaction with DNA, especially concerning sequence discrimination. 2. The detailed study of the photophysical properties of these fictionalized compounds (including energy and electron transfer between the metal centres) in solution and in the presence of DNA. In both cases, the combination of different powerful spectroscopic methods including linear dichroism and luminescence measurements will be used. Quantum mechanical calculations are also planned to support experimental results interpretation.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
412 96 GOETEBORG
Sweden