Spectroscopic approaches for studies of site-specific DNA base and backbone 'breathing' using exciton-coupled dimer-labeled DNA

DNA regulation and repair processes require direct interactions between proteins and DNA at specific sites. Local fluctuations of the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases of DNA (a form of DNA 'breathing') play a central role in such processes. Here we review the development and application of novel spectroscopic methods and analyses - both at the ensemble and single-molecule levels - to study structural and dynamic properties of exciton-coupled cyanine and fluorescent nucleobase analogue dimer-labeled DNA constructs at key positions involved in protein-DNA complex assembly and function. The exciton-coupled dimer probes act as 'sensors' of the local conformations adopted by the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases immediately surrounding the dimer probes. These methods can be used to study the mechanisms of protein binding and function at these sites.