Evidence from Circular Dichroism and from Melting Behavior for Helix-Inducing Complexation of a Designed b3-Pentadecapeptide with DNA Duplexes. Preliminary Communication

Inspired by naturally occurring DNA-binding proteins and their artificial -peptidic mimics reported to date, a research project was initiated aiming at creating a new class of -peptides capable of binding to and ultimately regulating the functions of DNA. As an initial foray, a 3-pentadecapeptide 1, which bears H-bonding Asn side chains and positively charged Lys side chains, was designed and synthesized on the solid support. DNA-Complexation studies by means of circular dichroism and DNA-melting-temperature measurements revealed the first preliminary indications that support the existence of ordered interactions between -peptides and DNA.