The DNA helical biopolymer: A template for the binding, assembly, and reactivity of metal ions and complexes

The helical DNA polymer provides many structural features that facilitate the binding of metal ions or complexes. DNA binding inorganic agents have proven invaluable, with demonstrated applications ranging from chemotherapeutic agents to probes of DNA structure. This broad range of applications attests to the utility of inorganic agents in the design of compounds which interact with the DNA helix and is due, in part, to the ability of inorganic species to define a particular ligand geometry complementary to the DNA structure, bind, or chemically react along the polymer strand. While a diverse array of novel inorganic compounds that interact with DNA have already been studied, many opportunities still exist to exploit inorganic agents in the design of new molecules that will interact uniquely with the DNA polymer. This review examines the structure of the DNA polymer, emphasizing aspects which promote the binding of inorganic agents. Along with a structural overview, the binding modes available to an inorganic element or complex are reviewed, in combination with a discussion of the ability of the DNA to act as a template for the organized binding of inorganic agents. In addition, chemical alteration of the DNA polymer structure by inorganic agents is discussed, along with the potential utility of such modifications.