Structure-based cross-linking of NF-kappaB p50 homodimer and decoy bearing a novel 2'-disulfide trapping site.

Double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides with engineered disulfide units were successfully used for covalent trapping of cysteine containing proteins. In particular, an efficient cross-linking of NF-kappaB p50 homodimer to a sequence-specific decoy was demonstrated. The results suggest that the synthetic oligonucleotides bearing a novel 2'-disulfide trapping site can be used as new tools to study and manipulate biological systems.