Modulation of DNA binding by reversible metal-controlled molecular reorganizations of scorpiand-like ligands.

DNA interaction with scorpiand azamacrocycles has been achieved through modulation of their binding affinities. Studies performed with different experimental techniques provided evidence that pH or metal-driven molecular reorganizations of these ligands regulate their ability to interact with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) through an intercalative mode. Interestingly enough, metal-driven molecular reorganizations serve to increase or decrease the biological activities of these compounds significantly.