Specific binding and stabilization of DNA and phosphorothioate DNA by amphiphilic alpha-helical peptides

Synthetic cationic peptides with amphiphilic a-helical structure were found to have DNA binding ability to stabilize double and triple stranded DNA. The stabilization effect was significant for cationic alpha -helical peptides indicating the importance of an electrostatic interaction of a positive charge of peptides and a negative charge of DNAs.