Remarkable stabilization of duplex DNA containing an abasic site by non-nucleosidic phenanthroline and pyrene building blocks

Abasic sites represent a frequently occurring lesion in DNA. If not repaired, such lesions can lead to mutations or cell death. Stabilization of DNA containing abasic sites is investigated as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. Non-nucleosidic phenanthroline and pyrene derivatives were found to have a profound stabilizing effect (Delta T-m = 8 degrees C) on DNA missing a nucleobase.