Targeting DNA : synthesis, biophysical and biochemical studies of new aminoalkyl derivatives of diphenyl guanidines and acridine

Abstract

Research on the design and synthesis of DNA targeting molecules is widespread. There are a number of diseases which are treated using DNA-targeting agents. DNA ligands have been shown to exhibit anticancer, antiprotozoal, antitrypanosomal, antiviral and antibacterial activity. Many of these drugs display promising results and a number are in clinical use against a variety of protozoal infections (Trypanosomiasis and malaria) and cancers. There are a number of minor groove binding/intercalator/alkylating or dual binding agents that display toxic side effects due to a lack of sequence specificity. Further, optimisation of DNA targeting agents is crucial so as new and improved agents can be discovered.