A set of AT-specific fluorescent dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DBPA(n) with linkers of different lengths bound to DNA in the minor groove were synthesized and their genetic, virological, and biochemical studies were performed. The DBPA(n) were shown to be effective inhibitors of the histon-like protein H-NS, a regulator of the DNA transcription factor, as well as of the Aliivibrio logei Quorum Sensing regulatory system in E. coli cells. Their antiviral activity was tested in model cell lines infected with herpes simplex virus type I. Also, it was found that DBPA(n) could inhibit catalytic activities of HIV-1 integrase at low micromolar concentrations. All of the dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DBPA(n) manifested fluorescent properties, were well soluble in water, nontoxic up to concentrations of 200 µM, and could penetrate into nuclei followed by binding to DNA.
Keywords: DNA; Fluorescent dimeric bisbenzimidazoles; HIV-1 integrase; HSV-1; Protein H-NS; Sequence-specific ligands.
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