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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Exploring The Interaction Of Minor-Groove-Binder Netropsin With Dna Using Optical Tweezers, Irbazhusain Shaikh May 2023

Exploring The Interaction Of Minor-Groove-Binder Netropsin With Dna Using Optical Tweezers, Irbazhusain Shaikh

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Netropsin is an antibiotic that binds in the minor grooves of DNA, which also exhibits anticancer properties. There have been many previous studies that explored the binding of this drug to DNA using traditional methods where an ensemble averaging is used. In this study we explore the interaction of Netropsin with DNA at a single molecule level using dual beam optical tweezers. We trapped and stretched a single DNA molecule using optical tweezers to measure the force experienced by the DNA as a function of extension in the absence and presence of various concentrations of Netropsin. Our results show the …


Using Optical Tweezersto Probe Dna Polymerase Kappa’S Binding Mechanism To Dna, Joshua Watts Aug 2022

Using Optical Tweezersto Probe Dna Polymerase Kappa’S Binding Mechanism To Dna, Joshua Watts

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The integrity of our DNA is constantly under threat from many internal and external factors. If the cell cannot properly protect the integrity of DNA, errors (lesions) in DNA may form which can lead to cancer. Most of these lesions serve as a roadblock to the protein, DNA polymerase (Pol), that replicates the DNA during cell division. The mechanism that is employed to read through these errors is called translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). During this process, a special class of DNA polymerases known as TLS DNA Pols that can tolerate and bypass the lesions in DNA are employed by the …


Quantifying Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin Binding To Dna Using Optical Tweezers, Zachary Ells Dec 2020

Quantifying Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin Binding To Dna Using Optical Tweezers, Zachary Ells

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Doxorubicin is a successful anticancer drug approved for use in the 1970s and is considered to be one of the most effective cancer treatment methods today. Although Doxorubicin has positive survival statistics it has very negative side effects in many cases. Bleeding from the soles of the palms and feet, along with excruciating pain is often exhibited through the administration of this drug. Based on the preliminary findings utilizing optical tweezers we anticipate that this study will provide critical information about the drug binding mechanism. Single molecule biophysics techniques have provided useful insight into the DNA-binding mechanisms of small molecules. …