A new class of microgonotropen compounds (FIMGTs), which fluoresce upon binding to dsDNA, is introduced. The FMGTs consist of a minor groove binding moiety based upon Hoescht 33258 covalently attached to a polyamine chain capable of interacting with the phosphodiester backbone of dsDNA. The interactions of FMGTs with dsDNA were investigated by fluorescence and UV spectroscopy. Several different...

The mechanism by which pre-synaptic RecA nucleoprotein filaments efficiently locate sequence homology across genomic DNA remains unclear. Here, using atomic force microscopy, we directly investigate the intermediates of the RecA-mediated homologous recombination process and find it to be highly cooperative, involving multiple phases. Initially, the process is dominated by a rapid 'association' ...

Anti-dsDNA Abs are specific diagnostic markers of systemic lupus erythematosus, and are also implicated in kidney pathology. Anti-dsDNA B cells have been shown to be tolerized in nonautoimmune mice. The immunodysregulation that causes these cells to break tolerance is presumably part of the fundamental defects in systemic lupus erythematosus. To explore these mechanisms, we used the chronic gra...

We have studied the regulation of anti-DNA B cells in transgenic mice with a heavy chain transgene (3H9H/56R). This transgene codes for a heavy chain that forms anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody when paired with most members of the endogenous Vkappa repertoire, but certain L chains, referred to as Vkappa editors, do not sustain dsDNA binding in combination with 3H9H/56R. In the nonautoi...

Despite progress with triplex-forming oligonucleotides or helix-invading peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), there remains a need for probes facilitating sequence-unrestricted targeting of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) at physiologically relevant conditions. Invader LNA probes, i.e., DNA duplexes with "+1 interstrand zipper arrangements" of intercalator-functionalized 2'-amino-alpha-l-LNA monomers, are...

Autoantibodies to double-stranded (ds) DNA are an important diagnostic marker and pathogenic factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Identifying dsDNA mimotopes is a way to discover diagnostic and therapeutic candidates for SLE. 'Mono-specific' SLE anti-dsDNA antibodies were obtained by affinity purification using dsDNA-coupled Sepharose column. Using the anti-dsDNA antibodies to screen ...

BACKGROUND Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) are often tested as a screening tool in patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus or connective tissue diseases. ANA can be seen in healthy controls (HC) and patients with multiple medical problems (MMP). OBJECTIVE To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ANA and anti-dsDNA in SLE patients, usi...