Synthesis of dimeric 2-amino-1,8-naphthyridine and related DNA-binding molecules.

The synthetic protocols for dimeric 2-amino-1,8-naphthyridine and related compounds are described in this unit. These compounds represent a novel class of compounds that bind selectively to mismatched base pairs. The compounds consist of two main components: the heterocycles and a linker. Connecting two heterocycles by a linker was found to modulate the binding selectivity. This unit describes the synthesis of dimeric 2-amino-1,8-naphthyridine (which binds to the G-G mismatch), naphthyridine-azaquinolone (for the G-A mismatch), N-alkyl naphthyridine dimer (for the C-C mismatch), and naphthyridine carbamate dimer (for G-G mismatches in the (CGG)(n) trinucleotide repeat). Protocols for connecting the short linker to these molecules providing the compounds suitable for immobilization on solid surface are also described.