Deoxyribonucleic acid (double-stranded) (dsDNA)

Double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) is the primary molecule for the storage and transmission of genetic information in all living organisms and many viruses. It consists of two polynucleotide chains coiled around each other to form a double helix, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases. In a therapeutic context, dsDNA is a major target for various classes of antineoplastic agents, including alkylating agents that form covalent cross-links, intercalating agents that wedge between base pairs, and drugs that induce oxidative damage leading to strand breaks. These interactions disrupt essential cellular processes such as DNA replication and transcription, ultimately triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, targeting DNA also poses significant safety challenges, including the risk of genotoxicity and the development of secondary cancers due to non-specific damage to healthy cells.

Other names

DNA (double-stranded)Double-stranded DNAdsDNADNA

Intercalation, alkylation, cross-linking, and induction of strand breaks to inhibit replication and transcription.