Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) duplex (DNA)

DNA base pair steps are the fundamental structural units of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double helix, defined by the stacking interactions between two adjacent base pairs. These steps determine the local geometry, stability, and flexibility of the DNA duplex, which are essential for biological processes such as replication, transcription, and repair (Neidle, S., Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure, 2007). In a therapeutic context, DNA base pair steps serve as critical targets for various classes of drugs, including intercalators that slide between the steps and alkylating agents that form covalent bonds with specific bases (PubChem, CID 5702144). Disrupting these steps can inhibit essential biological processes, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, which is a cornerstone of many anti-cancer and anti-infective treatments (PubMed, PMID 15591291). However, because DNA is universal across all human cells, targeting these structures often leads to significant off-target toxicity, including bone marrow suppression and the risk of developing secondary cancers (StatPearls, "Cisplatin", 2023). The term "DNA-d" in the provided target name is likely a non-standard abbreviation for "DNA duplex" or a typo, and the overall phrase describes the structural site of drug interaction rather than a specific protein target.

Other names

DNA base pair stepsDouble-stranded DNADNA duplexDNA base stackingdsDNA

Drugs interact with DNA base pair steps through intercalation (sliding planar aromatic rings between stacked base pairs), covalent alkylation or cross-linking of nucleotide bases, or non-covalent binding within the minor or major grooves, all of which physically obstruct DNA replication and transcription machinery (Neidle, S., Principles of Nucleic Acid Structure, 2007; PubMed, PMID 15591291).