DNA template-assisted modulation of horseradish peroxidase activity

Abstract

The precise alignment of DNA molecules by Watson-Crick base-pairing combined with its polymeric characteristics have allowed DNA to be used as a template or scaffold for assembling materials. In this work, we investigate the role of calf-thymus DNA as a template for enhancing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated oxidation of phenol and phenolic derivatives. The HRP-catalyzed oxidation of phenol into polyphenolic products and in presence of 4-aminoantipyrine into quinoneimine dye complexes is studied. Visible spectroscopy reveals an increased yield of both products of the enzymatic reaction in presence of calf-thymus DNA and is attributed to the prearrangement of the corresponding substrates on the DNA. The concentrations of calf-thymus DNA and the substrates are found to affect the nature of prearrangement and subsequent formation of polymeric or co-oxidation products. Also, phenolic derivatives with different aromatic substitutions display divergent propensities towards product formation in presence of the DNA template. Our results demonstrate the ability of calf-thymus DNA to modulate the activity of HRP and exercise control on the nature of products formed. This work highlights the potential of using DNA as a template for influencing enzymatic reactions involving aromatic substrates.

Department(s)

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.01.028

Keywords

DNA-templated synthesis, Enzymatic oxidation, Horseradish peroxidase, Oxidation of phenolic derivatives, Polyphenols

Publication Date

4-1-2012

Journal Title

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

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