Platinum binding to DNA: structural controls and consequences

In recent years there have been numerous major advances in the understanding of the factors controlling all aspects of platinum binding to DNA and of the consequences of DNA binding. The interaction with DNA involves numerous stages, including: aquation of the complex, preassociation with the DNA, monofunctional adduct formation, closure to a bifunctional adduct, distortion of the DNA and recognition of this distortion. In this review we outline how the recent advances have increased our understanding of the factors controlling each of these steps and the implications for rational drug development.