Recognition of Single Stranded and Double Stranded DNA/RNA Sequences in Aqueous Medium by Small Bis-Aromatic Derivatives

The aim of this review is to summarize the most comprehensive results in the field of bis-aromatic compounds targeting DNA and RNA, whereby both aromatic units of small molecule bind to the polynucleotide by the aromatic stacking interactions. The most recent results about structure – DNA/RNA binding affinity, selectivity and biological implications are discussed for bis-intercalators, sterically restricted macrocyclic and threading bis-aromatics and intercalator – nucleobase conjugates. Keywords: DNA and RNA binding, bis-intercalation, macrocyclic bis-intercalation, intercalator, nucleobase conjugate