Enhanced binding of trigonal DNA-carbohydrate conjugates to lectin

Novel trigonal DNA-carbohydrate conjugates were prepared and evaluated to explore efficient carbohydrate-lectin interactions. Carbohydrate-modified oligonucleotides were enzymatically prepared, then hybridized to form 3-way junction DNAs. The thermal stabilities of the junctions were assessed by UV melting analysis and formation of constructs was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Fluorescence titration assays revealed that the trigonal DNA-carbohydrate conjugates exhibit high affinity to lectins depending on the distribution of carbohydrates presented in each arm. These results suggest that self-assembled 3-way DNA architectures could offer a useful platform for controlling the spatial distribution of carbohydrates on conjugates and achieving more efficient molecular recognition. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.