Catch and Release DNA Decoys: Capture and Photochemical Dissociation of NF-κB Transcription Factors

Catch and release DNA decoys (CRDDs) are a new class of non-natural DNA probes that capture and dissociate from DNA-binding proteins using a light trigger. Photolytic cleavage of non-natural nucleobases in the CRDD yields abasic sites and truncation products that lower the affinity of the CRDD for its protein target. Herein, we demonstrate the ability of the first-generation CRDD to bind and release NF-κB proteins. This platform technology should be applicable to other DNA-binding proteins by modification of the target sequence.