Trivalent lanthanide ions are extremely similar to each other, and developing ligands that can recognize them selectively is a quite challenging task. My lab is interested in using DNA to achieve this goal. DNA can bind lanthanides via both phosphate backbone and nucleobases. In particular, we use RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (DNA-based biocatalysts) for this purpose. In vitro selection was performed using a few lanthanide ions for RNA cleavage. After 14 independent selections, we finally obtained five different DNA sequences. Although each one alone cannot fully distinguish all the lanthanides, when used together, we can tell lanthanides from other metals, the difference between light and heavy lanthanides, and for the most part, each lanthanide. Fundamental DNA binding studies are also carried out to elucidate the chemical basis for such recognition.

Specific recognition of lanthanide ions by DNA

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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