A thermostable azo-linker for reversible photoregulation of DNA replication

Small molecules such as azobenzenes, one of the best reversible photo-switches, can be covalently incorporated into DNA to regulate its structures and functions with irradiation of the specific wavelengths. Using this strategy, a thermostable azobenzene linker was employed to construct modified oligodeoxynucleotides, and we successfully achieve reversible photoregulation of DNA replication in vitro with short irradiation time. Five minutes UV irradiation for regulating trans→cis transformation can minimize DNA damage, still ensure the polymerase reaction of cis-form. Formation of DNA hairpin structure can also be controlled by photoregulation using this linker.