DNA recognition by the first tail-to-tail linked distamycin-like oligopeptide dimers

Sequence-specific bidentate binding to double-stranded (ds)-DNA by 'tail-to -tail' linked dimeric, distamycin analogues is described; compared to their monomeric analogues, these dimers exhibit greater affinity and longer bind ing site size and open up a novel avenue in the design of minor groove bind ers that overcome the phasing problem.