Chromomycin A3

Fluorescence properties

In the presence of Mg2+ ions, Chromomycin A3 binds reversibly to DNA, preferentially to contiguous G/C base pairs.

When bound to DNA, Chromomycin A3 has a maximum excitation wavelength of 445 nm (blue), and a maximum emission wavelength of 575 nm (yellow).

Uses

• in-vitro membrane-impermeant G/C-specific fluorescent DNA-binding dye.
• in-vitro antibiotic of gram-positive bacteria, through inhibition of the incorporation of Pi in the RNA.
• in-vitro anticancer drug that inhibits RNA synthesis.
• Evaluation of male fertility: Chromomycin A3 and protamines compete for the same binding sites in the DNA, so CMA3 positivity in spermatozoa reflects protamine deficiency (affecting sperm morphology and decreasing fertility).

References

References

1. (January 1966). "Mechanism of action of chromomycin A3. 1. Inhibition of nucleic acid metabolism in Bacillus subtilis cells". Journal of Biochemistry.
2. Kamiyama, M.. (May 1968). "Mechanism of action of chromomycin A3. 3. On the binding of chromomycin A3 with DNA and physiochemical properties of the complex". Journal of Biochemistry.
3. (1983-05-10). "Chromomycin, mithramycin, and olivomycin binding sites on heterogeneous deoxyribonucleic acid. Footprinting with (methidiumpropyl-EDTA)iron(II)". Biochemistry.
4. (28 September 2022). "Product Information Chromomycin A3 Item No. 11315". Cayman Chemical.
5. (October 1967). "Mechanism of action of chromomycin A3. II. Inhibition of RNA polymerase reaction". Journal of Biochemistry.
6. (2000-01-01). "Chromomycin A3 Staining as a Useful Tool for Evaluation of Male Fertility". Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.
7. (November 2009). "Chromomycin A3 staining, sperm chromatin structure assay and hyaluronic acid binding assay as predictors for assisted reproductive outcome". Reproductive BioMedicine Online.