Hoechst 33258, a specific DNA minor groove binder

Following the presentation of the DNA minor groove binder Hoechst 33258, this review focuses on the recent advances in. the understanding of its mode of interaction with DNA. On the basis of a large variety of techniques, it is shown that this chromosomic dye specifically binds to designated DNA sequences with a high affinity. Syntheses of analogs and hybrid molecules designed by coupling Hoechst 33258 with chemical nucleases allow the extension of the applications of these compounds as useful tools in molecular biology and as potential pharmacenticals.