DNA-binding activities of compounds acting as enzyme inhibitors, ion channel blockers and receptor binders

The DNA-binding activities of compounds used as remedies can display DNA-protection, but also damaging effects in biological systems. The current review compiles literature data on DNA-binding activities of drugs widely used as remedies with different therapeutic indications. The compounds are classified according their mechanism of action: enzyme inhibitors, ion channel inhibitors, inhibitors of viral RNA replication and HIV protease and receptor agonists. DNA binding was reported for such widely used drugs as paracetamol, aspirin, metformin, statins and many others. The capability of the drug to bind DNA is sometimes coupled to genotoxic effects, but in some cases - to genome protection. Data on atoms and chemical groups involved in the drug-DNA interactions are also presented. In many cases the same atoms are involved in both interactions of the compounds with proteins and DNA.