Molecular Locks

Selectivity

Molecular Locks can cooperatively bind to a specific target with a selectivity that is not achievable with single nucleic acid binding molecules. Most naturally occurring nucleic acid binding domains bind to multiple sites in a given genome in addition to sites within a target. Specific binding of the nucleic acid target by a Molecular Lock is accomplished by molecular parataxis, the cooperative binding of weaker nucleic acid binding domains that bind side-by-side on targets to create a high-affinity, target-specific binding assembly. Molecular Locks bind tightly to the target only when all binding components of the Molecular Lock are bound.

Target Selectivity of Molecular Locks