Ruthenium bipyridyl complexes as photocleavable dimerizers: deactivation of DNA-binding peptides using visible light

We report a photolabile biselectrophilic Ru(II) complex that can be used for homo- or heterodimerization of cysteine-containing peptides. The resulting dimers can be efficiently disassembled by long-wavelength light. As proof-of-concept, we describe the preparation of homo- and heterodimeric bZIP peptides whose DNA-binding properties can be turned off using visible lightSpanish MINECO. Grant Numbers: SAF2010-20822-C02-01/02, CTQ2010-20714-C02-01/BQU, CSD2007-00006 ERDF Xunta de Galicia. Grant Numbers: GRC2010/12, GR2013-041, INCITE09 209084PR, EM2013/036 European Research Council. Grant Number: 340055 CAM. Grant Number: S2009/PPQ-1634, AVANCA