Porphyrins as polyfunctional ligands for binding to DNA. Prospects for application

The study of the interaction of nucleic acids with ligands is relevant not only from a scientific point of view, but also has high potential practical significance. Complexes of nucleic acids with ligands affect the biochemical functions of the most important carrier of genetic information, which opens up opportunities for treating genetic diseases and controlling the aging of both cells and the organism as a whole. Among the huge variety of potential ligands, porphyrins and related compounds occupy a special place, due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species under irradiation with light. The photocatalytic properties of porphyrins can be used in the creation of molecular tools for genetic engineering and the treatment of viral and bacterial infections at the genetic level. Modification of porphyrin compounds allows targeting of the ligand to a specific biological target. The review summarizes the literature data describing the processes of complexation of nucleic acids with aromatic ligands, mainly with porphyrins. The influence of the structure of macroheterocyclic compounds on the features of interaction with nucleic acids is analyzed. Promising directions for further research are outlined.