Understanding the excited state dynamics of DNA and RNA

Understanding the excited state dynamics of DNA and RNA is fundamental to addressing both the detrimental and beneficial consequences of UV light on biological systems. While the triplet excited state is a precursor to damaging pathways such as photodamage, mutation, and carcinogenesis, it also offers opportunities for developing targeted therapies through DNA-targeted photosensitizing drugs. Despite its dual role, no single resource has systematically synthesized the experimental and theoretical progress in this field.

Excited State Dynamics in DNA and RNA: Experimental and Computational Studies on the Triplet State provides the first comprehensive overview of this rapidly growing interdisciplinary area, bridging photochemistry, photobiology, and photomedicine. Beginning with a historical overview of the field, the volume progresses to cover triplet dynamics in canonical and noncanonical nucleobases, triplet-mediated photochemistry, and drug-sensitized processes in DNA. Later chapters examine cutting-edge computational photobiology and quantum mechanical simulations, highlighting how molecular structure and environment influence excited state behaviors.

Offering a holistic perspective on mechanisms underpinning UV-induced damage and therapeutic opportunities, Excited State Dynamics in DNA and RNA:

• Integrates photochemistry, photobiology, and photomedicine into a unified resource
• Presents experimental findings alongside theoretical models
• Highlights experimental advances in spectroscopy and ultrafast dynamics
• Includes computational studies using ab initio and surface-hopping dynamics simulations
• Addresses both canonical and epigenetically modified nucleobases
• Explores implications for drug-sensitized DNA triplet states and photoactivated therapies
• Synthesizes current research trends into a pedagogical framework accessible to non-specialists

Excited State Dynamics in DNA and RNA: Experimental and Computational Studies on the Triplet State is an essential resource for graduate-level and advanced undergraduate courses in molecular biophysics, photochemistry, and chemical biology. It is also a key reference for researchers and professionals working in molecular biology, biophysics, medicinal chemistry, and photomedicine.