Multiplex formation of repetitive sequences d([G]nA)m through non-WC pairings: crystal structure of d(gcGAGGGAgc)

Nucleic Acids Symp Ser (Oxf). 2006:(50):39-40. doi: 10.1093/nass/nrl020.

Abstract

The crystal structure of a DNA fragment with the sequence d(gcGA[G](3)Agc), a shortened and mutated derivative of the VNTR sequence d(ccGA[G](4)Agg), has been determined by X-ray analyses at 1.8 A resolution to investigate structures and mechanisms of a non-coding DNA. This sequence forms an antiparallel duplex with two WC pairings at the both ends and six consecutive non-WC pairings in the major part. Based on this structure, d(GA[G](n)A) (n=3-6) and d([G](n)A)(m) (n>1 and m>1) were designed. It is expected that all bases form non-WC pairs when the DNA fragments adapt antiparallel duplex. Electrophoresis experiments showed that these DNA fragments form not only duplexes, but also multiplexes such as quadruplexes, octaplexes, and so on.

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Deoxyribonucleosides / chemistry*
  • Electrophoresis
  • G-Quadruplexes
  • Minisatellite Repeats*
  • Models, Molecular*

Substances

  • Deoxyribonucleosides
  • d(gcGAGGGAgc)
  • DNA