1n96

Publication Abstract from PubMed

The solution structure of a cyclic oligonucleotide d<pCGCTCATT> has been determined by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics. Under the appropriate experimental conditions, this molecule self-associates, forming a symmetric dimer stabilized by four intermolecular Watson-Crick base pairs. The resulting four-stranded structure consists of two G:C:A:T tetrads, formed by facing the minor groove side of the Watson-Crick base-pairs. Most probably, the association of the base-pairs is stabilized by coordinating a Na(+) cation. This is the first time that this novel G:C:A:T tetrad has been found in an oligonucleotide structure. This observation increases considerably the number of sequences that may adopt a four-stranded architecture. Overall, the three-dimensional structure is similar to those observed previously in other quadruplexes formed by minor groove alignment of Watson-Crick base pairs. This resemblance strongly suggests that we may be observing a general motif for DNA-DNA recognition.

Four-stranded DNA structure stabilized by a novel G:C:A:T tetrad.,Escaja N, Gelpi JL, Orozco M, Rico M, Pedroso E, Gonzalez C J Am Chem Soc. 2003 May 14;125(19):5654-62. PMID:12733903^[1]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.