Assignment of resonances in the 31P NMR spectrum of d(GGAATTCC) by regiospecific labeling with oxygen-17

Pinpointing RNA-Protein Cross-Links with Site-Specific Stable Isotope-Labeled Oligonucleotides

High affinity RNA-protein interactions are critical to cellular function, but directly identifying the determinants of binding within these complexes is often difficult. Here, we introduce a stable isotope mass labeling technique to assign specific interacting nucleotides in an oligonucleotide-protein complex by photo-cross-linking. The method relies on generating site-specific oxygen-18-labeled phosphodiester linkages in oligonucleotides, such that covalent peptide-oligonucleotide cross-link sites arising from ultraviolet irradiation can be assigned to specific sequence positions in both RNA and protein simultaneously by mass spectrometry. Using Lin28A and a let-7 pre-element RNA, we demonstrate that mass labeling permits unambiguous identification of the cross-linked sequence positions in the RNA-protein complex.

Characterization of metal ion-nucleic acid interactions in solution

Metal ions are inextricably involved with nucleic acids due to their polyanionic nature. In order to understand the structure and function of RNAs and DNAs, one needs to have detailed pictures on the structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties of metal ion interactions with these biomacromolecules. In this review we first compile the physicochemical properties of metal ions found and used in combination with nucleic acids in solution. The main part then describes the various methods developed over the past decades to investigate metal ion binding by nucleic acids in solution. This includes for example hydrolytic and radical cleavage experiments, mutational approaches, as well as kinetic isotope effects. In addition, spectroscopic techniques like EPR, lanthanide(III) luminescence, IR and Raman as well as various NMR methods are summarized. Aside from gaining knowledge about the thermodynamic properties on the metal ion-nucleic acid interactions, especially NMR can be used to extract information on the kinetics of ligand exchange rates of the metal ions applied. The final section deals with the influence of anions, buffers, and the solvent permittivity on the binding equilibria between metal ions and nucleic acids. Little is known on some of these aspects, but it is clear that these three factors have a large influence on the interaction between metal ions and nucleic acids.

NMR studies of drug-DNA complexes

The application of high-resolution, multidimensional NMR techniques to the problem of determining the structure of drug-DNA complexes in solution has led to substantial progress in understanding the effect of drugs on DNA at the molecular level. With the development of isotopic labeling methods applied in three- and four-dimensional experiments, we anticipate that more complex drug-DNA systems will become amenable to structural analysis. In addition to implementing these newer techniques, progress will also be made in terms of investigating the structure of drug complexes with more unusual forms of DNA, such as triplexes, quadruplexes, multistranded junctions, and so forth.

Influence of enzyme-substrate contacts located outside the EcoRI recognition site on cleavage of duplex oligodeoxyribonucleotide substrates by EcoRI endonuclease

A complete understanding of the sequence-specific interaction between the EcoRI restriction endonuclease and its DNA substrate requires identification of all contacts between the enzyme and substrate, and evaluation of their significance. We have searched for possible contacts adjacent to the recognition site, GAATTC, by using a series of substrates with differing lengths of flanking sequence. Each substrate is a duplex of non-self-complementary oligodeoxyribonucleotides in which the recognition site is flanked by six base pairs on one side and from zero to three base pairs on the other. Steady-state kinetic values were determined for the cleavage of each strand of these duplexes. A series of substrates in which the length of flanking sequence was varied on both sides of the hexamer was also examined. The enzyme cleaved both strands of each of the substrates. Decreasing the flanking sequence to fewer than three base pairs on one side of the recognition site induced an asymmetry in the rates of cleavage of the two strands. The scissile bond nearest the shortening sequence was hydrolyzed with increasing rapidity as base pairs were successively removed. Taken together, the KM and kcat values obtained may be interpreted to indicate the relative importance of several likely enzyme-substrate contacts located outside the canonical hexameric recognition site.

1H- and 31P-NMR studies of ditercalinium binding to a d(GCGC)2 and d(CCTATAGG)2 minihelices: a sequence specificity study

The structures of the complexes formed in aqueous solution between ditercalinium, a bis-intercalating drug, and both the self-complementary tetranucleotide d(GCGC)2 and octanucleotide d(CCTATAGG)2, have been investigated by 400-MHz 1H-nmr and 162-MHz 31P-nmr. All the nonexchangeable protons, as well as the exchangeable imino protons and the phosphorus signals, have been assigned. Both oligonucleotides have been shown to adopt a right-handed B-DNA type structure. The addition of ditercalinium to the oligonucleotides lead to the formation of complexes in slow exchange at the nmr time scale with the free helices. At all drug-to-helix ratios studied, the ditercalinium was found in the bound form, whereas free and complexed oligonucleotides were in slow exchange, allowing resonance assignments through two-dimensional chemical exchange experiments. for d(GCGC)2 the strong upfield shifts induced on all aromatic protons of both the bases and the drug by complexation with ditercalinium suggest an interaction by intercalation of the two rings. However, the loss of twofold symmetry upon binding, as well as the chemical shift variation of the drug proton signals of one of the chromophores with temperature and concentration, favor a model in which the drug-nucleotide complexes have one ring of the drug intercalated and the other stacked on top of the external base pair. The intermolecular contacts between drug protons and nucleotide protons give a defined geometry for complexation that is consistent with the proposed model. In contrast, with d(CCTATAGG)2 several drug-nucleotide complexes were formed and a large increase in line broadening was observed at high drug-to-DNA ratios, precluding a detailed analysis of these complexes. However, the large upfield shift in the imino proton resonances together with the shielding of the ditercalinium ring protons favor a model with bis-intercalation of ditercalinium. This model is supported by the downfield shift of at least 4 out of 14 phosphorus signals. The results are compared with those obtained on ditercalinium binding to the homologous sequences d(CGCG)2 and d(TTCGCGAA)2, and discussed in terms of sequence specificity.

Two-dimensional 1H and 31P NMR spectra and restrained molecular dynamics structure of an oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex refined via a hybrid relaxation matrix procedure

Assignment of the 1H and 31P resonances of a decamer DNA duplex, d(CGCTTAAGCG)2 was determined by two-dimensional COSY, NOESY and 1H-31P Pure Absorption phase Constant time (PAC) heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy. The solution structure of the decamer was calculated by an iterative hybrid relaxation matrix method combined with NOESY-distance restrained molecular dynamics. The distances from the 2D NOESY spectra were calculated from the relaxation rate matrix which were evaluated from a hybrid NOESY volume matrix comprising elements from the experiment and those calculated from an initial structure. The hybrid matrix-derived distances were then used in a restrained molecular dynamics procedure to obtain a new structure that better approximates the NOESY spectra. The resulting partially refined structure was then used to calculate an improved theoretical NOESY volume matrix which is once again merged with the experimental matrix until refinement is complete. JH3'-P coupling constants for each of the phosphates of the decamer were obtained from 1H-31P J-resolved selective proton flip 2D spectra. By using a modified Karplus relationship the C4'-C3'-O3'-P torsional angles (epsilon) were obtained. Comparison of the 31P chemical shifts and JH3'-P coupling constants of this sequence has allowed a greater insight into the various factors responsible for 31P chemical shift variations in oligonucleotides. It also provides an important probe of the sequence-dependent structural variation of the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of DNA in solution. These correlations are consistent with the hypothesis that changes in local helical structure perturb the deoxyribose phosphate backbone. The variation of the 31P chemical shift, and the degree of this variation from one base step to the next is proposed as a potential probe of local helical conformation within the DNA double helix. The pattern of calculated epsilon and zeta torsional angles from the restrained molecular dynamics refinement agrees quite well with the measured JH3'-P coupling constants. Thus, the local helical parameters determine the length of the phosphodiester backbone which in turn constrains the phosphate in various allowed conformations.

Two-dimensional 1H and 31P NMR spectra and restrained molecular dynamics structure of a mismatched GA decamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex

Assignment of the 1H and 31P NMR spectra of a tandem G.A mismatched base pair decamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex, d(CCAAGATTGG)2, has been made by two-dimensional 1H-1H and heteronuclear 31P-1H correlated spectroscopy. Unusual downfield 31P resonances have been assigned by a pure absorption phase constant-time heteronuclear 31P-1H correlated spectrum to be associated with the phosphates on the 5'- and 3'-sides of the mismatched guanosine residue. JH3'-P coupling constants for each of the phosphates of the decamer were obtained from the 1H-31P J-resolved selective proton-flip 2D spectrum. The two most downfield-shifted 31P resonances each appear to consist of two overlapping signals that can be resolved into two distinct doublets with different coupling constants in the J-resolved spectrum. This as well as the temperature dependence of the 31P spectra demonstrates that two distinct conformations exist at lower temperatures. By use of a modified Karplus relationship, the C4'-C3'-O3'-P torsional angles (epsilon) were obtained. A linear correlation between 31P chemical shifts and the measured coupling constants is quite good (only when the larger set of coupling constants of the two most downfield 31P signals is included). The 31P chemical shifts as well as the measured coupling constants tend to follow the positional variation seen in other duplexes of interior phosphates resonating more upfield than terminal residues and of interior phosphates exhibiting smaller coupling constants; however, this pattern is disrupted at the site of the mismatch. Modeling and initial NOESY distance restrained molecular mechanics energy minimization and restrained molecular dynamics support previous observations that the mismatched guanine and adenine bases are both in anti conformations. Most significantly, the epsilon backbone torsional angle variaions calculated from the NOESY distance restrained structures are in agreement with both the crystal structure values and the measured JH3'-P coupling constants.

Effect of distortions in the deoxyribose phosphate backbone conformation of duplex oligodeoxyribonucleotide dodecamers containing GT, GG, GA, AC, and GU base-pair mismatches on 31P NMR spectra

We have previously suggested that variations in the 31P chemical shifts of individual phosphates in duplex oligonucleotides are attributable to torsional angle changes in the deoxyribose phosphate backbone. This hypothesis is not directly supported by analysis of the 1H/31P two-dimensional J-resolved spectra of a number of mismatch dodecamer oligonucleotide duplexes including the following sequences: d-(CGTGAATTCGCG), d(CGUGAATTCGCG), d(CGGGAATTCGCG), d(CGAGAATTCGCG), and d(CGCGAATTCACG). The 31P NMR signals of the dodecamer mismatch duplexes were assigned by 2D 1H/31P pure absorption phase constant time (PAC) heteronuclear correlation spectra. From the assigned H3' and H4' signals, the 31P signals of the base-pair mismatch dodecamers were identified. JH3'-P coupling constants for each of the phosphates of the dodecamers were obtained from 1H/31P J-resolved selective proton flip 2D spectra. By use of a modified Karplus relationship, the C4'-C3'-O3'-P torsional angles (epsilon) were obtained. JH3'-P coupling constants were measured for many of the oligonucleotides as a function of temperature. There exists a good linear correlation between 31P chemical shifts and the epsilon torsional angle. This correlation can be further extended to the C3'-O3'-P-O5' torsional angle (zeta) by using a linear relationship between epsilon and zeta obtained from crystal structure studies. The 31P chemical shifts follow the general observation that the more internally the phosphate is located within the oligonucleotide sequence, the more upfield the 31P resonance occurs. In addition, 31P chemical shifts show sequence- and site-specific variations. Analysis of the backbone torsional angle variations from the coupling constant analysis has provided additional information regarding the origin of these variations in 31P chemical shifts.

Perturbation of DNA hairpins containing the EcoRI recognition site by hairpin loops of varying size and composition: physical (NMR and UV) and enzymatic (EcoRI) studies

We have investigated loop-induced structural perturbation of the stem structure in hairpins d(GAATTCXnGAATTC) (X = A, T and n = 3, 4, 5 and 6) that contain an EcoRI restriction site in close proximity to the hairpin loop. Oligonucleotides containing either a T3 or a A3 loop were not hydrolyzed by the restriction enzyme and also showed only weak binding to EcoRI in the absence of the cofactor Mg2+. In contrast, hairpins with larger loops are hydrolyzed by the enzyme at the scission site next to the loop although the substrate with a A4 loop is significantly more resistant than the oligonucleotide containing a T4 loop. The hairpin structures with 3 loop residues were found to be thermally most stable while larger hairpin loops resulted in structures with lower melting temperatures. The T-loop hairpins are thermally more stable than the hairpins containing the same number of A residues in the loop. As judged from proton NMR spectroscopy and the thermodynamic data, the base pair closest to the hairpin loop did form in all cases studied. The hairpin loops did, however, affect the conformation of the stem structure of the hairpins. From 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy we conclude that the perturbation of the stem structure is stronger for smaller hairpin loops and that the extent of the perturbation is limited to 2-3 base pairs for hairpins with T3 or A4 loops. Our results demonstrate that hairpin loops modulate the conformation of the stem residues close to the loop and that this in turn reduces the substrate activity for DNA sequence specific proteins.

Two-dimensional 1H and 31P NMR spectra of a decamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex and a quinoxaline ((MeCys3, MeCys7)(TANDEM) drug duplex complex

Assignment of the 1H and 31P NMR spectra of a decamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex, d(CCCGATCGGG), and its quinoxaline ((MeCys3, MeCys7]TANDEM) drug duplex complex has been made by two-dimensional 1H-1H and heteronuclear 31P-1H correlated spectroscopy. The 31P chemical shifts of this 10 base pair oligonucleotide follow the general observation that the more internal the phosphate is located within the oligonucleotide sequence, the more upfield the 31P resonance occurs. While the 31P chemical shifts show sequence-specific variations, they also do not generally follow the Calladine "rules" previously demonstrated. 31P NMR also provides a convenient monitor of the phosphate ester backbone conformational changes upon binding of the drug to the duplex. Although the quinoxaline drug, [MeCys3, MeCys7]TANDEM, is generally expected to bind to duplex DNA by bis-intercalation, only small 31P chemical shift changes are observed upon binding the drug to duplex d(CCCGATCGGG). Additionally, only small perturbations in the 1H NMR and UV spectra are observed upon binding the drug to the decamer, although association of the drug stabilizes the duplex form relative to the other states. These results are consistent with a non-intercalative mode of association of the drug. Modeling and molecular mechanics energy minimization demonstrate that a novel structure in which the two quinoxaline rings of the drug binds in the minor groove of the duplex is possible.

Two-dimensional 1H and 31P NMR spectra and restrained molecular dynamics structure of an extrahelical adenosine tridecamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex

Assignment of the 1H and 31P NMR spectra of an extrahelical adenosine tridecamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide duplex, d(CGCAGAATTCGCG)2, has been made by two-dimensional 1H-1H and heteronuclear 31P-1H correlated spectroscopy. The downfield 31P resonance previously noted by Patel et al. (1982) has been assigned by both 17O labeling of the phosphate as well as a pure absorption phase constant-time heteronuclear 31P-1H correlated spectrum and has been associated with the phosphate on the 3' side of the extrahelical adenosine. JH3'-P coupling constants for each of the phosphates of the tridecamer were obtained from the 1H-31P J-resolved selective proton-flip 2D spectrum. By use of a modified Karplus relationship the C4-C3'-O3-P torsional angles (epsilon) were obtained. There exists a good linear correlation between 31P chemical shifts and the epsilon torsional angle. The 31P chemical shifts and epsilon torsional angles follow the general observation that the more internal the phosphate is located within the oligonucleotide sequence, the more upfield the 31P resonance occurs. Because the extrahelical adenosine significantly distorts the deoxyribose phosphate backbone conformation even several bases distant from the extrahelical adenosine, 31P chemical shifts show complex site- and sequence-specific variations. Modeling and NOESY distance-restrained energy minimization and restrained molecular dynamics suggest that the extrahelical adenosine stacks into the duplex. However, a minor conformation is also observed in the 1H NMR, which could be associated with a structure in which the extrahelical adenosine loops out into solution.

Sequence-dependent variations in the 31P NMR spectra and backbone torsional angles of wild-type and mutant Lac operator fragments

Assignment of the 31P resonances of a series of six sequenced-related tetradecamer DNA duplexes, d(TGTGAGCGCTCACA)2, d(TATGAGCGCTCATA)2, d(TCTGAGCGCTCAGA)2, d(TGTGTGCGCACACA)2, d(TGTGACGCGTCACA)2 and d(CACAGTATACTGTG)2, related to the lac operator DNA sequence was determined either by site-specific 17O labeling of the phosphoryl groups or by two-dimensional 1H-31P pure absorption phase constant time (PAC) heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy. J(H3'-P) coupling constants for each of the phosphates of the tetradecamers were obtained from 1H-31P J-resolved selective proton flip 2D spectra. By use of a modified Karplus relationship the C4'-C3'-O3'-P torsional angles (epsilon) were obtained. Comparison of the 31P chemical shifts and J(H3'-P) coupling constants of these sequences has allowed greater insight into those various factors responsible for 31P chemical shift variations in oligonucleotides and provided an important probe of the sequence-dependent structural variation of the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of DNA in solution. These sequence-specific variations in the conformation of the DNA sugar phosphate backbone of various lac operator DNA sequences can possibly explain the sequence-specific recognition of DNA by DNA binding proteins, as mediated through direct contacts between the phosphates and the protein.

Conformational studies of d-(AAAAATTTTT)2 using constraints from nuclear overhauser effects and from quantitative analysis of the cross-peak fine structures in two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra

The conformation at the dA-dT junction in d-(AAAAATTTTT)2 was investigated by using a variety of phase-sensitive two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments at 500 MHz for detailed studies of the deoxyribose ring puckers. Conformational constraints were collected from two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectra recorded with short mixing times and from quantitative simulations of the cross-peaks in two-dimensional correlated spectra. Overall, the decamer duplex adopts a conformation of the B-DNA type, and for dA4 and dA5 the pseudorotation phase angle P is in the standard range 150-180 degrees. The deoxyribose puckers for the other nucleotides deviate significantly from the standard B-DNA structure. Spectrum simulations assuming either static deviations from standard B-DNA or a simple two-state dynamic equilibrium between the C2'-endo and C3'-endo forms of the deoxyribose were used to analyze the experimental data. It was thus found that the ring pucker for dT6 deviates from the regular C2'-endo form of B-DNA by a static distortion, with the pseudorotation phase angle P in the range 100-130 degrees, and a similar value of P is indicated for dT7. For the peripheral base pairs dynamic distortions of the C2'-endo form of the deoxyribose were found. In agreement with recent papers on related duplexes containing (dA)n tracts, we observed prominent nuclear Overhauser effects between adenine-2H and deoxyribose-1'H, which could be largely due to pronounced propeller twisting as observed in the crystal structures of (dA)n-containing compounds.

Assignments of 31P NMR resonances in oligodeoxyribonucleotides: origin of sequence-specific variations in the deoxyribose phosphate backbone conformation and the 31P chemical shifts of double-helical nucleic acids

It is now possible to unambiguously assign all 31P resonances in the 31P NMR spectra of oligonucleotides by either two-dimensional NMR techniques or site-specific 17O labeling of the phosphoryl groups. Assignment of 31P signals in tetradecamer duplexes, (dTGTGAGCGCTCACA)2, (dTAT-GAGCGCTCATA)2, (dTCTGAGCGCTCAGA)2, and (dTGTGTGCGCACACA)2, and the dodecamer duplex d(CGTGAATTCGCG)2 containing one base-pair mismatch, combined with additional assignments in the literature, has allowed an analysis of the origin of the sequence-specific variation in 31P chemical shifts of DNA. The 31P chemical shifts of duplex B-DNA phosphates correlate reasonably well with some aspects of the Dickerson/Calladine sum function for variation in the helical twist of the oligonucleotides. Correlations between experimentally measured P-O and C-O torsional angles and results from molecular mechanics energy minimization calculations show that these results are consistent with the hypothesis that sequence-specific variations in 31P chemical shifts are attributable to sequence-specific changes in the deoxyribose phosphate backbone. The major structural variation responsible for these 31P shift perturbations appears to be P-O and C-O backbone torsional angles which respond to changes in the local helical structure. Furthermore, 31P chemical shifts and JH3'-P coupling constants both indicate that these backbone torsional angle variations are more permissive at the ends of the double helix than in the middle. Thus 31P NMR spectroscopy and molecular mechanics energy minimization calculations appear to be able to support sequence-specific structural variations along the backbone of the DNA in solution.

DNA and RNA: NMR studies of conformations and dynamics in solution

The early NMR research on nucleic acids was of a qualitative nature and was restricted to partial characterization of short oligonucleotides in aqueous solution. Major advances in magnet design, spectrometer electronics, pulse techniques, data analysis and computational capabilities coupled with the availability of pure and abundant supply of long oligonucleotides have extended these studies towards the determination of the 3-D structure of nucleic acids in solution.

Sequential NMR assignments of labile protons in DNA using two-dimensional nuclear-Overhauser-enhancement spectroscopy with three jump-and-return pulse sequences

Two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOESY) spectra of labile protons were recorded in H2O solutions of a protein and of a DNA duplex, using a modification of the standard NOESY experiment with all three 90 degree pulses replaced by jump-and-return sequences. For the protein as well as the DNA fragment the strategically important spectral regions could be recorded with good sensitivity and free of artifacts. Using this procedure, sequence-specific assignments were obtained for the imino protons, C2H of adenine, and C4NH2 of cytosine in a 23-base-pair DNA duplex which includes the 17-base-pair OR3 repressor binding site of bacteriophage lambda. Based on comparison with previously published results on the isolated OR3 binding site, these data were used for a study of chain termination effects on the chemical shifts of imino proton resonances of DNA duplexes.

Oligodeoxyribonucleoside methylphosphonates. NMR and UV spectroscopic studies of Rp-Rp and Sp-Sp methylphosphonate (Me) modified duplexes of (d[GGAATTCC])2

1H NMR chemical shift assignments for the title compounds were made for most of the 1H signals using two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D-NOE) data, which were also used to establish the absolute configuration at the modified phosphorus. The chemical shifts were similar to those reported [Broido, M.S., et al. (1985) Eur. J. Biochem. 150, 117-128] for the unmodified, parent, B-type duplex [d(GGAATTCC)]2. Differences in chemical shifts were mostly localized to the nucleotides on the 5'- and 3'-sides of the modified phosphorus. The Rp-Rp isomers exhibited UV-derived Tm values similar to that of the parent duplex. On the other hand, the Sp-Sp isomers generally exhibited lower Tm values which correlated with P-CH3--H3' (n-1 nucleotide) cross peak intensities and 31P spectral parameters. The combined data argue for increased steric interactions with the Sp-P-Me methyl group as the modification position is moved toward the center of the oligomer. All of the Tm results can be explained in terms of three factors which result from replacement of a phosphate by a methylphosphonate group: reduction of oligomer charge; electronic and other substituent effects; steric interactions.

Synthesis and characterization of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing terminal phosphates. NMR, UV spectroscopic and thermodynamic analysis of duplex formation of [d(pGGAATTCC)]2, [d(GGAATTCCp)]2 and [d(pGGAATTCCp)]2

Derivatives of the oligomer [d(GGAATTCC)]2 with 5' (5'-P), 3' (3'-P) and both 5' and 3' (5',3'-P2) terminal phosphate groups have been synthesized and studied by temperature dependent UV and NMR spectroscopic methods. Thermodynamic studies of the helix to strand transition indicate that addition of 3' phosphate groups has very little effect on the delta G degree for helix formation at 37 degrees C while addition of 5' phosphate groups adds approximately -0.5 kcal/mole to the delta G degree for duplex formation. The helix stabilization by 5' phosphate groups occurs at salt concentrations of 0.1 M and above, and is primarily enthalpic in origin. Tm studies as a function of ionic strength also indicate that the oligomers fall into two groups with the parent and 3'-P derivatives being similar but less stable than the 5'-P and 5',3'-P2 derivatives. Imino proton and 31P NMR studies also divide the oligomers into these same two groups based on spectral comparisons and temperature induced chemical shift and linewidth changes. 31P NMR analysis suggests that addition of 5' phosphate groups results in a small change in phosphodiester torsional angles in the g,t to g,g direction, indicating improved base stacking at the 5' end of the modified oligomer. No such changes are seen at the 3' end of the oligomer on adding 3' phosphate groups.

Proton-detected heteronuclear edited and correlated nuclear magnetic resonance and nuclear Overhauser effect in solution

The proton has been the nucleus of choice for NMR studies of macromolecules because it is ubiquitous; it provides the highest sensitivity; its resonances can be identified with types of amino and nucleic acids by means of experiments utilizing proton spin-spin interaction and chemical shift; and, most important, proton NMR yields distance information via the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE). Many of these advantages are lost for larger biopolymers (molecular weight more than 15 kDa) for which the line width is considerably greater than the proton-proton spin-spin interaction. The spin-spin interaction is then useless or difficult to use for assignment; and furthermore the proton line width and the number of proton resonances both increase in proportion to the molecular weight, thereby increasing the problem of resonance overlap to an intolerable degree.

Alkyl phosphotriester modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides. VI. NMR and UV spectroscopic studies of ethyl phosphotriester (Et) modified Rp-Rp and Sp-Sp duplexes, (d[GGAA(Et)TTCC])2

1H NMR chemical shift assignments for the title compounds were made for all but a few H5' and H5" signals using two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D-NOE) data, which was also used for the first time to assign absolute configuration at phosphorus. The chemical shifts were, in general, similar to those reported [Broido, M.S., et al. (1985) Eur. J. Biochem. 150, 117-128] for the B-like conformation of the unmodified, parent duplex, [d(GGAATTCC)]2. Differences in chemical shifts for corresponding protons were mostly localized to the AA(Et)TT region, and showed some stereochemical dependence. Unambiguous assignment of the phosphotriester 31P signals was achieved in a novel way using selective insensitive nucleus enhancement by polarization transfer (selective INEPT) NMR. The Rp-Rp duplex melted ca. 11 degrees C lower than either the Sp-Sp or parent duplexes, as evidenced by Tm and variable temperature 1H/31P NMR measurements. The 2D-NOE data for the Rp-Rp duplex suggested possible steric interactions between the ethyl group and the H3' of the flanking A residue. At low ionic strength, the Sp-Sp and parent duplexes had similar stability but at high ionic strength the Sp-Sp duplex was less stable.

Palindromic oligonucleotides containing 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine: solid-phase synthesis of d[(p)GG*AATTCC] octamers and recognition by the endodeoxyribonuclease EcoRI

Octadeoxynucleotides with the sequence d[(p)GG*AATTCC] have been prepared by solid-phase synthesis employing regular and base-modified phosphoramidites. These oligomers which contain an isosterically altered recognition sequence of the endodeoxyribonuclease Eco RI form duplexes under appropriate salt conditions. Since G* can represent 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine the oligomers were used as probes to study their cleavage by the endodeoxyribonuclease Eco RI. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the modified octamer was strongly decreased compared to the regular DNA-fragment. This shows that guanine N-7 located at the cleavage site is important for the recognition process by the enzyme. The residual enzymatic activity is discussed on the basis of reduced specificity towards the recognition fragment. The fact that this cleavage occurs already under regular conditions indicates that the process described here bases on an intrinsic property of the oligomer and is different from the star activity.

The 31P-NMR spectrum of the dodecamer d(GACGATATCGTC)

The resonances in the 31P-NMR spectrum of the dodecamer d(GACGATATCGTC) have been assigned by regiospecific labelling with oxygen-17. All 11 resonances are clearly resolved at 26 degrees C. Most noticeably, individual resonances of the dinucleoside phosphates d(CpG), d(TpC), d(GpA) and d(ApT) which occur more than once can clearly be distinguished. This indicates that the position of the phosphate group in the oligomer influences its 31P-NMR shift. This observation is in agreement with what has been found for the 31P-NMR spectra of d(CGCGAATTCGCG) [Ott, J. and Eckstein, F. (1985) Biochemistry 24] and d(GGAATTCC) [Connolly, B.A. and Eckstein, F. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 5523-5527]. In general, the chemical shift appears the more at higher field the more central the dinucleoside phosphate is located in the oligomer. Exceptions are the resonances of dinucleoside phosphates of the type 5'-PyPu-3' which appear at lower field than expected from this rule. A reasonable correlation between 31P-NMR chemical shifts and the sum function of the base plane roll angles derived from Calladine's rule [Calladine, C.R. (1982) J. Mol. Biol. 161, 343-352] exists.

Conformation, dynamics, and structural transitions of the TATA box region of self-complementary d[(C-G)n-T-A-T-A-(C-G)n] duplexes in solution

Structural and kinetic features of the TATA box located in the center of the alternating self-complementary d(C-G-C-G-T-A-T-A-C-G-C-G) duplex (TATA 12-mer) and d(C-G-C-G-C-G-T-A-T-A-C-G-C-G-C-G) duplex (TATA 16-mer) have been probed by high-resolution proton and phosphorus NMR spectroscopy in aqueous solution. The imino exchangeable Watson-Crick protons and the nonexchangeable base protons in the TATA box of the TATA 12-mer and TATA 16-mer duplexes have been assigned from intra and inter base pair nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) measurements. Imino proton line-width and hydrogen exchange saturation recovery measurements demonstrate that the dA X dT base pairs in the TATA box located in the center of the TATA 12-mer and TATA 16-mer duplexes are kinetically more labile than flanking dG X dC base pairs. The proton and phosphorus NMR parameters of the TATA 12-mer monitor a cooperative premelting transition in the TATA box prior to the onset of the melting transition to unstacked strands. Phosphorus NMR studies have been unable to detect any indication of a right-handed B DNA to a left-handed Z DNA transition for the TATA 12-mer duplex in saturated NaCl solution. By contrast, we do detect the onset of the B to Z transition for the TATA 16-mer in saturated NaCl solution. Proton and phosphorus NMR studies demonstrate formation of a loop conformation with chain reversal at the TATA segment for the TATA 12-mer and TATA 16-mer duplexes on lowering the DNA and counterion concentration. The imino protons (10-11 ppm) and phosphorus resonances (3.5-4.0 ppm; 4.5-5.0 ppm) of the loop segment fall in spectral windows well resolved from the corresponding markers in fully paired segments so tha it should be possible to identify loops in longer DNA helixes. The equilibrium between the loop and fully paired duplex conformations of the TATA 12-mer and TATA 16-mer is shifted toward the latter on addition of moderate salt.