N.m.r. assignments and temperature-dependent conformational transitions of a mutant trp operator-promoter in solution

High-resolution NMR structure of an AT-rich DNA sequence

We have determined, by proton NMR and complete relaxation matrix methods, the high-resolution structure of a DNA oligonucleotide in solution with nine contiguous AT base pairs. The stretch of AT pairs, TAATTATAA x TTATAATTA, is imbedded in a 27-nucleotide stem-and-loop construct, which is stabilized by terminal GC base pairs and an extraordinarily stable DNA loop GAA (Hirao et al., 1994, Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 576-582). The AT-rich sequence has three repeated TAA x TTA motifs, one in the reverse orientation. Comparison of the local conformations of the three motifs shows that the sequence context has a minor effect here: atomic RMSD between the three TAA x TTA fragments is 0.4-0.5 A, while each fragment is defined within the RMSD of 0.3-0.4 A. The AT-rich stem also contains a consensus sequence for the Pribnow box, TATAAT. The TpA, ApT, and TpT x ApA steps have characteristic local conformations, a combination of which determines a unique sequence-dependent pattern of minor groove width variation. All three TpA steps are locally bent in the direction compressing the major groove of DNA. These bends, however, compensate each other, because of their relative position in the sequence, so that the overall helical axis is essentially straight.

NMR evidence for base dynamics at all TpA steps in DNA

NMR evidence is presented indicating that the exceptional conformational dynamics found at TpA steps in DNA is general to all immediate sequence contexts. One easily tractable NMR parameter that is sensitive to TpA base dynamics is the resonance linewidth of the TpA adenine H2 proton. This resonance experiences a temperature-dependent broadening due to conformational dynamics. Unusual dynamics at TpA steps were originally observed in the sequence context (T)pTpTpApAp(A). We have since shown that the evidence for TpA dynamics persists when either the thymine preceding the TpA step or the adenine following the TpA step is preserved [McAteer et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 23, 3962-3966 (1995)]. Here, in order establish whether or not exceptional TpA dynamics occurs in all DNA sequence contexts, we investigated a series of DNA sequences of the form GCNaTANbNbTANaGC, where N=A,T,C,G. In this family of sequences, all 16 possible immediate sequence context environments of the form NaTANb were examined using 10 DNA sequences. Our NMR results show that the TpA adenine H2 resonance contains a temperature dependent excess linewidth indicative of dynamics in all 16 sequence context environments. By studying a complete set of sequence contexts, it was possible to recognize trends relating resonance parameters and sequence environment. For example, the magnitude of the maximum linewidth is largely determined by the identity of the nucleotide following the TpA step and the magnitude of the linewidth maximum is moderately correlated (r=0.56) with the temperature of the linewidth maximum. The physical basis for these correlations is discussed.

NMR study on the binding of d(GGAAATTTCC)2 with a positively charged pentacosapeptide

To obtain a better understanding of the electrostatic nature of protein-nucleic acid interactions, we have investigated the interaction of a double-stranded decamer d(GGAAATTTCC)2 with a synthetic arginine and lysine-rich pentacosapeptide (Pep25), using NMR and optical spectroscopy. The chemical shift data of the decamer under various experimental conditions show that the binding of Pep25 changes the conformation of the decamer in a different way, as compared to the conformational changes induced by a variation in temperature or ionic strength. The chemical shift results are interpreted in terms of ring current effects that emerge into a model for the conformational change, in which the double-stranded helix of the decamer undergoes a decrease of twist and rise to accommodate Pep25. The binding results indicate that the positively charged arginine and lysine side chains of Pep25 not only have a stabilising electrostatic interaction with the negatively charged backbone phosphates of d(GGAAATTTCC)2, but also that a stabilisation of the base pairs of d(GGAAATTTCC)2 by Pep25 takes place.

Hydration and solution structure of d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 and its complex with propamidine from NMR and molecular modelling

The hydration of the d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 duplex and its complex with a propamidine reporter ligand has been examined in aqueous solution by two-dimensional NMR at two spectrometer frequencies and three temperatures. Quantitative analysis of ROESY and NOESY cross-peaks showed effective correlation times of approximately 0.5 ns at 283 K for DNA-water interactions in the major groove. In some cases the sign of the NOE inverts on changing either the temperature or spectrometer frequency. Larger effective correlation times of approximately 1 ns were observed for water interactions with A5(H2) and A6(H2) atoms located in the minor groove. Interproton NOEs and changes in chemical shifts showed that propamidine binds in the minor groove 5'-AATTT region of the host duplex, but does not displace waters adjacent to either A5(H2) or A6(H2). In the complex, the effective correlation times of these waters increase more than two-fold, possibly as a result of stabilisation due to H-bonded interaction with the amidine groups of the ligand. Hydration of the bound molecule was also found, suggesting that water may contribute to the DNA binding process for bis(amidine) drugs. Structure refinement by a NOE-restrained dynamic annealing procedure revealed that ligand binding is non-centrosymmetric with respect to the duplex, in accordance with the energetically favoured 5'-ATT (= 5'-AAT) sites predicted by analytical molecular modelling. In particular, the bound propamidine spans 3-4 base pairs in the A6-T7-T8 tract and makes close H-bonded contacts with A(N3/O4) acceptors positioned close to the minor groove floor. The refined NMR structure for the DNA-propamidine complex is compared with that determined recently using X-ray crystallographic methods.

The effects of sequence context on base dynamics at TpA steps in DNA studied by NMR

Base dynamics, heretofore observed only at TpA steps in DNA, were investigated as a function of sequence context by NMR spectroscopy. The large amplitude conformational dynamics have been previously observed in TnAn segments where n > or = 2. In order to determine whether the dynamic characteristics occur in more general sequence contexts, we examined four self-complementary DNA sequences, [d(CTTTA-NATNTAAAG)2] (where N = A, C, T, G and N = complement of N). The anomalous broadening of the TpA adenine H2 resonance which is indicative of large amplitude base motion was observed in all nine unique four nucleotide contexts. Furthermore, all the adenine H2 resonances experienced a linewidth maximum as a function of temperature, which is a characteristic of the dynamic process. Interestingly, the temperature of the linewidth maximum varied with sequence indicating that the thermodynamics of TpA base dynamics are also sequence dependent. In one example, neither a T preceding nor an A trailing the TpA step was required for base dynamics. These results show that base dynamics, heretofore observed in only a few isolated sequences, occurs at all TpA steps which are either preceded or followed by a thymine or adenine, respectively, and may be characteristic of all TpA steps in DNA notwithstanding sequence context.

Conformational flexibility in DNA duplexes containing single G.G mismatches

Purine-purine mismatches can base-pair in a variety of configurations depending on solution conditions. The G.G mismatch, which also occurs in the G-quartet structure, has been shown by both x-ray crystallography and NMR to adopt G(anti).G(syn) mispairs, with very different hydrogen bonding patterns [Skelly, J., Edwards, K., Jenkins, T. C. & Neidle, S. (1993) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 90, 804-808; Cognet, J. A. H., Gabarro-Arpa, J., Le Bret, M., van der Marel, G. A. van Boom, J. H. & Fazakerley, G. V. (1991) Nucleic Acids. Res. 19, 6771-6779] while we have recently suggested the presence of weakly hydrogen-bonded G(anti).G(anti) pairs in solution [Borden, K. L. B., Jenkins, T. C., Skelly, J. V., Brown, T. & Lane, A. N. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 5411-5422]. Spectral overlap and additional exchange processes have made detailed structural analysis difficult in these mismatched oligomers. We have used NMR to characterise the conformations of four duplexes containing single G.G mismatches, including a nonamer d(CATCGGATG), two undecamers d(GCATTGAATGC) and d(CATGTGACGTG) that can each form a self-complementary duplex with a single G.G mispair in the centre, and the non-self-complementary d(GTAACGACATG).d(CATGTGGTTAC). The three self-complementary duplexes have a single set of NMR resonances, and all four duplexes show evidence of conformational exchange at the mismatch site. The N1H resonances of the mismatched G residues each integrate to two protons, ruling out the enol tautomer. They resonate between 10.5-10.7 ppm, far upfield of the Watson-Crick hydrogen-bonded GN1H and exchange readily with water protons. Intraresidue GH8-H1' NOE intensities are two-threefold larger for the mismatched G residues than in G.C base pairs, indicating the presence of syn conformations. NOE time courses for the self-complementary duplexes were consistent with an equimolar mixture of G(syn).G(anti) and G (anti).G(syn) states. By symmetry, these states must be interconverting at a rate that is fast on the chemical shift timescale. In the non-self-complementary undecamer, the NOE data indicated that the distinguishable mismatched G residues also spend a significant, but different, fraction of the time in both the syn and anti conformations. The rate constant for the syn/anti transition in the non-self-complementary undecamer was determined as approximately 14,000 s-1 at 303 K from rotating frame T1 measurements, and the apparent frequency difference was > 250 Hz. Calculations based on NOEs and coupling constants showed that the duplexes are overall in the B form.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Conformational properties of the -35 region of the trp promoter in solution: comparison of the wild-type sequence with an AT transversion

The majority of the 1H NMR resonances of the protons in a tetradecamer containing the -35 region of the trp promoter d(GCTGTTGACAATTA): d(TAATTGTCAACAGC) and in the TA transversion have been assigned. The conformational properties of the nucleotides have been determined and compared in the two duplexes. Analysis of spin-spin coupling and NOEs shows that all sugar puckers are in the south domain (i.e. near C2' endo) and the glycosidic torsion angles are anti (chi approximately 110 degrees). The NMR data are consistent with the duplex being in the B family of conformations. Significant differences in chemical shifts between the two molecules were observed only for nearest neighbours to the transversion site, suggesting the absence of long range conformational effects. This was confirmed by the similarity of coupling constants and NOEs. Other properties are also not greatly affected at positions more than two base pairs from the mutation site. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that unconstrained oligonucleotides are highly flexible, and can readily accommodate significant perturbations of the local structure, such as a transversion.

Conformational studies of hairpin sequences from the ColE1 cruciform

Inverted repeat sequences derived from the ColE1 cruciform were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV spectroscopy. It was shown that 15 different sequences exist as stable hairpin structures over a range of buffer conditions and DNA concentrations. Experiments with six oligomers (1-6) containing the native stem sequence and five base loops, found that the two hairpins with the wild-type loops (1-2) served as upper and lower bounds for the thermodynamic stability of all the other sequences. NMR experiments, including rotational correlation time measurements and NOESY spectra, were then performed on 1, the most stable hairpin sequence to begin to uncover a structural basis of its stability.

Determination of conformational transition rates in the trp promoter by 1H NMR rotating-frame T1 and cross-relaxation rate measurements

Rotating-frame relaxation measurements have been used in conjunction with spin-spin relaxation rate constants to investigate a conformational transition previously observed in the -10 region of the trp promoter d(CGTACTAGTTAACTAGTACG)2 (Lefèvre, Lane, Jardetzky 1987). The transition is localised to the sub-sequence TAAC, and is in fast exchange on the chemical shift time-scale. The rate constant for the exchange process has been determined from measurements of the rotating-frame relaxation rate constant as a function of the spin-lock field strength, and is approximately 5000 s-1 at 30 degrees C. Measurements have also been made as a function of temperature and in two different magnetic fields: the results are fully consistent with those expected for the exchange contribution in a two-site system. A similar transition has been observed in d(GTGATTGACAATTA).d(CACTAACTGTTAAT), which contains the -35 region of the trp promoter. This has been investigated in the same way, and has been found to undergo exchange at a faster rate under comparable conditions. In addition, the cross-relaxation rate constants for Ade C2H-Ade C2H pairs have been measured as a function of temperature, and these indicate that certain internuclear distances in YAAY subsequences increase with increasing temperature. These changes in distance are consistent with a flattening of propellor twist of the AT base-pairs. The occurrence of conformational transitions in YAAY subsequences depends on the flanking sequence.

H-NMR studies on d(GCTTAAGC)2 and its complex with berenil

Two-dimensional (2D) 1H-NMR spectroscopy has been used to analyze the structure of d(GCTTAAGC)2 and its interaction with berenil in solution. Nuclear Overhauser enhancement connectivities enabled sequential assignments of nearly all proton resonances in the self-complementary octamer duplex and demonstrated that the oligonucleotide is primarily in a B-type conformation. No major conformational changes were observed by the addition of berenil, but proton resonances of the two adenosine nucleotides shifted substantially. Intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects between berenil and the DNA duplex revealed that the drug binds via the minor groove of d(GCTTAAGC)2 in the A.T-base-pair region. At 18 degrees C the twofold symmetry of the duplex is preserved on berenil binding. However, strongly shifted proton resonances broadened significantly. A model is proposed for the berenil-d(GCTTAAGC)2 complex involving fast exchange of berenil between two equivalent symmetry-related binding sites, which span the 5'-TAA-3' region and are asymmetrically disposed with respect to the dyad axis of the duplex. These results are compared with previous studies on the berenil-d(GCAATTGC)2 complex.

Interaction of berenil with the EcoRI dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 in solution studied by NMR

The conformation of the EcoRI dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 has been examined in solution by 1H and 31P NMR. Spin-spin coupling constants and nuclear Overhauser (NOE) enhancement spectroscopy show that all deoxyriboses lie in the south domain, with a small admixture of the north conformation (0-20%). The time dependence of the nuclear Overhauser enhancements also reveals a relatively uniform conformation at the glycosidic bonds (average angle, chi = -114 degrees). The average helical twist is 36.5 degrees (9.8 base pairs per turn). Tilt angles are small (in the range 0 to -10 degrees), and roll angles are poorly determined. Unlike single-crystal X-ray studies of the same sequence, there is no evidence for asymmetry in the structure. Both the NOE intensities and 31P relaxation data imply conformational anomalies at the C3-G4/C9-G10 and the A5-A6/T7-T8 steps. Berenil binds in 1:1 stoichiometry to the dodecamer with high affinity (Kd = 1 microM at 298 K) and causes substantial changes in chemical shifts of the sugar protons of nucleotides Ado 5-Cyt 9 and of the H2 resonances of the two Ado residues. No significant asymmetry appears to be induced in the DNA conformation on binding, and there is no evidence for intercalation, although the binding site is not centrosymmetric. NOEs are observed between the aromatic protons of berenil and the H1' of both Thy 7 and Thy 8, as well as to Ado 5 and Ado 6 H2. These results firmly establish that berenil binds via the minor groove and closely approaches the nucleotides Ado 6, Thy 7, and Thy 8. On the basis of quantitative NOE spectroscopy and measurements of spin-spin coupling constants, changes in the conformations of the nucleotides are found to be small. Using the observed NOEs between the ligand and the DNA together with the derived glycosidic torsion angles, we have built models that satisfy all of the available solution data. The berenil molecule binds at the 5'-AAT (identical to 5'-ATT on the complementary strand) site such that (i) favorable hydrogen bonds are formed between the charged amidinium groups and the N3 atoms of Ado 6 and Ado 18 and (ii) the ligand is closely isohelical with the floor of the minor groove.

The solution conformations of a mutant trp operator determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy

The principal conformational features of the mutant trp operator [d(CGTACTGATTAATCAGTACG)2] have been determined by n.m.r. at different temperatures. The sugar puckers were determined from J-resolved spectroscopy and high-resolution homonuclear Hartmann-Hahn spectroscopic (HOHAHA) experiments. Extensive one-dimensional nuclear-Overhauser-enhancement (NOE) data sets were acquired at 25 degrees C using irradiation times of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 500 ms to generate sufficient NOE information to determine the individual nucleotide conformations, and place limits on the local helical parameters, using multi-spin least-squares fitting and searching in conformation space with the program NUCFIT [Lane (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1049, 189-204]. The conformations of the nucleotides are well determined, and show significant sequence-dependent variation. Pyrimidine residues on average have a wider range of sugar conformations and smaller glycosidic torsion angles than purine residues. The helical parameters are in general less well determined, though clear evidence was obtained for sequence-dependent variation of the helical twist. The overall mean fractional deviation of the calculated from the observed NOEs was 0.108. The conformations of the base-pairs TAAT are temperature-dependent [Lane (1989) Biochem. J. 259, 715-724]. NOESY spectra were recorded at 10, 25 and 40 degrees C, using mixing times inversely proportional to the overall tumbling time to allow changes in the conformation to be described. A more detailed analysis was made using one-dimensional NOEs collected for nucleotides involved in the conformational transitions. There are significant temperature-dependent changes in the conformations of the central base-pairs from T9 to T13 with the largest changes in the glycosidic torsion angle occurring for A11 and A12 (up to 30 degrees). The orientation of the base-pairs T9-A12:T10-A11 also changes, with an increase in the base-pair roll and an unwinding of the helix as the temperature is increased. The conformational changes are qualitatively similar to those observed in a related sequence (Lefèvre, Lane & Jardetzky (1988) Biochemistry 27, 1086-1094]. The conformation is also similar to the wild-type sequence and to that observed in the crystal state in the complex with the trp holorepressor. The similarity suggests that the mutation produces a poorer operator by virtue of removal of essential functional groups within the major groove.

Anisotropic rotation in nucleic acid fragments: significance for determination of structures from NMR data

Proton-proton relaxation rate constants depend on the angle between the internuclear vector and the principal axis of rotation in symmetric top molecules. It is possible to determine to rotational correlation times of the equivalent ellipsoid for DNA fragments from a knowledge of the axial ratio and the cross-relaxation rate constant for the cytosine H6-H5 vectors. The cross-relaxation rate constants for the cytosine H6-H5 vectors have been measured in the 14-base-pair sequence dGCTGTTGACAATTA.dTAATTGTCAACAGC at four temperatures. The results, along with literature data for DNA fragments ranging from 6 to 20 base pairs can be accounted for by a simple hydrodynamic equation based on the formalism of Woessner (1962). The measured cross-relaxation rate constant is independent of position in the sequence and is consistent with the absence of large amplitude internal motions on the Larmor time scale. All the data can be described by a simple hydrodynamic model, which accounts for the rotational anisotropy of the DNA fragments and allows the correlation time for end-over-end tumbling to be determined if the approximate rise per base pair is known. This is the correlation time that dominates the spectral density functions for internucleotide vectors and is significantly different from that calculated for a sphere of the same hydrodynamic volume for fragments containing more than about 14 base pairs. This method therefore allows NOE intensities used for structure calculation of nucleic acids to be treated more rigorously.

The determination of the conformational properties of nucleic acids in solution from NMR data

A program, NUCFIT, has been written for simulating the effects of conformational averaging on nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) intensities for the spin systems found in nucleic acids. Arbitrary structures can be generated, and the NOE time courses can be calculated for truncated one-dimensional NOEs, two-dimensional NOE and rotating frame NOE spectroscopy (NOESY and ROESY) experiments. Both isotropic and anisotropic molecular rotation can be treated, using Woessner's formalism (J. Chem. Phys. (1962) 37, 647-654). The effects of slow conformational averaging are simulated by taking population-weighted means of the conformations present. Rapid motions are allowed for by using order parameters which can be supplied by the user, or calculated for specific motional models using the formalism of Tropp (J. Chem. Phys. (1980) 72, 6035-6043). NOE time courses have been simulated for a wide variety of conformations and used to determine the quality of structure determinations using NMR data for nucleic acids. The program also allows grid-searching with least-squares fitting of structures to experimental data, including the effects of spin-diffusion, conformational averaging and rapid internal motions. The effects of variation of intra and internucleotide conformational parameters on NOE intensities has been systematically explored. It is found that (i) the conformation of nucleotides is well determined by realistic NOE data sets, (ii) some of the helical parameters, particularly the base pair roll, are poorly determined even for extensive, noise-free data sets, (iii) conformational averaging of the sugars by pseudorotation has at most second-order influence on the determination of other parameters and (iv) averaging about the glycosidic torsion bond also has, in most cases, an insignificant effect on the determination of the conformation of nucleotides.