Correlation of lac operator DNA imino proton exchange kinetics with its function

Self-Assembly of Designed Peptides with DNA to Accelerate the DNA Strand Displacement Process for Dynamic Regulation of DNAzymes

Toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement (TMSD) is a powerful tool for controlling DNA-based molecular reactions and devices. However, the slow kinetics of TMSD reactions often limit their efficiency and practical applications. Inspired by the chemical structures of natural DNA-operating enzymes (e.g., helicase), we designed lysine-rich peptides to self-assemble with DNA-based systems. Our approach allows for accelerating the TMSD reactions, even during multiple displacement events, enhancing their overall efficiency and utility. We found that the acceleration is dependent on the peptide's sequence, length, and concentration as well as the length of the DNA toehold domain. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the peptides promote toehold binding between the double-stranded target and the single-stranded invader, thereby facilitating strand displacement. Furthermore, we integrated our approach into a horseradish peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme, enabling the dynamic modulation of enzymatic functions on and off. We anticipate that the established acceleration of strand displacement reactions and the modulation of enzymatic activities offer enhanced functionality and control in the design of programmable DNA-based nanodevices.

Influence of 5-N-carboxamide modifications on the thermodynamic stability of oligonucleotides

We have recently shown that the incorporation of modified nucleotides such as 5-N-carboxamide-deoxyuridines into random nucleic acid libraries improves success rates in SELEX experiments and facilitates the identification of ligands with slow off-rates. Here we report the impact of these modifications on the thermodynamic stability of both duplexes and intramolecular ‘single-stranded’ structures. Within duplexes, large, hydrophobic naphthyl groups were destabilizing relative to the all natural DNA duplex, while the hydrophilic groups exhibited somewhat improved duplex stability. All of the significant changes in stability were driven by opposing contributions from the enthalpic and entropic terms. In contrast, both benzyl and naphthyl modifications stabilized intramolecular single-stranded structures relative to their natural DNA analogs, consistent with the notion that intramolecular folding allows formation of novel, stabilizing hydrophobic interactions. Imino proton NMR data provided evidence that elements of the folded structure form at temperatures well below the T_m, with a melting transition that is distinctly less cooperative when compared to duplex DNA. Although there are no data to suggest that the unmodified DNA sequences fold into structures similar to their modified analogs, this still represents clear evidence that these modifications impart thermodynamic stability to the folded structure not achievable with unmodified DNA.

Hypothesis: a biological role for germline transcription in the mechanism of V(D)J recombination--implications for initiation of allelic exclusion

The sequences that encode the antigen-binding sites of IgH and IgL chains - variable (V), diversity (D, H chain loci only) and joining (J) sequences - are configured as separate DNA segments at the germline level. Expression of an Ig molecule requires V(D)J assembly. Productive V(D)J recombination is monoallelic. How rearrangement is initiated differentially at maternal and paternal alleles is unclear. The products of recombination activating gene (RAG)1 and RAG2 mediate rearrangement by cleaving the DNA between an unrearranged gene segment and adjacent recombination signal sequences (RSS). It is proposed that supercoiling generated during germline transcription at Ig loci (which occurs concomitantly with rearrangement) is required at RSS for RAG1/2 recognition. Rearrangement might hence initiate sequentially at maternal and paternal alleles where deregulated germline transcription causes RAG1/2 recognition of RSS to become stochastic.

V(D)J recombination of chromosomally integrated, wild-type deletional and inversional substrates occur at similar frequencies with no preference for orientation

Efficient and correct recombination of V(D)J substrates results in the generation of antibodies. The RSS substrates are oriented in two directions with respect to each other: deletional and inversional. Deletional recombination results in the formation of the coding joint and excision of the intervening sequences. Inversional recombination retains all the genomic sequences and forms both a coding joint and a signal joint. A bias for deletional recombination has been characterized with specific loci in vivo and recapitulated in experiments using extrachromosomal substrates. We constructed retroviral substrates of RSS in the deletional and inversional orientation. We introduced the substrates into wild-type and scid pre-B cells and measured the frequency of functional recombination in addition to open/shut recombination. We also mutated the RSSs to determine whether mutated sequences influenced orientation bias. We show that pre-B cells recombine the wild-type substrates at a 1.6 ratio of deletion:inversion. Nonamer mutated substrates recombined with a deletional bias whereas heptamer mutated substrates recombined with an inversional bias. A spacer length mutation and drastic mutations in the RSS abolish all recombination. These results suggest that there is no orientation bias with wild-type RSSs but that orientation bias occurs when RSSs are mutated.

Structure of DNA sequence d-TGATCA by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics

The 5' d-TpG 3' element is a part of DNA sequences involved in regulation of gene expression and is also a site for intercalation of several anticancer drugs. Solution conformation of DNA duplex d-TGATCA containing this element has been investigated by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Using a total of 12 torsional angles and 121 distance constraints, structural refinement has been carried out by restrained molecular dynamics (rMDs) in vacuum up to 100 ps. The structure is characterized by a large positive roll at TpG/CpA base pair step and large negative propeller twist for AT and TA base pairs. The backbone torsional angle, gamma(O5'-C5'-C4'-C3'), of T1 residue adopts a trans-conformation which is corroborated by short intra nucleotide T1H6-T1H5' (3.7A) distance in nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) spectra while the backbone torsional angle, beta(P-O5'-C5'-C4'), exists in trans as well as gauche state for T1 and C5 residues. There is evidence of significant flexibility of the sugar-phosphate backbone with rapid inter-conversion between two different conformers at TpG/CpA base pair step. The base sequence dependent variations and local structural heterogeneity have important implications in specific recognition of DNA by ligands.

V(D)J recombination: RAG proteins, repair factors, and regulation

V(D)J recombination is the specialized DNA rearrangement used by cells of the immune system to assemble immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes from the preexisting gene segments. Because there is a large choice of segments to join, this process accounts for much of the diversity of the immune response. Recombination is initiated by the lymphoid-specific RAG1 and RAG2 proteins, which cooperate to make double-strand breaks at specific recognition sequences (recombination signal sequences, RSSs). The neighboring coding DNA is converted to a hairpin during breakage. Broken ends are then processed and joined with the help of several factors also involved in repair of radiation-damaged DNA, including the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and the Ku, Artemis, DNA ligase IV, and Xrcc4 proteins, and possibly histone H2AX and the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 complex. There may be other factors not yet known. V(D)J recombination is strongly regulated by limiting access to RSS sites within chromatin, so that particular sites are available only in certain cell types and developmental stages. The roles of enhancers, histone acetylation, and chromatin remodeling factors in controlling accessibility are discussed. The RAG proteins are also capable of transposing RSS-ended fragments into new DNA sites. This transposition helps to explain the mechanism of RAG action and supports earlier proposals that V(D)J recombination evolved from an ancient mobile DNA element.

Solution structure of an A-tract DNA bend

The solution structure of a DNA dodecamer d(GGCAAAAAACGG)/d(CCGTTTTTTGCC) containing an A-tract has been determined by NMR spectroscopy with residual dipolar couplings. The structure shows an overall helix axis bend of 19 degrees in a geometry consistent with solution and gel electrophoresis experiments. Fourteen degrees of the bending occurs in the GC regions flanking the A-tract. The remaining 5 degrees is spread evenly over its six AT base-pairs. The A-tract is characterized by decreasing minor groove width from the 5' to the 3' direction along the A strand. This is a result of propeller twist in the AT pairs and the increasing negative inclination of the adenine bases at the 3' side of the run of adenine bases. The four central thymine bases all have negative inclination throughout the A-tract with an average value of -6.1 degrees. Although this negative inclination makes the geometry of the A-tract different from all X-ray structures, the proton on N6 of adenine and the O4 of thymine one step down the helix are within distance to form bifurcated hydrogen bonds. The 5' bend of 4 degrees occurs at the junction between the GC flank and the A-tract through a combination of tilt and roll. The larger 3' bend, 10 degrees, occurs in two base steps: the first composed of tilt, -4.1 degrees, and the second a combination of tilt, -4.2 degrees, and roll, 6.0 degrees. This second step is a direct consequence of the change in inclination between an adjacent cytosine base, which has an inclination of -12 degrees, and the next base, a guanine, which has 3 degrees inclination. This bend is a combination of tilt and roll. The large change in inclination allows the formation of a hydrogen bond between the protons of N4 of the 3' cytosine and the O6 of the next 3' base, a guanine, stabilizing the roll component in the bend. These structural features differ from existing models for A-tract bends.For comparison, we also determined the structure of the control sequence, d(GGCAAGAAACGG)/d(CCGTTTCTTGCC), with an AT to GC transition in the center of the A-tract. This structure has no negative inclination in most of the bases within the A-tract, resulting in a bend of only 9 degrees. When ligated in phase, the control sequence has nearly normal mobility in gel electrophoresis experiments.

Detection of RAG protein-V(D)J recombination signal interactions near the site of DNA cleavage by UV cross-linking

V(D)J recombination is initiated by double-strand cleavage at recombination signal sequences (RSSs). DNA cleavage is mediated by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins. Recent experiments describing RAG protein-RSS complexes, while defining the interaction of RAG1 with the nonamer, have not assigned contacts immediately adjacent to the site of DNA cleavage to either RAG polypeptide. Here we use UV cross-linking to define sequence- and site-specific interactions between RAG1 protein and both the heptamer element of the RSS and the coding flank DNA. Hence, RAG1-DNA contacts span the site of cleavage. We also detect cross-linking of RAG2 protein to some of the same nucleotides that cross-link to RAG1, indicating that, in the binding complex, both RAG proteins are in close proximity to the site of cleavage. These results suggest how the heptamer element, the recognition surface essential for DNA cleavage, is recognized by the RAG proteins and have implications for the stoichiometry and active site organization of the RAG1-RAG2-RSS complex.

Distinct roles of RAG1 and RAG2 in binding the V(D)J recombination signal sequences

The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins initiate V(D)J recombination by introducing double-strand breaks at the border between a recombination signal sequence (RSS) and a coding segment. To understand the distinct functions of RAG1 and RAG2 in signal recognition, we have compared the DNA binding activities of RAG1 alone and RAG1 plus RAG2 by gel retardation and footprinting analyses. RAG1 exhibits only a three- to fivefold preference for binding DNA containing an RSS over random sequence DNA. Although direct binding of RAG2 by itself was not detected, the presence of both RAG1 and RAG2 results in the formation of a RAG1-RAG2-DNA complex which is more stable and more specific than the RAG1-DNA complex and is active in V(D)J cleavage. These results suggest that biologically effective discrimination between an RSS and nonspecific sequences requires both RAG1 and RAG2. Unlike the binding of RAG1 plus RAG2, RAG1 can bind to DNA in the absence of a divalent metal ion and does not require the presence of coding flank sequence. Footprinting of the RAG1-RAG2 complex with 1, 10-phenanthroline-copper and dimethyl sulfate protection reveal that both the heptamer and the nonamer are involved. The nonamer is protected, with extensive protein contacts within the minor groove. Conversely, the heptamer is rendered more accessible to chemical attack, suggesting that binding of RAG1 plus RAG2 distorts the DNA near the coding/signal border.

Cruciform structures and functions

In this paper, a structure-function analysis of B-DNA self-fitting is reviewed in the light of recent oligonucleotide crystal structures. Their crystal packings provided a high-resolution view of B-DNA helices closely and specifically fitted by groove-backbone interaction, a natural and biologically relevant manner to assemble B-DNA helices. In revealing that new properties of the DNA molecule emerge during condensation, these crystallographic studies have pointed to the biological importance of DNA—DNA interactions.

DNA sequence and structure requirements for cleavage of V(D)J recombination signal sequences

Purified RAG1 and RAG2 proteins can cleave DNA at V(D)J recombination signals. In dissecting the DNA sequence and structural requirements for cleavage, we find that the heptamer and nonamer motifs of the recombination signal sequence can independently direct both steps of the cleavage reaction. Proper helical spacing between these two elements greatly enhances the efficiency of cleavage, whereas improper spacing can lead to interference between the two elements. The signal sequences are surprisingly tolerant of structural variation and function efficiently when nicks, gaps, and mismatched bases are introduced or even when the signal sequence is completely single stranded. Sequence alterations that facilitate unpairing of the bases at the signal/coding border activate the cleavage reaction, suggesting that DNA distortion is critical for V(D)J recombination.

Distinct DNA sequence and structure requirements for the two steps of V(D)J recombination signal cleavage

Cleavage of V(D)J recombination signals by purified RAG1 and RAG2 proteins permits the dissection of DNA structure and sequence requirements. The two recognition elements of a signal (nonamer and heptamer) are used differently, and their cooperation depends on correct helical phasing. The nonamer is most important for initial binding, while efficient nicking and hairpin formation require the heptamer sequence. Both nicking and hairpin formation are remarkably tolerant of variations in DNA structure. Certain flanking sequences inhibit hairpin formation, but this can be bypassed by base unpairing, and even a completely single-stranded signal sequence is well utilized. We suggest that DNA unpairing around the signal-coding border is essential for the initiation of V(D)J combination.

Intercalation, DNA kinking, and the control of transcription

Biological processes involved in the control and regulation of transcription are dependent on protein-induced distortions in DNA structure that enhance the recruitment of proteins to their specific DNA targets. This function is often accomplished by accessory factors that bind sequence specifically and locally bend or kink the DNA. The recent determination of the three-dimensional structures of several protein-DNA complexes, involving proteins that perform such architectural tasks, brings to light a common theme of side chain intercalation as a mechanism capable of driving the deformation of the DNA helix. The protein scaffolds orienting the intercalating side chain (or side chains) are structurally diverse, presently comprising four distinct topologies that can accomplish the same task. The intercalating side chain (or side chains), however, is exclusively hydrophobic. Intercalation can either kink or bend the DNA, unstacking one or more adjacent base pairs and locally unwinding the DNA over as much as a full turn of helix. Despite these distortions, the return to B-DNA helical parameters generally occurs within the adjacent half-turns of DNA.

Effect of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranosid induction of the lac operon on the specificity of spontaneous and doxorubicin-induced mutations in Escherichia coli

Previous studies of doxorubicin-induced mutations employing F' lacl/lacO as an endogenous gene target have focused on properties of large deletions with 3' endpoints residing in the lacO region of the target gene. This study considers the influence of Lac repressor binding on the distribution of these deletions. Results of the DNA sequence level analysis of spontaneous and doxorubicin-induced i-d and lacO mutations in Escherichia coli uvrB- are reported for mutants isolated under conditions where Lac repression is relieved by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG; an inducer that prevents repressor binding to lacO). The location of deletions isolated from doxorubicin-treated cultures in the presence and absence of IPTG suggests that doxorubicin preferentially focuses deletion endpoints adjacent to its binding sites in lacO and that the distribution of these deletion endpoints is not modulated by Lac repressor binding. In contrast, spontaneous deletion endpoints are preferentially clustered in the loop away from the palindromic sequences under conditions of repression. However, when the Lac repressor/lacO binding complex is dissociated by IPTG, the spontaneous 3'-deletion endpoints distribute proportionally between the putative stem and loop of the lacO palindrome. The single most striking effect of IPTG induction of the Lac operon was elimination of a "hot spot" for T:A-->C:G transitions at position +6 in lacO. This base substitution "hot spot," which accounted for 17.6% of total doxorubicin-induced mutants and 16.4% of spontaneous mutants in repressed bacterial cultures, accounted for approximately 1% of total mutations in similar experiments carried out in the presence of IPTG. A large number of mutations at the +6 position are induced only by doxorubicin in the absence of IPTG, however, suggesting that both doxorubicin-induced and spontaneous mutation at this transition "hot spot" are mediated by Lac repressor binding to lacO.

Sequence dependence of base-pair opening in a DNA dodecamer containing the CACA/GTGT sequence motif

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to characterize the kinetics and energetics of base-pair opening in two self-complementary DNA dodecamer duplexes: [d(CGCACATGTGCG)]2 and [d(CGCAGATCTGCG)]2. The first dodecamer contains two symmetrical CACA/GTGT motifs; in the second dodecamer, each motif is interrupted by a change of the central C.G base pair to a G.C base pair. The opening rates and the equilibrium constants for formation of the open state of each base pair are obtained from the dependence of the imino proton exchange rates on the concentration of ammonia catalyst. The results indicate that the opening rates of the central three base pairs in the CACA/GTGT motif are 3-8-fold larger than the corresponding ones in the CAGA/GTCT sequence. The activation enthalpies and entropies, and the standard enthalpy and entropy changes for formation of the open state, are obtained from the temperature dependence of the opening rates and equilibrium constants, respectively. The results reveal that enthalpy/entropy compensation exists, for all base pairs in both dodecamers, in activation as well as in the equilibria between closed and open states. As a result, the opening rates and equilibrium constants for opening are maintained, in both dodecamers, within a relatively narrow range of values. Nevertheless, large sequence-induced variations are observed for the activation enthalpies and the standard enthalpy changes for opening. The A.T base pair located between the C.G base pairs in the CACA/GTGT motif has a negative enthalpy change for formation of the activated state during opening. This is the first case in which a negative activation enthalpy is observed for opening of a Watson-Crick base pair in DNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Solution structure of the octamer motif in immunoglobulin genes via restrained molecular dynamics calculations

The solution structure of the DNA decamer d(CATTTGCATC)-d(GATGCAAATG), comprising the octamer motif of immunoglobulin genes, is determined by restrained molecular dynamics (rMD) simulations. The restraint data set includes interproton distances and torsion angles for the deoxyribose sugar ring which were previously obtained by a complete relaxation matrix analysis of the two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser enhancement (2D NOE) intensities and by the quantitative simulation of cross-peaks in double-quantum-filtered correlated (2QF-COSY) spectra. The influence of torsion angles and the number of experimental distance restraints on the structural refinement has been systematically examined. Omitting part of the experimental NOE-derived distances results in reduced restraint violations and lower R factors but impairs structural convergence in the rMD refinement. Eight separate restrained molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for 20 ps each, starting from either energy-minimized A- or B-DNA. Mutual atomic root-mean-square (rms) differences among the refined structures are well below 1 A and comparable to the rms fluctuations of the atoms about their average position, indicating convergence to essentially identical structures. The average refined structure was subjected to an additional 100 ps of rMD simulations and analyzed in terms of average torsion angles and helical parameters. The B-type duplex exhibits clear sequence-dependent variations in its geometry with a narrow minor groove at the T3.A3 tract and a large positive roll at the subsequent TG.CA step. This is accompanied by a noticeable bend of the global helix axis into the major groove. There is also evidence of significant flexibility of the sugar-phosphate backbone with rapid interconversion among different conformers.

Studies of DNA bending and flexibility using gel electrophoresis

Gel electrophoretic methods have become established as primary tools in the study and elucidation of sequence-directed curvature both in free DNA and in the operator DNA of several site-specific nucleoprotein complexes. Results using them have been generally consistent with physical methods sensitive to DNA structure and conformation in those instances where direct comparisons can be made, and in a number of cases, gel methods have provided unique information not presently available from other techniques. Two basic strategies have been used: one based upon anomalous gel mobility effects; and a second based upon cyclization properties of curved DNA. Within each of these categories, various approaches have been used, some of which can lead, in favorable cases, to quantitative estimation of bending angles. In this review, the various gel-based methods that have been used to date are critically discussed and the qualitative and quantitative information that can be obtained from them is evaluated. A number of possible structural models for DNA curvature are described and a distinction is drawn between static or fixed bending and bending due to anisotropic flexibility at specific sequence loci. The importance and roles of gel electrophoretic methods in providing experimental approaches to this question are discussed. It is suggested that both static curvature and anisotropic flexibility in operator DNA may provide much of the basis for indirect readout of sequence information by specific site-binding regulatory proteins.

CA runs increase DNA flexibility in the complex of lambda Cro protein with the OR3 site

The alternating pyrimidine-purine elements CA, CAC, and CACA are anisotropically flexible, as deduced from gel circularization assays on point mutations and single-base mismatches in the OR3 site of lambda phage alone and in the specific complex with the Cro protein. These sequences evidently promote DNA bending in the specific binding region of the complex and may also facilitate overwinding in the central nonbinding region. Effects for CACA are exceptionally large and suggest that an alternative DNA structure may occur in this element.

Transcriptional enhancer related DNA sequences: anomalous 1H NMR NOE crosspeaks

A dynamic heterogeneity which correlates with the function of the operator DNA in the lactose operon of E. coli. was previously observed (1) as a local minimum in the thymine imino proton T1 centered at a GTG/C-CAC sequence. Since this triplet occurs frequently in DNA regulatory regions, it was proposed that these sequences may be part of a structural element for specific protein interaction. We examine here three additional biologically significant 17 base pair duplexes containing GTG/CAC triplets: (1) a sequence from the mouse heavy chain immunoglobulin enhancer, (2) a sequence from the critical core of the Simian Virus 40 (SV40) enhancer, and (3) a sequence from pBR322 plasmid used as control for experiments with the SV40 DNA sequences. The 1H NMR resonance assignment for nearly all the nonexchangeable protons for both eukaryotic enhancer duplexes with the exception of the H5'/H5" protons was accomplished to use for structural analysis of these duplexes. The data presented show several NOE's associated with the GTG/CAC triplets which suggest structural variation from uniform B-DNA. In addition, anomalous broad crosspeaks for the fixed thymine methyl to its own H6 proton in combination with the imino proton kinetics associated with these triplets reinforces the original observation of a sequence dependent dynamic variation.

Base-pairing shift in the major groove of (CA)n tracts by B-DNA crystal structures

the crystal packing of the B-DNA dodecamer d(ACCG-GCGCCACA).d(TGTGGCGCCGGT) is characterized by the reciprocal fit of double helices with specific base-backbone interactions in the major groove. Cooling the crystals below -10 degrees C stabilizes a new conformational state with a long-range sequence-dependent one-step shift in the major-groove base pairing. The tilt of the bases leads to the disruption of the Watson-Crick pairing in the major groove and to the formation of interactions with the 5' neighbour of their complement. This alteration propagates along the helical axis over more than half a turn. As a result, the molecular structure is normal when seen from the minor groove side and mismatched in the major groove. Comparison with a parent isomorphous dodecamer structure corresponding to the codon 10-13 of the c-Ha-ras proto-oncogene show that this new structural feature is sequence dependent and clearly favoured by (CA)n tracts. As(CA)n tracts of DNA are involved both in recombination and in transcription, this new recognition pattern should be considered in the analysis of the various processes involving the reading of the genetic information.

Specificity of recA441-mediated (tif-1) mutational events

To investigate the impact of SOS induction on the distribution of spontaneous mutation, 111 recA441-mediated mutations were characterized at the DNA sequence level in the lacI gene of Escherichia coli. A 2.6-fold enhancement in lacI- mutation frequency was observed after induction of the SOS system in the absence of mutagenic treatment, and specific classes of mutational events were induced. G:C----C:G, G:C----T:A and A:T----T:A transversion events were specifically enhanced after SOS induction. A preferential 5'-Y-Purine-3' neighbouring base specificity for these transversion events is reported here (normalised for mutation of the purine residue). In addition, a preference for transversion events at 5'-C/GTGG-3' sequences is also observed. Fifty events were recovered at the lacI "frameshift hotspot site" and were equally represented by 4 bp addition and deletion events. This 1:1 ratio deviates significantly from the 4:1 distribution characteristic of spontaneous frameshift mutation in the RecA+ background and is a consequence of the fourfold induction of the (-)4 event. This abberrant distribution was confirmed by oligomeric probing of 474 independent recA441-mediated spontaneous lacI- mutations.

Curved DNA without A-A: experimental estimation of all 16 DNA wedge angles

The principal sequence feature responsible for intrinsic DNA curvature is generally assumed to be runs of adenines. However, according to the wedge model of DNA curvature, each dinucleotide step is associated with a characteristic deflection of the local helix axis. Thus, an important test of a more general view of sequence-dependent DNA curvature is whether sequence elements other than A-A cause the DNA axis to deflect. To address this question, we have applied the wedge model to a large body of experimental data. The axial path of DNA can be described at each step by three Eulerian angles: the helical twist, the deflection angle (wedge angle), and the direction of the deflection. Circularization and gel electrophoretic mobility data on 54 synthetic DNA fragments, both from other laboratories and from our own, were used to compare the theoretical predictions of the wedge model with experiment. By minimizing misfit between calculated and observed DNA curvature, we have found that the stacks AG/CT, CG/CG, GA/TC, and GC/GC, in addition to AA/TT, have large wedge values. We have also synthesized seven sequences without AA/TT elements but with these other wedges correctly phased to cause appreciable predicted curvature. All appear curved as demonstrated by anomalous gel mobilities. The full set of 16 roll and tilt wedge angles is estimated and, together with the known 10 helical twists, these allow prediction of the general sequence-dependent trajectory of the DNA axis.

Sequence-dependent kinks induced in curved DNA

In certain curved DNA fragments without AA dinucleotides, the gel retardation anomaly associated with curvature passes through a maximum with fragment length, indicating length (and electric field) dependent structural transitions in the DNA. We suggest that thermally induced stereochemical kinks in DNA are stabilized in the gel, thus relieving the effects of curvature. These kinks are shown to occur specifically at CA/TG and TA/TA stacks. Other physical and biological evidence points to frequent structural dislocations at CA and TA steps. These reversible sequence dependent kinks may therefore represent a novel class of structural protein-DNA recognition elements.

CAP binding sites reveal pyrimidine-purine pattern characteristic of DNA bending

To investigate the intrinsic bending of DNA at sites where proteins bind, we analyzed catabolite gene activator protein (CAP) binding sites and various operators from the viewpoint of DNA bending flexibility. Theoretical conformational analysis. DNase I digestion and x-ray crystallography data indicate that bending of B-DNA is highly anisotropic and sequence-dependent. Certain dimers prefer to bend into the major groove ("major-philic") and others prefer to bend into the minor groove ("minor-philic" dimers). From these data we considered TA, CG, CA:TG and GG:CC as major-philic dimers and AT,AA:TT and GT:AC as minor-philic ones. Analysis of 31 CAP binding sites has identified strong major-philic tendencies 5-7 base pairs (bp) away from the center. In addition, we found minor-philic poly-A tracts extending 4-5 bp away from the proposed major-philic bends. Finally, to analyze the central regions we followed the lead of Shumilov and classified the DNA sites by their spacer lengths [V.Y. Shumilov, Mol. Biol. (Mosk) 21, 168-187 (1987)]. In this way, we identified two subsets of CAP binding sites: one with 6 bp between the TGTGA:TCACA consensus boxes (N6-set) and one with 8 central bp (N8-set). We discovered that the dimer at the center of an N6-set site was usually major-philic, whereas at the center of an N8-set site more often minor-philic. Analysis of phages 434, P22 lambda and trp operators revealed similar results. In conclusion, our data show that CAP binding sites have major-philic and minor-philic dimers at specific positions; the location of these dimers may facilitate wrapping of DNA around CAP. A similar pattern is seen in nucleosomes.

T cell receptor beta gene has two downstream DNase I hypersensitive regions. Possible mechanisms of tissue- and stage-specific gene regulation

Two DNase I-hypersensitive regions were identified downstream of the TCR gene constant region. One of these regions is located at the site of a putative enhancer element and was observed only in T cell lines and not in cell lines derived from other tissues. The other DNase-hypersensitive region was also detected only in T cell lines but only in those expressing TCR-beta RNA. Thus, the first region is probably tissue specific, while the second region is probably tissue and stage specific. The DNA sequence of the second DNase I-hypersensitive region revealed several stretches of nucleotides that are characteristic of consensus sequences for regulatory elements. These results, together with the observations in transgenic mice that indicate a requirement for two distinct regions for optimal TCR gene expression, suggest the presence of at least two regulatory regions downstream of the C-beta-2 region; one is an enhancer region and the other is a transcriptionally related regulatory region. The tissue/stage specificity of these DNase I-hypersensitive regions supports the notion that changes in chromatin structure control tissue-specific gene expression.

Mechanisms of mutagenesis in the Escherichia coli mutator mutD5: role of DNA mismatch repair

To investigate the mechanisms of spontaneous mutation in the Escherichia coli mutD5 mutator strain, 502 mutations generated in this strain in the N-terminal part of the lacI gene were sequenced (i-d mutations). Since the mutator strength of this strain depends on the medium in which it grows, mutations were analyzed in both minimal medium (moderate mutator activity) and rich medium (high mutator activity). In either case, 95% of all mutations were base substitutions and 5% were single-base deletions. However, the nature and site distribution of the base substitutions differed dramatically for the two conditions. In minimal medium (mutation frequency, 480-fold above background), a majority (62%) were transversions, notably A.T----T.A at three 5'-GTGG-3' sequences. Most (64%) of the transitions under this condition occurred at specific sequences that are suggestive of a "dislocation" type of mutagenesis. In rich medium (mutation frequency, 37,000-fold above background), 90% of the base substitutions were transitions. These observations suggest that different modes of mutagenesis operate under the two conditions. mutD5 cells have been reported to be defective in exonucleolytic proofreading during DNA replication. The present data suggest that mutD cells in rich medium also suffer a defect in mutHLS-encoded mismatch correction. This hypothesis was confirmed by the direct measurement of mismatch repair in mutD5 cells by transfection of M13mp2 heteroduplex DNA.

The 5'-CA DNA-sequence preference of daunomycin

The DNA-sequence specificity of daunomycin was investigated by DNase I footprinting and an E. coli RNA polymerase transcription-inhibition assay. The 5'-CA sequence was identified as being the highest affinity binding site, although other modest affinity (5'-GC, CG, CT, TC, AC) and poor affinity sites (5'-AA, AT, TA) were also observed. The preference of daunomycin for 5'-CA nucleotide sequence suggests that its biological activity may arise from association with the 5'-CA-containing sequences thought to be associated with genetic regulatory elements in eukaryotes.

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.

DNase I hypersensitivity and expression of the Shrunken-1 gene of maize

The local chromatin structure of the Shrunken-1 (Sh) gene of maize was probed by analyzing DNase I hypersensitivity. Sh encodes the gene for sucrose synthetase, a major starch biosynthetic enzyme, which is maximally expressed in the endosperm during seed maturation. In addition to general DNase I sensitivity, specific DNase I hypersensitive sites were identified in endosperm chromatin that mapped near the 5' end of the Sh gene. The pattern of hypersensitive sites and their relative sensitivity were altered in other non-dormant tissues that produce little or no enzyme. However, some changes in chromatin structure appear to be independent of Sh gene expression and may reflect general alterations associated with plant development. The chromatin structure of several sh mutations, induced by Ds controlling element insertions, was also analyzed. Although the insertions perturbed expression of the gene, there were no notable effects on local chromatin structure.

DNA sequence analysis of spontaneous mutation in a PolA1 strain of Escherichia coli indicates sequence-specific effects

The sequences of a collection of 261 spontaneous lacI- mutants recovered in a PolA- strain of Escherichia coli have indicated an increase in the frequency of most classes of mutation in this strain. Among base substitutions in lacI, a preference for transversions over transitions was observed. In addition, a single transition in the lac operator was enhanced 8-fold. More significantly, of 18 frameshifts, 12 occurred adjacent to a 5'-GTGG-3' sequence. Likewise, 15 of 24 deletions and 2 of 10 duplications had 5'-GTGG-3' sequences at one or both endpoints. We speculate that the prevalence of mutations at these specific sequences reflects the persistence of strand discontinuities that enhance the opportunity for mutagenic mishaps. Further, 5'-GTGG-3' sequences apparently represent sites where DNA polymerase I is involved in some aspect of DNA metabolism. These results strengthen the view that DNA context contributes an important component to spontaneous mutagenesis and indicate an anti-mutagenic role for DNA polymerase I.

NMR studies of backbone-alkylated DNA: duplex stability, absolute stereochemistry, and chemical shift anomalies of prototypal isopropyl phosphotriester modified octanucleotides, (Rp,Rp)- and (Sp,Sp)-(d-[GGA(iPr)ATTCC])2 and -(d-[GGAA(iPr)TTCC])2

The DNA octamer (d-[GGAATTCC])2 and four alkylated analogues, (Rp)-(d-[GGA(iPr)ATTCC])2, (Sp)-(d-[GGA(iPr)ATTCC])2, (Rp)-(d-[GGAA(iPr)TTCC])2, and (Sp)-(d-[GGAA(iPr)TTCC])2 have been examined using 1H and 31PNMR spectroscopies. Duplex stability, as monitored by both NMR and optical measurements, is shown to be a function of both site and stereochemistry of the phosphotriester moiety. Chemical shift changes relative to the native octamer indicate that there are long-range perturbations in the isopropylated molecules. 1HNMR is shown to be a general means by which stereochemistry at phosphorous can be determined.

Nucleotide quartets in the vicinity of eukaryotic transcriptional initiation sites: some DNA and chromatin structural implications

Examination of all mammalian, nonmammalian vertebrate, and invertebrate genomic sequences present in the GenBank data shows a striking distribution of the G + C (A + T) content. It has been known for a few decades that the G + C content in higher organisms averages 42%. The average of the sequenced genomic regions is significantly higher, with a distinct peak near the transcription initiation site. This distribution, as well as the overall A + T genomic incidence may be directly related to DNA geometry. Specific A-T sequences may facilitate DNA curving, allowing more tight packaging of chromatin in eukaryotic genomes. To examine further which particular oligomers may potentially contribute to recognition of transcription initiation sites, an extensive search was instituted for detecting recurrences of particular oligonucleotides in the regions surrounding these sites. Accordingly, the analyzed mammalian genomic sequences have been scanned for the occurrences of each of the 256 quartets. The CAAT box components yield moderate peaks. As expected, the TATA box is much more pronounced, though the ATAA sequence yields a more striking peak than the TATA. Tetranucleotides containing solely A + T are relatively rare downstream from coding regions. Upstream, their level is low except for the distinct peaks; the level of A4 is very high upstream. All significant signals are enumerated. Of the G + C-rich quartets, CCCC and AGGG exhibit large peaks near transcription initiation sites. These may produce straight DNA segments.

Multiple nuclear proteins bind upstream sequences in the promotor region of a T-cell receptor beta-chain variable-region gene: evidence for tissue specificity

DNA-nuclear protein binding interactions were examined in the promoter region of a representative T-cell receptor Ti beta-chain variable-region gene by means of electrophoretic mobility-shift and DNase I-protection analysis. Within 175 bases upstream of the transcription initiation site, four protected regions ("footprints") were identified on the coding strand, at nucleotides -46 to -68 (I), -72 to -92 (II), -113 to -134 (III), and -136 to -175 (IV). Nuclear proteins (0.6 M NaCl fraction from a heparin-Sepharose column chromatography of nuclear extracts) of a variety of cell types produced footprints I, III, and IV and a fifth footprint (beyond nucleotide -200). In contrast, footprint II was produced only by T-cell extracts, although nuclear extracts of a transformed B-lymphoblastoid line produced a partial footprint in this region. Furthermore, footprint analysis of the noncoding strand showed that a continuous region of protection corresponding to the entire region of footprints I and II was generated, along with a DNase I-hypersensitive site, by nuclear proteins derived from T cells but not other cell types. Footprint I has the sequence structure of many well-defined protein-DNA binding sites. Nucleotide sequences in the region of footprint II bore no homology to known sequences, whereas those in the areas of footprints III and IV were similar to motifs within immunoglobulin and other enhancers. These findings may have implications for the tissue specificity of human Ti beta-chain gene transcription.

Characterization of mutational specificity within the lacI gene for a mutD5 mutator strain of Escherichia coli defective in 3'----5' exonuclease (proofreading) activity

The mutD (dnaQ) gene of Escherichia coli codes for the epsilon subunit of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme which is involved in 3'----5' exonuclease proofreading activity. We determined the mutational specificity of the mutator allele, mutD5, in the lacI gene of E. coli. The mutD5 mutation preferentially produces single base substitutions as judged from the enhanced fraction of lacI nonsense mutations and the spectrum of sequenced dominant lacI (lacId) and constitutive lacO (lacOc) mutations which were predominantly (69/71) single nucleotide substitutions. The distribution of amber lacI and sequenced lacId mutations revealed that transitions occur more frequently than transversions. A . T----G . C and G . C----A . T transitions were equally frequent and, with one major exception, evenly distributed among numerous sites. Among the transversions, A . T----T . A events were the most common, A . T----C . G substitutions were rare, and G . C----C . G changes were not detected. Transversions were unequally distributed among a limited number of sites with obvious hotspots. All 11 sequenced transversions had a consensus neighboring sequence of 5'-C-C-(mutated G or A)-C-3'. Although no large deletions or complex mutational events were recovered, sequencing revealed that mutD5 induced single nucleotide deletions within consecutive G X C sequences. An extraordinary A . T----G . C transition hotspot occurred at nucleotide position +6 in the lac operator region; the mutD5 mutation frequency of this single base pair was calculated to be 1.2 X 10(-3).

TGTG, G clustering and other signals near non-mammalian vertebrate mRNA 3' termini: some implications

Analysis of non-mammalian vertebrate DNA sequences in the 500 nucleotides preceding and 200 nucleotides following mRNA 3' termini yields some distinct signals. In addition to the well known AATAAA sequence, TGTG recurs very frequently further downstream. GGGG, TGGG, GGAG and GAGG are frequent in this region too. It is suggested that unlike the AATAAA mRNA cleavage/processing signal, the other signals noted above are signals on the DNA, i.e. they are signals for mRNA termination. An asymmetric distribution of some complementary sequences, e.g. TGTG vs. CACA, GGGG vs. CCCC, on the same DNA strand is noted as well. A few other signals are also observed.

Sequence signals which may be required for efficient formation of mRNA 3' termini

It has been known for sometime that AATAAA (Proudfoot and Brownlee, 1976) is often required for 3' mRNA processing. More recently, McLauchlan et al. (1985) have shown the high incidence of YGTGTTYY (Y is a pyrimidine) downstream from the poly (A) addition site. Our results fully support their findings. There have been indications that additional sequences are required either for transcription termination of mRNA or for its cleavage/processing. Here I present the results of detailed analysis of mammalian DNA sequences around the 3' ends of mRNAs. The distributions of 256 quartets and some pentamers have been studied. Except for the AATAAA several additional signals emerge, namely, the homooligomers A4-5, T4-5 and C4-5, C3-4 interspersed with a single T, alternations of T and G, TTCTT and GGAGG. These are highly regular sequences which may exhibit unique conformations. The results also show a clear-cut asymmetry in the distribution of complementary oligomers on the same DNA strand. The possibility that at least some of these signals are recognized on the DNA and thus play a role in the termination process is discussed.

Preparation and melting of single strand circular DNA loops

A method for preparation of single strand DNA circles of almost arbitrary sequence is described. By ligating two sticky ended hairpins together a linear duplex is formed, closed at both ends by single stranded loops. The melting characteristics of such loops are investigated using optical absorbance and NMR. It is shown by comparison with the corresponding linear sequence (closed circle minus the end loops) that the effects of end fraying and the strand concentration dependence of the melting temperature are eliminated in the circular form. Over the concentration range examined (0.5 to 2.0 micromolar strands), the circular DNA has a monophasic melting curve, while the linear duplex is biphasic, probably due to hairpin formation. Since effects of duplex to single strands dissociation do not contribute to melting of the circular molecules (dumbells), these DNAs present a realistic experimental model for examining local thermal stability in DNA.

The complete 30-base-pair origin region of bacteriophage phi X174 in a plasmid is both required and sufficient for in vivo rolling-circle DNA replication and packaging

The origin of replication of the isometric single-stranded DNA bacteriophages is located in a specific sequence of 30 nucleotides, the origin region, which is highly conserved in these phage genomes. Plasmids harboring this origin region are subject to rolling-circle DNA replication and packaging of single-stranded (ss) plasmid DNA into phage coats in phi X174 or G4-phage-infected cells. This system was used to study the nucleotide sequence requirements for rolling-circle DNA replication and DNA packaging employing plasmids which contain the first 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and the complete 30-base-pair (bp) origin region of phi X174. No difference in plasmid ss DNA packaging was observed for plasmids carrying only the 30-bp origin region and plasmids carrying the 30-bp origin region plus surrounding sequences (i.e. plasmids carrying the HaeIII restriction fragment Z6B of phi X174 replicative-form DNA). This indicates that all signals for DNA replication and phage morphogenesis are contained in the 30-bp origin region and that no contribution is made by sequences which immediately surround the origin region in the phi X174 genome. The efficiency of packaging of plasmid ssDNA for plasmids containing deletions in the right part of the origin region decreases drastically when compared with the plasmid containing the complete 30-bp origin region (for a plasmid carrying the first 28 bp of the origin region to approximately 5% and 0.5% in the phi X174 and G4 systems respectively). Previous studies [Fluit, A.C., Baas, P.D., van Boom, J.H., Veeneman, G.H. and Jansz, H.S. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12, 6443--6454] have shown that the presence of the first 27 bp of the origin region is necessary as well as sufficient for cleavage of the viral strand in the origin region by phi X174 gene A protein. Moreover, Brown et al. [Brown, D.R., Schmidt-Glenewinkel, T., Reinberg, D. and Hurwitz, J. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 8402--8412] have shown that omission of the last 2 bp of the origin region does not interfere with phi X174 rolling-circle DNA replication in vitro. Our results therefore suggest that for optimal phage development in vivo, signals in the origin region are utilized which have not yet been noticed by the in vitro systems for phi X174 phage DNA replication and morphogenesis.