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Bekkouche I, Kuznetsova MN, Rejepov DT, Vetcher AA, Shishonin AY. Recent Advances in DNA Nanomaterials. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2449. [PMID: 37686956 PMCID: PMC10490369 DOI: 10.3390/nano13172449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Applications of DNA-containing nanomaterials (DNA-NMs) in science and technology are currently attracting increasing attention in the fields of medicine, environment, engineering, etc. Such objects have become important for various branches of science and industries due to their outstanding characteristics such as small size, high controllability, clustering actions, and strong permeability. For these reasons, DNA-NMs deserve a review with respect to their recent advancements. On the other hand, precise cluster control, targeted drug distribution in vivo, and cellular micro-nano operation remain as problems. This review summarizes the recent progress in DNA-NMs and their crossover and integration into multiple disciplines (including in vivo/in vitro, microcircles excisions, and plasmid oligomers). We hope that this review will motivate relevant practitioners to generate new research perspectives and boost the advancement of nanomanipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Incherah Bekkouche
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia n.a. P. Lumumba (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia; (M.N.K.); (D.T.R.)
| | - Maria N. Kuznetsova
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia n.a. P. Lumumba (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia; (M.N.K.); (D.T.R.)
| | - Dovlet T. Rejepov
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia n.a. P. Lumumba (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia; (M.N.K.); (D.T.R.)
| | - Alexandre A. Vetcher
- Nanotechnology Scientific and Educational Center, Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia n.a. P. Lumumba (RUDN), Miklukho-Maklaya St. 6, Moscow 117198, Russia; (M.N.K.); (D.T.R.)
- Complementary and Integrative Health Clinic of Dr. Shishonin, 5, Yasnogorskaya Str., Moscow 117588, Russia;
| | - Alexander Y. Shishonin
- Complementary and Integrative Health Clinic of Dr. Shishonin, 5, Yasnogorskaya Str., Moscow 117588, Russia;
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2
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Walczak M, Brady RA, Leathers A, Kotar J, Di Michele L. Influence of hydrophobic moieties on the crystallization of amphiphilic DNA nanostructures. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:084501. [PMID: 36859089 DOI: 10.1063/5.0132484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional crystalline frameworks with nanoscale periodicity are valuable for many emerging technologies, from nanophotonics to nanomedicine. DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a prime route for constructing these materials, with most approaches taking advantage of the structural rigidity and bond directionality programmable for DNA building blocks. Recently, we have introduced an alternative strategy reliant on flexible, amphiphilic DNA junctions dubbed C-stars, whose ability to crystallize is modulated by design parameters, such as nanostructure topology, conformation, rigidity, and size. While C-stars have been shown to form ordered phases with controllable lattice parameter, response to stimuli, and embedded functionalities, much of their vast design space remains unexplored. Here, we investigate the effect of changing the chemical nature of the hydrophobic modifications and the structure of the DNA motifs in the vicinity of these moieties. While similar design variations should strongly alter key properties of the hydrophobic interactions between C-stars, such as strength and valency, only limited differences in self-assembly behavior are observed. This finding suggests that long-range order in C-star crystals is likely imposed by structural features of the building block itself rather than the specific characteristics of the hydrophobic tags. Nonetheless, we find that altering the hydrophobic regions influences the ability of C-star crystals to uptake hydrophobic molecular cargoes, which we exemplify by studying the encapsulation of antibiotic penicillin V. Besides advancing our understanding of the principles governing the self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA building blocks, our observations thus open up new routes to chemically program the materials without affecting their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Walczak
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan A Brady
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Leathers
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jurij Kotar
- Department of Physics-Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
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3
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Singh A, Yadav RK, Shati A, Kamboj NK, Hasssan H, Bharadwaj S, Rana R, Yadava U. Understanding the self-assembly dynamics of A/T absent 'four-way DNA junctions with sticky ends' at altered physiological conditions through molecular dynamics simulations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278755. [PMID: 36753480 PMCID: PMC9907842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of structure and dynamics of alternative higher-order structures of DNA such as in branched form could be targeted for therapeutics designing. Herein, we are reporting the intrinsically dynamic and folds transitions of an unusual DNA junction with sequence d(CGGCGGCCGC)4 which self-assembles into a four-way DNA junction form with sticky ends using long interval molecular simulations under various artificial physiological conditions. The original crystal structure coordinates (PDB ID: 3Q5C) for the selected DNA junction was considered for a total of 1.1 μs molecular dynamics simulation interval, including different temperature and pH, under OPLS-2005 force field using DESMOND suite. Following, post-dynamics structure parameters for the DNA junction were calculated and analyzed by comparison to the crystal structure. We show here that the self-assembly dynamics of DNA junction is mitigated by the temperature and pH sensitivities, and discloses peculiar structural properties as function of time. From this study it can be concluded on account of temperature sensitive and pH dependent behaviours, DNA junction periodic arrangements can willingly be synthesized and redeveloped for multiple uses like genetic biomarkers, DNA biosensor, DNA nanotechnology, DNA Zipper, etc. Furthermore, the pH dis-regulation behaviour may be used to trigger the functionality of DNA made drug-releasing nanomachines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Singh
- Department of Physics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, India
| | | | - Ali Shati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khaild University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nitin Kumar Kamboj
- School of Physical Sciences, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Hesham Hasssan
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Khaild University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shiv Bharadwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (SB); (RR); (UY)
| | - Rashmi Rana
- Department of Research, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail: (SB); (RR); (UY)
| | - Umesh Yadava
- Department of Physics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, India
- * E-mail: (SB); (RR); (UY)
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4
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Wang W, Chen C, Vecchioni S, Zhang T, Wu C, Ohayon YP, Sha R, Seeman NC, Wei B. Reconfigurable Two‐Dimensional DNA Lattices: Static and Dynamic Angle Control. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Chunyu Chen
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Simon Vecchioni
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Tianqing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Chengxian Wu
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Yoel P. Ohayon
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Ruojie Sha
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Nadrian C. Seeman
- Department of Chemistry New York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Bryan Wei
- School of Life Sciences Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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5
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Wang W, Chen C, Vecchioni S, Zhang T, Wu C, Ohayon YP, Sha R, Seeman NC, Wei B. Reconfigurable Two-Dimensional DNA Lattices: Static and Dynamic Angle Control. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:25781-25786. [PMID: 34596325 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Branched DNA motifs serve as the basic construction elements for all synthetic DNA nanostructures. However, precise control of branching orientation remains a key challenge to further heighten the overall structural order. In this study, we use two strategies to control the branching orientation. The first one is based on immobile Holliday junctions which employ specific nucleotide sequences at the branch points which dictate their orientation. The second strategy is to use angle-enforcing struts to fix the branching orientation with flexible spacers at the branch points. We have also demonstrated that the branching orientation control can be achieved dynamically, either by canonical Watson-Crick base pairing or non-canonical nucleobase interactions (e.g., i-motif and G-quadruplex). With precise angle control and feedback from the chemical environment, these results will enable novel DNA nanomechanical sensing devices, and precisely-ordered three-dimensional architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chunyu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Simon Vecchioni
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Tianqing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chengxian Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yoel P Ohayon
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Ruojie Sha
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Nadrian C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York, 10003, USA
| | - Bryan Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University-Peking University Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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6
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Rubio-Sánchez R, Fabrini G, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic DNA nanostructures for bottom-up synthetic biology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12725-12740. [PMID: 34750602 PMCID: PMC8631003 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology enables the construction of sophisticated biomimetic nanomachines that are increasingly central to the growing efforts of creating complex cell-like entities from the bottom-up. DNA nanostructures have been proposed as both structural and functional elements of these artificial cells, and in many instances are decorated with hydrophobic moieties to enable interfacing with synthetic lipid bilayers or regulating bulk self-organisation. In this feature article we review recent efforts to design biomimetic membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures capable of imparting complex functionalities to cell-like objects, such as regulated adhesion, tissue formation, communication and transport. We then discuss the ability of hydrophobic modifications to enable the self-assembly of DNA-based nanostructured frameworks with prescribed morphology and functionality, and explore the relevance of these novel materials for artificial cell science and beyond. Finally, we comment on the yet mostly unexpressed potential of amphiphilic DNA-nanotechnology as a complete toolbox for bottom-up synthetic biology - a figurative and literal scaffold upon which the next generation of synthetic cells could be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Giacomo Fabrini
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.
- fabriCELL, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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7
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Li M, Yin F, Song L, Mao X, Li F, Fan C, Zuo X, Xia Q. Nucleic Acid Tests for Clinical Translation. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10469-10558. [PMID: 34254782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), are natural biopolymers composed of nucleotides that store, transmit, and express genetic information. Overexpressed or underexpressed as well as mutated nucleic acids have been implicated in many diseases. Therefore, nucleic acid tests (NATs) are extremely important. Inspired by intracellular DNA replication and RNA transcription, in vitro NATs have been extensively developed to improve the detection specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity. The principles of NATs can be in general classified into three categories: nucleic acid hybridization, thermal-cycle or isothermal amplification, and signal amplification. Driven by pressing needs in clinical diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases, NATs have evolved to be a rapidly advancing field. During the past ten years, an explosive increase of research interest in both basic research and clinical translation has been witnessed. In this review, we aim to provide comprehensive coverage of the progress to analyze nucleic acids, use nucleic acids as recognition probes, construct detection devices based on nucleic acids, and utilize nucleic acids in clinical diagnosis and other important fields. We also discuss the new frontiers in the field and the challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fangfei Yin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lu Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Xiuhai Mao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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8
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Insights into the Structure and Energy of DNA Nanoassemblies. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235466. [PMID: 33255286 PMCID: PMC7727707 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the pioneering work of Ned Seeman in the early 1980s, the use of the DNA molecule as a construction material experienced a rapid growth and led to the establishment of a new field of science, nowadays called structural DNA nanotechnology. Here, the self-recognition properties of DNA are employed to build micrometer-large molecular objects with nanometer-sized features, thus bridging the nano- to the microscopic world in a programmable fashion. Distinct design strategies and experimental procedures have been developed over the years, enabling the realization of extremely sophisticated structures with a level of control that approaches that of natural macromolecular assemblies. Nevertheless, our understanding of the building process, i.e., what defines the route that goes from the initial mixture of DNA strands to the final intertwined superstructure, is, in some cases, still limited. In this review, we describe the main structural and energetic features of DNA nanoconstructs, from the simple Holliday junction to more complicated DNA architectures, and present the theoretical frameworks that have been formulated until now to explain their self-assembly. Deeper insights into the underlying principles of DNA self-assembly may certainly help us to overcome current experimental challenges and foster the development of original strategies inspired to dissipative and evolutive assembly processes occurring in nature.
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Jaekel A, Stegemann P, Saccà B. Manipulating Enzymes Properties with DNA Nanostructures. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203694. [PMID: 31615123 PMCID: PMC6832416 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids and proteins are two major classes of biopolymers in living systems. Whereas nucleic acids are characterized by robust molecular recognition properties, essential for the reliable storage and transmission of the genetic information, the variability of structures displayed by proteins and their adaptability to the environment make them ideal functional materials. One of the major goals of DNA nanotechnology-and indeed its initial motivation-is to bridge these two worlds in a rational fashion. Combining the predictable base-pairing rule of DNA with chemical conjugation strategies and modern protein engineering methods has enabled the realization of complex DNA-protein architectures with programmable structural features and intriguing functionalities. In this review, we will focus on a special class of biohybrid structures, characterized by one or many enzyme molecules linked to a DNA scaffold with nanometer-scale precision. After an initial survey of the most important methods for coupling DNA oligomers to proteins, we will report the strategies adopted until now for organizing these conjugates in a predictable spatial arrangement. The major focus of this review will be on the consequences of such manipulations on the binding and kinetic properties of single enzymes and enzyme complexes: an interesting aspect of artificial DNA-enzyme hybrids, often reported in the literature, however, not yet entirely understood and whose full comprehension may open the way to new opportunities in protein science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Jaekel
- ZMB, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstraße 2, 45117 Essen, Germany.
| | - Pierre Stegemann
- ZMB, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstraße 2, 45117 Essen, Germany.
| | - Barbara Saccà
- ZMB, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstraße 2, 45117 Essen, Germany.
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10
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Xiao M, Lai W, Man T, Chang B, Li L, Chandrasekaran AR, Pei H. Rationally Engineered Nucleic Acid Architectures for Biosensing Applications. Chem Rev 2019; 119:11631-11717. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingshu Xiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Wei Lai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Man
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Binbin Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Arun Richard Chandrasekaran
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
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11
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Ohayon Y, Hernandez C, Chandrasekaran AR, Wang X, Abdallah H, Jong MA, Mohsen M, Sha R, Birktoft JJ, Lukeman PS, Chaikin PM, Ginell SL, Mao C, Seeman NC. Designing Higher Resolution Self-Assembled 3D DNA Crystals via Strand Terminus Modifications. ACS NANO 2019; 13:7957-7965. [PMID: 31264845 PMCID: PMC6660133 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b02430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
DNA tensegrity triangles self-assemble into rhombohedral three-dimensional crystals via sticky ended cohesion. Crystals containing two-nucleotide (nt) sticky ends (GA:TC) have been reported previously, and those crystals diffracted to 4.9 Å at beamline NSLS-I-X25. Here, we analyze the effect of varying sticky end lengths and sequences as well as the impact of 5'- and 3'-phosphates on crystal formation and resolution. Tensegrity triangle motifs having 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-nt sticky ends all form crystals. X-ray diffraction data from the same beamline reveal that the crystal resolution for a 1-nt sticky end (G:C) and a 3-nt sticky end (GAT:ATC) were 3.4 and 4.2 Å, respectively. Resolutions were determined from complete data sets in each case. We also conducted trials that examined every possible combination of 1-nucleotide and 2-nucleotide sticky-ended phosphorylated strands and successfully crystallized all 16 possible combinations of strands. We observed the position of the 5'-phosphate on either the crossover (1), helical (2), or central strand (3) affected the resolution of the self-assembled crystals for the 2-turn monomer (3.0 Å for 1-2P-3P) and 2-turn dimer sticky ended (4.1 Å for 1-2-3P) systems. We have also examined the impact of the identity of the base flanking the sticky ends as well as the use of 3'-phosphate. We conclude that crystal resolution is not a simple consequence of the thermodynamics of the direct nucleotide pairing interactions involved in molecular cohesion in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Ohayon
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Carina Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | | | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Hatem Abdallah
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | | | - Michael Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Ruojie Sha
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Jens J. Birktoft
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Philip S. Lukeman
- Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Paul M. Chaikin
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Stephen L. Ginell
- Structural Biology Center, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Chengde Mao
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Nadrian C. Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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12
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Complex wireframe DNA nanostructures from simple building blocks. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1067. [PMID: 30842408 PMCID: PMC6403373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08647-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA nanostructures with increasing complexity have showcased the power of programmable self-assembly from DNA strands. At the nascent stage of the field, a variety of small branched objects consisting of a few DNA strands were created. Since then, a quantum leap of complexity has been achieved by a scaffolded 'origami' approach and a scaffold-free approach using single-stranded tiles/bricks-creating fully addressable two-dimensional and three-dimensional DNA nanostructures designed on densely packed lattices. Recently, wireframe architectures have been applied to the DNA origami method to construct complex structures. Here, revisiting the original wireframe framework entirely made of short synthetic strands, we demonstrate a design paradigm that circumvents the sophisticated routing and size limitations intrinsic to the scaffold strand in DNA origami. Under this highly versatile self-assembly framework, we produce a myriad of wireframe structures, including 2D arrays, tubes, polyhedra, and multi-layer 3D arrays.
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13
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Brady RA, Kaufhold WT, Brooks NJ, Foderà V, Di Michele L. Flexibility defines structure in crystals of amphiphilic DNA nanostars. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2019; 31:074003. [PMID: 30523829 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aaf4a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanostructures with programmable shape and interactions can be used as building blocks for the self-assembly of crystalline materials with prescribed nanoscale features, holding a vast technological potential. Structural rigidity and bond directionality have been recognised as key design features for DNA motifs to sustain long-range order in 3D, but the practical challenges associated with prescribing building-block geometry with sufficient accuracy have limited the variety of available designs. We have recently introduced a novel platform for the one-pot preparation of crystalline DNA frameworks supported by a combination of Watson-Crick base pairing and hydrophobic forces (Brady et al 2017 Nano Lett. 17 3276-81). Here we use small angle x-ray scattering and coarse-grained molecular simulations to demonstrate that, as opposed to available all-DNA approaches, amphiphilic motifs do not rely on structural rigidity to support long-range order. Instead, the flexibility of amphiphilic DNA building-blocks is a crucial feature for successful crystallisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Brady
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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Brady RA, Brooks NJ, Foderà V, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Amphiphilic-DNA Platform for the Design of Crystalline Frameworks with Programmable Structure and Functionality. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:15384-15392. [PMID: 30351920 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b09143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The reliable preparation of functional, ordered, nanostructured frameworks would be a game changer for many emerging technologies, from energy storage to nanomedicine. Underpinned by the excellent molecular recognition of nucleic acids, along with their facile synthesis and breadth of available functionalizations, DNA nanotechnology is widely acknowledged as a prime route for the rational design of nanostructured materials. Yet, the preparation of crystalline DNA frameworks with programmable structure and functionality remains a challenge. Here we demonstrate the potential of simple amphiphilic DNA motifs, dubbed "C-stars", as a versatile platform for the design of programmable DNA crystals. In contrast to all-DNA materials, in which structure depends on the precise molecular details of individual building blocks, the self-assembly of C-stars is controlled uniquely by their topology and symmetry. Exploiting this robust self-assembly principle, we design a range of topologically identical, but structurally and chemically distinct C-stars that following a one-pot reaction self-assemble into highly porous, functional, crystalline frameworks. Simple design variations allow us to fine-tune the lattice parameter and thus control the partitioning of macromolecules within the frameworks, embed responsive motifs that can induce isothermal disassembly, and include chemical moieties to capture target proteins specifically and reversibly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Brady
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Brooks
- Department of Chemistry , Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ , United Kingdom
| | - Vito Foderà
- Department of Pharmacy , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE , United Kingdom
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Xavier PL, Chandrasekaran AR. DNA-based construction at the nanoscale: emerging trends and applications. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 29:062001. [PMID: 29232197 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The field of structural DNA nanotechnology has evolved remarkably-from the creation of artificial immobile junctions to the recent DNA-protein hybrid nanoscale shapes-in a span of about 35 years. It is now possible to create complex DNA-based nanoscale shapes and large hierarchical assemblies with greater stability and predictability, thanks to the development of computational tools and advances in experimental techniques. Although it started with the original goal of DNA-assisted structure determination of difficult-to-crystallize molecules, DNA nanotechnology has found its applications in a myriad of fields. In this review, we cover some of the basic and emerging assembly principles: hybridization, base stacking/shape complementarity, and protein-mediated formation of nanoscale structures. We also review various applications of DNA nanostructures, with special emphasis on some of the biophysical applications that have been reported in recent years. In the outlook, we discuss further improvements in the assembly of such structures, and explore possible future applications involving super-resolved fluorescence, single-particle cryo-electron (cryo-EM) and x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) nanoscopic imaging techniques, and in creating new synergistic designer materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lourdu Xavier
- Center for Free Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany. Max-Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, Luruper Chaussee 149, D-22761 Hamburg, Germany
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Self-Assembly of 3D DNA Crystals Containing a Torsionally Stressed Component. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:1401-1406.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Brady RA, Brooks NJ, Cicuta P, Di Michele L. Crystallization of Amphiphilic DNA C-Stars. NANO LETTERS 2017; 17:3276-3281. [PMID: 28417635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many emerging technologies require materials with well-defined three-dimensional nanoscale architectures. Production of these structures is currently underpinned by self-assembling amphiphilic macromolecules or engineered all-DNA building blocks. Both of these approaches produce restricted ranges of crystal geometries due to synthetic amphiphiles' simple shape and limited specificity, or the technical difficulties in designing space-filling DNA motifs with targeted shapes. We have overcome these limitations with amphiphilic DNA nanostructures, or "C-Stars", that combine the design freedom and facile functionalization of DNA-based materials with robust hydrophobic interactions. C-Stars self-assemble into single crystals exceeding 40 μm in size with lattice parameters exceeding 20 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Brady
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Nicholas J Brooks
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London , London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Biological and Soft Systems, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
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18
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Simmons CR, Zhang F, Birktoft JJ, Qi X, Han D, Liu Y, Sha R, Abdallah HO, Hernandez C, Ohayon YP, Seeman NC, Yan H. Construction and Structure Determination of a Three-Dimensional DNA Crystal. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:10047-54. [PMID: 27447429 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b06508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Structural DNA nanotechnology combines branched DNA junctions with sticky-ended cohesion to create self-assembling macromolecular architectures. One of the key goals of structural DNA nanotechnology is to construct three-dimensional (3D) crystalline lattices. Here we present a new DNA motif and a strategy that has led to the assembly of a 3D lattice. We have determined the X-ray crystal structures of two related constructs to 3.1 Å resolution using bromine-derivatized crystals. The motif we used employs a five-nucleotide repeating sequence that weaves through a series of two-turn DNA duplexes. The duplexes are tied into a layered structure that is organized and dictated by a concert of four-arm junctions; these in turn assemble into continuous arrays facilitated by sequence-specific sticky-ended cohesion. The 3D X-ray structure of these DNA crystals holds promise for the design of new structural motifs to create programmable 3D DNA lattices with atomic spatial resolution. The two arrays differ by the use of four or six repeats of the five-nucleotide units in the repeating but statistically disordered central strand. In addition, we report a 2D rhombuslike array formed from similar components.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jens J Birktoft
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
| | | | | | | | - Ruojie Sha
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Hatem O Abdallah
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Carina Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Yoel P Ohayon
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Nadrian C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
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Venkadesh S, Mandal PK, Gautham N. The sequence d(CGGCGGCCGC) self-assembles into a two dimensional rhombic DNA lattice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 407:548-551. [PMID: 21419105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We report here the crystal structure of the partially self-complementary decameric sequence d(CGGCGGCCGC), which self assembles to form a four-way junction with sticky ends. Each junction binds to four others through Watson-Crick base pairing at the sticky ends to form a rhombic structure. The rhombuses bind to each other and form two dimensional tiles. The tiles stack to form the crystal. The crystal diffracted in the space group P1 to a resolution of 2.5Å. The junction has the anti-parallel stacked-X conformation like other junction structures, though the formation of the rhombic net noticeably alters the details of the junction geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Venkadesh
- CAS in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai 600 025, India
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Seeman NC, Zhang Y, Fu TJ, Zhang S, Wang Y, Chen J. Chemical Synthesis of Nanostructures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-330-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe control of structure on the nanoscale relies on intermolecular interactions whose specificity and geometry can be treated on a predictive basis. With this criterion in mind, DNA is an extremely favorable construction medium: The sticky-ended association of DNA molecules occurs with high specificity, and it results in the formation of double helical DNA, whose structure is well known. The use of stable branched DNA molecules permits one to make stick-figures. We have used this strategy to construct a covalently closed DNA molecule whose helix axes have the connectivity of a cube. The molecule has twelve double helical edges; each edge is two helical turns in length, resulting in a hexacatenane, each of whose strands corresponds to a face of the object. The cube has been fabricated in solution, which is inefficient. We have developed a solid-support-based synthetic methodology that is much more effective. The key features of the technique are control over the formation of each edge of the object, and the topological closure of each intermediate. Each edge results from the restriction of two hairpins, which are then ligated together. The isolation of individual objects on the surface of the support permits one to use both symmetric and asymmetric sites in the formation of edges that close polygons. We have used solid-support-based methodology to construct a molecule whose helix axes have the connectivity of a truncated octahedron. This figure has 14 faces, of which six are ideally square and eight are hexagonal; this Archimedean polyhedron contains 24 vertices and 36 edges. Control of topology is strong in this system, but control of 3-D structure remains elusive. Topological control is enhanced by the use of topological protection techniques. Our key aim is the formation of prespecified 2-D and 3-D periodic structures with defined topologies. Applications envisioned include nanomanipulators and scaffolding for molecular electronic devices.
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Richert C, Meng M, Singh A. Designed DNA crystals: triangles with short sticky ends. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2009; 5:2782-2783. [PMID: 20014216 DOI: 10.1002/smll.200902108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Richert
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
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22
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Zheng J, Birktoft JJ, Chen Y, Wang T, Sha R, Constantinou PE, Ginell SL, Mao C, Seeman NC. From molecular to macroscopic via the rational design of a self-assembled 3D DNA crystal. Nature 2009; 461:74-7. [PMID: 19727196 PMCID: PMC2764300 DOI: 10.1038/nature08274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 636] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We live in a macroscopic three-dimensional world, but our best description of the structure of matter is at the atomic and molecular scale. Understanding the relationship between the two scales requires that we bridge from the molecular world to the macroscopic world. Connecting these two domains with atomic precision is a central goal of the natural sciences, but it requires high spatial control of the 3D structure of matter.1 The simplest practical route to producing precisely designed 3D macroscopic objects is to form a crystalline arrangement by self-assembly, because such a periodic array has only conceptually simple requirements: [1] A motif whose 3D structure is robust, [2] dominant affinity interactions between parts of the motif when it self-associates, and [3] a predictable structures for these affinity interactions. Fulfilling all these criteria to produce a 3D periodic system is not easy, but it should readily be achieved by well-structured branched DNA motifs tailed by sticky ends.2 Complementary sticky ends associate with each other preferentially and assume the well-known B-DNA structure when they do so;3 the helically repeating nature of DNA facilitates the construction of a periodic array. It is key that the directions of propagation associated with the sticky ends not share the same plane, but extend to form a 3D arrangement of matter. Here, we report the crystal structure at 4 Å resolution of a designed, self-assembled, 3D crystal based on the DNA tensegrity triangle.4 The data demonstrate clearly that it is possible to design and self-assemble a well-ordered macromolecular 3D crystalline lattice with precise control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York 10003, USA
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Sherman WB, Seeman NC. Design of minimally strained nucleic Acid nanotubes. Biophys J 2006; 90:4546-57. [PMID: 16581842 PMCID: PMC1471877 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.105.080390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A practical theoretical framework is presented for designing and classifying minimally strained nucleic acid nanotubes. The structures are based on the double crossover motif where each double-helical domain is connected to each of its neighbors via two or more Holliday-junction-like reciprocal exchanges, such that each domain is parallel to the main tube axis. Modeling is based on a five-parameter characterization of the segmented double-helical structure. Once the constraint equations have been derived, the primary design problem for a minimally strained N-domain structure is reduced to solving three simultaneous equations in 2N+2 variables. Symmetry analysis and tube merging then allow for the design of a wide variety of tubes, which can be tailored to satisfy requirements such as specific inner and outer radii, or multiple lobed structures. The general form of the equations allows similar techniques to be applied to various nucleic acid helices: B-DNA, A-DNA, RNA, DNA-PNA, or others. Possible applications for such tubes include nanoscale scaffolding as well as custom-shaped enclosures for other nano-objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Sherman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Seeman NC, Lukeman PS. Nucleic Acid Nanostructures: Bottom-Up Control of Geometry on the Nanoscale. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2005; 68:237-270. [PMID: 25152542 PMCID: PMC4141725 DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/68/1/r05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA may seem an unlikely molecule from which to build nanostructures, but this is not correct. The specificity of interaction that enables DNA to function so successfully as genetic material also enables its use as a smart molecule for construction on the nanoscale. The key to using DNA for this purpose is the design of stable branched molecules, which expand its ability to interact specifically with other nucleic acid molecules. The same interactions used by genetic engineers can be used to make cohesive interactions with other DNA molecules that lead to a variety of new species. Branched DNA molecules are easy to design, and the can assume a variety of structural motifs. These can be used for purposes both of specific construction, such as polyhedra, and for the assembly of topological targets. A variety of two-dimensional periodic arrays with specific patterns have been made. DNA nanomechanical devices have been built with a series of different triggers, small molecules, nucleic acid molecules and proteins. Recently, progress has been made in self-replication of DNA nano-constructs, and in the scaffolding of other species into DNA arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadrian C. Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA, 212-998-8395 (t), 212-260-7905 (f)
| | - Philip S. Lukeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA, 212-998-8395 (t), 212-260-7905 (f)
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Abstract
The simple innovation of introducing a block of G.G mismatches into a Watson-Crick DNA duplex permits two such duplexes, under conditions of physiological temperature and salt, to "synapse" with one another at their G.G mismatch sites via guanine-quartet formation. The short quadruplex formed at the "synapsed" site necessarily has its strands in an antiparallel, or partially antiparallel orientation. We wished to test whether a different, and more stable, synapsis might be achieved if one of the two strands in the synapsable duplex had its domain of guanine residues in a reverse orientation to the rest of the strand, via 5'-5' and 3'-3' linkages. Such modified duplexes might synapse via the formation of the thermodynamically preferred parallel quadruplex. Our results indicate that such "parallel" and "antiparallel" synaptic events have dramatically different requirements for cations. We use chemical probing experiments to provide evidence for a kinetic model for this discrepancy. It may be possible to exploit the distinct properties of the above two kinds of synapsable duplexes for a variety of in vivo and in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Fahlman
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Seeman NC. DNA nanotechnology: novel DNA constructions. ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOPHYSICS AND BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE 1998; 27:225-48. [PMID: 9646868 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.biophys.27.1.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology entails the construction of specific geometrical and topological targets from DNA. The goals include the use of DNA molecules to scaffold the assembly of other molecules, particularly in periodic arrays, with the objects of both crystal facilitation and memory-device construction. Many of these products are based on branched DNA motifs. DNA molecules with the connectivities of a cube and a truncated octahedron have been prepared. A solid-support methodology has been developed to construct DNA targets. DNA trefoil and figure-8 knots have been made, predicated on the relationship between a topological crossing and a half-turn of B-DNA or Z-DNA. The same basis has been used to construct Borromean rings from DNA. An RNA knot has been used to demonstrate an RNA topoisomerase activity. The desire to construct periodic matter held together by DNA sticky ends has resulted in a search for stiff components; DNA double crossover molecules appear to be the best candidates. It appears that novel DNA motifs may be of use in the new field of DNA-based computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York 10003, USA.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadrian C. Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003
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Qiu H, Dewan JC, Seeman NC. A DNA decamer with a sticky end: the crystal structure of d-CGACGATCGT. J Mol Biol 1997; 267:881-98. [PMID: 9135119 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1997.0918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The crystal structure of d-CGACGATCGT has been determined to a resolution of 2.6 A. The molecule was synthesized by standard phosphoramidite procedures, and purified by anion-exchange HPLC. Crystals are monolclinic, space group P2(1), with unit cell dimensions, a = 26.45 A, b = 34.66 A, c = 32.17 A, beta = 113.45 degrees and Z = 4, containing a B-DNA double helix in each crystallographic asymmetric unit. The structure was solved using molecular replacement, aided by an isomorphous derivative, in which a bromine atom was attached to the 5 position of cytosine 8. Problems of fit between the search model and the structure ultimately obtained necessitated the use of Patterson correlation procedures between the determination of the orientation and the translation of the molecule. In all, 69 solvent molecules have been identified, and the structure has been refined to an R-factor of 0.214, using the 1421 reflections with F > 2sigma(F), collected at -120 degrees C. The sequence produces a molecule containing eight Watson-Crick base-pairs and a two-nucleotide 5'-sticky end at each end of the duplex. The sticky ends cohere with one another, so the molecules form continuous 10-fold double helices throughout the crystal, with each strand being interrupted by inherent staggered nicks. The relative angular relationships between helices in the structure differ from each other; most of the arrangements differ from Holliday junctions, whose rotational orientations are phased by a crossover and which are modeled to contain double helices that are exactly parallel or antiparallel. However, one helical juxtaposition in this crystal is similar to the alignment of double helices in parallel Holliday junctions. A survey of DNA decamers that also form infinite helices in crystals reveals relationships that approximate both parallel and antiparallel Holliday junction alignments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
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Abstract
It is possible to design DNA molecules that can form unusual structures and topologies. Stable DNA-branched junctions have been used to construct polyhedral catenated molecules with the connectivities of a cube and of a truncated octahedron. The truncated octahedron has been constructed following a solid-support-based methodology. Branched-DNA molecules are flexible, suggesting that triangular and deltahedral DNA objects should be favored as the components of two- and three-dimensional nucleic acid arrays. DNA polyhedra are complex catenanes. The engineering of single-stranded DNA knots and catenanes exploits the fact that a node can be equated with a half-turn of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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32
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Qi J, Li X, Yang X, Seeman NC. Ligation of Triangles Built from Bulged 3-Arm DNA Branched Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 1996. [DOI: 10.1021/ja960161w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qi
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Xiaojun Li
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Nadrian C. Seeman
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10003
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Chen JH, Seeman NC. The electrophoretic properties of a DNA cube and its substructure catenanes. Electrophoresis 1991; 12:607-11. [PMID: 1752239 DOI: 10.1002/elps.1150120902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Electrophoretic properties have been measured for a DNA molecule whose helix axes have the connectivity of a cube. This molecule is a topologically bonded complex of six cyclic 80-mer molecules, in which each cycle corresponds to a face of the cube. Each cyclic molecule is doubly catenated to each of its four neighbors. Substructures of this molecule include a 5-cycle structure lacking one strand, two topoisomers of 4-cycle structures and two topoisomers of 3-cycle structures. One 4-cycle structure is a cyclic belt around the cube, lacking a top and a bottom, whereas the other lacks two catenated strands, such as the top and the front. One 3-cycle structure is a linear belt of three cycles, and the other corresponds to the three cycles that surround a corner. Each of these molecules is separable from the others under appropriate gel conditions. We have measured mobilities and calculated Ferguson plots for each of these molecules on polyacrylamide gels under both native and denaturing conditions. The measurements have been made with 1.25, 2.5, and 5% crosslinking of the gels. The data show that the higher-symmetry 3-cycle and 4-cycle structures migrate more slowly than their lower-symmetry isomers, under conditions where their Ferguson plots are parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Chen
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY 10003
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Abstract
Stable DNA branched junction molecules can be used as the building blocks for stick-figures in which the edges are double-helical DNA and the vertices correspond to the branch points of the junctions. Sticky-ended cohesion is used to direct the association of individual branched complexes. The sequences of these molecules are assigned by a sequence-symmetry minimization procedure. Successful ligation experiments include the oligomerization of individual three-arm and four-arm junctions, the assembly of a quadrilateral from four junctions with different sticky ends, and the recent construction of a molecule with the connectivity of a cube. Possible applications include the assembly of molecular electronic devices, the formation of macromolecular-scale zeolites to host biological complexes for diffraction analysis, and the development of new catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University 10003
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35
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Abstract
A principal goal of biotechnology is the assembly of novel biomaterials for analytical, industrial and therapeutic purposes. The advent of stable immobile nucleic acid branched junctions makes DNA a good candidate for building frameworks to which proteins or other functional molecules can be attached and thereby juxtaposed. The addition of single-stranded 'sticky' ends to branched DNA molecules converts them into macromolecular valence clusters that can be ligated together. The edges of these frameworks are double-helical DNA, and the vertices correspond to the branch points of junctions. Here, we report the construction from DNA of a covalently closed cube-like molecular complex containing twelve equal-length double-helical edges arranged about eight vertices. Each of the six 'faces' of the object is a single-stranded cyclic molecule, doubly catenated to four neighbouring strands, and each vertex is connected by an edge to three others. Each edge contains a unique restriction site for analytical purposes. This is the first construction of a closed polyhedral object from DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Chen
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York 10003
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Abstract
An interactive procedure has been developed to assign sequences for the design of nucleic acid secondary structure. The primary goal of the procedure is to facilitate macromolecular architecture studies through the design of branched nucleic acid mono- and oligo-junction constructs in a convenient fashion. The essential feature of the sequence-symmetry minimization algorithm employed is the treatment of short sequences as vocabulary elements whose repetition decreases control over the resulting secondary structure. Both manual and semi-automatic application of this approach are available. The design of linear nucleic acid molecules or molecules containing single-stranded loops or connectors is also possible through application of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY 10003
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38
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Abstract
Gel electrophoresis has provided much of the detailed information we have about the properties of DNA junctions, stable branched molecules formed from oligonucleotide or polynucleotide strands. Here we review these applications, and present the results of an electrophoretic investigation of conformationally restricted junctions formed by covalently connecting two different pairs of strands in a junction with four arms. Native gel electrophoresis is employed to establish the formation and stoichiometry of the multistrand complexes. Ferguson analysis of native gel mobility shows that junctions have retardation coefficients that are distinct from those of linear DNA duplexes. Denaturing gel electrophoresis is the primary tool for characterizing junctions that have been covalently linked together to form both linear and macrocyclic oligomers of junctions (oligojunctions). Radioactively labelled strands enable one to monitor the progress of the ligation reaction: both linear and closed cyclic molecules result, and these can be distinguished by applying Ferguson analysis to denaturing gels. Combinations of exonuclease III, restriction enzymes and sequencing reactions have been applied to oligojunction molecules, and the results are all analyzed on denaturing gels. Junctions containing intramolecular "tethers" that restrict the conformation freedom of the complex comprise a new system for analyzing the conformations of branched molecules. In these tethered junctions, the ability of arms to move relative to each other is restricted substantially by covalently connecting pairs of arms in the original complex with short, flexible loops. The two tethers used here constrain the helical domains of the structure to be roughly parallel or anti-parallel. In this article, we use Ferguson analysis to compare two tethered junctions with an untethered junction. At high gel concentrations, the mobility of the untethered complex is found to be closer to that of the molecule tethered anti-parallel than to the one tethered parallel. Curvature in the Ferguson plots for all three of these junctions is detected over a range of compositions. At low gel concentrations, differences in electrophoretic mobility persist, suggesting that the untethered junction differs in charge as well as conformational freedom from the tethered analogs. We expect that studies of this kind will be able to define the conformational repertoire of junctions of different kinds, and to explore the effects of electrophoresis on these states.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York 10003
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39
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Abstract
Two types of physical models have been developed for treating DNA molecules whose topology is of interest. The two model motifs combine jacks-and-straws molecular representations with flexible tubing in different proportions. Both motifs present a low-resolution construct of DNA that retains helix axes, strand individuality and the distinguishability of the major and minor grooves. Molecules whose double helix axes are branched are modelled by stiff double helices and flexible branch sites. Supercoiled and knotted DNA molecules are modelled on a smaller scale, in a system in which a flexible backbone is supported by a series of stiff helical struts; removal of this scaffolding immediately reveals the linking of the strands. The models are light and easy to construct. They may be used either for demonstrations or as a research tool that assists the interpretation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Seeman
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, NY 10003
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40
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Interactive design and manipulation of macro-molecular architecture utilizing nucleic acid junctions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1985. [DOI: 10.1016/0263-7855(85)80001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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