Theoretical study of a new DNA structure: the antiparallel Hoogsteen duplex.

TitleTheoretical study of a new DNA structure: the antiparallel Hoogsteen duplex.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsCubero, Elena, Abrescia Nicola G. A., Subirana Juan A., F Luque Javier, and Orozco Modesto
JournalJ Am Chem Soc
Volume125
Pagination14603-12
Date Published2003 Nov 26
ISSN0002-7863
KeywordsDNA, Models, Molecular, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Poly dA-dT, Solutions, Thermodynamics, Water
Abstract

The structure of a new form of duplex DNA, the antiparallel Hoogsteen duplex, is studied in polyd(AT) sequences by means of state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations in aqueous solution. The structure, which was found to be stable in all of the simulations, has many similarities with the standard Watson-Crick duplex in terms of general structure, flexibility, and molecular recognition patterns. Accurate MM-PB/SA (and MM-GB/SA) analysis shows that the new structure has an effective energy similar to that of the B-type duplex, while it is slightly disfavored by intramolecular entropic considerations. Overall, MD simulations strongly suggest that the antiparallel Hoogsteen duplex is an accessible structure for a polyd(AT) sequence, which might compete under proper experimental conditions with normal B-DNA. MD simulations also suggest that chimeras containing Watson-Crick duplex and Hoogsteen antiparallel helices might coexist in a common structure, but with the differential characteristics of both type of structures preserved.

DOI10.1021/ja035918f
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