NMR studies of complex DNA structures: the Holliday junction intermediate in genetic recombination

Solid-phase synthesis of selectively labeled DNA: applications for multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

The solid-phase chemical synthesis method has a strong advantage over the enzymatic method for preparing selectively labeled DNA oligomers. Atom-specific and fully labeled 2'-deoxynucleosides are economically prepared with routinely available isotope precursors using this synthetic route. Special DNA oligomers prepared by advanced labeling techniques are needed for advanced NMR applications, and chemical synthesis is the method of choice to respond to such demands. As a summary of this chapter, two tables are given. Table I lists the labeled nucleosides reported to be available by chemical syntheses. Table II lists the NMR studies using labeled DNA oligomers that were prepared by chemical syntheses.

Three-way and four-way junctions in DNA: a conformational viewpoint

DNA junctions are potential intermediates in various important genetic processes, including mutagenesis and recombination. The quantity of research carried out in this area is rapidly increasing. Examples of three-way and four-way junctions are now relatively well characterized and a few common properties have been recognized, of which the most important is the tendency of junctions to fold into one or more coaxially stacked helical conformations or cross-over structures.