Crystal structure of the highly distorted chimeric decamer r(C)d(CGGCGCCG)r(G).spermine complex--spermine binding to phosphate only and minor groove tertiary base-pairing

Restriction endonucleases that cleave RNA/DNA heteroduplexes bind dsDNA in A-like conformation

Restriction endonucleases naturally target DNA duplexes. Systematic screening has identified a small minority of these enzymes that can also cleave RNA/DNA heteroduplexes and that may therefore be useful as tools for RNA biochemistry. We have chosen AvaII (G↓GWCC, where W stands for A or T) as a representative of this group of restriction endonucleases for detailed characterization. Here, we report crystal structures of AvaII alone, in specific complex with partially cleaved dsDNA, and in scanning complex with an RNA/DNA hybrid. The specific complex reveals a novel form of semi-specific dsDNA readout by a hexa-coordinated metal cation, most likely Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺. Substitutions of residues anchoring this non-catalytic metal ion severely impair DNA binding and cleavage. The dsDNA in the AvaII complex is in the A-like form. This creates space for 2′-OH groups to be accommodated without intra-nucleic acid steric conflicts. PD-(D/E)XK restriction endonucleases of known structure that bind their dsDNA targets in the A-like form cluster into structurally similar groups. Most such enzymes, including some not previously studied in this respect, cleave RNA/DNA heteroduplexes. We conclude that A-form dsDNA binding is a good predictor for RNA/DNA cleavage activity.

Mitochondrial DNA Damage: Prevalence, Biological Consequence, and Emerging Pathways

Mitochondria have a plethora of functions within a eukaryotic cell, ranging from energy production, cell signaling, and protein cofactor synthesis to various aspects of metabolism. Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to cause over 200 named disorders and has been implicated in many human diseases and aging. Mitochondria have their own genetic material, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes 13 protein subunits in the oxidative phosphorylation system and a full set of transfer and rRNAs. Although more than 99% of the proteins in mitochondria are nuclear DNA (nDNA)-encoded, the integrity of mtDNA is critical for mitochondrial functions, as evidenced by mitochondrial diseases sourced from mtDNA mutations and depletions and the vital role of fragmented mtDNA molecules in cell signaling pathways. Previous research has shown that mtDNA is an important target of genotoxic assaults by a variety of chemical and physical factors. This Perspective discusses the prevalence of mtDNA damage by comparing the abundance of lesions in mDNA and nDNA and summarizes current knowledge on the biological pathways to cope with mtDNA damage, including mtDNA repair, mtDNA degradation, and mitochondrial fission and fusion. Also, emerging roles of mtDNA damage in mutagenesis and immune responses are reviewed.

Single-molecule portrait of DNA and RNA double helices

The composition and geometry of the genetic information carriers were described as double-stranded right helices sixty years ago. The flexibility of their sugar-phosphate backbones and the chemistry of their nucleotide subunits, which give rise to the RNA and DNA polymers, were soon reported to generate two main structural duplex states with biological relevance: the so-called A and B forms. Double-stranded (ds) RNA adopts the former whereas dsDNA is stable in the latter. The presence of flexural and torsional stresses in combination with environmental conditions in the cell or in the event of specific sequences in the genome can, however, stabilize other conformations. Single-molecule manipulation, besides affording the investigation of the elastic response of these polymers, can test the stability of their structural states and transition models. This approach is uniquely suited to understanding the basic features of protein binding molecules, the dynamics of molecular motors and to shedding more light on the biological relevance of the information blocks of life. Here, we provide a comprehensive single-molecule analysis of DNA and RNA double helices in the context of their structural polymorphism to set a rigorous interpretation of their material response both inside and outside the cell. From early knowledge of static structures to current dynamic investigations, we review their phase transitions and mechanochemical behaviour and harness this fundamental knowledge not only through biological sciences, but also for Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine.

A novel mycotoxin purification system using magnetic nanoparticles for the recovery of aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone from feed

In this study, we developed a novel tool for purifying two mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN), in feed. This system utilized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against AFB1 and ZEN, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Among ten MNPs with different diameters and functional groups, a 100-nm diameter MNP (fMA) conjugated to an amine group (-NH₂) was found to be optimum for coupling with mAbs. The optimal mAb concentrations for coupling to the fMA along with mycotoxin purification capacities of the fMA-mAb conjugates (fMA-AFB1 and fMA-ZEN) were determined. A comparison of mean recovery rates (from corn and product X feed) between the fMA-mAb conjugates and immunoaffinity columns (IAC-AFB1 and IAC-ZEN) showed that the rate for fMA-AFB1 (90~92% and 81~88%) was higher (p > 0.05) than that of IAC-AFB1 (81~84% and 72~78%) for AFB1 (5, 10, 15 ng/mL), and the rate for fMA-ZEN (99~100% and 92~94%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of IAC-ZEN (86~88% and 81~88%) for ZEN (10, 25, 50 ng/mL) except at a concentration of 10 ng/mL, demonstrating the remarkable purification efficiency of the novel fMA-mAb method. Additionally, mycotoxin purification was much faster using our novel method (approx. 5 min) than the IAC-based technique (> 30 min). This study suggests that the novel purification system we developed would be a useful tool for monitoring and regulating mycotoxin contamination in feed, and replace IAC methods.

RNase H and postreplication repair protect cells from ribonucleotides incorporated in DNA

The chemical identity and integrity of the genome is challenged by the incorporation of ribonucleoside triphosphates (rNTPs) in place of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) during replication. Misincorporation is limited by the selectivity of DNA replicases. We show that accumulation of ribonucleoside monophosphates (rNMPs) in the genome causes replication stress and has toxic consequences, particularly in the absence of RNase H1 and RNase H2, which remove rNMPs. We demonstrate that postreplication repair (PRR) pathways-MMS2-dependent template switch and Pol ζ-dependent bypass-are crucial for tolerating the presence of rNMPs in the chromosomes; indeed, we show that Pol ζ efficiently replicates over 1-4 rNMPs. Moreover, cells lacking RNase H accumulate mono- and polyubiquitylated PCNA and have a constitutively activated PRR. Our findings describe a crucial function for RNase H1, RNase H2, template switch, and translesion DNA synthesis in overcoming rNTPs misincorporated during DNA replication, and may be relevant for the pathogenesis of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome.

Solution structure of the Dickerson DNA dodecamer containing a single ribonucleotide

Ribonucleotides are frequently incorporated into DNA during replication. They are recognized and processed by several cellular enzymes, and their continued presence in the yeast nuclear genome results in replicative stress and genome instability. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of isolated ribonucleotide incorporation on DNA structure. With this goal in mind, we describe the nuclear magnetic resonance structure of the self-complementary Dickerson dodecamer sequence [d(CGC)rGd(AATTCGCG)](2) containing two symmetrically positioned riboguanosines. The absence of an observable H(1)-H(2) scalar coupling interaction indicates a C3'-endo conformation for the ribose. Longer-range structural perturbations resulting from the presence of the ribonucleotide are limited to the adjacent and transhelical nucleotides, while the global B-form DNA structure is maintained. Because crystallographic studies have indicated that isolated ribonucleotides promote global B → A transitions, we also performed molecular modeling analyses to evaluate the structural consequences of higher ribonucleotide substitution levels. Increasing the ribonucleotide content increased the minor groove width toward values more similar to that of A-DNA, but even 50% ribonucleotide substitution did not fully convert the B-DNA to A-DNA. Comparing our structure with the structure of an RNase H2-bound DNA supports the conclusion that, as with other DNA-protein complexes, the DNA conformation is strongly influenced by the interaction with the protein.

Dynamic mechanism of nick recognition by DNA ligase

DNA ligases are the enzymes responsible for the repair of single-stranded and double-stranded nicks in dsDNA. DNA ligases are structurally similar, possibly sharing a common molecular mechanism of nick recognition and ligation catalysis. This mechanism remains unclear, in part because the structure of ligase in complex with dsDNA has yet to be solved. DNA ligases share common structural elements with DNA polymerases, which have been cocrystallized with dsDNA. Based on the observed DNA polymerase-dsDNA interactions, we propose a mechanism for recognition of a single-stranded nick by DNA ligase. According to this mechanism, ligase induces a B-to-A DNA helix transition of the enzyme-bound dsDNA motif, which results in DNA contraction, bending and unwinding. For non-nicked dsDNA, this transition is reversible, leading to dissociation of the enzyme. For a nicked dsDNA substrate, the contraction of the enzyme-bound DNA motif (a) triggers an opened-closed conformational change of the enzyme, and (b) forces the motif to accommodate the strained A/B-form hybrid conformation, in which the nicked strand tends to retain a B-type helix, while the non-nicked strand tends to form a shortened A-type helix. We propose that this conformation is the catalytically competent transition state, which leads to the formation of the DNA-AMP intermediate and to the subsequent sealing of the nick.

B-form to A-form conversion by a 3'-terminal ribose: crystal structure of the chimera d(CCACTAGTG)r(G)

The crystal structure of the chimerical decamer d(CCACTAGTG)r(G), bearing a 3'-terminal ribo-guanidine, has been solved and refined at 1.8 A resolution (R-factor 16.6%; free R-factor 22.8%). The decamer crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell constants a = 23.90 A, b = 45.76 A and c = 49.27 A. The structure was solved by molecular replacement using the coordinates of the isomorphous chimera r(GCG)d(TATACGC). The final model contains one duplex and 77 water molecules per asymmetric unit. Surprisingly, all residues adopt a conformation typical for A-form nucleic acids (C3'-endo type sugar pucker) although the all-DNA analog, d(CCACTAGTGG), has been crystallized in the B-form. Comparing circular dichroism spectra of the chimera and the corresponding all-DNA sequence reveals a similar trend of the former molecule to adopt an A-like conformation in solution. The results suggest that the preference of ribonucleotides for the A-form is communicated into the 5'-direction of an oligonucleotide strand, although direct interactions of the 2'-hydroxyl group can only be discerned with nucleotides in the 3'-direction of a C3'-endo puckered ribose. These observations imply that forces like water-mediated contacts, the concerted motions of backbone torsion angles, and stacking preferences, are responsible for such long-range influences. This bi-directional structural communication originating from a ribonucleotide can be expected to contribute to the stability of the A-form within all-RNA duplexes.

RNA crystallography

The current state of three-dimensional structure analysis of RNA by x-ray crystallography is summarized. The methods of sample preparation, crystallization, data collection, and structure solution are discussed, followed by a review of the RNA structures that have been determined and of common structural features, and finally, an appraisal of future prospects for x-ray crystal structure analysis of RNA.

Crystal structures of A-DNA duplexes

All crystal structures of A-DNA duplexes exhibit a typical crystal packing, with the termini of one molecule abutting the shallow grooves of symmetry related neighbors, while all other forms (B, Z, and RNA) tend to form infinitely stacked helices. The A-DNA arrangement leads to the formation of shallow groove base multiples that have implications for the structure of DNA in compacted states. The characteristic packing leaves big solvent channels, which can be sometimes occupied by B-DNA duplexes. Comparisons of the structures of the same oligomer crystallizing in two different space groups and of different sequences crystallizing in the same space group show that the lattice forces dominate the A-DNA conformation in the crystals, complicating the effort to elucidate the influence of the base sequence on the structures. Nevertheless, in both alternating and nonalternating fragments some sequence effects can still be uncovered. Furthermore, several studies have started to define the minimal sequence changes or chemical modifications that can interconvert the oligomers between different double-helical conformers (A-, B-, and Z-form). Overall, it is seen that the rigid nucleotide principle applies to the oligomeric fragments. Besides the structures of the naked DNAs, their interactions with water, polyamines, and metal ions have attracted considerable attention. There are conserved patterns in the hydration, involving both the grooves and the backbone, which are different from those of B-DNA or Z-DNA. Overall, A-DNA seems to be more economically hydrated than B-DNA, particularly around the sugar-phosphate backbone. Spermine was found to be able to bind exclusively to either of the grooves or to the phosphate groups of the backbone, or exhibit a mixed binding mode. The located metal cations prefer binding to guanine bases and phosphate groups. The only mispairs investigated in A-DNA are the wobble pairs, yielding structural insight into their effects on helix stabilities and hydration. G.T wobble pairs have been determined in various sequence contexts, where they differentially affect the conformations and stableness of the duplexes. The structure of a G.m5C base pair, which surprisingly also adopted the wobble conformation, suggests that a similar geometry may transiently exist for G.C pairs. These results from the crystalline state will be compared to the solution state and discussed in relation to their relevance in biology.

The solution structure of [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2): hybrid junctions flanked by DNA duplexes

The solution structure and hydration of the chimeric duplex [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2), in which the central hybrid segment is flanked by DNA duplexes at both ends, was determined using two-dimensional NMR, simulated annealing and restrained molecular dynamics. The solution structure of this chimeric duplex differs from the previously determined X-ray structure of the analogous B-DNA duplex [d(CGCAAATTTGCG)](2)as well as NMR structure of the analogous A-RNA duplex [r(cgcaaauuugcg)](2). Long-lived water molecules with correlation time tau(c)longer than 0.3 ns were found close to the RNA adenine H2 and H1' protons in the hybrid segment. A possible long-lived water molecule was also detected close to the methyl group of 7T in the RNA-DNA junction but not with the other two thymines (8T and 9T). This result correlates with the structural studies that only DNA residue 7T in the RNA-DNA junction adopts an O4'-endo sugar conformation, while the other DNA residues including 3C in the DNA-RNA junction, adopt C1'-exo or C2'-endo conformations. The exchange rates for RNA C2'-OH were found to be approximately 5-20 s(-1). This slow exchange rate may be due to the narrow minor groove width of [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2), which may trap the water molecules and restrict the dynamic motion of hydroxyl protons. The minor groove width of [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2)is wider than its B-DNA analog but narrower than that of the A-RNA analog. It was further confirmed by its titration with the minor groove binding drug distamycin. A possible 2:1 binding mode was found by the titration experiments, suggesting that this chimeric duplex contains a wider minor groove than its B-DNA analog but still narrow enough to hold two distamycin molecules. These distinct structural features and hydration patterns of this chimeric duplex provide a molecular basis for further understanding the structure and recognition of DNA. RNA hybrid and chimeric duplexes.

Hydration of [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2)

We have studied the hydration and dynamics of RNA C2'-OH in a DNA. RNA hybrid chimeric duplex [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2). Long-lived water molecules with correlation time tau(c) larger than 0.3 ns were found close to the RNA adenine H2 and H1' protons in the hybrid segment. A possible long-lived water molecule was also detected close to the methyl group of 7T in the RNA-DNA junction but not to the other two thymine bases (8T and 9T). This result correlates with the structural studies that only DNA residue 7T in the RNA-DNA junction adopts an O4'-endo sugar conformation (intermediate between B-form and A-form), while the other DNA residues including 3C in the DNA-RNA junction, adopt C1'-exo or C2'-endo conformations (in the B-form domain). Based on the NOE cross-peak patterns, we have found that RNA C2'-OH tends to orient toward the O3' direction, forming a possible hydrogen bond with the 3'-phosphate group. The exchange rates for RNA C2'-OH were found to be around 5-20 s(-1), compared to 26.7(+/-13.8) s(-1) reported previously for the other DNA.RNA hybrid duplex. This slow exchange rate may be due to the narrow minor groove width of [d(CGC)r(aaa)d(TTTGCG)](2), which may trap the water molecules and restrict the dynamic motion of hydroxyl protons. The distinct hydration patterns of the RNA adenine H2 and H1' protons and the DNA 7T methyl group in the hybrid segment, as well as the orientation and dynamics of the RNA C2'-OH protons, may provide a molecular basis for further understanding the structure and recognition of DNA.RNA hybrid and chimeric duplexes.

DNA bending by small, mobile multivalent cations

We propose a purely electrostatic mechanism by which small, mobile, multivalent cations can induce DNA bending. A multivalent cation binds at the entrance to the B-DNA major groove, between the two phosphate strands, electrostatically repelling sodium counterions from the neighboring phosphates. The unscreened phosphates on both strands are strongly attracted to the groove-bound cation. This leads to groove closure, accompanied by DNA bending toward the cationic ligand. We explicitly treat the dynamic character of the cation-DNA interaction using an adiabatic approximation, noting that DNA bending is much slower than the diffusion of nonspecifically bound, mobile cations. We make semiquantitative estimates of the free energy components of bending-electrostatic (with a sigmoidal distance-dependent dielectric function), elastic, and entropic cation localization-and find that the equilibrium state is bent B-DNA stabilized with a self-localized cation. This is a bending polaron, formation of which should be critically dependent on the strength of electrostatic interaction and the concentration of highly mobile cations available for self-localization. We predict that the resultant bend will be large (approximately 20-40 degrees), smooth (because it is spread over 6 bp), and infrequent. The stability of such a bend can be variable, from transient to highly stable (static) bending, observable with standard curvature-measuring techniques. We further predict that this bending mechanism will have an unusual sequence dependence: sequences with less binding specificity will be more bent, unless the specific binding site is in the major groove.

Nine polymorphic crystal structures of d(CCGGGCCCGG), d(CCGGGCCm5CGG), d(Cm5CGGGCCm5CGG) and d(CCGGGCC(Br)5CGG) in three different conformations: effects of spermine binding and methylation on the bending and condensation of A-DNA

The A-DNA decamer d(CCGGGCCm5CGG) crystallizes in the presence of spermine in three polymorphic forms and with one duplex in the asymmetric unit: hexagonal (P6(1)), unit cell of 55.0 A x 55.0 A x 45.9 A; orthorhombic (P2(1)2(1)2(1)), unit cell of 24.8 A x 44.6 A x 48.0 A, and a second orthorhombic (P2(1)2(1)2(1)), unit cell of 23.6 A x 40.8 A x 43.4 A. The reduction in cell volume among the three different forms is accompanied by a large reduction in solvent content (67% versus 40% versus 24%) and a significant reduction in volume per base-pair (2005 A(3) versus 1325 A(3) versus 1048 A(3)). There is also a concomitant increase in the number of bound spermine molecules per duplex (0 versus 1 versus 2) as well as an increase in DNA bending (10 degrees versus 16 degrees versus 31 degrees), which correspond to major groove widths of 8.0 A versus 4.5 A versus 1.3 A, respectively. The P6(1) crystal form, which represents a new space group for A-DNA decamers, supports one of the most hydrated and extended DNA duplexes to date, while the second orthorhombic form supports one of the least-hydrated and most-condensed non-Z-DNA duplexes. The unmethylated analogue d(CCGGGCCCGG), the double-methyl derivative d(Cm5CGGGCCm5CGG) and the bromine derivative d(CCGGGCC(Br)5CGG) also crystallize in at least two of the aforementioned conformations, and all nine crystal structures were determined. We report, in detail, on the three crystal structures of d(CCGGGCCm5CGG) and the effects of methylation and spermine binding on A-DNA conformation.

Crystal structure of the self-complementary 5'-purine start decamer d(GCACGCGTGC) in the A-DNA conformation. II

The crystal structure of the alternating 5'-purine start decamer d(GCGCGCGCGC) was found to be in the left-handed Z-DNA conformation. Inasmuch as the A.T base pair is known to resist Z-DNA formation, we substituted A.T base pairs in the dyad-related positions of the decamer duplex. The alternating self-complementary decamer d(GCACGCGTGC) crystallizes in a different hexagonal space group, P6(1)22, with very different unit cell dimensions a = b = 38.97 and c = 77.34 A compared with the all-G.C alternating decamer. The A.T-containing decamer has one strand in the asymmetric unit, and because it is isomorphous to some other A-DNA decamers it was considered also to be right-handed. The structure was refined, starting with the atomic coordinates of the A-DNA decamer d(GCGGGCCCGC), by use of 2491 unique reflections out to 1.9-A resolution. The refinement converged to an R value of 18.6% for a total of 202 nucleotide atoms and 32 water molecules. This research further demonstrates that A.T base pairs not only resist the formation of Z-DNA but can also assist the formation of A-DNA by switching the helix handedness when the oligomer starts with a 5'-purine; also, the length of the inner Z-DNA stretch (d(CG)n) is reduced from an octamer to a tetramer. It may be noted that these oligonucleotide properties are in crystals and not necessarily in solutions.

Neomycin, spermine and hexaamminecobalt (III) share common structural motifs in converting B- to A-DNA

The (dG)n.(dC)n-containing 34mer DNA duplex [d(A2G15C15T2)]2 can be effectively converted from the B-DNA to the A-DNA conformation by neomycin, spermine and Co(NH3)6(3+). Conversion is demonstrated by a characteristic red shift in the circular dichroism spectra and dramatic NMR spectral changes in chemical shifts. Additional support comes from the substantially stronger CH6/GH8-H3'NOE intensities of the ligand-DNA complexes than those from the native DNA duplex. Such changes are consistent with a deoxyribose pucker transition from the predominate C2'-endo (S-type) to the C3'-endo (N-type). The changes for all three ligand-DNA complexes are identical, suggesting that those three complex cations share common structural motifs for the B- to A-DNA conversion. The A-DNA structure of the 4:1 complex of Co(NH3)6(3+)/d(ACCCGCGGGT) has been analyzed by NOE-restrained refinement. The structural basis of the transition may be related to the closeness of the two negatively charged sugar-phosphate backbones along the major groove in A-DNA, which can be effectively neutralized by the multivalent positively charged amine functions of these ligands. In addition, ligands like spermine or Co(NH3)6(3+) can adhere to guanine bases in the deep major groove of the double helix, as is evident from the significant direct NOE cross-peaks from the protons of Co(NH3)6(3+) to GH8, GH1 (imino) and CH4 (amino) protons. Our results point to future directions in preparing more potent derivatives of Co(NH3)6(3+) for RNA binding or the induction of A-DNA.

Influence of counter-ions on the crystal structures of DNA decamers: binding of [Co(NH3)6]3+ and Ba2+ to A-DNA

A-DNA is a stable alternative right-handed double helix that is favored by certain sequences (e.g., (dG)n.(dC)n) or under low humidity conditions. Earlier A-DNA structures of several DNA oligonucleotides and RNA.DNA chimeras have revealed some conformational variation that may be the result of sequence-dependent effects or crystal packing forces. In this study, four crystal structures of three decamer oligonucleotides, d(ACCGGCCGGT), d(ACCCGCGGGT), and r(GC)d(GTATACGC) in two crystal forms (either the P6(1)22 or the P2(1)2(1)2(1) space group) have been analyzed at high resolution to provide the molecular basis of the structural difference in an experimentally consistent manner. The study reveals that molecules crystallized in the same space group have a more similar A-DNA conformation, whereas the same molecule crystallized in different space groups has different (local) conformations. This suggests that even though the local structure is influenced by the crystal packing environments, the DNA molecule adjusts to adopt an overall conformation close to canonical A-DNA. For example, the six independent CpG steps in these four structures have different base-base stacking patterns, with their helical twist angles (omega) ranging from 28 degrees to 37 degrees. Our study further reveals the structural impact of different counter-ions on the A-DNA conformers. [Co(NH3)6]3+ has three unique A-DNA binding modes. One binds at the major groove side of a GpG step at the O6/N7 sites of guanine bases via hydrogen bonds. The other two modes involve the binding of ions to phosphates, either bridging across the narrow major groove or binding between two intra-strand adjacent phosphates. Those interactions may explain the recent spectroscopic and NMR observations that [Co(NH3)6]3+ is effective in inducing the B- to A-DNA transition for DNA with (G)n sequence. Interestingly, Ba2+ binds to the same O6/N7 sites on guanine by direct coordinations.

New crystal structures of nucleic acids and their complexes

In the past year, X-ray crystallographic studies of representatives of all nucleic acid structural types have been reported. Among the most interesting structures are the parallel DNA tetraplex formed by d(TGGGGT), the four-stranded structure formed by d(CCCT) and a double drug bound side by side in an antiparallel orientation to the minor groove of a B-DNA. Certainly, the structure that has received most attention is that of the first complex of a ribozyme with an inhibitor DNA.