The tetraribonucleotide rCpGpCpG forms a left-handed Z-RNA double-helix.

Abstract

NMR and circular dichroism studies show that the RNA tetranucleotide rCpGpCpG can form a Z-RNA left-handed double-helix. In 1.0 M NaClO4, circular dichroism measurements indicate that the tetramer is in the A-form. In 6.0 M NaClO4, there is a characteristic change in the circular dichroism, indicating that the tetramer adopts a left-handed Z-form. This conformation is verified by phosphorus and proton NMR studies. The 31P spectrum shows a large downfield shift in one of the resonances upon an increase in salt concentration. Proton nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments indicate that the guanosines are in the syn conformation. These results are consistent with the formation of a Z-form double-helix.