Base-pairing Properties Research Articles

Synthesis and Incorporation into Oligodeoxynucleotides of Carbocyclic exo-Amino Nucleosides

The preparation of a series of carbocyclic exo-amino nucleosides from selected primary aromatic amines in both the C1′ α- and β-epimeric form as well as the corresponding building blocks for DNA synthesis is described. These nucleosides were incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides and their base-pairing properties with natural bases and, in part, with themselves investigated. The results obtained confirm that such nucleoside analogues engage in specific interactions with natural nucleotides in DNA duplexes. In addition they can form self-pairs that match or exceed the stability of Watson-Crick base-pairs. Thus, carbocyclic exo-amino nucleosides can be taken into consideration in the design of novel base-pairs for the extension of the genetic alphabet, or for other applications in biotechnology. 1 Introduction 2 Synthetic Routes 2.1 Synthesis of Carbocyclic exo-Amino Nucleosides and Building Blocks 2.2 Synthesis of Oligonucleotides 3 Pairing Properties of Oligonucleotides 4 Discussion and Conclusions

Excited-State Electronic Properties of 6-Methylisoxanthopterin (6-MI): An Experimental and Theoretical Study

6-Methylisoxanthopterin (6-MI) is a pteridine-based guanine analog that has a red-shifted absorption and high fluorescence quantum yield. Its Watson-Crick base-pairing and base stacking properties are similar to guanine. The fluorescence quantum yield of 6-MI is sensitive to its nearest neighbors and base stacking, making it a very useful real-time probe of DNA structure. The fundamental photophysics underlying this fluorescence quenching by base stacking is not well understood. We have explored the excited-state electronic structure of the 6-MI in frozen 77 K LiCl glasses using Stark spectroscopy. These measurements yielded the direction and degree of charge redistribution for the S(0)→S(1) transition as manifested in the difference dipole moment, Δμ(01), and difference static polarizability, TrΔα. TDDFT (time-dependent density functional theory) was employed to calculate the transition energy, oscillator strength, and the dipole moments of the ground and lowest optically bright excited state of 6-MI (S(0)→S(1)). The direction of Δμ(01) was assigned in the molecular frame based on the Stark data and calculations. These results suggest that the C4═O and C2-NH(2) groups are electron-deficient in the excited state, a very different outcome compared with guanine. This implies that Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding in 6-MI may be modulated by absorption of a photon so as to strengthen base pairing, if only transiently. Solvatochromism was also obtained for the absorption and emission spectra of 6-MI in various solvents and compared with the Stark spectroscopic results using both the Lippert-Mataga and Bakhshiev models.

What roles do boron substitutions play in structural, tautomeric, base pairing and electronic properties of uracil? NBO & AIM analysis

The synthesis of modified versions of deoxyribonucleic acid is an area that is receiving much attention. The replacement of the nitrogen atom on the nucleobases with boron atom has provided insight into deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid stability, recognition, and replication at the atomic level. In the present research, we investigated a detailed density functional theory study of the structural, tautomeric, base-pairing ability, bond dissociation energy, and electronic properties of two boron analogues (i.e., boron substitutions at 4-position and 5-position of uracil) of uracil nucleobase. The effects of these modifications on theirs acid–base properties have been considered. Our goal is to gather data to help elucidate the structure and electronic properties of boron analogues of uracil. Density functional theory calculations were performed using a nonlocal hybrid B3LYP and 6-311++G (d,p) atomic basis set. The result of calculation revealed that the canonical ‘keto’ form is the most stable tautomeric form of uracil nucleobase and its boronated analogues in the gas phase at density functional theory and second-order Moller–Plesset levels. Hyperconjugation stabilization factors that affect the stability of generated radicals and anions in these molecules were investigated by natural bond orbital analysis. Furthermore, quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis was performed to extract the bond critical point properties of various base pairs. The electron density can be considered as a good description of the strength of the different types of hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

7-Methylguanine: protonation, formation of linkage isomers with trans-(NH3)2PtII, and base pairing properties

Three protonated forms of 7-methylguanine (7-MeGH, 1) with different counter ions, [7-MeGH(2)]X (X = NO(3), 1a; ClO(4), 1b; BF(4), 1c) and two Pt(II) complexes, trans-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(7-MeGH-N9)(2)](ClO(4))(2) (4) and trans-[Pt(NH(3))(2)(7-MeGH-N9)(7-MeGH-N3)](ClO(4))(2)·3H(2)O (5) are described and their X-ray crystal structures are reported. 1a-1c form infinite ribbons via pairs of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between N1H···O6 and N3···N2H(2) sites, with anions connecting individual ribbons, thereby generating extended sheets. 4 and 5 do not display unusual features, except that 5 represents a rare case of a bis(nucleobase) complex of Pt(II) in which linkage isomers occur. Unlike in a previously reported compound, [Pt(dien)(7-MeGH-N9)](NO(3))(ClO(4)), the Pt coordination planes and the 7-MeGH planes are not coplanar in 4 and 5. The hydrogen bonding behaviour of 7-MeGH, free and when platinated at N9 (complex 4), was studied in Me(2)SO-d(6). It revealed the following: (i) there is no detectable self-association of 1 in Me(2)SO solution. (ii) 1 and 1-methylcytosine (1-MeC) form Watson-Crick pairs. (iii) 4 does not self-associate. (iv) 4 associates with 1-MeC in the Watson-Crick fashion. (v) 4 and 1 interact in solution, but no model can be proposed at present. (vi) Remarkable interaction shifts between 4 and 1 occur when NH(3) is liberated from trans-(NH(3))(2)Pt(II) to give NH(4)(+) in Me(2)SO-d(6). Feasible models, which imply the presence of deprotonated 7-MeG(-) species are proposed. Finally, DFT calculations were carried out to qualitatively estimate the effect of 7-MeGH acidity in [Pt(dien)(7-MeGH-N9)](2+) in dependence of the dihedral angle between the Pt coordination plane and the nucleobase.

Metal ion-binding properties of DNA duplexes containing thiopyrimidine base pairs

Thiopyrimidine pairs in DNA duplexes were unexpectedly largely stabilized by complexation with two equivalents of Ag(I) ions and their binding properties were evaluated. The metal ion-binding properties of the thiopyrimidine base pairs differed significantly from those of unpaired bases.

Dissecting the protein–RNA interface: the role of protein surface shapes and RNA secondary structures in protein–RNA recognition

Protein–RNA interactions are essential for many biological processes. However, the structural mechanisms underlying these interactions are not fully understood. Here, we analyzed the protein surface shape (dented, intermediate or protruded) and the RNA base pairing properties (paired or unpaired nucleotides) at the interfaces of 91 protein–RNA complexes derived from the Protein Data Bank. Dented protein surfaces prefer unpaired nucleotides to paired ones at the interface, and hydrogen bonds frequently occur between the protein backbone and RNA bases. In contrast, protruded protein surfaces do not show such a preference, rather, electrostatic interactions initiate the formation of hydrogen bonds between positively charged amino acids and RNA phosphate groups. Interestingly, in many protein–RNA complexes that interact via an RNA loop, an aspartic acid is favored at the interface. Moreover, in most of these complexes, nucleotide bases in the RNA loop are flipped out and form hydrogen bonds with the protein, which suggests that aspartic acid is important for RNA loop recognition through a base-flipping process. This study provides fundamental insights into the role of the shape of the protein surface and RNA secondary structures in mediating protein–RNA interactions.

Synthesis, base pairing properties and trans-lesion synthesis by reverse transcriptases of oligoribonucleotides containing the oxidatively damaged base 5-hydroxycytidine

The synthesis of a caged RNA phosphoramidite building block containing the oxidatively damaged base 5-hydroxycytidine (5-HOrC) has been accomplished. To determine the effect of this highly mutagenic lesion on complementary base recognition and coding properties, this building block was incorporated into a 12-mer oligoribonucleotide for Tm and CD measurements and a 31-mer template strand for primer extension experiments with HIV-, AMV- and MMLV-reverse transcriptase (RT). In UV-melting experiments, we find an unusual biphasic transition with two distinct Tm's when 5-HOrC is paired against a DNA or RNA complement with the base guanine in opposing position. The higher Tm closely matches that of a C-G base pair while the lower is close to that of a C-A mismatch. In single nucleotide extension reactions, we find substantial misincorporation of dAMP and to a lesser extent dTMP, with dAMP almost equaling that of the parent dGMP in the case of HIV-RT. A working hypothesis for the biphasic melting transition does not invoke tautomeric variability of 5-HOrC but rather local structural perturbations of the base pair at low temperature induced by interactions of the 5-HO group with the phosphate backbone. The properties of this RNA damage is discussed in the context of its putative biological function.

Crystal Structures and Repair Studies Reveal the Identity and the Base‐Pairing Properties of the UV‐Induced Spore Photoproduct DNA Lesion

UV light is one of the major causes of DNA damage. In spore DNA, due to an unusual packing of the genetic material, a special spore photoproduct lesion (SP lesion) is formed, which is repaired by the enzyme spore photoproduct lyase (Spl), a radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme. We report here the synthesis and DNA incorporation of a DNA SP lesion analogue lacking the phosphodiester backbone. The oligonucleotides were used for repair studies and they were cocrystallized with a polymerase enzyme as a template to clarify the configuration of the SP lesion and to provide information about the base-pairing properties of the lesion. The structural analysis together with repair studies allowed us to clarify the identity of the preferentially repaired lesion diastereoisomer.

Role of the Heat Capacity Change in Understanding and Modeling Melting Thermodynamics of Complementary Duplexes Containing Standard and Nucleobase-Modified LNA

Melting thermodynamic data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are reported for 43 duplexed oligonucleotides containing one or more locked nucleic acid (LNA) substitutions. The measured heat capacity change (ΔC(p)) for the helix-to-coil transition is used to compute the changes in enthalpy and entropy for melting of an LNA-bearing duplex at the T(m) of its corresponding isosequential unmodified DNA duplex to allow rigorous thermodynamic analysis of the stability enhancements provided by LNA substitutions. Contrary to previous studies, our analysis shows that the origin of the improved stability is almost exclusively a net reduction (ΔΔS° < 0) in the entropy gain accompanying the helix-to-coil transition, with the magnitude of the reduction dependent on the type of nucleobase and its base pairing properties. This knowledge and our average measured value for ΔC(p) of 42 ± 11 cal mol(-1) K(-1) bp(-1) are then used to derive a new model that accurately predicts melting thermodynamics and the increased melting temperature (ΔT(m)) of heteroduplexes formed between an unmodified DNA strand and a complementary strand containing any number and configuration of standard LNA nucleotides A, T, C, and G. This single-base thermodynamic (SBT) model requires only four entropy-related parameters in addition to ΔC(p). Finally, DSC data for 20 duplexes containing the nucleobase-modified LNAs 2-aminoadenine (D) and 2-thiothymine (H) are reported and used to determine SBT model parameters for D and H. The data and model suggest that along with the greater stability enhancement provided by D and H bases relative to their corresponding A and T analogues, the unique pseudocomplementary properties of D-H base pairs may make their use appealing for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Base pair opening kinetics study of the aegPNA:DNA hydrid duplex containing a site-specific GNA-like chiral PNA monomer

Peptide nucleic acids (PNA) are one of the most widely used synthetic DNA mimics where the four bases are attached to a N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (aeg) backbone instead of the negative-charged phosphate backbone in DNA. We have developed a chimeric PNA (chiPNA), in which a chiral GNA-like γ3T monomer is incorporated into aegPNA backbone. The base pair opening kinetics of the aegPNA:DNA and chiPNA:DNA hybrid duplexes were studied by NMR hydrogen exchange experiments. This study revealed that the aegPNA:DNA hybrid is much more stable duplex and is less dynamic compared to DNA duplex, meaning that base pairs are opened and reclosed much more slowly. The site-specific incorporation of γ3T monomer in the aegPNA:DNA hybrid can destabilize a specific base pair and its neighbors, maintaining the thermal stabilities and dynamic properties of other base pairs. Our hydrogen exchange study firstly revealed the unique kinetic features of base pairs in the aegPNA:DNA and chiPNA:DNA hybrids, which will provide an insight into the development of methodology for specific DNA recognition using PNA fragments.

ChemInform Abstract: Exploring the Role of Chirality in Nucleic Acid Recognition

AbstractReview: 233 refs.

An Adamantane‐Based Building Block for DNA Networks

DNA governs the storage and transfer of genetic information through generations in all living systems with the exception of some viruses. Its physicochemical nature and the Watson-Crick base pairing properties allow molecular constructions at nanometer length, thereby enabling the design of desired structural motifs, which can self-assemble to form large supramolecular arrays and scaffolds. The tailor-made DNAs have been an interesting material for such designed nanoscale constructions. However, the synthesis of specific structures with a desired molecular function is still in its infancy and therefore has to be further explored. To add a new dimension to this approach, we have synthesized a rigid three-way branched adamantane motif, which is capable of forming highly stable DNA networks. The moiety generated could serve as a useful building block for DNA-based nanoconstructions.

4,4-Difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene as a Bright Fluorescent Label for DNA

4,4-Difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) as a fluorescent label can be incorporated into DNA by two conceptually different ways: the non-nucleosidic DNA base surrogate Bo exhibits high brightness but no preferential base-pairing properties, whereas the BODIPY-modified uridine BodU has reduced quantum yields but shows preferred Watson-Crick base pairing with adenine.

Exploring the Role of Chirality in Nucleic Acid Recognition

The study of the base-pairing properties of nucleic acids with sugar moieties in the backbone belonging to the L-series (β-L-DNA, β-L-RNA, and their analogs) are reviewed. The major structural factors underlying the formation of stable heterochiral complexes obtained by incorporation of modified nucleotides into natural duplexes, or by hybridization between homochiral strands of opposite sense of chirality are highlighted. In addition, the perspective use of L-nucleic acids as candidates for various therapeutic applications, or as tools for both synthetic biology and etiology-oriented investigations on the structure and stereochemistry of natural nucleic acids is discussed.

Characterization of photophysical and base-mimicking properties of a novel fluorescent adenine analogue in DNA

To increase the diversity of fluorescent base analogues with improved properties, we here present the straightforward click-chemistry-based synthesis of a novel fluorescent adenine-analogue triazole adenine (AT) and its photophysical characterization inside DNA. AT shows promising properties compared to the widely used adenine analogue 2-aminopurine. Quantum yields reach >20% and >5% in single- and double-stranded DNA, respectively, and show dependence on neighbouring bases. Moreover, AT shows only a minor destabilization of DNA duplexes, comparable to 2-aminopurine, and circular dichroism investigations suggest that AT only causes minimal structural perturbations to normal B-DNA. Furthermore, we find that AT shows favourable base-pairing properties with thymine and more surprisingly also with normal adenine. In conclusion, AT shows strong potential as a new fluorescent adenine analogue for monitoring changes within its microenvironment in DNA.

Dynamics of Uracil and 5-Fluorouracil in DNA

The prodrug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), after activation into 5-F-dUMP, is an extensively used anticancer agent that inhibits thymidylate synthase and leads to increases in dUTP and 5-F-dUTP levels in cells. One mechanism for 5-FU action involves DNA polymerase mediated incorporation of dUTP and 5-F-dUTP into genomic DNA leading to U/A, 5-FU/A, or 5-FU/G base pairs. These uracil-containing lesions are recognized and excised by several human uracil excision repair glycosylases (hUNG2, hSMUG2, and hTDG) leading to toxic abasic sites in DNA that may precipitate cell death. Each of these enzymes uses an extrahelical base recognition mechanism, and previous studies with UNG have shown that extrahelical recognition is facilitated by destabilized base pairs possessing kinetically enhanced base pair opening rates. Thus, the dynamic properties of base pairs containing 5-FU and U are an important unknown in understanding the role of these enzymes in damage recognition and prodrug activation. The pH dependence of the (19)F NMR chemical shift of 5-FU imbedded in a model trinucleotide was used to obtain a pK(a) = 8.1 for its imino proton (10 °C). This is about 1.5 units lower than the imino protons of uracil or thymine and indicates that at neutral pH 5-FU exists significantly as an ionized tautomer that can mispair with guanine during DNA replication. NMR imino proton exchange measurements show that U/A and 5-FU/A base pairs open with rate constants (k(op)) that are 6- and 13-fold faster than a T/A base pair in the same sequence context. In contrast, these same base pairs have apparent opening equilibrium constants (αK(op)) that differ by less than a factor of 2, indicating that the closing rates (k(cl)) are enhanced by nearly equal amounts as k(op). These dynamic measurements are consistent with the previously proposed kinetic trapping model for extrahelical recognition by UNG. In this model, the enhanced intrinsic opening rates of destabilized base pairs allow the bound glycosylase to sample dynamic extrahelical excursions of thymidine and uracil bases as the first step in recognition.

Use of Specific Chemical Reagents for Detection of Modified Nucleotides in RNA

Naturally occurring cellular RNAs contain an impressive number of chemically distinct modified residues which appear posttranscriptionally, as a result of specific action of the corresponding RNA modification enzymes. Over 100 different chemical modifications have been identified and characterized up to now. Identification of the chemical nature and exact position of these modifications is typically based on 2D-TLC analysis of nucleotide digests, on HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry, or on the use of primer extension by reverse transcriptase. However, many modified nucleotides are silent in reverse transcription, since the presence of additional chemical groups frequently does not change base-pairing properties. In this paper, we give a summary of various chemical approaches exploiting the specific reactivity of modified nucleotides in RNA for their detection.

ChemInform Abstract: 2‐Azapurine Nucleosides: Synthesis, Properties, and Base Pairing of Oligonucleotides

AbstractReview: 82 refs.

Synthesis and characterization of oligodeoxynucleotides containing a novel tetraazabenzo[cd]azulene:naphthyridine base pair

The synthesis and thermal stability of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing 4-amino-2,3,5,6-tetraazabenzo[cd]azulen-7-one nucleosides 5 (BaO(N)) with the aim of developing new base pairing motif is described. The tricyclic nucleoside 5 was prepared starting with the 7-deaza-7-iodopurine derivative 1 via a palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with methyl acrylate, followed by an intramolecular cyclization. The resulting nucleoside was incorporated into ODNs, and the base pairing property of the BaO(N):NaN(O) (2-amino-7-hydroxy-1,8-naphthyridine nucleoside) pair in the duplex was evaluated by a thermal denaturation study. The melting temperature (T(m)) of the duplex containing the BaO(N):NaN(O) pair showed a higher value than that of the duplexes containing the adenine:thymine (A:T) and the guanine:cytosine (G:C) pairs, however it was lower than that of the ImO(N):NaN(O) (ImO(N)=7-amino-imidazo[5',4':4,5]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one nucleoside) pair. A temperature-dependent (1)H NMR study revealed that the H-bonding ability of BaO(N) was lower than that of ImO(N), which would explain why the BaO(N):NaN(O) pair was less thermally stable than the ImO(N):NaN(O) pair.

2‐Azapurine Nucleosides: Synthesis, Properties, and Base Pairing of Oligonucleotides

This review deals with 2-azapurine (imidazo[4,5-d] [1,2,3]triazine) nucleosides and closely related analogs. Different routes are described to yield the desired target compounds, including a sequence of ring-opening and ring-closure reactions performed on purine nucleosides or direct glycosylation of a 2-azapurine nucleobase with a sugar halide. Further, physical and spectroscopic properties of 2-azapurine nucleosides are discussed, including fluorescence, (13)C-NMR data, single-crystal X-ray analyses, and conformation studies on selected compounds; new biological data are presented. The second part of this review is dedicated to oligonucleotides containing 2-azapurines, including building-block (phosphoramidite) preparation and their use in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. Base-pairing properties of 2-azapurine nucleosides as surrogates of canonical constituents of DNA were evaluated.