Optical Melting Studies Research Articles

High-resolution calorimetric and optical melting profiles of DNA plasmids: resolving contributions from intrinsic melting domains and specifically designed inserts.

We demonstrate that differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be used to yield high-resolution melting profiles for DNA plasmids that agree in all major features with the corresponding plasmid melting profiles derived using more traditional optical techniques. We further demonstrate that by combining information derived from both calorimetric and optical melting profiles one can glean insights that are unavailable from either melting curve alone. By using both optical and calorimetric observables, we show how one can resolve, identify, and measure the thermodynamic properties of particular sequences/domains of interest within a plasmid. We also show that complementary DSC and optical melting studies on plasmids with and without specifically designed inserts can provide fundamental advantages over the corresponding melting studies on other model system constructs for thermodynamically characterizing nucleic acid sequences/structures.

Sequence effects on the relative thermodynamic stabilities of B-Z junction-forming DNA oligomeric duplexes

Circular dichroism (CD) and ultraviolet absorption techniques were employed in characterizing the sequence-dependent thermodynamic stabilities of B-Z junction-forming DNA duplexes. The Watson strand of the duplexes has the general sequence (5meC-G)4-NXYG-ACTG (where N = A or G and XY represents all permutations of pyrimidine bases). Duplexes were generated by mixing stoichiometric amounts of the complementary strands. Circular dichroism studies indicate that each duplex is fully right-handed at low salt (e.g., 115 mM Na+) but undergoes a salt-induced conformational transition to a structure that possesses both left- and right-handed conformations at high salt (4.5 M Na+), and hence a B-Z junction. Optical melting studies of the DNA duplexes at fixed DNA concentration with total Na+ concentration ranging from 15 mM to 5.0 M were determined. A nonlinear dependence of the melting temperature (Tm) on [Na+] was observed. Thermodynamic parameters at Na+ concentrations of 115 mM and 4.5 M with a wide range of DNA concentrations were determined from UV optical melting studies via construction of van't Hoff plots. A change of a single dinucleotide within these duplexes significantly affected the helix stabilities. The experimentally obtained free energies for the duplex to single-strand transitions were in close agreement with predicted values obtained from two different methods.

Effect of base pair A/C and G/T mismatches on the thermal stabilities of DNA oligomers that form B-Z junctions.

The thermal stabilities and structures of B-Z junction forming DNA duplexes possessing A/C or G/T base pair mismatches were compared to those of corresponding duplexes possessing perfect matched base pairs. The upper strands of the duplexes have a generalized sequence 5'-(5meCG)-LMN-GACTG-3', where L stands for A or G while M and N are permutations of pyrimidines. The lower strands were either complementary or were such as to create an A/C or G/T mismatch at the position corresponding to L, M, or N. Optical melting and circular dichroism studies were used to investigate the thermal stabilities and structures of both the mismatched base pair and the perfect matched base pair duplexes. Incorporating mismatched A/C or G/T base pairs did not noticeably affect the conformations of the duplexes in 115 mM Na+ but resulted in perturbed B-Z conformations at 4.5 M Na+. For any mismatched base pair duplex, the B-DNA domain of the hybrid B-Z structure formed at 4.5 M Na+ is significantly perturbed while the Z-DNA domain is less perturbed by the presence of the mismatched base pairs. The presence of a mismatch destabilizes a duplex relative to the perfect matched base pair duplex by 1.7-10.0 kcal/mol depending upon position of the mismatch, type of mismatch base pair involved, and Na+ concentration. The thermodynamic destabilization of a mismatched base pair duplex relative to the perfect matched base pair duplex arises from perturbations in nearest neighbor interactions and hydrogen bonding. In general, we observed that the incorporation of an A/C or G/T base pair mismatch in place of a perfect matched base pair at or near a B-Z junction results in a relatively large change in enthalpy and entropy to produce a significant change in the free energy of the duplex to single strand transition. At 4.5 M Na+, where the duplexes possess perturbed B-Z junctions, the farther away from the junction that the mismatch is, the greater the extent of the destabilization.

Experimental verification of the secondary structures of guide RNA-pre-mRNA chimaeric molecules in Trypanosoma brucei.

RNA editing in kinetoplastid organisms is an RNA-processing reaction that adds and deletes U nucleotides at specific sites in mitochondrial pre-mRNAs. The edited sequence is specified by guide RNAs and the processing presumably occurs within a high-molecular-mass ribonucleoprotein complex containing several enzymatic activities. Although the mechanism is not currently known, potential intermediates or by-products of the editing process are chimaeric RNAs where guide (g) RNAs are covalently attached, via their non-encoded U-tail, to their cognate pre-mRNAs. We determined the secondary structures of three different ATPase 6 chimaeras of Trypanosoma brucei using a set of structure-sensitive chemical and enzymatic probes. The experiments revealed a bipartite domain structure consisting of a gRNA/pre-mRNA interaction hairpin and an independently folding mRNA stem/loop in all three RNAs. The connecting U-tail was a determinant for the length of the interaction stems with the oligo(U) nucleotides base pairing to internal gRNA sequences. The probed structures have calculated delta G27o values of -92 kJ/ mol to -134 kJ/mol, somewhat less stable than the predicted minimal free energy structures and support previously proposed models for the interaction between gRNAs and pre-mRNAs. Optical melting studies indicated additional, higher order structural features for all three molecules with four defined melting transition between 10 degrees C and 90 degrees C. A comparison of CD spectra in the absence and presence of mitochondrial protein extracts demonstrated no gross structural changes of the RNA structures induced by the association with polypeptides.

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies of conformational changes in long, natural messenger ribonucleic acid molecules

Physical techniques have proved to be very useful in the analysis of biological molecules. In this communication, we report the first circular dichroism (CD) and optical melting studies, coupled with thermodynamic estimations, on conformational changes in two naturally occurring messenger RNAs. One of the mRNAs analysed contained a very stable stem-loop structure (termed REP sequences), and the other was identical in sequence, except for a deletion of the stem-loop. The CD spectra of both RNAs show that they are in the A-conformation and are extensively base-paired and stacked even at low ionic strength. Optical melting studies show that the RNA with out the stem-loop structure melts in a single co-operative transition with a Tm of 65.5 °C whereas the RNA containing the stem-loop structure has three structural transitions with Tm values of 66.5, 74.5 and 86.5 °C. These data are consistent with those obtained using CD and together they show that the stem-loop structure melts in two distinct stages. Addition of spermidine increases the temperature at which these transitions occur and alters the conformation of the stem loop in such a way that it melts in one rather than two transitions. We present a method for calculating ΔH° and ΔS° of each transition and show that the thermodynamic values estimated are consistent with the observed results. Our results demonstrate that CD and optical melting spectroscopy, together with thermodynamic calculations, can be successfully used to gain insights into the dynamic structural features of complex RNAs.

DNA and RNA oligomer sequences from the 3' noncoding region of the chicken glutamine synthetase gene from intramolecular hairpins.

The DNA sequence of the chicken glutamine synthetase gene contains an A.T-rich stretch of approximately 1500 base pairs in the 3' noncoding regions of exon 7 [Pu, H., & Young, A. P. (1989) Gene 18, 169-175]. Within this region several palindromic sequences occur that could conceivably form intramolecular structures. One such perfect inverted repeat sequence resides between positions 2605 and 2623. To investigate the hairpin-forming potential for this sequence, optical and calorimetric melting and gel electrophoresis studies have been performed on the following synthetically prepared DNA and RNA oligomer subsequences: DNA, 5'd-T-T-T-T-T-T-A-A-T-A-A-T-T-A-A-A-A-A-A-3'; and RNA, 5'r-U-U-U-U-U-U-A-A-U-A-A-U-U-A-A-A-A-A-A-3'. The DNA strand corresponds to the coding strand sequence while the RNA strand represents the transcribed mRNA. Results of melting analysis of these 19-base, partially self-complementary strands performed in 115 mM Na+ yielded evaluations of their thermodynamic transition parameters. These values are consistent with the melting of unimolecular structures, presumably hairpins. Thermodynamic parameters evaluated by analysis of the optical melting transitions assuming a two-state model and measured directly by differential scanning calorimetry agreed within experimental error. Therefore, melting behavior of the hairpins is all-or-none like. The DNA hairpin is slightly more stable than the RNA hairpin with melting enthalpy delta H0 = 41.2 +/- 3.8 kcal/mol and entropy delta S0 = 133 +/- 11 cal/K.mol (eu) compared to delta H0 = 32.0 +/- 6.0 kcal/mol and entropy delta S0 = 105 +/- 20 eu for the RNA. Gel electrophoretic analysis of these oligomers alone and in various mixtures with their DNA and RNA complementary strands was also performed. Consistent with interpretations of melting results, these experiments revealed both strands alone preferentially form intramolecular hairpin structures. In mixtures in which their complementary strands are in vast molar excess (stoichiometric ratios > 10:1), the intramolecular structures are converted to intermolecular duplexes. For the DNA and RNA strands examined, the conversion is not complete until over a 1000-fold excess of the complementary strand is added. Semiquantitative analysis of gel electrophoretograms enabled evaluations of the relative free energies of the hairpin and duplex states as a function of complementary strand concentration. With the finding that these sequences preferentially form hairpins, potential roles these structures could play in regulatory activities are considered.

Structural features of a six-nucleotide RNA hairpin loop found in ribosomal RNA.

The hairpin loop GUAAUA occurs frequently in ribosomal RNA. Optical melting studies show that r(GGCGUAAUAGCC) folds into a hairpin containing this loop. The structural features of the r(GGCGUAAUAGCC) hairpin have been determined by NMR and molecular modeling. NOEs from G4-H1' to A9-H2 and from A9-H2 to G10-H1' show that G4 and A9 form a sheared base pair with two hydrogen bonds: A-N7 to G-NH2 and A-NH6 to G-N3. One-dimensional NOE data show no NOEs between the imino protons of U5 and U8, but NOEs are observed between the U5-H1' and the U8-H6 and U8-H5, thus orienting the U8 imino proton away from U5. Thus U5 and U8 do not form an imino hydrogen-bonded U.U pair. The U5-H2' exhibits NOEs to both the A6-H8 and A7-H8, and the 3' phosphorus resonances of U5 and A6 are shifted downfield. This suggests that the helix turn is between the U5 and A6 nucleotides. The JH1'-H2 and JH3'-H4' coupling constants indicate that the loop is dynamic, particularly at 35 degrees C, well below the melting temperature of 63 degrees C. Structures were generated using 75 distance and 46 dihedral angle restraints. In these structures, the U5 base is stacked on the sheared base pair formed by G4 and A9 and can initiate a uridine turn similar to that observed in the anticodon loop of tRNA. The A6, A7, and U8 bases can stack on one another with their hydrogen-bonding surfaces exposed to the solvent, suggesting that they are available for tertiary interactions or protein recognition in rRNA. A range of loop structures are consistent with the data, however. The lack of formation of a U.U mismatch is consistent with a recent model that predicts the stability of hairpin loops of six nucleotides on the basis of the closing base pair and first mismatch in the loop [Serra, M. J., Axenson, T. J., & Turner, D. H. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 14289-14296].

Nearest-neighbor parameters for G.cntdot.U mismatches: 5'GU3'/3'UG5' is destabilizing in the contexts CGUG/GUGC, UGUA/AUGU, and AGUU/UUGA but stabilizing in GGUC/CUGG

Thermodynamic parameters derived from optical melting studies are reported for duplex formation by a series of oligoribonucleotides containing G.U mismatches. The results are used to determine nearest-neighbor parameters for helix propagation by G.U mismatches. Surprisingly, the [formula; see text] nearest-neighbor free energy increment in unfavorable in the contexts [formula; see text], and [formula; see text] but favorable in the context [formula; see text]. This is a non-nearest-neighbor effect. In contrast, the [formula; see text] free energy increment is favorable and independent of context. Circular dichroism and imino proton NMR spectra of several sequences do not reveal an obvious structural basis for this dichotomy. For example, all the G.U mismatches have two slowly exchanging imino protons. The imino resonances for the G.U mismatches in GGAGUUCC, GUCGUGAC, and CCUGUAGG, however, broaden at lower temperature than the imino resonances for the interior Watson-Crick base pairs. In contrast, the imino resonances for the G.U mismatches in GGAUGUCC remain sharp at high temperature. The improved parameters for G.U mismatches should improve predictions of RNA structure from sequence.

Thermodynamic study of internal loops in oligoribonucleotides: symmetric loops are more stable than asymmetric loops

Thermodynamic parameters for internal loops of unpaired adenosines in oligoribonucleotides have been measured by optical melting studies. Comparisons are made between helices containing symmetric and asymmetric loops. Asymmetric loops destabilize a helix more than symmetric loops. The differences in free energy between symmetric and asymmetric loops are roughly half the magnitude suggested from a study of parameters required to give accurate predictions of RNA secondary structure [Papanicolaou, C., Gouy, M., & Ninio, J. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12, 31-44]. Circular dichroism spectra indicate no major structural difference between helices containing symmetric and asymmetric loops. The measured sequence dependence of internal loop stability is not consistent with approximations used in current algorithms for predicting RNA secondary structure.

Biochemical and biophysical analysis of pseudoknot-containing RNA fragments. Melting studies and NMR spectroscopy.

Three overlapping RNA fragments containing the pseudoknot, as found in the tRNA-like structure of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) RNA, have been isolated and purified. Site-directed cleavage of TYMV RNA by RNase H, followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion-exchange HPLC, yielded a pure preparation of a 3'-terminal, 112-nucleotide TYMV RNA fragment. Transcription of TYMV cDNA by T7 RNA polymerase, resulted in the isolation of an 88-nucleotide fragment. Finally, a 44-nucleotide fragment containing the TYMV RNA pseudoknot and strongly resembling the aminoacyl acceptor arm of the viral RNA was also synthesised using T7 RNA polymerase. The three fragments were isolated in milligram amounts and used for biochemical structure mapping, ultraviolet melting studies and NMR spectroscopy. Chemical modification with diethyl pyrocarbonate and sodium bisulphite and enzymatic digestion with RNase T1 confirmed the presence of the pseudoknot in the 44-nucleotide fragment. Also the analogue of the T-stem and T-loop of the tRNA-like structure of TYMV RNA was found. The results of modification at various temperatures in Mg2+-containing buffers were in general agreement with optical melting studies. Ultraviolet melting analysis of the longer fragments revealed their greater complexity and the results appear similar to those obtained for some tRNA species. To obtain direct biophysical evidence for base-pairing and stacking interactions in the pseudoknot, NMR studies were initiated. The first proton-NMR spectra ever obtained for plant viral RNA fragments are presented. NMR spectra were recorded at various buffer conditions and at various temperatures. The spectra for the 112-nucleotide and 88-nucleotide fragment are too complicated to be solved at present. In the case of the 44-nucleotide fragment, however, the imino proton resonances are well separated and this system turns out to be most promising for structural studies.

Loosening of the phage structure in a low ionic strength environment.

Structural parameters of phage T7 were compared in two frequently used Tris buffers of high and low ionic strength, in order to explain the different biological activity and drug-binding characteristics. Characteristics of the whole phage geometry were obtained by viscosimetry, static and quasi-elastic light-scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering. The latter method revealed dissimilarities in the intraphage DNA compactness, consistent with the findings of the optical absorption melting studies. Alterations in the particle dimensions determined in the same sample by different methods are discussed, and a model is constructed to explain the structural modifications that occur on lowering the ionic strength.

Secondary structure maps of ribosomal RNA and DNA: I. Processing of Xenopus laevis ribosomal RNA and structure of single-stranded ribosomal DNA

Precursor and mature ribosomal RNA molecules from Xenopus laevis were examined by electron microscopy. A reproducible arrangement of hairpin loops was observed in these molecules. Maps based on this secondary structure were used to determine the arrangement of sequences in precursor RNA molecules and to identify the position of mature rRNAs within the precursors. A processing scheme was derived in which the 40 S rRNA is cleaved to 38 S RNA, which then yields 34 S plus 18 S RNA. The 34 S RNA is processed to 30 S, and finally to 28 S rRNA. The pathway is analogous to that of L-cell rRNA but differs from HeLa rRNA in that no 20 S rRNA intermediate was found. X. laevis 40 S rRNA ( M r = 2.7 × 10 6) is much smaller than HeLa or L-cell 45 8 rRNA ( M r = 4.7 × 10 6), but the arrangement of mature rRNA sequences in all precursors is very similar. Experiments with ascites cell 3′-exonuclease show that the 28 S region is located at or close to the 5′-end of the 40 S rRNA. Secondary structure maps were obtained also for single-stranded molecules of ribosomal DNA. The region in the DNA coding for the 40 S rRNA could be identified by its regular structure, which closely resembles that of the RNA. Regions corresponding to the 40 S RNA gene alternate with non-transcribed spacer regions along strands of rDNA. The latter have a large amount of irregular secondary structure and vary in length between different repeating units. A detailed map of the rDNA repeating unit was derived from these experiments. Optical melting studies are presented, showing that rRNAs with a high (G + C) content exhibit significant hypochromicity in the formamide/urea-containing solution that was used for spreading.