Work

Redox-dependent control of i-Motif DNA structure using copper cations

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Previous computational studies have shown that Cu+ can act as a substitute for H+ to support formation of cytosine (C) dimers with similar conformation to the hemi-protonated base pair found in i-motif DNA. Through a range of biophysical methods, we provide experimental evidence to support the hypothesis that Cu+ can mediate C-C base pairing in i-motif DNA and preserve i-motif structure. These effects can be reversed using a metal chelator, or exposure to ambient oxygen in the air that drives oxidation of Cu+ to Cu2+, a comparatively weak ligand. Herein, we present a dynamic and redox-sensitive system for conformational control of an i-motif forming DNA sequence in response to copper cations.

Source: Nucleic Acids Research

DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky390

Authors: Mahmoud AS Abdelhamid, László Fábián, Colin J MacDonald, Myles R Cheesman, Andrew J Gates, Zoë AE Waller

Institutions: University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park

Language: English

Topic: DNA and Nucleic Acid Chemistry

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,992

Funders: Research Councils UK, University of East Anglia, Directorate for Biological Sciences, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council