溴化乙锭对B-DNA碱基对特异性识别的分子模拟研究

溴化乙锭是一种常用的DNA荧光探针, 其作用机制是通过插入作用与DNA分子形成稳定的复合物. 分子模拟显示, 溴化乙锭插入碱基对过程中有大小沟选择性, 对结合能的统计分析发现, 溴化乙锭分子更倾向从小沟方向插入到DNA分子中. 由溴化乙锭从小沟方向插入不同碱基对的结合能考察发现, 溴化乙锭对DNA碱基对有特异性识别, 并且与CA碱基对结合能最强. 对溴化乙锭插入DNA分子的驱动力和序列特异性识别的作用力分析, 揭示溴化乙锭插入DNA分子的驱动力和碱基对的特异性识别均以静电作用为主.     

Λ-、△-[Rh（bpy）2chrysi]^3＋对含C：T错配的DNA序列识别作用的分子模拟研究

通过分子模拟方法研究了手性金属配合物[Rh（bpy）2Chrysi]^3＋（bpy=2，2’-bipyridineChrysi=5，6-chrysenequinonediimine）对包含C：T错配碱基对的B-DNA序列的识别作用．结合类似的针对含G：A错配的和正常的B-DNA序列的识别作用研究，发现配合物I-Rh（bpy）zChrysi]^3＋可以对错配B-DNA序列进行序列特异性的识别．能量对比计算结果表明，该经典插入识别作用倾向于在错配碱基对附近进行，其中△-[Rh（bpy）2chrysi]^3＋比其手性异构体更占优势．这同Barton教授工作组的实验结果是一致的．另外插入作用倾向于在错配序列中的正常双碱基对C3A4／G3T4（错配碱基对附近）中从小沟进行．与该配合物对含G：A错配的和正常的B-DNA序列的识别作用不同的是，对包含C：T错配碱基对的B-DNA序列的识别作用倾向于从小沟进行．这一点可能源于C：T碱基对结构的不同．     

Λ-、Δ-[Rh(bpy)2chrysi]3+对含C:T错配的DNA序列识别作用的分子模拟研究

通过分子模拟方法研究了手性金属配合物[Rh(bpy)2Chrysi]3 (bpy=2,2’- bipyridine;Chrysi=5,6-chrysenequinonediimine)对包含C:T错配碱基对的B-DNA序列的识别作用。结合类似的针对含G:A错配的和正常的B-DNA序列的识别作用研究,发现配合物[Rh(bpy)2Chrysi]3 可以对错配B-DNA序列进行序列特异性的识别．能量对比计算结果表明,该经典插入识别作用倾向于在错配碱基对附近进行,其中Δ-[Rh(bpy)2charysi]3 比其手性异构体更占优势．这同Barton教授工作组的实验结果是一致的。另外插入作用倾向于在错配序列中的正常双碱基对C3A4／G374(错配碱基对附近)中从小沟进行．与该配合物对含G:A错配的和正常的B-DNA序列的识别作用不同的是,对包含C:T错配碱基对的B-DNA序列的识别作用倾向于从小沟进行．这一点可能源于C:T碱基对结构的不同．     

DNA小沟结合二脒:水分子的识别作用

采用分子动力学模拟了DB921-DNA复合物, 通过7 ns的模拟研究表明: DB921一端的氨基氮原子与一个水分子形成氢键, 同时, 水分子又与DNA的5位A碱基的氮原子形成一个氢键. 水分子在DB921与DNA小沟结合中起了桥连的作用, 使得直线型的芳香二脒化合物DB921通过水桥与DNA小沟结合, 水分子诱导DB921分子与DNA的小沟域构型相适应, 与DNA小沟域的AATTC碱基有较强的结合作用. 在分子水平上提供了DB921与双螺旋DNA相互作用的结构及复合物的动态变化情况, 指出水分子在DNA小沟结合二脒化合物中的识别作用, 为设计出更高生物活性的DNA小沟结合剂提供一定的理论依据.     

分子模拟手性金属配合物△,∧ -[Co(phen)2dppz]3+与B-DNA的作用模型

利用分子模拟方法, 通过研究手性金属配合物[Co(phen)2dppz]3+(phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3, 2-a: 2′, 3′-c]phenazine)与B-DNA的作用机理, 探讨了当前存在争议的两种模型: 即Barton的从DNA大沟插入、且△型异构体更易于和B-DNA结合的模型和Norden的从DNA小沟插入、且没有显著异构体选择性的模型.最终, 研究结果支持Norden的结合模型, 而对Barton的结合模型提出了异议.     

△,Λ-[Co(phen)2tpphz]^3+与B - DNA相互作用的分子 模拟

针对国际上对金属配合物同DNA间作用机量的争议,采用分子模拟手段在MM2力场下,搭建并优化了手性金属配合物△,Λ-[Co(phen)2tpphz]^3+与B-DNA[d(GTCGATCGAC)2]的模型,继而对其相互作用进行了模拟,得出的结论是：对所采用的B-DNA片断,该金属配合物有明显的立体选择性△型配合物从小沟插入占明显优势,而且,总体来看,从AT区插入更易进行。     

分子模拟手性金属配合物△,Λ-[Co(phen)_2dppz]~(3 )与B-DNA的作用模型

利用分子模拟方法, 通过研究手性金属配合物[Co(phen)2dppz]3 (phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3, 2-a: 2′, 3′-c]phenazine)与B-DNA的作用机理, 探讨了当前存在争议的两种模型: 即Barton的从DNA大沟插入、且 D 型异构体更易于和B-DNA结合的模型和Norden的从DNA小沟插入、且没有显著异构体选择性的模型.最终, 研究结果支持Norden的结合模型, 而对Barton的结合模型提出了异议.     

△,Λ-[Co(phen)2tpphz]3+与B-DNA相互作用的分子模拟

针对国际上对金属配合物同DNA间作用机量的争议,采用分子模拟手段在MM2力场下,搭建并优化了手性金属配合物△,Λ-[Co(phen)2tpphz]^3+与B-DNA[d(GTCGATCGAC)2]的模型,继而对其相互作用进行了模拟,得出的结论是：对所采用的B-DNA片断,该金属配合物有明显的立体选择性△型配合物从小沟插入占明显优势,而且,总体来看,从AT区插入更易进行。     

不可逆电活性药物米托蒽醌与脱氧核糖核酸的相互作用

研究了抗癌新药米托蒽醌(MXT)的电化学行为及与脱氧核糖核酸(DNA)的相互作用，推导了适用于研究不可逆电活性分子与DNA相互作用的电化学公式，运用该公式可以简便、快速地测定靶向分子与DNA的结合常数和结合位点数。实验发现，MXT与小牛胸腺DNA的结合以蒽醌母核的嵌插作用为主，同时，烃氨基侧链与骨架磷酸基团之间的静电吸引对母核起稳定作用，使化合物易于嵌入DNA的平面结构。MXT与DNA相互作用引起的峰电流的变化可以用于分析测定DNA。     

脂肪链在吡咯-咪唑聚酰胺及其结合物与B-DNA键合中的作用

吡咯-咪唑聚酰胺是一类人工合成的能够在B-DNA小沟特异性识别碱基序列的有机小分子,并且能通过细胞膜进入细胞,调控基因的表达。它主要由五元杂环化合物N-甲基吡咯(Py)、N-甲基咪唑(Im)、N-甲基-3-羟基吡咯(Hp)芳香氨基酸及脂肪链氨基酸组成。在这种小分子对生物大分子识别事件中, 脂肪链^作为构建聚酰胺及其结合物的一部分, 在聚酰胺特异性识别DNA、延长DNA识别序列、连接分子荧光标记、对DNA指定位点的烷基化及基因调控等方面都起着非常重要的作用。本文阐述了脂肪链在上述诸方面应用的研究进展,并简要地分析了存在的问题和应用前景。     

On the molecular mechanism of drug intercalation into DNA: a simulation study of the intercalation pathway, free energy, and DNA structural changes

Intercalation into DNA (insertion between a pair of base pairs) is a critical step in the function of many anticancer drugs. Despite its importance, a detailed mechanistic understanding of this process at the molecular level is lacking. We have constructed, using extensive atomistic computer simulations and umbrella sampling techniques, a free energy landscape for the intercalation of the anticancer drug daunomycin into a twelve base pair B-DNA. A similar free energy landscape has been constructed for a probable intermediate DNA minor groove-bound state. These allow a molecular level understanding of aspects of the thermodynamics, DNA structural changes, and kinetic pathways of the intercalation process. Key DNA structural changes involve opening the future intercalation site base pairs toward the minor groove (positive roll), followed by an increase in the rise, accompanied by hydrogen bonding changes of the minor groove waters. The calculated intercalation free energy change is -12.3 kcal/mol, in reasonable agreement with the experimental estimate -9.4 kcal/mol. The results point to a mechanism in which the drug first binds to the minor groove and then intercalates into the DNA in an activated process, which is found to be in general agreement with experimental kinetic results.     

A comparative DFT study of some N-based aromatic ligand metal complexes as anticancer agents and analysis of their mode of interaction with DNA base pair

Metal complexed anticancer agents interact with DNA nucleobase pairs (AT and GC) through different types of binding mode such as intercalation, groove binding, covalent binding, etc. Minor and major groove binding mechanism of DNA base pair is the key factor for all kinds of anticancer agent; as metal complexes have a great affinity to bind with DNA nucleobase either through minor or major groove. Ligands in metal complexes also play a vital role during the interaction with DNA base pairs; these ligands directly interact with DNA through different interacting modes. Generally, anticancer agents with less sterically hindered N-based aromatic and planar ligands are the key component for DNA binding; as the structure of such ligands are quite compatible for following intercalation and groove binding mechanism. Since, the experimental investigation for drug-DNA nucleobase complexes are extremely complicated, therefore; quantum mechanical calculations might be very helpful for computing the actual interactions in drug-DNA complexes. Quantum mechanical approaches such as density functional theory (DFT) might be a very important and useful tool to investigate the actual mode of interaction of metal complexed antitumor agents with DNA nucleobase. Herein, we have taken some metal complexes with N-based aromatic ligands as antitumor agents to investigate the proper mode of interaction between drug-DNA complexes.     

Solution structure of a DNA duplex containing a biphenyl pair

Hydrogen-bonding and stacking interactions between nucleobases are considered to be the major noncovalent interactions that stabilize the DNA and RNA double helices. In recent work we found that one or multiple biphenyl pairs, devoid of any potential for hydrogen bond formation, can be introduced into a DNA double helix without loss of duplex stability. We hypothesized that interstrand stacking interactions of the biphenyl residues maintain duplex stability. Here we present an NMR structure of the decamer duplex d(GTGACXGCAG) d(CTGCYGTCAC) that contains one such X/Y biaryl pair. X represents a 3',5'-dinitrobiphenyl- and Y a 3',4'-dimethoxybiphenyl C-nucleoside unit. The experimentally determined solution structure shows a B-DNA duplex with a slight kink at the site of modification. The biphenyl groups are intercalated side by side as a pair between the natural base pairs and are stacked head to tail in van der Waals contact with each other. The first phenyl rings of the biphenyl units each show tight intrastrand stacking to their natural base neighbors on the 3'-side, thus strongly favoring one of two possible interstrand intercalation structures. In order to accommodate the biphenyl units in the duplex the helical pitch is widened while the helical twist at the site of modification is reduced. Interestingly, the biphenyl rings are not static in the duplex but are in dynamic motion even at 294 K.     

The N6-methyl group of adenine further increases the BI stability of DNA compared to C5-methyl groups

Methylated DNA bases are natural modifications which play an important role in protein-DNA interactions. Recent experimental and theoretical results have shown an influence of the base modification on the conformational behavior of the DNA backbone. MD simulations of four different B-DNA dodecamers (d(GC)(6), d(AT)(6), d(G(5mCG)(5)C), and d(A(T6mA)(5)T)) have been performed with the aim to examine the influence of methyl groups on the B-DNA backbone behavior. An additional control simulation of d(AU)(6) has also been performed to examine the further influence of the C5-methyl group in thymine. Methyl groups in the major groove (as in C5-methylcytosine, thymine, or N6-methyladenine) decrease the BII substate population of RpY steps. Due to methylation a clearer distinction of the BI substate stability between YpR and RpY (CpG/GpC or TpA/ApT) steps arises. A positive correlation between the BII substate population and base stacking distances is seen only for poly(GC). A methyl group added into the major groove increases mean water residence times around the purine N7 atom, which may stabilize the BI substate by improving the hydration network between the DNA backbone and the major groove. The N6-methyl group also forms a water molecule bridge between the N6 and O4 atoms, and thus further stabilizes the BI substate.     

Initial DNA Interactions of the Binuclear Threading Intercalator Λ,Λ‐[μ‐bidppz(bipy)4Ru2]4+: An NMR Study with [d(CGCGAATTCGCG)]2

Binuclear polypyridine ruthenium compounds have been shown to slowly intercalate into DNA, following a fast initial binding on the DNA surface. For these compounds, intercalation requires threading of a bulky substituent, containing one Ru^II, through the DNA base‐pair stack, and the accompanying DNA duplex distortions are much more severe than with intercalation of mononuclear compounds. Structural understanding of the process of intercalation may greatly gain from a characterisation of the initial interactions between binuclear Ru^II compounds and DNA. We report a structural NMR study on the binuclear Ru^II intercalator Λ,Λ‐B (Λ,Λ‐[μ‐bidppz(bipy)₄Ru₂]⁴⁺; bidppz=11,11′‐bis(dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazinyl, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) mixed with the palindromic DNA [d(CGCGAATTCGCG)]₂. Threading of Λ,Λ‐B depends on the presence and length of AT stretches in the DNA. Therefore, the latter was selected to promote initial binding, but due to the short stretch of AT base pairs, final intercalation is prevented. Structural calculations provide a model for the interaction: Λ,Λ‐B is trapped in a well‐defined surface‐bound state consisting of an eccentric minor‐groove binding. Most of the interaction enthalpy originates from electrostatic and van der Waals contacts, whereas intermolecular hydrogen bonds may help to define a unique position of Λ,Λ‐B. Molecular dynamics simulations show that this minor‐groove binding mode is stable on a nanosecond scale. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first structural study by NMR spectroscopy on a binuclear Ru compound bound to DNA. In the calculated structure, one of the positively charged Ru²⁺ moieties is near the central AATT region; this is favourable in view of potential intercalation as observed by optical methods for DNA with longer AT stretches. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy suggests that a similar binding geometry is formed in mixtures of Λ,Λ‐B with natural calf thymus DNA. The present minor‐groove binding mode is proposed to represent the initial surface interactions of binuclear Ru^II compounds prior to intercalation into AT‐rich DNA.     

Sequence specific fluorescence detection of double strand DNA

Methods for the fluorescent detection of specific sequences of double strand DNA in homogeneous solution may be useful in the field of human genetics. A series of hairpin polyamides with tetramethyl rhodamine (TMR) attached to an internal pyrrole ring were synthesized, and the fluorescence properties of the polyamide-fluorophore conjugates in the presence and absence of duplex DNA were examined. We observe weak TMR fluorescence in the absence of DNA. Addition of >/=1:1 match DNA affords a significant fluorescence increase over equimolar mismatch DNA for each polyamide-TMR conjugate. Polyamide-fluorophore conjugates offer a new class of sensors for the detection of specific DNA sequences without the need for denaturation. The polyamide-dye fluorescence-based method can be used to screen in parallel the interactions between aromatic ring pairs and the minor groove of DNA even when the binding site contains a non-Watson-Crick DNA base pair. A ranking of the specificity of three polyamide ring pairs-Py/Py, Im/Py, and Im/Im-was established for all 16 possible base pairs of A, T, G, and C in the minor groove. We find that Im/Im is an energetically favorable ring pair for minor groove recognition of the T.G base pair.     

Solution structure of S-DNA formed by covalent base pairing involving a disulfide bond

Here, we present the solution structure of a DNA duplex containing a disulfide base pair (S-DNA). The unnatural nucleoside "S" possessing a thiophenyl group as base was incorporated into a self-complementary singled-stranded oligonucleotide. Crosslinking of the disulfide base pair was analyzed by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Under oxidizing conditions a high molecular weight band as 18 mer, corresponding to the double-stranded molecule (5'-GCGASTCGC: 3'-CGCTSAGCG), was found, whereas single-stranded self-complementary 9 mer oligonucleotide GCGASTCGC was detected in the presence of a reducing agent. These results suggest that the oligonucleotide is covalently linked by disulfide bonding under oxidizing conditions, which can be reversibly reduced to two thiol groups under reducing conditions. CD spectrum of S-DNA (CGASTCG) under oxidizing conditions suggested that the duplex had a right-handed double-stranded structure similar to that of natural DNA (B-form, CGATCG). NMR studies confirmed that this CGASTCG resembled natural B-DNA and that the two phenyl rings derived from the disulfide base pairing intercalated into the duplex. However, these two phenyl rings were not positioned in the same plane as the other base pairs. Specifically, NOEs suggest that although CGASTCG adopts a structure similar to B-type DNA, the S-DNA duplex is bent at the point of disulfide base pairing to face the major groove.