DNA deformability at the base pair level

A complete set of harmonic force constants describing the DNA deformation energetics at the base pair level was obtained using unrestrained atomic-resolution molecular dynamics simulations of selected duplex oligonucleotides and subsequent analysis of structural fluctuations from the simulated trajectories. The deformation was described by the six base pair conformational parameters (buckle, propeller, opening, shear, stretch, stagger). The results for 13 AT pairs and 11 GC pairs in different sequence contexts suggest that buckle and propeller are very flexible (more than roll in TA dinucleotide steps), while stretch is exceptionally stiff. Only stretch and opening stiffness were found to depend unambiguously on the base pair identity (AT vs GC). The relationship of the results to a simple plates-and-springs model of base-base interactions is discussed.