Biomedical subjects

R E Dickerson

Publications and source records attributed to R E Dickerson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Evaluation of a cassette-screen-film combination for radiation therapy portal localization imaging with improved contrast.

A traditional limitation with radiation therapy portal images is low image contrast, due in part to the low attenuation of the exposing radiation by the tissues being imaged, and the contrast capabilities of the image receptor. We have developed, and have clinically evaluated, a cassette-screen-film combination for portal localization imaging, which features a copper front screen plus Gd2O2S:Tb fluorescent screens and a slow-speed, fine grain, film emulsion with inherently high contrast coated on both sides of a 7 mil Estar base. The film can be processed in a conventional rapid-process film processor. Sensitometric data indicate that the film contrast (average gradient) for the new combination is approximately 3.5 times higher than the conventional portal localization systems in current use. The new combination has been clinically compared with two conventional systems. The required monitor unit settings were found to be similar. Initial clinical results indicate portal images made with the new combination are superior to those obtained with the conventional combinations. The images have much higher contrast, subjective impressions of lower noise, show clearer definition of structures, and are much easier to read.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

PubMed1996

Linked lexitropsins and the in vitro inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase RNA-directed DNA polymerization: a novel induced-fit of 3,5 m-pyridyl bisdistamycin to enzyme-associated template-primer.

Five classic DNA minor groove-binding drugs and a series of bis-linked lexitropsins based on netropsin and distamycin have been screened for their effectiveness in inhibiting transcription by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) on a poly(rA).oligo(dT) template-primer (TP). The two most effective drugs, 3,5 m-pyridyl-linked bisdistamycin (MPyr) and trans-vinyl-linked bisdistamycin (TVin), show (1) enhanced inhibition in reactions initiated with pre-incubated enzyme template-primer (ETP) and (2) reduced affinity for a "free" TP analog, when compared with the parent drug distamycin. All three drugs lack the ability to inhibit processive incorporation of nucleotide, suggesting drug intervention instead at initiation or termination of processive cycles. The two bis-linked drugs exhibit different kinetic behavior with reverse transcriptase's two substrates: template-primer and nucleotide. When primer is the variable substrate, TVin is partially noncompetitive and MPyr is dead-end competitive (Ki = 6.5 microM). With nucleotide as substrate, TVin is noncompetitive at low drug concentrations and MPyr is uncompetitive. Gel band mobility shift assays with MPyr indicate that the drug inhibits via entrapment of TP on the enzyme rather than displacement of TP from the enzyme surface. The conformation of nucleic acid is most likely altered upon MPyr binding, enhancing the induced fit of enzyme to hybrid duplex. The relevance of this novel mode of inhibition is considered in relation to enzyme association/dissociation with TP that occurs prior to (-)-DNA strand transfer, and to the structural implications of an enzyme-bound hybrid RNA/DNA nucleic acid.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed1996

Structure of the Escherichia coli response regulator NarL.

The crystal structure analysis of the NarL protein provides a first look at interactions between receiver and effector domains of a full-length bacterial response regulator. The N-terminal receiver domain, with 131 amino acids, is folded into a 5-strand beta sheet flanked by 5 alpha helices, as seen in CheY and in the N-terminal domain of NTRC. The C-terminal DNA-binding domain, with 62 amino acids, is a compact bundle of 4 alpha helices, of which the middle 2 form a helix-turn-helix motif closely related to that of Drosophila paired protein and other H-T-H DNA-binding proteins. The 2 domains are connected by an alpha helix of 10 amino acids and a 13-residue flexible tether that is not visible and presumably disordered in the X-ray structure. In this unphosphorylated form of NarL, the C-terminal domain is turned against the receiver domain in a manner that would preclude DNA binding. Activation of NarL via phosphorylation of Asp59 must involve transfer of information to the interdomain interface and either rotation or displacement of the DNA-binding C-terminal domain. Docking of a B-DNA duplex against the isolated C-terminal domain in the manner observed in paired protein and other H-T-H proteins suggests a stereochemical basis for DNA sequence preference: T-R-C-C-Y (high affinity) or T-R-C-T-N (low affinity), which is close to the experimentally observed consensus sequence: T-A-C-Y-N. The NarL structure is a model for other members of the FixJ or LuxR family of bacterial transcriptional activators, and possibly to the more distant OmpR and NtrC families as well.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

How proteins recognize the TATA box.

The crystal structure of a complex of human TATA-binding protein with TATA-sequence DNA has been solved, complementing earlier TBP/DNA analyses from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana. Special insight into TATA box specificity is provided by considering the TBP/DNA complex, not as a protein molecule with bound DNA, but as a DNA duplex with a particularly large minor groove ligand. This point of view provides explanations for: (1) why T.A base-pairs are required rather than C.G; (2) why an alternation of T and A bases is needed; (3) how TBP recognizes the upstream and downstream ends of the TATA box in order to bind properly; and (4) why the second half of the TATA box can be more variable than the first.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

MPD and DNA bending in crystals and in solution.

Bending of 15 to 24 degrees is observed within crystal structures of B-DNA duplexes, is strongly sequence-dependent, and exhibits no correlation with the concentration of MPD (2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol) in the crystallizing solution. Two types of bends are observed: facultative bends or flexible hinges at junctions between regions of G.C and A.T base-pairs, and a persistent and almost obligatory bend at the center of the sequence R-G-C-Y. Only A-tracts are characteristically straight and unbent in every crystal structure examined to date. A detailed examination of normal vector plots for individual strands of a double helix provides an explanation, in terms of the stacking properties of guanine and adenine bases. The effect of high MPD concentrations, in both solution and crystal, is to decrease local bending somewhat without removing it altogether. MPD gel retardation experiments provide no basis for choosing among the three models that seek to explain macroscopic curvature of DNA by means of microscopic bending: junction being, bent A-tracts, or bent general -sequence DNA. Crystallographic data on the straightness of A-tracts, the bendability of non-A sequences, and the identity of inclination angles in A-tract and non-A-tracts B-DNA support only the general-sequence bending model. The pre-melting transition observed in A-tract DNA probably represents a relaxation of stiff adenine stacks to a flexible conformation more typical of general-sequence DNA.

Adenine↗

PubMed1995

Structure of a dicationic monoimidazole lexitropsin bound to DNA.

An X-ray crystal structure has been solved of the complex of a dicationic lexitropsin with a B-DNA duplex of sequence CGCGAATTCGCG. The lexitropsin is identical to netropsin except for replacement of the first methylpyrrole ring by methylimidazole, converting a =CH- to =N-. Crystals are isomorphous with those of the DNA dodecamer in the absence of drug. Although the =N- for =CH- substitution was intended to make that locus on the drug molecule compatible with a G.C base pair, electrostatic attraction for the two cationic ends of the drug predominates, and this lexitropsin binds to the same central AATT site as does the parent netropsin. But unlike netropsin, this lexitropsin exhibits end-for-end disorder in the crystal. Both orientations were refined separately to completion. Final residual errors at 2.25 A resolution for the 2358 reflections above 2 sigma in F are R = 0.165 for one orientation (LexA) with 37 water molecules and 0.164 for the inverted drug orientation (LexB) with 40 water molecules. This molecular disorder is probably attributable to a weakening of binding to the AATT site occasioned by the imidazole-for-pyrrole substitution.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed1995

Refinement of netropsin bound to DNA: bias and feedback in electron density map interpretation.

The X-ray crystal structure of the complex of the B-DNA dodecamer CGCGAATTCGCG with the antitumor drug netropsin has been reexamined to locate the drug accurately for computer-based drug design. The optimum solution is with the drug centered in the AATT region of the minor groove, making three good bifurcated hydrogen bonds with adenine N3 and thymine O2 atoms along the floor of the groove. Pyrrole rings of netropsin are packed against the C2 positions of adenines, leaving no room for the amine group of guanine and, hence, providing a structural rationale for the A.T specificity of netropsin. An alternative positioning in which the drug is shifted along the minor groove by ca. one-half base pair step is rejected on the basis of free R factor calculations and the appearance of the original drug-free difference maps. Final omit maps, although of more pleasing appearance, are not a dependable means of discriminating between right and wrong structures. The shifted alternative drug position ignores potential hydrogen bonding along the floor of the groove, provides no explanation for netropsin's observed A.T specificity, and is contradicted by NMR results [Patel, D. J. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79, 6424].

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Crystal structure of C-T-C-T-C-G-A-G-A-G. Implications for the structure of the Holliday junction.

The structure of the B-DNA decamer of sequence C-T-C-T-C-G-A-G-A-G shows a crossed arrangement of helices in the C2 crystal lattice. This is the fourth example of a crossed arrangement of B-DNA oligomers in a crystal, and in spite of the fact that each of these four crystallizes in a different lattice, all have nearly identical structures at the crossing contact. This ubiquitous crossing arrangement may be used to generate a structure for the Holliday junction that is fully consistent with the available physical data.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Design of B-DNA cross-linking and sequence-reading molecules.

We report the design of hybrid molecules to bind in the minor groove of B-DNA, which combine DNA alkylating and cross-linking ability for increased chemotherapeutic efficacy, with sequence specificity, to minimize side effects. Optimal linkage geometries have been determined for the synthesis of bis-anthramycin and anthramycin-netropsin hybrid molecules. Earlier studies on linked drugs have typically been based on molecular mechanics calculations. This work, in contrast, uses the observed crystal structures of a netropsin/DNA complex and a new anthramycin/DNA complex to determine the exact spacing between two individual drugs when bound in the minor groove of B-DNA. Molecular linkers then are designed and tested between these two experimental positions, to form a chimeric or bis-linked compound molecule. A linked anthramycin-netropsin molecule has been designed specifically to target the polypurine tract second-strand primer site of the reverse transcriptase of HIV-1.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Bending and curvature calculations in B-DNA.

A simple program, BEND, has been written to calculate the magnitude of local bending and macroscopic curvature at each point along an arbitrary B-DNA sequence, using any desired bending model that specifies values of twist, roll and tilt as a function of sequence. The program has been used to evaluate six different DNA bending models in three categories. Two are bent non-A-tract models: (a) A new model based on the nucleosome positioning data of Satchwell et al 1986 (J. Mol. Biol. 191, 659-675), (b) The model of Calladine et al 1988 (J. Mol. Biol. 201, 127-137). Three are bent A-tract models: (c) The wedge model of Bolshoy et al 1991 (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 2312-2316), (d) The model of Cacchione et al 1989 (Biochem. 28, 8706-8713), (e) A reversed version of model (b). The last is a junction model: (f) The model of Koo & Crothers 1988 (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 1763-1767). Although they have widely different assumptions and values for twist, roll and tilt, all six models correctly predict experimental A-tract curvature as measured by gel retardation and cyclization kinetics, but only the new nucleosome positioning model is successful in predicting curvature in regions containing phased GGGCCC sequences. This model--showing local bending at mixed sequence DNA, strong bends at the sequence GGC, and straight, rigid A-tracts--is the only model consistent with both solution data from gel retardation and cyclization kinetics and structural data from x-ray crystallography.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Crystal structure of a covalent DNA-drug adduct: anthramycin bound to C-C-A-A-C-G-T-T-G-G and a molecular explanation of specificity.

A 2.3-A X-ray crystal structure analysis has been carried out on the antitumor drug anthramycin, covalently bound to a ten base pair DNA double helix of sequence C-C-A-A-C-G-T-T-G-G. One drug molecule sits within the minor groove at each end of the helix, covalently bound through its C11 position to the N2 amine of the penultimate guanine of the chain. The stereochemical conformation is C11S, C11aS. The natural twist of the anthramycin molecule in the C11aS conformation matches the twist of the minor groove as it winds along the helix; a C11aR drug would only fit into a left-handed helix. The C11S attachment is roughly equatorial to the overall plane of the molecule, whereas a C11R attachment would be axial and would obstruct the fitting of the drug into the groove. The six-membered ring of anthramycin points toward the 3' end of the chain to which it is covalently attached or toward the end of the helix. The acrylamide tail attached to the five-membered ring extends back along the minor groove toward the center of the helix, binding in a manner reminiscent of netropsin or distamycin. The drug-DNA complex is stabilized by hydrogen bonds from C9-OH, N10, and the end of the acrylamide tail to base pair edges on the floor of the minor groove. The origin of anthramycin specificity for three successive purines arises not from specific hydrogen bonds but from the low twist angles adopted by purine-purine steps in a B-DNA helix. Binding of anthramycin induces a low twist at T-G in the T-G-G sequence of this DNA-drug complex, by comparison with the structure of the free DNA. The origin of anthramycin's preference for adenines flanking the alkylated guanine arises from a netropsin-like fitting of the acrylamide tail into the minor groove.

Anthramycin↗

PubMed1994

The crystal structure of C-C-A-T-T-A-A-T-G-G. Implications for bending of B-DNA at T-A steps.

The single-crystal X-ray analysis of trigonal C-C-A-T-T-A-A-T-G-G, and its comparison with orthorhombic C-G-A-T-T-A-A-T-C-G, have shown that the A-T-T-A-A-T sequence has limited polymorphism under the influence of packing forces from neighboring molecules in the crystal. The T-A step is intrinsically variable. It is not inconsistent with a large propeller twist, a narrow minor groove, and a single spine of hydration, as has sometimes been claimed on theoretical grounds. The T-A step does show a persistent positive roll, in a direction that compresses the major groove, and this may be a significant factor in macroscopic DNA curvature induced by phased A-tracts. A-tracts, as understood in this paper, include A-A and A-T steps, but not the T-A step, which is disruptive. Three conclusions regarding A-tract-induced curvature can be drawn from this and other X-ray crystal structure analyses, and from key gel retardation experiments: (1) The A-tract bending model is disqualified on two grounds: (i) tilt-wedge bending within A-tracts is incompatible with the observed direction of curvature; (ii) roll-wedge bending within A-tracts is contradicted by every crystal structure analysis, and is inconsistent with gel retardation results for (G-C-A-A-A-A-T-T-T-T)n and for (A-A-A-A-A-T-T-T-T-T)n. (2) The junction bend model is contradicted by crystallography because: (i) the inclination of base-pairs does not change between A-tract and non-A-tract regions of helix; and (ii) the observed bends at GC/AT junctions are roll-wedge bends, not tilt-wedge as the junction bend model demands. (3) The non-A-tract bending model is consistent with both gel retardation data and with X-ray crystallography, and must be regarded as the only consistent model for A-tract bending.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1994

"...the tyranny of the lattice...".

A systematic comparison of crystal structures of nine different B-DNA dodecamers, in three different space groups, with and without A-tracts, shows that crystal packing or lattice forces are of secondary importance for helix axis bending, minor-groove width, and propeller twist. While other local helix parameters may be influenced or even established by crystal packing, the properties just enumerated are determined primarily by base sequence. One and the same crystal packing scheme can accommodate a bend in one of two different directions, or no bend at all. A-tract regions of B-DNA are inherently straight and unbent, with base-pair inclination no different from that of general-sequence B-DNA. Where bends are observed at junctions between G.C and A.T regions, they always involve a roll about base-pair long axes in a direction that compresses the wide major groove and, hence, are 90 degrees away from that necessary for the correctness of the junction model of A-tract bending. The G.C/A.T junction appears to be a flexible hinge, capable of adopting either a straight or a bent conformation under the local influence of weak crystal packing forces. Such forces therefore are a source of information about DNA deformability and not a curse to be deplored. But as an indication of the weakness of crystal packing forces, introduction of a single bromine atom in the major groove is sufficient to eliminate a bend, although brominated and unbrominated crystals are isomorphous.

Base Composition↗

PubMed1994

Hin recombinase bound to DNA: the origin of specificity in major and minor groove interactions.

The structure of the 52-amino acid DNA-binding domain of the prokaryotic Hin recombinase, complexed with a DNA recombination half-site, has been solved by x-ray crystallography at 2.3 angstrom resolution. The Hin domain consists of a three-alpha-helix bundle, with the carboxyl-terminal helix inserted into the major groove of DNA, and two flanking extended polypeptide chains that contact bases in the minor groove. The overall structure displays features resembling both a prototypical bacterial helix-turn-helix and the eukaryotic homeodomain, and in many respects is an intermediate between these two DNA-binding motifs. In addition, a new structural motif is seen: the six-amino acid carboxyl-terminal peptide of the Hin domain runs along the minor groove at the edge of the recombination site, with the peptide backbone facing the floor of the groove and side chains extending away toward the exterior. The x-ray structure provides an almost complete explanation for DNA mutant binding studies in the Hin system and for DNA specificity observed in the Hin-related family of DNA invertases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Method of simulated screen sensitometry for asymmetric, low crossover medical x-ray films.

Recognition of the importance of performing simulated screen-light sensitometry of medical x-ray films for the purpose of processor quality control has increased over the past several years. As a result there is a greater need to provide new techniques for performing simulated screen-light sensitometry. Medical films with reduced intensifying screen-light crossover intended to achieve reduced blur and higher spatial resolution pose particular problems in doing simulated screen-light sensitometry if care is not taken to choose a proper simulated light sensitometer with the capability of simultaneous double-sided exposures. Misleading and incorrect sensitometric data can be obtained for film contrast evaluation if a single side exposure is used. Asymmetric, near-zero crossover films pose even greater problems as proper orientation of the film and proper degree of light output asymmetry need be achieved in order to obtain correct sensitometry. The films used in this study were three double emulsion films varying in crossover from 3% to 24%. Of the two very-low-crossover films, one had symmetric emulsion layers while the second featured emulsion layers which were asymmetric in terms of contrast and speed. Sensitometric data show several curve shapes with significant distortions, depending on orientation, for the asymmetric, low-crossover film when exposed using a single-sided exposure. Only by using a double-sided exposure and an appropriate neutral density filter to simulate the degree of screen-light asymmetry in this system could one achieve a characteristic curve comparable to that achieved by inverse square sensitometry.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

PubMed1993

Crystallographic analysis of C-C-A-A-G-C-T-T-G-G and its implications for bending in B-DNA.

Stacked B-DNA double helices of sequence C-C-A-A-G-C-T-T-G-G exhibit the same 23 degrees bend at -T-G-G C-C-A- across the nonbonded junction between helices that is observed in the middle of the decamer helix of sequence C-A-T-G-G-C-C-A-T-G, even though the space group (hexagonal vs orthorhombic), crystal packing, and connectedness at the center of the bent segment are quite different. An identical bend occurs across the interhelix junction of every monoclinic crystal structure of sequence C-C-A-x-x-x-x-T-G-G, suggesting that T-G-G-C-C-A constitutes a natural bending element in B-DNA. The bend occurs by rolling stacked base pairs about their long axes; there is no "tilt" component. Of the three possible models for A-tract bending--bent-A-tract, junction bends, or bent-non-A--which cannot be distinguished by solution measurements, all crystallographic evidence over the past 10 years unanimously supports the non-A regions as the actual bending loci.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the DNA binding domain of the Hin recombinase with its DNA binding site.

The Hin recombinase catalyzes site-specific inversion of DNA. Chemical and genetic studies on Hin binding to the recombination sites indicates that both major and minor DNA groove interactions are critical. In order to determine the molecular nature of these interactions, we have crystallized a synthetically derived 52 amino acid peptide consisting of the DNA binding domain of Hin with a 14 base-pair oligonucleotide representing a recombination half-site. This communication presents preliminary diffraction and analysis of these cocrystals and a packing model for the complex within the crystal.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

The crystal structure of the trigonal decamer C-G-A-T-C-G-6meA-T-C-G: a B-DNA helix with 10.6 base-pairs per turn.

The B-DNA decanucleotide C-G-A-T-C-G-6meA-T-C-G has been crystallized under the same conditions used earlier for C-G-A-T-C-G-A-T-C-G, but is found to adopt a new trigonal P3(2)21 packing mode instead of the expected orthorhombic P2(1)2(1)2(1) form. Unit cell dimensions a = b = 33.38 A, c = 98.30 A, gamma = 120 degrees, imply ten base-pairs or one complete decamer double helix per asymmetric unit. The 2282 two-sigma data to 2.0 A refine to R = 17.2% with 45 water molecules, 1.5 hexavalent hydrated magnesium complexes, and 0.5 chloride ion per asymmetric unit. Neighboring helices interlock backbone chains and major grooves, crossing at an angle of 120 degrees in a manner that yields an excellent model for a Holliday junction. Local helix parameters differ markedly in the trigonal and orthorhombic structures, with the trigonal helix exhibiting behavior closer to that expected of B-DNA in solution. The trigonal form has an average of 10.6 base-pairs per turn, in contrast to 9.7 base-pairs per turn in the orthorhombic cell. A comparison of all known B-DNA decamer and dodecamer crystal structure analyses indicates that, the greater the cell volume per base-pair (and hence the more open the crystal structure), the closer the mean helix twist approaches an expected 10.6 base-pairs per turn.

Base Composition↗