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Influences of base excision repair defects on the lethality and mutagenicity induced by Me-lex, a sequence-selective N3-adenine methylating agent.

Due to its minor groove selectivity, Me-lex preferentially generates N3-methyladenine (3-MeA) adducts in double-stranded DNA. We undertook a genetic approach in yeast to establish the influence of base excision repair (BER) defects on the processing of Me-lex lesions on plasmid DNA that harbors the p53 cDNA as target. We constructed a panel of isogenic strains containing a reporter gene to test p53 function and the following gene deletions: deltamag1, deltaapn1apn2, and deltaapn1apn2mag1. When compared with the wild-type strain, a decrease in survival was observed in deltamag1, deltaapn1apn2, and deltaapn1apn2mag1. The Me-lex-induced mutation frequency increased in the following order: wild type < deltamag1< deltaapn1apn2 = deltaapn1apn2mag1. A total of 77 mutants (23 in wild type, 31 in deltamag1, and 23 in deltaapn1apn2) were sequenced. Eighty-one independent mutations (24 in wild type, 34 in deltamag1, and 23 in deltaapn1apn2) were detected. The majority of base pair substitutions were AT-targeted in all strains (14/23, 61% in wild type; 20/34, 59%, in deltamag1; and 14/23, 61%, in deltaapn1apn2). The Mag1 deletion was associated with a significant decrease of GC > AT transitions when compared with both the wild-type and the AP endonuclease mutants. This is the first time that the impact of Mag1 and/or AP endonuclease defects on the mutational spectra caused by 3-MeA has been determined. The results suggest that 3-MeA is critical for Me-lex cytotoxicity and that its mutagenicity is slightly elevated in the absence of Mag1 glycosylase activity but significantly higher in the absence of AP endonuclease activity.

Adenine↗

The effect of crystal packing on oligonucleotide double helix structure.

One of the questions that constantly is asked regarding x-ray crystal structure analyses of macromolecules is: To what extent is the observed crystal structure representative of the molecular conformation when free in solution, and to what degree is the structure perturbed by intermolecular crystal forces? This can be assessed with DNA oligomers because of an unusual aspect of crystallization self-complementary oligomers should possess a twofold symmetry axis normal to their helix axis, yet more often than not crystal of such oligomers do not use this internal symmetry. The two ends of the helix are crystallographically distinct though chemically identical. Complexes of DNA oligomers with intercalating drugs such as triostin A tend to use their twofold symmetry when they crystallize, whereas complexes with non-intercalating, groove-binding drugs ignore this symmetry unless the drug molecule is very small. A detailed examination of crystal packing in the dodecamer C-G-C-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G provides an explanation of all of the foregoing behavior in terms of the mechanism of nucleation of DNA or DNA-drug complexes on the surface of a growing crystal. Asymmetry of the ends of the DNA helix is the price that is paid for efficient lateral packing of helices within the crystal. The actual end-for-end variation in standard helix parameters is compared with the experimental noise level as gauged by independent re-refinement of the same oligonucleotide structure where available, and with the observed extent of variation of these same parameters along the helix. Oligomers analyzed are the B-DNA dodecamer C-G-C-G-A-A-T-T-C-G-C-G, the A-DNA octamer G-G-T-A-T-A-C-C, and the phosphorothioate analogue of the B-DNA hexamer G-C-G-C-G-C. End-for-end variation, presumably the result of crystal packing is typically double the experimental noise level, and half the variation in the same parameter along the helix. Analysis of crystal packing in the phosphorothioate hexamer, which uses the same P212121 space group as the dodecamer, shows that the highly unsymmetrical B1 vs. BII backbone conformation probably is to be ascribed to crystal packing forces, and not to the sequence of the hexamer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Interaction of Hoechst 33258 with repeating synthetic DNA polymers and natural DNA.

Fluorescence, circular dichroism and sedimentation through cesium chloride gradient techniques were performed to study the physical properties of the binding of the bisbenzimidazole dye Hoechst 33258 (H33258) to natural DNAs and synthetic polynucleotides of defined repeating units. These studies show that Hoechst 33258 exhibits at least two modes of interaction with duplex DNA: (1) a strong base pair specific mode which requires at least 4 consecutive AT base pairs and (2) a weaker mode of binding which is significantly reduced in the presence of high salt (0.4 M NaCl) and exhibits no apparent base specificity. The H33258 binding was found to be sensitive to the substitutions in the minor groove elements of a series of synthetic polynucleotides supporting the model of H33258 binding in the minor groove of the DNA with AT rich sequences. Similar mode of binding was predicted in natural DNAs by methylation of dye-DNA complexes. Footprint analysis of the complex of dye to a pBR322 fragment also supports that a minimum of 4 consecutive AT base pairs are required for H33258 binding to DNA.

Base Composition↗

Sequence specific molecular recognition and binding of a monocationic bis-imidazole lexitropsin to the decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[(GATCCGTATG).(CATACGGATC)]: structural and dynamic aspects of intermolecular exchange studied by 1H-NMR.

The non-exchangeable and imino proton NMR resonances of the non self-complementary decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[(GATCCGTATG).(GATACGGATC)] as well as those of the 1:1 complex of the monocatonic bis-imidazole lexitropsin 1 to this sequence have been assigned by using a combination of NOE difference, COSY and NOESY techniques. Confirmation of complete annealing of the two non self-complementary decamer strands to give the duplex decadeoxyribonucleotide is obtained by the detection of ten imino protons. It is established that the sugar-base orientations of all the bases in the duplex decamer are anti. From NOE studies, it is concluded that the duplex oligomer is right-handed and adopts a conformation in solution that belongs to the B family. A population analysis reveals that the sugar moieties exist predominantly in the S-form (2'-endo-3'-exo). Addition of 1 to the DNA solution leads to doubling of the resonances for CH6(4,5), GH8(6), TH6(7) and T-CH3(7). The base, anomeric H1' and imino proton signals for the base sequence 5'-CCGT undergo the most marked drug-induced chemical shift changes. These results provide evidence that the lexitropsin is bound to the sequence 5'-CCGT in the minor groove of the DNA. NOE measurements between the amide protons (NH1 and NH4) and the imino proton (IV and V) signals confirmed the location and orientation of 1 in the 1:1 complex, with the imino terminus oriented to C(4). The specific binding of 1 to the sequence 5'-CCGT-3' deduced in this study is in agreement with the footprinting data obtained using the Hind III/Nci fragment from pBR322 DNA [Kissinger et al. 1987 (13)]. Intramolecular NOEs observed between H4 and H9 of the lexitropsin suggest that the molecule is not planar, but subjected to propeller twisting, in both the free and bound forms. Furthermore, NOE measurements permit assignment of the DNA duplex in the 1:1 complex to the B-form, which is similar to that of the free DNA. The [(T7A8T9).(A12T13A14)] segment of the DNA shows better stacking, by propeller twisting, compared to the rest of the molecule in the free as well as the complex forms. The intermolecular rate of exchange of 1 between the equivalent 5'-CCGT sites, at a concentration of 12 mM, is estimated to be approximately 88s-1 at 308 degrees K with delta G not equal to of 63 +/- 5 KJ mol-1.

Base Sequence↗

Theoretical modeling of DNA-monocationic lexitropsin complexation: influence of ligand binding on DNA curvature.

A theoretical study is presented on the complexation to DNA of a monocationic lexitropsin. Energetics and the structures of the complexes formed are analyzed for three base pair sequences of a nucleic acid octamer. The influence of the ligand binding on the nucleic acid conformation is analysed in detail. It is found that whereas the uncomplexed nucleic acid segments have very irregular structures with an overall curvature varying between 15 degrees and 20 degrees, the DNA structure becomes more regular and the curvature is strongly reduced upon the binding of a monocationic lexitropsin.

Computer Simulation↗

Molecular recognition and binding of a GC site-avoiding thiazole-lexitropsin to the decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[CGCAATTGCG]2: 1H-NMR evidence for thiazole intercalation.

The structural and dynamic aspects of the interaction of the thiazole containing lexitropsin (1) with an oligodeoxyribonucleotide were studied by high field 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Complete assignment of the 1H-NMR resonances of lexitropsin 1 was accomplished by 2D-NMR techniques. The complexation-induced chemical shifts and NOE cross peaks in the NOESY map of the 1:1 complex of lexitropsin (1) and d-[CGCAATTGCG]2 reveal that the thiazole ring of the lexitropsin (1) intercalates between dA4.A5 bases and the rest of the ligand resides in the minor groove of the AT rich core of decamer, thus occupying the 5'-AATT sequence on the DNA. Intercalation of the thiazole moiety of the drug has been detected by the presence of intermolecular NOEs both in the major and the minor groove of the decamer helix. The absence of intranucleotide NOEs between base protons and H1'/H2' protons suggested local unwinding of the binding site on the DNA. From COSY and NOESY methods of 2D-NMR, it was established that the N-formyl (amino) terminus of the thiazole lexitropsin (1) is projecting into the major groove towards A5H8 while the amidinium terminus lies in the minor groove towards the T7G8 base pairs of the opposite strand. The expected intranucleotide NOEs confirmed that the decadeoxyribonucleotide in the 1:1 complex exists in a right handed B-conformation. The presence of exchange signals along the binding site 5'-AATT indicated an exchange of the bound drug process wherein the rate of exchange between the two equivalent sites was estimated to be congruent to 130 s-1 at 30 degrees C and with delta G degrees of 62.4 kJ mol-1. Force field and Pi calculations permitted a rationalization of the experimentally observed binding mode in terms of preferred conformation of the ligand and repeat length in lexitropsins compared with the DNA receptor.

Base Composition↗

Structural and dynamic aspects of non-intercalative (1:1) binding of a thiazole-lexitropsin to the decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[CGCAATTGCG]2: An 1H-NMR and molecular modeling study.

The location, orientation and dynamics of a thiazole-containing analogue of distamycin 1 bound to the decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[CGCAATTGCG]2 have been studied by non-exchangable and imino proton NMR resonances of the 1:1 complex. Using NOE difference, COSY and NOESY experiments, lexitropsin (1) was located in the minor groove of DNA at 5'-CAAT sequence. This was concluded by an intermolecular NOE between the ligand and a minor groove A4H2 proton. The NOE cross-correlations in the NOESY map confirmed that the DNA decamer duplex in the 1:1 complex remains in a right-handed B-conformation similar to that in the free decamer. Experiments on non-exchangeable and exchangeable proton NMR resonances placed the N-formylamino terminus of drug 1 on the 5'-C3 nucleotide, while the rest of the molecule extends onto the 5'-AAT sequence. The structural evidence for sequence preferential binding at 5'CAAT rather than 5'AATT suggests this reflects an attempt on the part of the sterically demanding inward directed sulfur of the thiazole to minimize compression by moving part of the molecule to the somewhat wider CG base site. The lack of evidence for a 2:1 drug:DNA complex, in contrast to distamycin, is in accord with this interpretation. The lexitropsin 1 was found to be in an exchange between the equivalent 5'-CAAT sites at a rate of approximately 35S-1 with a delta G degree of 65 +/- 5 kJ mol-1 at 303 K. The experimental data suggests a slide-swing mechanism for this exchange process.

Base Sequence↗

Optimization of cross-linked lexitropsins.

In attempts to optimize the cross-linked lexitropsin design, a number of cross-linked dimers composed of two tris(N-methylpyrrolecarboxamide) strands were synthesized and their binding interactions with poly d(A).poly d(T) and poly d(A-T).poly d(A-T) were characterized by circular dichroism and ethidium fluorometry. While all alkanediyl-linked dimers showed a similar binding behavior to the homo AT polymer, particularly at low ligand concentrations, the decanediyl linker was found to be the optimal linker permitting the bidentate antiparallel side-by-side binding of the corresponding dimer to the alternating AT polymer. Thus, in comparison with the monomer, the decanediyl-linked dimer has a binding strength enhancement of about 1400 times in the 1:1 binding mode. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of the linker dimer has a significant effect on the bidentate binding strength. The (3,6)-dioxaoctanediyl-linked dimer has a further binding strength enhancement of 10 times over the decanediyl-linked dimer. Overall, the best optimized dimer has a binding strength enhancement of over 14,000 times in comparison with the monomer in the 1:1 binding mode. This binding enhancement parallels that observed in the best optimized bisintercalators. Distance-restrained molecular modeling provides support for the experimental results. Dimers of longer linkers can readily accommodate a bidentate antiparallel side-by-side binding mode but those of shorter linkers necessitate marked structural distortions in the bound ligand molecules. It is further observed that the binding strength enhancement to the alternating AT polymer is not always accompanied by the binding specificity improvement. Our analysis suggests that the non-specific appendage-DNA backbone interaction is a key factor that controls the specificity improvement.

Circular Dichroism↗

Shape-selective binding of geometrically-constrained bis-distamycins to a DNA duplex and a model Okazaki fragment of identical sequence.

The binding of ligands to nucleic acids is of great interest for the control of gene expression and other nucleic acid mediated processes. We have evaluated the binding of several geometrically-constrained bis-distamycins to a model Okazaki fragment [OKA], or a DNA duplex having identical base sequence [DD], using gel-shift assays, optical spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. In the case of covalent attachment of two distamycins to a central benzene ring, a similar binding profile was observed for [DD] as was observed for [OKA] (para binds [K(app) > 10(6) M(-1)], meta binds only weakly). For a central pyridyl ring, however, clear distinction between the binding to [DD] and binding to [OKA] was observed. While none of the three meta isomers having a central pyridyl ring bound [OKA], two of them (MT-17 and MT-12) bound [DD] [K(app) > 10(6) M(-1)]. These results demonstrate subtle differences in lexitropsin shape and placement of electronegative atoms may result in selective binding to a nucleic acid duplex based both on base sequence and chemical composition. Selective binding to DNA duplexes may be useful for designing ligands that regulate transcription, but do not interfere in other nucleic acid mediated processes.

Base Sequence↗

The amino-terminus of mouse DNA methyltransferase 1 forms an independent domain and binds to DNA with the sequence involving PCNA binding motif.

DNA methylation patterns in genome are maintained during replication by a DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1. Mouse Dnmt1 is a 180 kDa protein comprising the N-terminal regulatory domain, which covers 2/3 of the molecule, and the rest C-terminal catalytic domain. In the present study, we demonstrated that the limited digestion of full-length Dnmt1 with different proteases produced a common N-terminal fragment, which migrated along with Dnmt1 (1-248) in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Digestion of the N-terminal domains larger than Dnmt1 (1-248) with chymotrypsin again produced the fragment identical to the size of Dnmt1 (1-248). These results indicate that the N-terminal domain of 1-248 forms an independent domain. This N-terminal domain showed DNA binding activity, and the responsible sequence was narrowed to the 79 amino acid residues involving the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) binding motif. The DNA binding activity did not distinguish between DNA methylated and non-methylated states, but preferred to bind to the minor groove of AT-rich sequence. The DNA binding activity of the N-terminal domain competed with the PCNA binding. We propose that DNA binding activity of the N-terminal domain contributes to the localization of Dnmt1 to AT-rich sequence such as Line 1, satellite, and the promoter of tissue-specific silent genes.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Sequence specific molecular recognition by a monocationic lexitropsin of the decadeoxyribonucleotide d-[CATGGCCATG]2: structural and dynamic aspects deduced from high field 1H-NMR studies.

All 1H-NMR resonances of d-[CATGGCCATG]2 and the 1:1 complex of lexitropsin 1 and the DNA were assigned by the NOE difference, COSY and NOESY methods. Addition of 1 causes the base and imino protons for the sequence 5'-CCAT to undergo the most marked drug-induced chemical shift changes, thereby indicating that 1 is located in this base pair sequence. NOEs confirmed the location and orientation of the drug in the 1:1 complex, with the amino terminus oriented to C(6). The van der Waals interaction between H12a,b of 1 and AH2(8) may be responsible for reading of the 3' A.T base pair in the 5'-CCAT sequence. Exchange NMR effects allow an estimate of approximately equal to 62 s-1 for the intramolecular "slide-swing" exchange of the lexitropsin between two equivalent binding sites with delta G = 58 +/- 5 kJ mol-1 at 301 degrees K.

Computer Simulation↗

The hybridization-stabilization assay: a solution-based isothermal method for rapid screening and determination of sequence preference of ligands that bind to duplexed nucleic acids.

The gene-to-drug quest will be most directly served by the discovery and development of small molecules that bind to nucleic acids and modulate gene expression at the level of transcription and/or inhibit replication of infectious agents. Full realization of this potential will require implementation of a complete suite of modern drug discovery technologies. Towards this end, here we describe our initial results with a new assay for identification and characterization of novel nucleic acid binding ligands. It is based on the well recognized property of stabilization of hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides by groove and/or intercalation binding ligands. Unlike traditional thermal melt methodologies, this assay is isothermal and, unlike gel-based footprinting techniques, the assay also is performed in solution and detection can be by any number of highly sensitive, non-radioisotopic modalities, such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer, described herein. Thus, the assay is simple to perform, versatile in design and amenable to miniaturization and high throughput automation. Assay validation was performed using various permutations of direct and competitive binding formats and previously well studied ligands, including pyrrole polyamide and intercalator natural products, designed hairpin pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and furan-based non-polyamide dications. DNA specific ligands were identified and their DNA binding site size and sequence preference profiles were determined. A systematic approach to studying the relationship of binding sequence specificity with variation in ligand structure was demonstrated, and preferred binding sites in longer DNA sequences were found by pseudo-footprinting, with results that are in accord with established findings. This assay methodology should promote a more rapid discovery of novel nucleic acid ligands and potential drug candidates.

Base Pairing↗

Solution structure of the DNA binding octapeptide repeat of the K10 gene product.

A putative transcription factor, the Drosophila K10 gene product, contains eight repeats of the octapeptide sequence SPNQQQHP or close variants. The solution structure of the K10 repeat was studied by NMR using a peptide composed of two SPNQQQHP units (referred to here as HP2). To overcome problems caused by degeneracy of backbone amide signals of Gln residues, a series of synthetic peptides containing an 15N-labelled main chain amide at different positions in HP2 were synthesized. In aqueous trifluoroethanol solution, HP2 folds into two structural units; the SPNQ part of each unit folds into a turn structure, while the C-terminal part shows some helical characteristics but is less structured. The N-terminal turn is likely to provide a core that produces a more stable helical structure upon binding to DNA and probably 'caps' the segmented helical unit at its N-terminus. This model is supported by a DNA footprinting study which shows that one SPNQQQHP unit spans four base pairs upon binding to A/T-rich sequences of DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Modeling complex molecular interactions involving proteins and DNA.

We have presented a perspective of progress in three areas of simulations of complex molecules: the development of force fields for molecular simulation; the application of computer graphics, molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics in simulations of DNA and DNA-drug complexes and the application of computer graphics, molecular mechanics and quantum mechanics in studies of enzyme substrate interactions. It is our perspective that improvements are being made in force fields, and these will allow a more accurate simulation of structures and energies of complex molecules. In the area of DNA molecular mechanics and dynamics, it is clear that the use of computer graphics model building combined with NMR NOE data is a potentially very powerful tool in accurately determining structures of drug-DNA complexes using molecular mechanics and dynamics. Finally, we are in a position to reasonably simulate structures and (qualitatively) energies for complete reaction pathways of enzymes using a combination of computer graphics, molecular mechanics and quantum mechanics. More accurate energies and pathways are sure to follow, using the combined molecular mechanics/quantum mechanics optimization developed by Singh and the free energy perturbation methods pioneered in Groningen and Houston.

Base Sequence↗

Design of sequence-specific DNA-binding molecules.

Base sequence information can be stored in the local structure of right-handed double-helical DNA (B-DNA). The question arises as to whether a set of rules for the three-dimensional readout of the B-DNA helix can be developed. This would allow the design of synthetic molecules that bind DNA of any specific sequence and site size. There are four stages of development for each new synthetic sequence-specific DNA-binding molecule: design, synthesis, testing for sequence specificity, and reevaluation of the design. This approach has produced bis(distamycin)fumaramide, a synthetic, crescent-shaped oligopeptide that binds nine contiguous adenine-thymine base pairs in the minor groove of double-helical DNA.

Base Sequence↗