Impact of Divalent Cations on In-Layer Positional Order of DNA-Based Liquid Crystals: Implications for DNA Condensation.

ABSTRACT: The layered liquid crystalline phases formed by DNA molecules, which include rigid and flexible segments ("gapped DNA"), enable the study of both end-to-end stacking and side-to-side (helix-to-helix) lateral interactions, forming a model system to study such interactions at physiologically relevant DNA and ion concentrations. The observed layer structure exhibits long-range interlayer and in-layer positional correlations. In particular, the in-layer order has implications for DNA condensation, as it reflects whether these normally repulsive interactions become attractive under certain ionic conditions. Using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering measurements, we investigate the impact of divalent Mg²⁺ cations (in addition to a constant 150 mM Na⁺) on the stability

SUBMITTER: Kodikara SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10866144 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature