Minor groove hydrogen bonds and the replication of unnatural base pairs.

ABSTRACT: As part of an effort to expand the genetic alphabet, we examined the synthesis of DNA with six different unnatural nucleotides bearing methoxy-derivatized nucleobase analogues. Different nucleobase substitution patterns were used to systematically alter the nucleobase electronics, sterics, and hydrogen-bonding potential. We determined the ability of the Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I to synthesize and extend the different unnatural base pairs and mispairs under steady-state conditions. Unlike other hydrogen-bond acceptors examined in the past, the methoxy groups do not facilitate mispairing, implying that they are not recognized by any of the hydrogen-bond donors of the natural nucleobases; however, they do facilitate replication. The more efficient replication results largely

SUBMITTER: Matsuda S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2527036 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature