Energetics and kinetics of a conformational switch in G-quadruplex DNA.

ABSTRACT: Circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry were used to determine the energetics of the conformational switch of the human telomere quadruplex formed by the sequence d[AGGG(TTAGGG)3] between the sodium basket form and the potassium hybrid form. The energy barrier separating the two conformations was found to be modest, only 1.4-2.4 kcal mol(-1). The kinetics of exchange of bound K+ for Na+ cations and the concomitant conformational switch was assessed by measuring time-dependent changes in the circular dichroism spectrum accompanying the cation exchange reaction. The time course of these changes was found to consist of three distinct kinetic processes: a rapid phase that was complete in less than 5 ms followed by two slower phases with relaxation times of 40-50 s and 600-800

SUBMITTER: Gray RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2772118 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature