Identification of a pKa-regulating motif stabilizing imidazole-modified double-stranded DNA.

ABSTRACT: The predictable 3D structure of double-stranded DNA renders it ideally suited as a template for the bottom-up design of functionalized nucleic acid-based active sites. We here explore the use of a 14mer DNA duplex as a scaffold for the precise and predictable positioning of catalytic functionalities. Given the ubiquitous participation of the histidine-based imidazole group in protein recognition and catalysis events, single histidine-like modified duplexes were investigated. Tethering histamine to the C5 of the thymine base via an amide bond, allows the flexible positioning of the imidazole function in the major groove. The mutual interactions between the imidazole and the duplex and its influence on the imidazolium pKaH are investigated by placing a single modified thymine at four differe

SUBMITTER: Buyst D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4288195 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature