I-motif solution structure and dynamics of the d(AACCCC) and d(CCCCAA) tetrahymena telomeric repeats.

ABSTRACT: Using NMR methods, we have resolved the i-motif structures formed by d(AACCCC) and by d(CCCCAA), two versions of the DNA sequence repeated in the telomeric regions of the C-rich strand of tetrahymena chromosomes. Both oligonucleotides form fully symmetrical i-motif tetramers built by intercalation of two hemiprotonated duplexes containing four C*C+ pairs. The structures are extremely stable. In the tetramer of d(AACCCC), the outermost C*C+ pairs are formed by the cytidines of the 5' ends of the cytidine tracts. A2 forms an A2*A2 (H6trans-N7) pair stacked to C3*C3+ and cross-strand stacked to A1. At 0 degrees C, the lifetimes of the hemiprotonated pairs range from 1 ms for the outermost pair to approximately 1 h for the innermost pairs. The tetramer of d(CCCCAA) adopts two distinct intercal

SUBMITTER: Esmaili N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC546148 | biostudies-literature | 2005

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature