Rational design of guiding elements to control folding topology in i-motifs with multiple quadruplexes.

ABSTRACT: Nucleic acids are versatile scaffolds that accommodate a wide range of precisely defined operational characteristics. Rational design of sensing, molecular computing, nanotechnology, and other nucleic acid devices requires precise control over folding conformations in these macromolecules. Here, we report a new approach that empowers well-defined conformational transitions in DNA molecular devices. Specifically, we develop tools for precise folding of multiple DNA quadruplexes (i-motifs) within the same oligonucleotide strand. To accomplish this task, we modify a DNA strand with kinetic control elements (hairpins and double stranded stems) that fold on a much faster timescale and consequently guide quadruplexes toward the targeted folding topology. To demonstrate that such guiding elements

SUBMITTER: Minasyan AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8210535 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature