Exocyclic groups in the minor groove influence the backbone conformation of DNA.

ABSTRACT: Exocyclic groups in the minor groove of DNA modulate the affinity and positioning of nucleic acids to the histone protein. The addition of exocyclic groups decreases the formation of this protein-DNA complex, while their removal increases nucleosome formation. On the other hand, recent theoretical results show a strong correlation between the B(I)/B(II) phosphate backbone conformation and the hydration of the grooves of the DNA. We performed a simulation of the d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 Drew Dickerson dodecamer and one simulation of the d(CGCIAATTCGCG)2 dodecamer in order to investigate the influence of the exocyclic amino group of guanine. The removal of the amino group introduces a higher intrinsic flexibility to DNA supporting the suggestions that make the enhanced flexibility responsible for th

SUBMITTER: Wellenzohn B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC97579 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature