Structural stability of DNA in nonaqueous solvents

One of the defining physicochemical features of DNA in aqueous solution is its ability to maintain a double-helical structure and for this structure to undergo a cooperative, heat-induced denaturation (melting). Herein we show that a 21-mer synthetic DNA can form and maintain such a duplex structure not only in water but even in 99% glycerol; moreover, this double-helical structure reversibly and cooperatively melts in that solvent, with a T(m) value of some 30 degrees lower than in water. Two much larger, natural DNAs, from calf thymus and salmon testes, exhibit similar behavior in glycerol. All three DNAs can also sustain a double-helical structure in 99% ethylene glycol, although its thermostability (as reflected by the melting temperature) is some 20 degrees lower than in glycerol. In contrast, no duplex structure of any of the DNAs was detected in 99% formamide, methanol, or DMSO. This solvent trend resembles that previously observed in studies of protein structure and folding and underscores the importance of hydrophobic interactions in both protein and DNA structure and stability. Our findings suggest that water may not be unique as a suitable medium not only for protein structure but also for that of nucleic acids.