Probing the interactions of the solvated electron with DNA by molecular dynamics simulations: II....

The interaction of solvated electrons (e(-)(aq)) with DNA results in various types of DNA lesions. The in vitro and in vivo sensitisation of DNA to (e(-)(aq))-induced damage is achieved by incorporation of the electron-affinity radiosensitiser bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) in place of thymidine. However, in DNA duplexes containing single-stranded regions (bulged BUdR-DNA), the type of lesion is different and the efficiency of damage is enhanced. In particular, DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICL) form at high efficiency in bulged DNA but are not detectable in completely duplex DNA. Knowledge about the processes and interactions leading to these differences is obscure. Previously, we addressed the problem by applying molecular modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to a system of normal (BUdR.A)-DNA and a hydrated electron, where the excess electron was modelled as a localised e(-)(H2O6) anionic cluster. The goal of the present study was to apply the same MD simulation to a wobble DNA-e(-)(aq) system, containing a pyrimidine-pyrimidine mismatched base pair, BUdR.T. The results show an overall dynamic pattern similar to that of the e(-)(aq) motion around normal DNA. However, the number of configuration states when e(-)(aq)) was particularly close to DNA is different. Moreover, in the (BUdR.T)-wobble DNA system, the electron frequently approaches the brominated strand, including BUdR, which was not observed with the normal (BUdR.A)-DNA. The structure and exchange of water at the sites of e(-)(aq) immobilisation near DNA were also characterised. The structural dynamics of the wobble DNA is prone to more extensive perturbations, including frequent formation of cross-strand (cs) interatomic contacts. The structural deviations correlated with e(-)(aq) approaching DNA from the major groove side, with sodium ions trapped deep in the minor groove. Altogether, the obtained results confirm and/or throw light on dynamic-structure determinants possibly responsible for the enhanced radiation damage of wobble DNA.