Sequence dependent DNA conformations: Raman spectroscopic studies and a model of action of restriction enzymes

Raman spectra have been examined to clarify the polymorphic forms of DNA, A, B, and Z forms. From an analysis we found that the guanine ring breathing vibration is sensitive to its local conformation. Examination of nine crystals of guanosine residues in which the local conformations are well established revealed that a guanosine residue with a C3'endo-anti gives a strong line at 666 +/- 2 cm-1, O4'endo-anti at 682 cm-1, C1'exo-anti at 673 cm-1, C2'endo-anti at 677 cm-1 and syn-forms around 625 cm-1. Using this characteristic line, we were able to obtain the local conformations of guanosine moieties in poly(dG-dC). Such a sequence derived variation is suggested to be recognized by sequence specific proteins such as restriction enzymes. We found a correlation between sequence dependent DNA conformation and a mode of action of restriction enzymes. The cutting mode of restriction enzymes is classified into three groups. The classification of whether the products have blunt ends, two-base-long cohesive ends, or four-base-long cohesive ends depends primarily on the substrate, not on the enzyme. It is suggested that sequence dependent DNA conformation causes such a classification by the use of the Calladine-Dickerson analysis. In the recognition of restriction enzymes, the methyl group in a certain sequence is considered to play an important role by changing the local conformation of DNA.