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Visualization of DNA Compaction in Cyanobacteria by High-voltage Cryo-electron Tomography
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Locally Denatured DNA Compaction by Divalent Cations.

Ling Chen1, Yanwei Wang1, Guangcan Yang1

  • 1Department of Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|May 19, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) denatures and compacts DNA directly. Locally denatured DNA condenses with magnesium ions, forming complex structures and highlighting DNA

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • DNA denaturation is crucial for biological processes and biotechnology.
  • Understanding DNA condensation mechanisms is key for genetic engineering and nanotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct DNA compaction capabilities of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
  • To explore the synergistic effect of DMSO-induced denaturation and divalent cations on DNA condensation.

Main Methods:

  • Magnetic tweezers (MTs) for force measurements.
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for structural analysis.
  • Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for condensation studies.

Main Results:

  • DMSO directly compacts DNA at concentrations above 10% by reducing persistence length and excluded volume.

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  • Locally denatured DNA by DMSO readily condenses with magnesium ions (Mg2+), unlike native DNA.
  • Increasing Mg2+ concentration alters DNA complex morphology from random coils to dense networks and disintegrated structures.

    • Conclusions:

    • DMSO acts as both a DNA denaturant and a compacting agent.
    • Divalent cations, particularly Mg2+, play a critical role in condensing DMSO-denatured DNA.
    • DNA elasticity significantly influences its denaturation and condensation behavior.