Computational Simulation and Biophysical Study on Cerium Chloride-Induced B-to-Z Transition in (CG) DNA
Partha S Nial1,2, Chakkarai Sathyaseelan3, Madhabi M Bhanjadeo1
1DNA Nanomaterials & Application Laboratory, Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751 013, India.
ACS Omega
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Cerium chloride induces Z-DNA in (CG)6-12 DNA but causes condensation in (GC)6-12 DNA. This sequence-dependent, reversible B-to-Z DNA transition is influenced by rare earth elements.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rare earth elements can induce the B-to-Z DNA transition in branched DNA.
- DNA conformation is critical for various biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate cerium chloride's effect on DNA conformational changes.
- Determine sequence-specific effects on the B-Z DNA transition.
Main Methods:
- Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to analyze DNA structure.
- Molecular simulations to support conformational changes.
- Zeta potential measurements to assess charge differences.
Main Results:
- Cerium chloride (CeCl3) induced Z-DNA formation in (CG)6-12 repeats at low concentrations.
- (GC)6-12 repeats underwent condensation, not B-Z transition, with CeCl3.
- The B-Z transition was reversible with EDTA, and zeta potentials differed between B-DNA and Z-DNA.
Conclusions:
- DNA sequence dictates the response to cerium chloride, leading to either Z-DNA formation or condensation.
- The B-Z DNA transition is sequence-dependent and reversible.
- Understanding these transitions is vital for elucidating Z-DNA's biological roles.
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