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Cruciform transitions in DNA.

R R Sinden, D E Pettijohn

    The Journal of Biological Chemistry
    |May 25, 1984
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    DNA transition rates between linear and cruciform shapes were measured. Temperature and superhelical density significantly influenced these DNA dynamics, with Mg2+ stabilizing linear forms more than cruciform ones.

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    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Biophysics

    Background:

    • DNA can adopt various conformations beyond the standard double helix.
    • Inverted repeat sequences are prone to forming alternative structures like cruciforms.
    • Understanding DNA conformational dynamics is crucial for gene regulation and DNA processing.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To quantify the transition rates between linear and cruciform DNA conformations.
    • To investigate the influence of environmental factors like temperature and superhelical density on these transitions.
    • To determine the thermodynamic parameters governing the DNA conformational changes.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized a trimethylpsoralen intrastrand cross-linking assay to monitor DNA conformation changes.
    • Measured transition rates under varying temperatures and superhelical DNA densities.

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  • Assessed the effect of magnesium ions (Mg2+) on DNA conformation stability.

    • Main Results:

    • The linear to cruciform DNA transition rate depended on temperature and superhelical density.
    • Apparent half-lives for linear to cruciform transitions ranged from 4-9 minutes at 37°C in supercoiled DNA.
    • Cruciform to linear transitions in relaxed DNA had a half-life of approximately 30 seconds at 37°C.
    • Magnesium ions stabilized both conformations, favoring the linear form.
    • Transition rates were temperature-dependent, with calculated enthalpies of activation.
    • Higher temperatures (50°C) slowed the linear to cruciform transition, and temperatures above 70°C induced loss of the cruciform structure.

    Conclusions:

    • The study provides quantitative data on the kinetics of DNA conformational transitions between linear and cruciform states.
    • Environmental factors significantly modulate DNA structural dynamics, impacting biological processes.
    • The findings contribute to understanding DNA flexibility and its role in cellular functions.