Monte Carlo simulation of hydration of the guanine-uracil pairs with guanine in two tautomeric forms: contribution of water bridging to relative stability of mispairs.

Results are presented from Monte Carlo simulation of hydration of guanine-uracil mispairs by 25 and 50 water molecules. The hydration shells of three mispairs formed between "normal" dioxo form of uracil (U) and three forms of guanine ("normal" amino-oxo tautomer G and two rotamers of the "rare" amino-hydroxy tautomer G*) depend on the tautomeric forms of the guanine molecule. The simulation shows the important role of hydration effects on the relative stability of the mispairs.     

Crystallographic studies on damaged DNAs: III. N(4)-methoxycytosine can form both Watson-Crick type and wobbled base pairs in a B-form duplex.

To investigate the mutation mechanism of purine transition in DNA damaged with methoxyamine, a DNA dodecamer with the sequence d(CGCGAATTmo(4)CGCG), where mo(4)C is 2'-deoxy-N(4)-methoxycytidine, has been synthesized and its crystal structure determined. Two dodecamers form a B-form duplex. Electron density maps clearly show that one of the two mo(4)C residues forms a pair with a guanine residue of the opposite strand, the geometry being the canonical Watson-Crick type, and that the other mo(4)C residue forms a wobble pair with the opposite guanine residue. These two pairings are ascribed to the tautomerization of the methoxylated cytosine moieties between the amino and imino forms.     

Monte Carlo Simulation of Hydration of the Guanine-Uracil Pairs with Guanine in Two Tautomeric Forms: Contribution of Water Bridging to Relative Stability of Mispairs

Abstract

Results are presented from Monte Carlo simulation of hydration of guanine-uracil mispairs by 25 and 50 water molecules. The hydration shells of three mispairs formed between “normal” dioxo form of uracil (U) and three forms of guanine (“normal” amino-oxo tautomer G and two rotamers of the “rare” amino-hydroxy tautomer G*) depend on the tautomeric forms of the guanine molecule. The simulation shows the important role of hydration effects on the relative stability of the mispairs.     

Design of molecular switching and signaling based on proton transfer in 2-hydroxy Schiff bases: a computational study

The present work aims to exploit the possibility of using the tautomerism in 2-hydroxy Schiff bases for molecular switching. The enol imine (E)? enaminone (K) tautomerization in a series of 2-hydroxy Schiff bases have been investigated theoretically at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G** level of theory. The intramolecular proton transfer processes have been explored, transition structures have been located and characterized. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the proton transfer process, and its time scale have been computed and discussed in the framework of the suitability as molecular switches. Substituent effects have been computed and its effect on the enthalpy changes (?H*) and activation energies (?G*) have been analyzed and discussed. Nonspecific solvent effects have also been taken into account by using the polarized continuum model (IPCM) of two different solvent. The tautomerization energies are decreased and hence the endothermic nature of the enol imine ? enaminone tautomerization. The potential energy barriers, on the other hand, are increased due to the relative destabilization of the transition states. The NBO charge populations show that there is a high positive charge on the hydrogen atom during the process in all cases, which confirms that the proton transfer proceeds through a three-center interaction. The proton transfer processes, in all cases studied are kinetically allowed. The low potential energy barrier suggests that interconversion between the two tautomeric forms is spontaneous and the two forms may coexist.     

Prototropic tautomerism of imidazolone in aqueous solution: a density functional approach using the combined discrete/self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) models

A systematic investigation of the proton transfer in the keto-amino/enol tautomerization of imidazolone was undertaken. Calculations in aqueous solution were performed using both combined discrete/self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) and SCRF methods. Complexes containing one to three water molecules around the hydrophilic site of imidazolone were used for the combined discrete/SCRF calculations. The DFT results predict that the barrier height for non-water-assisted intramolecular proton transfer is very high (214.8 kJmol^–1). Hydrogen bonding between imidazolone and the water molecule(s) will dramatically lower the barrier by a concerted multiple proton transfer mechanism. The proton transfer process through a eight-member ring formed by imidazolone and two water molecules is found to be more efficient and the calculated barrier height is ca. 61 kJmol^–1.Figure DFT calculations in aqueous solution predict the H-bonding between imidazolone(IZ) and the water molecule(s) will dramatically lower the tautomeric barrier by a concerted multiple proton transfer mechanism, in which an eight-member ring structure formed by IZ and 2H₂O is found to be more efficient and the barrier is 60.8 kJ mol^–1, much less than 214.8 kJ mol^–1 in the non-water-assisted mechanism.     

Studies on tautomeric forms of Guanine-Cytosine base pairs of nucleic acids and their interactions with water molecules

The relative stabilities of Guanine-Cytosine (G-C) DNA bare base pairs, its tautomeric forms and microhydrated base pairs are theoretically investigated with a focus on the keto-enol tautomerism as well as on the cis-trans isomerism using ab initio and density functional theory methods. The stabilities of the G-C bare base pairs, its tautomeric forms and microhydrated base pairs were affected by various factors including keto-enol tautomerization, cis-trans enol isomerization, and steric hindrance between the base pair and water molecules. The Atoms in Molecules theory (AIM) is employed to investigate H-bonding patterns both in bare and microhydrated base pairs. From the above topological results, an excellent linear correlation is shown between electron density [rho(r)], and its Laplacian [V2rho(r)] at the bond critical points. NBO analysis has been carried out to study the charge transfer between proton acceptor to the antibonding orbital of the X-H bond both in bare and microhydrated base pairs.     

The effects of tautomerization and protonation on the adenine–cytosine mismatches: a density functional theory study

In the present work, we demonstrate the results of a theoretical study concerned with the question how tautomerization and protonation of adenine affect the various properties of adenine–cytosine mismatches. The calculations, in gas phase and in water, are performed at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. In gas phase, it is observed that any tautomeric form of investigated mismatches is more stabilized when adenine is protonated. As for the neutral mismatches, the mismatches containing amino form of cytosine and imino form of protonated adenine are more stable. The role of aromaticity on the stability of tautomeric forms of mismatches is investigated by NICS(1)_ZZ index. The stability of mispairs decreases by going from gas phase to water. It can be explained using dipole moment parameter. The influence of hydrogen bonds on the stability of mismatches is examined by atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analyses. In addition to geometrical parameters and binding energies, the study of the topological properties of electron charge density aids in better understanding of these mispairs.     

Kinetics of base misinsertion by DNA polymerase I of Escherichia coli

A simple kinetic analysis of the values of kcat and KM for base insertion and misinsertion during DNA replication is presented and applied to the problem of base misinsertion by DNA polymerase I of Escherichia coli. The role of minor tautomeric forms of deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) in purine x pyrimidine mismatching has been examined and it has been shown that the misinsertion frequency via this route should be close to the tautomerization constant in solution and is independent of any effect of the polymerase on the tautomerization of a dNTP when bound. Kinetic data on purine x pyrimidine mismatching indicate that the dNTP in a polymerase-DNA-mismatched-dNTP complex is predominantly in the major tautomeric form. The mutagenic effect of Mn2+ in DNA replication is shown to be mediated by decreasing the values of kcat/KM for the insertion of correct dNTPs, whilst the values of this rate constant for misinsertion are relatively unaffected or increased.     

Influence of glycation on cis/trans isomerization and tautomerization in novel morphiceptin-related Amadori compounds

The influence of N-glycation of the N-terminus on amide bond stereochemistry and tautomeric distribution has been explored via the synthesis and NMR analysis of novel N-(1-deoxy-D-fructos-1-yl) derivatives (Amadori compounds) of the exogenous, milk derived, opioid tetrapeptide morphiceptin (H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro-NH2). NMR analysis of the protected Amadori compounds revealed the presence of four configurational isomers in DMSO solution arising from cis/trans isomerization about Tyr1-Pro2 and Phe3-Pro4 peptide bonds. Comparison of the data obtained for protected Amadori compounds with those obtained for morphiceptin showed that equilibrium fraction of all-trans isomers in N-glycated peptide derivatives was smaller than in the parent peptide compound. Spectroscopic investigation of unprotected morphiceptin-related Amadori compound revealed the presence of multiple conformers in solution due to cis/trans isomerization of the peptide backbone and tautomerization of the sugar moiety. The equilibrium composition in DMSO is markedly shifted towards furanose forms, amounting to two-thirds of the mixture. The estimated equilibrium of the tautomeric forms in water solution revealed the -pyranose form as the major tautomer (66%).     

Effects of a 8-oxoadenosine incorporation on quadruplex structures: thermal stabilities and structural studies

The effects of incorporation of 8-oxoadenosine in two different truncations of human telomeric sequence forming quadruplex structures are reported. In order to characterise their structures, a combination of NMR and UV spectroscopy and computational techniques were used. Both oligonucleotides have been found to form fourfold symmetric quadruplex structures. As a tautomeric equilibrium between keto and enol forms of 8-oxoadenosine may establish in solution and intrinsic stabilities effects, such as internal H-bonds, for example, may determine the predominance of some particular tautomer, molecular modelling studies were performed on quadruplex structures containing both the tautomeric forms. Both molecules resulted to be thermally less stable than the natural.     

Tautomerism of histidine 64 associated with proton transfer in catalysis of carbonic anhydrase

The imidazole (15)N signals of histidine 64 (His(64)), involved in the catalytic function of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII), were assigned unambiguously. This was accomplished by incorporating the labeled histidine as probes for solution NMR analysis, with (15)N at ring-N(delta1) and N(epsilon2), (13)Cat ring-Cepsilon1, (13)C and (15)N at all carbon and nitrogen, or (15)N at the amide nitrogen and the labeled glycine with (13)C at the carbonyl carbon. Using the pH dependence of ring-(15)N signals and a comparison between experimental and simulated curves, we determined that the tautomeric equilibrium constant (K(T)) of His(64) is 1.0, which differs from that of other histidine residues. This unique value characterizes the imidazole nitrogen atoms of His(64) as both a general acid (a) and base (b): its epsilon2-nitrogen as (a) releases one proton into the bulk, whereas its delta1-nitrogen as (b) extracts another proton from a water molecule within the water bridge coupling to the zinc-bound water inside the cave. This accelerates the generation of zinc-bound hydroxide to react with the carbon dioxide. Releasing the productive bicarbonate ion from the inside separates the water bridge pathway, in which the next water molecules move into beside zinc ion. A new water molecule is supplied from the bulk to near the delta1-nitrogen of His(64). These reconstitute the water bridge. Based on these features, we suggest here a catalytic mechanism for hCAII: the tautomerization of His(64) can mediate the transfers of both protons and water molecules at a neutral pH with high efficiency, requiring no time- or energy-consuming processes.     

Structural and thermodynamic studies on the adenine.guanine mismatch in B-DNA.

The structure of the synthetic dodecamer d(CGCAAATTGGCG) has been shown by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods to be that of a B-DNA helix containing two A(anti).G(syn) base pairs. The refinement, based on data to a resolution of 2.25 A shows that the mismatch base pairs are held together by two hydrogen bonds. The syn-conformation of the guanine base of the mismatch is stabilised by hydrogen bonding to a network of solvent molecules in both the major and minor grooves. A pH-dependent ultraviolet melting study indicates that the duplex is stabilised by protonation, suggesting that the bases of the A.G mispair are present in their most common tautomeric forms and that the N(1)-atom of adenine is protonated. The structure refinement shows that there is some disorder in the sugar-phosphate backbone.     

EFFECTS OF A 8-OXOADENOSINE INCORPORATION ON QUADRUPLEX STRUCTURES: THERMAL STABILITIES AND STRUCTURAL STUDIES

The effects of incorporation of 8-oxoadenosine in two different truncations of human telomeric sequence forming quadruplex structures are reported. In order to characterise their structures, a combination of NMR and UV spectroscopy and computational techniques were used. Both oligonucleotides have been found to form fourfold symmetric quadruplex structures. As a tautomeric equilibrium between keto and enol forms of 8-oxoadenosine may establish in solution and intrinsic stabilities effects, such as internal H-bonds, for example, may determine the predominance of some particular tautomer, molecular modelling studies were performed on quadruplex structures containing both the tautomeric forms. Both molecules resulted to be thermally less stable than the natural.     

Theoretical study on the ground state intramolecular proton transfer (IPT) and solvation effect in two Schiff bases formed by 2-aminopyridine with 2-hydroxy-1- naphthaldehyde and 2-hydroxy salicylaldehyde

The tautomerization mechanism the isolated and monohydrated forms of two Schiff bases 1 and 2, and the effect of solvation on the proton transfer from enol-imine form to the keto-enamine form have been investigated using the B3LYP hybrid density functional method at the 6-31G** basis set level. The barrier heights for H₂O-assisted reactions are significantly lower than that of unassisted tautomerization reaction in the gas phase. Nonspecific solvent effects have also been taken into account by using the continuum model (IPCM) of four different solvent. The tautomerization energies and the potential energy barriers are decreased by increasing solvent polarity. Figure The tautomerization mechanism the isolated and monohydrated forms of two Schiff bases 1 and 2, and the effect of solvation on the proton transfer from enol-imine form to the keto-enamine form have been investigated using the B3LYP hybrid density functional method at the 6-31G** basis set level     

Structure and tautomerism of the neutral and monoanionic forms of 2-thiouracil, 2,4-dithiouracil, their nucleosides, and some related derivatives

Ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometric techniques have been utilized to demonstrate that the monoanionic form of 2-thiouracil in aqueous medium consists of an equilibrium mixture of two tautomeric monoanions, one due to dissociation of the N1 proton, the other to dissociation of the N3 proton, in the approximate ratio 1:1. In contrast to 2,4-diketopyrimidines, and 4-thiouracil, where monoanion formation involves charge delocalization, the two tautomeric monoanions of 2-thiouracil appear to have the charge localized on the O4 position. The neutral forms of 2,4-dithiouracil and 2,4-dithiouridine are in the dithione form in both aqueous and non-aqueous media. The monoanionic form of 2,4-dithiouracil consists of a mixture of two tautomeric monoanions, the predominant one of which is that with the proton on the ring N3, and with charge delocalization on both isomeric monoanions. Such charge delocalization is also present in the monoanion of 2,4-dithiouridine. For the reference compound 2-methylthiopyrimidone-4, the dominant, virtually exclusive, form in chloroform is that with the hydrogen localized on the ring N3, whereas in aqueous medium there is a 1:1 equilibrium mixture of two neutral tautomeric forms, one with the hydrogen on N3, the other with the hydrogen on N1.     

Electron-topological, energetic and π-electron delocalization analysis of ketoenamine-enolimine tautomeric equilibrium

The ketoenamine-enolimine tautometic equilibrium has been studied by the analysis of aromaticity and electron-topological parameters. The influence of substituents on the energy of the transition state and of the tautomeric forms has been investigated for different positions of chelate chain. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules method (QTAIM) has been applied to study changes in the electron-topological parameters of the molecule with respect to the tautomeric equilibrium in intramolecular hydrogen bond. Dependencies of the HOMA aromaticity index and electron density at the critical points defining aromaticity and electronic state of the chelate chain on the transition state (TS), OH and HN tautomeric forms have been obtained.     

Modeling DNA Hydration: Comparison of Calculated and Experimental Hydration Properties of Nuclic Acid Bases

Abstract

Hydration properties of individual nucleic acid bases were calculated and compared with the available experimental data. Three sets of classical potential functions (PF) used in simulations of nucleic acid hydration were juxtaposed: (i) the PF developed by Poltev and Malenkov (PM), (ii) the PF of Weiner and Kollman (WK), which together with Jorgensen's TIP3P water model are widely used in the AMBER program, and (HI) OPLS (optimized potentials for liquid simulations) developed by Jorgensen (J). The global minima of interaction energy of single water molecules with all the natural nucleic acid bases correspond to the formation of two water-base hydrogen bonds (water bridging of two hydrophilic atoms of the base). The energy values of these minima calculated via PM potentials are in somewhat better conformity with mass-spectrometric data than the values calculated via WK PF. OPLS gave much weaker water-base interactions for all compounds considered, thus these PF were not used in further computations. Monte Carlo simulations of the hydration of 9- methyladenine, 1-methyluracil and 1-methylthymine were performed in systems with 400 water molecules and periodic boundary conditions. Results of simulations with PM potentials give better agreement with experimental data on hydration energies than WK PF. Computations with PM PF of the hydration energy of keto and enol tautomers of 9-methyl- guanine can account for the shift in the tautomeric equilibrium of guanine in aqueous media to a dominance of the keto form in spite of nearly equal intrinsic stability of keto and enol tautomers. The results of guanine hydration computations are discussed in relation to mechanisms of base mispairing errors in nucleic acid biosynthesis. The data presented in this paper along with previous results on simulation of hydration shell structures in DNA duplex grooves provide ample evidence for the advantages of PM PF in studies of nucleic-acid hydration.     

Aminequinone-hydroxylquinoneimine tautomeric equilibrium revisited: molecular modeling study of the tautomeric equilibrium and substituent effects in 4-(4-R-phenylamino)naphthalene-1,2-diones

Semi-empirical (AM1 and PM3) and DFT (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) calculations were employed to study the tautomeric equilibrium between the aminequinone A and hydroxylquinoneimine B forms of 4-(4-R-phenylamino)naphthalene-1,2-diones. Substituent effects on the tautomeric equilibrium as well as on geometric and electronic parameters were also determined. In the gas phase the hydroxylquinoneimine B form is the most stable, whereas in water the aminequinone A form becomes more stable. The substituents do not modify the relative energies of the two tautomers. These results are in accordance with experimental data reported in the literature.     

Partition behavior of a nonionic detergent, octyl glucoside, between membrane and water phases, and its effect on membrane permeability

The partition equilibrium of an nonionic detergent, octyl glucoside, between the membrane phase and water and the effect of the detergent on the barrier efficiency of the vesicle membrane were studied. When the detergent concentration was lower than 4 mM in the water phase, or a mole fraction of 0.3 in the membrane phase, the partition coefficient of the detergent was independent of the detergent concentration and was 75 M-1. This value was about twice the value predicted from the critical micelle concentration. In this concentration region, the permeability of Cl- was relatively low [(2-5) x 10(-10) cm/s]. When the detergent in the membrane phase exceeded a mole fraction of 0.3, the apparent partition coefficient decreased, and the permeability of Cl- abruptly increased. These observations are explained by the following model: If the effective cross-sectional areas of phospholipid molecules and detergent molecules are similar to each other, a detergent molecule in the membrane phase will be surrounded only by phospholipid molecules as long as the mole fraction of the detergent in the membrane phase is below 0.3, and in this condition, the membrane barrier efficiency is high. At a mole fraction higher than 0.3, the detergent molecules come into contact with each other, and the membrane barrier efficiency decreases.     

Substituent effects on direct and indirect tautomerism of pyrimidin-2(1H)-one/pyrimidin-2-ol

The conversion of pyrimidin-2(1H)-one into pyrimidin-2-ol through direct and indirect mechanisms was investigated in the gas phase and solution media at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. The kinetic parameters demonstrate that the barrier energy ΔG^≠ of the tautomeric conversion when proton transfer is mediated by one water molecule is almost the same as when is mediated by two water molecules, and is smaller than that when is mediated by three water molecules (14.0 and 17.1?kcal/mol at 298?K, respectively). It is obvious that the indirect mechanism, which is occurred in the presence of solvent molecules, is kinetically favourable in the gas phase and aqueous media. In addition, the decrease in the ΔG^≠ values by the electron donor substituents located at the meta and para positions of pyrimidin-2(1H)-one is larger than those by the electron-withdrawing substituents.