Theoretical analysis of competitive conformational transitions in torsionally stressed DNA

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the conformation of a torsionally deformed segment of DNA containing two sites susceptible to stress-induced transitions in secondary structure. A mechanical analysis of the ensuing competitive behavior is developed and applied to several phenomena of possible biological relevance. First, a molecular lesion which disrupts base pairing without strand breakage (such as a pyrimidine dimer) is shown to provide an effective nucleation site for further stress-induced denaturation. A competition is established between strand separation at this lesion site and at the A + T-richest portion of the molecule. The relative importance of these two forms of melting is shown to depend upon the A + T-content of the sites involved, segment length, local environmental conditions and the magnitude of the imposed torsional deformation. A possible alternative mode of behavior of a stressed segment of DNA involves transitions from B-form to Z-form. The second application of this theory analyzes the interplay between B → Z transitions and local denaturation in torsionally stressed DNA. Finally, local melting is shown to be energetically preferred over transitions to A-form under physiologically reasonable conditions in vitro, due primarily to the greater degree of unwinding involved in melting.The mechanical theory presented here makes several simplifying assumptions regarding the nature of the transitions and the sequences involved. First, the theory is developed explicitly for the competition between two sites of possible transition, with no further consideration given to conformational degeneracy or sequence effects. These sites are regarded as being uniform in composition. A multistate, heteropolymeric statistical mechanical transition theory is required to account rigorously for degeneracy and the influence of base sequence. A preliminary formulation of such a theory is used to analyze the denaturation of a segment containing a site of disrupted base pairing.     

Extension of torsionally stressed DNA by external force.

Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation was used to study the elasticity of torsionally stressed double-helical DNA. Equilibrium distributions of DNA conformations for different values of linking deficit, external force, and ionic conditions were simulated using the discrete wormlike chain model. Ionic conditions were specified in terms of DNA effective diameter, i.e., hard-core radius of the model chain. The simulations show that entropic elasticity of the double helix depends on how much it is twisted. For low amounts of twisting (less than about one turn per twist persistence length) the force versus extension is nearly the same as in the completely torsionally relaxed case. For more twisting than this, the molecule starts to supercoil, and there is an increase in the force needed to realize a given extension. For sufficiently large amounts of twist, the entire chain is plectonemically supercoiled at low extensions; a finite force must be applied to obtain any extension at all in this regime. The simulation results agree well with the results of recent micromanipulation experiments.     

Interactions between eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I and a specific binding sequence

The interaction between eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I and a high affinity binding sequence was investigated. Quantitative footprint analysis demonstrated that the substrate preference results from strong specific binding of topoisomerase I to the sequence. The specificity was conferred by a tight noncovalent association between the enzyme and its target DNA, whereas the transient formation of a covalently bound enzyme.nicked DNA intermediate contributed insignificantly to the overall affinity. Topoisomerase I protected both strands over a 20-base pair region in which the cleavage site was centrally located. DNA modification interference analysis revealed a 16-base pair interference region on the scissile strand. Essential bases were confined to the 5' side of the cleavage site. The 6-base pair interference region observed on the complementary strand did not contain essential bases.     

Helical Chirality: a Link between Local Interactions and Global Topology in DNA

DNA supercoiling plays a major role in many cellular functions. The global DNA conformation is however intimately linked to local DNA-DNA interactions influencing both the physical properties and the biological functions of the supercoiled molecule. Juxtaposition of DNA double helices in ubiquitous crossover arrangements participates in multiple functions such as recombination, gene regulation and DNA packaging. However, little is currently known about how the structure and stability of direct DNA-DNA interactions influence the topological state of DNA. Here, a crystallographic analysis shows that due to the intrinsic helical chirality of DNA, crossovers of opposite handedness exhibit markedly different geometries. While right-handed crossovers are self-fitted by sequence-specific groove-backbone interaction and bridging Mg²⁺ sites, left-handed crossovers are juxtaposed by groove-groove interaction. Our previous calculations have shown that the different geometries result in differential stabilisation in solution, in the presence of divalent cations. The present study reveals that the various topological states of the cell are associated with different inter-segmental interactions. While the unstable left-handed crossovers are exclusively formed in negatively supercoiled DNA, stable right-handed crossovers constitute the local signature of an unusual topological state in the cell, such as the positively supercoiled or relaxed DNA. These findings not only provide a simple mechanism for locally sensing the DNA topology but also lead to the prediction that, due to their different tertiary intra-molecular interactions, supercoiled molecules of opposite signs must display markedly different physical properties. Sticky inter-segmental interactions in positively supercoiled or relaxed DNA are expected to greatly slow down the slithering dynamics of DNA. We therefore suggest that the intrinsic helical chirality of DNA may have oriented the early evolutionary choices for DNA topology.     

Interactions between distamycin A analogs bound to DNA

The experimental binding isotherms of the distamycin A analog to 8 natural and synthetic DNAs were analyzed. The shapes of binding isotherms suggest that the bound ligand molecule induces transitions of DNA (B-form) into two perturbated conformation states. These transitions are responsible for the existence of positive and negative cooperative effects on binding of distamycin analogs to DNA. At low levels of binding positive cooperative effects play a dominating role whereas at high levels of binding negative cooperative effects are observed. These cooperative effects can be described by the aid of a potential of pairwise interactions between nearest neighbour bound antibiotic molecules. A detailed analysis of experimental binding isotherms shows that characteristic distances over which these interactions are extended depend on the AT content of DNA. The energetical and structural parameters characterising the allosteric transitions of DNA to the perturbated states are obtained.     

Cruciform transitions in DNA

The rates of transition between the cruciform and linear conformations of a perfectly inverted repeated lac operator DNA sequence have been measured using a trimethylpsoralen intrastrand cross-linking assay. The rate and extent of the linear to cruciform transition were dependent on temperature and on the superhelical density of the DNA. Apparent half-lives for this transition were between 4-9 min at 37 degrees C for supercoiled DNAs as isolated from cells. The half-life for the cruciform to linear transition in relaxed DNA was about 30 s at 37 degrees C. Mg2+ stabilized both conformations but stabilized the linear form to a greater degree than the cruciform. The rates of transition were temperature dependent suggesting enthalpies of activation of 26.3 kcal mol-1 for the cruciform to linear transition and 33.4 kcal mol-1 for the linear to cruciform transition. The rate of the linear to cruciform transition was slower at 50 than 37 degrees C. Heating above 70 degrees C resulted in the loss of the cruciform structure.     

Interactions between rare-earth ions and DNA of Bashibai sheep

The interaction between rare-earth ions and DNA from Bashibai sheep was studied by microcalorimetry and electrochemistry. The DNA chain was found to have four to five binding sites for rare-earth ions. The binding affinity was about 10??-10?? M. It was also found that smaller ions caused more heat to be released in the process of binding and bound more readily to the nucleic acid chain. This is attributed to the enhanced ability of polarization of smaller ions and reduced steric hindrance compared to larger ions. The electrochemistry results show that rare-earth ions could be inserted into the DNA helix, producing a new complex with electrochemically active groups. The rare-earth ions and DNA complex reached equilibrium after a 90-min incubation at room temperature.     

Interactions between Escherichia coli nucleoside-diphosphate kinase and DNA.

Nucleoside-diphosphate (NDP) kinase (NTP:nucleoside-diphosphate phosphotransferase) catalyzes the reversible transfer of gamma-phosphates from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates through an invariant histidine residue. It has been reported that the high-energy phosphorylated enzyme intermediate exhibits a protein phosphotransferase activity toward the protein histidine kinases CheA and EnvZ, members of the two-component signal transduction systems in bacteria. Here we demonstrate that the apparent protein phosphotransferase activity of NDP kinase occurs only in the presence of ADP, which can mediate the phosphotransfer from the phospho-NDP kinase to the target enzymes in catalytic amounts (approximately 1 nm). These findings suggest that the protein kinase activity of NDP kinase is probably an artifact attributable to trace amounts of contaminating ADP. Additionally, we show that Escherichia coli NDP kinase, like its human homologue NM23-H2/PuF/NDP kinase B, can bind and cleave DNA. Previous in vivo functions of E. coli NDP kinase in the regulation of gene expression that have been attributed to a protein phosphotransferase activity can be explained in the context of NDP kinase-DNA interactions. The conservation of the DNA binding and DNA cleavage activities between human and bacterial NDP kinases argues strongly for the hypothesis that these activities play an essential role in NDP kinase function in vivo.     

Interactions between biological processes,cultivation and soil structure

Summary An inherent (autochthonous) biomass is characteristic of a soil while the input of substrates for plant roots or crop residues promotes the transient (zymogenous) biomass. However successful micro-organisms will show aspects of both types of ecological strategy. The biomass generated from plant residue substrates can include toxin-producing and pathogenic species but also beneficial organisms such as N-fixers and polysaccharide-producers. Rhizosphere activity can, depending on soil, plant and microbial species, stabilize or destabilize soils. Microbial activity should be considered in soil management and it may be possible to manipulate the soil population balance towards beneficial organisms.Keynote address     

Conformational DNA transition in the in vitro torsionally strained chicken beta-globin 5'' region.

A sequence of 86 bp within the 5' region of the adult chicken beta-globin gene was found to undergo a DNA conformational transition at elevated levels of negative superhelical stress (- sigma = 0.068). In vitro chemical DNA modification studies which detect purine hyperreactivity (HR) to the alkylating agent diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP) have identified this 86 bp long DEP-HR element. The DEP-HR element is composed of small, tandem segments with imperfect purine-pyrimidine alternations. Methylation of cytosines within GCGC sequences of the DEP-HR element facilitates this structural change. The binding of a monoclonal anti-Z-DNA antibody to the element has been revealed by chemical footprinting with DEP. These data suggest that the DEP-HR sequence can undergo a conformational transition to Z-DNA. It is unknown whether the conformational flexibility observed here occurs in vivo.     

Quantitative structure of a complex between a minor-groove-specific drug and a bent DNA decamer duplex: use of 2D NMR data and NOESY constrained energy minimization

Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) studies on d(GA4T4C)2 and d(GT4A4C)2 [Sarma, M.H., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 3423-3432; Gupta G., et al. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 7909-7919] showed that A.T pairs are propeller twisted. As a result, A/T tracts form a straight rigid structural block with an array of bifurcated inter base pair H bonds in the major groove. It was demonstrated (previous paper) that replacement of methyl group by hydrogen (changing from T to U) in the major groove does not disrupt the array of bifurcated H bonds in the major groove. In this article, we summarize results of 2D NMR and molecular mechanic studies on the effect of a minor-groove-binding A.T-specific drug on the structure d(GA4T4C)2. A distamycin analogue (Dst2) was used for this study. It is shown that Dst2 binds to the minor groove of d(GA4T4C)2 mainly driven by van der Waals interaction between A.T pairs and the drug; as a consequence, an array of bifurcated H bonds can be formed in the minor groove between amide/amino protons of Dst2 and A.T pairs of DNA. NOESY data suggest that Dst2 predominantly binds at the central 5 A.T pairs. NOESY data also reveal that, upon drug binding, d(GA4T4C)2 does not undergo any significant change in conformation from the free state; i.e., propeller-twisted A.T pairs are still present in DNA and hence the array of bifurcated H bonds must be preserved in the major groove. NOESY data for the A5-T6 sequence also indicate that there is little change in junction stereochemistry upon drug binding.     

Interactions between branched DNAs and peptide inhibitors of DNA repair

The RecG helicase of Escherichia coli unwinds both Holliday junction (HJ) and replication fork DNA substrates. Our lab previously identified and characterized peptides (WRWYCR and KWWCRW) that block the activity of RecG on these substrates. We determined that the peptides bind HJ DNA and prevent the binding of RecG. Herein, we present further evidence that the peptides are competitive inhibitors of RecG binding to its substrates. We have generated structural models of interactions between WRWYCR and a junction substrate. Using the fluorescent probe 2-aminopurine, we show that inhibitors interact with highest affinity with HJs (K_d = 14 nM) and ~4- to 9-fold more weakly with replication fork substrates. The fluorescence assay results agree with the structural model, and predict the molecular basis for interactions between HJ-trapping peptides and branched DNA molecules. Specifically, aromatic amino acids in the peptides stack with bases at the center of the DNA substrates. These interactions are stabilized by hydrogen bonds to the DNA and by intrapeptide interactions. These peptides inhibit several proteins involved in DNA repair in addition to RecG, have been useful as tools to dissect recombination, and possess antibiotic activity. Greater understanding of the peptides’ mechanism of action will further increase their utility.     

Interactions between SV40 T antigen and DNA polymerase alpha

Simian virus 40 large T antigen is the only viral protein required for SV40 DNA synthesis in vivo and in vitro. This complex protein recruits the cellular DNA replication apparatus to the SV40 origin and provides a good model for the initiation of cellular DNA replication. The interaction between SV40 large T antigen (TAg) and DNA polymerase alpha has been shown previously to be inhibited by murine p53, the nuclear protein product of a cellular anti-oncogene. The murine p53 protein will inhibit SV40 replication both in vivo and in vitro. Using monoclonal antibodies to TAg, p53, and polymerase alpha, we developed immunoassays to measure the complexes formed between TAg and polymerase alpha and between TAg and p53. The assays allowed us to detect the TAg-polymerase alpha and TAg-p53 complexes in lytically infected and transformed cells. The amount of TAg complexed to p53 was far lower in infected cells than in transformed cells. We used a large range of monoclonal antibodies to different sites on T antigen and found that antibodies that inhibited the formation of the TAg-polymerase alpha complex also inhibited the formation of the TAg-p53 complex. Finally, we found that the tsA58 and 5080 point mutations in TAg, previously shown to inhibit the binding of TAg to p53, also inhibit its binding to polymerase alpha. Together these results emphasize the specificity and functional importance of the TAg-polymerase alpha complex. The disruption of this interaction by the cellular anti-oncogene p53 provides an interesting model for the normal action of p53 and the effects of its removal on the regulation of cellular DNA synthesis.     

Negative constrained DNA supercoiling in archaeal nucleosomes

Archaeal histones have significant sequence and structural similarity to their eukaryal counterparts. However, whereas DNA is wrapped in negatively constrained supercoils in eukaryal nucleosomes, it has been reported that DNA is positively supercoiled by archaeal nucleosomes. This was inferred from experiments performed at low temperature and low salt concentrations, conditions markedly different from those expected for many archaea in vivo. Here, we report that the archaeal histones HMf and HTz wrap DNA in negatively constrained supercoils in buffers containing potassium glutamate (K-Glu) above 300 mM, either at 37 degrees C or at 70 degrees C. This suggests that high salt concentrations allow an alternate archaeal nucleosome topology: a left-handed tetramer rather than the right-handed tetramer seen in low salt conditions. In contrast, the archaeal histone MkaH produces DNA negative supercoiling at all salt concentrations, suggesting that this duality of structure is not possible for this atypical protein, which is formed by the association of two histone folds in a single polypeptide. These results extend the already remarkable similarity between archaeal and eukaryal nucleosomes, as it has been recently shown that DNA can be wrapped into either positive or negative supercoils around the H3/H4 tetramer. Negative supercoiling could correspond to the predominant physiological mode of DNA supercoiling in archaeal nucleosomes.