Conformational states of a TT mismatch from molecular dynamics simulation of duplex d (CGCGATTCGCG)

Biopolymers. 1992 Jul;32(7):783-94. doi: 10.1002/bip.360320707.

Abstract

The TT mismatch region in duplex d (CGCGATTCGCG) was studied using a 500-ps molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in water, and a series of 1-ps MD simulations and energy minimizations in vacuum. The DNA maintained its duplex structure, although the mismatch region showed significantly higher flexibility than the GC regions. The predominant conformation in the 500-ps MD simulation involved an average -42 degrees propeller twist between T6 and T'6, and a -22 degree buckle between A5 and T'7. One hydrogen bond was formed between T6 and T'6, and another between T6 and the O2 of T'7, with both Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds between A5 and T'7 remaining intact. The minimizations resulted in conformations with the equivalent hydrogen-bonding pattern, as well as ones with "wobble pair" hydrogen bonds between T6 and T'6. However, the wobble pair conformation was found to be unstable in the water simulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • DNA