Can A Denaturant Stabilize DNA? Pyridine Reverses DNA Denaturation in Acidic pH. Issue 36 (24th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Portella, Guillem; Terrazas, Montserrat; Villegas, Núria; González, Carlos; Orozco, Modesto
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 54:Issue 36(2015)
• Page Start: 10488
• Page End: 10491
• Publication Date: 2015-07-24
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201503770
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The stability of DNA is highly dependent on the properties of the surrounding solvent, such as ionic strength, pH, and the presence of denaturants and osmolytes. Addition of pyridine is known to unfold DNA by replacing π–π stacking interactions between bases, stabilizing conformations in which the nucleotides are solvent exposed. We show here experimental and theoretical evidences that pyridine can change its role and in fact stabilize the DNA under acidic conditions. NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations demonstrate that the reversal in the denaturing role of pyridine is specific, and is related to its character as pseudo groove binder. The present study sheds light on the nature of DNA stability and on the relationship between DNA and solvent, with clear biotechnological implications.</p> </abstract>