Observation of a rectangular columnar phase in a DNA-calcium-zwitterionic lipid complex.
In the presence of calcium, DNA and unilamellar liposomes of the zwitterionic lipid DPPC form a complex in which DNA strands are embedded between a lamellar phase of DPPC. In some complexes, in-plane alignment of the DNA strands occurs, where a DNA-DNA interaxial distance can be measured using small-angle X-ray scattering. Here we report a higher level of DNA organization, with a rectangular columnar phase of DNA identified within this complex structure. This observation is important in view of recent interests in creating new synthetic systems at the interface of biology.
McManus
Jennifer J
JJ
Department of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Rädler
Joachim O
JO
Dawson
Kenneth A
KA
D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry*; D002417:Cattle; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D007477:Ions
D007477:Ions; D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine; D004247:DNA; D002118:Calcium