Tetrahelical monomolecular architecture of DNA: a new building block for nanotechnology.
DNA nanotechnology typically relies on Watson-Crick base pairing as both a recognition and structural element. This limits structural versatility and introduces errors during self-assembly of DNA. Guanine (G) quartet motifs show promise as an alternative to DNA duplexes, but the synthesis of long, precisely defined molecules is a significant challenge. Here we demonstrate a continuous tetrahelical DNA architecture capable of programmed self-assembly. We report that the homopolymer consisting of (G3T)3G3 monomeric units has the capability to fold into a monomolecular DNA tetrahelix with unprecedented speed and stability. For instance, in the presence of 1 mM K(+) ions the dimer, (G3T)2, folds readily and melts above 100 °C. These findings have the potential to revolutionize DNA nanotechnology by introducing fast and error-free self-assembly of long and extraordinarily stable molecules.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.
Besik
B
Kankia
D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D005615:Freezing; D007477:Ions / Q000737:chemistry; D007700:Kinetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011188:Potassium / Q000737:chemistry; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013696:Temperature; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D007477:Ions; D004247:DNA; D011188:Potassium