Cytosine, the double helix and DNA self-assembly

✍ Scribed by Youri Timsit; Peter Varnai

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2011
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 192 KB
• Volume: 24
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0952-3499
• DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1082

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

DNA self‐assembly has crucial implications in reading out the genetic information in the cell and in nanotechnological applications. In a recent paper, self‐assembled DNA crystals displaying spectacular triangular motifs have been described (Zheng et al., 2009). The authors claimed that their data demonstrate the possibility to rationally design well‐ordered macromolecular 3D DNA lattice with precise spatial control using sticky ends. However, the authors did not recognize the fundamental features that control DNA self‐assembly in the lateral direction. By analysing available crystallographic data and simulating a DNA triangle, we show that the double helix geometry, sequence‐specific cytosine–phosphate interactions and divalent cations are in fact responsible for the precise spatial assembly of DNA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.