Hydrogen bond formation between the naturally modified nucleobase and phosphate backbone

Nucleic Acids Res. 2012 Sep;40(16):8111-8. doi: 10.1093/nar/gks426. Epub 2012 May 28.

Abstract

Natural RNAs, especially tRNAs, are extensively modified to tailor structure and function diversities. Uracil is the most modified nucleobase among all natural nucleobases. Interestingly, >76% of uracil modifications are located on its 5-position. We have investigated the natural 5-methoxy (5-O-CH(3)) modification of uracil in the context of A-form oligonucleotide duplex. Our X-ray crystal structure indicates first a H-bond formation between the uracil 5-O-CH(3) and its 5'-phosphate. This novel H-bond is not observed when the oxygen of 5-O-CH(3) is replaced with a larger atom (selenium or sulfur). The 5-O-CH(3) modification does not cause significant structure and stability alterations. Moreover, our computational study is consistent with the experimental observation. The investigation on the uracil 5-position demonstrates the importance of this RNA modification at the atomic level. Our finding suggests a general interaction between the nucleobase and backbone and reveals a plausible function of the tRNA 5-O-CH(3) modification, which might potentially rigidify the local conformation and facilitates translation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • DNA, A-Form / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemical synthesis
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Phosphates / chemistry
  • Selenium / chemistry
  • Sulfur / chemistry
  • Uracil / chemistry
  • Uridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Uridine / chemistry

Substances

  • DNA, A-Form
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • Phosphates
  • 5-methoxyuridine
  • Uracil
  • Sulfur
  • Selenium
  • Uridine

Associated data

  • PDB/3IKI
  • PDB/3LTR
  • PDB/3LTU