For the first time, ab initio direct methods have been used to solve the crystal structure of an RNA/DNA hybrid decamer. The RNA/DNA sequence corresponds to the leftmost two-thirds of the polypurine tract (PPT), the primer for second-strand DNA synthesis by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) ...
For the first time, ab initio direct methods have been used to solve the crystal structure of an RNA/DNA hybrid decamer. The RNA/DNA sequence corresponds to the leftmost two-thirds of the polypurine tract (PPT), the primer for second-strand DNA synthesis by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Direct methods using Shake-and-Bake (SnB) yielded solutions for the RNA/DNA decamer molecule using 1.15 A data, which is just on the resolution edge of what might work with direct methods. Atomic positions for 96% of the entire molecule, containing 514 non-H atoms including three Ca(2+) ions, were easily interpreted from a Fourier map based on the 'Shake-and-Bake' minimal function and CROQUE phase-refinement program. Only six atoms, primarily in the sugar linkage, were missing in this Fourier map. At present, the R factor of the model is 0.143 (R(free) = 0.186) for the 562 non-H atom sites located. The conformation of the RNA/DNA helix is A-form, with a typical A-helix minor-groove width. This paper presents the methodology used in solving this structure.
Related Citations:
An unusual sugar conformation in the structure of an RNA/DNA decamer of the polypurine tract may affect recognition by RNase H. Kopka, M.L., Lavelle, L., Han, G.W., Ng, H.L., Dickerson, R.E. (2003) J Mol Biol 334: 653
Organizational Affiliation:
Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1570, USA. gyewon@mbi.ucla.edu
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