High-resolution crystal structure of Z-DNA in complex with Cr³⁺ cations

Authors:

• Paweł Michał Drożdżal,
• Mirosław Gilski,
• Ryszard Kierzek,
• Lechosław Łomozik,
• Mariusz Jaskólski

Abstract

Abstract This work is part of our project aimed at characterizing metal-binding properties of left-handed Z-DNA helices. The three Cr³⁺ cations found in the asymmetric unit of the d(CGCGCG)₂-Cr³⁺ crystal structure do not form direct coordination bonds with atoms of the Z-DNA molecule. Instead, the hydrated Cr³⁺ ions are engaged in outer-sphere interactions with phosphate groups and O6 and N7 guanine atoms of the DNA. The Cr³⁺(1) and Cr³⁺(2) ions have disordered coordination spheres occupied by six water molecules each. These partial-occupancy chromium cations are 2.354(15) Å apart and are bridged by three water molecules from their hydration spheres. The Cr³⁺(3) cation has distorted square pyramidal geometry. In addition to the high degree of disorder of the DNA backbone, alternate conformations are also observed for the deoxyribose and base moieties of the G2 nucleotide. Our work illuminates the question of conformational flexibility of Z-DNA and its interaction mode with transition-metal cations.