An Approach to DNA Crystallization Using the Thermal Reversible Process of DNA Duplexes

作者：Chatake Toshiyuki^*; Sazaki Gen; Kikkou Tatsuhiko; Fujiwara Satoru; Ishikawa Takuya; Matsumoto Osamu; Morimoto Yukio

来源：Crystal Growth & Design, 2010, 10(3): 1090-1095.

DOI：10.1021/cg9007075

We propose a technique for DNA crystallization using the thermal reversible process of DNA. A double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) can be converted into two single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs) at high temperatures to improve its water solubility. Thus, this thermal conversion can be utilized for increasing the solubility of DNA crystals by changing solute species. We investigated the solubility of the crystals of a DNA hexamer d(CGCGCG) and their melting temperature, at which thermal conversion occurs from it dsDNA to ssDNAs or vice versa. A van't Hoff plot showed two crystallization processes with it change in temperature dependency of the solubility at around 315 K. This result almost corresponded to the melting temperature (322 K) measured by UV spectroscopy. These Findings suggest that the conversion from a dsDNA to ssDNAs results in an increase in solubility. Using this temperature-controlled technique, single crystals of the DNA hexamer could be obtained from a small amount of DNA samples; X-ray assessment demonstrated that these crystals were high grade. This easy-to-apply technique would be superior to the conventional vapor diffusion technique in that it allows the solubility of DNA crystals to be controlled with no need for expensive Setups.

• 出版日期2010-3