Applications of 2D-IR spectroscopy to probe the structural dynamics of DNA

Gordon Robert Hithell, Lennart A. I. Ramakers, Glenn A. Burley, Neil T. Hunt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy is a powerful probe of the structural and vibrational dynamics of proteins and enzymes in the solution phase. Until recently, relatively few applications of 2D-IR to DNA had been reported, but this is beginning to change rapidly, showing that the vibrational modes of DNA are sensitive reporters of base-pairing and stacking and allowing site-specific probing of the nature of the complex interactions of the DNA macromolecule with its solvent environment. Most recently, 2D-IR spectroscopy has been used to probe the minor-groove ligand binding mechanism and reveal the melting of double stranded DNA in real time, offering the potential for 2D-IR to provide mechanistic insight into the behaviour of this most fundamental of biological molecules in the solution phase. The experimental methods used to obtain 2D-IR spectra are first described along with a discussion of the 2D-IR spectral features relevant to DNA studies before a review of the current state of the art of 2D-IR spectroscopy applications to DNA is presented.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFrontiers and Advances in Molecular Spectroscopy
EditorsJaan Laane
Place of PublicationAmsterdam
PublisherElsevier Science
Pages77-100
Number of pages24
Edition1st
ISBN (Print)9780128112205
Publication statusPublished - 13 Nov 2017

Keywords

  • IR spectroscopy
  • DNA
  • DNA structure

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Applications of 2D-IR spectroscopy to probe the structural dynamics of DNA'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this