G-quadruplex formation of thrombin-binding aptamer detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

M. Vairamani, Michael L. Gross

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detected the formation of the G-quadruplex structure of the thrombin-binding aptamer, d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG), and established its specific interaction with metal ions. One piece of evidence that the bonding in the gas phase is via the G-quadruplex form is the enhanced binding, with respect to other metal ions, of the aptamer with Sr2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, and K+, which are of similar size. Another is the lack of specific binding with controls in which the G's are replaced with A's. The most convincing evidence is the extent of H/D exchange of the gas-phase aptamer as compared to that bound to K+ and Sr2+. The latter two complexes exchange six and nine fewer H's, indicating a significant increase in protection upon binding to the metals. Mass spectrometry will be an important tool in understanding G-quadruplexes, which are particularly important in DNA telomers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)42-43
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume125
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 8 2003

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