Dynamics of Cations around DNA and Protein as Revealed by 23Na Diffusion NMR Spectroscopy

Binhan Yu, Karina G. Bien, Channing C. Pletka, Junji Iwahara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Counterions are vital for the structure and function of biomolecules. However, the behavior of counterions remains elusive due to the difficulty in characterizing mobile ions. Here, we demonstrate that the dynamics of cations around biological macromolecules can be revealed by 23Na diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. NMR probe hardware capable of generating strong magnetic field gradients enables 23Na NMR-based diffusion measurements for Na+ ions in solutions of biological macromolecules and their complexes. The dynamic properties of Na+ ions interacting with the macromolecules can be investigated using apparent 23Na diffusion coefficients measured under various conditions. Our diffusion data clearly show that Na+ ions retain high mobility within the ion atmosphere around DNA. The 23Na diffusion NMR method also permits direct observation of the release of Na+ ions from nucleic acids upon protein-nucleic acid association. The entropy change due to the ion release can be estimated from the diffusion data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2444-2452
Number of pages9
JournalAnalytical Chemistry
Volume94
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 8 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamics of Cations around DNA and Protein as Revealed by 23Na Diffusion NMR Spectroscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this