Calculation of the stabilization energies of oxidatively damaged guanine base pairs with guanine

Molecules. 2012 Jun 1;17(6):6705-15. doi: 10.3390/molecules17066705.

Abstract

DNA is constantly exposed to endogenous and exogenous oxidative stresses. Damaged DNA can cause mutations, which may increase the risk of developing cancer and other diseases. G:C-C:G transversions are caused by various oxidative stresses. 2,2,4-Triamino-5(2H)-oxazolone (Oz), guanidinohydantoin (Gh)/iminoallantoin (Ia) and spiro-imino-dihydantoin (Sp) are known products of oxidative guanine damage. These damaged bases can base pair with guanine and cause G:C-C:G transversions. In this study, the stabilization energies of these bases paired with guanine were calculated in vacuo and in water. The calculated stabilization energies of the Ia:G base pairs were similar to that of the native C:G base pair, and both bases pairs have three hydrogen bonds. By contrast, the calculated stabilization energies of Gh:G, which form two hydrogen bonds, were lower than the Ia:G base pairs, suggesting that the stabilization energy depends on the number of hydrogen bonds. In addition, the Sp:G base pairs were less stable than the Ia:G base pairs. Furthermore, calculations showed that the Oz:G base pairs were less stable than the Ia:G, Gh:G and Sp:G base pairs, even though experimental results showed that incorporation of guanine opposite Oz is more efficient than that opposite Gh/Ia and Sp.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing
  • DNA Damage*
  • Genomic Instability
  • Guanine / chemistry*
  • Guanine / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress*

Substances

  • Guanine