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The neuronal protein α-synuclein, linked to Parkinson’s disease, binds to negatively charged vesicles adopting a partial α-helix structure, but helix arrangement at the vesicle surface is not fully understood. Using linear dichroism spectroscopy (LD), we study the interaction of monomeric α-synuclein with large unilamellar vesicles of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (DOPS), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (POPS), and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (DOPG) under mild shear flow. The LD data of oriented lipid vesicles show that the long axis of the protein helix is oriented preferentially perpendicular to the membrane normal but deviates from a uniform in-plane distribution. Upon initial binding, a fraction of helices are oriented in the direction of least curvature for all ellipsoid-shaped vesicles at a lipid:protein molar ratio of 100. However, at a lower protein concentration the helices distribute uniformly on DOPS and POPS vesicles. In all cases, the α-synuclein helices rearrange with time (minute time scale) in the shear flow and begin to tilt into the vesicle membrane. Faster reorientation kinetics in the presence of flow suggests that modulation of membrane dynamics, by thermal or shear-dynamic activation, may overcome steric barriers by what may be called “flow catalysis”.

The cell membrane is an ordered environment, which anisotropically affects the structure and interactions of all of its molecules. Monitoring membrane orientation at a local level is rather challenging but could reward crucial information on protein conformation and interactions in the lipid bilayer. We monitored local lipid ordering changes upon varying the cholesterol concentration using polarized light spectroscopy and pyrene as a membrane probe. Pyrene, with a shape intermediate between a disc and a rod, can detect microscopic orientation variations at the level of its size. The global membrane orientation was determined using curcumin, a probe with nonoverlapping absorption relative to that of pyrene. While the macroscopic orientation of a liquid-phase bilayer decreases with increasing cholesterol concentration, the local orientation is improved. Pyrene is found to be sensitive to the local effects induced by cholesterol and temperature on the bilayer. Disentangling local and global orientation effects in membranes could provide new insights into functionally significant interactions of membrane proteins.

The assembly of stacked dyes on DNA is of interest for electron transfer, light harvesting, sensing, and catalysis applications. A combination of UV/vis absorption, linear dichroism (LD), and circular dichroism (CD) was applied to characterize thoroughly the aggregation with DNA of the phenothiazine dyes methylene blue, azure B, and thionine. Aggregates of each dye with [poly(dG-dC)]2, [poly(dA-dT)]2, and calf thymus DNA were explored at high dye:DNA binding ratios, where excess dye groove-binds after all intercalation sites are filled. The organization of the aggregates (dimers, trimers, and multimers) with polydeoxynucleotides displays a structural diversity that depends on DNA sequence, extent of methylation of dye exocyclic amine groups, and ionic strength. The dyes typically form right-handed H-aggregates having negative LD, consistent with stepped stacking along the minor groove. However, aggregates in some dye:DNA aggregates show left-handed chirality or positive LD, indicating unusual modes of agg...

Structural conversion of one given protein sequence into different amyloid states, resulting in distinct phenotypes, is one of the most intriguing phenomena of protein biology. Despite great efforts the structural origin of prion diversity remains elusive, mainly because amyloids are insoluble yet noncrystalline and therefore not easily amenable to traditional structural-biology methods. We investigate two different phenotypic prion strains, weak and strong, of yeast translation termination factor Sup35 with respect to angular orientation of tyrosines using polarized light spectroscopy. By applying a combination of alignment methods the degree of fiber orientation can be assessed, which allows a relatively accurate determination of the aromatic ring angles. Surprisingly, the strains show identical average orientations of the tyrosines, which are evenly spread through the amyloid core. Small variations between the two strains are related to the local environment of a fraction of tyrosines outside the core, potentially reflecting differences in fibril packing.

© 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. This chapter considers linear dichroism (LD), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and how these phenomena are related to and may report on transition moment orientations and on molecular structure. MCD is an asset in combination with LD and fluorescence anisotropy for the deciphering of transition moment directions in biophysically important chromophores, and many examples of applications are found among nucleobases. A property corresponding to the absorption anisotropy (linear dichroism) for emission is the fluorescence anisotropy. The amino acid tryptophan, with indole as its photoactive aromatic chromophore, is the most frequently used natural fluorescent probe in biophysical contexts, due to its relatively high fluorescence quantum yield and well-resolved absorption profile in the near-UV. The single-molecule fluorescence-detected linear dichroism (smFLD) method is a useful complement to smFRET since it can help to avoid misinterpretation of false smFRET signals.

Its extraordinary self-assembly property, with potential to form nonperiodic structures with unique addressability, makes DNA ideal for fabrication of advanced nanostructures. We here demonstrate the controllable tethering of a hexagonal DNA nanostructure in two distinct orientations at the lipid bilayer of a liposome functioning as a soft-matter support. With polarized light (linear dichroism) applied to the flow-aligned liposomes, we show that the construct is preferentially in a parallel alignment with the lipid surface when two anchors are attached while with one anchor only a perpendicular orientation is observed.

Ruthenium complexes with dipyridophenazine (dppz) type ligands have several characteristics that make them good candidates for use as luminescence probes for hydrophobic environments. Most studies have concerned DNA intercalation, but also lipid membrane fluidity and liposome orientation have been assessed. We report here dipyridophenazine derivatives ([Ru(phen)2dppz]2+) substituted with one or two alkyl ether chains of different lengths aimed at finding the optimum substitution for a high quantum yield when bound to a phospholipid membrane bilayer. The orientation of membrane bound molecules is studied using flow linear dichroism (LD) with phospholipid vesicles as membrane models. LD, excitation anisotropy, steady state luminescence and excited-state lifetime measurements are used to quantitatively investigate the insertion and orientation of the complexes in the vesicles. All complexes are inserted with their long axis of the dppz moiety mainly parallel to the lipid chains, and the degree of orientation is comparable to that of the orientation probe retinoic acid. The ruthenium "head group" with its positive charge functions as a buoy at the water-membrane interface while the hydrophobic chain part embeds the complex down into the bilayer. The complex with two hexyl ether substituents (named D6) has the optimal chain length regarding membrane insertion and orientation, and together with the highest quantum yield, is the best luminescence membrane probe in the two series.

(Figure Presented) Gently brought into line: Functionalized carbon nanotubes (see picture, C,H black, N blue) facilitate a high degree of orientation in a weak magnetic field H → , as detected by linear dichroism spectroscopy (incident planes of light A⊥ and A∥). In addition, relaxation measurements in the magnetic field allow the length of the nanotubes to be determined. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

There is a great need for development of independent methods to study the structure and function of membrane-associated proteins and peptides. Polarized light spectroscopy (linear dichroism, LD) using shear-aligned lipid vesicles as model membranes has emerged as a promising tool for the characterization of the binding geometry of membrane-bound biomolecules. Here we explore the potential of retinoic acid, retinol, and retinal to function as probes of the macroscopic alignment of shear-deformed 100 nm liposomes. The retinoids display negative LD, proving their preferred alignment perpendicular to the membrane surface. The magnitude of the LD indicates the order retinoic acid > retinol > retinal regarding the degree of orientation in all tested lipid vesicle types. It is concluded that mainly nonspecific electrostatic interactions govern the apparent orientation of the retinoids within the bilayer. We propose a simple model for how the effective orientation may be related to the polarity of the end groups of the retinoid probes, their insertion depths, and their angular distribution of configurations around the membrane normal. Further, we provide evidence that the retinoids can sense subtle structural differences due to variations in membrane composition and we explore the pH sensitivity of retinoic acid, which manifests in variations in absorption maximum wavelength in membranes of varying surface charge. Based on LD measurements on cholesterol-containing liposomes, the influence of membrane constituents on bending rigidity and vesicle deformation is considered in relation to the macroscopic alignment, as well as to lipid chain order on the microscopic scale.

We here study the interactions of a polyamide with large DNA, and compare to those of minor groove binder distamycin (DST), including high ligand/DNA binding ratios. Specific as well as nonspecific binding is probed using polarized-light spectroscopy combined with singular value decomposition analysis. Circular and linear dichroism data confirm binding geometries consistent with minor groove binding for both of the ligands. Interestingly, at high and intermediate ligand/DNA ratios the polyamide exhibits no significant sequence discrimination between mixed-sequence (calf thymus) and AT DNA as compared to DST. Each ligand is concluded to exhibit two different binding modes depending upon ligand/DNA ratio and nucleo-base sequence. At high binding ratios, distinct differences between the ligands are observed: circular dichroism spectra exciton effects provide evidence of bimolecular interactions of the polyamide when bound to AT-DNA, whereas no effects are seen with DST or mixed-sequence DNA. Also linear dichroism indicates that a change in binding geometry occurs at high polyamide/AT ratios, and that the effect occurs only with polyamide in contrast to DST. Since the effect is insignificant with DST, or with calf thymus DNA, it is concluded that it relates to the sizes of the ligands and the minor grooves, becoming critical in the limit of crowding.

The excited-state deactivation of the light-switch compound [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+), where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, has been investigated in glycerol us ...

Valuable information on protein–membrane organization may in principle be obtained from polarized-light absorption (linear dichroism, LD) measurement on shear-aligned lipid vesicle bilayers as model membranes. However, attempts to probe LD in the UV wavelength region (

Linear dichroism (LD) polarized-light spectroscopy is used to determine the arrangement of RecA in its large filamentous complex with DNA, active in homologous recombination. Angular orientation data for two tryptophan and seven tyrosine residues, deduced from differential LD of wild-type RecA vs. mutants that were engineered to attenuate the UV absorption of selected residues, revealed a rotation by some 40° of the RecA subunits relative to the arrangement in crystal without DNA. In addition, conformational changes are observed for tyrosine residues assigned to be involved in DNA binding and in RecA–RecA contacts, thus potentially related to the global structure of the filament and its biological function. The presented spectroscopic approach, called “Site-Specific Linear Dichroism” (SSLD), may find forceful applications also to other biologically important fibrous complexes not amenable to x-ray crystallographic or NMR structural analysis.

Circular dichroism (CD) of enantiomers of [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) oriented in a octanoate-decanol-water lamellar liquid crystal has been measured parallel to the orientation axis. where the sample does not exhibit linear dichroism (LD). At an inclined incidence, the emerging LD shows that the chromophores have an along-chain orientation in the liquid crystal. The changes in the CD spectrum compared to an isotropic sample, in conjunction with CD calculations, allow us to assess the absolute configuration of the enantiomers and assign the CD bands to specific electronic transitions.

Large unilamellar lipid vesicles do not normally fuse under fluid shear stress. They might deform and open pores to relax the tension to which they are exposed, but membrane fusion occurring solely due to shear stress has not yet been reported. We present evidence that shear forces in a viscous solution can induce lipid bilayer fusion. The fusion of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes is observed in Couette flow with shear rates above 3000 s(-1) provided that Couette Cell the medium is viscous enough. Liposome samples, prepared at different viscosities using a 0-50 wt % range of sucrose concentration, were studied by dynamic light scattering, lipid fusion assays using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy. Liposomes in solutions with 40 wt % (or more) sucrose showed lipid fusion under shear forces. These results support the hypothesis that under suitable conditions lipid membranes may fuse in response to mechanical-force-induced stress.

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes comprising differently substituted dipyridophenazine (dppz) ligands have been examined with respect to their orientation when bound to phosphatidylcholine liposome bilayers. The liposomes were subjected to shear flow, thereby deformed into ellipsoid shapes, and the orientation of chromophores in the bilayers could then be examined with polarized light (linear dichroism, LD). After correction for turbidity dichroism, LD distinguishes between chromophore transition moments oriented along the lipid chains (negative LD), and parallel to the membrane surface (positive LD). The polarizations, energies, and absorption overlap of the electronic transitions of the ruthenium complexes, known from previous work, could be used to characterize the orientation of liposome bound complexes. From luminescence lifetime studies further information about the localization of the chromophores was obtained. Assuming that the positively charged metal moiety of the complexes remains close to th...

In this paper we report the DNA binding proper ties of piperazinecarbonyloxy-2-propyl derivatives of anthracene (2), pyrene (3), and phenylanthracene (4). An intercalative binding mode is found for 2 and 3, while the phenyl group of 4 prevents intercalation and leads to external binding. Preferential binding of the (S)-enantiomers is found for both anthracene 2 and pyrene 3. However, the enantiomeric preference is small, with K-(R)/K-(S) being around 0.5 for both the anthracene and the pyrene compounds. This is interpreted in terms of orientation polarity in the binding, by which any intrinsic enantioselectivity is canceled by averaging of opposite binding orientations. The affinities for poly(dA-dT)(2) (AT) are 10(4) M-1 for anthracene derivative 2, and 5 x 10(5) M-1 for pyrene derivative 2. The affinities for poly(dG-dC)(2) (GC) are I order of magnitude lower than those for AT. This is explained by steric interference of the piperazinium tail with the exocyclic amino groups of guanine in the minor groove of GC, leading to a more shallow intercalation in GC than in AT, as also indicated by significantly less negative reduced linear dichroism of the intercalator absorption bands in the GC complexes. This behavior is consistent with that observed for the previously studied achiral analogues.(1) Binding thermodynamics support the difference in binding mode between AT and GC. The binding enthalpy of the AT complexes is significantly more negative than that of the corresponding GC complexes. This indicates a larger overlap of intercalating moiety and nucleobases in the AT complexes, consistent with the linear dichroism results.

Two novel substitutionally-inert diastereomeric ruthenium(II) cations of the form Lambda- and Delta-cis-beta-[Ru(RR-picchxn)(phen)](2+), where RR-picchxn is N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-di(2-picolyl)-IR,2R-diaminocyclohexane and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, have been studied with respect to their interactions with duplex DNA. NMR investigations show that both diastereomers bind to the oligonucleotide [d(CGCGATCGCG)](2) in the fast exchange regime and that binding predominantly takes place in the minor groove of the oligonucleotide, but that the governing interactions are significantly different for the two Delta and Lambda forms. Linear dichroism data support the latter interpretation, in that the relative orientations of cis-beta-[Ru(RR-picchxn)(phen)](2+) to calf thymus DNA also are observed to differ for the Delta and Lambda diastereomers. Interpretation of these data indicates the Lambda form to be bound with the planar phen ligand closely parallel to the DNA base-pairs, but the average orientation of the phen ligand in the Delta form deviates significantly from a parallel alignment.

The L2 loop in the RecA protein is the catalytic center for DNA strand exchange. Here we investigate the DNA binding properties of the L2 loop peptide using optical spectroscopy with polarized light. Both fluorescence intensity and anisotropy of an etheno-modified poly(dA) increase upon peptide binding, indicate that the base motions of single-stranded DNA are restricted in the complex. In agreement with this conclusion, the peptide-poly(dT) complex exhibits a significant linear dichroism signal. The peptide is also found to modify the structure of double-stranded DNA, but does not denature it. It is inferred that strand separation may not be required for the formation of a joint molecule.

The electronically excited states of the phthalimide chromophore have been studied by means of linear dichroism (LD) of samples partially oriented in poly(vinyl alcohol) films, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. On the basis of the LD measurements, the low-energy tail (340-320 nm) of the first absorption band is assigned to an out-of-plane polarized pi-->pi* transition (I). At higher energy, the electronic spectrum is resolved into contributions from five pi-->pi* transitions: II(300 nm, long-axis polarized), III (275 nm, short-axis polarized), IV (235 nm, short-axis polarized), V (220 nm, long-axis polarized), and VI (similar to 210 nm, short-axis polarized). The results from semiempirical (INDO/S-CI) and ab initio (CIS/6-31+G(d)) MO calculations compare well with the proposed assignments of the excited states. Degenerate exciton interaction between electric-dipole-allowed transitions of two phthalimide chromophores is observed in the electronic absorption spectra of the achiral bis-phthalimides 2a-c and in the CD spectrum of the chiral bis-phthalimide 3a. For the latter compound, the solid-state geometry has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Good agreement between experimental and computed CD spectra confirms that the coupled-oscillator exciton model provides the basis for a reliable nonempirical method for the assignment of absolute configuration for this class of compounds. Nondegenerate exciton coupling between phthalimide and benzoate or phenyl chromophores is born out in the CD spectra of homochiral molecules 3c and 3d with the rigid cyclohexane skeleton. Finally, the exciton coupling method is used to make stereochemical assignments for the acyclic, conformationally flexible derivatives 4a-c and 5b.

Norfloxacin, a quinolone antibacterial reagent, has been studied with respect to its binding to calf thymus DNA using fluorescence and linear dichroism techniques and unwinding of supercoiled DNA. The fluorescence of norfloxacin is strongly quenched in the presence of DNA and using this decrease in a fluorescence titration the equilibrium constant of the complex formation was established to be 2.8 x 10(3) M-1. The electric transition moments of the norfloxacin chromophore have been analyzed using fluorescence anisotropy, magnetic circular dichroism, and linear dichroism in stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) film and INDO/S calculations. These data are then used to interpret flow linear dichroism results for the norfloxacin-DNA complex. The transition moments for the long-wavelength transitions are found to be oriented at about 65.0-85.0 degrees with respect to the DNA helix axis. A near perpendicular orientation of the norfloxacin chromophore plane makes it possible to exclude classical groove or surface binding modes. The possibility of a classical intercalation binding mode also can be ruled out from unwinding experiments. However, it is shown that the molecular plane of norfloxacin is near perpendicular relative to the DNA helix axis with a possibility of a bending of the DNA helix at the binding site.

To gain insight into the mechanism of pairing two complementary DNA strands by the RecA protein, we have determined the nucleobase orientation of the first and the second bound DNA strands in the RecA DNA filament by combined measurements of linear dichroism and small angle neutron scattering on flow-oriented samples. An etheno-modified DNA, poly(d epsilon A) was adapted as the first DNA and an oligo(dT) as the second DNA, making it possible to distinguish between the linear dichroism signals of the two DNA strands, The results indicate that binding of the second DNA does not alter the nucleobase orientation of the first bound strand and that the bases of the second DNA are almost coplanar to the bases of the first strand although somewhat more tilted (60 degrees relative to the fiber axis compared with 70 degrees for the first DNA strand). Similar results were obtained for the RecA DNA complex formed with unmodified poly(dA) and oligo(dT). An almost coplanar orientation of nucleobases of two DNA strands in a RecA-DNA filament would facilitate scanning for, and recognition of, complementary base sequences. The slight deviation from co-planarity could increase the free energy of the duplex to facilitate dissociation in case of mismatching base sequences.

The binding of 2,7-diazapyrene (DAP), N-methyl-2,7-diazapyrenium monocation (MDAP), and N,N‘-dimethyl-2,7-diazapyrenium dication (DMDAP) to calf thymus DNA has been studied with respect to molecular geometry and thermodynamics. It is concluded from flow linear dichroism (LD) and induced circular dichroism (CD) spectra that the three diazapyrenes bind by intercalation to alternating AT as well as GC polynucleotide duplexes, as indicated by strong interactions with the transitions of the nucleobases in conjunction with approximately perpendicular orientations of the in-plane symmetry axes relative to the DNA helix axis. The reduced LD (LDr = LD/Aiso) of the DNA complexes is characterized by marked fine structure, decreasing in the order DAP > MDAP > DMDAP. This finding is interpreted in terms of a microscopic heterogeneity associated with rotational mobility of the ligand in a tilted intercalation pocket, with the dication DMDAP having less rotational freedom than the neutral DAP has. Other distinct differe...

The electronic transitions giving rise to the UV-visible absorption spectra of two pyridinium-phenanthridinium viologens, 6,7-dihydropyridol[2',1':3,4]pyrazinol[1,2-f]phenanthridinediium dication (1) and 7,8-dihydro-6H-pyrido[2',1':3,4]diazepino[1,2-f]phenanthridinediium dication (2), have been investigated with respect to energies, intensities, and transition moment directions. A combination of methods has been applied: UV-visible absorption, circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, fluorescence anisotropy, Linear dichroism In stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) films, and semiempirical molecular orbital calculations. For both drugs, the lowest energy absorption band, occurring around 400 nm, results from two separate transitions. The corresponding electric transition dipole moments lie in the phenanthridine plane and are polarized, respectively, in the direction of the pyridine moiety (the lower energy transition) and parallel to the phenanthridine long axis (the higher energy transition). Up to four additional different pi --> pi* transitions account for a second band that peaks at 250 nm; they show different polarizations within the phenanthridine plane. The lowest energy transition of the whole spectrum of both drugs corresponds to the promotion of an electron from the HOMO to the LUMO, which are molecular orbitals mainly localized in the phenanthridine and pyridine rings, respectively, thereby implying a charge transfer, upon excitation, from the phenanthridine toward the pyridine ring. The experimental and theoretical results are discussed in relation to the spectroscopic, redox, and photochemical properties of these drugs.

The electronic spectrum of the unnatural nucleic acid base 2-aminopurine is important in order to understand the spectroscopy and photophysics of the normal DNA bases. Knowledge of transition moment directions and effective absorption components is also a prerequisite for the interpretation of emission spectra of 2-aminopurine incorporated into DNA as a probe of nucleic acid base motion or excitation energy transfer processes. Using linear dichroism, fluorescence anisotropy, and ordinary and magnetic circular dichroism techniques, the near-UV spectrum of 2-aminopurine is resolved into contributions from five electronic transitions. Four moderately strong pi-->pi* transitions (I, III, IV, and V) are observed, polarized at +53 degrees (I), -72 degrees (III), -77 degrees (IV), and +57 degrees or -67 degrees (V) relative to the short molecular axis. In addition, one weak n --> pi* transition (II) polarized perpendicular to the molecular plane has been identified. Semiempirical INDO/S calculations support these assignments.

The binding of homochiral [Ru(II)(1,10-phenanthroline)(2)L](2+) complexes {where L = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (DPPZ) or benzodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (BDPPZ)} to poly(dT*dA-dT) triplex has been investigated by linear and circular dichroism and thermal denaturation. Analysis of the linear dichroism spectra indicates that the extended DPPZ and BDPPZ ligands lie approximately parallel to the base-pair and base-tripler planes consistent with intercalation which is also supported by strong hypochromism in the interligand absorption bands with either duplex or tripler. The spectral properties of any of the metal complex enantiomers were similar for binding to either duplex or tripler DNA, indicating that the third strand, which occupies the major groove of the template duplex, has little effect on the binding geometries and hence supports the hypothesis that the metal complexes all bind from the minor groove with the DPPZ and BDPPZ ligands intercalated but without intercalation in the case of [Ru(phen)(3)](2+). Third-strand stabilization depended on the nature of the third substituted phenanthroline chelate ligand but was not directly related to its size, with stabilizing power increasing in the order phen < BDPPZ < DPPZ. This observation further supports intercalation of the extended ligands from the minor groove of the tripler since the extended BDPPZ ligand that would protrude into the major groove of the template would have greater steric interference than DPPZ with the third DNA strand.

In recent years, multi-lipid bicellar systems have emerged as promising membrane models. The fast orientational diffusion and magnetic alignability made these systems very attractive for NMR investigations. However, their alignment was so far achieved with a strong magnetic field, which limited their use with other methods that require macroscopic orientation. Recently, it was shown that bicelles could be aligned also by shear flow in a Couette flow cell, making it applicable to structural and biophysical studies by polarized light spectroscopy. Considering the sensitivity of this lipid system to small variations in composition and physicochemical parameters, efficient use of such a flow-cell method with coupled techniques will critically depend on the detailed understanding of how the lipid systems behave under flow conditions. In the present study we have characterized the flow alignment behavior of the commonly used dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine/dicaproyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC/DHPC) bicelle system, for various temperatures, lipid compositions, and lipid concentrations. We conclude that at optimal flow conditions the selected bicellar systems can produce the most efficient flow alignment out of any lipid systems used so far. The highest degree of orientation of DMPC/DHPC samples is noticed in a narrow temperature interval, at a practical temperature around 25 C, most likely in the phase transition region characterized by maximum sample viscosity. The change of macroscopic orientation factor as function of the above conditions is now described in detail. The increase in macroscopic alignment observed for bicelles will most likely allow recording of higher resolution spectra on membrane systems, which provide deeper structural insight and analysis into properties of biomolecules interacting with solution phase lipid membranes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The interactions between anionic or zwitterionic liposomes and a water-soluble, DNA-binding photochromic spiropyran are studied using UV/vis absorption and linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy. The spectral characteristics as well as the kinetics of the thermal isomerization process in the absence and presence of the two different liposome types provide information about the environment and whether or not the spiropyran resides in the liposome membrane. By measuring LD on liposomes deformed and aligned by shear flow, further insight is obtained about interaction and binding geometry of the spiropyran at the lipid membranes. We show that the membrane interactions differ between the two types of liposomes used as well as the isomeric forms of the spiropyran photoswitch.

Linear dichroism (LD) has been used to probe the binding geometries of the diastereomeric adducts between DNA and the Delta and Lambda enantiomers of [Ru(phen)(2)L](2+) where the chelate ligand L is either dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]-phenazine (DPPZ) or its benzologue benzodipyrido[a:3,2-h:2'3'-j]phenazine (BDPPZ). By combined use of LD and emission anisotropy excitation spectra measured in highly viscous solution the absorption envelope of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) region has been fur the first time resolved in a complex of this type bound to DNA. The absorption can be described by four effective polarization directions (three almost orthogonal), along one of which any transition is polarized, assignments which are in good agreement with molecular orbital (INDO/S) calculations. The analysis of the LD spectrum provides the orientation of the complex in terms of several angles. Near perpendicularity relative to the DNA helix axis, found for the in-plane long and short axes of BDPPZ and DPPZ, together with extensive hypochromicity of the corresponding intraligand transitions, supports intercalation of the (B)DPPZ ligands between the DNA bases as earlier studies have indicated. MLCT transition moments that make an oblique angle to the molecular plane of the (B)DPPZ chromophores confirm this orientation and, in addition, provide strong evidence for a rotation (roll) of the complex around the pseudo-dyad axis, The roll is small (varying between 5 and 15 degrees), but significant, and has the same sign (clockwise) for both enantiomeric forms of the two complexes studied and shows only minor variations between calf-thymus DNA and alternating GC or AT homopolymer duplexes, It may reflect a property intrinsic of DNA (tilt of bases) or be a result of steric interference of the two phenanthroline ''propeller blades'' with a groove. The roll provides the first example of an angle in a DNA system that has been determined with its sign from LD spectroscopy.

A stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film provides a unique matrix that enables also short DNA oligonucleotide duplex to be oriented and studied by linear dichroism (LD). This matrix further allows controlling DNA secondary structure by proper hydration (A or B form), and such humid films could potentially also mimic the molecular crowding in cellular contexts. However, early attempts to study intercalators and groove binders for probing DNA in PVA failed due to competitive matrix binding. Here we report the successful orientation in PVA of DNA oligonucleotide duplex hairpins with thread-intercalated binuclear complex [μ-(11,11'-bidppz)(phen)4Ru2](4+), and how LD depends on oligonucleotide sequence and metal center chirality. Opposite enantiomers of the ruthenium complex, ΔΔ and ΛΛ, were investigated with respect to enantioselectivity toward GC stretches as long as 22 bp. LD, supported by emission kinetics, reveals that threading intercalation occurs only with ΔΔ whereas ΛΛ remains externally bound, probably in either or both of the grooves of the GC-DNA. Enantioselective binding properties of sterically rigid DNA probes such as the ruthenium complexes could find applications for targeting nucleic acids, e.g., to inhibit transcription in therapeutic context such as treatment of malaria or cancer.

The binding of phenanthridine dyes to tripler poly(dT)*poly(dA). poly(dT) and its precursor duplex poly(dA). poly(dT) is characterized using linear dichroism and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and thermal denaturation. The two monomeric dyes ethidium bromide and propidium iodide are shown to behave similarly to each other in intercalating into and stabilizing both the duplex and the tripler structures. However, contrary to expectations, the extra cationic side-chain of propidium iodide provides no significant extra stabilization of tripler compared with ethidium bromide, although propidium does stabilize the duplex more than ethidium. The monomeric dyes appear to have somewhat different binding geometries with the duplex and tripler polymers. The dimeric dye ethidium homodimer is found to bis-intercalate in the tripler as well as the duplex but, in contrast to the monomers, no variation in geometry between duplex and tripler is observed. However, although dimer stabilizes the duplex, it has no effect on the thermal stability of the tripler. This lack of binding preferentiality of the dimer for tripler compared with the monomeric dyes indicates greater constraints on the accommodation of a bis-intercalator in the tripler structure than in the duplex.

Human RAD51 protein (HsRad51) catalyses the DNA strand exchange reaction for homologous recombination. To clarify the molecular mechanism of the reaction in vitro being more effective in the presence of Ca(2+) than of Mg(2+), we have investigated the effect of these ions on the structure of HsRad51 filament complexes with single- and double-stranded DNA, the reaction intermediates. Flow linear dichroism spectroscopy shows that the two ionic conditions induce significantly different structures in the HsRad51/single-stranded DNA complex, while the HsRad51/double-stranded DNA complex does not demonstrate this ionic dependence. In the HsRad51/single-stranded DNA filament, the primary intermediate of the strand exchange reaction, ATP/Ca(2+) induces an ordered conformation of DNA, with preferentially perpendicular orientation of nucleobases relative to the filament axis, while the presence of ATP/Mg(2+), ADP/Mg(2+) or ADP/Ca(2+) does not. A high strand exchange activity is observed for the filament formed with ATP/Ca(2+), whereas the other filaments exhibit lower activity. Molecular modelling suggests that the structural variation is caused by the divalent cation interfering with the L2 loop close to the DNA-binding site. It is proposed that the larger Ca(2+) stabilizes the loop conformation and thereby the protein-DNA interaction. A tight binding of DNA, with bases perpendicularly oriented, could facilitate strand exchange.

The electronic spectra of 1,N-6-ethenoadenine (epsilon-adenine, epsilon-A), 3-methyl-epsilon-adenine (3-me-epsilon-A), and epsilon-adenosine (epsilon-Ado) have been examined with respect to the number of electronic transitions, their intensities, and their transition moments, on the basis of measurements of UV and IR linear dichroism (LD) on samples partially oriented in stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) films, fluorescence anisotropy (FA), and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD). The experimental results are compared with semiempirical molecular orbitaI calculations. Four pi-->pi(*) transitions were found to contribute to the UV spectrum of the epsilon-adenine chromophore with the following transition moment directions (relative to the ''adenine'' pseudosymmetry long axis, counted toward N-1): +27 degrees +/- 10 degrees (I at 32 500 cm(-1)), -47 degrees +/- 5 degrees (II at 37 000 cm(-1)), -30 degrees +/- 10 degrees (III at 32 000 cm(-1)), and -11 degrees +/- 10 degrees or -49 degrees +/- 10 degrees (IV at approximate to 46 000 cm(-1)). The orientation parameters in the stretched film experiments were determined from polarized IR measurements combined with UV LD and FA data. In addition, fluorescence emission and excitation spectra and fluorescence lifetimes of E-A in aqueous solutions indicate that epsilon-A does not behave as a single spectroscopic species. In contrast to 3-me-epsilon-A and epsilon-Ado, epsilon-A displays an emission wavelength dependent excitation spectrum and a biexponential fluorescence decay. This observation is attributed to a prototropic tautomeric equilibrium between the 1-H and 3-H forms of epsilon-A.

The photophysical properties of the optical DNA probe YOYO (homodimeric derivative of oxazole yellow) have been characterized in terms of the monomeric part, the YO chromophore. In aqueous solutions YO is virtually nonfluorescent but upon binding to DNA its fluorescence quantum yield is strongly increased. A similar enhancement of the fluorescence is observed for YO in the viscous solvent glycerol. The high fluorescence quantum yield of YO, when bound to DNA or in a viscous solution, is proposed to be a result of decreased rotational mobility around the internuclear bridge between the two aromatic ring systems. This hypothesis is based on similar values of the activation energies for the temperature-dependent nonradiative decay processes (E(A) = 53 kJ/mol) and viscous flow (E(A) = 63 kJ/mol), suggesting related rate-limiting mechanisms. A single electronic transition is found to be responsible for the intense visible absorption band. This conclusion is based on the observation of an essentially wavelength-independent reduced linear dichroism and similarly wavelength independent fluorescence anisotropy, and the fact that the emission spectrum is very nearly a mirror image of the absorption spectrum. The conclusion is further supported by quantum mechanical calculations (CNDO/S). By combination of measurements of fluorescence anisotropy of YO in glycerol and linear dichroism of YO in a stretched poly(vinyl alcohol) film, the transition moment of the strong visible absorption band was found to be nearly long axis polarized, in agreement with the CNDO/S calculations. The low-energy electronic transition and its polarization direction in the YO chromophore remain essentially unperturbed in the YOYO dye, suggesting that the results obtained for the excited state of the YO chromophore are applicable also to YOYO. One difference, though, is that in aqueous solutions the two YO chromophores of YOYO interact with each other, forming an internal dimer, resulting in a distorted absorption spectrum.

The modes of binding of the phenothiazinium dye methylene blue (1) to alternating and nonalternating polynucleotides and to calf thymus (CT) DNA have been characterized using linear dichroism (LD) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. With the polynucleotide [poly(dG-dC)](2) the interaction at low binding ratios is shown to be purely intercalative and the binding mode is insensitive to changes in ionic strength. The observed CD spectrum is bisignate, which may be due to intercalation at the different base-pair steps (5'G-C3' and 5'C-G3'), giving rise to CD signals of different sign and shape, By contrast, a single intercalative binding mode with the alternating AT polynucleotide [poly(dA-dT)](2) is likely only at very low ionic strength; at high ionic strength (200 mM phosphate, pH 6.9), a second binding mode is also manifest which is attributed to groove binding of the dye. The absorption and linear dichroism spectroscopic features of the methylene blue/CT-DNA (42% GC) complex reflect those of complexes of the dye with both [poly(dA-dT)](2) and [poly(dG-dC)](2); the circular dichroism spectrum of the methylene blue/CT-DNA complex and its variation with ionic strength reflect the complexity of even this simple system where numerous possible binding sites exist. Comparative binding to the nonalternating polynucleotides poly(dA).poly(dT) and poly(da).poly(dC), which each possess only one base-pair step, was also examined. On the basis of the combined LD and CD evidence, it is proposed that the dye is loosely bound with poly(dA).poly(dT), probably in the major groove, and intercalated with poly(dG).poly(dC).

The DNA interaction of derivatives of ellipticine with heterocyclic ring systems with three, four, or five rings and a dimethylaminoethyl side chain was studied. Optical spectroscopy of drug complexes with calf thymus DNA, poly [(dA-dT) · (dA-dT)], or poly [(dG-dC) · (dG-dC)] showed a 10 nm bathochromic shift of the light absorption bands of the pentacyclic and tetracyclic compounds upon binding to the nucleic acids, which indicates binding by intercalation. For the tricyclic compound a smaller shift of 1–3 nm was observed upon binding to the nucleic acids. Flow linear dichroism studies show that the geometry of all complexes is consistent with intercalation of the ring system, except for the DNA and poly [(dG-dC) · (dG-dC)] complexes of the tricyclic compound, where the average angle between the drug molecular plane and the DNA helix axis was found to be 65°. One-dimensional 1H-nmr spectroscopy was used to study complexes between d(CGCGATCGCG)2 and the tricyclic and pentacyclic compounds. The results on the pentacyclic compound show nonselective broadening due to intermediate chemical exchange of most oligonucleotide resonances upon drug binding. The imino proton resonances are in slow chemical exchange, and new resonances with upfield shifts approaching 1 ppm appear upon drug binding, which supports intercalative binding of the pentacyclic compound. The results on the tricyclic compound show more rapid binding kinetics and very selective broadening of resonances. The data suggest that the tricyclic compound is in an equilibrium between intercalation and minor groove binding, with a preference to bind close to the AT base pairs with the side chain residing in the minor groove. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Utilizing linear dichroism (LD), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence energy transfer, the binding geometries of a series of Co(3+)-porphyrins and their free ligands were examined. The compounds studied were Co-meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (CoTMPyP) and its free ligand (H2-TMPyP), Co-meso-tetrakis(N-n-butylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (CoTBPyP) and its free ligand (H2TBPyP), and Co-meso-tetrakis(N-n-octylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (CoTOPyP). The two non-metalloporphyrins exhibit negative LD, having angles of roughly 75 degrees relative to the DNA helix axis. They also display negative CD and a significant contact energy transfer from the DNA bases. On the other hand, the three metalloporphyrins display orientation angles of roughly 45 degrees between the porphyrin plane and the helix axis of DNA. Furthermore, they exhibit positive CD and no contact energy transfer from DNA bases. These observations show that the metalloporphyrins are not intercalated whereas non-metalloporphyrins having four freely rotating meso-aryl groups intercalate between the base pairs of DNA. In the presence of KHSO5, the cobalt porphyrins cleave closed circular PM2 DNA in a single strand manner, i.e., a single activation event on the porphyrin leads to a break in one of the DNA strands. A kinetic analysis of the cleavage data revealed that cleavage rates are in the order CoTMPyP > CoTBPyP > CoTOPyP with the difference being due to different DNA affinities rather than differences in cleavage rate-constants. Based on these and earlier observations, the metalloporphyrins appear bound to a partially melted region of DNA.

Michler's hydrol blue (MHB) is investigated with respect to photophysical properties in varied solvent environment and when bound to insulin and lysozyme fibrils. The MHB chromophore is shown to act like a molecular rotor and bind well to amyloid fibrils, where it exhibits a characteristic red-shift in its excitation spectrum and an increase in the emission quantum yield upon binding. MHB is more sensitive to environmental changes than Thioflavin T (ThT) and furthermore, in contrast to the latter amyloid probe, can differentiate between insulin and lysozyme fibrils by a more red-shifted excitation spectrum for insulin fibrils. To support the experimental observations, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were performed on MHB at several levels of theory. The predicted changes of spectral properties as a function of the environment are in good agreement with the experimental results. Linear dichroism (LD) is used to determine the orientation of the MHB within the fibrils. It was shown through LD and molecular modeling that MHB aligns itself preferentially parallel with the amyloid fiber at an angle of 14°-22° to the fibril axis and along the grooves of the β-sheet.

In the search for methods to study structure and function of membrane-associated proteins and peptides flow linear dichroism, LD, spectroscopy has emerged as a promising technique. Using shear-aligned lipid vesicles, conformations and binding geometries of membrane-bound bio-macromolecules can be assessed. Here we investigate anchoring properties and specific orientations of tryptophan relative to the peptide backbone and to the membrane normal for the model peptides gramicidin and melittin. We have monitored the conformational change associated with the refolding of non-channel gramicidin into its channel form, and quantitatively determined the average orientations of its tryptophan transition moments, suggesting that these residues adopt a well-defined orientation at the membrane interface. An important conclusion regards the structural variation of gramicidin between these two distinct transmembrane forms. Whilst circular dichroism (CD) spectra, as has been reported before, vary strongly between the two forms suggesting their structures might be quite different, the LD results clearly evidence both the peptide backbone orientation and tryptophan side-chain positioning to be very similar. The latter are oriented in accord with what is expected from their role to anchor peptide termini to the membrane surface. The variations in CD could be due to, the in LD observed, minor shifts in mutual orientation and distance between neighbouring tryptophans sensitively determining their exciton interactions. Our data dispute that the non-channel form of membrane-bound gramicidin would be any of the intertwined forms often observed in crystal as the positioning of tryptophans along the peptide axis would not be compatible with the strong interfacial positioning observed here. The general role of tryptophans as interfacial anchors is further assessed for melittin whose conformation shows considerable angular spread, consistent with a carpet model of its mechanism for induced membrane leakage, and a predominantly surface-aligned membrane orientation governed by amphipathic interactions.

Complexes of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) with [poly(dG-dC)]2 and [poly(dI-dC)]2 were studied by optical spectroscopic techniques including linear dichroism (LD), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence measurements. The aim was to investigate the importance of the exocyclic amino group of guanine that protrudes into the minor groove of [poly(dG-dC)]2 but is absent in [poly(dI-dC)]2. When bound to [poly(dG-dC)]2, DAPI exhibits a negative, and strongly wavelength-dependent, reduced linear dichroism (LDr) in the DAPI absorption region, a weak positive CD, and a fluorescence behavior that is similar to that of free DAPI with accessibility to quenching by the aqueous solvent. These spectroscopic properties have been interpreted in terms of a major-groove binding geometry by Kim et al. (Kim, S. K.; Eriksson, S.; Kubista, M.; Norden, B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993,115,3441-3447). By contrast, when bound to [poly(dI-dC)]2, DAPI exhibits a strong positive CD in the 300-420-nm region, a positive (wavelength-independent) LD(r), a strong increase of the fluorescence intensity, and shielding to added quencher. These spectroscopic properties closely resemble those of the DAPI-[poly(dA-dT)]2 complex, in which DAPI is situated deep in the minor groove of the polynucleotide. We conclude that the major groove binding geometry of DAPI when complexed with [poly(dG-dC)]2 is a result of a decreased affinity to the minor groove of [poly(dG-dC)]2 due to steric hindrance and decreased electronegative attraction caused by the amino group of guanine.

The Z form of poly [d(G-m5C)2], in presence of Mg2+ ion, is found to be transformed into B form upon interaction with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The Z --> B transformation is complete at a mixing ratio of about 0.07 DAPI per DNA base pairs, i.e., each DAPI molecule may be related to the conversion of 6-7 base pairs. An interaction between DAPI and poly [d(G-m5C)2] in its Z form at low drug: DNA ratios is suggested from optical dichroism and time-resolved luminescence anisotropy results. The spectroscopic behaviour of DAPI indicates that the Z conformation of DNA does not provide normal binding sites for DAPI, such as groove or intercalation sites, but that the initial association may be of external nature. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The acridine dye quinacrine and its interactions with calf thymus DNA, poly(dA-dT).poly(dA-dT), and poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC) were studied by light absorption, linear dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The transition moments of quinacrine give rise to absorption bands polarized along the short axis (400-480-nm band), and the long axis (345-nm and 290-nm bands) of the molecule, respectively. Linear dichroism studies show that quinacrine intercalates into calf thymus DNA as well as into the polynucleotides, displaying fairly homogeneous binding to poly (dA-dT).poly(dA-dT), but more than one type of intercalation site for calf thymus DNA and poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC). Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that for free quinacrine the pK = 8.1 between the mono- and diprotonated states also remains unchanged in the excited state. Quinacrine bound to calf thymus DNA and polynucleotides exhibits light absorption typical for the intercalated diprotonated form. The fluorescence enhancement of quinacrine bound to poly (dA-dT).poly(dA-dT) may be due to shielding from water interactions involving transient H-bond formation. The fluorescence quenching in poly (dG-dC).poly (dG-dC) may be due to excited state electron transfer from guanine to quinacrine. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The binding of an eightmer of peptide nucleic acid, H-T8-Lys-NH2 (=PNA-T8), to a polynucleotide, poly(dA), was studied by flow linear dichroism (LD) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Whereas the single stranded DNA, due to its high flexibility, does not display any measurable LD signal when subjected to shear flow, the complex with PNA does. A titration shows that saturation occurs at a stoichiometry of two PNA thymine bases per DNA adenine base, indicating the formation of a triplex PNA2-DNA complex. The persistence length of the adduct remains small up to relatively high stoichiometries (above 1:1 T:A) indicating that no significant amounts of PNA:DNA duplex are formed. Instead triplex stretches seem to form surrounded by flexible parts of single stranded poly(dA). Upon approaching the stoichiometry 2:1 of T:A the LD increases dramatically demonstrating that the stiffness of the PNA-DNA triplex arises from base-base contacts preventing bending of the chain. It is also inferred that the main stiffness of duplex DNA very probably has a similar origin and is not primarily a result of the increased phosphate-phosphate repulsion. Circular dichroism spectra support the conclusion that a triplex is formed as the only PNA-DNA complex and that it is a right-handed helix. The wavelength dependence of the reduced linear dichroism shows that the inclination of the bases from perpendicularity relative to the helix axis is small. The base conformation of the poly(dA)[PNA-T8]2 triplex is very similar to that of the conventional poly(dA)[poly(dT)]2 triplex.

Linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy and steady-state as well as time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy have been used to investigate the interaction of the DELTA and LAMBDA enantiomers of Ru(phen)2DPPZ2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; DPPZ = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) with DNA. The pure enantiomers, which were difficult to separate by traditional resolving methods, were synthesized via a chiral precursor. Changes in luminescence, isotropic absorption and excited state lifetimes upon binding, and the LD observed in flow-oriented DNA systems provide detailed information about the DNA binding of the enantiomers. Flow LD shows that both enantiomers bind to DNA in a well-defined manner with an orientation of the dipyridophenazine chromophore consistent with intercalation of this moiety between base-pairs. Both enantiomers are found to show luminescence in the presence of DNA to which they bind very strongly (K almost-equal-to 10(8) M-1); however, the relative luminescence quantum yield of the bound DELTA enantiomer is 6-10 times larger than that of the bound LAMBDA enantiomer. Furthermore, for each enantiomer two distinct excited state lifetimes are found in varying proportions depending on the binding ratio. The large difference in luminescence quantum yield between the enantiomers is interpreted in terms of slightly different intercalation geometries of the dipyridophenazine ligand, resulting in different protections from quenching by solvent water and diastereomeric differences in the interactions between enantiomers bound in contigue on DNA.

The interactions of DAPI with poly[d(G-C)2] and poly[d(G-m5C)2] are characterized by optical spectroscopic methods. DAPI is found to bind to poly[d(G-C)2] with its molecular long-axis roughly perpendicular but with its plane more parallel to the belix axis of the polynucleotide, probably being bound in a non-intercalated way in the major groove of the polynucleotide. In poly[d(G-m5C)2], DAPI is bound with its molecular plane perpendicular to the helix axis, probably partially intercalated from the major groove. The conclusions are supported by fluorescence quenching results. Together with the earlier established minor groove binding mode of DAPI in the AT regions, our results demonstrate a heterogeneous nature of the interaction of a small ligand with DNA. We conclude that the conventional classification of a ligand as being either intercalator, minor groove binder, or major groove binder may not be adequate since the mode of binding clearly depends also on the base sequence.

Measurements of UV linear dichroism on purine and three methyl derivatives partially oriented in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix gave direct evidence for the assignment of the first singlet npi* state. Intensity distributions and moment directions for the first three pi --> pi* transitions were also determined. The pi --> pi* transitions in purine were found to be polarized at (angles, relative to the pseudo-symmetry long axis, counted positive in the N7 direction): -31-degrees +/- 5-degrees (II at 265 nm), +38-degrees +/- 5-degrees (III at 244 nm), and +36-degrees +/- 10-degrees (IV at 214 nm). The transition energies and moment directions were not markedly perturbed by methyl substitution at the sixth, seventh, or ninth position. Therefore, these methyl substituents could be used as orientational perturbers to resolve a sign ambiguity problem regarding transition moment directions. The orientation were determined by infrared dichroic measurements using both in-plane and out-of-plane polarized vibrational transitions. In addition, the phosphorescence spectra were studied, including phosphorescence anisotropy, phosphorescence lifetimes, and quantum yields, for the purines in an organic glass at 80 K. Based on these measurements, the lowest triplet state is concluded to have effectively pipi* character, and its emission allowedness appears to originate from spin-orbit interactions primarily with singlet sigmapi* states but also with singlet pipi* states via vibronic mixing. The phosphorescence emission spectra of purine and 6-methylpurine are complex, compared to 7-methylpurine and 9-methylpurine, with emission wavelength-dependent lifetimes and excitation spectra. This is ascribed to a prototropic tautomeric equilibrium between the 7H and 9H forms of purine and 6-methylpurine, a ground-state heterogeneity that we believe has caused confusion in earlier studies and, e.g., led to an assignment of the phosphorescence origin of purine.

From measurements of UV and IR linear dichroism on molecules partially oriented in stretched polyethylene host the transition moment directions for the first four pi-pi* transitions of indole and some indole derivatives were determined. Relative to the pseudosymmetry long axis of indole, the transitions were normally found to be polarized at (angles counted away from the ring nitrogen): +42 +/- 50-degrees (1A1 --> 1L(by) at 287 nm), -46 +/- 5-degrees (1A1 --> 1L(a) at 265 nm), 0 +/- 15-degrees (1A1 --> 1B(by) at 220 nm), and for the 1A1 --> 1B(a) transition occurring around 200 nm, at least at +/- 30-degrees away from this axis. In addition, indication for a weak, essentially short axis polarized transition was found at 235 nm, possibly due to the 1A1 --> 1C transition. An ambiguity problem regarding the sign of the angles was resolved by exploiting the change of orientation properties upon introduction of substituents. Orientation parameters (including diagonalizing angle) were determined by consideration of a large number of in-plane as well as out-of-plane polarized vibrational transitions. The question regarding effects on the excited states by the presence of methyl and methoxy substituents, at varied positions in the indole chromophore, was addressed in terms of the perturbations they caused on the transition moments. Whereas none of the four transitions was found to be very sensitive in this respect to methyl or methoxy groups introduced in 2-, 3-, 5-, or 7-position of indole, the directions of the weak 1A1 --> 1L(by) but also the strong 1A1 --> 1B(by) transition were found to become significantly altered by a methoxy group in 4- as well as 6-position. The conclusions are consistent with recent fluorescence anisotropy data and semiempirical calculations.

Solution structure of complexes between DNA and recombinase RecA from Escherchia coli, in the presence of the physiological cofactor ATP, is probed by flow linear dichroism (LD) spectroscopy. A problem of ADP accumulation which promotes dissociation of DNA-RecA is circumvented by using an ATP-regenerating system. The LD features indicate that the local structure of the complex is very similar to that found in the presence of the non-hydrolysable analog of ATP, adenosine-5'-O-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (ATP[gamma S]); the DNA bases are oriented with their planes preferentially perpendicular to the long axis of the filament, while the indole chromophores of the two tryptophan residues of RecA are rather parallel to this reference direction. A much smaller overall amplitude of the LD spectrum, compared to ATP[gamma S], is interpreted as a result of fast dissociation of RecA due to hydrolysis of ATP, producing transiently naked DNA regions which act like flexible joints, diminishing the macroscopic orientation of the RecA filaments. However, the ATP hydrolysis is not found to prevent simultaneous accommodation of two non-complementary DNA molecules in the RecA complex, as judged from the LD behaviour upon successive addition of two different polynucleotides or modified DNA strands. A notable difference from corresponding complexes formed with ATP[gamma S] is that, in the presence of ATP hydrolysis, the order in which the two DNA molecules have been added is insignificant as judged from virtually identical resulting structures; this observation indicates that exchange of DNA occurs between the two DNA accommodation sites within the RecA filament.

A systematic theoretical study of the CD of [poly (dA-dT)]2 and its complexes with achiral small molecules is presented. The CD spectra of [poly (dA-dT)]2 and of poly (dA):poly(dT) are calculated for various DNA structures using the matrix method. The calculated and experimental spectra agree reasonably well for [poly(dA-dT)]2 but less well for poly(dA):poly(dT). The calculated CD spectrum of [poly(dA-dT)]2 fails to reproduce the wavelength region of 205-245 nm of the experimental spectrum. This discrepancy can be explained by a magnetic dipole allowed transition contributing significantly to the CD spectrum in this region. The induced CD of a transition moment of a molecule bound to [poly(dA-dT)]2 is also calculated. As was the case for [poly(dG-dC)]2, the induced CD of a groove bound molecule is one order of magnitude stronger than that of an intercalated molecule. The calculations also show considerable differences between pyrimidine-purine sites and purine-pyrimidine sites. Both signs and magnitudes of the CD induced into ligands bound in the minor groove agree with experimental observations.