[The effect of Ca2+ ions on DNA compaction in the complex with non-histone chromosomal protein HMGB1].

: The analysis of absorption and circular dichroism spectra in UV and IR regions showed that Ca2+ ions interact both with the phosphate groups of DNA and with the HMGB1 protein. Not only negatively charged C-terminal part of the protein molecule participates in interaction with metal ions but also its DNA-binding domains. The latter fact leads to the change of the mode of protein-DNA interaction. The presence of Ca2+ ions prevents formation of ordered supramolecular structures, specific for the HMGB1-DNA complexes, though promotes intermolecular aggregation. The structure of the complexes between DNA and the protein HMGB1 lacking C-terminal tail appears to be the most sensitive to the presence of Ca2+ ions. The data obtained allow to conclude that Ca2+ ions do not play a structural role in the HMGB1/DNA complexes and the presence of these ions is not necessary to DNA compaction in such systems.