The nature of different influence of Cd2+ ions on the conformational equilibrium of triple-stranded polyribonucleotides poly(U)•poly(A)•poly(U) and poly(I)•poly(A)•poly(I) in aqueous solutions

The influence of Cd2+ ions on the conformational equilibrium of single-stranded (poly(U), poly(A), poly(I)) and triple-stranded polyribonucleotides (A2I, A2U) in aqueous solutions (0.1 M Na+ pH 7) has been investigated using difference UV spectroscopy and thermal denaturation. Analysis of the shape and intensity of the DUV spectra of poly(A), poly(I), and A2I has revealed the presence of two types of complex formed as a result of (i) interaction between Cd2+ and the N7 atoms of purines, producing macrochelates; and (ii) binding of Cd2+ to the N1 atoms of poly(A) and poly(I). Since Cd2+ ions are not bound to heteroatoms of the bases in A2U, the conformation of the structure remains stable up to 0.02 M Cd2+. There is a critical Cd2+ concentration (∼1.5•10−4 M) above which A2I assumes a new helical conformation with lower thermal stability. It is supposed that, upon the formation of the “metallized” A2I triplex, the Cd2+ ions are located inside the triple helix and form bridges between the hypoxanthine and adenine of the homopolynucleotide strands.