Metal ions confinement defines the architecture of G-quartet, G-quadruplex fibrils and their assembly into nematic tactoids
Data files
Apr 08, 2020 version files 2.90 MB
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Figure_2A_for_Ba.xlsx
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Figure_2A_for_Ca.xlsx
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Figure_2A_for_K.xlsx
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Figure_2A_for_Sr.xlsx
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Figure_2C.xlsx
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Figure_2D.xls
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Figure_3B.opju
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Figure_3F_for_Ba.opju
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Figure_3F_for_Ca.opju
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Figure_3F_for_K.opju
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Figure_3F_for_Sr.opju
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Figurer_3C.xlsx
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Figurer_3D.xlsx
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Figurer_3E.xlsx
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Table_1_for_SAXS_data.xlsx
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Table_1_for_WAXS_data.xlsx
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Abstract
G-quadruplex, assembled from a square of guanine (G) molecules, is an important structure with crucial biological roles in vivo but also a vesitile template for ordered functional material. Although the understanding of G-quadruplex structures is the focus of numerous studies, little is known regarding the control of G-quartet stacking modes and the spontaneous orientation of G-quadruplex fibrils. Here, the effects of different metal ions and their concentrations on stacking modes of G-quartets are elucidated. Monovalent cations (typically K+) facilitate the formation of G-quadruplex hydrogels with both heteropolar and homopolar stacking modes, showing weak mechanical strength. In contrast, divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+) at given concentrations can control G-quartet stacking modes and increase the mechanical rigidity of the resulting hydrogels through ionic bridge effects between divalent ions and borate. We show that for Ca2+ and Ba2+ at suitable concentrations, the assembly of G-quadruplexes results in the establishment of a mesoscopic chirality of the fibrils with a regular left-handed twist. Finally, we report the discovery of nematic tactoids self-assembled from G-quadruplex fibrils characterized by homeotropic fibril alignment with respect to the interface. We use the Frank-Oseen elastic energy and the Rapini-Papoular anisotropic surface energy to rationalize two different configurations of the tactoids. These results deepen our understanding of G-quadruplex structures and G-quadruplex fibrils, paving the way for their use in self-assembly and biomaterials.