Nanosecond chain dynamics of single-stranded nucleic acids

Mark F. Nüesch, Lisa Pietrek, Erik D. Holmstrom (), Daniel Nettels, Valentin Roten, Rafael Kronenberg-Tenga, Ohad Medalia, Gerhard Hummer () and Benjamin Schuler ()
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Mark F. Nüesch: University of Zurich
Lisa Pietrek: Max Planck Institute of Biophysics
Erik D. Holmstrom: University of Zurich
Daniel Nettels: University of Zurich
Valentin Roten: University of Zurich
Rafael Kronenberg-Tenga: University of Zurich
Ohad Medalia: University of Zurich
Gerhard Hummer: Max Planck Institute of Biophysics
Benjamin Schuler: University of Zurich

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The conformational dynamics of single-stranded nucleic acids are fundamental for nucleic acid folding and function. However, their elementary chain dynamics have been difficult to resolve experimentally. Here we employ a combination of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, nanosecond fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and nanophotonic enhancement to determine the conformational ensembles and rapid chain dynamics of short single-stranded nucleic acids in solution. To interpret the experimental results in terms of end-to-end distance dynamics, we utilize the hierarchical chain growth approach, simple polymer models, and refinement with Bayesian inference to generate structural ensembles that closely align with the experimental data. The resulting chain reconfiguration times are exceedingly rapid, in the 10-ns range. Solvent viscosity-dependent measurements indicate that these dynamics of single-stranded nucleic acids exhibit negligible internal friction and are thus dominated by solvent friction. Our results provide a detailed view of the conformational distributions and rapid dynamics of single-stranded nucleic acids.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50092-8

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