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Evaluation of parameters critical for observing nucleic acids inside living Xenopus laevis oocytes by in-cell NMR spectroscopy.

TitleEvaluation of parameters critical for observing nucleic acids inside living Xenopus laevis oocytes by in-cell NMR spectroscopy.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsHänsel R, Foldynová-Trantírková S, Löhr F, Buck J, Bongartz E, Bamberg E, Schwalbe H, Dötsch V, Trantírek L
JournalJ Am Chem Soc
Volume131
Pagination15761–15768
Date PublishedNov
Accession Number178
Abstract

In-cell NMR spectroscopy of proteins in different cellular environments is a well-established technique that, however, has not been applied to nucleic acids so far. Here, we show that isotopically labeled DNA and RNA can be observed inside the eukaryotic environment of Xenopus laevis oocytes by in-cell NMR spectroscopy. One limiting factor for the observation of nucleic acids in Xenopus oocytes is their reduced stability. We demonstrate that chemical modification of DNA and RNA can protect them from degradation and can significantly enhance their lifetime. Finally, we show that the imino region of the NMR spectrum is devoid of any oocyte background signals enabling the detection even of isotopically nonlabeled molecules.

URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja9052027
DOI10.1021/ja9052027