i-Motifs are four stranded DNA structures comprised of parallel-stranded DNA dubplexes connected in an anti-parallel orientation by intercalated, cytosine-cytosine base pairs.1 i-Motifs are stabilised by acidic conditions, which promote C-C base pairing via hemi-protonation of the N3; folding is rapid and this property has been utilised in many different nanotechnological applications. Sequences which fold into i-motifs are prevalent across the human genome and are enriched in regions related to control of gene expression. Fine-tuning and understanding the folding of i-motif structure therefore has applications in the design of nano-devices as well as potential effects in biology. For example, interesting observations have been found with cytosine rich sequences forming i-motif or hairpin structures in the presence of Ag+ and Cu2+,2,3 both of which are toxic to cells. Moreover, it is possible to control DNA folding using changes in the redox environment.4 Herein we present alternative methods for folding and fine-tuning i-motif DNA structure including changes in sequence and cations.

Controlling i-motif DNA structure

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.