Structure and dynamics of double-stranded DNA rotaxanes

Abstract

A DNA rotaxane, with its unique mechanically interlocked architecture consisting of a circular DNA molecule threaded onto a linear DNA axle, holds promise as a fundamental component for nanoscale functional devices. Nevertheless, its structural and dynamic behaviors, essential for advancing molecular machinery, remain largely unexplored. Using extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the behaviors of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) rotaxanes, concentrating on the effects of shape distortion induced by torsional stress in small circular dsDNA containing 70-90 base pairs. We analyzed structural characteristics, including shape, intermolecular distances, and tilt angles, while also exploring dynamic properties such as translational diffusion and toroidal rotation. Our results indicate that shape distortion brings the circular and linear dsDNA components into closer proximity and causes a slight increase in translational diffusion yet a minor decrease in toroidal rotation. Nevertheless, there is no apparent evidence of coupling between translation and rotation. Overall, the insights from this study indicate that such shape distortion does not significantly alter their structure and dynamics. This finding provides flexibility for the design of DNA rotaxanes in nanoscale applications. © 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry.