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Nucleic Acid Crystallography pp 337–351Cite as

Anions in Nucleic Acid Crystallography

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1320))

Abstract

Nucleic acid crystallization buffers contain a large variety of chemicals fitting specific needs. Among them, anions are often solely considered for pH-regulating purposes and as cationic co-salts while their ability to directly bind to nucleic acid structures is rarely taken into account. Here we review current knowledge related to the use of anions in crystallization buffers along with data on their biological prevalence. Chloride ions are frequently identified in crystal structures but display low cytosolic concentrations. Hence, they are thought to be distant from nucleic acid structures in the cell. Sulfate ions are also frequently identified in crystal structures but their localization in the cell remains elusive. Nevertheless, the characterization of the binding properties of these ions is essential for better interpreting the solvent structure in crystals and consequently, avoiding mislabeling of electron densities. Furthermore, understanding the binding properties of these anions should help to get clues related to their potential effects in crowded cellular environments.

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Acknowledgements

P.A. wishes to thank Prof. Eric Westhof for ongoing support. We thank Dr Eric Ennifar, Dr Bernard Lorber, Prof. Richard Giegé and Prof. Neena Grover for stimulating discussions. This work has been published under the framework of the LABEX: ANR-10-LABX0036_NETRNA and benefits from a funding from the state managed by the French National Research Agency as part of the program “Investments for the future.”

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  1. Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, UPR 9002 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 15, rue René Descartes, Strasbourg Cedex, 67084, France

    Luigi D’Ascenzo & Pascal Auffinger

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  1. Luigi D’Ascenzo
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  2. Pascal Auffinger
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Correspondence to Pascal Auffinger .

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  1. CNRS Inst de Biol Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France

    Eric Ennifar

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D’Ascenzo, L., Auffinger, P. (2016). Anions in Nucleic Acid Crystallography. In: Ennifar, E. (eds) Nucleic Acid Crystallography. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1320. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2763-0_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2763-0_22

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

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