Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for the nematic liquid crystal 4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (5CB) using a realistic atom–atom potential as well as a pseudorealistic atom–atom potential. The latter treats the phenyl rings in the 5CB molecule as simple spheres. This method allows a considerable decrease in computational time while still retaining important aspects of the structural anisotropy. Molecular ordering has been studied using both approaches by calculating order parameters for the principle molecular axis as well as for individual molecular segments. Molecular conformations and dynamics have been examined using dihedral angle distribution functions for the biphenyl core and for the alkyl chain. Analysis of the data allows the inter and intra molecular contributions to the conformational equilibria of the chain to be separated. This information can be used to determine the conformational equilibria of the alkyl chain under the influence of the nematic field created by surrounding molecules. Transport properties have been examined by calculating diffusion coefficients in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the nematic director. All properties calculated using the pseudomolecular potential are compared with those obtained from the more complete atom–atom potential to assess the validity of the simplified approach.

Neutral and achiral backbone linkers are promising replacements for the phosphodiester linkages of antisense oligonucleotides that target mRNA sequences. Results are presented here for the solution structure elucidation by NMR of an RNA x DNA hybrid duplex, r(GCGCAAAACGCG) x d(CGCGTT-SCH2O-TTGCGC) (designated RIII), containing a 3'-thioformacetal (3'-TFMA) backbone substitution in the DNA strand. The 3'-thioformacetal linker can be accommodated in the hybrid duplex in a conformation that is drastically different from its form in a DNA x DNA duplex but close to that of the canonical A-form helix, reflecting the sequence requirement for hybridization. While the global features of RIII are similar to what are described in the literature, the 3'-TFMA modification drives sugar puckers of the adjacent residues to more C3'-endo-like conformations and causes distortions in related twist angles and helical rises. The helical conformation analyses of each of the two strands and the hybrid duplex enable a clear account of the conformational variability of both the DNA and RNA strands. The A-tract in the RNA strand features an overall straight helix and a more prominent bend at the 3'-end CG step. The structure of RIII provides a structural basis for the improved thermal stability of RIII compared to the corresponding DNA x DNA duplex and insights into the factors that are important concerns for the design of new, effective antisense oligonucleotides.

The solution structure of an antisense DNA.RNA hybrid duplex, d(CGCGTT-MMI-TTGCGC).r(GCGCAAAACGCG) (designated R4), containing an MMI backbone linker [3'-CH(2)N(CH(3))-O5'], is elucidated. The structural details of the MMI linker, its structural effects on the neighboring residues, and the molecular basis of the MMI effects are examined. The lipophilic N-methyl group of MMI is peripheral to the helix, assuming a conformation that is most stable with regard to the N-O torsion angle. The MMI linker promotes a 3'-endo conformation for the sugar moieties at both 3'- and 5'-adjacent positions and a backbone kink involving distant residues along the 3'-direction. Comparison of R4 with other analogous hybrid duplexes previously studied in this laboratory reveals a new family of low-energy helical conformations that can be accommodated in stable duplexes and a common feature of C3'-modified sugars for adopting a C3'-endo pucker. The results of these studies emphasize the interplay of several factors that govern the formation of stable hybrid duplexes and provide a basis for the understanding of the biological role of the MMI modifications, which are important building blocks for a family of promising chimeric antisense oligonucleotides.

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