Hachimoji DNA and RNA: A genetic system with eight building blocks

Hoshika, Shuichi; Leal, Nicole A.; Kim, Myong-Jung; Kim, Myong-Sang; Karalkar, Nilesh B.; Kim, Hyo-Joong; Bates, Alison M.; Watkins, Jr., Norman E.; SantaLucia, Holly A.; Meyer, Adam J.; DasGupta, Saurja; Piccirilli, Joseph A.; Ellington, Andrew D.; SantaLucia, Jr., John; Georgiadis, Millie M.; Benner, Steven A.

doi:10.1126/science.aat0971

Title: Hachimoji DNA and RNA: A genetic system with eight building blocks

Journal Article · 20 February 2019 · Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aat0971 · OSTI ID:1547949

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We report DNA- and RNA-like systems built from eight nucleotide “letters” (hence the name “hachimoji”) that form four orthogonal pairs. These synthetic systems meet the structural requirements needed to support Darwinian evolution, including a polyelectrolyte backbone, predictable thermodynamic stability, and stereoregular building blocks that fit a Schrödinger aperiodic crystal. Measured thermodynamic parameters predict the stability of hachimoji duplexes, allowing hachimoji DNA to increase the information density of natural terran DNA. Three crystal structures show that the synthetic building blocks do not perturb the aperiodic crystal seen in the DNA double helix. Hachimoji DNA was then transcribed to give hachimoji RNA in the form of a functioning fluorescent hachimoji aptamer. These results expand the scope of molecular structures that might support life, including life throughout the cosmos.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-76SF00515

OSTI ID:: 1547949

Journal Information:: Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 6429 Vol. 363; ISSN 0036-8075

Publisher:: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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