ssDNA适体由于其高亲和力和特异性而越来越多地用于检测重金属离子作为识别元件。然而,适体和大多数重金属之间的特异性识别和结合机制尚不清楚,这限制了基于适体的检测方法的发展。在这项工作中,利用分子动力学模拟研究了CD-2-1适体与Cd2+在水溶液中的相互作用机制。发现了最稳定的复合物,其中Cd2+结合在适体的茎-环连接处,并且优选在磷酸盐骨架或碱基处。值得注意的是,发现了Cd2+在水溶液中结合适体的两种结合模式:直接和间接。在前一种模式中,Cd2+直接配位碱基的O原子。对于后者,Cd2+以配位的水分子作为桥连接到碱基上。发现静电相互作用是主要的驱动力,并阐明了两种结合模式之间残基作用的差异。水溶液中的缓冲分子可以通过氢键稳定适体-Cd2复合物。本研究揭示了适配体与Cd2+在原子水平上的特定相互作用机制,为基于适配体的Cd2+检测方法的建立提供了理论参考,为重金属离子潜在适配体的筛选提供了一条高效的技术路线。
ssDNA aptamers have been increasingly used to detect heavy metal ions as recognition elements due to their high affinity and specificity. However, the specific recognition and binding mechanisms between aptamers and most heavy metals were still unclear, which limits the development of aptamer-based detection methods. In this work, the interaction mechanisms of CD-2-1 aptamers with Cd2+ in aqueous solutions were investigated using molecular dynamic simulations. The most stable complex was found where Cd2+ binding at
aptamer\'s stem-loop junction and preferred at the phosphate backbone or bases. Noteworthily, two binding modes of Cd2+ combining
aptamer in aqueous solution were discovered: direct and indirect. In the former mode, Cd2+ directly coordinated O atoms of bases. For the latter, Cd2+ connected to bases with coordinated water molecules as bridges. Electrostatic interaction was found to be the main driving force, and differences of residues role between two binding modes were elucidated. Buffer molecules in aqueous solutions can stabilize
aptamer-Cd2+ complex by hydrogen bonds. This
study revealed the specific interaction mechanisms of
aptamer with Cd2+ at an atomic level, which provided theoretical references for
aptamer-based Cd2+ detection methods establishment as well as an efficient technical route of screening potential aptamers for heavy metal ions.