Native DNA electronics: the Nuclear Aggregates of Polyamines possible role

Abstract

The genomic DNA is enveloped by nanotubes formed by the Nuclear Aggregates of Polyamines (NAPs) that induce DNA conformational changes, and provides protection and increased interactive abilities for the double strands. In a physiologic environment, the nanotube arrangement initiates with the spontaneous interaction among the terminal amino groups of polyamines and the phosphate ions, with the consequent formation of cyclic monomers that hook at DNA grooves. The polymer thus formed has the morphological features of an organic semiconductor and, therefore, can be considered able to conduce electric charges. Phosphate ions positioned on NAP external surface could regulate, as in a physical electric circuit, both protein linear and rotational (histones) motion, in accordance with the basilar principles of the electronics. A model of a carrier system for proteins motion along the polymer wrapping the DNA strands, based on the phosphate-phosphate complexation, is proposed.