Detection of nucleotide sequences capable of forming non-canonical DNA structures: Application of automata theory.

In this study, we develop a program that allows us to reveal DNA receptors, i.e. nucleotide sequences that may form more than one non-canonical structure. The data obtained may be analysed either experimentally or using DNA banks, and refers to the coding, non-coding or promotor region of the gene. These results provide a better understanding of the role that non-canonical structures play in pathological modifications of the genetic apparatus, resulting in tumour formation or inherited disease. They also reveal the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms on gene expression, indicate so-called "risk regions" in which the substitution of a single nucleotide may lead to increased formation of non-canonical structures, and elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms of microorganism adaptation.

[The superoxide-scavenging activity of some amino acids in water solutions].

The superoxide-scavenging activity of a number of amino acids was revealed. The activity is comparable in effectiveness with known antioxidants. An original method for the estimation of antioxidant properties of amino acids was proposed. Quantum mechanical calculation of the interaction of lysine with superoxide anion was made. It was assumed that the mechanisms of the biological action of some physical factors, such as weak magnetic fields adjusted to the cyclotron frequency of ions of some amino acids, are associated with the modulation of the antioxidant activity of these molecules.

[Mechanism of enzymatic dismutation of superoxide anion-radicals]. / K voprosu o mekhanizme fermentativnoi dismutatsii superoksidnykh anion-radikalov.

The mechanism of interaction of the superoxide radical O2-. with lysine was studied by the methods of polarography and ab initio quantum chemical calculations. It was shown that O2-. interacts with lysine to form a thermodynamically stable complex with proton transfer and formation of the HO2. radical.