Structure of d(CCGGGACCGG)₄ as a four-way junction at 1.6 Å resolution: new insights into solvent interactions

The crystal structure of the decamer sequence d(CCGGGACCGG)₄ has previously been reported at 2.16 Å resolution as a four-way junction. Here, the structure of this sequence is reported at the significantly higher resolution of 1.6 Å, which is the highest resolution reported for a four-way junction. This allowed the unambiguous identification of an extensive hydration network with distinct patterns and solvent-mediated interactions that shed new light on the role of water in the formation and stabilization of junction structures.