Z-DNA Hunter tool for straightforward detection of Z-DNA forming regions and a case study in <i>Drosophila</i>.

ABSTRACT: Z-DNA is a left-handed DNA conformation linked to gene regulation, chromatin dynamics, and immunity. Despite its importance, genome-wide prediction of Z-DNA forming sequences (ZFS) remains limited by the absence of fast and accessible tools. Here, we present Z-DNA Hunter, a user-friendly web server for genome-scale ZFS prediction utility. The algorithm employs a pattern-based approach optimized for canonical motifs such as (GC)n and (CA)n repeats, with adjustable parameters for detection stringency. Compared with existing methods, Z-DNA Hunter achieves similar or higher accuracy while reducing runtime from hours to seconds, making large-scale analyses feasible. To demonstrate its application, we analyzed the Drosophila melanogaster genome and uncovered a pronounced enrichment of lon

SUBMITTER: Petrovic M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634409 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature