Incorporation of CC steps into Z-DNA: interplay between B-Z junction and Z-DNA helical formation.

ABSTRACT: The left-handed DNA structure, Z-DNA, is believed to play important roles in gene expression and regulation. Z-DNA forms sequence-specifically with a preference for sequences rich in pyrimidine/purine dinucleotide steps. In vivo, Z-DNA is generated in the presence of negative supercoiling or upon binding proteins that absorb the high energetic cost of the B-to-Z transition, including the creation of distorted junctions between B-DNA and Z-DNA. To date, the sequence preferences for the B-to-Z transition have primarily been studied in the context of sequence repeats lacking B-Z junctions. Here, we develop a method for characterizing sequence-specific preferences for Z-DNA formation and B-Z junction localization within heterogeneous DNA duplexes that is based on combining 2-aminopurine fluore

SUBMITTER: Bothe JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3676945 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature