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Crystal structure of a junction between B-DNA and Z-DNA reveals two extruded bases

Author

Listed:
  • Sung Chul Ha

    (Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine)

  • Ky Lowenhaupt

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Alexander Rich

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Yang-Gyun Kim

    (Chung-Ang University)

  • Kyeong Kyu Kim

    (Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
    Sungkyunkwan University)

Abstract

The B to Z of DNA The existence of left-handed DNA (or Z-DNA) was reported in 1979, and marked by a Nature cover. This week's cover story is the determination of the crystal structure of the junction between left-handed DNA and ‘normal’, right-handed DNA or B-DNA. Each time a DNA segment turns to Z-DNA, two of these B–Z junctions are created. Z-DNA often forms transiently during transcription and other physiological processes, then relaxes to the less energetic B form. The three-dimensional structure shows that the junction is very tight, and that a base pair is pushed out of the double helix, one base on each side of the junction. This adjustment maintains the base stacking that is a major stabilizing factor. These displaced bases may be sites for DNA modification. On the cover, a molecule containing a B–Z junction is shown in the centre, with Z-DNA, naturally, to the left and B-DNA to the right.

Suggested Citation

  • Sung Chul Ha & Ky Lowenhaupt & Alexander Rich & Yang-Gyun Kim & Kyeong Kyu Kim, 2005. "Crystal structure of a junction between B-DNA and Z-DNA reveals two extruded bases," Nature, Nature, vol. 437(7062), pages 1183-1186, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:437:y:2005:i:7062:d:10.1038_nature04088
    DOI: 10.1038/nature04088
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    Cited by:

    1. Kuo Fu & Yanli Zhao & Guofeng Liu, 2024. "Pathway-directed recyclable chirality inversion of coordinated supramolecular polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.

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