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

Sung Chul Ha, Ky Lowenhaupt, Alexander Rich, Yang-Gyun Kim () and Kyeong Kyu Kim ()
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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

Nature, 2005, vol. 437, issue 7062, 1183-1186

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.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1038/nature04088

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