Sequence-specific B-DNA flexibility modulates Z-DNA formation

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Feb 23;133(7):2016-8. doi: 10.1021/ja1073068. Epub 2011 Jan 28.

Abstract

Conversion of right-handed B-DNA into left-handed Z-DNA is one of the largest structural transitions in biology that plays fundamental roles in gene expression and regulation. Z-DNA segments must form within genomes surrounded by a sea of B-DNA and require creation of energetically costly B/Z junctions. Here, we show using a combination of natural abundance NMR R(1ρ) carbon relaxation measurements and CD spectroscopy that sequence-specific B-DNA flexibility modulates the thermodynamic propensity to form Z-DNA and the location of B/Z junctions. We observe sequence-specific flexibility in B-DNA spanning fast (ps-ns) and slow (μs-ms) time scales localized at the site of B/Z junction formation. Further, our studies show that CG-repeats play an active role tuning this intrinsic B-DNA flexibility. Taken together, our results suggest that sequence-specific B-DNA flexibility may provide a mechanism for defining the length and location of Z-DNA in genomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA, Z-Form / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Sequence Data

Substances

  • DNA, Z-Form
  • DNA