Z-DNA

Abstract

Z-DNA, a left-handed form of double-stranded DNA formed by CG repeat sequences, was discovered more than 50 years ago. Since then, the presence of several Z-DNA-binding proteins and Z-DNA-forming sequences in the genome have confirmed the biological relevance of Z-DNA. Over the last five decades, enormous scientific achievements have been made by outstanding scientists to reveal the chemical nature of Z-DNA and the role of Z-DNA and Z-DNA-binding proteins in cells. In this chapter, various chemical biology approaches used to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and biological roles of Z-DNA/Z-RNA and their binding proteins are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the clinical implications and perspectives regarding Z-DNA are discussed. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.