A new DNA structure, known as the "i-motif" of "DNA kinks",

Australian scientists have discovered for the first time a new DNA structure in living cells in humans, known as "i-motifs" of DNA kinks, science.com reported Wednesday.
this suggests that, in addition to the well-known double helix structure, human DNA has more complex structures that also influence our biological functions, and that further study of it will contribute to our understanding of DNA. "When most people think of DNA, it's a double helix in their minds, but the new study reminds us that there is a completely different DNA structure, and that the i-base is a four-stranded 'junction' of DNA, very different from the double helix structure, and it's probably critical to our cells," said Daniel Crist of the Galvin Institute of Medicine, the
's new study. "Although scientists have seen i-bases before and conducted detailed studies, these i-bases were found in test tubes rather than in living cells, "
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in fact, there has been debate about whether the i-base "knot" exists inside all living bodies, and the new discovery makes all the coffins decided upon.
to detect the i-base inside the cell, the team developed an exact tool -- a fragment of an antibody molecule that can accurately identify and attach it tightly to the i-base.
using fluorescence techniques, they revealed the location of i-cells in multiple human cell lines.
"We can see these green spots that appear and disappear over time, so we know that i-bases are forming, dissolving, and reforming," the researchers said.
" they also show that, in most cases, i-cells form at a particular point in the cell's "life cycle" when DNA is "read."
i-bases appear in areas of DNA that control whether genes are turned on or off, as well as telomeres that are critical to the aging process.
researchers believe that i-cells may be related to the on and off of genes, and may also affect whether genes are well "read."
concluded that it is exciting to reveal the new STRUCTURE of DNA in cells and will help us truly understand DNA and its effects on health and disease.
study is published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Chemistry.
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