Dynamic twisting and cycling can allow DNA to regulate its function

When people think of DNA, they think of a double helix structure

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers published in the journal Nature Communications showed that supercoiling and surrounding can transmit mechanical stress along the DNA backbone

Corresponding author Dr.

Zeheedrich and her collaborators began to make small pieces of supercoiled DNA, just like what exists in living cells

"In previous research, we used cryo-ET to observe the three-dimensional structure of supercoiled microcircles.

This was unexpected, because the model showed that the supercoiled DNA loop behaves more like a twisted rubber band

Zechiedrich said: "We found that the ultra-coiled circular DNA, instead of gently bending, but suddenly ejecting sharp edges, causing damage in the double helix structure

"Another important discovery is the concept of'long-distance action'," said the first author, Dr.

These findings provide a new perspective for studying how DNA activity is regulated

Zechiedrich said: "Here, we proved that protein is not needed to access DNA, it can make itself accessible

"Our cells have created many complex processes for handling, storing and using DNA, and the shape of DNA affects all of these processes," said Alison Judge, co-author of the study and a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology.

"Our findings provide new insights into what governs the shape of DNA," said co-author Erik Stricker, a graduate student in pediatric-oncology

"Our research redefines DNA from a passive biomolecule to an active molecule," said co-author Hilda Chan, a graduate student in a training program for medical scientists

DOI

10.

Article title

Super winding and circularization can promote the accessibility of DNA bases and coordination between distant sites