5-Methylcytosine containing CG decamer as Z-DNA embedded sequence for a potential Z-DNA binding protein probe.

Attempting to elucidate biological significance of the left-handed Z-DNA is a research challenge due to Z-DNA potential role in many diseases. Discovery of Z-DNA binding proteins has ignited the interest in search for Z-DNA functions. Biosensor with Z-DNA forming probe can be useful to study the interaction between Z-DNA conformation and Z-DNA binding proteins. In this study, 5-methylcytosine (mC) containing CG decamers were characterized for their suitability to form Z-DNA and to be used in Z-DNA forming probe. The 5'-thiol oligonucleotide embedded with 5'-mCGmCGmCGmCGm CG-3' was designed and developed as a potential Z-DNA forming probe for Z-DNA binding protein screening.