Knotty new DNA structure found in living cells for the first time

[Judi Lynn]

Michael Irving
2 hours ago

When we think of the structure of DNA, the image that most likely comes to mind is that of the iconic double helix. This shape was identified in 1953 as DNA's most common form, and while other structures have been spotted in lab samples, it wasn't certain whether these existed naturally or not. Now, Australian scientists have found one of these unusual forms, a twisted knot known as the i-motif, in living cells for the first time.

In a way, our bodies are built a little like computer code, but instead of ones and zeroes, the blueprint is made up of pairs of nucleotides represented by the letters G, C, A and T. These incredibly long strands of DNA contain all the information needed to grow everything from hair to hearts to toenails, and make sure it all functions correctly.

Those instructions don't just come from the DNA's contents, but its structure as well. The way it folds up inside cells changes how the code is "read," which could explain how different tissues and organs arise. Different structures, such as i-motif, have been observed in the lab, but until now it wasn't certain whether they could form naturally inside living cells.

"The i-motif is a four-stranded 'knot' of DNA," says Marcel Dinger, co-lead researcher on the study. "In the knot structure, C letters on the same strand of DNA bind to each other – so this is very different from a double helix, where 'letters' on opposite strands recognize each other, and where Cs bind to Gs."

More:
https://newatlas.com/new-dna-structure-imotif/54333/

[thbobby]

1. Thank you Judi Lynn

I always read your posts, but genetics is of intense interest to me. I believe we have just scratched the surface of understanding how DNA (and RNA) builds life. We do not yet know what we don't know, but discoveries like this shine a little light on what we don't understand yet.

[Laffy Kat]

2. Fascinating! Thanks.

[Fullduplexxx]

3. Thank you for posting

[erpowers]

4. Any Affect of Cancer?

Is there any chance that this could lead to new Cancer treatments? I watched a USA Today video that said the I-motif may be responsible for turning some genes on and off. Could this mean that genes that could lead to Cancer growing in the body could be shut off?