• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.453-457
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• 2020

The right-handed double-helical structure of DNA (B-DNA), which follows the Watson-Crick model, is the canonical form of DNA existing in normal physiological settings. Even though an alternative left-handed structure of DNA (Z-DNA) was discovered in the late 1970s, Z-form nucleic acid has not received much attention from biologists, because it is extremely unstable under physiological conditions, has an ill-defined mechanism of its formation, and has obscure biological functions. The debate about the physiological relevance of Z-DNA was settled only after a class of proteins was found to potentially recognize the Z-form architecture of DNA. Interestingly, these Z-DNA binding proteins can bind not only the left-handed form of DNA but also the equivalent structure of RNA (Z-RNA). The Z-DNA/RNA binding proteins present from viruses to humans function as important regulators of biological processes. In particular, the proteins ADAR1 and ZBP1 are currently being extensively re-evaluated in the field to understand potential roles of the noncanonical Z-conformation of nucleic acids in host immune responses and human disease. Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the biological importance of Z-DNA/RNA, there remain many unanswered principal questions, such as when Z-form nucleic acids arise and how they signal to downstream pathways. Understanding Z-DNA/RNA and the sensors in different pathophysiological conditions will widen our view on the regulation of immune responses and open a new door of opportunity to develop novel types of immunomodulatory therapeutic possibilities.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.359-366
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• 2004

The polysaccharide, (1\longrightarrow5)-$\alpha$-D-ribofuranan, was synthesized by a cationic ring-opening polymerization of 1,4-anhydro-2,3-di-O-benzyl-$\alpha$-D-ribopyranose with the aid of boron trifluoride etherate and subsequent debenzylation. This polysaccharide catalyzed the hydrolysis of ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, uridylyl(3'\longrightarrow5')uridine ammonium salt, and 4-tert-butylcatechol cyclic phosphate N-methyl pyridinium. The polymer also catalyzed the cleavage of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The hydrolysis of ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate in the presence of the polymer was accelerated by 1.5 ${\times}$ 10$^3$ times relative to the uncatalyzed reaction. The catalytic activity was attributable to the vic-cis-diols of the riboses being located inside the active center that is formed by polymer chain folding; these diols form hydrogen bonds with two phosphoryl oxygen atoms of the phosphates so as to activate the phosphorus atoms to be attacked by nucleophile ($H_2O$).

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.1724-1728
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• 2009

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) helicase separates the double-stranded nucleic acids using the energy from ATP hydrolysis. We have measured ATPase activity of SARS-CoV helicase in the presence of various types of nucleic acids. Steady state ATPase analysis showed that poly(U) has two-times higher turnover number than poly(C) with lower Michaelis constant. When M13 single-stranded DNA is used as substrate, the Michaelis constant was about twenty-times lower than poly(U), whereas turnover numbers were similar. However, stimulation of ATPase activity was not observed in the presence of double-stranded DNA. pH dependent profiles of ATP hydrolysis with the helicase showed that the optimal ATPase activities were in a range of pH 6.2 ~ 6.6. In addition, ATP hydrolysis activity assays performed in the presence of various divalent cations exhibited that $Mg^{2+}$ stimulated the ATPase activity with the highest rate and $Mn^{2+}$ with about 40% rate as compared to the $Mg^{2+}$.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.2054-2056
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• 2010

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.312.2-312.2
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• 2002

The metal-ligand complex, ［Ru(phen)$_2$(dppz)]^{2＋}$ (phen = 1.10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido［3.2-a:2', 3'-c］phenazine) (RuPD), was used as a spectroscopic probe for studying nucleic acid dynamics. The RuPD complex displays a long lifetime and a molecular light switch property upon DNA binding due to shielding of its dppz ligand from water. (omitted)

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2004

DNA and RNA quantifications are widely used in biological and biomedical research. In the last ten years, many technologies have been developed to enable automated and high-throughput analyses. In this review, we first give a brief overview of how DNA and RNA quantifications are carried out. Then, five technologies (microarrays, SAGE, differential display, real time PCR and real competitive PCR) are introduced, with an emphasis on how these technologies can be applied and what their limitations are. The technologies are also evaluated in terms of a few key aspects of nucleic acids quantification such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, cost and throughput.

• Rapid Communication in Photoscience
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.76-78
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• 2014

Fluorescent nucleic acids were prepared utilizing the polymerase extension (PEX) reaction to incorporate fluorescent molecules. 2'-Deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) derivatives possessing pyrene molecules as fluorophores were synthesized using the aqueous-phase Sonogashira coupling between 5-Iodo-dUTP and acetylene-linked pyrene molecules. The incorporation of the pyrene (Py)-labeled deoxyuridine triphosphates (PyU) into DNA by polymerase was evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, demonstrating that the PyU can work as a good substrate for the PEX reaction. The fluorescent properties of the functionalized DNA prepared by the PEX reaction were characterized by steady-state fluorescence measurements. The Py-conjugated DNA showed typical emission spectra of the pyrene, and the DNA with two pyrene molecules connected to each other by a diethylene glycol linker exhibited a broadened emission attributed to the electronic interaction between the Py molecules.

• The Microorganisms and Industry
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.28-34
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• 1986

Nucleic acids do not only carry the genetic information, but are also the only substances being able of self-replication. Molecular cloning, an essential tool in biotechnology, requires among other things, an understanding of the mechanisms of replication which at present is fairly well known. After an introduction to the general principle, the status of art on replication procedure and its implication for biotechnology are dealt with.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.57-59
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• 1969

1. The amounts of RNA and DNA were determined in the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea Drury during the course of development from the egg to early adult stage. 2. The amounts of both nucleic acids were increased with the development of egg. 3. Both acids reached a maximum druing the stage of the 5th instar larva. 4. The amount of RNA was generally greater than that of DNA throughout the stages of development. 5. As the pupa developed, there was an increase in the amount of RNA and on the contrary, the amount of DNA decreased.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Potoscience Conference
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• 2006.06a
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• pp.33-33
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• 2006