Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
2008-6-27
pubmed:abstractText
DNA is a dynamic molecule, the conformation of which plays a major role in biological function. The non-B-form of DNA conformations are reported in the patho-physiology of diseases like Fragile X-syndrome, Huntington's chorea, Alzheimer's and others. Recently, our laboratory discovered the presence of Z-DNA in the hippocampal region of severely affected Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain samples. Alternate purine-pyrimidine bases, potential sequences adopting Z-DNA, are present in the promoter regions of AD specific genes like amyloid precursor protein (APP), Presenilin and ApoE. Thus, Z-DNA might be involved in the expression of these pathologically important genes. In the present review, we have focused on the possible mechanisms/hypothetical models of Z-DNA transition and its implications in AD. We propose that Z-DNA is formed in the promoter region of the APP, and Presenilin genes and Z-DNA may absorb the negative supercoils at that region. This decreases the supercoil density, altering the domain's native supercoiling state and facilitates the binding of effectors, which positively regulate gene expression of AD-related genes like APP and Presenilin. Further, it is presumed that Z-DNA may be involved in the down regulation of genes involved in Abeta clearance, anti-oxidant and defense mechanisms in AD. The proposed working model is novel and reveals possible triggering factors or precursors, which regulate the modulation of the supercoiling level of DNA involving putative Z-DNA forming sequences and regulatory proteins binding to DNA in AD.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0165-0173
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
58
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
136-48
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-12-3
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2008
pubmed:articleTitle
Role of DNA dynamics in Alzheimer's disease.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, India.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't