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Correlating DNA sequence with the formation of Z-DNA: insights gained from single molecule experiments
Mathematical Biology| Speaker: | Paul Pease, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis |
| Related Webpage: | http://microbiology.ucdavis.edu/kowalczykowski/pease,paul.htm |
| Location: | 2112 MSB |
| Start time: | Mon, Feb 2 2015, 3:10PM |
While DNA normally exists as a right-handed double helix known as B-DNA, under certain conditions it can actually adopt a left-handed conformation known as Z-DNA. The probabilty of forming Z-DNA depends on the DNA sequence and other factors that make the B-Z transition a potentially useful switch for controlling biological processes such as gene expression. Here we use a single-molecule assay to make high resolution measurements of the B-Z transition. This seminar highlights the progress that has been made through application of quantitative methods including single-molecule biophysics, theoretical modeling and bioinformatics.
Please let Mariel Vazquez (mariel@math.ucdavis.edu) know if you would like to meet with the speaker, or join him for dinner.