Dr. Lynn Zechiedrich, a study author and professor of Biochemistry at Baylor College of Medicine, has announced that researchers are making strides in unwinding DNA in a new study. The findings, which are set to be released on April 11th, are expected to have practical implications as well.
"We typically picture DNA as the straight double helix structure, but inside cells, DNA exists in supercoiled loops," said Lynn Zechiedrich, according to Baylor College of Medicine. "45 years later, we finally provide experimental evidence."
According to Baylor College of Medicine, the research was conducted in collaboration with Université de Strasbourg and Université Paris Cité. The collective efforts of these institutions were focused on addressing the supercoiling of DNA - a phenomenon some cells regulate autonomously while others do not. The researchers have clarified that certain levels of this 'supercoiling' are necessary for DNA accessibility but must be precisely controlled in size. They further explained that this process is primarily beneficial for the copying and reading of DNA. To better understand the interactions involved in coiling DNA, linear models were employed instead of coiled DNA due to its complex nature.
Baylor College of Medicine further revealed that after many years, researchers have successfully created 'supercoils' of DNA. This was achieved by transforming a linear structure into a supercoil through one or more twists. An enzyme known as DNA gyrase was found to play a crucial role in this process by attaching itself to the supercoiled minicircle and assisting in maintaining the balance of the DNA coils. The gyrase cuts and reseals the DNA when required and untangles it when necessary. This discovery has prompted researchers to deepen their understanding of gyrase, with plans to apply this newfound knowledge across various medical studies related to genes.
Baylor College also provided background information on Dr. Zechiedrich's academic journey and professional interests. She completed her Postdoctoral Training at University Of California, Berkeley, and earned her PhD from Vanderbilt University. Her areas of interest include DNA supercoiling, antibiotic resistance, and DNA topoisomerases. Currently serving as a professor at Baylor College for Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Zechiedrich has been recognized with several awards throughout her career, including Elected Fellow, Woman of Excellence, and the John S. Dunn Foundation Collaborative Research Award.
