Researchers mapped 50,000 of DNA’s mysterious ‘knots’ in the human genome
On Aug. 29, 2024, researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research announced they had mapped 50,000 of DNA’s mysterious “knots” in the human genome. The innovative study of DNA’s hidden structures may open up new approaches for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.
DNA is well-known for its double helix shape, but the human genome also contains more than 50,000 unusual knot-like DNA structures called i-motifs. The researchers found that i-motifs are not randomly scattered but concentrated in key functional areas of the genome, including regions that control gene activity.
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Source: Phys.org
Credit: Image: Knot-like i-motif structure protruding from DNA’s double helix has been mapped in 50,000 locations in the human genome, concentrated in key functional areas including regions that control gene activity, courtesy: Garvan Institute.
