The B-DNA to Z-DNA transition is a remarkable conformational change in DNA, which was originally observed in poly-GC DNA in the presence of high salt concentration. This eventually prompted the observation of the crystal structure of Z-DNA, a left-handed double-helical DNA, at atomic resolution. Despite advances in Z-DNA research, the application of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy as the fundamental technique to characterize this unique DNA conformation has remained constant. In this chapter, we describe a CD spectroscopic method for characterizing the B-DNA to Z-DNA transition of a CG-repeat double-stranded DNA fragment formed from a protein or chemical inducer.
Keywords: 255 nm; 295 nm; ADAR1; B-DNA; B-to-Z-DNA transition; BZ junction; BZ transition; CD; CD spectroscopy; CD spectrum; Hexaamminecobalt; ORD; PKZ; Spermine; Time-course measurement; Wavelength scan; Z-DNA; Z-DNA-forming region; Zalpha; Zα domain.
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