C-DNA may facilitate homologous DNA pairing

Recombination-independent homologous pairing represents a prominent yet largely enigmatic feature of chromosome biology. As suggested by studies in the fungus Neurospora crassa, this process may be based on the direct pairing of homologous DNA molecules. Theoretical search for the DNA structures consistent with those genetic results has led to an all-atom model in which the B-DNA conformation of the paired double helices is strongly shifted toward C-DNA. Coincidentally, C-DNA also features a very shallow major groove that could permit initial homologous contacts without atom-atom clashes. The hereby conjectured role of C-DNA in homologous pairing should encourage the efforts to discover its biological functions and may also clarify the mechanism of recombination-independent recognition of DNA homology.

Automated summary

Recombination-independent homologous pairing is a prominent but largely unknown feature of chromosome biology. Recent studies suggest that this process may be based on the direct pairing of homologous DNA molecules. Theoretical models propose that the B-DNA conformation of the paired double helices is shifted towards C-DNA, which may allow for initial homologous contacts without atom-atom clashes. Understanding the role of C-DNA in homologous pairing is important for unraveling its biological functions and clarifying the mechanism of recombination-independent recognition of DNA homology.