Spontaneous DNA Synapsis by Forming Noncanonical Intermolecular Structures

We report the spontaneous formation of DNA-DNA junctions in solution in the absence of proteins visualised using atomic force microscopy. The synapsis position fits with potential G-quadruplex (G4) sites. In contrast to the Holliday structure, these conjugates have an affinity for G4 antibodies. Molecular modelling was used to elucidate the possible G4/IM-synaptic complex structures. Our results indicate a new role of the intermolecular noncanonical structures in chromatin architecture and genomic rearrangement.

Automated summary

This study reports the spontaneous formation of DNA-DNA junctions in solution without the involvement of proteins, visualized using atomic force microscopy. The positions of synapsis match with potential G-quadruplex (G4) sites, and these conjugates exhibit an affinity for G4 antibodies. Molecular modeling was employed to elucidate the possible structures of G4/IM-synaptic complexes, indicating a novel role of intermolecular noncanonical structures in chromatin architecture and genomic rearrangement.