Identification of a new Z-DNA inducer using SYBR green 1 as a DNA conformation sensor

Z-DNA, which is left-handed double-stranded DNA, is involved in various cellular processes. However, its biological roles have not been fully evaluated due to the lack of tools available that can control the precise conformational change to Z-DNA in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the need for identifying new Z-DNA inducers is high. We developed an assay system to monitor the conformational change in DNA utilizing the fluorescence of SYBR green I integrated into a double-stranded oligonucleotide. By applying this assay to screen for compounds that induce the B-DNA to Z-DNA transition, we identified the natural compound aklavin as a novel Z-DNA inducer.