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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Methods to Classify Cytoplasmic Foci as Mammalian Stress Granules
Published on: May 12, 2017
The Role of the Z-DNA Binding Domain in Innate Immunity and Stress Granules
De Chen Chiang1,2, Yan Li3, Siew Kit Ng1,3
1Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Both DNA and RNA can maintain left-handed double helical Z-conformation under physiological condition, but only when stabilized by Z-DNA binding domain (ZDBD). After initial discovery in RNA editing enzyme ADAR1, ZDBD has also been described in pathogen-sensing proteins ZBP1 and PKZ in host, as well as virulence proteins E3L and ORF112 in viruses. The host-virus antagonism immediately highlights the importance of ZDBD in antiviral innate immunity. Furthermore, Z-RNA binding has been shown to be responsible for the localization of these ZDBD-containing proteins to cytoplasmic stress granules that play central role in coordinating cellular response to stresses. This review sought to consolidate current understanding of Z-RNA sensing in innate immunity and implore possible roles of Z-RNA binding within cytoplasmic stress granules.
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