Oligonucleotide Containing 8-Trifluoromethyl-2'-Deoxyguanosine as a Z-DNA Probe

Z-DNA structure is a noncanonical left-handed alternative form of DNA, which has been suggested to be biologically important and is related to several genetic diseases and cancer. Therefore, investigation of Z-DNA structure associated with biological events is of great importance to understanding the functions of these molecules. Here, we described the development of a trifluoromethyl labeled deoxyguanosine derivative and employed it as a ¹⁹F NMR probe to study Z-form DNA structure in vitro and in living cells.