Z-DNA interaction proteins - insights from ChIP-seq data

Z-DNA is a noncanonical left-handed DNA conformation implicated in gene regulation and genome dynamics. Despite its biological relevance, the landscape of Z-DNA-binding proteins (ZBPs) in the human genome remains poorly characterized. In this study, we used the Z-Hunter algorithm to predict Z-DNA-forming sequences throughout the human genome. These predicted regions were then systematically overlaid with transcription factor (TF) binding profiles from the ChIP-Atlas database to identify proteins that co-localize with Z-DNA motifs. Our integrative analysis identified a diverse set of candidate ZBPs, including both known ZBP homologs and several TF, suggesting a broader regulatory role for Z-DNA in transcriptional control. This work provides a valuable resource for exploring the Z-DNA-protein interaction network and its potential implications for human health and disease.