Discover new gene structure in human cells

For the first time, scientists have confirmed the existence of a new DNA structure never seen in human living cells.

According to Science Alert, the new finding described as a "twist " of DNA in living cells further confirms the fact that our complex genetic code not only includes long-standing double helix. but also a different structure with more symmetry.

Picture 1 of Discover new gene structure in human cells
New i-motif structure discovered in human living cells - (Photo: SCIENCE ALERT).

These molecular variants may have certain effects on the biological functions of the body.

Daniel Christ, antibody treatment researcher at the Garvan Medical Research Institute in Australia, chaired the study of DNA's new structure, said: "Like most of us often think about DNA, we also "Just think about double helix. But this new study reminds us that there are other DNA structures that exist and may be very important to our cells."

The new element in DNA found by the team is called a motif structure alternating between ("intercalated motif" or "i-motif"), which was first discovered in the 1990s. Only this structure appears in cells in vitro study but not in living cells.

Picture 2 of Discover new gene structure in human cells
Illustration of new DNA structure in human cells - (Photo: SCIENCE ALERT).

However, thanks to the work of the group of scientists led by Christ, it has been seen that this i-motif structure appears naturally in human cells, indicating the importance of this structure.

Thus, with a firm assertion of the existence of a new type of DNA structure in cells, scientists have had a valid basis to further explore the true function of these structures with our body.

The results of this study have just been published in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry.