DNA secondary structure is influenced by genetic variation and alters susceptibility to de novo translocation

Takema Kato, Hidehito Inagaki, Maoqing Tong, Hiroshi Kogo, Tamae Ohye, Kouji Yamada, Makiko Tsutsumi, Beverly S. Emanuel, Hiroki Kurahashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Cumulative evidence suggests that DNA secondary structures impact DNA replication, transcription and genomic rearrangements. One of the best studied examples is the recurrent constitutional t(11;22) in humans that is mediated by potentially cruciform-forming sequences at the breakpoints, palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs). We previously demonstrated that polymorphisms of PATRR sequences affect the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s in sperm samples from normal healthy males. These studies were designed to determine whether PATRR polymorphisms affect DNA secondary structure, thus leading to variation in translocation frequency. Methods. We studied the potential for DNA cruciform formation for several PATRR11 polymorphic alleles using mobility shift analysis in gel electrophoresis as well as by direct visualization of the DNA by atomic force microscopy. The structural data for various alleles were compared with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s the allele produced. Results. The data indicate that the propensity for DNA cruciform structure of each polymorphic allele correlates with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s produced (r = 0.77, P = 0.01). Conclusions. Although indirect, our results strongly suggest that the PATRR adopts unstable cruciform structures during spermatogenesis that act as translocation hotspots in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Article number18
JournalMolecular Cytogenetics
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Biochemistry, medical

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