Courses

The cornerstone of molecular biology is the concept of DNA as a double-helical molecule in a right-handed form. However, DNA is a very dynamic molecule that can locally form a number of different structures, such as four-stranded G-quadruplexes, three-stranded triplexes, cross structures, left-handed Z-DNA, and many other conformations. These are definitely not just anomalies, on the contrary - these structures play important roles both in the replication and transcription of genetic material, and in maintaining the integrity of the human genome, e.g. in the process of protecting telomeric ends. Their role in many pathophysiological processes, especially cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is also shown. The occurrence of these structures in the genomes of bacterial and viral pathogens and their possible use as a molecular target is also an interesting phenomenon. The aim of this course will be to provide students with basic knowledge about these non-canonical forms of DNA and to show them how the relevant sequences in genomes can be predicted, structurally modeled, and analyzed.