ABZ Science

The Structure, Function and Genetics of Z-DNA and Z-RNA


In contrast to the common right-handed A- and B-conformations of RNA and DNA, their Z-conformations are left-handed. Starting with the crystallization of Z-DNA in 1979, biophysical and biochemical studies have yielded many unanticipated and fascinating insights into this class of higher energy nucleic acid conformations.

Recent discoveries of biological functions for Z-conformations have demonstrated important roles in immunity against infectious agents and cancers. More generally, research on Z-conformations underscore the impact of alternative RNA and DNA conformations in both normal cellular function and disease. They further emphasize that regulatory information is encoded by structure in addition to sequence.

We are excited to announce the 'ABZ Meeting 2023'!


The meeting is virtual (Zoom)

It will be held on

November 28th, 2023

Tentative times:

10 am - 2 pm EDT (US Eastern Time) 

7 am (Nov 28th) - 11 am (Nov 28th) PDT

3 pm (Nov 28th) - 7 pm (Nov 28th) SGT

10 pm (Nov 28th) - 2 am (Nov 29th) SGT

11 pm (Nov 28th) - 3 am (Nov 29th) JST


Participation is free of charge


As we have done successfully in past meetings, we will feature speakers from many different fields to increase awareness of the many innovative approaches available to further advance the field. Our aim is to build community and to foster multidisciplinary collaborations. 


Registration is open now! If you are interested in presenting a talk, send a title and an abstract along with your registration! We also encourage graduate students and postdocs to apply.

Register here 

Questions to info@abz.bio

Browse the joint special issue "Z-DNA and Z-RNA: from Physical Structure to Biological Function" in Molecules and International Journal of Molecular Sciences


Contacts:


E-mail: info@abz.bio


Dr. Quentin Vicens

Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA 

E-mail: quentin.vicens@cuanschutz.edu


Dr. Beat Vögeli

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA

E-mail: beat.vogeli@cuanschutz.edu


Dr. Alan Herbert

Discovery, InsideOutBio, Inc., Charlestown, MA, USA

E-mail: alan.herbert@insideoutbio.com


Dr. Karen Vasquez

University of Texas at Austin

E-mail: karen.vasquez@austin.utexas.edu


Dr. Yukio Kawahara

Osaka University

Email: ykawahara@rna.med.osaka-u.ac.jp


Dr. Andrew Oberst

University of Washington

Email: oberst@uw.edu