Abstract：
Alternative non-B-DNA conformations formed under physiological conditions by sequences called flipons include left-handed Z-DNA, three-stranded triplexes, and four-stranded i-motifs and quadruplexes. These conformations accumulate and release energy to enable the local assembly of cellular machines in a context specific manner. In these transactions, nucleosomes store power, serving like rechargeable batteries, while flipons smooth energy flows from source to sink by acting as capacitors or resistors. Here, I review the known biological roles for flipons. I present recent and unequivocal findings showing how innate immune responses are regulated by Z-flipons that identify endogenous RNAs as self. Evidence is also presented supporting important roles for other flipon classes. In these examples, the dynamic exchange of energy between flipons and nucleosomes enables rapid switching of genetic programs without altering flipon sequence. The increased phenotypic diversity enabled by flipons drives their natural selection, with adaptations evolving faster than is possible by codon mutation alone.
摘要：
在生理条件下由称为Flipons的序列形成的替代性非B-DNA构象包括左旋Z-DNA，三股三股，和四股i-基序和四链体。这些构造累积并释放能量,以使得能够以上下文特定的方式进行蜂窝机器的本地组装。在这些交易中,核小体储存能量，像充电电池一样，而鳍片通过充当电容器或电阻器来平滑能量从源流向汇。这里,我回顾了Flipons的已知生物学作用。我提出了最近和明确的发现，显示了先天免疫反应是如何由Z-Flipons调节的，这些Z-Flipons将内源性RNA识别为自身。还提供了支持其他Flipon类的重要作用的证据。在这些例子中,在Flipon和核小体之间的能量动态交换使得基因程序的快速切换不改变Flipon序列。Flipons增加的表型多样性推动了它们的自然选择，适应的进化速度比单独的密码子突变快。
