# NON-B DNA STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL CARCINOGENS

> **NIH NIH R01** · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · 1993 · $279,283

## Abstract

The major focus of the research proposed is to understand the biological
roles of sequences that have potential to adopt non-B DNA structures when
subjected to superhelical strain (non-B sequences).  These sequences are
specifically recognized and reacted by chemical carcinogens with
different reaction specificities when they are forming non-B DNA
structures in supercoiled plasmid DNA.  Our recent work strongly
suggested that certain non-B sequences can modulate gene expression
through non-B DNA structure intermediates.  We also cloned a human cDNA
that encodes a protein (SATB1) that specifically recognizes special
AT-rich sequences that become stably base-unpaired under superhelical
strain.  We found that nuclear matrix associating DNAs (MARs) have this
structural property and bind to SATB1.  Thus, studies on the biological
significance of non-B sequences facilitate understanding of regulation in
gene expression and simultaneously provide the molecular basis to
understand how chemical carcinogens cause cancer.  In this grant
application, we propose to study the biological roles of the non-B
sequences recognized by SATB1.  In particular, we will examine whether
these elements can act as boundary sequences which confer an independent
gene activity of a linked gene in vivo.  We will also examine whether
these non-B sequences are preferential targets for chemical carcinogen
reactions in vivo.  Possible structural effects on DNA by SATB1 binding
will be studied.  By employing the tissue culture system, as well as the
targeted gene inactivation in the mouse germ line, we will study the
biological function of SATB1 protein.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3178983
- **Project number:** 2R01CA039681-09
- **Recipient organization:** SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** PHMKYKKJLQS1
- **Principal Investigator:** Terumi Kohwi-Shigematsu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $279,283
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1985-04-01 → 1997-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3178983

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3178983, NON-B DNA STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL CARCINOGENS (2R01CA039681-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3178983. Licensed CC0.

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