Single-molecule visualization of epigenetic gene expression using DNA origami

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02057
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 37010:Bio-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Kansai University
• Principal Investigator: Endo Masayuki 関西大学, 研究推進部, 特別任命教授 (70335389)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: DNAオリガミ / 遺伝子発現 / エピジェネティクス / 高速原子間力顕微鏡 / 1分子観察 / ヌクレオソーム / 細胞内遺伝子発現制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we developed a technique to visualize the interactions of nucleosomes and higher-order structures, which are linked to the regulation of gene expression, by integrating them into DNA origami structures. Using the DNA origami space, their dynamic state was visualized at single molecule resolution by high-speed atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, we developed DNA binding molecules that bind between DNA strands to stabilize nucleosomes. For the regulation of gene expression and cell morphology change using external stimuli, we developed functional DNA nanostructures that contract/relax in response to light, and successfully manipulated reversible changes in cell morphology and gene expression by mechanical stimuli as an extracellular matrix.

Free Research Field

生体関連化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、配列化されたヌクレオソーム多量体の相互作用と高次構造、及びヒストンのエピジェネティック修飾による相互作用の変化をDNAオリガミ構造体と高速原子間力顕微鏡で可視化する方法を開発した。この方法は分子レベルの解像度での遺伝子発現機構の解明に貢献できる。また、細胞の形態変化と遺伝子発現の制御を行う刺激応答性のDNA構造体の開発に成功した。これらの開発した手法は分子レベルでのエピジェネティックな遺伝子発現の制御機構や細胞制御への応用に知見を与える技術となる。