Biology subjects

Provatas, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Provatas, K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

ZSeekerDB: A database of Z-nucleic acid sequences across organismal genomes

Alternative (non-B) nucleic acid structures such as Z-nucleic acids are emerging as key regulators of genome function. The density and distribution of Z-nucleic acid sequences across organismal and viral genomes can provide insights into their biological roles and evolutionary trajectory. Using our recently developed ZSeeker algorithm, we systematically analyzed over 280,000 organismal genome assemblies, identifying more than 850 million putative Z-forming loci. We also incorporated genomic coordinates, Z-score, and taxonomic metadata, enabling cross-species comparative and functional analyses. We introduce ZSeekerDB, the first large-scale, multi-taxon database cataloging Z-nucleic acid sequences, across organisms representing all major branches of life. ZSeekerDB enables interactive searches, visualizations, and downloads of Z-nucleic acid sequence data for independent analysis. ZSeekerDB is implemented as a web-portal for browsing, analyzing and downloading Z-forming loci, publicly available at https://zseeker-db.com/.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2025

ZSeeker: An optimized algorithm for Z-DNA detection in genomic sequences

Z-DNA is an alternative left-handed helical form of DNA with a zigzag-shaped backbone that differs from the right-handed canonical B-DNA helix. Z-DNA has been implicated in various biological processes, including transcription, replication, and DNA repair, and can induce genetic instability. Repetitive sequences of alternating purines and pyrimidines have the potential to adopt Z-DNA structures. ZSeeker is a novel computational tool developed for the accurate detection of potential Z-DNA-forming sequences in genomes, addressing limitations of prior methods. By introducing a novel methodology informed and validated by experimental data, ZSeeker enables the refined detection of potential Z-DNA-forming sequences. Built both as a standalone Python package and as an accessible web interface, ZSeeker allows users to input genomic sequences, adjust detection parameters, and view potential Z-DNA sequence distributions and Z-scores via downloadable visualizations. Our Web Platform provides a no-code solution for Z-DNA identification, with a focus on accessibility, user-friendliness, speed and customizability. By providing efficient, high-throughput analysis and enhanced detection accuracy, ZSeeker has the potential to support significant advancements in understanding the roles of Z-DNA in normal cellular functions, genetic instability, and its implications in human diseases. AvailabilityZSeeker is released as a Python package under the GPL license as a multi-platform application and is available at: https://github.com/Georgakopoulos-Soares-lab/ZSeeker. A web-interface of ZSeeker is publicly available at https://zseeker.netlify.app/.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2024

invertiaDB: A Database of Inverted Repeats Across Organismal Genomes

Inverted repeats are repetitive elements that can form hairpin and cruciform structures. They are linked to genomic instability, however they also have various biological functions. Their distribution differs markedly across taxonomic groups in the tree of life, and they exhibit high polymorphism due to their inherent genomic instability. Advances in sequencing technologies and declined costs have enabled the generation of an ever-growing number of complete genomes for organisms across taxonomic groups in the tree of life. However, a comprehensive database encompassing inverted repeats across diverse organismal genomes has been lacking. We present InvertiaDB, the first comprehensive database of inverted repeats spanning multiple taxa, featuring repeats identified in the genomes of 118,070 organisms across all major taxonomic groups. The database currently hosts 30,067,666 inverted repeat sequences, serving as a centralized, user-friendly repository to perform searches, interactive visualization, and download existing inverted repeat data for independent analysis. invertiaDB is implemented as a web portal for browsing, analyzing and downloading inverted repeat data. invertiaDB is publicly available at https://invertiadb.netlify.app/homepage.html.

genomics↗