Models for chromosomal replication‐independent non‐B DNA structure‐induced genetic instability

Abstract
Regions of genomic DNA containing repetitive nucleotide sequences can adopt a number of different structures in addition to the canonical B‐DNA form: many of these non‐B DNA structures are causative factors in genetic instability and human disease. Although chromosomal DNA replication through such repetitive sequences has been considered a major cause of non‐B form DNA structure‐induced genetic instability, it is also observed in non‐proliferative tissues. In this review, we discuss putative mechanisms responsible for the mutagenesis induced by non‐B DNA structures in the absence of chromosomal DNA replication.