Abstract: Disclosed is the isolation of a 140,000 kDa protein which binds with high affinity to Z-DNA. Z-DNA is defined herein as a non-B-DNA conformer which is stabilized by negative supercoiling. The isolated protein also has a binding site for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Peptide sequences from this protein show similarity to double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase (dsrad), an enzyme which deaminates adenosine in dsRNA to form inosine. Assays for this enzyme confirm that dsrad activity and Z-DNA binding are properties of the same molecule. The coupling of these two activities in a single molecule indicate a novel mechanism of gene regulation which is in part dependent on DNA topology.

Abstract: The invention provides an earfitting for an earring to be worn on pierced ears. An earring post which in use is positioned in the pierced hole in the ear lobe has a spearhead hingedly mounted on the end thereof. The earring post and spearhead can be temporarily locked in mutual alignment to enable the earfitting to be passed through the ear lobe, whereafter the spearhead can be turned with respect to the earring post to secure the earfitting in place behind the ear lobe.