Z-DNA在1979年被Rich等人发现，它处于高能状态而不稳定，不同于传统的B-DNA，Z-DNA以其特殊的构象和重要生物学功能越来越受到人们关注，与其作用相关的Z-DNA结合蛋白也备受关注。Z-DNA有其特殊的序列和形成条件，其重要生物学功能也逐渐被揭开面纱，在基因调控、肿瘤发生与病毒感染中都有重要作用。
Z-DNA structure was found by Rich et al. in 1979. Being different from the common B-DNA structure, Z-DNA has its own special conformation and biological functions, and the research on Z-DNA arrests more and more attentions in the recent years. It has been reported that Z-DNA plays important roles in gene regulation, tumor pathogenesis and viral infections.