Tetramolecular quadruplex stability and assembly

Top Curr Chem. 2013:330:243-73. doi: 10.1007/128_2012_334.

Abstract

Guanine quadruplexes (G4) are unusual four-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich DNA/RNA. Beyond their likely biological relevance, the self-assembly, stability, and rigidity of these structures are also interesting for nanotechnology and biotechnology applications. Therefore, efforts are carried out to understand the rules that govern stability and folding of G-quadruplexes. We focus this chapter on tetramolecular conformations which are simple tractable models. We report here the experimental parameters, molecules, and modifications that affect thermal stability and/or association kinetics of these structures. Some chemical modifications which facilitate tetramolecular quadruplex formation and can be useful for nano- or biotechnology are also described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Humans
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nucleic Acid Denaturation
  • RNA / chemistry*

Substances

  • RNA
  • DNA