G-quadruplex in cancer biology and drug discovery

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2020 Oct 8;531(1):45-50. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.178. Epub 2020 Apr 17.

Abstract

G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical nucleic acid structure formed in guanine-rich DNA or RNA. G4s are formed not only in vitro but also in vivo and are attracting considerable interest owing to their potential involvement in biological processes, including replication, transcription, mRNA splicing, translation and epigenetic regulation of the genome. In this review, we outline the functions of G4 in cellular biology and their implication in human pathogenesis, especially in cancer. Furthermore, we describe the properties of G4-stabilizing chemical compounds, G4 ligands, and their application for cancer therapeutics.

Keywords: DNA damage; G-quadruplex; G4 ligand; Replication stress; Synthetic lethality; Telomere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • Drug Discovery* / methods
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects
  • G-Quadruplexes / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • RNA
  • DNA