The Structure and Function of DNA G-Quadruplexes

Jochen Spiegel; Santosh Adhikari; Shankar Balasubramanian

doi:10.1016/j.trechm.2019.07.002

The Structure and Function of DNA G-Quadruplexes

Trends Chem. 2020 Feb;2(2):123-136. doi: 10.1016/j.trechm.2019.07.002.

Authors

Jochen Spiegel¹, Santosh Adhikari², Shankar Balasubramanian^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.
² Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
³ School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK.

Abstract

Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded, noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s were initially considered a structural curiosity, but recent evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as transcription, replication, genome stability, and epigenetic regulation, together with numerous connections to cancer biology. Collectively, these advances have stimulated research probing G4 mechanisms and consequent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Here, we provide a perspective on the structure and function of G4s with an emphasis on key molecules and methodological advances that enable the study of G4 structures in human cells. We also critically examine recent mechanistic insights into G4 biology and protein interaction partners and highlight opportunities for drug discovery.

Keywords: DNA; G-quadruplex; G4; drug discovery; nucleic acids; secondary structure.

Publication types

Review

Abstract

Publication types

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