Biochemical analysis of DNA synthesis blockage by G-quadruplex structure and bypass facilitated by a G4-resolving helicase

Abstract

G-quadruplex (G4) DNA poses a unique obstacle to DNA synthesis during replication or DNA repair due to its unusual structure which deviates significantly from the conventional DNA double helix. A mechanism to overcome the G4 roadblock is provided by the action of a G4-resolving helicase that collaborates with the DNA polymerase to smoothly catalyze polynucleotide synthesis past the unwound G4. In this technique-focused paper, we describe the experimental approaches of the primer extension assay using a G4 DNA template to measure the extent and fidelity of DNA synthesis by a DNA polymerase acting in concert with a G4-resolving DNA helicase. Important parameters pertaining to reaction conditions and controls are discussed to aid in the design of experiments and interpretation of the data obtained. This methodology can be applied in multiple capacities that may depend on the DNA substrate, DNA polymerase, or DNA helicase under investigation.

Keywords: DNA repair; DNA replication; G-quadruplex; Genomic instability; Helicase; Human disease; Mutagenesis; Nucleic acid metabolism; Polymerase.