Computational Probing of the Folding Mechanism of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA

J Chem Inf Model. 2023 Oct 23;63(20):6366-6375. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01257. Epub 2023 Oct 2.

Abstract

The human telomeric (htel) sequences in the terminal regions of human telomeres form diverse G-quadruplex (GQ) structures. Despite much experimental efforts to elucidate the folding pathways of htel GQ, no comprehensive model of htel GQ folding has been presented. Here, we describe folding pathways of the htel GQ determined by state-of-the-art enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulation at the all-atom level. Briefly, GQ folding is initiated by the formation of a single-hairpin and then followed by the formation of double-hairpins, which then branch via distinct folding pathways to produce different GQ topologies (antiparallel chair, antiparallel basket, hybrids 1 and 2, and parallel propeller). In addition to these double-hairpin states, three-triad and two-tetrad structures in antiparallel backbone alignment serve as key intermediates that connect the GQ folding and transition between two different GQs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA / chemistry
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Telomere

Substances

  • DNA