Abstract
G-quadruplexes, found at G-rich sequences of both DNA and RNA, are formed by Hoogsteen base pairing and stabilized by a metal ion such as K+ or Na+ within its central axis. Researchers are able to find and study G-quadruplexes by electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and various sequencing techniques. G-quadruplexes are preferentially formed at the very 3’ end of telomeres; however, they can also be found in various places throughout both the DNA and RNA structure. In fact, they are found in high abundance in both 5’ UTRs and at the 3’ end of genes. This review argues that G-quadruplexes have two main functions. First, they provide regulation through structure of the genome. This is found at the 3’ end of telomeres where they are able to stabilize the end of a linear DNA molecule. Second, G-quadruplexes are important in gene regulation. This is found in telomeres, at the ‘5 end of UTRs, and downstream the 3′-end of genes where G-quadruplexes are suggested to play a critical role in gene suppression. It is due to these two functional qualities of G-quadruplexes that they can be used in cancer treatments and therapies.
https://academic.oup.com/nar/article/39/12/4917/2411451
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