Beyond the double helix: Structure of DNA G-quadruplexes

Authors

  • Isabel Pont University of Valencia (Spain).
  • Jorge Gonzàlez-Garcia University of Valencia (Spain).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.12.16505

Keywords:

G-quadruplex, DNA, telomeres, oncogene, drug

Abstract

DNA is the fundamental biomolecule needed for correct cell functioning and, until very recently, it was associated to the double helix structure discovered over 70 years ago by Crick, Watson, and Franklin. However, other DNA structures and conformations have been described, like G-quadruplexes. These G-quadruplexes are formed in regions of the genome that are rich in guanine. They have tetramer structure and control biological processes such as genetic expression, protection against ageing, or the transmission of neural information. In this document, we describe their chemical and structural characteristics, besides presenting their main cellular functions. Lastly, we present G-quadruplexes as molecular targets for future cancer therapies.

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Author Biographies

Isabel Pont, University of Valencia (Spain).

She studied as a chemist but is an educator at heart. PhD in Nanoscience and Molecular Nanotechnology and researcher at the University of Valencia, in the Supramolecular Chemistry Group of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol). Her dissertation focused on the development of fluorescent drugs and catheters to use G-quadruplex DNA as a therapeutic target. She currently combines research and the University Master’s Degree in Education and ICT of the Open University of Catalonia, with which she is specialising in e-learning and science dissemination. She is also involved in equality initiatives to make the role of women in research more visible.

Jorge Gonzàlez-Garcia, University of Valencia (Spain).

PhD in Chemistry and distinguished researcher at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and the Institute of Molecular Science of the University of Valencia (Spain). He has published more than 40 papers in scientific journals, worked in the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, and received several awards and much international recognition. His research activity has focused on studying the functions of non-canonical DNA/RNA structures – most particularly G-quadruplexes – at the cellular level, through the use of small synthetic molecules and metal complexes. 

References

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Danzhou, Y., & Keika, O. (2010). Structural insights into G-quadruplexes: Towards new anticancer drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 2(4), 619–646. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.172

Gellert, M., Lipsett, M. N., & Davies, D. R. (1962). Helix formation by guanylic acid. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 48(12), 2013–2018. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.48.12.2013

Henderson, E., Hardin, C. C., Walk, S. K., Tinoco, I., & Blackburn, E. H. (1987). Telomeric DNA oligonucleotides form novel intramolecular structures containing guanine-guanine base pairs. Cell, 51(6), 899–908. https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(87)90577-0

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Oregon State University. (2015). Linus Pauling and the race for DNA: A documentary history. Retrieved 2 May, 2020, from http://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/coll/pauling/dna/index.html

Pont, I., Martínez-Camarena, A., Galiana-Roselló, C., Tejero, R., Albelda, M. T., González-García, J., Vilar, R., & García-España, E. (2020). Development of polyamine-substituted triphenylamine ligands with high affinity and selectivity for G-quadruplex DNA. ChemBioChem, 21(8), 1167–1177. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201900678

Watson, J. D., & Crick, F. H. C. (1953). Molecular structure of nucleic acids: A structure for deoxyribose nucleic acid. Nature, 171, 737–738. https://doi.org/10.1038/171737a0

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Published

2022-02-02

How to Cite

Pont, I., & Gonzàlez-Garcia, J. (2022). Beyond the double helix: Structure of DNA G-quadruplexes. Metode Science Studies Journal, (12), 6–13. https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.12.16505
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