G-quadruplex nucleic acid structure (G4)

G-quadruplexes are four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures that form in guanine-rich DNA or RNA sequences via stacks of G-tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and stabilized by monovalent cations. They are prevalent in telomeres, oncogene promoters (such as c-MYC), and regulatory regions of both DNA and RNA. G-quadruplex stabilization by small molecules (G4 ligands) can modulate gene expression, inhibit telomerase, and interfere with DNA replication or RNA function, making these structures potential targets in cancer and other diseases. However, their widespread distribution poses therapeutic challenges regarding specificity and safety

Other names

G-quadruplexG4G-quartetguanine quadruplexquadruplex DNAquadruplex RNA

Ligand-mediated stabilization of G-quadruplexes in DNA or RNA leads to: Transcriptional repression of oncogenes (e.g., c-MYC); Disruption of telomerase activity and telomere maintenance; Modulation of RNA function by altering secondary structure and accessibility