G-Quadruplexes as Key Transcriptional Regulators in Neglected Trypanosomatid Parasites.
Chembiochem
; 24(12): e202300265, 2023 06 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37146230
ABSTRACT
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures that have been linked to the functional regulation of eukaryotic organisms. G4s have been extensively characterised in humans and emerging evidence suggests that they might also be biologically relevant for human pathogens. This indicates that G4s might represent a novel class of therapeutic targets for tackling infectious diseases. Bioinformatic studies revealed a high prevalence of putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) in the genome of protozoans, which highlights their potential roles in regulating vital processes of these parasites, including DNA transcription and replication. In this work, we focus on the neglected trypanosomatid parasites, Trypanosoma and Leishmania spp., which cause debilitating and deadly diseases across the poorest populations worldwide. We review three examples where G4-formation might be key to modulate transcriptional activity in trypanosomatids, providing an overview of experimental approaches that can be used to exploit the regulatory roles and relevance of these structures to fight parasitic infections.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Parásitos
/
Trypanosoma
/
G-Cuádruplex
Tipo de estudio:
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Chembiochem
Asunto de la revista:
BIOQUIMICA
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido