DNA Quadruplex Structure with a Unique Cation Dependency.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
; 63(7): e202313226, 2024 02 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38143239
ABSTRACT
DNA quadruplex structures provide an additional layer of regulatory control in genome maintenance and gene expression and are widely used in nanotechnology. We report the discovery of an unprecedented tetrastranded structure formed from a native G-rich DNA sequence originating from the telomeric region of Caenorhabditis elegans. The structure is defined by multiple properties that distinguish it from all other known DNA quadruplexes. Most notably, the formation of a stable so-called KNa-quadruplex (KNaQ) requires concurrent coordination of K+ and Na+ ions at two distinct binding sites. This structure provides novel insight into G-rich DNA folding under ionic conditions relevant to eukaryotic cell physiology and the structural evolution of telomeric DNA. It highlights the differences between the structural organization of human and nematode telomeric DNA, which should be considered when using C. elegans as a model in telomere biology, particularly in drug screening applications. Additionally, the absence/presence of KNaQ motifs in the host/parasite introduces an intriguing possibility of exploiting the KNaQ fold as a plausible antiparasitic drug target. The structure's unique shape and ion dependency and the possibility of controlling its folding by using low-molecular-weight ligands can be used for the design or discovery of novel recognition DNA elements and sensors.
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Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Quadruplex G
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
República Tcheca