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DNA G-quadruplexes in the human genome: detection, functions and therapeutic potential

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology volume 18, pages 279–284 (2017)Cite this article

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Abstract

Single-stranded guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded DNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) that arise from the self-stacking of two or more guanine quartets. There has been considerable recent progress in the detection and mapping of G4 structures in the human genome and in biologically relevant contexts. These advancements, many of which align with predictions made previously in computational studies, provide important new insights into the functions of G4 structures in, for example, the regulation of transcription and genome stability, and uncover their potential relevance for cancer therapy.

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Figure 1: G-quadruplex structures.
Figure 2: Visualization and mapping of G-quadruplex structures.
Figure 3: Therapeutic opportunities.

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Acknowledgements

The Balasubramanian laboratory is core-funded by Cancer Research UK (C14303/A17197) and further supported by a Cancer Research UK programme grant (C9681/A18618). S.B. is a Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator (099232/Z/12/Z).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert Hänsel-Hertsch, Marco Di Antonio and Shankar Balasubramanian are at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK.,

    Robert Hänsel-Hertsch, Marco Di Antonio & Shankar Balasubramanian

  2. Marco Di Antonio and Shankar Balasubramanian are also at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.,

    Marco Di Antonio & Shankar Balasubramanian

  3. Shankar Balasubramanian is also at the School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK.,

    Shankar Balasubramanian

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  1. Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
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Correspondence to Shankar Balasubramanian.

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Hänsel-Hertsch, R., Di Antonio, M. & Balasubramanian, S. DNA G-quadruplexes in the human genome: detection, functions and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 18, 279–284 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm.2017.3

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