Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes are DNA secondary structures formed in specific G-rich sequences. DNA sequences that can form G-quadruplexes have been found in regions with biological significance, such as human telomeres and oncogene-promoter regions. DNA G-quadruplexes have recently emerged as a new class of novel molecular targets for anticancer drugs. Recent progress on structural studies of the biologically relevant G-quadruplexes formed in human telomeres and in the promoter regions of human oncogenes will be discussed, as well as recent advances in the design and development of G-quadruplex-interactive drugs. DNA G-quadruplexes can readily form in solution under physiological conditions and are globularly folded nucleic acid structures. The molecular structures of intramolecular G-quadruplexes appear to differ from one another and, therefore, in principle may be differentially regulated and targeted by different proteins and drugs.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 619-646 |
Number of pages | 28 |
Journal | Future Medicinal Chemistry |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Drug Discovery