GC ends control topology of DNA G-quadruplexes and their cation-dependent assembly. Issue 5 (30th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pavc, Daša; Wang, Baifan; Spindler, Lea; Drevenšek-Olenik, Irena; Plavec, Janez; Šket, Primož
• Is Part Of: Nucleic acids research. Volume 48:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 2749
• Page End: 2761
• Publication Date: 2020-01-30
• Subjects: Nucleic acids -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-1048

Abstract

Abstract: GCn and GCnCG, where n = (G2 AG4 AG2 ), fold into well-defined, dimeric G-quadruplexes with unprecedented folding topologies in the presence of Na + ions as revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both G-quadruplexes exhibit unique combination of structural elements among which are two G-quartets, A(GGGG)A hexad and GCGC-quartet. Detailed structural characterization uncovered the crucial role of 5′-GC ends in formation of GCn and GCnCG G-quadruplexes. Folding in the presence of 15 NH4 + and K + ions leads to 3′–3′ stacking of terminal G-quartets of GCn G-quadruplexes, while 3′-GC overhangs in GCnCG prevent dimerization. Results of the present study expand repertoire of possible G-quadruplex structures. This knowledge will be useful in DNA sequence design for nanotechnological applications that may require specific folding topology and multimerization properties.