I-Motif DNA: structural features and significance to cell biology. Issue 16 (16th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abou Assi, Hala; Garavís, Miguel; González, Carlos; Damha, Masad J
• Is Part Of: Nucleic acids research. Volume 46:Issue 16(2018)
• Page Start: 8038
• Page End: 8056
• Publication Date: 2018-08-16
• Subjects: Nucleic acids -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-1048

Abstract

Abstract: The i-motif represents a paradigmatic example of the wide structural versatility of nucleic acids. In remarkable contrast to duplex DNA, i-motifs are four-stranded DNA structures held together by hemi- protonated and intercalated cytosine base pairs (C:C + ). First observed 25 years ago, and considered by many as a mere structural oddity, interest in and discussion on the biological role of i-motifs have grown dramatically in recent years. In this review we focus on structural aspects of i-motif formation, the factors leading to its stabilization and recent studies describing the possible role of i-motifs in fundamental biological processes.