Molecules, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 29(19), P. 4683 - 4683

Published: Oct. 2, 2024

This article provides a comprehensive examination of non-canonical DNA structures, particularly focusing on G-quadruplexes (G4s) and i-motifs. G-quadruplexes, four-stranded structures formed by guanine-rich sequences, are stabilized Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds monovalent cations like potassium. These exhibit diverse topologies implicated in critical genomic regions such as telomeres promoter oncogenes, playing significant roles gene expression regulation, genome stability, cellular aging. I-motifs, cytosine-rich sequences under acidic conditions hemiprotonated cytosine–cytosine (C:C+) base pairs, also contribute to regulation despite being less prevalent than G4s. review highlights the factors influencing stability dynamics these including sequence composition, ionic conditions, environmental pH. Molecular simulations high-resolution structural techniques have been pivotal advancing our understanding their folding unfolding mechanisms. Additionally, discusses therapeutic potential small molecules designed selectively bind stabilize G4s i-motifs, with promising implications for cancer treatment. Furthermore, properties forms explored applications nanotechnology molecular devices. Despite progress, challenges remain observing vivo fully elucidating biological functions. The underscores importance continued research uncover new insights into i-motifs medicine technology. ongoing promises exciting developments both basic science applied fields, emphasizing relevance future prospects intriguing structures.

Language: Английский