Nanomechanics of G-quadruplexes within the promoter of the KIT oncogene

Abstract G-quadruplexes (G4s) are tetrahelical DNA structures stabilized by four guanines paired via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds into quartets. While their presence within eukaryotic DNA is known to play a key role in regulatory processes, their functional mechanisms are still under investigation. In t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nucleic acids research 2021-05, Vol.49 (8), p.4564-4573
Main Authors: Buglione, Enrico, Salerno, Domenico, Marrano, Claudia Adriana, Cassina, Valeria, Vesco, Guglielmo, Nardo, Luca, Dacasto, Mauro, Rigo, Riccardo, Sissi, Claudia, Mantegazza, Francesco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Molecular Biology
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Summary:Abstract G-quadruplexes (G4s) are tetrahelical DNA structures stabilized by four guanines paired via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds into quartets. While their presence within eukaryotic DNA is known to play a key role in regulatory processes, their functional mechanisms are still under investigation. In the present work, we analysed the nanomechanical properties of three G4s present within the promoter of the KIT proto-oncogene from a single-molecule point of view through the use of magnetic tweezers (MTs). The study of DNA extension fluctuations under negative supercoiling allowed us to identify a characteristic fingerprint of G4 folding. We further analysed the energetic contribution of G4 to the double-strand denaturation process in the presence of negative supercoiling, and we observed a reduction in the energy required for strands separation.
ISSN:0305-1048
1362-4962
DOI:10.1093/nar/gkab079