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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
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A G-quadruplex DNA-affinity Approach for Purification of Enzymatically Active G4 Resolvase1
Published on: March 18, 2017
Human telomere RNA and DNA form an intermolecular G-quadruplex
Yan Xu1, Takashi Kimura, Makoto Komiyama
1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan. xuyan@mkomi.rcast.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Nucleic Acids Symposium Series (2004)
|September 9, 2008
Summary
Telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, are transcribed into telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). This study shows TERRA and telomere DNA form a G-quadruplex structure, impacting chromosome end regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Telomeres were traditionally considered transcriptionally silent.
- Recent research revealed telomeres transcribe into telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) in mammalian cells.
- TERRA localizes to telomere DNA, suggesting functional roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) to form G-quadruplex structures with telomere DNA.
- To elucidate the structural basis of TERRA-DNA interactions.
- To understand the implications for chromosome end regulation and protection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro analysis of human telomere RNA and DNA sequences.
- Structural studies to determine G-quadruplex formation.
- Biophysical characterization of hybrid G-quadruplex structures.
Main Results:
- Human telomere RNA and telomere DNA sequences were found to form a hybrid-type parallel G-quadruplex structure.
- Demonstration of intermolecular G-quadruplex formation between TERRA and telomere DNA.
- Structural insights into the interaction between telomeric RNA and DNA.
Conclusions:
- Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) can form G-quadruplex structures with telomere DNA.
- These findings provide a structural basis for TERRA's role in chromosome end regulation.
- The study offers valuable information for understanding telomere maintenance and protection mechanisms.
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