Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers
Published on: September 19, 2017
NMR spectroscopy of G-quadruplexes
Michael Adrian1, Brahim Heddi, Anh Tuân Phan
1Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
G-rich DNA and RNA can form G-quadruplex structures. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a key technique for studying their complex structure, dynamics, and interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- G-rich DNA and RNA sequences form G-quadruplexes, four-stranded nucleic acid structures.
- G-quadruplexes are increasingly recognized for their significant biological roles.
- These structures exhibit polymorphism and dynamic behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in G-quadruplex research.
- To highlight NMR's role in elucidating G-quadruplex structure, dynamics, and interactions.
Main Methods:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the primary technique discussed.
- The review focuses on how NMR is applied to study G-quadruplexes.
Main Results:
- NMR spectroscopy has been instrumental in understanding G-quadruplex structural diversity.
- NMR provides insights into the dynamic nature of G-quadruplexes.
- NMR facilitates the study of G-quadruplex interactions with other molecules.
Conclusions:
- NMR spectroscopy is a powerful and essential tool for G-quadruplex research.
- The application of NMR has significantly advanced our understanding of G-quadruplexes.
- Future studies will likely continue to leverage NMR for G-quadruplex investigations.
Related Concept Videos
2D NMR: Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Correlation Spectroscopy (HSQC)
¹H NMR: Complex Splitting
Splitting diagrams or splitting tree diagrams are routinely used to depict such complex couplings. While drawing splitting diagrams, the splitting with the larger coupling constant is usually applied first.
¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
2D NMR: Overview of Heteronuclear Correlation Techniques
Two-Dimensional (2D) NMR: Overview
The first step is the preparation period, during which nucleus A is excited with a radiofrequency pulse.

