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Triple helix-interacting proteins and cancer

Mw Van Dyke¹, Ld Nelson²

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA.

OA Molecular Oncology

|June 10, 2014

Abstract:

While most naturally occurring DNA and RNA adopt the now quite familiar double-helix structure, certain sequences can under the appropriate conditions adopt a three-stranded, triple-helical structure. Both intramolecular and intermolecular triplexes have been described. Evidence for the existence of triplex structures in vivo is limited, although cellular proteins have been identified that avidly and specifically interact with such species. The postulated roles of triplexes and the proteins that interact with them in cancer and their potential utility as diagnostic markers are discussed in this review.

Insights

Certain DNA and RNA sequences can form three-stranded triple-helical structures. These structures and their interacting proteins may play roles in cancer and serve as diagnostic markers.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Background:

Most DNA and RNA exist as double helices.
Specific sequences can form three-stranded, triple-helical structures under certain conditions.
Both intramolecular and intermolecular triplexes are known.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the roles of DNA/RNA triple-helical structures in biological systems.
To discuss the implications of triplexes and associated proteins in cancer.
To explore their potential as diagnostic markers.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on DNA/RNA triplexes.
Analysis of cellular proteins interacting with triplex structures.
Discussion of postulated roles in cancer biology.

Main Results:

Limited in vivo evidence for triplex structures.
Identification of cellular proteins that specifically bind to triplexes.
Postulated roles in cancer and potential as diagnostic markers.

Conclusions:

DNA/RNA triple helices represent an alternative nucleic acid structure.
Proteins interacting with triplexes are implicated in cancer.
Triplexes and associated proteins show promise as cancer diagnostic markers.

Read full analysis

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