Elevated levels of G-quadruplex formation in human stomach and liver cancer tissues
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Giulia Biffi1, David Tannahill1, Jodi Miller1
1Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Four-stranded G-quadruplex DNA secondary structures have recently been visualized in the nuclei of human cultured cells. Here, we show that BG4, a G-quadruplex-specific antibody, can be used to stain DNA G-quadruplex structures in patient-derived tissues using immunohistochemistry. We observe a significantly elevated number of G-quadruplex-positive nuclei in human cancers of the liver and stomach as compared to background non-neoplastic tissue. Our results suggest that G-quadruplex formation can be detected and measured in patient-derived material and that elevated G-quadruplex formation may be a characteristic of some cancers.
Insights
G-quadruplex DNA structures, visualized using the BG4 antibody in patient tissues, were found at higher levels in liver and stomach cancers. This suggests G-quadruplexes can be measured and may indicate cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Four-stranded G-quadruplex DNA secondary structures are increasingly recognized in cellular nuclei.
- Visualizing these structures in complex biological samples like patient tissues remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of the G-quadruplex-specific antibody BG4 for detecting G-quadruplex DNA in patient-derived tissues.
- To determine if G-quadruplex formation is elevated in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to stain DNA G-quadruplex structures in patient-derived tissues using the BG4 antibody.
- Quantification of G-quadruplex-positive nuclei was performed in cancerous and non-neoplastic tissues.
Main Results:
- The BG4 antibody successfully stained G-quadruplex structures in patient-derived tissues.
- A significantly elevated number of G-quadruplex-positive nuclei were observed in human liver and stomach cancers compared to non-neoplastic tissues.
Conclusions:
- G-quadruplex formation can be detected and quantified in patient-derived materials.
- Elevated G-quadruplex formation is a potential characteristic of certain human cancers, warranting further investigation.
