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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Published on: April 4, 2025

G-quadruplexes in viruses: function and potential therapeutic applications.

Mathieu Métifiot¹, Samir Amrane², Simon Litvak³

¹CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France.

Nucleic Acids Research

|October 22, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

G-rich nucleic acids form G-quadruplex (G4) structures, with growing evidence for their in vivo roles in viral replication and gene expression. G4-forming oligonucleotides show promise as antiviral agents and diagnostic tools.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Structural Biology
Genomics

Background:

G-rich nucleic acids form non-canonical G-quadruplex (G4) structures via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds.
While DNA G4s were initially studied for telomeric roles, in vivo relevance is emerging, with potential G4-forming sequences found in the human genome and various viral genomes.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the potential role of G-quadruplex structures in viral life cycles.
To highlight the application of G4-forming oligonucleotides as antiviral agents and diagnostic tools.

Main Methods:

Literature review and analysis of existing biochemical and structural studies on G-quadruplexes.
Examination of genomic data for potential G4-forming sequences in viruses and humans.

Main Results:

G-quadruplex structures are implicated in viral replication, recombination, and gene expression control.
DNA aptamers forming G4s have been developed as diagnostic tools and potential inhibitors for viruses like HIV-1, EBV, and SARS-CoV.

Conclusions:

G-quadruplexes play a significant role in viral life cycles.
G4-forming oligonucleotides represent a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral therapies and diagnostic technologies.