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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers
Published on: September 19, 2017
Harnessing G-quadruplex ligands for lung cancer treatment: A comprehensive overview
Joana Figueiredo1, Mojgan Djavaheri-Mergny2, Lucille Ferret3
1CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract:
Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One such approach revolves around the utilization of four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures, known as G-quadruplexes (G4), which are formed by G-rich sequences. Ligands that bind selectively to G4 structures present a promising strategy for regulating crucial cellular processes involved in the progression of LC, rendering them potent agents for lung cancer treatment. In this review, we offer a summary of recent advancements in the development of G4 ligands capable of targeting specific genes associated with the development and progression of lung cancer.
Insights
New G-quadruplex (G4) ligands offer a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer (LC) treatment. These molecules target specific genes, potentially halting cancer progression and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lung cancer (LC) is a major global cause of death, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- G-quadruplexes (G4) are four-stranded DNA structures formed by G-rich sequences.
- G4 structures are implicated in regulating gene expression relevant to cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in G-quadruplex (G4) ligand development.
- To highlight G4 ligands targeting genes involved in lung cancer (LC) progression.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of G4 ligands in treating lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on G-quadruplex ligands.
- Analysis of studies focusing on G4 structures in lung cancer genetics.
- Summary of G4 ligand design and their gene-targeting capabilities.
Main Results:
- Development of selective G-quadruplex (G4) ligands.
- Identification of G4 structures in genes crucial for lung cancer (LC) development.
- Demonstration of G4 ligands' potential to modulate cancer-related gene activity.
Conclusions:
- G-quadruplex (G4) ligands represent a promising class of therapeutic agents for lung cancer (LC).
- Targeting G4 structures offers a novel strategy to interfere with cancer progression.
- Further research into G4 ligand development could lead to effective lung cancer treatments.
