Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025
05:37
Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes
Published on: April 4, 2025
334
Dynamic G-Quadruplexes in the Rous Sarcoma Virus Genome: Scaffolds for Protein Interaction and Potential Anti-Viral
Debopriya Bose1, Suman Panda2, Nilanjan Banerjee3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, 700091, WB, India.
Chembiochem : a European Journal of Chemical Biology
|January 22, 2025
Summary
G-quadruplexes (G4s) form in Rous sarcoma virus DNA, potentially inhibiting viral replication. These G4 structures exhibit dynamic molecular switching and bind to proteins and small molecules, offering new targets for controlling RSV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) causes oncogenic transformation through a protein kinase.
- RSV's life cycle involves reverse transcription and integration of its DNA into the host genome.
- Targeting functional elements of the integrated RSV DNA could inhibit viral replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation and structural properties of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in RSV DNA.
- To explore the potential of these G4s as targets for controlling RSV infection.
Main Methods:
- Biophysical assays to verify G4 formation in RSV DNA sequences.
- Computational and biophysical methods to study G4 structural topology.
- Analysis of G4 binding with small-molecule ligands (e.g., Braco-19) and human nucleolin.
Main Results:
- Multiple G4 forming elements were identified in RSV DNA, particularly within GAG, POL, and SRC genes.
- RSV DNA G4s exhibit molecular switching between different structural forms.
- RSV DNA G4s bind to small molecules and human nucleolin, inducing structural changes.
Conclusions:
- G-quadruplexes form at multiple sites within RSV DNA and display dynamic structural properties.
- These G4s are recognized and bound by host proteins like nucleolin and small molecules.
- RSV DNA G4s represent potential therapeutic targets for managing RSV infections.
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