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RNA G-quadruplex structure targeting and imaging: recent advances and future directions
Tian-Ying Wu1, Hill Lam Lau1, Rachelle J Santoso1
1Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
RNA (New York, N.Y.)
|June 5, 2025
Summary
RNA guanine (G)-quadruplexes (rG4s) are crucial RNA structures involved in many cellular functions. Recent advances in targeting and imaging rG4s offer new insights into their roles in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- RNA guanine (G)-quadruplexes (rG4s) are noncanonical structures formed by G-rich RNA sequences.
- These structures play critical roles in biological events like translation, transcription, and RNA processing.
- Research on rG4s has lagged behind DNA G-quadruplexes (dG4s) but is rapidly advancing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review innovative platforms and tools for targeting rG4s.
- To highlight novel imaging probes for rG4 structure visualization.
- To discuss challenges and future perspectives in rG4 targeting and imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on rG4 targeting and imaging technologies.
- Analysis of developed platforms, tools, and imaging probes.
- Discussion of current limitations and future directions.
Main Results:
- Development of innovative platforms and tools for rG4 targeting.
- Generation and application of novel imaging probes for rG4 visualization.
- Identification of challenges and opportunities for advancing rG4 research.
Conclusions:
- Recent technological advancements facilitate deeper understanding of rG4s.
- Targeting and imaging of rG4s are crucial for deciphering their molecular mechanisms.
- Further development of these tools will unlock new biological insights and therapeutic potential.
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