G-quadruplex motifs prediction and visualization in Sus scrofa genome.

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• The pig (Sus scrofa) is a significant agricultural species and a valuable biomedical model due to human-like physiology.
• G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical DNA structures implicated in various cellular processes.
• Understanding G4 distribution in mammalian genomes is crucial for deciphering their regulatory roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in the pig genome.
• To investigate the distribution of PQS within regulatory and functionally relevant genomic regions in pigs.
• To experimentally validate the presence of G4 structures in porcine cells and compare their localization with human genomes.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide computational analysis to identify putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in the Sus scrofa genome.
• Bioinformatic analysis to assess the distribution of PQS in relation to known genomic features (promoters, UTRs, etc.).
• In situ cellular validation using a G4-specific antibody (SG4) on porcine dorsal skin tissue samples.

Main Results:

• PQS are non-randomly distributed in the pig genome, with significant enrichment in promoter and untranslated regions.
• The distribution patterns of PQS in pigs closely mirror those observed in the human genome, suggesting conserved G4 roles.
• Experimental evidence confirmed the presence of G4 structures within porcine cells.

Conclusions:

• The pig genome harbors a significant number of PQS, predominantly in regulatory genomic elements.
• The conserved distribution of PQS between pigs and humans underscores the translational relevance of the pig model for G4 studies.
• Sus scrofa serves as a valuable model for investigating G4 biology and developing G4-targeting therapeutics.