Structure of a left-handed DNA G-quadruplex.

Chung, Wan Jun; Heddi, Brahim; Schmitt, Emmanuelle; Lim, Kah Wai; Mechulam, Yves; Phan, Anh Tuân · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2015

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Aside from the well-known double helix, DNA can also adopt an alternative four-stranded structure known as G-quadruplex. Implications of such a structure in cellular processes, as well as its therapeutic and diagnostic applications, have been reported. The G-quadruplex structure is highly polymorphic, but so far, only right-handed helical forms have been observed. Here we present the NMR solution and X-ray crystal structures of a left-handed DNA G-quadruplex. The structure displays unprecedented features that can be exploited as unique recognition elements.

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