Beyond G-Quadruplexes—The Effect of Junction with Additional Structural Motifs on Aptamers Properties

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Weronika Kotkowiak¹  Anna Pasternak¹ 

[1] Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;

关键词: G-quadruplex;    G-quadruplex junction;    duplex;    hairpin;    triplex;    aptamer;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms22189948

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

G-quadruplexes constitute an important type of nucleic acid structure, which can be found in living cells and applied by cell machinery as pivotal regulatory elements. Importantly, robust development of SELEX technology and modern, nucleic acid-based therapeutic strategies targeted towards various molecules have also revealed a large group of potent aptamers whose structures are grounded in G-quadruplexes. In this review, we analyze further extension of tetraplexes by additional structural elements and investigate whether G-quadruplex junctions with duplex, hairpin, triplex, or second G-quadruplex motifs are favorable for aptamers stability and biological activity. Furthermore, we indicate the specific and pivotal role of the G-quadruplex domain and the additional structural elements in interactions with target molecules. Finally, we consider the potency of G-quadruplex junctions in future applications and indicate the emerging research area that is still waiting for development to obtain highly specific and effective nucleic acid-based molecular tools.

【 授权许可】

Unknown