The Cellular Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of G-Quadruplex Unwinding Helicases in Humans

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

Bo Zhang¹  Xinting Zhu¹  Shuyi Qiu³  Kejia Wang³  Yang Liu³ 

[1] College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China;Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China;School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China;The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China;

关键词: G-quadruplex;    helicase;    genetic disease;    age-related diseases;    cancer;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fmolb.2021.783889

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable non-canonical secondary structures formed by G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. They play various regulatory roles in many biological processes. It is commonly agreed that G4 unwinding helicases play key roles in G4 metabolism and function, and these processes are closely related to physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, more and more functional and mechanistic details of G4 helicases have been discovered; therefore, it is necessary to carefully sort out the current research efforts. Here, we provide a systematic summary of G4 unwinding helicases from the perspective of functions and molecular mechanisms. First, we provide a general introduction about helicases and G4s. Next, we comprehensively summarize G4 unfolding helicases in humans and their proposed cellular functions. Then, we review their study methods and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we share our perspective on further prospects. We believe this review will provide opportunities for researchers to reach the frontiers in the functions and molecular mechanisms of human G4 unwinding helicases.

【 授权许可】

Unknown