It is now well established that in the human genome the canonical double helix coexists with folded G-quadruplex structures that are known to have important biological functions. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on quadruplex formation in the promoters of the ras genes that are mutated in about 30% of all human cancers. We describe the nuclear proteins that recognize these unusual DNA structures and discuss their function in transcription. We also examine the formation of G-quadruplexes in the 5'-untranslated region of the ras transcripts and conclude this review by reporting strategies that use either ras G-quadruplexes or proteins recognizing the ras G-quadruplexes as targets of anticancer small molecules.

G4 DNA in ras genes and its potential in cancer therapy

Cogoi, Susanna;Xodo, Luigi E.
2016-01-01

Abstract

It is now well established that in the human genome the canonical double helix coexists with folded G-quadruplex structures that are known to have important biological functions. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on quadruplex formation in the promoters of the ras genes that are mutated in about 30% of all human cancers. We describe the nuclear proteins that recognize these unusual DNA structures and discuss their function in transcription. We also examine the formation of G-quadruplexes in the 5'-untranslated region of the ras transcripts and conclude this review by reporting strategies that use either ras G-quadruplexes or proteins recognizing the ras G-quadruplexes as targets of anticancer small molecules.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1-s2.0-S1874939916300219-main.pdf

non disponibili

Descrizione: Articolo principale
Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: Non pubblico
Dimensione 1.25 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.25 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11390/1109322
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 46
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 44
social impact