Quadruple Helix DNA Exists In Human Genome

Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: Cancer / Oncology Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;Genetics Article Date: 21 Jan 2013 - 3:00 PST

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Lead investigator Shankar Balasubramanian, a professor at Cambridge University's Department of Chemistry and Cambridge Research Institute, says in a statement:

"We are seeing links between trapping the quadruplexes with molecules and the ability to stop cells dividing, which is hugely exciting."

"The quadruple helix DNA structure may well be the key to new ways of selectively inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. The confirmation of its existence in human cells is a real landmark," he adds.

Balasubramanian and colleagues write about their findings in the 20 January online issue of Nature Chemistry.

They are called G-quadruplexes because they form in regions of DNA rich in Guanine, one of the four chemical bases or building blocks that encode genetic information (the other three are Adenine, Cytosine, and Thymine).

The team started with hypothetical computer models of the quadruplexes, then made synthetic versions in test tubes, and then proved, using fluorescent biomarkers, that the structures exist in real life in human cancer cells.

Although there is evidence that G-quadruplexes occur in single-celled organisms called ciliates, this is the first time they have been seen in human cells.

Balasubramanian says this suggests targeting the quadruplexes could form the basis of new personalized treatments.

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Quadruple Helix DNA Exists In Human Genome