Insights of potential G-quadruplex sequences in telomeres and proto-oncogenes

Guanine rich sequences have the ability to fold into stable 4 stranded structures called G-quadruplex under physiological concentrations of Na+ or K+. G-quadruplexes are found in telomeres, being stable structures under the control of telomerase binding proteins. They are also identified throughout the genome and are enriched in promoter regions of protein coding genes, upstream and downstream of the transcription initiation sites. A number of these promoter quadruplexes have been investigated for several proto-oncogenes. The formation of these quadruplexes can lead to chemical intervention of gene expression using a G-quadruplex binding ligand. We review location, configuration, and stabilization of these quadruplexes in some of the important promoters with regards to their potential as anticancer target.