G-quadruplex Recruits Transcription Factors to Regulate Gene Transcription
10.13865/j.cnki.cjbmb.2024.12.1415
- VernacularTitle:G-四链体招募转录因子调控基因转录
- Author:
Ming QI
1
;
Wen-Meng WANG
1
;
Dang-Dang LI
1
Author Information
1. 东北林业大学生命科学学院细胞生物学系,哈尔滨 150040
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
G-quadruplex;
transcription factor;
promoter;
gene transcription
- From:
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
2025;41(4):494-504
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In the canonical model of gene transcription,transcription factors regulate the transcription of target genes by binding to double-stranded DNA(dsDNA)containing its specific consensus motifs.In contrast to dsDNA,G-quadruplexes are atypical nucleic acid secondary structures formed by guanine-rich sequences.G-quadruplex structures are involved in regulating various biological processes,including gene transcription,and have emerged as a significant research topic in the field of molecular biology.Re-cently,many research groups,including us,have revealed that G-quadruplex structures recruit transcrip-tion factors to bind to the promoters more efficiently than dsDNA,thereby enhancing target gene expres-sion.However,there is currently a lack of comprehensive summaries and discussions regarding this atypi-cal model of gene transcription regulation.In this review,we first elucidate the characteristics of G-quad-ruplex structures and the techniques used to identify these structures.G-quadruplexes can be classified into intramolecular and intermolecular types;intramolecular G-quadruplexes are further divided into par-allel,antiparallel and hybrid types.The G-quadruplex structures can be determined using techniques such as circular dichroism,nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel migration,among others.Then,we discuss the regulatory role of G-quadruplex in gene transcription.G-quadruplexes are mainly highly enriched in gene promoter.Early studies revealed that G-quadruplexes can inhibit gene transcrip-tion.However,lots of studies have recently proven that this structure has a new function of recruiting transcription factors to activate gene transcription.Finally,we summarize the classification of transcrip-tion factors with G-quadruplex binding activity,including transcription factors with C2H2 zinc fingers,forked head/winged helices,and p53 domains.The DNA-binding domain determines the interaction be-tween transcription factors and G-quadruplex.Moreover,we propose future research directions in the field of G-quadruplex and transcription factors in regulating gene transcription.In conclusion,this review can provide important guidance for understanding the concept of G-quadruplex as a cis-acting element for transcriptional activation.
