DNA usually comes in the shape of a double helix with two strands wound around each other. But for some reason, this is not always the case of all DNA because some of them can form a more exotic shape, which can either be found in the laboratory or in real living cells.

A four-stranded DNA, known as the G-quadruplex, has been found forming in human live cells and researchers wanted to know how it can relate to the development of cancer cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, is conducted by scientists who have created new probes that can see how G-quadruplexes are interacting inside the cells.

Although not much is known about this type of DNA, the researchers hope that their novel way will give light on how these odd molecules behave.

G-Quadruplexes are Rare in Living Cells

According to ScienceAlert, the study described how specific proteins could unravel the G-quadruplex. Understanding it could lead to new drugs that would disrupt its activity, especially when it contributes to cancerous tumor growth.

"Evidence has been mounting that G-quadruplexes play an important role in a wide variety of processes vital for life, and a range of diseases," said Ben Lewis, the study author and from Imperial College London's Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. 

Although it plays an important role in various life processes, G-quadruplex DNA is mostly found at much higher rates in cancer cells. Studies have shown that they could influence the rapid cancer cell division, which leads to tumor growth.

Researchers from Imperial College London's Department of Chemistry under Vilar ad Kuimova groups teamed up with the Vannier group from the London Institute of Medical Sciences of the Medical Research Council. They used the chemical probe DAOTA-M2 to light up the presence of G-quadruplex in living cells to monitor how long the fluorescence will last.

This method can be used to view these rare molecules. Dr. Marina Kuimova said that it could help remove the difficulties that have prevented the development of reliable probes for the structure of the four-stranded DNA.

It also helped the researchers identify two proteins, known as helicases, that can unravel the strands of G-quadruplex and create a process to break them down. 

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Examining G-quadruplexes in Living Cells

According to the press release of the Imperial College London, helicases play a role in unwinding and breaking down the four-stranded DNA. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Vannier explained that their new method helped them examine the ability of other molecules to interact with G-quadruplexes in living cells.

They found that if a molecule is introduced and binds to the four-stranded DNA, it will displace the DAOTA-M2 and therefore reduce its lifetime. That means the fluorescence also stops. 

Professor Ramon Vilar believes that their method could someday help in developing effective drugs against cancer cells, as well as understanding them. Another lead author, Peter Summers, said that this project had been a great opportunity for a multidisciplinary interaction that would not have been possible without the expertise and close working relationship f the three research groups.

They intend to work more together to improve the properties of the chemical probe in exploring novel biological problems and further shine the light on the role of G-quadruplex on living cells.


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Check out more news and information on Cancer and G-Quadruplex on Science Times.