Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2020-06-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/11/4172 |
| _version_ | 1797417153873313792 |
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| author | Chiara Reina Vincenzo Cavalieri |
| author_facet | Chiara Reina Vincenzo Cavalieri |
| author_sort | Chiara Reina |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G-quadruplexes occupy strategic locations in genomic DNA and both coding and noncoding RNA molecules, being involved in many essential cellular and organismal functions. In this review, we first outline the fundamental structural features of G-quadruplexes and then focus on the concept that these DNA and RNA structures convey a distinctive layer of epigenetic information that is critical for the complex regulation, either positive or negative, of biological activities in different contexts. In this framework, we summarize and discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying the functions of G-quadruplexes and their interacting factors. Furthermore, we give special emphasis to the interplay between G-quadruplex formation/disruption and other epigenetic marks, including biochemical modifications of DNA bases and histones, nucleosome positioning, and three-dimensional organization of chromatin. Finally, epigenetic roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the issues addressed in this review take on particular importance in the field of comparative epigenetics, as well as in translational research. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T06:14:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-72fa34d8778c4b7391ad8de92d47effa |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1661-6596 1422-0067 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T06:14:44Z |
| publishDate | 2020-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Molecular Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-72fa34d8778c4b7391ad8de92d47effa2023-12-03T11:54:58ZengMDPI AGInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences1661-65961422-00672020-06-012111417210.3390/ijms21114172Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex StructuresChiara Reina0Vincenzo Cavalieri1Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, ItalyDepartment of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, ItalyG-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G-quadruplexes occupy strategic locations in genomic DNA and both coding and noncoding RNA molecules, being involved in many essential cellular and organismal functions. In this review, we first outline the fundamental structural features of G-quadruplexes and then focus on the concept that these DNA and RNA structures convey a distinctive layer of epigenetic information that is critical for the complex regulation, either positive or negative, of biological activities in different contexts. In this framework, we summarize and discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying the functions of G-quadruplexes and their interacting factors. Furthermore, we give special emphasis to the interplay between G-quadruplex formation/disruption and other epigenetic marks, including biochemical modifications of DNA bases and histones, nucleosome positioning, and three-dimensional organization of chromatin. Finally, epigenetic roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the issues addressed in this review take on particular importance in the field of comparative epigenetics, as well as in translational research.https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/11/4172G-quadruplexG-quartetepigeneticsDNA bases modificationshistone post-translational modificationshistone-modifying activities |
| spellingShingle | Chiara Reina Vincenzo Cavalieri Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures International Journal of Molecular Sciences G-quadruplex G-quartet epigenetics DNA bases modifications histone post-translational modifications histone-modifying activities |
| title | Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures |
| title_full | Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures |
| title_fullStr | Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures |
| title_full_unstemmed | Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures |
| title_short | Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures |
| title_sort | epigenetic modulation of chromatin states and gene expression by g quadruplex structures |
| topic | G-quadruplex G-quartet epigenetics DNA bases modifications histone post-translational modifications histone-modifying activities |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/11/4172 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chiarareina epigeneticmodulationofchromatinstatesandgeneexpressionbygquadruplexstructures AT vincenzocavalieri epigeneticmodulationofchromatinstatesandgeneexpressionbygquadruplexstructures |