Vincristine Beyond Mitosis: Uncovering a First Link to G-Quadruplex DNA in Cancer Cells.

ABSTRACT: Vincristine is a classical chemotherapeutic agent widely used for its ability to disrupt microtubule polymerization, yet additional molecular effects may contribute to its anticancer activity. G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical nucleic acid structures enriched in regulatory regions of the genome and in mitochondrial DNA, have emerged as relevant modulators of cellular homeostasis. In this study, we investigated whether vincristine can influence G4 biology. Cancer cells treated with vincristine were analyzed by immunofluorescence, revealing a consistent increase in nuclear and mitochondrial G4 foci. In particular, mitochondrial G4s were significantly elevated by approximately 1.5-2.5 fold compared to untreated cells, an effect accompanied by a detectable reduction in membrane potential, in

SUBMITTER: Di Porzio A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12524732 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature