Photoclick chemistry led to the identification of HELLS as a helicase for DNA G-quadruplexes.

ABSTRACT: Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are unique secondary structures of nucleic acids with functions in many biological processes. Understanding the functions of DNA G4s requires knowledge about their recognition by cellular proteins. Here, we developed a method involving photoclick chemistry and LC-MS/MS-based quantitative proteomics for uncovering G4-binding proteins (G4BPs). By incorporating a photoactivatable ortho-nitrobenzylamine moiety into G4 DNA probes and employing UVA irradiation along with stringent washing, we identified 99 proteins enriched with G4 structures derived from the human telomere. By employing fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, immunofluorescence microscopy, and ChIP-seq analyses, we demonstrated the abilities of one of these proteins, HELLS, in

SUBMITTER: Gao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12825294 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature