The cellular protein nucleolin preferentially binds long-looped G-quadruplex nucleic acids.

ABSTRACT:

Background

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures that form in G-rich sequences. Nucleolin (NCL) is a cellular protein reported for its functions upon G4 recognition, such as induction of neurodegenerative diseases, tumor and virus mechanisms activation. We here aimed at defining NCL/G4 binding determinants.

Methods

Electrophoresis mobility shift assay was used to detect NCL/G4 binding; circular dichroism to assess G4 folding, topology and stability; dimethylsulfate footprinting to detect G bases involved in G4 folding.

Results

The purified full-length human NCL was initially tested on telomeric G4 target sequences to allow for modulation of loop, conformation, length, G-tract number, stability. G4s in promoter regions with more complex sequenc

SUBMITTER: Lago S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5466061 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature