Four-stranded helix identified in human cells

Quadruplexes may turn instrumental in devising new targeted therapies

Sixty years ago, a research paper was published which was the first to describe the double-helix DNA structure.

Photo: Four-stranded helix identified in human cells

That discovery had been made by James Watson and Francis Crick from the University of Cambridge in the UK. After ten years of investigations, researchers from the same university have now gone public with a paper proving the existence of quadruple structures in the human genome (http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/four-stranded-quadruple-helix-dna-structure-proven-to-exist-in-human-cells/). The work, published in Nature Chemistry, shows links between concentrations of four-stranded quadruplexes and DNA replication, which plays a key role in cell division and production.

Scientists believe that targeting quadruplexes with synthetic molecules which trap and contain these DNA structures can prevent cells from replicating their DNA, blocking cell division and halting cell proliferation at the root of cancer. The research „indicates that quadruplexes are more likely to occur in genes of cells that are rapidly dividing, such as cancer cells“, said Prof. Shankar Balasubramanian whose group produced the research. According to the expert from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry and Cambridge Research Institute, four-stranded structures and their potential for targeted cancer treatment are to serve as a new paradigm for investigation.  (Michael Reiter)

30.01.2013

More on the subject:

Related articles

Photo

News • Neural anticipation of infection

Virtual health threats trigger real immune response

The mere fact of being exposed to a sick avatar in a virtual reality environment triggers a measurable immune response in humans, a multidisciplinary research team discovered.

Photo

News • New way to heal burns and wounds

3D printing live cells into a skin transplant

A novel approach to bioprinting may lead to new ways to treat skin burns and severe wounds. With this, the researchers aim to create new skin that does not become scar tissue but a functioning dermis.

Photo

News • Patient perception, gender bias and more

Dressed for trust: exploring the role of doctor's white coat

Doctors wear white – but did you know that was not always the case? A new review explores the effect of attire color on patient trust, and persistent misidentification of female doctors.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter