A Minimal Sequence for Left-Handed G-Quadruplex Formation.
Bakalar, B., Heddi, B., Schmitt, E., Mechulam, Y., Phan, A.T.(2019) Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 58: 2331-2335
- PubMed: 30481397 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201812628
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
6FQ2, 6GZ6 - PubMed Abstract: 
Recently, we observed the first example of a left-handed G-quadruplex structure formed by natural DNA, named Z-G4. We analysed the Z-G4 structure and inspected its primary 28-nt sequence in order to identify motifs that convey the unique left-handed twist. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography, we revealed a minimal sequence motif of 12 nt (GTGGTGGTGGTG) for formation of the left-handed DNA G-quadruplex, which is found to be highly abundant in the human genome. A systematic analysis of thymine loop mutations revealed a moderate sequence tolerance, which would further broaden the space of sequences prone to left-handed G-quadruplex formation.
Organizational Affiliation: 
School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.