Jan. 20, 2013 In 1953, Cambridge researchers Watson and Crick published a paper describing the interweaving 'double helix' DNA structure -- the chemical code for all life.
Now, in the year of that scientific landmark's 60th Anniversary, Cambridge researchers have published a paper proving that four-stranded 'quadruple helix' DNA structures -- known as G-quadruplexes -- also exist within the human genome. They form in regions of DNA that are rich in the building block guanine, usually abbreviated to 'G'.
The findings mark the culmination of over 10 years investigation by scientists to show these complex structures in vivo -- in living human cells -- working from the hypothetical, through computational modelling to synthetic lab experiments and finally the identification in human cancer cells using fluorescent biomarkers.
The research, published January 20 in Nature Chemistry and funded by Cancer Research UK, goes on to show clear links between concentrations of four-stranded quadruplexes and the process of DNA replication, which is pivotal to cell division and production.
By targeting quadruplexes with synthetic molecules that trap and contain these DNA structures -- preventing cells from replicating their DNA and consequently blocking cell division -- scientists believe it may be possible to halt the runaway cell proliferation at the root of cancer.
"We are seeing links between trapping the quadruplexes with molecules and the ability to stop cells dividing, which is hugely exciting," said Professor Shankar Balasubramanian from the University of Cambridge's Department of Chemistry and Cambridge Research Institute, whose group produced the research.
"The research indicates that quadruplexes are more likely to occur in genes of cells that are rapidly dividing, such as cancer cells. For us, it strongly supports a new paradigm to be investigated -- using these four-stranded structures as targets for personalised treatments in the future."
Physical studies over the last couple of decades had shown that quadruplex DNA can form in vitro -- in the 'test tube', but the structure was considered to be a curiosity rather than a feature found in nature. The researchers now know for the first time that they actually form in the DNA of human cells.
"This research further highlights the potential for exploiting these unusual DNA structures to beat cancer -- the next part of this pipeline is to figure out how to target them in tumour cells," said Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK.
"It's been sixty years since its structure was solved but work like this shows us that the story of DNA continues to twist and turn."
Read the original:
'Quadruple helix' DNA discovered in human cells
- DNA database helps solve thousands of Texas crimes - January 3rd, 2013 [January 3rd, 2013]
- Revealed DNA - The Next Wave - Video - January 3rd, 2013 [January 3rd, 2013]
- DNA-Little Mix (Molly cover) - Video - January 5th, 2013 [January 5th, 2013]
- 'Junk DNA' made visible before the final cut - January 7th, 2013 [January 7th, 2013]
- 'Junk DNA' made visible before the final cut - January 7th, 2013 [January 7th, 2013]
- HUMAN DNA. A Speech To The Lord - Video - January 19th, 2013 [January 19th, 2013]
- 'Quadruple helix' DNA discovered in human cells - January 21st, 2013 [January 21st, 2013]
- Half a Million DVDs of Data Stored in Gram of DNA - January 25th, 2013 [January 25th, 2013]
- Jayy Star Feat DNA The Heredity (Don't Need Em) - Video - February 10th, 2013 [February 10th, 2013]
- Jayy Star Feat DNA The Heredity (Don't Need Em) - Video - February 10th, 2013 [February 10th, 2013]
- DNA evidence clears Texas man convicted in '81 killing - February 12th, 2013 [February 12th, 2013]
- DNA evidence clears Texas man convicted in '81 killing - February 12th, 2013 [February 12th, 2013]
- DNA Digital Videos presents EPIC Promo - Video - February 16th, 2013 [February 16th, 2013]
- 'Activating' RNA takes DNA on a loop through time and space - February 18th, 2013 [February 18th, 2013]
- 'Activating' RNA takes DNA on a loop through time and space - February 18th, 2013 [February 18th, 2013]
- New HTC One (Droid DNA) - Hands On UK - Video - February 20th, 2013 [February 20th, 2013]
- What is Brand DNA? BLVCK SCVLE Case Study - Video - October 2nd, 2013 [October 2nd, 2013]
- Nanded Train Accident: DNA test reveals mix up of Accident Dead Bodies | 10tv - Video - January 5th, 2014 [January 5th, 2014]
- DNA links executed convict to 1984 triple murder - January 11th, 2014 [January 11th, 2014]
- D-SPillz ft. Chucc Dizzle, DNA, Maniphest DestNE - Wishing Well (FREE DL LINK) - Video - January 16th, 2014 [January 16th, 2014]
- NOVA Extract Your DNA PBS359 - Video - January 17th, 2014 [January 17th, 2014]
- DNA:DECODE- Joe Rogan // ADN:DÉCODÉ- Joe Rogan - Video - January 27th, 2014 [January 27th, 2014]
- Campagna informativa "Banca Dati Nazionale DNA" - Video - February 6th, 2014 [February 6th, 2014]
- Congress cornered by BJP and AAP protests outside Arun ... - February 10th, 2014 [February 10th, 2014]
- DNA Test May Gauge Risk of Prostate Cancer's Return - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Blocking DNA repair mechanisms could improve radiation therapy for deadly brain cancer - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA matches Texas inmate in Houston cold cases - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Wisconsin Sheriff: DNA Ties Man to 1997 Slaying - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA ties man to 1997 murder of teen runaway - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA to pick out suspect, warts and all - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA-based logic gates operate inside cockroach cells - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Fact Sheet - National Human ... - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- What is DNA? - Genetics Home Reference - Your guide to ... - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- DNA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- S k y p i feat Dodo - Postav sa zo dna (Official Video ryvok.... ) - Video - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Highlights: Eugenia Naro-Maciel, CUNY SI -- DNA Barcoding Freshwater Communities at Former Landfill - Video - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Highlights: George Ude, DNA Barcoding Projects at Bowie State and Godfrey Okoye Universities - Video - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- Wonder of DNA 4/10/14 @ 8:00 pm EST - Video - April 10th, 2014 [April 10th, 2014]
- French police: all men at HS give DNA for rape case or be arrested - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- French Polices Plan To DNA Test 500 High Schoolers Wouldnt Fly In U.S. - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- 527 potential suspects in French high school rape lead to mass DNA test - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- French authorities carry out DNA dragnet in school rape case - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA - New World Encyclopedia - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Motion Design Elemen DNA Strand Animation HD 2014 - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- 3D Pathway DNA Animation - Kawa 2014 - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA Technologies - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Assassin's Creed 4 [THC] vs [DNA] Competitive Artifact Assault - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- 12) Dr.Rasheed 10/04/2014 [DNA : Mitochondrial DNA - Replication in prokaryotes] - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA Activation Plan Upgrades - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA Wealth Blueprint - Andrew Fox + Peter Parks | DNA Wealth Blueprint Video Review - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- "DNA" das pessoas - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Mass DNA sweep in privacy-loving France: Why no backlash? - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Monster DNA In-Earphones Unboxing - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DJ RODRIGO - NOS SCRATCHS - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- [DBS] DNA MEP - Part 14 - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Growing Up Poor Is Bad For Your DNA - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- RUG400 DNA-experience - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- RNA polymerase transcribing RNA from DNA - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- StorageDNA Discusses DNA Evolution 3.5 @ NAB 2014, Booth: SL10621 - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA:DECODE- The Bronx // ADN:DCOD- Le Bronx - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- DNA Wealth Blueprint Scam? - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Unlocking DNA technology in Nigeria - Video - April 15th, 2014 [April 15th, 2014]
- Mass DNA sweep in privacy-loving France: Why no backlash? (+video) - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- 13) Dr.Rasheed 13/04/2014 [DNA : Replication of DNA] - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- Medbone | Empresa com apoio da DNA Cascais exporta para mais de 40 pases - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- 16) Dr.Abbas 16 [DNA : RNA synthesis in prokaryotes, eukaryotes & Synthesis of mRNA] - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- [DNA Wealth Blueprint Review] See DNA Wealth Blueprint Bonus Strategies For Facebook CPA Marketing - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- DnA's Evolution (live 4/11/14) - Part 1 - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- Attack of the B team w/tgudge- Dino DNA - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- Criminals Beware: Faces Recreated With ONLY DNA - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- Me Salva! GEN03 - Replicao do DNA - Parte 2 - Video - April 16th, 2014 [April 16th, 2014]
- Timolia Servervorstellung [2/5] | DNA #1 | DeusExMachina x TeMasket - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- Building on the DNA of Discovery: Vision Concept's exterior - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- DNA Tests Over Rape - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- Hydrogen bonding in DNA - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- How Is Your Emotional DNA Impacting Your Relationship? - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- Nucleic Acids 20: DNA to RNA to Proteins - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- Nucleic Acids 13: Even More About 3D Structure of DNA - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]
- DESTRUCTION (Interview) with Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer 04/01/14 @ DNA Lounge CAPITALCHAOSTV.COM - Video - April 17th, 2014 [April 17th, 2014]