A left-handed RNA quadruplex directs gene silencing

Trends Biochem Sci. 2024 May;49(5):387-390. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.009. Epub 2024 Feb 16.

Abstract

Poly(UG) or 'pUG' dinucleotide repeats direct gene silencing in Caenorhabditis elegans by adopting an unusual quadruplex structure. Humans have thousands of pUG sequences and proteins that interact with them. The pUG fold reveals new aspects of gene regulation and RNA folding, highlighting how a simple sequence can encode a complex structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans* / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans* / metabolism
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Gene Silencing*
  • Humans
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA