2024-09-03 13:00:05
The mysteries of DNA continue to be revealed.
A study reveals the astonishing presence of more than 50,000 enigmatic structures in our genome. These formations, called i-motifs, could transform our understanding of the mechanisms of genetic regulation.
DNA, often depicted as a double helix, actually hides more complex structures. A team of researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research recently mapped these i-motifs, revealing their abundance and potential role in controlling genes and diseases.
i-motifs are four-stranded structures that form when cytosine bases on a single strand of DNA bind together. These formations are clearly distinct from the well-known double helix. Their presence has long been a subject of debate, but their identification in living cells in 2018 by Garvan’s team marked a major breakthrough.
The current study, published in The EMBO Journalhas been able to locate more than 50,000 i-motif sites across the human genome. The researchers used an innovative antibody to label and localize these structures, confirming their role in gene regulation.
These i-motifs are not randomly distributed. They are concentrated in crucial genomic regions, such as promoters and telomeric regions, which are essential for gene activity. The results suggest that these structures play a key role in the cell cycle and the regulation of oncogenes.
The study also sheds light on the relationship between i-motifs and some genes involved in hard-to-treat cancers. i-motifs are often found near regions of oncogenes, such as the gene MYCwhich opens up avenues for targeted therapeutic approaches.
The widespread presence of these structures in important genomic areas could offer new opportunities for the development of diagnostics and treatments. By specifically targeting i-motifs, it might be possible to modulate gene expression and thus expand the available therapeutic options.
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