i-Motif DNA: structural features and significance to cell biology
Hala Abou Assi Miguel Garavís Carlos González Masad J Damha
Nucleic Acids Research, gky735, https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gky735
Published: 16 August 2018
Article history
Received: 20 June 2018 Revision Received: 22 July 2018
Accepted: 13 August 2018
Abstract
The i-motif represents a paradigmatic example of the wide structural versatility of nucleic acids. In remarkable contrast to duplex DNA, i-motifs are four-stranded DNA structures held together by hemi- protonated and intercalated cytosine base pairs (C:C+). First observed 25 years ago, and considered by many as a mere structural oddity, interest in and discussion on the biological role of i-motifs have grown dramatically in recent years. In this review we focus on structural aspects of i-motif formation, the factors leading to its stabilization and recent studies describing the possible role of i-motifs in fundamental biological processes.
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