Single Molecule Studies On G-Quadruplex, Protein, And Small Molecule Interactions

Recent single molecule studies have revealed a number of significant insights on the mechanism of protein and G-quadruplex (GQ) interactions. In particular, our work on GQ interactions with single stranded DNA binding proteins, such as RPA and POT1, and helicases, such as BLM and RECQL5, showed significant variations in terms of the underlying dynamics and efficacy of these molecules in unfolding GQ structures. On the other hand, GQ-stabilizing small molecules have attracted attention due to their potential use as telomerase inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs. Such small molecules are expected to promote GQ folding and stability while inhibiting the activity of proteins that unfold GQ. A comparative single molecule study of how such small molecules influence GQ folding and stability and inhibit the activity of GQ-destabilizing proteins will be presented.