DNA G-Quadruplex-Binding Proteins: An Updated Overview

Abstract

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed in guanine-rich sequences. Within the human genome, G4s are found in regulatory regions such as gene promoters and telomeres to control replication, transcription, and telomere lengthening. In the cellular context, there are several proteins named as G4-binding proteins (G4BPs) that interact with G4s, either anchoring upon, stabilizing, and/or unwinding them. These proteins may play different key roles in the regulation of the endogenous G4 landscape and its associated functions. The present review summarizes the current literature on G4BPs in terms of their targets and functions, providing updated insights into the regulation of G4s in living organisms.