Title:

DNA G-quadruplex: Structures, Functions, and Drug Targeting

Abstract:

DNA G-quadruplex secondary structures formed in guanine-rich human telomeres and oncogene promoters are functionally important and have emerged as a promising new class of cancer-specific drug targets. I will presnet structural and functional studies in our lab related to the biologically relevant DNA G-quadruplexes formed in human telomeres and oncogene promoters as well as their interactions with small molecules and proteins. Structural information of G-quadruplexes in complex with small-molecules is critical for understanding specific recognition and structure-based rational drug design.I will also present critical insights and conceptual advances that help our understanding of G-quadruplex structures, functions, and drug targeting.