Computational approaches to the detection and analysis of sequences with intramolecular G-quadruplex forming potential.
Sequences with the potential to form intramolecular G-quadruplexes (G4-structures) are found in highly nonrandom distributions in the genomes of diverse organisms. These sequences are associated with nucleic acid metabolic processes ranging from transcription and translation to recombination and telomere function. Here we review different computational methods for identifying potential G4-forming sequences and provide protocols for their implementation. We also discuss methods for assessing the significance and specificity of associations between the sequences and different biological functions.
Ryvkin
Paul
P
Department of Pathology, Penn Center for Bioinformatics, and Graduate Group in Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Hershman
Steve G
SG
Wang
Li-San
LS
Johnson
F Brad
FB
D019295:Computational Biology / Q000379:methods*; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D054856:G-Quadruplexes; D006147:Guanine / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans
D017931:DNA Primers; D006147:Guanine