title: G-quadruplexes in RNA biology.
abstract: G-quadruplexes are noncanonical structures formed by G-rich DNA and RNA sequences that fold into a four-stranded conformation. Experimental studies and computational predictions show that RNA G-quadruplexes are present in transcripts associated with telomeres, in noncoding sequences of primary transcripts and within mature transcripts. RNA G-quadruplexes at these specific locations play important roles in key cellular functions, including telomere homeostasis and gene expression. Indeed, RNA G-quadruplexes appear as important regulators of pre-mRNA processing (splicing and polyadenylation), RNA turnover, mRNA targeting and translation. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA G-quadruplexes involve the binding of protein factors that modulate G-quadruplex conformation and/or serve as a bridge to recruit additional protein regulators. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of G-quadruplexes in RNA biology with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying their specific function in RNA metabolism occurring in physiological or pathological conditions.
authors.affiliation: Inserm UMR 1037, University of Toulouse III, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Toulouse 31432, Cedex 4, France. stefania.millevoi@inserm.fr
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Millevoi
authors.forename: Hervé
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moine
authors.forename: Stéphan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vagner
mesh_terms: D054856:G-Quadruplexes; D006801:Humans; D026723:Polyadenylation; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012326:RNA Splicing; D016615:Telomere / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D012313:RNA