Mechanical unfolding of individual bimolecular G-quadruplexes by AFM

G‑quadruplexes (GQ) are non-canonical nucleic acids structures that form sequences rich in guanines, either in DNA or RNA. The prevalence of sequences able to form G-quadruplexes in crucial genomic sites suggests a significant role in important biological processes such as the maintenance of telomere stability and the regulation of transcription. However, some aspects stay unclear about their presence in vivo, the processes behind their potential regulatory role and the favourable conditions to their formation.
Our objective is the investigation of the force-driven separation of individual bimolecular G‑quadruplexes by AFM-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Our research aims at contributing to a better understanding of the interactions involved in bimolecular G‑quadruplexes, made of DNA or DNA and RNA, and of the mechanism of their mechanical unfolding.