Interlocking G-Quadruplexes Using a G-Triad•G Connection: Implications for G-Wire Assembly

Abstract

G-quadruplexes are noncanonical structures of nucleic acids formed mainly by G-rich sequences and play crucial roles in important cellular processes. They are also increasingly used in nanotechnology for their valuable properties. Various unexpected structures of G-quadruplexes have been solved recently, including a stable G-quadruplex lacking one guanine in the G-tetrad core, harboring a vacant site. In this study, we demonstrate the interlocking of two intramolecular G-quadruplexes: one containing a vacant site (4n – 1) and the other with an unbound guanine (4n + 1). These G-quadruplexes interact through a G-triad-G connection with unprecedented 5′–3′ stacking. Using these interconnection properties, we have identified a sequence capable of self-assembling into G-wires in K⁺ solutions with potential nanotechnological applications.