Purine-rich nucleotide sequences have been implicated in a number of important biological processes. These include roles in eucaryotic chromosome replication, gene regulation, meiosis and the retrovirus replication cycle. Over the past several years it has become clear that at least some of these functions are intimately connected with the ability for purine-rich oligonucleotides to form quadruplex structures that are stabilized by G-quartets. In the work proposed here, NMR spectroscopy will be used to determine the high resolution solution structures of several DNA and RNA oligonucleotides which are known, or suspected to, form G-quartets under physiological conditions. The oligonucleotides selected for study are intended to answer specific questions related the higher order structures of DNA and RNA sequences found in telomeres and retrovirus genomes, respectively. The long term goals of the DNA studies are to understand the normal functionality of telomeres in chromosome replication and cell division. The RNA studies are directed towards an increased understanding of the retrovirus replication cycle and identification of promising targets for anti-viral agents.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM017652-01
Application #
2172683
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section (BBCA)
Project Start
1996-01-30
Project End
Budget Start
1995-08-01
Budget End
1996-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095