James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Kentucky, KY 40202, USA.
FEBS J. 2010 Mar;277(5):1098-106. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07462.x. Epub 2009 Nov 27.
Thermodynamic and kinetic studies complement high-resolution structures of G-quadruplexes. Such studies are essential for a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that govern quadruplex folding and conformational changes in quadruplexes. This perspective article reviews representative thermodynamic and kinetic studies of the folding of human telomeric quadruplex structures. Published thermodynamic data vary widely and are inconsistent; possible reasons for these inconsistencies are discussed. The key issue of whether such folding reactions are a simple two-state process is examined. A tentative energy balance for the folding of telomeric quadruplexes in Na(+) and K(+) solution, and for the conformational transition between these forms is presented.
热力学和动力学研究补充了 G-四链体的高分辨率结构。这些研究对于深入了解调控四链体折叠和构象变化的机制至关重要。本文综述了代表性的人类端粒四链体结构折叠的热力学和动力学研究。已发表的热力学数据差异很大且不一致；讨论了造成这种不一致的可能原因。检验了此类折叠反应是否为简单的两态过程这一关键问题。提出了在 Na(+)和 K(+)溶液中，端粒四链体折叠以及这些构象之间的构象转变的能量平衡的假设。
