Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.
Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Oct 12;22(20):10984. doi: 10.3390/ijms222010984.
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures involved in the regulation of key cellular processes, such as transcription and replication. Since their discovery, G4s have been mainly investigated for their role in cancer and as targets in anticancer therapy. More recently, exploration of the presence and role of G4s in viral genomes has led to the discovery of G4-regulated key viral pathways. In this context, employment of selective G4 ligands has helped to understand the complexity of G4-mediated mechanisms in the viral life cycle, and highlighted the possibility to target viral G4s as an emerging antiviral approach. Research in this field is growing at a fast pace, providing increasing evidence of the antiviral activity of old and new G4 ligands. This review aims to provide a punctual update on the literature on G4 ligands exploited in virology. Different classes of G4 binders are described, with emphasis on possible antiviral applications in emerging diseases, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Strengths and weaknesses of G4 targeting in viruses are discussed.
四链体(G4s)是参与调节关键细胞过程(如转录和复制)的非规范核酸结构。自发现以来,G4 主要因其在癌症中的作用以及作为抗癌治疗靶点而受到研究。最近,对病毒基因组中 G4 存在和作用的探索导致发现了 G4 调节的关键病毒途径。在这种情况下,使用选择性 G4 配体有助于理解病毒生命周期中 G4 介导机制的复杂性,并强调了将病毒 G4 作为一种新兴抗病毒方法进行靶向的可能性。该领域的研究正在迅速发展,为 G4 配体在病毒学中的抗病毒活性提供了越来越多的证据。本综述旨在及时更新有关病毒学中使用的 G4 配体的文献。描述了不同类别的 G4 结合物,并重点介绍了在新兴疾病(如当前的 COVID-19 大流行)中可能的抗病毒应用。讨论了 G4 在病毒中的靶向作用的优缺点。