i-Motif DNA: structural features and significance to cell biology Article Swipe

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Hala Abou Assi , Miguel Garavís , Carlos González , Masad J. Damha ·

YOU? · · 2018 · Open Access · · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gky735 · OA: W2886466753

The i-motif represents a paradigmatic example of the wide structural versatility of nucleic acids. In remarkable contrast to duplex DNA, i-motifs are four-stranded DNA structures held together by hemi- protonated and intercalated cytosine base pairs (C:C+). First observed 25 years ago, and considered by many as a mere structural oddity, interest in and discussion on the biological role of i-motifs have grown dramatically in recent years. In this review we focus on structural aspects of i-motif formation, the factors leading to its stabilization and recent studies describing the possible role of i-motifs in fundamental biological processes.