Abstract
Besides the canonical B-form, DNA also adopts alternative non-B form conformations which are highly conserved in all domains of life. While extensive research over decades has centered on the genomic functions of B-form DNA, understanding how non-B-form conformations influence functional genomic states remains a fundamental and open question. Recent studies have ascribed alternative DNA conformations such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops as important functional features in eukaryotic genomes. This review delves into the biological importance of alternative DNA structures, with a specific focus on hematopoiesis and adaptive immunity. We discuss the emerging roles of G-quadruplex and R-loop structures, the two most well-studied alternative DNA conformations, in the hematopoietic compartment and present evidence for their functional roles in normal cellular physiology and associated pathologies.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Nucleic acid associated mechanisms in immunity and disease |
| Editors | Jayanta Chaudhuri, Uttiya Basu |
| Publisher | Academic Press Inc |
| Pages | 109-126 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780443188947 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2024 |
Publication series
| Name | Advances in Immunology |
|---|---|
| Volume | 161 |
| ISSN (Print) | 0065-2776 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 1557-8445 |
Funding
This work was supported by the R00 award from the National Cancer Institute (CA248835) and institutional startup funds from Northwestern University and the Lurie Cancer center to V.S.
Keywords
- Adaptive Immunity
- Alternative DNA structures
- B cells
- G-quadruplexes
- Hematopoiesis
- R-loops
- T cells
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology