Crick Lecture 2025: The DNA Quadruplex Helix by Shankar Balasubramanian

Francis Crick Lecture 2025 The DNA Quadruplex Helix by Shankar Balasubramanian University of Cambridge Read more about Shankar Balasubramanian here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/shanka... -- Abstract: While DNA has been thought to exist primarily as a two-stranded double helix, there are alternative structures that can form. Particular G-rich sequences can fold into four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes under physiological conditions. In this lecture, I will present our studies to explore the existence and function of G-quadruplexes structures in the DNA of cells and tissues in humans and in other species. The data suggests G-quadruplexes can play important roles in controlling transcription and cellular identity. Chemical biology approaches have been vital to help elucidate G-quadruplexes and provide insights into pathways for intervention that hold potential for therapeutics. -- About the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB): The LMB is one of the world's leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the LMB, for example DNA sequencing and methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health. More links: Official Site: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ Facebook:   / mrc.lmb   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrclmb.bsky.... Instagram:   / mrc_lmb   LinkedIn:   / mrc-laboratory-of-molecular-biology   Click here to subscribe to MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LMBCambr...