Expanding the Functions of KHSRP Protein: Insights into DNA G-Quadruplex Binding.

KHSRP (KH-type splicing regulatory protein) is a multifunctional nucleic acid-binding protein that regulates various cellular processes, with critical roles in controlling gene expression. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures involved in essential cellular activities, including gene expression, and are recognized as potential therapeutic targets in cancer. The biological functions of G4s are mediated by proteins making their formation highly dynamic within cells.

Therapeutic Use of G4-Ligands in Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives.

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are guanine-rich non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acids that were identified in vitro almost half a century ago. Starting from the early 1980s, these structures were also observed in eukaryotic cells, first at the telomeric level and later in regulatory regions of cancer-related genes, in regulatory RNAs and within specific cell compartments such as lysosomes, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Because of the involvement of these structures in a large number of biological processes and in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer, the interest in G4 targeting has exponentially increased in the last few years, and a great number of novel G4 ligands have been developed.

Unlocking the potential of protein-derived peptides to target G-quadruplex DNA: from recognition to anticancer activity.

Noncanonical nucleic acid structures, particularly G-quadruplexes, have garnered significant attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Here, the recognition of G-quadruplex DNA by peptides derived from the Rap1 protein is explored, with the aim of developing novel peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands with enhanced selectivity and anticancer activity. Biophysical techniques were employed to assess the interaction of a peptide derived from the G-quadruplex-binding domain of the protein with various biologically relevant G-quadruplex structures.

TRF2 as novel marker of tumor response to taxane-based therapy: from mechanistic insight to clinical implication.

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) can be classified, due to its heterogeneity, into multiple subtypes that differ for prognosis and clinical management. Notably, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) - the most aggressive BC form - is refractory to endocrine and most of the target therapies. In this view, taxane-based therapy still represents the elective strategy for the treatment of this tumor.