G-quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary DNA structures, that are formed by G-rich sequences. Evidence for their existence in vivo has been increasing, and it is suggested that they have an...Show moreG-quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary DNA structures, that are formed by G-rich sequences. Evidence for their existence in vivo has been increasing, and it is suggested that they have an important function in genome biology. The stabilization of G-quadruplexes promises to be a method to selectively kill cancerous cells. Helicases are a group of enzymes that have been associated with the reshaping of the genome. Some helicases have the specific task to unwind G-quadruplexes, or even specific types thereof. It is pivotal to understand the operating mechanism of these helicases, in order to stabilize G-quadruplexes to battle cancer. In this project, the unwinding of G-quadruplexes by Pif1 & RHAU helicases was studied by smFRET. Based on these results, the operating mechanisms for Pif1 & RHAU are reinterpreted. Before our work is extended to the quantitative characterization of their activity, it needs to be determined to what degree surface interactions influence our measurements.Show less
