RecQ-helicase processing of G-rich DNA

Abstract

The Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN) is part of the RecQ helicase family responsible for DNA maintenance. WRN's localization at telomeres during S-phase is enhanced upon replicative stress, and it is believed that WRN is responsible for resolving certain secondary DNA structures forming at telomeres and stalled replication forks. One of these structures is the G-quadruplex, which forms in guanine-rich DNA with various topological conformations, and might act as a roadblock for DNA maintenance proteins.