Event submissions
G-quadruplexes (G4) are DNA secondary structures that play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in human cells and have been proposed as therapeutic targets in cancer. At the same time, putative G-quadruplex forming sequences have also been found on the genome of parasites T. brucei, L. major and P. falciparum suggesting they could also be explored as therapeutic targets.
We have designed and prepared thio sugars as vectors for naphthalene diimides, a classical G-quadruplex ligand, aiming to improve binding to G4 and biostability. Recent results on their efficacy against cancer cells and parasitic infections will be presented.