Exposing the G-quadruplex to electric fields: the role played by telomeres in the propagation of DNA errors

Abstract

Overview

Cells use their nucleus to protect DNA from exogenous agents. Despite this protection, some agents, including physical ones like electric fields, can still penetrate and alter DNA's structure.

Findings

• Pulsed electric fields can selectively alter genetic information without hindering the replication mechanism.
• Theoretical calculations show that G-quadruplex structures in telomeres can withstand high electric field strengths, up to 60 × 10-4 a.u., which protects them from the widespread destruction of their double helix structure.
• These structures resist the perturbations well enough that the induced errors do not transfer to the telomeres, allowing for controlled mutations in the genetic code outside of these regions.

Conclusion

This study suggests a potential for using electric fields as tools for inducing selective genetic mutations, with implications for understanding DNA stability and mutation processes under the influence of external electric fields.