Self-organization of G-quadruplex structures in the hTERT core promoter stabilized by polyaminic side-chains perylene derivatives

hTERT core promoter regulates telomerase transcription in human cells, thus its structural features are of large interest. We have found that the G-rich hTERT core promoter region, corresponding to the major DNase I hypersensitive site in chromatin organization, contains nine putative G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) and is unfavourable for nucleosome formation. Here we show that four PQS are effectively able to form stable parallel intramolecular G-quadruplexes, using PAGE and CD spectroscopy analysis. The PQS-region, as whole, appears to be organized in three self-interacting G-quadruplexes, probably giving rise to a helicoidal superstructure, as shown by CD and polymerase stop assay.