Identification and functional characterization of G-quadruplexes in plants

DNA (G4-DNA) or RNA (G4-RNA) G-quadruplexes, which are formed within guanine-rich nucleic acid context harboring putative G4-forming sequences (PQSs), are prevalent in mammalian and plant genomes. The presence of G4-DNA/RNA in mammals has been extensively investigated using high throughput sequencing methodologies. Recently, BG4-IP-seq and (r)G4-seq have been successfully applied for characterization of G4-DNA/RNA in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativum), thereby establishing a key step towards understanding the biological relevance of G4s in plants.