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ScienceQuiet 7d · day 9

Scientists detect folded G-quadruplex structures in human blood

Researchers found four-stranded DNA formations in blood plasma, a first direct proof that genetic material can fold into complex shapes outside cells.

newest coverage 6d agosummary written 6d ago6 pieces1 likes & upvotes MastodonNewswiresGoogle News

What to know

  • Researchers detected four-stranded G-quadruplex DNA structures directly in human blood for the first time, using gentle extraction to avoid disturbing their folded shape.
  • The team used dual independent detection methods—an antibody and a fluorescent molecule—to verify the structures were genuinely folded in vivo rather than laboratory artifacts.
  • The finding suggests that DNA's three-dimensional structure, not just its genetic sequence, carries biological information worth investigating in cell-free DNA studies.
  • Next steps include determining whether detected G4s come from DNA or RNA, and sequencing folded molecules to understand their biological role.

Robert Hänsel-Hertsch Molecular biologist, University of Cologne

Scientists detect folded G-quadruplex structures in human blood
sciencealert.com

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  1. 1

    Hänsel-Hertsch frames DNA structure as unexplored layer of biological information

    The researcher emphasizes that structural folding of genetic material represents information that sequencing-based analysis cannot detect, suggesting a new frontier in understanding circulating DNA's role in health and disease.

    “Structure is a layer of information, and potentially of biology, that sequencing alone cannot see.”
    — Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
    • LevZadov@kolektiva.social

      # DNA "Scientists Discover Strange 4-Stranded Genetic Structures in Human Blood If you think you know what DNA looks like, there may be a surprise hiding in your blood. DNA instantly brings to mind its famous double helix. But genetic material does not always remain in that familiar form. Some pieces can fold into compact, four-stranded…

      LevZadov@kolektiva.socialMastodon6d agoview on Mastodon ↗
  2. background

    University of Cologne team reports first direct detection of G-quadruplexes in human blood plasma — Researchers led by molecular biologist Robert Hänsel-Hertsch detected four-stranded genetic structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) in cell-free DNA captured directly from human plasma using gentle extraction methods and dual independent detectors—an antibody and a fluorescent small molecule—to confirm the structures were genuinely folded in the bloodstream rather than artifacts of laboratory processing.