G-quadruplex prediction in E.coli genome reveals a conserved putative G-quadruplex-Hairpin-Duplex switch

Abstract

Many studies show that short non-coding sequences are widely conserved among regulatory elements. More and more conserved sequences are being discovered since the development next generation sequencing technology. A common approach to identify conserved sequences with regulatory roles rely on the topological change such as hairpin formation on the DNA or RNA level. However G quadruplexes, a non-canonical nucleic acid topology with little established biological role, is rarely considered for conserved regulatory element discovery. Here we present the use of G-quadruplex prediction algorithm to identify putative G-quadruplex-forming and conserved elements in E.coli genome. Phylogenetic analysis of 52 G-quadruplex forming sequences revealed two conserved G-quadruplex motifs with potential regulatory role.