Other Research

Non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in the control of normal and pathological gene expression

summary

We study the regulation of genes through novel and poorly explored mechanisms that depend on unconventional structures of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), known as guanine quadruplexes or G4s. The regulation of genes by G4s has been revealed in the last 20 years for all living organisms, from animals and plants to microorganisms such as bacteria and even in viruses with DNA and RNA genetic material. The project addresses the study of G4s in the control of genes related to animal embryonic development, using zebrafish as a model. The function of G4s in the regulation of genes related to human pathologies is also studied, mainly for genes involved in cancer, and the influence of genetic variations in G4s as possible causes for the predisposition or onset of those pathologies. In addition, the project recently incorporated the study of the function of G4s in the biology and replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

GROUP DIRECTOR
Pablo Armas
Internal Number: 654 (office), 614 (lab)

Email:

armas@ibr-conicet.gov.ar
PhD Fellows
Pezzarini, Leonardo Simón
Bezzi, Georgina
Bayon, Candela
PhD Post Fellows
Baranoski, Adrivaino
Undergraduate Student
Graziati, Sebastián

Images of our research lines

We search for human short genetic variants occurring in G-quadruplexes within promoters, demonstrating that they alter gene transcription and may be responsible for the onset of diseases.
We search for human short genetic variants occurring in G-quadruplexes within promoters, demonstrating that they alter gene transcription and may be responsible for the onset of diseases.
We study the role of G-quadruplexes in the regulation of the biogenesis of microRNAs, a type of small RNA with functions in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. For this, we use different bioinformatic analyzes (in silico), in vitro experiments and in vivo functional assays in zebrafish embryonic development.
We study the role of G-quadruplexes in the regulation of the biogenesis of microRNAs, a type of small RNA with functions in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. For this, we use different bioinformatic analyzes (in silico), in vitro experiments and in vivo functional assays in zebrafish embryonic development.

PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS

Genetic variations in G-quadruplex forming sequences affect the transcription of human disease-related genes.

Nucleic Acids Research. 51(22): 12124-12139. Lorenzatti, A., Piga, E.J., Gismondi, M., Binolfi, A., Margarit, E., Calcaterra, N.B., Armas, P. (2023).

Genetic variations in G-quadruplex forming sequences affect the transcription of human disease-related genes.

Nucleic Acids Research. 51(22): 12124-12139. Lorenzatti, A., Piga, E.J., Gismondi, M., Binolfi, A., Margarit, E., Calcaterra, N.B., Armas, P. (2023).
+INFO

G-quadruplexes regulate miRNA biogenesis in live zebrafish embryos.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(5), 4828. Steeman, T. J., Weiner A. M. J., David, A. P., Binolfi, A., Calcaterra, N. B., Armas, P. (2023).

G-quadruplexes regulate miRNA biogenesis in live zebrafish embryos.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24(5), 4828. Steeman, T. J., Weiner A. M. J., David, A. P., Binolfi, A., Calcaterra, N. B., Armas, P. (2023).
DOI

CNBP binds and unfolds in vitro G-quadruplexes formed in the SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative genome strands.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 22(5), 2614. Bezzi, G., Piga, E. J., Binolfi, A., Armas, P. (2021).

CNBP binds and unfolds in vitro G-quadruplexes formed in the SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative genome strands.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 22(5), 2614. Bezzi, G., Piga, E. J., Binolfi, A., Armas, P. (2021).
DOI

CNBP controls transcription by unfolding DNA G-quadruplex structures.

Nucleic Acids Research. 47(15), 7901-7913. David, A. P., Pipier, A., Pascutti, F., Binolfi, A., Weiner, A. M. J., Challier, E., Heckel, S., Calsou, P., Gomez, D., Calcaterra, N. B., Armas, P. (2019).

CNBP controls transcription by unfolding DNA G-quadruplex structures.

Nucleic Acids Research. 47(15), 7901-7913. David, A. P., Pipier, A., Pascutti, F., Binolfi, A., Weiner, A. M. J., Challier, E., Heckel, S., Calsou, P., Gomez, D., Calcaterra, N. B., Armas, P. (2019).
DOI

G-quadruplexes as novel cis-elements controlling transcription during embryonic development.

Nucleic Acids Research. 44(9), 4163-4173. David, A. P., Margarit, E., Domizi, P., Banchio, C., Armas, P., Calcaterra, N. B. (2016).

G-quadruplexes as novel cis-elements controlling transcription during embryonic development.

Nucleic Acids Research. 44(9), 4163-4173. David, A. P., Margarit, E., Domizi, P., Banchio, C., Armas, P., Calcaterra, N. B. (2016).
DOI

For a complete list, check my Google Scholar/ORCID/Scopus profile.

https://scholar.google.es/citations?hl=es&user=ur9uK5kAAAAJ

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6506870338

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0454-1424