mGem: Noncanonical nucleic acid structures—powerful but neglected antiviral targets

Brázda, Václav, Bowater, Richard P., Pečinka, Petr and Bartas, Martin (2025) mGem: Noncanonical nucleic acid structures—powerful but neglected antiviral targets. mBIO. ISSN 2150-7511

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Abstract

This perspective highlights the emerging significance of noncanonical nucleic acid structures—such as G-quadruplexes, Z-DNA/Z-RNA, and cruciforms—in viral genomes. Once considered structural oddities, these motifs are now recognized as critical regulators of viral replication, transcription, genome stability, and host–pathogen interactions. Despite mounting evidence of their functional relevance and therapeutic potential, these structures remain largely overlooked in virology and antiviral drug development. Their unique conformations offer highly specific molecular targets, with several small molecules already demonstrating the ability to modulate viral gene expression by stabilizing or destabilizing these motifs. The persistent underestimation of non-B DNA/RNA structures represents a missed opportunity in the fight against viral diseases. By synthesizing recent discoveries and emphasizing their biological and pharmacological promise, we aim to elevate awareness and catalyze interdisciplinary research. Harnessing the structural diversity of viral genomes could unlock novel antiviral strategies with high specificity and minimal off-target effects.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Funding information: This work was supported by the European Union under the LERCO project number CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000003 via the Operational Programme Just Transition. This work has been conducted in the sustainability period of the project SYMBIT No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/0000477 as its follow-up activity.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Biosciences Teaching and Education Research Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Molecular Microbiology Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
Related URLs:	https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbi...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2025 14:30
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2025 11:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100571
DOI:	10.1128/mbio.02730-25

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