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[About the author]

Stabilising G-quadruplex DNA - A New Cancer Cure?

Kathy Burgoine,

Imperial College, London.

Supervisor - Dr Ramon Vilar

2003

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Origins of the G-Quadruplex DNA

• Chromosome
• What are chromosomes made of
• The Structure of DNA
• Chromosome Replication
• What is Cancer?
• Protecting the ends of our Chromosomes
• Why do we need Telomeres?
• Telomeres in Cancer Cells
• Catastrophic Events
• Replication of telomeres
• Structure of a Telomere
• Maintenance of Telomeres

3. The Fight Against Cancer

• Detection of Telomerase Activity
• Intervening With Telomere Maintenance
• The Advantages of this approach towards the development of a Cancer Cure
• Problems with these methods
• Targeting the end of DNA
• Quadruplex Structures
• Telomerase Inhibition by Stabilising G-Quadruplex DNA
• G-Quadruplex Interactive reagents
• The Development of these Stabilising Molecules
• Advantages of G-Quadruplex Inhibition

4. Conclusion

5. Glossary

6. References

About the author