G-quadruplex forming sequences in the genome of all known human viruses: a comprehensive guide

Enrico Lavezzo; Michele Berselli; Ilaria Frasson; Rosalba Perrone; Giorgio Palù; Alessandra R. Brazzale; Sara N. Richter; Stefano Toppo

All known viruses that cause infections in humans, according to the Viral Zone ExPASy web site (http://viralzone.expasy.org/all_by_species/678.html), were grouped in 7 classes according to Baltimore classification, which takes into account the viral genome nature: dsDNA, ssDNA, dsRNA, ssRNA(+), ssRNA(-), ssRNA(RT) and dsDNA(RT). Different replication strategies and structural similarities allow to further divide viruses in families (Table 1 ). The complete list of reference sequences for each virus included in the analyses is reported in Supplemental_Material.pdf (Table S1 ). Figure 2 ). Both strands of genomes of single virus families belonging to these groups and to ssRNA (+) and ssRNA (-) were enriched in G4s of all Gislands types (dot plots, Figure 2 ). Conversely, dsRNA and dsDNA (RT) viruses notably lacked the presence of G4s. author/funder. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.