Scientists Discover Strange 4-Stranded Genetic Structures in Human Blood
"The first direct biochemical evidence."
Researchers have detected unusual four-stranded genetic structures in human blood plasma, expanding what scientists understand about DNA’s varied forms. While most people associate DNA with its iconic double helix shape, genetic material can fold into alternative configurations. The newly identified structures, called G-quadruplexes or G4s, form when four copies of the genetic letter guanine stack together into compact shapes. Scientists from the University of Cologne identified these folded structures directly in blood plasma for the first time, providing what they describe as the first direct biochemical evidence of their presence.
The discovery emerged from observations of unusually small DNA fragments circulating in blood. These fragments, roughly 50 genetic letters long, were previously difficult to study using standard extraction methods. To detect the folded structures without accidentally disrupting them, researchers developed a gentler approach that preserved the molecules’ natural state. They then employed two independent detection methods—an antibody and a fluorescent molecule—both of which successfully identified the G4 structures, confirming their findings.
The implications remain uncertain but intriguing. Since G-quadruplexes frequently appear in genome regions that control genes, and elevated levels have been observed in certain tumors, these structures could eventually serve as biological markers. However, scientists caution that considerable work remains before any clinical applications. Researchers must first identify whether these molecules are DNA or RNA, determine their tissue origins, and establish how their presence differs between healthy individuals and patients with disease.
Originally reported by Sciencealert →
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