Resveratrol targets G-quadruplexes to exert its pharmacological effects

Abstract

Resveratrol (RSV) is one of the most studied and used biomolecules, for which many pharmacological effects targeting multiple tissues have been described. However, a common underlying mechanism driving its full pharmacological activity has not been elucidated to date. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures found in promoters and involved in controlling gene transcription. This study demonstrates a G4-dependent mode of action for RSV, explaining its multi-target traits. RSV was shown to stabilise cellular G4s, which accumulate around double strand breaks (DSBs) in the promoters of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). G4 targeting triggers DNA damage and controls gene expression. Unravelling the main mode of action of RSV will be helpful to improve its therapeutic potential in a wide variety of health scenarios.