G-quadruplex structures (GQSes) are the intricate molecular knots or marvels that play diverse roles in various cellular processes, such as replication, transcription, and translation, which regulate gene expression. Even though GQSes can be found throughout the genome, they are more prevalent in certain genomic regions like promoters and 5'-UTRs. This review discusses the functionality of GQSes across various regions of the genome and draws attention to the intriguing world of DNA and RNA GQSes. We highlight the uniqueness and similarities of GQSes in DNA and RNA. The functional roles of various proteins that interact with GQSes are also discussed. In addition, the role of GQSes in the context of plant development has been elaborated. The approaches for detecting GQSes using different methods and their influence in regulating gene regulation are also described. We provide insights into how GQSes can be used as potential game changers in plant biotechnology by utilizing them as regulatory switches to control various aspects of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes depending on the arrangement of GQSes.
Keywords: DNA G-quadruplexes; G-quadruplexes in UTRs; G-quadruplexes in the promoter; GQS helicases; RNA G-quadruplexes; gene regulation; identification of G-quadruplexes.