Revealing G4 Structures as Drug Targets: Exploring the Potential of Novel Therapeutic Agents

G-quadruplex (G4) structures represent noncanonical secondary formations found in DNA and RNA. Recent research reveals that G4s are abnormally enriched in various cancers, with closely linked to malignancy, metastatic potential, and prognosis. These structures have emerged as promising biomarkers for cancer with notable clinical relevance. Concurrently, investigations into compounds that selectively recognize DNA or RNA G4s as potential anticancer agents offer new avenues for early cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. This review systematically analyzes the chemical structural characteristics, structure-activity relationships, anticancer effects, and mechanisms of G4-targeting molecules in cancer treatment. Additionally, it summarizes novel nucleic acid-based drugs targeting G4 structures, providing valuable insights for the future development of more specific and effective G4-targeted therapeutic agents.