A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

When regions of the human genome where the DNA can fold into unusual three-dimensional structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) are located in regulatory sequences or other functional, but non-protein coding, regions of the genome, they are maintained by selection, are more common, and their unusual structures are more stable. Together, these lines of evidence suggest that G4 elements should be added to the list of functional elements of the genome.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629134330.htm