Discovery of a structural-element specific G-quadruplex “light-up” probe

• Main Authors: Zhao, Wei, Phan, Anh Tuân, Chang, Young-Tae, Yoo, Jaeduk, Xu, Wang, Zhang, Liyun, Er, Jun Cheng, Ghosh, Krishna Kanta, Chung, Wan Jun
• Other Authors: School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Mathematics
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/102230; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/18969
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The development of a fluorescent probe capable of detecting and distinguishing the wide diversity of G-quadruplex structures is particularly challenging. Herein, we report a novel BODIPY-based fluorescent sensor (GQR) that shows unprecedented selectivity to parallel-stranded G-quadruplexes with exposed ends and four medium grooves. Mechanistic studies suggest that GQR associates with G-quadruplex grooves close to the end of the tetrad core, which may explain the dye's specificity to only a subset of parallel structures. This specific recognition favours the disaggregation of GQR in aqueous solutions thereby recovering the inherent fluorescence of the dye. Due to its unique features, GQR represents a valuable tool for basic biological research and the rapid discovery of novel, specific ligands that target similar structural features of G-quadruplexes.