Discovery of a structural-element specific G-quadruplex "light-up" probe.
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.
1] Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore [2] Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P. R. China [3].
Liyun
L
Zhang
1] Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore [2] Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Centre for Life Sciences, #05-01, 28 Medical Drive, 117456 Singapore [3].
Jun Cheng
JC
Er
Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore.
Krishna Kanta
KK
Ghosh
Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Wan Jun
WJ
Chung
Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore.
Jaeduk
J
Yoo
Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore.
Wang
W
Xu
School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, P. R. China.
Wei
W
Zhao
Division of Physics and Applied Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.
Anh Tuân
AT
Phan
1] Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2 117543, Singapore [2] Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138667, Singapore.
Young-Tae
YT
Chang
D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D054856:G-Quadruplexes; D008024:Ligands; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D016615:Telomere / Q000737:chemistry
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008024:Ligands; D009841:Oligonucleotides