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G-Quadruplex-Based Fluorescent Turn-On Ligands and Aptamers: From Development to Applications

Authors :
Chun Kit Kwok
Mubarak I. Umar
Chun-Yin Chan
Danyang Ji
Source :
Molecules, Molecules, Vol 24, Iss 13, p 2416 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2019.

Abstract

Guanine (G)-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique nucleic acid structures that are formed by stacked G-tetrads in G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. G4s have been reported to play significant roles in various cellular events in both macro- and micro-organisms. The identification and characterization of G4s can help to understand their different biological roles and potential applications in diagnosis and therapy. In addition to biophysical and biochemical methods to interrogate G4 formation, G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands can be used to target and visualize G4 formation both in vitro and in cells. Here, we review several representative classes of G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands in terms of their interaction mechanism and application perspectives. Interestingly, G4 structures are commonly identified in DNA and RNA aptamers against targets that include proteins and small molecules, which can be utilized as G4 tools for diverse applications. We therefore also summarize the recent development of G4-containing aptamers and highlight their applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapy. Moreover, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands and G4-containing aptamers.

Details

ISSN :
14203049
Volume :
24
Issue :
13
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Molecules
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....bdaabccd29895fab1352fddddecfd1dc
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24132416