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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers
Published on: September 19, 2017
Chiral metallo-supramolecular complexes selectively recognize human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA
Haijia Yu1, Xiaohui Wang, Manliang Fu
1Division of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Chemistry and Physics, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China.
This study introduces a chiral supramolecular cylinder that selectively stabilizes human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA. The P-enantiomer demonstrates a strong preference for G-quadruplex over duplex DNA, aiding in anticancer agent development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- G-quadruplex DNA structures are increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic targets, particularly in oncology.
- Developing selective agents that can interact with G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA is crucial for targeted therapies.
- Chiral molecules offer unique binding specificities that can be exploited for selective DNA targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first instance of a supramolecular cylinder enantiomer selectively stabilizing human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA.
- To investigate the chiral selectivity and discriminatory capabilities of the supramolecular cylinder against different DNA structures.
- To explore the potential of this chiral complex as a basis for developing novel anticancer agents.
Main Methods:
- DNA melting assays
- Circular dichroism spectroscopy
- Gel electrophoresis
- Fluorescence spectroscopy
- S1 nuclease cleavage assays
Main Results:
- The P-enantiomer of the supramolecular cylinder selectively stabilizes human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA.
- The compound exhibits a strong preference for G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA.
- In the presence of sodium ions, the P-enantiomer can induce a structural transition of G-quadruplexes from antiparallel to hybrid forms.
- The chiral supramolecular complex combines small molecule features with a large DNA-binding motif, is easily synthesized, and its enantiomers are separable.
Conclusions:
- Chiral supramolecular cylinders can be designed to selectively target and stabilize G-quadruplex DNA.
- This selectivity offers a promising avenue for developing novel, targeted anticancer therapies.
- The findings provide new insights into the interaction of chiral molecules with G-quadruplex DNA structures.
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