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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Design, Synthesis, and Photochemical Properties of Clickable Caged Compounds
Published on: October 15, 2019
Development of squaraine based G-quadruplex ligands using click chemistry
Xin Zhang1,2, Yongbiao Wei1, Tao Bing1,2
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
Researchers developed new squaraine-based ligands targeting G-quadruplex (G4) structures. These ligands show improved G4 binding affinity and cellular uptake, offering potential for G4-targeted drug development and molecular probes.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- G-quadruplex (G4) structures are crucial in gene expression.
- G4 ligands are investigated as drugs and molecular probes.
- Existing G4 ligands often use planar aromatic scaffolds with modulating side chains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel G4 ligand derivatives using click chemistry.
- To investigate the impact of varying side chains on G4 ligand properties.
- To assess G4 selectivity, binding behavior, and cellular uptake of new derivatives.
Main Methods:
- Utilized click chemistry to synthesize squaraine-based G4 ligand derivatives.
- Modified a previously reported G4 probe (CSTS) with diverse side chains.
- Evaluated G4 selectivity, optical properties, cytotoxicity, binding affinity, and cellular uptake.
Main Results:
- New G4 ligand derivatives retained G4 selectivity and low cytotoxicity of the parent probe.
- Side chain modifications resulted in varied binding behaviors and cellular uptake efficiencies.
- Several derivatives demonstrated significantly higher affinity and cellular uptake compared to CSTS.
Conclusions:
- A facile and effective click chemistry strategy was established for generating G4 ligand derivatives.
- The developed ligands show promise for G4-targeted therapies and diagnostics.
- This approach facilitates high-throughput screening for G4 ligands with in vivo applications.
