Naphthalene Diimides as Multimodal G-Quadruplex-Selective Ligands

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• G-quadruplexes are four-stranded DNA structures found in guanine-rich regions.
• These structures are prevalent in cancer-associated genomic sites like telomeres and oncogene promoters.
• G-quadruplex-binding molecules are being developed for cancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the chemical features, synthesis, and optoelectronic properties of naphthalene diimide derivatives.
• To highlight the versatility of naphthalene diimides as G-quadruplex ligands for biomedical applications.
• To discuss their anticancer and antimicrobial potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of chemical synthesis and properties of naphthalene diimides.
• Analysis of studies on naphthalene diimide binding to G-quadruplexes.
• Evaluation of reported anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Main Results:

• Naphthalene diimides exhibit versatile chemical features and unique optoelectronic properties.
• These derivatives demonstrate high affinity and selectivity for G-quadruplex structures.
• Naphthalene diimides show significant anticancer activity by targeting telomeres and oncogene promoters, and also possess antimicrobial properties.

Conclusions:

• Naphthalene diimide derivatives are promising G-quadruplex ligands with diverse therapeutic applications.
• Their ability to bind G-quadruplexes in cancer-related DNA regions underpins their anticancer potential.
• Further research into their binding modes and antimicrobial uses is warranted.