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Design and Development of Aptamer–Gold Nanoparticle Based Colorimetric Assays for In-the-field Applications
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G-Quadruplex-Based Fluorescent Turn-On Ligands and Aptamers: From Development to Applications
Mubarak I Umar1, Danyang Ji1, Chun-Yin Chan1
1Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 3, 2019
Summary
Guanine (G)-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique nucleic acid structures with crucial cellular roles. This review explores G4 fluorescent ligands and G4-containing aptamers for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Guanine (G)-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich sequences.
- G4s play significant roles in various cellular processes across organisms.
- Understanding G4s is key for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands and their interaction mechanisms.
- To summarize the development and applications of G4-containing aptamers.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in G4 research.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on G4 fluorescent ligands.
- Analysis of G4-containing aptamer development and applications.
- Discussion of biophysical and biochemical characterization methods for G4s.
Main Results:
- G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands offer methods to target and visualize G4s in vitro and in cells.
- G4 structures are found in aptamers, enabling diverse applications.
- G4-containing aptamers show promise in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapy.
Conclusions:
- G4 fluorescent ligands and G4-containing aptamers are valuable tools for biological research and clinical applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and explore future perspectives.
- G4 structures hold significant potential for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics.
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