A Light-up Logic Platform for Selective Recognition of Parallel G-Quadruplex Structures via Disaggregation-Induced...

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular chemistry
• Molecular probes
• Biophysical chemistry

Background:

• G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are crucial in cellular processes and disease.
• Developing sensitive and selective detection methods for G4 DNA is essential.
• Optical probes offer non-invasive detection but require specific design for G4 recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe for G-quadruplex DNA detection.
• To investigate a new switching mechanism based on recognition-driven disaggregation.
• To demonstrate the probe's utility in label-free molecular logic systems and cancer cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of an ultrabright coumarin-quinazoline conjugate probe.
• Characterization of the probe's optical response to supramolecular structure formation.
• Testing the probe's selectivity for parallel G4 DNA structures.
• Integration of the probe's output into a molecular logic system.
• Confocal microscopy imaging of cancer cells.

Main Results:

• The synthesized probe exhibits a "turn-on" optical signal upon interaction with parallel G4 DNA.
• The probe's signal originates from the disaggregation of its supramolecular state.
• The probe demonstrates selective fluorescence enhancement for parallel G4 DNA structures.
• The probe's outputs are compatible with label-free molecular logic systems.
• The probe preferentially stains G4-rich nucleoli in cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• A novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe for parallel G4 DNA has been developed.
• The recognition-driven disaggregation mechanism provides a sensitive detection strategy.
• The probe is suitable for label-free molecular logic and imaging of G4 structures in cancer cells.