Dye-functionalized phosphate-binding macrocycles: from nucleotide to G-quadruplex recognition and "turn-on"...

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• G-quadruplexes are non-canonical DNA structures implicated in various biological processes.
• Developing selective and sensitive detection methods for G-quadruplexes is crucial for biological studies and diagnostics.
• Fluorescent sensors offer advantages in sensitivity and real-time monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel strategy for designing "turn-on" fluorescent receptors specifically for DNA G-quadruplexes.
• To synthesize and characterize a new family of phosphate-binding macrocycle-dye conjugates.
• To evaluate the binding and detection capabilities of these novel receptors for nucleotides and G-quadruplexes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of novel phosphate-binding macrocycle (PBM) and naphthalimide dye conjugates.
• Spectroscopic analysis (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy) to assess binding events.
• Evaluation of receptor selectivity towards different nucleotide sequences and DNA G-quadruplex topologies.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of a new PBM-dye family.
• Demonstration of "turn-on" fluorescence response upon binding to target analytes.
• Effective detection of nucleotides and DNA G-quadruplexes with varying topologies.

Conclusions:

• The presented strategy enables the rational design of effective "turn-on" fluorescent sensors for DNA G-quadruplexes.
• The novel PBM-dye receptors show promise for sensitive and selective detection of G-quadruplex DNA.
• This approach offers a valuable tool for studying G-quadruplex structures and functions.