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Updated: Jul 17, 2025
05:37
Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes
Published on: April 4, 2025
745
Platinum(II)-Based Optical Probes for Imaging Quadruplex DNA Structures via Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging
Jessica Berrones Reyes1, Peter S Sherin1, Amrita Sarkar1
1Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 29, 2023
Summary
New platinum(II) complexes act as "switch-on" probes for G-quadruplex DNA. These probes selectively visualize G-quadruplex structures in cells using phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- G-quadruplex DNA is a non-canonical DNA structure found in guanine-rich genomic regions.
- G-quadruplexes play significant biological roles, necessitating effective visualization tools.
- Developing molecular probes for G-quadruplexes is crucial for studying their functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel molecular tools for the selective visualization of G-quadruplex DNA.
- To investigate the photophysical properties of cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes upon binding to G-quadruplexes.
- To demonstrate the utility of these probes in live-cell imaging.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of new cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes.
- Spectroscopic analysis (phosphorescence) of complex-G-quadruplex interactions.
- Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (PLIM) for cellular imaging.
Main Results:
- The platinum(II) complexes exhibit enhanced phosphorescence upon binding to G-quadruplex DNA (switch-on probes).
- Selective and distinct lengthening of emission lifetime was observed upon G-quadruplex binding.
- Successful selective visualization of G-quadruplex structures within cells using PLIM.
Conclusions:
- Cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes serve as effective switch-on probes for G-quadruplex DNA.
- The distinct change in emission lifetime allows for selective G-quadruplex detection.
- PLIM with these probes enables precise visualization of G-quadruplexes in cellular environments.
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