Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2025
05:37
Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes
Published on: April 4, 2025
610
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 (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|March 22, 2024
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.
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.
- Existing molecular tools for G-quadruplex detection have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel molecular probes for the selective detection and visualization of G-quadruplex DNA.
- To investigate the photophysical properties of cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes upon G-quadruplex binding.
- To demonstrate the utility of these probes for cellular 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 visualization.
Main Results:
- Platinum(II) complexes exhibit enhanced phosphorescence ('switch-on' behavior) upon binding to G-quadruplex DNA.
- Binding induces a selective and significant lengthening of the emission lifetime.
- PLIM successfully visualizes G-quadruplex structures within cells using these probes.
Conclusions:
- Cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes are effective 'switch-on' probes for G-quadruplex DNA.
- The distinct change in emission lifetime allows for selective G-quadruplex detection.
- This technology enables precise visualization of G-quadruplex structures in a cellular context.
Related Concept Videos
03:31Labeling DNA Probes
8.2K
DNA probes are fragments of DNA labeled with a reporter tag to enable their detection or purification. The resulting labeled DNA probes can then hybridize to target nucleic acid sequences through complementary base-pairing, and may be used to recover or identify these regions.
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...
8.2K
01:14Photoluminescence: Applications
393
Photoluminescence offers a wide range of applications due to its inherent sensitivity and selectivity. This technique allows for both direct and indirect analyses of the analyte. Direct quantitative analysis is possible when the analyte exhibits a favorable quantum yield for fluorescence or phosphorescence. However, an indirect analysis may be feasible if the analyte is not fluorescent or phosphorescent, or if the quantum yield is unfavorable. Indirect methods include reacting the analyte with...
393