Specific binding of telomeric G-quadruplexes by hydrosoluble perylene derivatives inhibits repeat addition processivity of human telomerase

► Hydrosoluble perylene diimides (HPDIs) contain a perylene moiety and different numbers of positively charged side chains. ► HPDIs bind specifically to G-quadruplex structures. ► Telomerase repeat addition processivity is inhibited upon stabilization of G-quadruplexes by HPDIs.