Label-free fluorescence method for screening G-quadruplex ligands

G-quadruplex ligands can interfere with the telomere structure, telomere elongation/replication, and proliferation of cancer cells. A key element in the development of potent G-quadruplex ligands is the screening of large chemical libraries of potential candidates. Here, we describe a simple fluorescence method for screening of G-quadruplex ligands. The method is based on the ability of G-quadruplex ligands to displace hemin from G-quadruplex-based DNAzyme, resulting in a decrease of its catalytic activity on the fluorescence-developing reaction between p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and H2O2. The method eliminates the requirement for expensive and time-consuming preparation of labeled DNA. Our method provides a simple, cheap, and sensitive approach to screen G-quadruplex ligands (potential antitumor drugs).