Recognizing parallel-stranded G-quadruplex by cyanine dye dimer based on dual-site binding mode

G-quadruplexes (G4s) play important roles in biological systems, such as telomere maintenance, replication, and transcription. Based on the DNA sequence, loop geometry, and the local environments, G4s can be classified into different conformations. It is important to detect different types of G4s to monitor the diseases related with G4s. Most ligands bind to G4s based on end-stacking modes, while rare ligands bind to G4s through groove binding modes. We have found that a cyanine dye DMSB interacts with parallel G4 by end-stacking and groove simultaneous binding mode. In this article, we found that DMSB could simply discriminate parallel G4s from other DNA motifs by using UV–vis spectrum. These results give some clues to develop high specificity G4 probes.

Graphical abstractIn this paper, we constructed a simple UV–vis method to discriminate parallel-stranded G-quadruplexes from other DNAs motifs based on dual-site binding mode of DMSB.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide