The interactions between a small molecule and G-quadruplexes are visualized by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Guanine-rich oligonucleotides can fold into quadruple-stranded helical structures known as G-quadruplexes. Mounting experimental evidence has gathered suggesting that these non-canonical nucleic acid structures form in vivo and play essential biological roles. However, to date, there are no small-molecule optical probes to image G-quadruplexes in live cells. Herein, we report the design and development of a small fluorescent molecule, which can be used as an optical probe for G-quadruplexes. We demonstrate that the fluorescence lifetime of this new probe changes considerably upon interaction with different nucleic acid topologies. Specifically, longer fluorescence lifetimes are observed in vitro for G-quadruplexes than for double- and single-stranded nucleic acids. Cellular studies confirm

SUBMITTER: Shivalingam A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4579598 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature