Molecules (Nov 2013)

G-Quadruplexes as Sensing Probes

  • Branislav Ruttkay-Nedecky,
  • Jiri Kudr,
  • Lukas Nejdl,
  • Darina Maskova,
  • Rene Kizek,
  • Vojtech Adam

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules181214760
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 12
pp. 14760 – 14779

Abstract

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Guanine-rich sequences of DNA are able to create tetrastranded structures known as G-quadruplexes; they are formed by the stacking of planar G-quartets composed of four guanines paired by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. G-quadruplexes act as ligands for metal ions and aptamers for various molecules. Interestingly, the G-quadruplexes form a complex with anionic porphyrin hemin and exhibit peroxidase-like activity. This review focuses on overview of sensing techniques based on G-quadruplex complexes with anionic porphyrins for detection of various analytes, including metal ions such as K+, Ca2+, Ag+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Sr2+, organic molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins. Principles of G-quadruplex-based detection methods involve DNA conformational change caused by the presence of analyte which leads to a decrease or an increase in peroxidase activity, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal of the used probe. The advantages of various detection techniques are also discussed.

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