A Review: G-Quadruplex’s Applications in Biological Target Detection and Drug Delivery

Title:A Review: G-Quadruplex’s Applications in Biological Target Detection and Drug Delivery

Volume: 15 Issue: 19

Author(s): Tian Tian, Heng Xiao and Xiang Zhou

Affiliation:

Keywords: Aptamer, G-quadruplex, Ion, micro RNAs, SNP.

Abstract: The G-quadruplex is one of the most important DNA secondary structures and has elicited widespread interest in this field of scientific research. As Gquadruplex studies have progressed, its significant roles in a variety of biological process have been revealed, including telomerase activity, genome stability, DNA replication, and oncogene expression. In addition to its biological functions, as a special DNA quadruplex structure, it also has potential for other important applications like asymmetric catalysis, probing for important biomarkers, acting as a vehicle for drug delivery, or as a structural regulator for some nanostructure designs. Here, we discuss its application to aspects of biological target detection and drug delivery. Its utility in biological target detection mainly results from its special DNAzyme activity. We would summarize some typical systems, utilizing G-quadruplex as signal readout unit, for various target detection, such as SNP, miRNAs, ions, transcription factors and so on. On the other hand, its use in drug delivery always relies on probes’ structural change, as the switch of drug release. Here, we would also exhibit some typical drug delivery designs.

Cite this article as:

Tian Tian, Xiao Heng and Zhou Xiang, A Review: G-Quadruplex’s Applications in Biological Target Detection and Drug Delivery, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2015; 15 (19) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150515151142