Triplex DNA plays an essential role in molecular recognition, gene regulation, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic diseases. However, triplex DNA has some shortcomings, such as poor internal Hoogsteen hydrogen bond stability and the difficult formation of parallel triplex DNA under physiological conditions, limiting its applications to a certain extent. Therefore, it is crucial to screen intercalators to enhance triplex DNA stability. Herein, we established a novel "turn-on" fluorescence sensor for screening triplex DNA binders based upon molecular beacon. Eight different organic small molecules were screened. The fluorescence of the sensor was significantly enhanced in the presence of berberine, coralyne, palmatine, and neomycin. These four small molecules affect stabilizing triplex DNA as an intercalator; the other four small molecules, kanamycin, tetracycline, ethidium bromide, and 4 ', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole did not show any noticeable intercalation effect. The results of circular dichroism and melting curve were consistent with those of the fluorescence spectrum.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.