A Simple, Sensitive Colorimetric Assay for Coralyne Based on Target Induced Split G-quadruplex Formation

Abstract

The screening of potential drugs specifically binding to polydeoxyadenosine (poly(dA)) has been of great interest in recent studies. We have developed a simple colorimetric strategy through the mechanism of target induced split G-quadruplex formation for detecting coralyne, a poly(dA)-binding drug with noticeable antitumor activity. Two DNA oligonucleotides containing a split G-quadruplex sequence and an adenine-rich sequence are used in our strategy. In the presence of coralyne, the adenine-rich sequences of two oligonucleotides are drawn into close proximity, resulting in the formation of a split G-quadruplex DNAzyme that catalyzes the generation of a colored product. The DNAzyme-based colorimetric assay for coralyne has a linear range of from 0.033 to 1.667 μM with a low detection limit of 16 nM. The developed method is simple, cost-effective and visible; it holds great potential for applications in drug screening.

A Label-free, Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Hemin Based on the Competition between Hemin and Protoporphyrin IX Binding to G-Quadruplexes

“…[6][7][8] However, many studies have mainly focused on the catalytic activity of hemin in analytical applications. [9][10][11][12] Research concerning the detection of hemin has been relatively scarce. Therefore, it is necessary to design a new strategy for a highly sensitive and selective detection of hemin.…”

Sensitive Detection of Coralyne and Heparin Using a Singly Labeled Fluorescent Oligonucleotide Probe

“…Coralyne, a type of planar alkaloid, has received great attention due to its ability to promote the homo‐adenine duplex structure, and inhibit growths of P388 and L1210 leukemia cells, in addition to its anticancer activity, and its dual effects on topoisomerases I and II . Coralyne has been shown to bind polydeoxyadenosine [poly(dA)] with a stoichiometry of one coralyne per four adenine bases .…”