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.
