Template Assembled Synthetic G-Quadruplex: a Novel Biomolecular System for Investigating the Interactions of Ligands with Constrained Quadruplex Conformation

We report on the design of a new biomolecular device based on the concept of Template Assembled Synthetic G-Quadruplex (TASQ), where quadruplex DNA structures are assembled on a scaffold for constraining G-quadruplex conformation. As a proof of concept, parallel-stranded conformation of G-quadruplex was prepared by using a cyclodecapeptide as the template. As anticipated the use of the scaffold allows the precise control of the conformation of the quadruplex and increases dramatically the stability of the motif. This device was used for investigating by Surface Plasmon Resonance the affinity of ligands for G-quadruplex DNA