Fast interaction dynamics of G-quadruplex and RGG-rich peptides unveiled in zero-mode waveguides

G-quadruplex structures of DNA are promising target sites for anticancer therapy. However, the interaction of G-quadruplex with proteins remains poorly understood, notably the association and dissociation kinetics.

In a recent Nucleic Acid Research publication entitled “Fast interaction dynamics of G-quadruplex and RGG-rich peptides unveiled in zero-mode waveguides”, we use 120nm nanoapertures to measure the interaction dynamics between G-quadruplexes and peptides at micromolar concentration.

Significance:

- The association and dissociation kinetics of the interaction are fully characterized for the first time and discussed in perspective of the nature and specificity of this interaction.

- Our approach using ZMW combined with FCCS-FRET opens up a new technique to investigate the previously unexplored interactions of DNA structures with a library of peptides at µM concentration. This is important to develop the antiviral and anticancer drug therapy applications involving G-quadruplexes.

Open access direct from the publisher or from our academic repository HAL.