A highly selective G-quadruplex-based luminescent switch-on probe for the detection of gene deletion

Abstract

A G-quadruplex-based switch-on luminescence assay has been developed for the detection of gene deletion using a cyclometallated iridium(III) complex as a G-quadruplex-selective probe. Upon hybridization with the target DNA, the two split G-quadruplex-forming sequences assemble into a split G-quadruplex, which greatly enhances the luminescence emission of the iridium(III) probe. The assay is simple and highly selective.