DNA structure-specific sensitization of a metalloporphyrin leads to an efficient in vitro quadruplex detection molecular tool

The search for convenient molecular probes for detecting DNA and RNA quadruplexes in vitro is marked by a rapid pace of progress, spurred on by the multiple roles these higher-order nucleic acid structures play in many genetic dysregulations. Here, we contribute to this search, reporting on a palladated porphyrin named Pd.TEGPy: its efficiency as quadruplex-selective fluorescent dye relies on a structural design that endows it with attractive supramolecular and electronic properties and makes it an efficient turn-on, quadruplex-selective fluorescent stain thanks to a DNA-mediated sensitization mechanism that ensures a high level of specificity.