Synthesis of a photoswitchable DNA quadruplex (G4) with tetra-fluorinated azobenzene

G-quadruplex (G4) are a type of DNA or RNA that can fold into different types of structures, where four guanine bases are held together by Hoosteen hydrogen bonds. The type of structure that forms plays a key role in genomic events that can affect telomerase activity. Unregulated, telomerase can cause tumour formation, and in some cases, cancer. By targeting G4s, it is possible to prevent tumour formation. While there have been the development of G4-binding ligands to chemically modulate G4 formation, to the best of our knowledge, no one has attempted to modulate G4 structure directly from within the structure itself. We aim to incorporate a tetra-fluorinated azobenzene chemical modification into a G4 structure. Azobenzenes have photoswitchable properties that disrupt molecule structure have been used in other types of RNA drugs (ex. short interfering RNAs) to control drug activity, turning it on or off after exposure to certain wavelengths, based on the chemical substituents on the azobenzene structure. In the case of a tetra-fluorinated azobenzene, its structure can be controlled through the use of blue and green light.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Paul Desaulniers

Student:

Partner:

Kyushu Institute of Technology

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Program: