Metal ion-mediated assembly of effective phenanthroline-based G-quadruplex ligands

Recently, a number of metal ion complexes were evaluated for G-quadruplexbinding.Here, we showed that assembly of otherwise inactive planar structures through metal coordination may represent an effective strategy to achieve selective G-quadruplex binding and recognition. Metal ions, on the other hand, can play an important role in modulating affinity and stoichiometry of complex formation. Therefore, it is possible to play with the nature of the ion species as well as of the ligands to produce a variety of complexes rationally designed for specifically targeting/damaging DNA. This represents a promising approach to work out novel biochemical probes and diagnostic tools in addition to new chemical entities for drug design and development.