Conformation of G-quadruplex Controlled by Click Reaction

G-quadruplexes are non-canonical four stranded secondary structures possessing great biological importance. Controlling G-quadruplex conformation for further regulating biological processes is both exciting and challenging. In this study, we described a method for regulating G-quadruplex conformation by click chemistry for the first time. 8-ethynyl-2′-deoxyguanosine was synthesized and incorporated into a 12-nt telomere DNA sequence. Such a sequence, at first, formed mixed parallel/anti-parallel G-quadruplexes, while it changed to anti-parallel after reaction with azidobenzene. Meanwhile, the click reaction can give the sequence intense fluorescence.