G-QUADRUPLEX BINDING ASSAYS AND COMPOUNDS THEREFOR
The present invention provides methods for assaying binding of compounds to G-quadruplex structures. Also provided are methods for screening candidate compounds for use as modulators of G-quadruplex activity, and methods for screening candidate compounds for telomerase inhibitory activity. The invention further provides novel compounds useful in the assays of the invention.
1 . A compound comprising any of SEQ ID NOs: 2-8 wherein at least one G nucleobase therein has been replaced with a 6-methyl-isoxanthopterin nucleobase, provided that said compound forms a G-quadruplex structure;
wherein each 6-methyl-isoxanthopterin nucleobase is located within said G-quadruplex structure;
and 6 -methyl-isoxanthopterin nucleobase replaces the G nucleobase at position 11 of either of SEQ ID nos 2-3, one or more of the G nucleobases at positions 11 or 23 of either of SEQ ID NOs: 4-5; one or more of the G nucleobases at positions 11, 23, or 35 of either of SEQ ID NOs: 6-7, or one or more of the G nucleobases at positions 11, 23, 35, or 47 of SEQ ID NO. 8.
2 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound contains one 6-methyl-isoxanthopterin nucleobase.
3 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein said compound contains two 6-methyl-isoxanthopterin nucleobases.
4 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein the compound comprises any of SEQ ID NOs: 2-8.
5 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein the compound comprises any of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5.
6 . The compound of claim 1 , wherein the compound comprises SEQ ID NO: 4.
7 . An array comprising the compound of claim 1 .
8 . An array comprising the compound of claim 2 .