DNA switches: From principles to applications

Fuan Wang, Xiaoqing Liu, Itamar Willner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

402 Scopus citations

Abstract

(Figure Presented) The base sequence of nucleic acid encodes structural and functional properties into the biopolymer. Structural information includes the formation of duplexes, G-quadruplexes, i-motif, and cooperatively stabilized assemblies. Functional information encoded in the base sequence involves the strand-displacement process, the recognition properties by aptamers, and the catalytic functions of DNAzymes. This Review addresses the implementation of the information encoded in nucleic acids to develop DNA switches. A DNA switch is a supramolecular nucleic acid assembly that undergoes cyclic, switchable, transitions between two distinct states in the presence of appropriate triggers and counter triggers, such as pH value, metal ions/ligands, photonic and electrical stimuli. Applications of switchable DNA systems to tailor switchable DNA hydrogels, for the controlled drug-release and for the activation of switchable enzyme cascades, are described, and future perspectives of the systems are addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1098-1129
Number of pages32
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume54
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 19 Jan 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Keywords

  • DNA machines
  • DNA switches
  • DNAzymes
  • Electrochemistry
  • Photochemistry

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