G-quadruplex DNA has been viewed as a prospective anti-cancer target owing to its potential biological relevance. Real-time monitoring of DNA G-quadruplex structures in living cells can provide valuable insights into the relationship between G-quadruplex formation and its cellular consequences. However, the probes capable of detecting DNA G-quadruplexes in living cells are still very limited. Herein, we reported a new fluorescent probe, IMT, for real-time visualization of DNA G-quadruplex structures in living cells. Using IMT as a fluorescent indicator, the quantity changes of DNA G-quadruplex at different points in time during continuous cellular progression responding to Aphidicolin and Hydroxyurea treatment have been directly visualized. Our data demonstrate that IMT will be a valuable tool for exploring DNA G-quadruplexes in live cells. Further application of IMT in fluorescence imaging may reveal more information on the roles of DNA G-quadruplexes in biological systems.

Logic gates based on an i-motif structure, which was induced by H ⁺ /Ag ⁺ and recognized by a cyanine dye, have been designed.

A colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal supramolecular chemosensor has been fabricated by using the H- and J-aggregates of a cyanine dye, which has been successfully applied to detect human serum albumin (HSA) in urine with high specificity.