Protein recognition by an ensemble of fluorescent DNA G-quadruplexes

Sniffing out proteins: Fluorescent DNA G-quadruplexes have been used for building versatile signaling receptors for proteins in a single solution. Introducing a protein sample to the ensemble results in a unique emission signature for unambiguous identification (see scheme, R=fluorophore). The self-assembled, pattern-based protein detection systems are easily fabricated, have the potential for high-throughput operations, and have the ability to handle small protein samples.