Analysis Interactions of Guanine (G) quadruplexes (G4s) and K+ (or Na+) by Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) (CAT#: STEM-MB-2440-LGZ)

Introduction

Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) is the directed movement of particles in a microscopic temperature gradient. Affinity is determined by measuring trace thermal changes resulting from changes in the hydration layer (usually caused by changes in the structure/conformation of biomolecules). Even small changes like protein phosphorylation or small molecules binding to a target can be measured. MST also allows measurement of intermolecular interactions directly in solution without the need for a fixed surface (no fixation required). Guanine (G) quadruplexes (G4s) can be formed by G-rich sequences when stabilized by the binding of cations (typically K+ or Na+) and play an essential role in replication, recombination, transcription, and telomere maintenance. Understanding of the G4 folding process is crucial for determining their cellular functions.