Conformational Switching of G‐Quadruplex DNA by Photoregulation

Abstract

Bend and stretch…︁ bend and stretch…︁ An azobenzene derivative was used to induce reversible stretching and folding of G-quadruplex DNA upon photoirradiation (see picture). The G quadruplex formed in the presence of the trans isomer was dissociated by irradiation with UV light, and the resulting open oligomer was refolded into a G quadruplex under visible light. This nanodevice thus converts light directly into mechanical work.