Protease Probes Built from DNA: Multispectral Fluorescent DNA–Peptide Conjugates as Caspase Chemosensors

Abstract

Shaken, not stirred: A novel design for protease sensors is described, in which peptides are conjugated to a DNA backbone carrying multiple fluorophores. The multispectral oligodeoxyfluoroside (ODF) fluorophores are strongly quenched by a dabcyl group at the end of each peptide. In vitro and cellular selectivity assays showed that a mixture of three sensors could be used to identify different caspase activities by the fluorescence outcome (see picture). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.