The application of click chemistry for targeting quadruplex nucleic acids

The Cu(i)-catalyzed azide and aIkyne 1,3 -dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC), commonly known as the "dick reaction", has emerged as a powerful and versatile synthetic tool that finds a broad spectrum of applications in chemistry, biology and materials science. The efficiency, selectivity and versatility of the CuAAC reactions have enabled the preparation of vast arrays of triazoIe compounds with biological and pharmaceutical applications. In this feature article, we outline the applications and future prospects of dick chemistry in the synthesis and development of small molecules that target G-quadruplex nucleic acids and show promising biological activities. Furthermore, this article highlights the template -assisted in situ dick chemistry for developing G-quadruplex specific Eigands and the use of dick chemistry for enhancing drug specificity as well as designing imaging and sensor systems to elucidate the biological functions of G-quadruplex nucleic acids in Live cells.