We report on a Pt complex that targets quadruplex DNA selectively and switches-on its emission upon binding (Chem Eur J, 2012, 18,16277)

A new cyclometalled platinum(II) complex with a substituted phenanthroline ligand is reported. The resulting complex has high in vitro affinity for quadruplex DNA and upon binding its emission is switched-on. The complex can be easily delivered to the cell by using a metallo-cage as a carrier. We show by confocal microscopy that the complex is released inside the cell, penetrates the nucleus and localises in the nucleoli. Interestingly, co-staining experiments showed that the complex does not co-localise with DAPI suggesting that it may be targeting non-canonical DNA structures. (Chem Eur J, 2012, Vol:18, Pages:16277-16282(publication doi)