Development of ion-channel composed of nucleic acids

DNA/RNA四链的结构类似于离子通道。我们测试了四通道是否起到离子通道的作用。将四链体嵌入脂质体中，并用荧光指示剂检测离子的流动。结果表明，该四链可能是一种离子通道。我们还成功地阐明了四链体作为抗病毒试剂的结构基础。四链还被用来切换核酶的活性。

The structure of a DNA/RNA quadruplex resembles that of an ion-channel. We tested if the quadruplex functions as an ion-channel. The quadruplex was embedded into liposome and a flow of ions was examined using fluorescent indicators. The results suggested that the quadruplex could function as an ion-channel. We also succeeded to elucidate the structural basis of the quadruplex as an anti-prion agent. The quadruplex was also utilized to switch the activity of a ribozyme.