1.D.316.  The Thiazole-based DNA Binding Peptide mimic (TDBP2) Family 

DNA binding transcription factors possess the ability to interact with lipid membranes to construct ion-permeable pathways. Paul et al. 2024 presented a thiazole-based DNA binding peptide mimic, TDBP2, which forms transmembrane ion channels, impacting cellular ion concentrations and consequently stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA structures. TDBP2 self-assembles into nanostructures, e.g., vesicles and nanofibers and facilitates the transportation of Na⁺ and K⁺ across lipid membranes with high conductance (~0.6 nS). Moreover, TDBP2 exhibits increased fluorescence when incorporated into the membrane or in cellular nuclei. Monomeric TDBP2 can enter the lipid membrane and localize to the nuclei of cancer cells. The coordinated process of time-dependent membrane or nuclear localization of TDBP2, combined with elevated intracellular cation levels and direct G-quadruplex (G4) interaction, synergistically promotes formation and stability of G4 structures, triggering cancer cell death (Paul et al. 2024).