Coronavirus genomic cDNA derived G-quadruplex as a selective target for fluorometric detection.

Pathogenic genomes harboring noncanonical G-quadruplex (GQ) forming sequences are potential targets for diagnosis. The GQ-forming cDNA sequences of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) are identified and validated as reliable diagnostic targets. The high fidelity fluorescence detection of specific cDNA GQs derived from the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is demonstrated using small molecular probes.