In vitro triplex formation and functional analysis of TFOs designed against human c-sis/PDGF-B proto-oncogene

PDGF (platelet derived growth factor) has been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis, tumor growth, atherosclerosis and inflammation and other various pathologic settings. PDGF-B chain gene is 92% homologous to v-sis oncogene of the simian sarcoma virus. Thus PDGF-B gene is also called c-sis proto-oncogene. This report provides 3 TFOs (triplex-forming oligonucleotides) to inhibit the expression of c-sis/PDGF-B gene. The results from gel mobility shift analysis,in vitro transcription, DNase I footprinting and protein binding assays demonstrate that the TFOs we designed can form sequence-specific stable triplex with the target, and can effectively suppress the downstream gene transcription and inhibit transcription factors binding. They can be used for preparation of drugs to inhibit tumor growth and for the therapy of atherosclerosis, inflammation, etc.