Binding of T and T analogs to CG base pairs in antiparallel triplexes

The goal of this study was to address antiparallel triplex formation at duplex targets that do not conform to a strict oligopurine.oligopyrimidine motif. We focused on the ability of natural bases and base analogs incorporated into oligonucleotide third strands to bind to so-called CG inversions. These are sites where a cytosine base is present in an otherwise purine-rich strand of a duplex target. Using a 26-base-triplet test system, we found that of the standard bases, only thymine (T) shows substantial binding to CG inversions. This is quantitatively similar to the report of Beal and Dervan [Science (1991), 251, 1360-1363]. Binding to CG inversions was only slightly weaker than binding to AT base pairs. Binding of T to CG inversions was also evaluated in two other sequences, with qualitatively similar results. Six different analogs of thymine were also tested for binding to CG inversions and AT base pairs. Significant changes in affinity were observed. In particular, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine was found to increase affinity for CG inversions as well as for AT base pairs. Studies with oligonucleotides containing pyridin-2-one or pyridin-4-one suggest that thymine O4 plays a critical role in the T.CG interaction. Possible models to account for these observations are discussed.