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New junction models for alternate-strand triple-helix formation
T de Bizemont1, J S Sun, T Garestier
1Laboratoire de Biophysique INSERM U 201 CNRS URA 481 Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle 43 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Background:
[corrected] Oligonucleotide-directed triple-helix (triplex) formation can interfere with gene expression but only long tracts of oligopyrimidine*oligopurine sequences can be targeted. Attempts have been made to recognize short oligopurine sequences alternating on the two strands of double-stranded DNA by the covalent linkage of two triplex-forming oligonucleotides. Here we focus on the rational optimization of such an alternate-strand triplex formation on a DNA duplex containing a 5'-GpT-3'/3'-CpA-5' or a 5'-TpG-3'/3'-ApC-5' step by combination of (G,T)- and (G,A)-containing oligonucleotides that bind to the oligopurine strands in opposite orientations.
Results:
The deletion of one nucleotide in the reverse Hoogsteen region of the oligonucleotide provides the best binding at the 5'GpT-3'/3'-CpA-5' step, whereas the addition of two cytosines as a linker between the two oligonucleotides is the best strategy to cross a 5'-TpG-3'/3'-ApC-5' step. Energy minimization and experimental data suggest that these two cytosines are involved in the formation of two novel base quadruplets.
Conclusions:
These data provide a rational basis for the design of oligonucleotides capable of binding to oligopurine sequences that alternate on the two strands of double-stranded DNA with a 5'-GpT-3'/3'-CpA-5' or a 5'-TpG-3'/3'-ApC-5' step at the junction.