Recognition and strand displacement of DNA oligonucleotides by peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). High-performance ion-exchange chromatographic analysis

Poly(oligonucleotide)

Here we report the preparation of poly(oligonucleotide) brush polymers and amphiphilic brush copolymers from nucleic acid monomers via graft-through polymerization. We describe the polymerization of PNA-norbornyl monomers to yield poly-PNA (poly(peptide nucleic acid)) via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with the initiator, (IMesH2)(C5H5N)2(Cl)2RuCHPh.1 In addition, we present the preparation of poly-PNA nanoparticles from amphiphilic block copolymers and describe their hybridization to a complementary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide.

Direct, sequence-specific detection of dsDNA based on peptide nucleic acid and graphene oxide without requiring denaturation

Sequence-specific detection of double stranded DNA (dsDNA) is important in various research fields. In general, denaturation of dsDNA into single strands is necessary for the sequence-specific recognition of probes to target DNA, posing several drawbacks which decrease the efficiency as a DNA sensor. Herein, we report a direct, sequence-specific dsDNA detection system without requiring any thermal denaturing step. Our strategy utilizes peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and graphene oxide (GO) as a probe and as a fluorescence quencher, respectively. The PNA first binds to the end of dsDNA strand due to the relatively easily dissociable terminal base pairs of DNA duplex. Next, superior binding affinity of PNA towards complementary DNA induces branch migration for gradual strand replacement, resulting in the formation of PNA/DNA duplex. Unlike other dsDNA sensors based on complementary DNA probes, PNA in combination with GO enabled hybridization with the target sequence hidden as a duplex form without denaturing step and thus, the formation of PNA/DNA duplex was translated into selective fluorescence signal. Moreover, it provided tighter turn-on signal control with very low background signal and high sensitivity and sequence selectivity even in the presence of serum proteins.

PNA-peptide assembly in a 3D DNA nanocage at room temperature

Proteins and peptides fold into dynamic structures that access a broad functional landscape; however, designing artificial polypeptide systems is still a great challenge. Conversely, DNA engineering is now routinely used to build a wide variety of 2D and 3D nanostructures from hybridization based rules, and their functional diversity can be significantly expanded through site specific incorporation of the appropriate guest molecules. Here we demonstrate a new approach to rationally design 3D nucleic acid-amino acid complexes using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) to assemble peptides inside a 3D DNA nanocage. The PNA-peptides were found to bind to the preassembled DNA nanocage in 5-10 min at room temperature, and assembly could be performed in a stepwise fashion. Biophysical characterization of the DNA-PNA-peptide complex was performed using gel electrophoresis as well as steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Based on these results we have developed a model for the arrangement of the PNA-peptides inside the DNA nanocage. This work demonstrates a flexible new approach to leverage rationally designed nucleic acid (DNA-PNA) nanoscaffolds to guide polypeptide engineering.

Food analysis and food authentication by peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based technologies

This tutorial review will address the issue of DNA determination in food by using Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes with different technological platforms, with a particular emphasis on the applications devoted to food authentication. After an introduction aimed at describing PNAs structure, binding properties and their use as genetic probes, the review will then focus specifically on the use of PNAs in the field of food analysis. In particular, the following issues will be considered: detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), of hidden allergens, of microbial pathogens and determination of ingredient authenticity. Finally, the future perspectives for the use of PNAs in food analysis will be briefly discussed according to the most recent developments.

Highly selective single nucleotide polymorphism recognition by a chiral (5S) PNA beacon

A chiral peptide nucleic acid (PNA) beacon containing a C-5 modified monomer based on L-lysine was synthesized. The terminal amino group of the lysine side chain was linked to a spacer for future applications on surfaces. The PNA beacon bears a carboxyfluorescein fluorophore and a dabcyl quencher at opposite ends. The DNA binding properties were compared with those of a homologous PNA beacon containing only achiral monomers. Both beacons underwent a fluorescence increase in the presence of complementary DNA, with higher efficiency and higher selectivity (evaluated using single mismatched DNA sequences) observed for the chiral monomer containing PNA. Ion exchange (IE) HPLC with fluorimetric detection was used in combination with the beacon for the selective detection of complementary DNA. A fluorescent peak corresponding to the PNA beacon:DNA duplex was observed at a very low detection limit (1 nM). The discriminating capacity of the chiral PNA beacon for a single mismatch was found to be superior to those observed with the unmodified one, thus confirming the potency of chirality for increasing the affinity and specificity of DNA recognition.

Label-free selective DNA detection with high mismatch recognition by PNA beacons and ion exchange HPLC

Two 11mer peptide nucleic acid (PNA) beacons were synthesized and tested for the detection of full-matched or single mismatched DNA. Fluorescent measurements carried out in solution showed only partial discrimination of the mismatched sequence, while using anion-exchange HPLC, in combination with fluorimetric detection, allowed DNA analysis to be performed with high sensitivity and extremely high sequence selectivity. Up to >90 : 1 signal discrimination in the presence of one single mismatched base was observed. The analysis was tested on both short and long DNA oligomers. Detection of DNA obtained from PCR amplification was also performed allowing the selective detection of the target sequence in complex mixtures. Label free detection of the DNA with high sequence selectivity is therefore possible using the present approach.

Identification of PCR-amplified genetically modified organisms (GMOs) DNA by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes in anion-exchange chromatographic analysis

PCR products obtained by selective amplification of transgenic DNA derived from food samples containing Roundup Ready soybean or Bt-176 maize have been analyzed by anion-exchange HPLC. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), oligonucleotide analogues known to bind to complementary single-stranded DNA with high affinity and specificity, have been used as specific probes in order to assess the identity of the peaks observed. Two different protocols were adopted in order to obtain single-stranded DNA: amplification with an excess of one primer or digestion of one DNA strand. The single-stranded DNA was mixed with the PNA probe, and the presence of a specific sequence was revealed through detection of the corresponding PNA:DNA peak with significantly different retention time. Advantages and limits of this approach are discussed. The method was tested with reference materials and subsequently applied to commercial samples.

Hydroxymethyl methacrylate-based monolithic columns designed for separation of oligonucleotides in hydrophilic-interaction capillary liquid chromatography

Hydroxymethyl methacrylate-based monolithic columns for separation of oligonucleotides by capillary liquid chromatography (CLC) were prepared. We optimized composition of the polymerization mixture, which contained the monomer mixture consisting of N-(hydroxymethyl) methacrylamide (HMMAA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA), and the porogenic system composed of propane-1-ol, butane-1,4-diol and alpha, alpha'-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Separations of oligonucleotides were performed in HILIC (hydrophilic-interaction) mode using 100 mM triethylamine acetate (TEAA) in acetonitrile and in water as eluents. The influence of steepness of the mobile phase gradient on separation of the oligonucleotides was evaluated as well as the reproducibility of HMMAA monolith preparation.

Unconventional method based on circular dichroism to detect peanut DNA in food by means of a PNA probe and a cyanine dye

In this paper we report an innovative and unconventional method based on circular dichroism for the identification of peanut DNA in food, which can be detected after PCR amplification at the nanomolar level by using an achiral PNA probe complementary to a tract of the peanut Ara h 2 gene and an achiral 3,3'-diethylthiadicarbocyanine dye [DiSC(2)(5)]. Peanuts are one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions to foods and are particularly dangerous when they are "hidden" (undeclared) in food. For better protection of consumers, detection methods are required to specifically detect the presence of hidden allergens in a wide variety of food items. Alternative to the detection of the proteins is the determination of species-specific DNA, which is more resistant to technological treatments. PNAs are very specific probes able to recognize DNA sequences with high affinity and evidence for the binding can be obtained by using the DiSC(2)(5) dye, which aggregates onto the PNA-DNA duplex giving rise to a characteristic visibile band at 540 nm. Because the PNA-DNA duplex is in a right-handed helical conformation, the aggregation of the dye to the duplex gives also rise to a strong CD signal in the 500-600 nm region with a strong exciton coupling due to the formation of multimeric species, since the handedness of the helix is transferred to the dye aggregate. The dye does not interact with the free single-stranded DNA and although aggregating on the achiral PNA, this interaction is obviously not detectable by circular dichroism. Thus, only the formation of the PNA-DNA duplex, which takes place only upon specific Watson-Crick hydrogen binding between the PNA and the DNA bases, is detected, ensuring a very high specificity and sensitivity. The method has been optimized in a model system by using a synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to the PNA probe, showing that the intensity of the signal is linearly related to the amount of the DNA. The optimized method has been applied to the identification and quantitation of DNA extracted and amplified by PCR from peanuts and from peanut-containing foods, allowing for a very sensitive detection at a very low level (few pmol).

Unusual chromatographic behavior of oligonucleotide sequence isomers on two different anion exchange HPLC columns

The retention behavior of the unmodified phosphodiester oligonucleotide sequence isomers was investigated on two different anion exchange columns: Biospher GMB 1000Q (based on DEAE-modified glycidyl methacrylate) and PolyWAX LP (based on silica with a crosslinked coating of linear polyethyleneimine). There was a notable difference in retention of oligonucleotides of the same composition but differing in the position of a single base. The most pronounced difference was observed between the oligonucleotides with the variable base in the end and in the center of the sequence. The use of either acetonitrile or 2-propanol as a mobile phase organic modifier did not markedly affect the retention time patterns. Prediction of the retention times of oligonucleotides must take into account the base position as well as identity. This is the first report of such a "same composition different sequence" effect, described for the short peptides, for synthetic oligonucleotides.

Development of a peptide nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction clamping assay for semiquantitative evaluation of genetically modified organism content in food

In the present study a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clamping method was developed and applied to the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO), to test PCR products for band identity and to obtain a semiquantitative evaluation of GMO content. The minimal concentration of PNA necessary to block the PCR was determined by comparing PCRs containing a constant amount of DNA in the presence of increasing concentration of target-specific PNA. The lowest PNA concentration at which specific inhibition took place, by the inhibition of primer extension and/or steric hindrance, was the most efficient condition. Optimization of PCR clamping by PNA was observed by testing five different PNAs with a minimum of 13 bp to a maximum of 15 bp, designed on the target sequence of Roundup Ready soybean. The results obtained on the DNA extracted from Roundup Ready soybean standard flour were verified also on DNA extracted from standard flours of maize GA21, Bt176, Bt11, and MON810. A correlation between the PNA concentration necessary for inducing PCR clamping and the percentage of the GMO target sequence in the sample was found.

Development of a peptide nucleic acid array platform for the detection of genetically modified organisms in food

Two previously developed platforms, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) array, the former allowing for the simultaneous detection of five transgenes and two endogenous controls in food and feed matrices and the latter for the assessment of the identity of amplified PCR products, were combined in order to develop a PNA array device for the screening of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food. PNA probes were opportunely designed, synthesized, and deposited on commercial slides. The length of the probes as well as the distance of the probes from the surface were evaluated and found to be critical points. The most suitable probes were found to be 15-mer PNAs linked to the slide surface by means of two 2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethoxyacetic acids as spacers. The device was tested on a model system constituted by flour samples containing a mixture of standards at known concentrations of transgenic material, in particular Roundup Ready soybean and Bt11, Bt176, Mon810, and GA21 maize: The DNA was amplified using the specific multiplex PCR method and tested on the PNA array. The method proposed was found to be able to correctly identify every GMO present in the tested samples.

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) binding-mediated gene regulation

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic oligonucleotides with chemically modified backbones. PNAs can bind to both DNA and RNA targets in a sequence-specific manner to form PNA/DNA and PNA/RNA duplex structures. When bound to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) targets, the PNA molecule replaces one DNA strand in the duplex by strand invasion to form a PNA/DNA/PNA [or (PNA)2/DNA] triplex structure and the displaced DNA strand exists as a single-stranded D-loop. PNA has been used in many studies as research tools for gene regulation and gene targeting. The D-loops generated from the PNA binding have also been demonstrated for its potential in initiating transcription and inducing gene expression. PNA provides a powerful tool to study the mechanism of transcription and an innovative strategy to regulate target gene expression. An understanding of the PNA-mediated gene regulation will have important clinical implications in treatment of many human diseases including genetic, cancerous, and age-related diseases.

Detection of genetically modified soybean using peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) and microarray technology

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) microarrays for the detection of Roundup Ready soybeans in food have been prepared. PNA probes are known to be more efficient and selective in binding DNA sequences than the analogous oligonucleotides and are very suitable to be used for diagnostics in food. PNAs of different lengths were carefully designed and synthesized by solid-phase synthesis on an automatic synthesizer adopting the BOC strategy. PNAs were purified by HPLC and characterized by HPLC/MS. The probes were spotted on a functionalized surface to produce a microarray to be hybridized with PCR products. DNA extracted from reference material was amplified using Cy3- and Cy5-labeled primers, and the fluorescent PCR products obtained were hybridized on the microarray. Two protocols were adopted: the hybridization with dsDNA or with ssDNA obtained by digestion with the enzyme lambda exonuclease. The best results were obtained using a 15-mer PNA probe in combination with the ssPCR product derived from enzymatic digestion. The method was applied to the analysis of a sample of certified transgenic soybean flour.

Role of chirality and optical purity in nucleic acid recognition by PNA and PNA analogs

Peptide nucleic acids are DNA mimics able to form duplexes with complementary DNA or RNA strands of remarkable affinity and selectivity. Oligopyrimidine PNA can displace one strand of dsDNA by forming PNA(2):DNA triplexes of very high stability. Many PNA analogs have been described in recent years, in particular, chiral PNA analogs. In the present article the results obtained recently using PNA derived from N-aminoethylamino acids 7 are illustrated. In particular, the dependence of optical purity on synthetic methodologies and a rationale for the observed effects of chirality on DNA binding ability is proposed. Chirality as a tool for improving sequence selectivity is also described. PNA analogs derived from D- or L-ornithine 8 were also found to be subjected to epimerization during solid phase synthesis. Modification of the coupling conditions or the use of a submonomeric strategy greatly reduced epimerization. The optically pure oligothymine PNAs 8 were found to bind to RNA by forming triplexes of unusual CD spectra. The melting curves of these adducts presented two transitions, suggesting a conformational change followed by melting at high temperature.

Recent developments in ion chromatography

This paper summarizes how ion chromatography is now a multimode technique suitable for solving analytical problems in all areas of interest. Current and more recent applications will be overviewed within the new trends.