Triplex targets in the human rhodopsin gene

Introducing Triplex Forming Oligonucleotide into Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Developing a Lateral Flow Biosensor for Streptococci Detection

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology is extensively utilized for the detection of infectious diseases owing to its rapid processing and high sensitivity. Nevertheless, conventional LAMP signaling methods frequently suffer from a lack of sequence specificity. This study integrates a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) probe into the LAMP process to enhance sequence specificity. This TFO-LAMP technique was applied for the detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS). The TFO probe is designed to recognize a specific DNA sequence, termed the TFO targeting sequence (TTS), within the amplified product, facilitating detection via fluorescent instrumentation or lateral flow biosensors. A screening method was developed to identify TFO sequences with high affinity to integrate TFO into LAMP, subsequently incorporating a selected TTS into an LAMP primer. In the TFO-LAMP assay, a FAM-labeled TFO is added to target the TTS. This TFO can be captured by an anti-FAM antibody on lateral flow test strips, thus creating a nucleic acid testing biosensor. The efficacy of the TFO-LAMP assay was confirmed through experiments with specimens spiked with varying concentrations of GBS, demonstrating 85% sensitivity at 300 copies and 100% sensitivity at 30,000 copies. In conclusion, this study has successfully developed a TFO-LAMP technology that offers applicability in lateral flow biosensors and potentially other biosensor platforms.

TTSBBC: triplex target site biomarkers and barcodes in cancer

The technology of triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provides an approach to manipulate genes at the DNA level. TFOs bind to specific sites on genomic DNA, creating a unique intermolecular triple-helix DNA structure through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. This targeting by TFOs is site-specific and the locations TFOs bind are referred to as TFO target sites (TTS). Triplexes have been observed to selectively influence gene expression, homologous recombination, mutations, protein binding, and DNA damage. These sites typically feature a poly-purine sequence in duplex DNA, and the characteristics of these TTS sequences greatly influence the formation of the triplex. We introduce TTSBBC, a novel analysis and visualization platform designed to explore features of TTS sequences to enable users to design and validate TTSs. The web server can be freely accessed at https://kowalski-labapps.dellmed.utexas.edu/TTSBBC/.

Targeting of Pu.Py Duplexes by GA and GT Rich Oligonucleotides on Microchip and in Solution

Abstract Formation of triple helices with GA and GT third strands has been studied. Besides the usual investigation techniques common for characterizing triple helical formation (CD spectroscopy, gel shift mobility assay, chemical probing and S1 nuclease footprinting) we have used a new technique in which targeting of polypurine sequences in duplexes was demonstrated on oligonucleotide microchips. This technique is very successful to quickly test a large number of potential triple helix formation. In this work we used oligonucleotide microairay to study the specificity of DNA duplex recognition by GA and GT strands. Generic 6-mer microchip containing all possible 4(6) = 4,096 single-stranded hexadeoxyribonucleotides immobilized within individual gel pads was applied. To study formation of intermolecular triple helices on the generic microchip, a number of Pu.Py duplexes were formed by hybridization of the mixture of purine octadeoxyribonucleotides on the microchip followed by targeting of the duplexes by GA or GT third strands. Melting behavior of the formed structures was investigated using fluorescence measurements under microscope. In solution we present the results obtained for GT triplexes and discuss the characteristics of the CD spectra. Results obtained by S1 nuclease footprinting, KMnO(4) and DMS chemical probing are consistent with the spectroscopic data reflecting triplex structure formation.

Human DHX9 helicase unwinds triple-helical DNA structures

Naturally occurring poly(purine.pyrimidine) rich regions in the human genome are prone to adopting non-canonical DNA structures such as intramolecular triplexes (i.e., H-DNA). Such structure-forming sequences are abundant and can regulate the expression of several disease-linked genes. In addition, the use of triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) to modulate gene structure and function has potential as an approach to targeted gene therapy. Previously, we found that endogenous H-DNA structures can induce DNA double-strand breaks and promote genomic rearrangements. Herein, we find that the DHX9 helicase co-immunoprecipitates with triplex DNA structures in mammalian cells, suggesting a role in the maintenance of genome stability. We tested this postulate by assessing the helicase activity of purified human DHX9 on various duplex and triplex DNA substrates in vitro. DHX9 displaced the third strand from a specific triplex DNA structure and catalyzed the unwinding with a 3' --> 5' polarity with respect to the displaced third strand. Helicase activity required a 3'-single-stranded overhang on the third strand and was dependent on ATP hydrolysis. The reaction kinetics consisted of a pre-steady-state burst phase followed by a linear, steady-state pseudo-zero-order reaction. In contrast, very little if any helicase activity was detected on blunt triplexes, triplexes with 5'-overhangs, blunt duplexes, duplexes with overhangs, or forked duplex substrates. Thus, triplex structures containing a 3'-overhang represent preferred substrates for DHX9, where it removes the strand with Hoogsteen hydrogen-bonded bases. Our results suggest the involvement of DHX9 in maintaining genome integrity by unwinding mutagenic triplex DNA structures.

TTS mapping: integrative WEB tool for analysis of triplex formation target DNA sequences, G-quadruplets and non-protein coding regulatory DNA elements in the human genome

Background

DNA triplexes can naturally occur, co-localize and interact with many other regulatory DNA elements (e.g. G-quadruplex (G4) DNA motifs), specific DNA-binding proteins (e.g. transcription factors (TFs)), and micro-RNA (miRNA) precursors. Specific genome localizations of triplex target DNA sites (TTSs) may cause abnormalities in a double-helix DNA structure and can be directly involved in some human diseases. However, genome localization of specific TTSs, their interconnection with regulatory DNA elements and physiological roles in a cell are poor defined. Therefore, it is important to identify comprehensive and reliable catalogue of specific potential TTSs (pTTSs) and their co-localization patterns with other regulatory DNA elements in the human genome.

Results

"TTS mapping" database is a web-based search engine developed here, which is aimed to find and annotate pTTSs within a region of interest of the human genome. The engine provides descriptive statistics of pTTSs in a given region and its sequence context. Different annotation tracks of TTS-overlapping gene region(s), G4 motifs, CpG Island, miRNA precursors, miRNA targets, transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA), and repeat elements are also mapped based onto a sequence location provided by UCSC genome browser, G4 database http://www.quadruplex.org and several other datasets. The results pages provide links to UCSC genome browser annotation tracks and relative DBs. BLASTN program was included to check the uniqueness of a given pTTS in the human genome. Recombination- and mutation-prone genes (e.g. EVI-1, MYC) were found to be significantly enriched by TTSs and multiple co-occurring with our regulatory DNA elements. TTS mapping reveals that a high-complementary and evolutionarily conserved polypurine and polypyrimidine DNA sequence pair linked by a non-conserved short DNA sequence can form miR-483 transcribed from intron 2 of IGF2 gene and bound double-strand nucleic acid TTSs forming natural triplex structures.

Conclusion

TTS mapping provides comprehensive visual and analytical tools to help users to find pTTSs, G-quadruplets and other regulatory DNA elements in various genome regions. TTS Mapping not only provides sequence visualization and statistical information, but also integrates knowledge about co-localization TTS with various DNA elements and facilitates that data analysis. In particular, TTS Mapping reveals complex structural-functional regulatory module of gene IGF2 including TF MZF1 binding site and ncRNA precursor mir-483 formed by the high-complementary and evolutionarily conserved polypurine- and polypyrimidine-rich DNA pair. Such ncRNAs capable of forming helical triplex structures with a polypurine strand of a nucleic acid duplexes (DNA or RNA) via Hoogsteen or reverse Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. Our web tool could be used to discover biologically meaningful genome modules and to optimize experimental design of anti-gene treatment.

DNA triple helices: biological consequences and therapeutic potential

DNA structure is a critical element in determining its function. The DNA molecule is capable of adopting a variety of non-canonical structures, including three-stranded (i.e. triplex) structures, which will be the focus of this review. The ability to selectively modulate the activity of genes is a long-standing goal in molecular medicine. DNA triplex structures, either intermolecular triplexes formed by binding of an exogenously applied oligonucleotide to a target duplex sequence, or naturally occurring intramolecular triplexes (H-DNA) formed at endogenous mirror repeat sequences, present exploitable features that permit site-specific alteration of the genome. These structures can induce transcriptional repression and site-specific mutagenesis or recombination. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can bind to duplex DNA in a sequence-specific fashion with high affinity, and can be used to direct DNA-modifying agents to selected sequences. H-DNA plays important roles in vivo and is inherently mutagenic and recombinogenic, such that elements of the H-DNA structure may be pharmacologically exploitable. In this review we discuss the biological consequences and therapeutic potential of triple helical DNA structures. We anticipate that the information provided will stimulate further investigations aimed toward improving DNA triplex-related gene targeting strategies for biotechnological and potential clinical applications.

Targeted genetic modification of cell lines for recombinant protein production

Considerable increases in productivity have been achieved in biopharmaceutical production processes over the last two decades. Much of this has been a result of improvements in media formulation and process development. Though advances have been made in cell line development, there remains considerable opportunity for improvement in this area. The wealth of transcriptional and proteomic data being generated currently hold the promise of specific molecular interventions to improve the performance of production cell lines in the bioreactor. Achieving this-particularly for multi-gene modification-will require specific, targeted and controlled genetic manipulation of these cells. This review considers some of the current and potential future techniques that might be employed to realise this goal.

High-affinity triplex-forming oligonucleotide target sequences in mammalian genomes

Site-specific recognition of duplex DNA by triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provides a promising approach to manipulate mammalian genomes. A prerequisite for successful gene targeting using this approach is that the targeted gene must contain specific, high-affinity TFO target sequences (TTS). To date, TTS have been identified and characterized in only approximately 37 human or rodent genes, limiting the application of triplex-directed gene targeting. We searched the complete human and mouse genomes using an algorithm designed to identify high-affinity TTS. The resulting data set contains 1.9 million potential TTS for each species. We found that 97.8% of known human and 95.2% of known mouse genes have at least one potential high-affinity TTS in the promoter and/or transcribed gene regions. Importantly, 86.5% of known human and 83% of the known mouse genes have at least one TTS that is unique to that gene. Thus, it is possible to target the majority of human and mouse genes with specific TFOs. We found substantially more potential TTS in the promoter sequences than in the transcribed gene sequences or intergenic sequences in both genomes. We selected 12 mouse genes and 2 human genes critical for cell signaling, proliferation, and/or carcinogenesis, identified potential TTS in each, and determined TFO binding affinities to these sites in vitro. We identified at least one high-affinity, specific TFO binding site within each of these genes. Using this information, many genes involved in mammalian cell proliferation and carcinogenesis can now be targeted.

A web-based search engine for triplex-forming oligonucleotide target sequences

Triplex technology offers a useful approach for site-specific modification of gene structure and function both in vitro and in vivo. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind to their target sites in duplex DNA, thereby forming triple-helical DNA structures via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. TFO binding has been demonstrated to site-specifically inhibit gene expression, enhance homologous recombination, induce mutation, inhibit protein binding, and direct DNA damage, thus providing a tool for gene-specific manipulation of DNA. We have developed a flexible web-based search engine to find and annotate TFO target sequences within the human and mouse genomes. Descriptive information about each site, including sequence context and gene region (intron, exon, or promoter), is provided. The engine assists the user in finding highly specific TFO target sequences by eliminating or flagging known repeat sequences and flagging overlapping genes. A convenient way to check for the uniqueness of a potential TFO binding site is provided via NCBI BLAST. The search engine may be accessed at spi.mdanderson.org/tfo.

Selective inhibition of the human tie-1 promoter with triplex-forming oligonucleotides targeted to Ets binding sites

The Tie receptors (Tie-1 and Tie-2/Tek) are essential for angiogenesis and vascular remodeling/integrity. Tie receptors are up-regulated in tumor-associated endothelium, and their inhibition disrupts angiogenesis and can prevent tumor growth as a consequence. To investigate the potential of anti-gene approaches to inhibit tie gene expression for anti-angiogenic therapy, we have examined triple-helical (triplex) DNA formation at 2 tandem Ets transcription factor binding motifs (designated E-1 and E-2) in the human tie-1 promoter. Various tie-1 promoter deletion/mutation luciferase reporter constructs were generated and transfected into endothelial cells to examine the relative activities of E-1 and E-2. The binding of antiparallel and parallel (control) purine motif oligonucleotides (21-22 bp) targeted to E-1 and E-2 was assessed by plasmid DNA fragment binding and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides were incubated with tie-1 reporter constructs and transfected into endothelial cells to determine their activity. The Ets binding motifs in the E-1 sequence were essential for human tie-1 promoter activity in endothelial cells, whereas the deletion of E-2 had no effect. Antiparallel purine motif oligonucleotides targeted at E-1 or E-2 selectively formed strong triplex DNA (K(d) approximately 10(-7) M) at 37 degrees C. Transfection of tie-1 reporter constructs with triplex DNA at E-1, but not E-2, specifically inhibited tie-1 promoter activity by up to 75% compared with control oligonucleotides in endothelial cells. As similar multiple Ets binding sites are important for the regulation of several endothelial-restricted genes, this approach may have broad therapeutic potential for cancer and other pathologies involving endothelial proliferation/dysfunction.

Rhodopsin-EGFP knock-ins for imaging quantal gene alterations

We have developed an imaging approach to monitor changes in gene structure in photoreceptors. We review here, the strategy and recent progress. Knock-in mice bearing a human rhodopsin-EGFP fusion gene potentially allow detection of a single molecular event: correction of a single copy of a gene within an entire retina. These mice can also be used for imaging rhodopsin distribution, membrane structure, and trafficking in normal mice or in disease states, using confocal or multiphoton fluorescence imaging techniques. They represent tools for studying molecular triggers of photoreceptor development, for following stem cell populations, and for evaluating retinal transplantation experiments.

Chemical tools for targeted mutagenesis of DNA based on triple helix formation

The development of methods for targeted mutagenesis shows promise as an alternative form of gene therapy. Triple helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provide an attractive strategy for inducing mutations. Especially, alkylation of nucleobases with functionalized TFOs would have potential for site-directed mutation. Several studies have demonstrated that treatment of mammalian cells with TFOs can be exploited to introduce desired sequence changes and point mutations. This review summarizes targeted mutagenesis using reactive TFOs, including studies with photo reactive psolaren derivatives as well as a new reactive derivative recently developed by our group.

Activation of gene expression by triplex-directed psoralen crosslinks

Psoralen-conjugated triplex-forming oligonucleotides (pso-TFOs) can target photochemical adducts to specific DNA sequences. Here, we have used pso-TFOs to activate gene expression on a plasmid. We designed a pso-TFO adapter, consisting of a single-stranded TFO for targeting DNA, linked to a double-stranded hairpin segment that contains a hybrid ecdysone response element (E/GRE) enhancer for binding activated ecdysone receptors. When targeted to the 5' flanking region of a minimal promoter, this pso-TFO adapter increased the expression of a downstream reporter gene three- to four-fold. Gene activation, however, was independent of both the E/GRE hairpin of the adapter and ecdysone receptors, suggesting it was due to an intrinsic effect of triplex. Gene activation was dependent on psoralen photo-crosslinking. Gene activation by pso-TFOs in which the psoralen was linked to the TFO via a disulfide bond was similar before and after detachment of the TFO and its release from the triplex. These results indicate that psoralen photo-crosslinks play a prominent role in activation. Gene activation was undiminished in XPA, XPD and XPG human cell lines, indicating that activation was not dependent on the complete nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Collectively, these results demonstrate that TFOs can be used to direct psoralen crosslinks adjacent to a gene as a way of activating gene expression.

Site-specific mutagenesis by triple helix-forming oligonucleotides containing a reactive nucleoside analog

The specific recognition of homopurine-homo pyrimidine regions in duplex DNA by triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provides an attractive strategy for genetic manipulation. Alkylation of nucleobases with functionalized TFOs would have the potential for site-directed mutagenesis. Recently, we demonstrated that a TFO bearing 2-amino-6-vinylpurine derivative, 1, achieves triplex-mediated reaction with high selectivity toward the cytosine of the G-C target site. In this report, we have investigated the use of this reagent to target mutations to a specific site in a shuttle vector plasmid, which replicates in mammalian cells. TFOs bearing 1 produced adducts at the complementary position of 1 and thereby introduced mutations at that site during replication/repair of the plasmid in mammalian cells. Reagents that produce covalent cytosine modifications are relatively rare. These TFOs enable the preparation of templates carrying targeted cytosine adducts for in vitro and in vivo studies. The ability to target mutations may prove useful as a tool for studying DNA repair, and as a technique for gene therapy and genetic engineering.

[Homologous recombination and gene targeting]

Gene therapy and the production of mutated cell lines or model animals both require the development of efficient, controlled gene-targeting strategies. Classical approaches are based on the ability of cells to use homologous recombination to integrate exogenous DNA into their own genome. The low frequency of homologous recombination in mammalian cells leads to inefficient targeting. Here, we review the limiting steps of classical approaches and the new strategies developed to improve the efficiency of homologous recombination in gene-targeting experiments.

Competitive binding of triplex-forming oligonucleotides in the two alternate promoters of the PMP22 gene

Overexpression of the 22-kDa peripheral myelin protein (PMP22) causes the inherited peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A). In an attempt to alter PMP22 gene expression as a possible therapeutic strategy for CMT1A, antiparallel triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFO) were designed to bind to purine-rich target sequences in the two PMP22 gene promoters, P1 and P2. Target region I in P1 and region V in P2 were also shown to specifically bind proteins in mammalian nuclear extracts. Competition for binding of these targets by TFO vs. protein(s) was compared by exposing proteins to their target sequences after triplex formation (passive competition) or by allowing TFO and proteins to simultaneously compete for the same targets (active competition). In both formats, TFO were shown to competitively interfere with the binding of protein to region I. Oligonucleotides directed to region V competed for protein binding by a nontriplex-mediated mechanism, most likely via the formation of higher-order, manganese-destabilizable structures. Given that the activity of the P1 promoter is closely linked to peripheral nerve myelination, TFO identified here could serve as useful reagents in the investigation of promoter function, the role of PMP22 in myelination, and possibly as rationally designed drugs for the therapy of CMT1A. The nontriplex-mediated action of TFO directed at the P2 promoter may have wider implications for the use of such oligonucleotides in vivo.

Manipulating the mammalian genome by homologous recombination

Gene targeting in mammalian cells has proven invaluable in biotechnology, in studies of gene structure and function, and in understanding chromosome dynamics. It also offers a potential tool for gene-therapeutic applications. Two limitations constrain the current technology: the low rate of homologous recombination in mammalian cells and the high rate of random (nontargeted) integration of the vector DNA. Here we consider possible ways to overcome these limitations within the framework of our present understanding of recombination mechanisms and machinery. Several studies suggest that transient alteration of the levels of recombination proteins, by overexpression or interference with expression, may be able to increase homologous recombination or decrease random integration, and we present a list of candidate genes. We consider potentially beneficial modifications to the vector DNA and discuss the effects of methods of DNA delivery on targeting efficiency. Finally, we present work showing that gene-specific DNA damage can stimulate local homologous recombination, and we discuss recent results with two general methodologies--chimeric nucleases and triplex-forming oligonucleotides--for stimulating recombination in cells.

Triplex targeting of human PDGF-B (c-sis, proto-oncogene) promoter specifically inhibits factors binding and PDGF-B transcription

Human c-sis/PDGF-B proto-oncogene has been shown to be overexpressed in a large percentage of human tumor cells establishing a growth-promoting, autocrine growth circuit. Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can recognize and bind sequences in duplex DNA, and have received considerable attention because of their potential for targeting specific genomic sites. The c-sis/PDGF-B promoter contains a unique homopurine/homopyrimidine sequence (SIS proximal element, SPE), which is crucial for binding nuclear factors that provoke transcription. In order to develop specific transcriptional inhibitors of the human c-sis/PDGF-B proto-oncogene, 20 potential TFOs targeting part or all of the SPE were screened by gel mobility analysis. DNase I footprinting shows that the TFOs we designed can form a sequence-specific triplex with the target. Protein binding assays demonstrate that triplex formation inhibits nuclear factors binding the c-sis/PDGF-B promoter. Both transient and stable transfection experiments demonstrate that the transcriptional activity of the promoter is considerably inhibited by the TFOs. We propose that TFOs represent a therapeutic potential to specifically diminish the expression of c-sis/PDGF-B proto-oncogene in various pathologic settings where constitutive expression of this gene has been observed.

Blocking transcription of the human rhodopsin gene by triplex-mediated DNA photocrosslinking

To explore the ability of triplex-forming oligodeoxyribonucleotides (TFOs) to inhibit genes responsible for dominant genetic disorders, we used two TFOs to block expression of the human rhodopsin gene, which encodes a G protein-coupled receptor involved in the blinding disorder autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Psoralen-modified TFOs and UVA irradiation were used to form photoadducts at two target sites in a plasmid expressing a rhodopsin-EGFP fusion, which was then transfected into HT1080 cells. Each TFO reduced rhodopsin-GFP expression by 70-80%, whereas treatment with both reduced expression by 90%. Expression levels of control genes on either the same plasmid or one co-transfected were not affected by the treatment. Mutations at one TFO target eliminated its effect on transcription, without diminishing inhibition by the other TFO. Northern blots indicated that TFO-directed psoralen photoadducts blocked progression of RNA polymerase, resulting in truncated transcripts. Inhibition of gene expression was not relieved over a 72 h period, suggesting that TFO-induced psoralen lesions are not repaired on this time scale. Irradiation of cells after transfection with plasmid and psoralen-TFOs produced photoadducts inside the cells and also inhibited expression of rhodopsin-EGFP. We conclude that directing DNA damage with psoralen-TFOs is an efficient and specific means for blocking transcription from the human rhodopsin gene.

Searching genomes for sequences with the potential to form intrastrand triple helices

The canonical double-helix form of DNA is thought to predominate both in dilute solution and in living cells. Sequence-dependent fluctuations in local DNA shape occur within the double helix. Besides these relatively modest variations in shape, more extreme and remarkable structures have been detected in which some bases become unpaired. Examples include unusual three-stranded structures such as H-DNA. Certain RNA and DNA strands can also fold onto themselves to form intrastrand triplexes. Although they have been extensively studied in vitro, it remains unknown whether nucleic acid triplexes play natural roles in cells. If natural nucleic acid triplexes were identified in cells, much could be learned by examining the formation, stabilization, and function of such structures. With these goals in mind, we adapted a pattern-recognition program to search genetic databases for a type of potential triplex structure whose presence in genomes has not been previously investigated. We term these sequences Potential Intrastrand Triplex (PIT) elements. The formation of an intrastrand triplex requires three consecutive sequence domains with appropriate symmetry along a single nucleic acid strand. It is remarkable that we discovered multiple copies of sequence elements with the potential to form one particular class of intrastrand triplexes in the fully sequenced genomes of several bacteria. We then focused on the characterization of the 25 copies of a particular approximately 37 nt PIT sequence detected in Escherichia coli. Through biochemical studies, we demonstrate that an isolated DNA strand from this family of E. coli PIT elements forms a stable intrastrand triplex at physiological temperature and pH in the presence of physiological concentrations of Mg(2+).

Stability of G,A triple helices

In this work we selected double-stranded DNA sequences capable of forming stable triplexes at 20 or 50 degrees C with corresponding 13mer purine oligonucleotides. This selection was obtained by a double aptamer approach where both the starting sequences of the oligonucleotides and the target DNA duplex were random. The results of selection were confirmed by a cold exchange method and the influence of the position of a 'mismatch' on the stability of the triplex was documented in several cases. The selected sequences obey two rules: (i) they have a high G content; (ii) for a given G content the stability of the resulting triplex is higher if the G residues lie in stretches. The computer simulation of the Mg2+, Na+and Cl-environment around three triplexes by a density scaled Monte Carlo method provides an interpretation of the experimental observations. The Mg2+cations are statistically close to the G N7 and relatively far from the A N7. The presence of an A repels the Mg2+from adjacent G residues. Therefore, the triplexes are stabilized when the Mg2+can form a continuous spine on G N7.