Specific triplex binding capacity of mixed base sequence duplex nucleic acids used for single-nucleotide polymorphism detection

Modulation of DNA structure formation using small molecules

Genome integrity is essential for proper cell function such that genetic instability can result in cellular dysfunction and disease. Mutations in the human genome are not random, and occur more frequently at "hotspot" regions that often co-localize with sequences that have the capacity to adopt alternative (i.e. non-B) DNA structures. Non-B DNA-forming sequences are mutagenic, can stimulate the formation of DNA double-strand breaks, and are highly enriched at mutation hotspots in human cancer genomes. Thus, small molecules that can modulate the conformations of these structure-forming sequences may prove beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of genetic diseases. Further, the development of molecular probes to interrogate the roles of non-B DNA structures in modulating DNA function, such as genetic instability in cancer etiology are warranted. Here, we discuss reported non-B DNA stabilizers, destabilizers, and probes, recent assays to identify ligands, and the potential biological applications of these DNA structure-modulating molecules.

A tunable assay for modulators of genome-destabilizing DNA structures

Regions of genomic instability are not random and often co-localize with DNA sequences that can adopt alternative DNA structures (i.e. non-B DNA, such as H-DNA). Non-B DNA-forming sequences are highly enriched at translocation breakpoints in human cancer genomes, representing an endogenous source of genetic instability. However, a further understanding of the mechanisms involved in non-B DNA-induced genetic instability is needed. Small molecules that can modulate the formation/stability of non-B DNA structures, and therefore the subsequent mutagenic outcome, represent valuable tools to study DNA structure-induced genetic instability. To this end, we have developed a tunable Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay to detect triplex/H-DNA-destabilizing and -stabilizing ligands. The assay was designed by incorporating a fluorophore-quencher pair in a naturally-occurring H-DNA-forming sequence from a chromosomal breakpoint hotspot in the human c-MYC oncogene. By tuning triplex stability via buffer composition, the assay functions as a dual-reporter that can identify stabilizers and destabilizers, simultaneously. The assay principle was demonstrated using known triplex stabilizers, BePI and coralyne, and a complementary oligonucleotide to mimic a destabilizer, MCRa2. The potential of the assay was validated in a 384-well plate with 320 custom-assembled compounds. The discovery of novel triplex stabilizers/destabilizers may allow the regulation of genetic instability in human genomes.

Templated chemistry for sequence-specific fluorogenic detection of duplex DNA

We describe the development of templated fluorogenic chemistry for detection of specific sequences of duplex DNA in solution. In this approach, two modified homopyrimidine oligodeoxynucleotide probes are designed to bind by triple-helix formation at adjacent positions on a specific purine-rich target sequence of duplex DNA. One fluorescein-labeled probe contains an α-azidoether linker to a fluorescence quencher; the second (trigger) probe carries a triarylphosphine group that is designed to reduce the azide and cleave the linker. The data showed that at pH 5.6 these probes yielded a strong fluorescence signal within minutes on addition to a complementary homopurine duplex DNA target. The signal increased by a factor of about 60, and was completely dependent on the presence of the target DNA. Replacement of cytosine in the probes with pseudoisocytosine allowed the templated chemistry to proceed readily at pH 7. Single nucleotide mismatches in the target oligonucleotide slowed the templated reaction considerably; this demonstrated high sequence selectivity. The use of templated fluorogenic chemistry for detection of duplex DNAs has not been previously reported and could allow detection of double-stranded DNA, at least for homopurine-homopyrimidine target sites, under native and nondenaturing conditions.

Intramolecular recombination R-triplex in solution: stabilization by bis-intercalator YOYO

Recognition of double-stranded DNA with a mixed nucleotide sequence by oligonucleotide is a long-term challenge. This aim can be achieved via formation of the recombination R-triplex, accommodating two identical DNA strands in parallel orientation, and antiparallel complementary strand. In the absence of proteins the R-triplex stability is low, however, so that intermolecular R-triplex is not formed by three DNA strands in a ligand-free system. Recently, recognition of DNA with mixed base sequence by single-stranded oligonucleotide in the presence of bis-intercalator YOYO was reported. Here, we describe thermodynamic characteristics of YOYO complexes with the model oligonucleotides 5'-GT-2AP-GACTGAG TTTT CTCAGTCTACGC GAA GCGTAGACTGAG-3' (R(2AP)CW) bearing a single reporting 2-aminopurine (2AP) in place of adenine and 5'-CTCAGTCTACGC GAA GCGTAGACTGAG-3' (CW). We found that each oligonucleotide is able to bind two YOYO molecules via intercalation mode in 0.5 M LiCl. Fluorescence intensity of YOYO intercalated in triplex R(2AP)CW and in CW hairpin increased 40-fold compared to the free YOYO. Remarkably, the melting temperature of the triplex (determined using temperature dependence of the 2AP fluorescence) increased from 19 degrees C to 33 degrees C upon binding two YOYO molecules. Further increase in the YOYO concentration resulted in binding of up to five YOYO molecules to R(2AP)CW triplex and up to six YOYO molecules to CW hairpin.

Heteropolymeric triplex-based genomic assay to detect pathogens or single-nucleotide polymorphisms in human genomic samples

Human genomic samples are complex and are considered difficult to assay directly without denaturation or PCR amplification. We report the use of a base-specific heteropolymeric triplex, formed by native duplex genomic target and an oligonucleotide third strand probe, to assay for low copy pathogen genomes present in a sample also containing human genomic duplex DNA, or to assay human genomic duplex DNA for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP), without PCR amplification. Wild-type and mutant probes are used to identify triplexes containing FVL G1691A, MTHFR C677T and CFTR mutations. The specific triplex structure forms rapidly at room temperature in solution and may be detected without a separation step. YOYO-1, a fluorescent bis-intercalator, promotes and signals the formation of the specific triplex. Genomic duplexes may be assayed homogeneously with single base pair resolution. The specific triple-stranded structures of the assay may approximate homologous recombination intermediates, which various models suggest may form in either the major or minor groove of the duplex. The bases of the stable duplex target are rendered specifically reactive to the bases of the probe because of the activity of intercalated YOYO-1, which is known to decondense duplex locally 1.3 fold. This may approximate the local decondensation effected by recombination proteins such as RecA in vivo. Our assay, while involving triplex formation, is sui generis, as it is not homopurine sequence-dependent, as are “canonical triplexes”. Rather, the base pair-specific heteropolymeric triplex of the assay is conformation-dependent. The highly sensitive diagnostic assay we present allows for the direct detection of base sequence in genomic duplex samples, including those containing human genomic duplex DNA, thereby bypassing the inherent problems and cost associated with conventional PCR based diagnostic assays.

Direct detection of double-stranded DNA: Molecular methods and applications for DNA diagnostics

Methodologies to detect DNA sequences with high sensitivity and specificity have tremendous potential as molecular diagnostic agents. Most current methods exploit the ability of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to base pair with high specificity to a complementary molecule. However, recent advances in robust techniques for recognition of DNA in the major and minor groove have made possible the direct detection of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), without the need for denaturation, renaturation, or hybridization. This review will describe the progress in adapting polyamides, triplex DNA, and engineered zinc finger DNA-binding proteins as dsDNA diagnostic systems. In particular, the sequence-enabled reassembly (SEER) method, involving the use of custom zinc finger proteins, offers the potential for direct detection of dsDNA in cells, with implications for cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics.