Application of Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition for the design and synthesis of sequence specific probes targeting double-stranded DNA.

Efficient protocols based on Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition were developed for the synthesis of conjugates of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide minor groove binders (MGB) with fluorophores and with triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs). Diverse bifunctional linkers were synthesized and used for the insertion of terminal azides or alkynes into TFOs and MGBs. The formation of stable triple helices by TFO-MGB conjugates was evaluated by gel-shift experiments. The presence of MGB in these conjugates did not affect the binding parameters (affinity and triplex stability) of the parent TFOs.

Polyamide fluorescent probes for visualization of repeated DNA sequences in living cells.

DNA imaging in living cells usually requires transgenic approaches that modify the genome. Synthetic pyrrole-imidazole polyamides that bind specifically to the minor groove of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) represent an attractive approach for in-cell imaging that does not necessitate changes to the genome. Nine hairpin polyamides that target mouse major satellite DNA were synthesized. Their interactions with synthetic target dsDNA fragments were studied by thermal denaturation, gel-shift electrophoresis, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The polyamides had different affinities for the target DNA, and fluorescent labeling of the polyamides affected their affinity for their targets. We validated the specificity of the probes in fixed cells and provide evidence that two of the probes detect target sequences in mouse living cell lines. This study demonstrates for the first time that synthetic compounds can be used for the visualization of the nuclear substructures formed by repeated DNA sequences in living cells.

Synthesis of mouse centromere-targeted polyamides and physico-chemical studies of their interaction with the target double-stranded DNA.

Synthetic minor groove-binding pyrrole-imidazole polyamides labeled by fluorophores are promising candidates for fluorescence imaging of double-stranded DNA in isolated chromosomes or fixed and living cells. We synthesized nine hairpin and two head-to-head tandem polyamides targeting repeated sequences from mouse major satellites. Their interaction with synthetic target dsDNA has been studied by physico-chemical methods in vitro before and after coupling to various fluorophores. Great variability in affinities and fluorescence properties reveals a conclusion that these properties do not only rely on recognition rules, but also on other known and unknown structural factors. Individual testing of each probe is needed before cellular applications.

Fluorescent probes for nucleic Acid visualization in fixed and live cells.

This review analyses the literature concerning non-fluorescent and fluorescent probes for nucleic acid imaging in fixed and living cells from the point of view of their suitability for imaging intracellular native RNA and DNA. Attention is mainly paid to fluorescent probes for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Requirements for the target-binding part and the fluorophore making up the probe are formulated. In the case of native double-stranded DNA, structure-specific and sequence-specific probes are discussed. Among the latest, three classes of dsDNA-targeting molecules are described: (i) sequence-specific peptides and proteins; (ii) triplex-forming oligonucleotides and (iii) polyamide oligo(N-methylpyrrole/N-methylimidazole) minor groove binders. Polyamides seem to be the most promising targeting agents for fluorescent probe design, however, some technical problems remain to be solved, such as the relatively low sequence specificity and the high background fluorescence inside the cells. Several examples of fluorescent probe applications for DNA imaging in fixed and living cells are cited. In the case of intracellular RNA, only modified oligonucleotides can provide such sequence-specific imaging. Several approaches for designing fluorescent probes are considered: linear fluorescent probes based on modified oligonucleotide analogs, molecular beacons, binary fluorescent probes and template-directed reactions with fluorescence probe formation, FRET donor-acceptor pairs, pyrene excimers, aptamers and others. The suitability of all these methods for living cell applications is discussed.

Triplex-forming twisted intercalating nucleic acids (TINAs): design rules, stabilization of antiparallel DNA triplexes and inhibition of G-quartet-dependent self-association.

The majority of studies on DNA triple helices have been focused on pH-sensitive parallel triplexes with Hoogsteen CT-containing third strands that require protonation of cytosines. Reverse Hoogsteen GT/GA-containing antiparallel triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) do not require an acidic pH but their applicability in triplex technology is limited because of their tendency to form undesired highly stable aggregates such as G-quadruplexes. In this study, G-rich oligonucleotides containing 2-4 insertions of twisted intercalating nucleic acid(TINA) monomers are demonstrated to disrupt the formation of G-quadruplexes and form stable antiparallel triplexes with target DNA duplexes. The structure of TINA-incorporated oligonucleotides was optimized, the rules of their design were established and the optimal triplex-forming oligonucleotides were selected. These oligonucleotides show high affinity towards a 16 bp homopurine model sequence from the HIV-1 genome; dissociation constants as low as 160 nM are observed whereas the unmodified TFO does not show any triplex formation and instead forms an intermolecular G-quadruplex with T(m) exceeding 90°C in the presence of 50 mM NaCl. Here we present a set of rules that help to reach the full potential of TINATFOs and demonstrate the effect of TINA on the formation and stability of triple helical DNA.

Interaction of fluorescently labeled pyrrole-imidazole polyamide probes with fixed and living murine and human cells.

Pericentromeric heterochromatin plays important roles in controlling gene expression and cellular differentiation. Fluorescent pyrrole-imidazole polyamides targeting murine pericentromeric DNA (major satellites) can be used for the visualization of pericentromeric heterochromatin foci in live mouse cells. New derivatives targeting human repeated DNA sequences (α-satellites) were synthesized and their interaction with target DNA was characterized. The possibility to use major satellite and α -satellite binding polyamides as tools for staining pericentromeric heterochromatin was further investigated in fixed and living mouse and human cells. The staining that was previously observed using the mouse model was further characterized and optimized, but remained limited regarding the fluorophores that can be used. The promising results regarding the staining in the mouse model could not be extended to the human model. Experiments performed in human cells showed chromosomal DNA staining without selectivity. Factors limiting the use of fluorescent polyamides, in particular probe aggregation in the cytoplasm, were investigated. Results are discussed with regards to structure and affinity of probes, density of target sites and chromatin accessibility in both models.

Head-to-head bis-hairpin polyamide minor groove binders and their conjugates with triplex-forming oligonucleotides: studies of interaction with target double-stranded DNA.

Two hairpin hexa(N-methylpyrrole)carboxamide DNA minor groove binders (MGB) were linked together via their N-termini in head-to-head orientation. Complex formation between these bis-MGB conjugates and target DNA has been studied using DNase I footprinting, circular dichroism, thermal dissociation, and molecular modeling. DNase I footprint revealed binding of these conjugates to all the sites of 492 b.p. DNA fragment containing (A/T)(n)X(m)(A/T)(p) sequences, where n>3, p>3; m=1,2; X = A,T,G, or C. Binding affinity depended on the sequence context of the target. CD experiments and molecular modeling showed that oligo(N-methylpyrrole)carboxamide moieties in the complex form two short antiparallel hairpins rather than a long parallel head-to-head hairpin. Binding of bis-MGB also stabilized a target duplex thermodynamically. Sequence specificity of bis-MGB/DNA binding was validated using bis-conjugates of sequence-specific hairpin (N-methylpyrrole)/(N-methylimidazole) carboxamides. In order to increase the size of recognition sequence, the conjugates of bis-MGB with triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFO) were synthesized and compared to TFO conjugated with single MGB hairpin unit. Bis-MGB-oligonucleotide conjugates also bind to two blocks of three and more A.T/T.A pairs similarly to bis-MGB alone, independently of the oligonucleotide moiety, but with lower affinity. However, the role of TFO in DNA recognition was demonstrated for mono-MGB-TFO conjugate where the binding was detected mainly in the area of the target sequence consisting of both MGB and TFO recognition sites. Basing on the molecular modeling, three-dimensional models of both target DNA/bis-MGB and target DNA/TFO-bis-MGB complexes were built, where bis-MGB forms two antiparallel hairpins. According to the second model, one MGB hairpin is in the minor groove of 5'-adjacent A/T sequence next to the triplex-forming region, whereas the other one occupies the minor groove of the TFO binding polypurine tract. All these data together give a key information for the construction of MGB-MGB and MGB-oligonucleotide conjugates possessing high specificity and affinity for the target double-stranded DNA.

Sequence-specific recognition of double-stranded DNA by synthetic minor groove binder conjugates. toward the construction of artificial site-specific deoxyribonucleases.

Bis-conjugates of hairpin N-methylpyrrole/N-methylimidazole oligocarboxamide minor groove binders (MGB) possessing enhanced affinity and sequence-specificity for dsDNA were synthesized. Two hairpin MGBs were connected by their N-termini via an aminodiacetate linker. The binding of bis-MGB conjugates to the target DNA was studied by gel mobility retardation, footprinting, and circular dichroism; their affinity and binding mode in the DNA minor groove were determined. In order to functionalize the bis-MGB conjugates, DNA-cleaving agents such as phenanthroline or bipyridine were attached. Effective site-specific cleavage of target DNA in the presence of Cu(2+) ions was observed.

Postsynthetic functionalization of triple helix-forming oligonucleotides.

The design of molecules that recognize specific sequence on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double helix would provide interesting tools to interfere with DNA information processing at an early stage of gene expression. This chapter describes in detail the protocol of conjugation between terminally phosphorylated oligonucleotides and chemically or biologically active ligands possessing electrophilic or nucleophilic functional groups. The synthetic procedure includes chemical activation of oligonucleotide terminal phosphate and introduction in this way of a nucleophilic or electrophilic group (such as amino or carboxyl groups) into oligonucleotide terminus using aliphatic amino group of a ligand or a linker. The attachment of a topoisomerase inhibitor camptothecin to a triple helix-forming oligonucleotide is taken as an example of such synthesis. The described method has general interest because any functional ligand containing a primary or secondary amino group or aliphatic carboxyl group could be attached to the terminal phosphate of an oligonucleotide in a similar way.

Sequence-specific conjugates of oligo(2'-O-methylribonucleotides) and hairpin oligocarboxamide minor-groove binders: design, synthesis, and binding studies with double-stranded DNA.

New conjugates of triplex-forming pyrimidine oligo(2'-O-methylribonucleotides) with one or two 'head-to-head' hairpin oligo(N-methylpyrrole carboxamide) minor-groove binders (MGBs) attached to the terminal phosphate of the oligonucleotides with a oligo(ethylene glycol) linker were synthesized. It was demonstrated that, under appropriate conditions, the conjugates form stable complexes with double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) similarly to triplex-forming oligo(deoxyribonucleotide) (TFO) conjugates containing 5-methylated cytosines. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the complex formation were evaluated by gel-shift assay and thermal denaturation. Higher melting temperatures (Tm), faster complex formation, and lower dissociation constants (Kd) of the triple helices (6-7 nM) were observed for complexes of MGB-oligo(2'-O-methylribonucleotide) conjugates with the target dsDNA compared to the nonconjugated individual components. Interaction of MGB moieties with the HIV proviral DNA fragment was indicated by UV/VIS absorption changes at 320 nm in the melting curves. The introduction of thymidine via a 3',3'-type 'inverted' phosphodiester linkage at the 3'-end of oligo(2'-O-methylribonucleotide) conjugates (3'-protection) had no strong influence on triplex formation, but slightly affected complex stability. At pH 6.0, when one or two hairpin MGBs were attached to the oligonucleotide, both triplex formation and minor-groove binding played important roles in complex formation. When two 'head-to-head' oligo(N-methylpyrrole) ligands were attached to the same terminal phosphate of the oligonucleotide or the linker, binding was observed at pH >7.5 and at high temperatures (up to 74 degrees). However, under these conditions, binding was retained only by the MGB part of the conjugate.

Oligonucleotide-minor groove binder conjugates and their complexes with complementary DNA: effect of conjugate structural factors on the thermal stability of duplexes.

Synthetic polycarboxamide minor groove binders (MGB) consisting of N-methylpyrrole (Py), N-methylimidazole (Im), N-methyl-3-hydroxypyrrole (Hp) and beta-alanine (beta) show strong and sequence-specific interaction with the DNA minor groove in side-by-side antiparallel or parallel orientation. Two MGB moieties covalently linked to the same terminal phosphate of one DNA strand stabilize DNA duplexes formed by this strand with a complementary one in a sequence-specific manner, similarly to the corresponding mono-conjugated hairpin structures. The series of conjugates with the general formula Oligo-(L-MGB-R)m was synthesized, where m = 1 or 2, L = linker, R = terminal charged or neutral group, MGB = -(Py)n-, -(Im)n- or -[(Py/Im)n-(CH2)3CONH-(Py/Im)n-] and I < n < 5. Using thermal denaturation, we studied effects of structural factors such as m and n, linker L length, nature and orientation of the MGB monomers, the group R and the backbone (DNA or RNA), etc. on the stability of the duplexes. Structural factors are more important for linear and hairpin monophosphoroamidates than for parallel bis-phosphoroamidates. No more than two oligocarboxamide strands can be inserted into the duplex minor groove. Attachment of the second sequence-specific parallel ligand [-L(Py)4R] to monophosphoroamidate conjugate CGTTTATT-L(Py)4R leads to the increase of the duplex Tm, whereas attachment of [-L(Im)4R] leads to its decrease. The mode of interaction between oligonucleotide duplex and attached ligands could be different (stacking with the terminal A:T pair of the duplex or its insertion into the minor groove) depending on the length and structure of the MGB.

Oligonucleotide--minor groove binder 1:2 conjugates: side by side parallel minor groove binder motif in stabilization of DNA duplex.

Synthetic polycarboxamides consisting of N-methylpyrrole (Py), N-methylimidazole (Im), N-methyl-3-hydroxypyrrole (Hp) and beta-alanine (beta) show strong and sequence-specific interaction with the DNA minor groove when they form hairpin structures with side-by-side antiparallel motifs. In the present paper, new conjugates containing two ligands linked to the same terminal phosphate of DNA strand were constructed. The paper describes optimized synthesis and properties of oligonucleotide-linked polyamide strands that insert into the minor groove of a duplex in a parallel or antiparallel orientation. Strong stabilization of DNA duplexes by two attached minor groove ligands is demonstrated by the thermal denaturation method. The unmodified duplex 5'-CGTTTATTp-3'/5'-AATAAACG-3' melts at 20 degrees C. When one tetra(Py) residue was attached to the first strand of this duplex, denaturation temperature was increased to 46 degrees C; attachment of the second tetra(Py) in a parallel orientation resulted in denaturation temperature of 60 degrees C. It is even higher than in case of "classic" octapyrrole hairpin ligand (Tm = 58 degrees C). Sequence-specific character of stabilization by two conjugated ligands was demonstrated for G:C-containing oligonucleotides attached to tetracarboxamide and octacarboxamide ligands constructed from Py, Im and beta units according to established recognition rules (deltaTm = 20 degrees C). The two-strand parallel minor groove binder constructions attached to addressing oligonucleotides could be considered as site-specific ligands recognizing single- and double-stranded DNA similarly to already described hairpin MGB structures with antiparallel orientation of carboxamide units.

Monitoring DNA triplex formation using multicolor fluorescence and application to insulin-like growth factor I promoter downregulation.

Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signaling is a promising antitumor strategy and nucleic acid-based approaches have been investigated to target genes in the pathway. Here, we sought to modulate IGF-I transcriptional activity using triple helix formation. The IGF-I P1 promoter contains a purine/pyrimidine (R/Y) sequence that is pivotal for transcription as determined by deletion analysis and can be targeted with a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO). We designed modified purine- and pyrimidine-rich TFOs to bind to the R/Y sequence. To monitor TFO binding, we developed a fluorescence-based gel-retardation assay that allowed independent detection of each strand in three-stranded complexes using end-labeling with Alexa 488, cyanine (Cy)3 and Cy5 fluorochromes. We characterized TFOs for their ability to inhibit restriction enzyme activity, compete with DNA-binding proteins and inhibit IGF-I transcription in reporter assays. TFOs containing modified nucleobases, 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine and 5-propynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, specifically inhibited restriction enzyme cleavage and formed triplexes on the P1 promoter fragment. In cells, deletion of the R/Y-rich sequence led to 48% transcriptional inhibition of a reporter gene. Transfection with TFOs inhibited reporter gene activity to a similar extent, whereas transcription from a mutant construct with an interrupted R/Y region was unaffected, strongly suggesting the involvement of triplex formation in the inhibitory mechanisms. Our results indicate that nuclease-resistant TFOs will likely inhibit endogenous IGF-I gene function in cells.

Optimization of the sequence of twisted intercalating nucleic acids (TINA) forming triple helix with the polypurine tract of the proviral HIV DNA.

Twisted intercalating nucleic acids form stable triplexes with polypurine tracts of double-stranded DNA. Their affinity depends on their length, primary structure and base contents, parallel or antiparallel orientation of oligonucleotides respectively to DNA, number of TINA residues and their relative positions. Basing on parallel CT, GT and antiparallel GT triplex-forming 16-mer oligonucleotides targeted to polypurine tract of HIV proviral DNA, we synthesized eleven different oligonucleotides with 2-4 TINA insertions in different positions. Studies of their interaction with target duplex by gel shift, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and thermal denaturation demonstrated that antiparallel GT oligonucleotides form more stable triplexes than parallel TC or TG ones. Two best candidates were selected for the further studies. The first one (5'-AGGGxGGGTTTxTGTTTT-3', Kd = 219 nM) contains only two TINA insertions and does not aggregate in non-denaturing conditions, in contrast to majority of other oligonucleotides.

Biophysical analysis of triple-helix formation.

Two methods for DNA triple-helix analysis are described in this unit: a gel-shift assay based on the slower electrophoretic migration of a triplex in a polyacrylamide gel under nondenaturing conditions, and an optical method in which the thermal denaturation of the triple helix is followed by UV spectrophotometry. Both methods give valuable information on the characteristics of DNA triple-helix formation and triplex stability under different conditions.

Functionalized head-to-head hairpin polyamides: synthesis, double-stranded DNA-binding activity and affinity.

A series of 4 functionalized head-to-head-linked hairpin oligo(N-methylpyrrole) carboxamides with different linkers have been synthesized. Their ability to bind double-stranded DNA and sequence specificity were compared and the apparent Kd values of their DNA complexes were determined. These compounds, particularly those with iminodiacetic linkers, revealed a high affinity for DNA (Kd = 4.5-4.8 x 10(-9) M) and sequence specific recognition of 9-10 base pairs.

Formation of DNA triple helices by an oligonucleotide conjugated to a fluorescent ruthenium complex.

A conjugate of a triple helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO) and the Lambda and Delta enantiomers of the ruthenium diphenanthroline dipyridophenazine complex [Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) was synthesized. The ruthenium complex was attached to the 5'-end of the TFO through the dppz moiety. This conjugate formed a stable triple helix with the polypurine tract (PPT) sequence from HIV proviral DNA. The thermal denaturation temperature of the triplex was increased by 12 degrees C. One remarkable property of the Delta-[Ru(phen)(2)dppz](2+) complex is a strong increase in its fluorescence when it intercalates into DNA. While the fluorescence of the oligonucleotide conjugate was very weak, the formation of a duplex with a complementary sequence or of a triple helix with a target duplex resulted in a large increase in fluorescence of the Delta enantiomer. The increase in fluorescence allowed us to follow the kinetics of duplex and triplex formation by fluorescence spectrometry. In contrast, the Lambda enantiomer gave a much smaller fluorescence change when a triplex was formed, even though the stability of the triplex was comparable to that of the Delta enantiomer. The property was ascribed to intercalation of the dipyridophenazine moiety of the Delta enantiomer into DNA and subsequent threading of the ruthenium complex through the DNA double helix. Salt effects were consistent with the involvement of DNA breathing in the formation of the intercalating complex.