INTRODUCTION: Based on molecular modeling studies, a model has been proposed for intercalation of triple-helix-specific ligands (benzopyridoindole (BPI) derivatives) into triple helices, in which the intercalating compounds interact mainly with the Hoogsteen-paired strands of the triple helix. We set out to test this model experimentally using DNA duplexes capable of forming parallel Hoogsteen base-paired structures. RESULTS: We have investigated the possible formation of a parallel DNA structure involving Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds by thermal denaturation, FTIR spectroscopy and gel-shift experiments. We show that BPI derivatives bind to Hoogsteen base-paired duplexes and stabilize them. The compounds induce a reorganization from a non-perfectly matched antiparallel Watson- Crick duplex into a perfectly matched parallel Hoogsteen-paired duplex. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that preferential intercalation of BPI derivatives in triple helices is due to their ability to interact specifically with the Hoogsteen-paired bases. The results are consistent with a model proposed on the basis of molecular modeling studies using energy minimization, and they open a new field of investigations regarding the biological relevance of Hoogsteen base-pairing.
INTRODUCTION: Based on molecular modeling studies, a model has been proposed for intercalation of triple-helix-specific ligands (benzopyridoindole (BPI) derivatives) into triple helices, in which the intercalating compounds interact mainly with the Hoogsteen-paired strands of the triple helix. We set out to test this model experimentally using DNA duplexes capable of forming parallel Hoogsteen base-paired structures. RESULTS: We have investigated the possible formation of a parallel DNA structure involving Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds by thermal denaturation, FTIR spectroscopy and gel-shift experiments. We show that BPI derivatives bind to Hoogsteen base-paired duplexes and stabilize them. The compounds induce a reorganization from a non-perfectly matched antiparallel Watson- Crick duplex into a perfectly matched parallel Hoogsteen-paired duplex. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that preferential intercalation of BPI derivatives in triple helices is due to their ability to interact specifically with the Hoogsteen-paired bases. The results are consistent with a model proposed on the basis of molecular modeling studies using energy minimization, and they open a new field of investigations regarding the biological relevance of Hoogsteen base-pairing.
Authors: B Zhou-Sun; J Sun; S M Gryaznov; J Liquier; T Garestier; C Hélène; E Taillandier Journal: Nucleic Acids Res Date: 1997-05-01 Impact factor: 16.971
Authors: Allison L Stelling; Yu Xu; Huiqing Zhou; Seung H Choi; Mary C Clay; Dawn K Merriman; Hashim M Al-Hashimi Journal: FEBS Lett Date: 2017-06-19 Impact factor: 4.124
Authors: C Escudé; C H Nguyen; S Kukreti; Y Janin; J S Sun; E Bisagni; T Garestier; C Hélène Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 1998-03-31 Impact factor: 11.205