Inhibition of gene transcription by purine rich triplex forming oligodeoxyribonucleotides

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Abstract
Several oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were designed in order to interact with the purine rich element of the IRE (Interferon Responsive Element) of the 6-16 gene by triplex formation. An ODN of 21 bases, the sequence being identical to that of the purine strand of the IRE (48% G), but in reverse orientation, was able to interact with the IRE (KD: 20 nM). The binding was Mg2+ dependent. The two purine strands of the triplex were oriented antiparallel as confirmed by DNAase I and copper-phenanthroline footprinting experiments. An ODN in which A were replaced by T, also interacted with the same target, but with a lower affinity. Exonuclease III action indicated that the two IRE repeats of the 6-16 promoter interacted with each other through Hoogsteen base pairing, the third strand being parallel to the paired Watson-Crick strand. This led to a potential H-DNA structure which could be destabilized by adding ODNs able to form a triplex structure. 6-16 IRE driven-reporter gene constructs lost their interferon stimulability when co-transfected with triplex forming ODNs. The range of effective ODN concentrations was compatible with the affinity determined when measuring their direct interactions with the DNA.