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David A Rusling

Publications and source records attributed to David A Rusling.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

DNA triple-helix formation at target sites containing duplex mismatches.

We have studied the formation of DNA triple helices at target sites that contain mismatches in the duplex target. Fluorescence melting studies were used to examine a series of parallel triple helices that contain all 64 N.XZ triplet combinations at the centre (where N, X and Z are each of the four natural DNA bases in turn). Similar experiments were also performed with N=bis-amino-U (BAU) (for stable recognition of AT base pairs) and N=S (for recognition of TA inversions). We find that the introduction of a duplex mismatch destabilises the C+.GZ, T.AZ and G.TZ triplets. A similar effect is seen with BAU.AZ triplets. In contrast, other base combinations, based on non-standard triplets such as C.AZ, T.TZ, G.CZ and A.CZ are stabilised by the presence of a duplex mismatch. In each case S binds to sites containing duplex mismatches better than the corresponding Watson-Crick base pairs.

Base Pair Mismatch↗

Combining nucleoside analogues to achieve recognition of oligopurine tracts by triplex-forming oligonucleotides at physiological pH.

We have used DNase I footprinting to examine DNA triple helix formation at a 12 base pair oligopurine.oligopyrimidine sequence, using oligonucleotides that contain combinations of 2'-aminoethoxy-5-(3-aminoprop-1-ynyl)uridine (bis-amino-U, BAU) and 3-methyl-2-aminopyridine (MeP) in place of T and C, respectively. This combination acts cooperatively to enable high affinity triple helix formation at physiological pH. The affinity depends on the number of substitutions and their arrangement; oligonucleotides in which these analogues are evenly distributed throughout the third strand bind much better than those in which they are clustered together.

Aminopyridines↗

Four base recognition by triplex-forming oligonucleotides at physiological pH.

We have achieved recognition of all 4 bp by triple helix formation at physiological pH, using triplex-forming oligonucleotides that contain four different synthetic nucleotides. BAU [2'-aminoethoxy-5-(3-aminoprop-1-ynyl)uridine] recognizes AT base pairs with high affinity, (Me)P (3-methyl-2 aminopyridine) binds to GC at higher pHs than cytosine, while (A)PP (6-(3-aminopropyl)-7-methyl-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(7H)-one) and S [N-(4-(3-acetamidophenyl)thiazol-2-yl-acetamide)] bind to CG and TA base pairs, respectively. Fluorescence melting and DNase I footprinting demonstrate successful triplex formation at a 19mer oligopurine sequence that contains two CG and two TA interruptions. The complexes are pH dependent, but are still stable at pH 7.0. BAU, (Me)P and (A)PP retain considerable selectivity, and single base pair changes opposite these residues cause a large reduction in affinity. In contrast, S is less selective and tolerates CG pairs as well as TA.

Base Pairing↗

Stable recognition of TA interruptions by triplex forming oligonucleotides containing a novel nucleoside.

We have prepared the 2'-aminoethoxy derivative of the S nucleoside ((2AE)S) and incorporated it into triplex-forming oligonucleotides for recognition of TA interruptions within a target oligopurine tract. Fluorescence melting, UV melting, and DNase I footprinting experiments show that (2AE)S has greater affinity than G or S for a single TA interruption. Stable triplexes are formed at pH 6.0 at an 18-mer target site containing two TA interruptions, even though this contains eight C(+).GC triplets. Although (2AE)S and S produce stable triplexes at TA interruptions, they also interact with other base pairs, in particular, CG, although the selectivity for TA improves with increased pH.( 2AE)S is the best nucleoside described so far for recognition of TA within a triple-helix target.

Base Sequence↗

Selectivity and affinity of triplex-forming oligonucleotides containing 2'-aminoethoxy-5-(3-aminoprop-1-ynyl)uridine for recognizing AT base pairs in duplex DNA.

We have used DNase I footprinting, fluorescence and ultraviolet (UV) melting experiments and circular dichroism to demonstrate that, in the parallel triplex binding motif, 2'-aminoethoxy-5-(3-aminoprop-1-ynyl)uridine (bis-amino-U, BAU) has very high affinity for AT relative to all other Watson-Crick base pairs in DNA. Complexes containing two or more substitutions with this nucleotide analogue are stable at pH 7.0, even though they contain several C.GC base triplets. These modified triplex-forming oligonucleotides retain exquisite sequence specificity, with enhanced discrimination against YR base pairs (especially CG). These properties make BAU a useful base analogue for the sequence-specific creation of stable triple helices at pH 7.0.

Adenine↗