Oligonucleotide recognition of double-helical DNA by triple-helix formation

Abstract

The sequence-specific recognition of double-helical DNA is an essential biological process responsible for the regulation of cellular functions including transcription, replication and cell division. The ability to design synthetic molecules that bind sequence-specifically to unique sites on human DNA has major implications for the treatment of genetic, oncogenic and viral diseases. A detailed understanding of the chemical principles for binding specific sites on double-helical DNA with oligodeoxynucleotides (or their analogues) by triple-strand formation would provide a pivotal first step in the development of a novel chemotherapeutic strategy of genetic targeting. This could ultimately enable precise inactivation of undesirable DNA sequences within the human genome.