High-affinity triplex-forming oligonucleotide target sequences in mammalian genomes.

Site-specific recognition of duplex DNA by triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) provides a promising approach to manipulate mammalian genomes. A prerequisite for successful gene targeting using this approach is that the targeted gene must contain specific, high-affinity TFO target sequences (TTS). To date, TTS have been identified and characterized in only approximately 37 human or rodent genes, limiting the application of triplex-directed gene targeting.

A web-based search engine for triplex-forming oligonucleotide target sequences.

Triplex technology offers a useful approach for site-specific modification of gene structure and function both in vitro and in vivo. Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind to their target sites in duplex DNA, thereby forming triple-helical DNA structures via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. TFO binding has been demonstrated to site-specifically inhibit gene expression, enhance homologous recombination, induce mutation, inhibit protein binding, and direct DNA damage, thus providing a tool for gene-specific manipulation of DNA.

Quantitative high-throughput measurement of gene expression with sub-zeptomole sensitivity by capillary electrophoresis.

Microarray technologies have provided the ability to monitor the expression of whole genomes rapidly. However, concerns persist with regard to quantitation and reproducibility, and the detection limits for individual genes in particular arrays are generally unknown. This article describes a semiautomated PCR-based technology, Q-RAGE, which rapidly provides measurements of mRNA abundance with extremely high sensitivity using fluorescent detection of specific products separated by capillary electrophoresis.

Effect of transport stress on respiratory disease, serum antioxidant status, and serum concentrations of lipid peroxidation biomarkers in beef cattle.

Objective: To determine the effect of transportation stress on serum concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers of calves.

Animals: 105 crossbred beef steer calves (mean [+/-SD] body weight, 207 +/- 21.2 kg).

Exposure of mouse skin to organic peroxides: subchronic effects related to carcinogenic potential.

Screening of newly synthesized organic peroxides for tumor initiating/promoting activity would be greatly facilitated if predictive methodologies could be developed using topical exposures shorter than those required for definitive tumor assessment in mouse skin models. Nine organic peroxides [benzoyl peroxide (BZP), di-t-butyl peroxide (DTBP), t-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB), p-t-butyl isopropylbenzene hydroperoxide (TBIBHP), cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), dicetyl peroxydicarbonate (DPD), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and O,O-t-butyl-O-(2-ethylhexyl) monoperoxycarbonate (TBEC)] were evaluated for their ability to increase biomarkers of tumor promotion in mouse skin, i.e.