Benzimidazoles: a minor groove-binding ligand-induced stabilization of triple helix.

Nonintercalating minor groove-binding ligands netropsin, Hoechst 33258, and DAPI are reported to destabilize the triplex. Ligands with different substitutions on the phenyl ring of bis- and terbenzimidazoles were evaluated for their effect on the stability of C+.GC triplex and Hoogsteen duplex.