Exploring the reasons for the large density of triplex-forming oligonucleotide target sequences in the human regulatory regions

Abstract

Background: DNA duplex sequences that can be targets for triplex formation are highly over-represented in the human genome, especially in regulatory regions. Results: Here we studied using bioinformatics tools several properties of triplex target sequences in an attempt to determine those that make these sequences so special in the genome. Conclusion: Our results strongly suggest that the unique physical properties of these sequences make them particularly suitable as "separators" between protein-recognition sites in the promoter region. © 2006 Goñi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.