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Pruška A, Marchand A, Zenobi R. Novel Insight into Proximal DNA Domain Interactions from Temperature‐Controlled Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202016757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pruška
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Adrien Marchand
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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52
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Scott P, Brabec V. Fe II Metallohelices Stabilize DNA G-Quadruplexes and Downregulate the Expression of G-Quadruplex-Regulated Oncogenes. Chemistry 2021; 27:11682-11692. [PMID: 34048082 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified within the promoter regions of many proto-oncogenes. Thus, G4s represent attractive targets for cancer therapy, and the design and development of new drugs as G4 binders is a very active field of medicinal chemistry. Here, molecular biophysics and biology methods were employed to investigate the interaction of chiral metallohelices with a series of four DNA G4s (hTelo, c-myc, c-kit1, c-kit2) that are formed by the human telomeric sequence (hTelo) and in the promoter regions of c-MYC and c-KIT proto-oncogenes. We show that the investigated water-compatible, optically pure metallohelices, which are made by self-assembly of simple nonpeptidic organic components around FeII ions and exhibit bioactivity emulating the natural systems, bind with high affinity to G4 DNA and much lower affinity to duplex DNA. Notably, both enantiomers of a metallohelix containing a m-xylenyl bridge (5 b) were found to effectively inhibit primer elongation catalyzed by Taq DNA polymerase by stabilizing G4 structures formed in the template strands containing c-myc and c-kit2 G4-forming sequences. Moreover, both enantiomers of 5 b downregulated the expression of c-MYC and c-KIT oncogenes in human embryonic kidney cells at mRNA and protein levels. As metallohelices also bind alternative nucleic acid structures, they hold promise as potential multitargeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Viktor Brabec
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
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53
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Banerjee N, Panda S, Chatterjee S. Frontiers in G-Quadruplex Therapeutics in Cancer: Selection of Small Molecules, Peptides and Aptamers. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:1-31. [PMID: 34148284 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex, a unique secondary structure in nucleic acids found throughout human genome, elicited widespread interest in the field of therapeutic research. Being present in key regulatory regions of oncogenes, RNAs and telomere, G-quadruplex structure regulates transcription, translation, splicing etc. Changes in its structure and stability leads to differential expression of oncogenes causing cancer. Thus, targeting G-Quadruplex structures with small molecules/other biologics has shown elevated research interest. Covering previous reports, in this review we try to enlighten the facts on the structural diversity in G-quadruplex ligands aiming to provide newer insights to design first-in-class drugs for the next generation cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Suman Panda
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
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54
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Wickhorst PJ, Ihmels H. Selective, pH-Dependent Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Quadruplex DNA with 4-Dimethylamino(phenyl)-Substituted Berberine Derivatives. Chemistry 2021; 27:8580-8589. [PMID: 33855748 PMCID: PMC8252107 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The 9- and 12-dimethylaminophenyl-substituted berberine derivatives 3 a and 3 b were readily synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions and shown to be useful fluorescent probes for the optical detection of quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA). Their association with the nucleic acids was investigated by spectrometric titrations, CD and LD spectroscopy, and with DNA-melting analysis. Both ligands bind to duplex DNA by intercalation and to G4-DNA by terminal π stacking. At neutral conditions, they bind with higher affinity (Kb =105 -106 M-1 ) to representative quadruplex forming oligonucleotides 22AG, c-myc, c-kit, and a2, than to duplex calf thymus (ct) DNA (Kb =5-7×104 M-1 ). At pH 5, however, the affinity of 3 a towards G4-DNA 22AG is higher (Kb =1.2×106 M-1 ), whereas the binding constant towards ct DNA is lower (Kb =3.9×103 M-1 ) than under neutral conditions. Notably, the association of the ligand with DNA results in characteristic changes of the absorption and emission properties under specific conditions, which may be used for optical DNA detection. Other than the parent berberine, the ligands do not show a noticeable increase of their very low intrinsic emission intensity upon association with DNA at neutral conditions. In contrast, a fluorescence light-up effect was observed upon association to duplex (Φfl =0.01) and quadruplex DNA (Φfl =0.04) at pH 5. This fluorimetric response to G4-DNA association in combination with the distinct, red-shifted absorption under these conditions provides a simple and conclusive optical detection of G4-DNA at lower pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jonas Wickhorst
- Department of Chemistry – BiologyUniversity of Siegen, andCenter of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ)Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068SiegenGermany
| | - Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry – BiologyUniversity of Siegen, andCenter of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ)Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068SiegenGermany
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55
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G-Quadruplex Structures in Bacteria: Biological Relevance and Potential as an Antimicrobial Target. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0057720. [PMID: 33649149 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00577-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA strands consisting of multiple runs of guanines can adopt a noncanonical, four-stranded DNA secondary structure known as G-quadruplex or G4 DNA. G4 DNA is thought to play an important role in transcriptional and translational regulation of genes, DNA replication, genome stability, and oncogene expression in eukaryotic genomes. In other organisms, including several bacterial pathogens and some plant species, the biological roles of G4 DNA and G4 RNA are starting to be explored. Recent investigations showed that G4 DNA and G4 RNA are generally conserved across plant species. In silico analyses of several bacterial genomes identified putative guanine-rich, G4 DNA-forming sequences in promoter regions. The sequences were particularly abundant in certain gene classes, suggesting that these highly diverse structures can be employed to regulate the expression of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis and signal transduction. Furthermore, in the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the distribution of G4 motifs and their potential role in the regulation of gene transcription advocate for the use of G4 ligands to develop novel antitubercular therapies. In this review, we discuss the various roles of G4 structures in bacterial DNA and the application of G4 DNA as inhibitors or therapeutic agents to address bacterial pathogens.
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56
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Chaudhuri R, Fatma K, Dash J. Regulation of gene expression by targeting DNA secondary structures. J CHEM SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12039-021-01898-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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57
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Wang S, Yang Y, Yang Y, Li H, Chen DDY. Quantitative characterization of human oncogene promoter G-quadruplex DNA-ligand interactions using a combination of mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:1450-1460. [PMID: 33990994 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human c-KIT oncogene is known to regulate cell growth and proliferation, and thus, acts as a probable target in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors (GIST). To identify small molecule ligands which can specifically bind with the G-quadruplex (G4) in the c-KIT promoter region as potential antitumor agents, we propose the combination of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), capillary electrophoresis frontal analysis (CE-FA), and Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) to accurately investigate the G4/ligands binding properties. First, ESI-MS was used for initial screening of natural products (NPs). CE-FA was then used to calculate specific binding constants and the stoichiometry of the native state binding pair in solution. Next, TDA, a micro-capillary flow technique was used to examine the effect of the ligand binding on the diffusivity and particle size of the c-KIT G4. Two of the screened NPs, scopolamine butylbromide (L1) and isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside (L3), were found to specifically bind to the c-KIT G4 with binding constants of around 104 M-1 and 1:1 stoichiometry in a free solution. TDA data showed that ligand binding (both L1 and L3) induced the c-KIT strands to fold into a tightly structured G4 with a decreased hydrodynamic radius. These ligands have the potential to be drug candidates for the regulation of c-KIT gene transcription by stabilizing the G4 structure. This methodology not only increased the speed of analysis but also improved its accuracy and specificity compared with the conventional binding approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Wang
- National and local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- National and local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yunhe Yang
- National and local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Li
- National and local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - David D Y Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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58
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Yang Y, Yang Y, Wang S, Li H, Chen DDY. Detecting the formation of human c-KIT oncogene promoter G-Quadruplex by Taylor dispersion analysis. Talanta 2021; 233:122533. [PMID: 34215036 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The formation of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in oncogenic G-rich promoter regions are implicated in their biological functions, especially the inhibition of transcription. The binding of cations is thought to contribute to the stabilization of the G4 formation and competition against the duplex formation in the genomic sequence. Furthermore, it might affect the recognition of DNA-binding proteins. Therefore, measuring the interaction between G4 DNA and cations in a free solution environment is critical for evaluating G4 DNA biological functions. However, how binding to cations (K+ and NH4+) affects the folding equilibrium of the G4 structure remains unclear. In this work, a Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) method using a capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument was established for the quantitative characterization of the cation-dependent G4 formation in the human c-KIT oncogene promoter region, as well as diffusivities and hydrodynamic radii of DNA variations before and after folding. Our results showed that both K+ and NH4+ can induce the random-coiled c-KIT DNA to unfold and form a more unstretched intermediate state and then fold into tightly structured G4s with smaller size. The G4 size induced by NH4+ was smaller than that induced by K+ ions, though these two cations induced the c-KIT G4 DNA formation with similar binding constants (order of magnitude around 106 M-1). The TDA method can be widely used for rapid structural analyses of trace amounts of DNA mixtures, which effectively differentiate DNA variations or DNA-ligand complex conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Huihui Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Changzhou Institute of Innovation and Development, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
| | - David D Y Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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59
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Unraveling the binding characteristics of small ligands to telomeric DNA by pressure modulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9714. [PMID: 33958702 PMCID: PMC8102477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-canonical DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes (GQs), were found to be highly pressure sensitive, suggesting that pressure modulation studies can provide additional mechanistic details of such biomolecular systems. Using FRET and CD spectroscopy as well as binding equilibrium measurements, we investigated the effect of pressure on the binding reaction of the ligand ThT to the quadruplex 22AG in solutions containing different ionic species and a crowding agent mimicking the intracellular milieu. Pressure modulation helped us to identify the different conformational substates adopted by the quadruplex at the different solution conditions and to determine the volumetric changes during complex formation and the conformational transitions involved. The magnitudes of the binding volumes are a hallmark of packing defects and hydrational changes upon ligand binding. The conformational substates of the GQ as well as the binding strength and the stoichiometry of complex formation depend strongly on the solution conditions as well as on pressure. High hydrostatic pressure can also impact GQs inside living cells and thus affect expression of genetic information in deep sea organisms. We show that sub-kbar pressures do not only affect the conformational dynamics and structures of GQs, but also their ligand binding reactions.
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60
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Paul R, Dutta D, Das T, Debnath M, Dash J. G4 Sensing Pyridyl-Thiazole Polyamide Represses c-KIT Expression in Leukemia Cells. Chemistry 2021; 27:8590-8599. [PMID: 33851760 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202100907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Specific sensing and functional tuning of nucleic acid secondary structures remain less explored to date. Herein, we report a thiazole polyamide TPW that binds specifically to c-KIT1 G-quadruplex (G4) with sub-micromolar affinity and ∼1 : 1 stoichiometry and represses c-KIT proto-oncogene expression. TPW shows up to 10-fold increase in fluorescence upon binding with c-KIT1 G4, but shows weak or no quantifiable binding to other G4s and ds26 DNA. TPW can increase the number of G4-specific antibody (BG4) foci and mark G4 structures in cancer cells. Cell-based assays reveal that TPW can efficiently repress c-KIT expression in leukemia cells via a G4-dependent process. Thus, the polyamide can serve as a promising probe for G-quadruplex recognition with the ability to specifically alter c-KIT oncogene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Paul
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Debasish Dutta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Tania Das
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Manish Debnath
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
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61
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Wickhorst PJ, Blachnik M, Lagumdzija D, Ihmels H. Synthesis of 10- O-aryl-substituted berberine derivatives by Chan-Evans-Lam coupling and investigation of their DNA-binding properties. Beilstein J Org Chem 2021; 17:991-1000. [PMID: 34025807 PMCID: PMC8111429 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eleven novel 10-O-aryl-substituted berberrubine and berberine derivatives were synthesized by the Cu2+-catalyzed Chan-Evans-Lam coupling of berberrubine with arylboronic acids and subsequent 9-O-methylation. The reaction is likely introduced by the Cu2+-induced demethylation of berberrubine and subsequent arylation of the resulting 10-oxyanion functionality. Thus, this synthetic route represents the first successful Cu-mediated coupling reaction of berberine substrates. The DNA-binding properties of the 10-O-arylberberine derivatives with duplex and quadruplex DNA were studied by thermal DNA denaturation experiments, spectrometric titrations as well as CD and LD spectroscopy. Fluorimetric DNA melting analysis with different types of quadruplex DNA revealed a moderate stabilization of the telomeric quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide sequence G3(TTAG3)3. The derivatives showed a moderate affinity towards quadruplex DNA (K b = 5-9 × 105 M-1) and ct DNA (K b = 3-5 × 104 M-1) and exhibited a fluorescence light-up effect upon complexation to both DNA forms, with slightly higher intensity in the presence of the quadruplex DNA. Furthermore, the CD- and LD-spectroscopic studies revealed that the title compounds intercalate into ct DNA and bind to G4-DNA by terminal stacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jonas Wickhorst
- Department of Chemistry – Biology, University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
| | - Mathilda Blachnik
- Department of Chemistry – Biology, University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
| | - Denisa Lagumdzija
- Department of Chemistry – Biology, University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
| | - Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry – Biology, University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
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62
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Sun R, Guo X, Yang D, Tang Y, Lu J, Sun H. c-Myc G-quadruplex is sensitively and specifically recognized by a fluorescent probe. Talanta 2021; 226:122125. [PMID: 33676679 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex structure formed by the c-myc gene sequence has attracted much attention due to its important physiological function in biology and wide application in nanotechnology. So far, probes capable of recognition of c-myc G-quadruplex with both high specificity and sensitivity are still scarce. This work presented a cyanine dye fluorescent probe named Cy-1, which has almost no fluorescence in aqueous solution, but showing more than 1000-fold fluorescence enhancement for recognizing c-myc G-quadruplex. Cy-1 also has good specificity and can selectively recognize c-myc G-quadruplex from other a variety of G-quadruplex and non-G-quadruplex structures. These properties make Cy-1 a promising probe for c-myc G-quadruplex recognition in nanotechnology or biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, PR China; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Dawei Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yalin Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jie Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, PR China.
| | - Hongxia Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China.
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63
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Wickhorst PJ, Ihmels H. Berberrubine Phosphate: A Selective Fluorescent Probe for Quadruplex DNA. Molecules 2021; 26:2566. [PMID: 33924894 PMCID: PMC8124163 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A phosphate-substituted, zwitterionic berberine derivative was synthesized and its binding properties with duplex DNA and G4-DNA were studied using photometric, fluorimetric and polarimetric titrations and thermal DNA denaturation experiments. The ligand binds with high affinity toward both DNA forms (Kb = 2-7 × 105 M-1) and induces a slight stabilization of G4-DNA toward thermally induced unfolding, mostly pronounced for the telomeric quadruplex 22AG. The ligand likely binds by aggregation and intercalation with ct DNA and by terminal stacking with G4-DNA. Thus, this compound represents one of the rare examples of phosphate-substituted DNA binders. In an aqueous solution, the title compound has a very weak fluorescence intensity (Φfl < 0.01) that increases significantly upon binding to G4-DNA (Φfl = 0.01). In contrast, the association with duplex DNA was not accompanied by such a strong fluorescence light-up effect (Φfl < 0.01). These different fluorimetric responses upon binding to particular DNA forms are proposed to be caused by the different binding modes and may be used for the selective fluorimetric detection of G4-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Siegen, Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cµ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany;
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64
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Guha R, Defayay D, Hepp A, Müller J. Targeting Guanine Quadruplexes with Luminescent Platinum(II) Complexes Bearing a Pendant Nucleobase. Chempluschem 2021; 86:662-673. [PMID: 33881231 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplexes are tetra-stranded nucleic acid structures currently raising significant interest in the context of the development of potential anticancer therapeutics with a new mode of action. They are composed of planar guanine tetrads, allowing a high-affinity targeting by using molecules with a large π surface. However, the extreme topological versatility of guanine quadruplexes impedes a straightforward targeting of particular preselected guanine-rich sequences. We report here a systematic study of a family of luminescent platinum(II) complexes devised to overcome this challenge. By attaching a pendant adenine or thymine nucleobase as a substituent to one of the ligands at the platinum center, an additional recognition site is introduced with the aim of modulating the affinity of the metal complex to different DNA sequences. By comparing different attached nucleobases and a series of linker moieties, first conclusions are drawn with respect to the scope of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rweetuparna Guha
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Corrensstr. 30, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Denise Defayay
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Corrensstr. 30, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Hepp
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Corrensstr. 30, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Müller
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Corrensstr. 30, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, Corrensstr. 30, 48149, Münster, Germany
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65
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Roy U, Raghavan SC. Deleterious point mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Mechanistic insights into leukemogenesis. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1210-1220. [PMID: 33634864 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is characterized by the leukemogenic transformation of immature T cells, which accumulate an array of genetic and epigenetic lesions, leading to a sustained proliferation of abnormal T cells. Genetic alterations in the DNA repair genes, protooncogenes, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifiers have been studied in the past decade using next-generation sequencing and high-resolution copy number arrays. While other genomic lesions like chromosomal rearrangements, inversions, insertions, and gene fusions have been well studied at functional level, the mechanism of generation of driver mutations in T-ALL is the subject of current investigation. Novel oncogenic mutations in the TP53, BRCA2, PTEN, IL7R, RAS, NOTCH1, ETV6, BCL11B, WT1, DNMT3A, PRC2, PHF6, USP7, KDM6A and an array of other genes disrupt the genetic and epigenetic homeostasis in T-ALL. In this review, we have summarized the mechanistic role of deleterious driver mutations in T-ALL initiation and progression. We speculate that the formation of non-B DNA structures could be one of the primary reasons for the occurrence of different genomic lesions seen in T-ALL, which warrants further investigation. Understanding the mechanism behind the genesis of oncogenic mutations will pave the way to develop targeted therapies that can improve the overall survival and treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urbi Roy
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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66
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Zhang M, Wei Z, Gong X, Li X, Kang S, Wang J, Liu B, Huang ZS, Li D. Syntheses and evaluation of acridone-naphthalimide derivatives for regulating oncogene PDGFR-β expression. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 34:116042. [PMID: 33561716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β) has been found to be associated with development of various types of cancers, which has become an attractive target for anti-tumor treatment. Previously, we have synthesized and studied an acridone derivative B19, which can selectively bind to and stabilize oncogene c-myc promoter i-motif, resulting in down-regulation of c-myc transcription and translation, however its effect on tumor cells apoptosis requires improvement. In the present study, we synthesized a variety of B19 derivatives containing a known anti-cancer fluorescent chromophore naphthalimide for the purpose of enhancing anti-cancer activity. After screening, we found that acridone-naphthalimide derivative WZZ02 could selectively stabilize PDGFR-β promoter G-quadruplex and destabilize its corresponding i-motif structure, without significant interaction to other oncogenes promoter G-quadruplex and i-motif. WZZ02 down-regulated PDGFR-β gene transcription and translation in a dose-dependent manner, possibly due to above interactions. WZZ02 could significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and induce cell apoptosis and cycle arrest. WZZ02 exhibited tumor growth inhibition activity in MCF-7 xenograft tumor model, which could be due to its binding interactions with PDGFR-β promoter G-quadruplex and i-motif. Our results suggested that WZZ02 as a dual G-quadruplex/i-motif binder could be effective on both oncogene replication and transcription, which could become a promising lead compound for further development with improved potency and selectivity. The wide properties for the derivatives of 1,8-naphthalimide could facilitate further in-depth mechanistic studies of WZZ02 through various fluorescent physical and chemical methods, which could help to further understand the function of PDGFR-β gene promoter G-quadruplex and i-motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zuzhuang Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xue Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shuangshuang Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Bobo Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ding Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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67
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Kosiol N, Juranek S, Brossart P, Heine A, Paeschke K. G-quadruplexes: a promising target for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:40. [PMID: 33632214 PMCID: PMC7905668 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA can fold into a variety of alternative conformations. In recent years, a particular nucleic acid structure was discussed to play a role in malignant transformation and cancer development. This structure is called a G-quadruplex (G4). G4 structure formation can drive genome instability by creating mutations, deletions and stimulating recombination events. The importance of G4 structures in the characterization of malignant cells was currently demonstrated in breast cancer samples. In this analysis a correlation between G4 structure formation and an increased intratumor heterogeneity was identified. This suggests that G4 structures might allow breast cancer stratification and supports the identification of new personalized treatment options. Because of the stability of G4 structures and their presence within most human oncogenic promoters and at telomeres, G4 structures are currently tested as a therapeutic target to downregulate transcription or to block telomere elongation in cancer cells. To date, different chemical molecules (G4 ligands) have been developed that aim to target G4 structures. In this review we discuss and compare G4 function and relevance for therapeutic approaches and their impact on cancer development for three cancer entities, which differ significantly in their amount and type of mutations: pancreatic cancer, leukemia and malignant melanoma. G4 structures might present a promising new strategy to individually target tumor cells and could support personalized treatment approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Kosiol
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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68
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Pal S, Paul S. An in silico investigation of the binding modes and pathway of APTO-253 on c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:3361-3376. [PMID: 33502401 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05210h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The stability of c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA via ligands has been a significant concern in the growing field of cancer therapy. Thus, it is very important to understand the mechanism behind the high binding affinity of the small drug molecules on the c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA. In this study, we have investigated the binding mode and pathway of the APTO-253 ligand on the c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA employing a total of 10 μs all atom molecular dynamics simulations and further 8.82 μs simulations via the umbrella sampling method using both OL15 and BSC1 latest force fields for DNA structures. From the cluster structure analysis, mainly three binding pathways i.e., top, bottom and side loop stacking modes are identified. Moreover, RMSD, RMSF and 2D-RMSD values indicate that the c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA and APTO-253 molecules are stable throughout the simulation run. Furthermore, the number of hydrogen bonds in each tetrad and the distance between the two central K+ cations confirm that the c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA maintains its conformation in the process of complex formation with the APTO-253 ligand. The binding free energies and the minimum values in the potential of mean forces suggest that the binding processes are energetically favorable. Furthermore, we have found that the bottom stacking mode is the most favorable binding mode among all the three modes for the OL15 force field. However, for the BSC1 force field, both the top and bottom binding modes of the APTO-253 ligand in c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA are comparable to each other. To investigate the driving force for the complex formation, we have noticed that the van der Waals (vdW) and π-π stacking interactions are mainly responsible. Our detailed studies provide useful information for the discovery of novel drugs in the field of stabilization of G-quadruplex DNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Assam, 781039, India.
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69
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Savva L, Georgiades SN. Recent Developments in Small-Molecule Ligands of Medicinal Relevance for Harnessing the Anticancer Potential of G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040841. [PMID: 33562720 PMCID: PMC7914483 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, a family of tetraplex helical nucleic acid topologies, have emerged in recent years as novel targets, with untapped potential for anticancer research. Their potential stems from the fact that G-quadruplexes occur in functionally-important regions of the human genome, such as the telomere tandem sequences, several proto-oncogene promoters, other regulatory regions and sequences of DNA (e.g., rDNA), as well as in mRNAs encoding for proteins with roles in tumorigenesis. Modulation of G-quadruplexes, via interaction with high-affinity ligands, leads to their stabilization, with numerous observed anticancer effects. Despite the fact that only a few lead compounds for G-quadruplex modulation have progressed to clinical trials so far, recent advancements in the field now create conditions that foster further development of drug candidates. This review highlights biological processes through which G-quadruplexes can exert their anticancer effects and describes, via selected case studies, progress of the last few years on the development of efficient and drug-like G-quadruplex-targeted ligands, intended to harness the anticancer potential offered by G-quadruplexes. The review finally provides a critical discussion of perceived challenges and limitations that have previously hampered the progression of G-quadruplex-targeted lead compounds to clinical trials, concluding with an optimistic future outlook.
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70
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Laddachote S, Ishii R, Yoshida W. Effects of CpG methylation on the thermal stability of c-kit2, c-kit*, and c-kit1 G-quadruplex structures. BBA ADVANCES 2021; 1:100007. [PMID: 37082005 PMCID: PMC10074881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2021.100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In genomic DNA, G-quadruplex (G4)-forming DNA can form either a duplex or G4 structure, suggesting that understanding the factors regulating G4 formation is important for revealing the cellular functions controlled by G4 formation. Cytosine DNA methylation in the CpG islands is known to play an important role in transcriptional regulation. Additionally, CpG methylation increases the thermal stability of G4 structures such as BCL2 and VEGF G4. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CpG methylation in three G4 structures (c-kit2, c-kit*, and c-kit1) produced by the c-KIT promoter. Each was analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) melting analysis. The results demonstrate that CpG methylation does not alter the thermal stability of c-kit2 G4 structure when formed in the presence of K+; a single-CpG methylation at C1 or C11 decreases the thermal stability of any c-kit2 G4 structure formed in the presence of Na+ and Mg2+ while methylation at C5 increases the thermal stability; CpG methylation does not alter the thermal stability of c-kit1 or c-kit* G4 structures formed in the presence of K+; and the c-kit1 and c-kit* G4-forming oligonucleotides do not form G4 structures in the presence of Na+ and Mg2+. These results provide important clues for understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying the formation of CpG methylation-induced G4 structures.
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71
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Farrell NP, Brabec V. Antitumor substitution-inert polynuclear platinum complexes stabilize G-quadruplex DNA and suppress G-quadruplex-mediated gene expression. Inorg Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qi00488c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(ii) complexes (SI-PPCs) effectively stabilize DNA G-quadruplexes (G4) and terminate DNA polymerization on templates containing G4-forming sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
| | | | - Viktor Brabec
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
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72
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Da Ros S, Nicoletto G, Rigo R, Ceschi S, Zorzan E, Dacasto M, Giantin M, Sissi C. G-Quadruplex Modulation of SP1 Functional Binding Sites at the KIT Proximal Promoter. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E329. [PMID: 33396937 PMCID: PMC7795597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of conformational arrangements of gene promoters is a physiological mechanism that has been associated with the fine control of gene expression. Indeed, it can drive the time and the location for the selective recruitment of proteins of the transcriptional machinery. Here, we address this issue at the KIT proximal promoter where three G-quadruplex forming sites are present (kit1, kit2 and kit*). On this model, we focused on the interplay between G-quadruplex (G4) formation and SP1 recruitment. By site directed mutagenesis, we prepared a library of plasmids containing mutated sequences of the WT KIT promoter that systematically exploited different G4 formation attitudes and SP1 binding properties. Our transfection data showed that the three different G4 sites of the KIT promoter impact on SP1 binding and protein expression at different levels. Notably, kit2 and kit* structural features represent an on-off system for KIT expression through the recruitment of transcription factors. The use of two G4 binders further helps to address kit2-kit* as a reliable target for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Da Ros
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.R.); (G.N.); (R.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Giulia Nicoletto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.R.); (G.N.); (R.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Riccardo Rigo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.R.); (G.N.); (R.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Ceschi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.R.); (G.N.); (R.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Eleonora Zorzan
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.Z.); (M.D.)
| | - Mauro Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.Z.); (M.D.)
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.Z.); (M.D.)
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.R.); (G.N.); (R.R.); (S.C.)
- CRIBI Biotechnology Center (Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale per le Biotecnologie Innovative), University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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73
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Chaudhuri R, Bhattacharya S, Dash J, Bhattacharya S. Recent Update on Targeting c-MYC G-Quadruplexes by Small Molecules for Anticancer Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2020; 64:42-70. [PMID: 33355454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences have the propensity to adopt four-stranded tetrahelical G-quadruplex (G4) structures that are overrepresented in gene promoters. The structural polymorphism and physicochemical properties of these non-Watson-Crick G4 structures make them important targets for drug development. The guanine-rich nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 present in the upstream of P1 promoter of c-MYC oncogene has the ability to form an intramolecular parallel G4 structure. The G4 structure that forms transiently in the c-MYC promoter functions as a transcriptional repressor element. The c-MYC oncogene is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers and plays a key role in cancer progression. Till now, a large number of compounds that are capable of interacting and stabilizing thec-MYC G4 have been reported. In this review, we summarize various c-MYC G4 specific molecules and discuss their effects on c-MYC gene expression in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritapa Chaudhuri
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Semantee Bhattacharya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata 700032, India.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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74
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Sanchez-Martin V, Lopez-Pujante C, Soriano-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Salcedo JA. An Updated Focus on Quadruplex Structures as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238900. [PMID: 33255335 PMCID: PMC7734589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical, four-stranded nucleic acids secondary structures are present within regulatory regions in the human genome and transcriptome. To date, these quadruplex structures include both DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes, formed in guanine-rich sequences, and i-Motifs, found in cytosine-rich sequences, as their counterparts. Quadruplexes have been extensively associated with cancer, playing an important role in telomere maintenance and control of genetic expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Therefore, quadruplex structures are considered attractive molecular targets for cancer therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. In this review, we provide a general overview about recent research on the implications of quadruplex structures in cancer, firstly gathering together DNA G-quadruplexes, RNA G-quadruplexes as well as DNA i-Motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanchez-Martin
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Lopez-Pujante
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
| | - Miguel Soriano-Rodriguez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Centre for Intensive Mediterranean Agrosystems and Agri-food Biotechnology (CIAMBITAL), University of Almeria, 04001 Almeria, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Salcedo
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
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75
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Tan DJY, Winnerdy FR, Lim KW, Phan AT. Coexistence of two quadruplex-duplex hybrids in the PIM1 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11162-11171. [PMID: 32976598 PMCID: PMC7641742 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer which lacks of targeted therapies, exhibits a poor prognosis. It was shown recently that the PIM1 oncogene is highly related to the proliferation of TNBC cells. A quadruplex-duplex hybrid (QDH) forming sequence was recently found to exist near the transcription start site of PIM1. This structure could be an attractive target for regulation of the PIM1 gene expression and thus the treatment of TNBC. Here, we present the solution structures of two QDHs that could coexist in the human PIM1 gene. Form 1 is a three-G-tetrad-layered (3+1) G-quadruplex containing a propeller loop, a lateral loop and a stem-loop made up of three G•C Watson-Crick base pairs. On the other hand, Form 2 is an anti-parallel G-quadruplex comprising two G-tetrads and a G•C•G•C tetrad; the structure has three lateral loops with the middle stem-loop made up of two Watson-Crick G•C base pairs. These structures provide valuable information for the design of G-quadruplex-specific ligands for PIM1 transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick J Y Tan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Kah Wai Lim
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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76
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Ngoc Nguyen TQ, Lim KW, Phan AT. Duplex formation in a G-quadruplex bulge. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10567-10575. [PMID: 32960213 PMCID: PMC7544226 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond the consensus definition of G-quadruplex-forming motifs with tracts of continuous guanines, G-quadruplexes harboring bulges in the G-tetrad core are prevalent in the human genome. Here, we study the incorporation of a duplex hairpin within a bulge of a G-quadruplex. The NMR solution structure of a G-quadruplex containing a duplex bulge was resolved, revealing the structural details of the junction between the duplex bulge and the G-quadruplex. Unexpectedly, instead of an orthogonal connection the duplex stem was observed to stack below the G-quadruplex forming a unique quadruplex–duplex junction. Breaking up of the immediate base pair step at the junction, coupled with a narrowing of the duplex groove within the context of the bulge, led to a progressive transition between the quadruplex and duplex segments. This study revealed that a duplex bulge can be formed at various positions of a G-quadruplex scaffold. In contrast to a non-structured bulge, the stability of a G-quadruplex slightly increases with an increase in the duplex bulge size. A G-quadruplex structure containing a duplex bulge of up to 33 nt in size was shown to form, which was much larger than the previously reported 7-nt bulge. With G-quadruplexes containing duplex bulges representing new structural motifs with potential biological significance, our findings would broaden the definition of potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Quynh Ngoc Nguyen
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Kah Wai Lim
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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77
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Schult P, Paeschke K. The DEAH helicase DHX36 and its role in G-quadruplex-dependent processes. Biol Chem 2020; 402:581-591. [PMID: 33021960 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DHX36 is a member of the DExD/H box helicase family, which comprises a large number of proteins involved in various cellular functions. Recently, the function of DHX36 in the regulation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) was demonstrated. G4s are alternative nucleic acid structures, which influence many cellular pathways on a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about DHX36 structure, substrate specificity, and mechanism of action based on the available models and crystal structures. Moreover, we outline its multiple functions in cellular homeostasis, immunity, and disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions and provide potential directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schult
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, D-53127Bonn, Germany
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Antisense Oligonucleotides Used to Identify Telomeric G-Quadruplexes in Metaphase Chromosomes and Fixed Cells by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy of o-BMVC Foci. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184083. [PMID: 32906697 PMCID: PMC7570708 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of the existence of G-quadruplex (G4) structure, from a specific G-rich sequence in cells, is critical to the studies of structural biology and drug development. Accumulating evidence supports the existence of G4 structure in vivo. Particularly, time-gated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of a G4 fluorescent probe, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium) carbazole diiodide (o-BMVC), was used to quantitatively measure the number of G4 foci, not only in different cell lines, but also in tissue biopsy. Here, circular dichroism spectra and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis assays show that the use of antisense oligonucleotides unfolds their G4 structures in different percentages. Using antisense oligonucleotides, quantitative measurement of the number of o-BMVC foci in time-gated FLIM images provides a method for identifying which G4 motifs form G4 structures in fixed cells. Here, the decrease of the o-BMVC foci number, upon the pretreatment of antisense sequences, (CCCTAA)3CCCTA, in fixed cells and at the end of metaphase chromosomes, allows us to identify the formation of telomeric G4 structures from TTAGGG repeats in fixed cells.
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79
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Suseela YV, Satha P, Murugan NA, Govindaraju T. Recognition of G-quadruplex topology through hybrid binding with implications in cancer theranostics. Theranostics 2020; 10:10394-10414. [PMID: 32929356 PMCID: PMC7482797 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The selective recognition and imaging of oncogene specific G-quadruplex (GQ) structures holds great promise in the development of diagnostic therapy (theranostics) for cancer and has been challenging due to their structural dynamics and diversity. We report selective recognition of GQ by a small molecule through unique hybrid loop stacking and groove binding mode with turn on far-red fluorescence response and anticancer activity demonstrating the potential implications for GQ-targeted cancer theranostics. Methods: Biophysical investigation reveal the turn on far-red emission property of TGP18 for selective recognition of GQ. In cellulo studies including DNA damage and oxidative stress evaluation guided us to perform in vitro (3D spheroid) and in vivo (xenograft mice model) anti-cancer activity, and tumor tissue imaging to assess the theranostic potential of TGP18. Results: Neocuproine-based far-red turn on fluorescence probe TGP18 shows GQ-to-duplex selectivity and specifically recognizes BCL-2 GQ with high affinity through a unique hybrid binding mode involving loop-stacking and groove interactions. Our study reveals that the selective recognition originating from the distinct loop structure of GQ that alters the overall probe interaction and binding affinity. TGP18 binding to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 GQ ablates the pro-survival function and elicit anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. We deciphered that inhibition of BCL-2 transcription synergized with signaling cascade of nucleolar stress, DNA damage and oxidative stress in triggering apoptosis signaling pathway. Conclusion: Intervention of GQ mediated lethality by TGP18 has translated into anti-cancer activity in both in vitro 3D spheroid culture and in vivo xenograft models of lung and breast cancer with superior efficacy for the former. In vivo therapeutic efficacy supplemented with tumor 3D spheroid and tissue imaging potential define the role of TGP18 in GQ-targeted cancer theranostics.
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80
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Grover J, Trujillo C, Saad M, Emandi G, Stipaničev N, Bernhard SSR, Guédin A, Mergny JL, Senge MO, Rozas I. Dual-binding conjugates of diaromatic guanidines and porphyrins for recognition of G-quadruplexes. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:5617-5624. [PMID: 32648871 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01264e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The first conceptualised class of dual-binding guanine quadruplex binders has been designed, synthesised and biophysically studied. These compounds combine diaromatic guanidinium systems and neutral tetra-phenylporphyrins (classical binding moiety for guanine quadruplexes) by means of a semi-rigid linker. An extensive screening of a variety of guanine quadruplex structures and double stranded DNA via UV-vis, FRET and CD experiments revealed the preference of the conjugates towards guanine quadruplexes. Additionally, docking studies indicate the potential dual mode of binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdeep Grover
- School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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81
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Pham SQT, Richardson C, Kelso C, Willis AC, Ralph SF. The effect of isomerism and other structural variations on the G-quadruplex DNA-binding properties of some nickel Schiff base complexes. Dalton Trans 2020; 49:10360-10379. [PMID: 32666965 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt01370f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel isomeric nickel Schiff base complexes, as well as nickel complexes of related ligands having asymmetric structures have been prepared and characterised using microanalysis, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS. The Schiff base ligands were prepared by condensation reactions involving ethylenediamine and different derivatives of benzophenone. The solid-state structures of eight of the complexes were also determined and revealed that each possessed a regular square planar coordination geometry around the metal ion. Many of the new complexes featured at least one, and in many instances two, protonatable pendant groups that enhance aqueous solubility. This enabled the DNA binding properties of the latter complexes to be explored using a variety of instrumental approaches, including ESI-MS, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, FRET melting assays and FID assays, as well as molecular docking studies. The results of experiments performed using ESI-MS suggested that none of the nickel complexes exhibit a high affinity towards either a double stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule D2, or the parallel unimolecular quadruplex DNA (qDNA) molecule Q1. In contrast, complexes (8) and (12) both gave spectra which reflected a significant level of binding to the parallel tetramolecular qDNA Q4. The results of binding experiments performed using CD spectroscopy suggested that (12) exhibits a significant level of affinity towards most types of DNA, while (4) shows a preference for interacting with parallel, unimolecular qDNA molecules. Complex (4) produced the lowest values of DC50 in FID assays performed using parallel Q1 or Q4, confirming its affinity for these qDNA molecules. The results of FRET melting experiments provided further evidence that (12), along with (8), can interact extensively with anti-parallel unimolecular qDNA. Experiments which monitored the effect of the nickel complexes on the melting temperature of D2 showed that none had a stabilising effect on this dsDNA molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Son Q T Pham
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia. and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Christopher Richardson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia. and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Celine Kelso
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia. and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Anthony C Willis
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Stephen F Ralph
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia. and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia
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82
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Prasad B, Das RN, Jamroskovic J, Kumar R, Hedenström M, Sabouri N, Chorell E. The Relation Between Position and Chemical Composition of Bis-Indole Substituents Determines Their Interactions with G-Quadruplex DNA. Chemistry 2020; 26:9561-9572. [PMID: 32187406 PMCID: PMC7497243 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are linked to fundamental biological processes and human diseases, which has triggered the development of compounds that affect these DNA structures. However, more knowledge is needed about how small molecules interact with G4 DNA structures. This study describes the development of a new class of bis-indoles (3,3-diindolyl-methyl derivatives) and detailed studies of how they interact with G4 DNA using orthogonal assays, biophysical techniques, and computational studies. This revealed compounds that strongly bind and stabilize G4 DNA structures, and detailed binding interactions which for example, show that charge variance can play a key role in G4 DNA binding. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships generated opened the possibilities to replace or introduce new substituents on the core structure, which is of key importance to optimize compound properties or introduce probes to further expand the possibilities of these compounds as tailored research tools to study G4 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Jamroskovic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsUmeå University90187UmeåSweden
| | | | | | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsUmeå University90187UmeåSweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department of ChemistryUmeå University90187UmeåSweden
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83
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Minard A, Morgan D, Raguseo F, Di Porzio A, Liano D, Jamieson AG, Di Antonio M. A short peptide that preferentially binds c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8940-8943. [PMID: 32638724 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02954h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical DNA secondary structures. The identification of selective tools to probe individual G4s over the ∼700 000 found in the human genome is key to unravel the biological significance of specific G4s. We took inspiration from a crystal structure of the bovine DHX36 helicase bound to the G4 formed in the promoter region of the oncogene c-MYC to identify a short peptide that preferentially binds MYC G4 with nM affinity over a small panel of parallel and non-parallel G4s tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Minard
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub, 80 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK.
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84
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Zou L, Li H, Liu M, Zhao W, Wang S. Enhancement Effect of Zn-Arsenazo III Complex for G-quadruplex DNA Stability of Proto-oncogene Promoter Telomeres. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180816666191112154141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Controlling the structure of proto-oncogene telomeres is very important in
antitumor therapy. There are relationships between G-quadruplex DNA and the growth of tumor cell.
Methods:
In this study, spectroscopic, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity methods were employed to
investigate the interaction between Zn-Arsenazo Ⅲ complex and G-quadruplex DNA by using 4S
Green Plus Nucleic Acid Stain as a spectral probe in PBS buffer. The binding ratios were n Arsenazo Ⅲ
: n Zn(Ⅱ) = 5:1 for Zn-Arsenazo Ⅲ complex and n Zn- Arsenazo Ⅲ : n G-quadruplex DNA = 8:1 for Zn-Arsenazo
Ⅲ-G-quadruplex DNA. The bonding constants (Kθ
298.15K=4.44x105 L·mol-1, Kθ
308.15K= 1.00x105
L·mol-1, Kθ
318.15K= 1.04x106 L·mol-1) were obtained by double reciprocal method at different temperatures, Which was found that the interaction between Zn-Arsenazo Ⅲ complex and Gquadruplex
DNA was driven by enthalpy. Furthermore, the research further confirmed that the interaction
mode between Zn-Arsenazo Ⅲ complex and G-quadruplex DNA was a mixed binding
which involved intercalation and non-intercalation interaction.
Results and Conclusion:
Together these findings also have corroborated the application of stabilizing
ligands and intervening with their function for target G-quadruplexes in a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zou
- Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Mingbin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Weihua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Suqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
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85
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
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86
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Single and dual target inhibitors based on Bcl-2: Promising anti-tumor agents for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 201:112446. [PMID: 32563811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins family is an essential checkpoint in apoptosis. Extensive evidences suggested that overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins can be observed in multiple cancer cell lines and primary tumor biopsy samples, which is an important reason for tumor cells to evade apoptosis and further acquire drug resistance for chemotherapy. Hence, down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins is effective for the treatment of cancers. In view that Bcl-2 inhibitors and some other anti-tumor agents, such as HDAC inhibitors and Mdm2 inhibitors, exert synergy effects in tumor cells, it is pointed out that dual-targeting therapies based on these targets are regarded as rational strategies to enhance the effectiveness of single target agents for cancer treatment. This review briefly introduces the apoptosis, the structure of Bcl-2 family proteins, and focuses on the current status and recent advances of Bcl-2 inhibitors and the corresponding SARs of them. Moreover, we discuss the synergisms between Bcl-2 and other anti-tumor targets, and summarize the current dual-target agents.
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87
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Salsbury AM, Dean TJ, Lemkul JA. Polarizable Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Two c-kit Oncogene Promoter G-Quadruplexes: Effect of Primary and Secondary Structure on Loop and Ion Sampling. J Chem Theory Comput 2020; 16:3430-3444. [PMID: 32307997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are highly ordered nucleic acid structures that play fundamental roles in regulating gene expression and maintaining genomic stability. GQs are topologically diverse and enriched in promoter sequences of growth regulatory genes and proto-oncogenes, suggesting that they may serve as attractive targets for drug design at the level of transcription rather than inhibiting the activity of the protein products of these genes. The c-kit promoter contains three adjacent GQ-forming sequences that have proposed antagonistic effects on gene expression and thus are promising drug targets for diseases such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mast cell disease, and leukemia. Because GQ stability is influenced by primary structure, secondary structure, and ion interactions, a greater understanding of GQ structure, dynamics, and ion binding properties is needed to develop novel, GQ-targeting therapeutics. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to systematically study the c-kit2 and c-kit* GQs, evaluating nonpolarizable and polarizable force fields (FFs) and examining the effects of base substitutions and cation type (K+, Na+, and Li+) on the dynamics of their isolated and linked structures. We found that the Drude polarizable FF outperformed the additive CHARMM36 FF in two- and three-tetrad GQs and solutions of KCl, NaCl, and LiCl. Drude simulations with different cations agreed with the known GQ stabilization preference (K+ > Na+ > Li+) and illustrated that tetrad core-ion coordination differs as a function of cation type. Finally, we showed that differences in primary and secondary structure influence loop sampling, ion binding, and core-ion energetics of GQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa M Salsbury
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Tanner J Dean
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Justin A Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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88
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D'Aria F, D'Amore VM, Di Leva FS, Amato J, Caterino M, Russomanno P, Salerno S, Barresi E, De Leo M, Marini AM, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Salgado GF, Pompili L, Zizza P, Shirasawa S, Novellino E, Biroccio A, Marinelli L, Giancola C. Targeting the KRAS oncogene: Synthesis, physicochemical and biological evaluation of novel G-Quadruplex DNA binders. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 149:105337. [PMID: 32311457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The oncogene KRAS is involved in the pathogenesis of many tumors such as pancreatic, lung and colorectal cancers, thereby representing a relevant target for the treatment of these diseases. The KRAS P1 promoter contains a nuclease hypersensitive, guanine-rich sequence able to fold into a G-quadruplex motif (G4). The stabilization of this G4 structure by small molecules is emerging as a feasible approach to downregulate KRAS expression. Here, a set of novel stabilizing molecules was identified through a virtual screening campaign on the NMR structure of the 22-mer KRAS G4. The most promising hits were then submitted to structure-activity relationships studies which allowed improving their binding affinity and selectivity over double helix DNA and different G4 topologies. The best derivative (19) underwent fluorescence titration experiments and further computational studies to disclose its binding mechanism to KRAS G4. Finally, biological assays showed that this compound is capable to reduce the viability of colorectal cancer cells in which mutated KRAS acts as a driver oncogene. Thus, 19 might represent the prototype of a new class of drugs for the treatment of tumors that, expressing mutated forms of KRAS, are refractory to current therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D'Amore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Caterino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasquale Russomanno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marinella De Leo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Marini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- ARNA Laboratory, IECB, University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Luca Pompili
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Senji Shirasawa
- Central Research Institute for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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89
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Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Chemical biology of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids for therapeutic applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2379-2390. [PMID: 32022004 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc09771f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA forms not only the canonical duplex structure but also non-canonical structures. Most potential sequences that induce the formation of non-canonical structures are present in disease-related genes. Interestingly, biological reactions are inhibited or dysregulated by non-canonical structure formation in disease-related genes. To control biological reactions, methods for inducing the formation of non-canonical structures have been developed using small molecules and oligonucleotides. In this feature article, we review biological reactions such as replication, transcription, and reverse transcription controlled by non-canonical DNA structures formed by disease-related genes. Furthermore, we discuss recent studies aimed at developing methods for regulating these biological reactions using drugs targeting the DNA structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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90
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Tyagi S, Saxena S, Srivastava P, Sharma T, Kundu N, Kaur S, Shankaraswamy J. Screening the binding potential of quercetin with parallel, antiparallel and mixed G-quadruplexes of human telomere and cancer protooncogenes using molecular docking approach. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
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91
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Caporaletti F, Rubio-Magnieto J, Lo M, Longevial JF, Rose C, Clément S, van der Lee A, Surin M, Richeter S. Design of metalloporphyrins fused to imidazolium rings for binding DNA G-quadruplexes. J PORPHYR PHTHALOCYA 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s1088424619501128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II) meso-tetraarylporphyrins fused to imidazolium rings across [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-pyrrolic positions and X-ray structure of the porphyrin where two opposed pyrrole units are fused to an imidazolium ring are presented. The interactions between these mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis(imidazolium) porphyrins with human telomeric DNA G-quadruplexes (G4) were investigated using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) melting assay. Possible binding modes between cationic porphyrins and a selected G4 sequence (d[AG3(T2AG[Formula: see text]]), and relative stabilities of porphyrin/G4 complexes are discussed. Excepting porphyrins fused to one imidazolium ring, the other derivatives interact with G4 structures and their stabilization strongly depends on the porphyrin structure (number and localization of the imidazolium rings).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caporaletti
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons-UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Jenifer Rubio-Magnieto
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons-UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Mamadou Lo
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, ICGM, UMR 5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean-François Longevial
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, ICGM, UMR 5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Clémence Rose
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, ICGM, UMR 5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Sébastien Clément
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, ICGM, UMR 5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Arie van der Lee
- Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR 5635, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Center of Innovation and Research in Materials and Polymers (CIRMAP), University of Mons-UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Richeter
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, ICGM, UMR 5253, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, ENSCM, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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92
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Laddachote S, Nagata M, Yoshida W. Destabilisation of the c-kit1 G-quadruplex structure by N 6-methyladenosine modification. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:472-476. [PMID: 32008744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenine (m6dA) has been recently discovered in eukaryotic genomic DNA. However, there have been few reports on its biological roles. G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical nucleic acid structure formed by the stacking of G-tetrads. G4-forming sequences are enriched with cis-regulatory elements in genomic DNA and the G4 structures have important roles in various cellular functions. We previously reported that CpG methylation stabilized vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) G4 structure. Here we report that m6dA modification destabilizes the human c-kit1 G4 structure. These results suggest that epigenetic modifications may affect G4 formation in order to regulate the biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saowalak Laddachote
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Mayu Nagata
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Wataru Yoshida
- Graduate School of Bionics, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan; School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan.
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93
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Puig Lombardi E, Londoño-Vallejo A. A guide to computational methods for G-quadruplex prediction. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1-15. [PMID: 31754698 PMCID: PMC6943126 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich nucleic acids can fold into the non-B DNA or RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4). Recent methodological developments have allowed the characterization of specific G-quadruplex structures in vitro as well as in vivo, and at a much higher throughput, in silico, which has greatly expanded our understanding of G4-associated functions. Typically, the consensus motif G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+ has been used to identify potential G-quadruplexes from primary sequence. Since, various algorithms have been developed to predict the potential formation of quadruplexes directly from DNA or RNA sequences and the number of studies reporting genome-wide G4 exploration across species has rapidly increased. More recently, new methodologies have also appeared, proposing other estimates which consider non-canonical sequences and/or structure propensity and stability. The present review aims at providing an updated overview of the current open-source G-quadruplex prediction algorithms and straightforward examples of their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Puig Lombardi
- Telomeres and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Arturo Londoño-Vallejo
- Telomeres and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
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94
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Saha P, Kumar YP, Das T, Müller D, Bessi I, Schwalbe H, Dash J. G-Quadruplex-Specific Cell-Permeable Guanosine–Anthracene Conjugate Inhibits Telomere Elongation and Induces Apoptosis by Repressing the c-MYC Gene. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:3038-3045. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Puja Saha
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Y. Pavan Kumar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Tania Das
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Diana Müller
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Strasse 7, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Irene Bessi
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Strasse 7, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Strasse 7, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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95
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Dhamodharan V, Pradeepkumar PI. Specific Recognition of Promoter G-Quadruplex DNAs by Small Molecule Ligands and Light-up Probes. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2102-2114. [PMID: 31532996 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures whose underlying G-rich sequences are present across the chromosome and transcriptome. These highly structured elements are known to regulate many key biological functions such as replication, transcription, translation, and genomic stability, thereby providing an additional layer of gene regulation. G4s are structurally dynamic and diverse, and they can fold into numerous topologies. They are potential targets for small molecules, which can modulate their functions. To this end, myriad classes of small molecules have been developed and studied for their ability to bind and stabilize these unique structures. Though many of them can selectively target G4s over duplex DNA, only a few of them can distinguish one G4 topology from others. Design and development of G4-specific ligands are challenging owing to the subtle structural variations among G4 structures. However, screening assays and computational methods have identified a few classes of ligands that preferentially or specifically target the G4 topology of interest over others. This review focuses on the small molecules and fluorescent probes that specifically target human promoter G4s associated with oncogenes. Targeting promoter G4s could circumvent the issues such as undruggability and development of drug resistance associated with the protein targets. The ligands discussed here highlight that development of G4-specific ligands is an achievable goal in spite of the limited structural data available. The future goal is to pursue the development of G4-specific ligands endowed with drug-like properties for G4-based therapeutics and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Dhamodharan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 9040495, Japan
| | - P. I. Pradeepkumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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96
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Recagni M, Tassinari M, Doria F, Cimino-Reale G, Zaffaroni N, Freccero M, Folini M, Richter SN. The Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Cells are Modulated by Naphthalene Diimide-Like G-Quadruplex Ligands. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101274. [PMID: 31635389 PMCID: PMC6830342 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer. Despite the advent of targeted therapies directed against specific oncogene mutations, melanoma remains a tumor that is very difficult to treat, and ultimately remains incurable. In the past two decades, stabilization of the non-canonical nucleic acid G-quadruplex structures within oncogene promoters has stood out as a promising approach to interfere with oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells, paving the way toward the development of G-quadruplex ligands as antitumor drugs. Here, we present the synthesis and screening of a library of differently functionalized core-extended naphthalene diimides for their activity against the BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma cell line. The most promising compound was able to stabilize G-quadruplexes that formed in the promoter regions of two target genes relevant to melanoma, KIT and BCL-2. This activity led to the suppression of protein expression and thus to interference with oncogenic signaling pathways involved in BRAF-mutant melanoma cell survival, apoptosis, and resistance to drugs. This G-quadruplex ligand thus represents a suitable candidate for the development of melanoma treatment options based on a new mechanism of action and could reveal particular significance in the context of resistance to targeted therapies of BRAF-mutant melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Recagni
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy.
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Graziella Cimino-Reale
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Mauro Freccero
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marco Folini
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy.
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97
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Kotar A, Rigo R, Sissi C, Plavec J. Two-quartet kit* G-quadruplex is formed via double-stranded pre-folded structure. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:2641-2653. [PMID: 30590801 PMCID: PMC6411839 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the promoter of c-KIT proto-oncogene, whose deregulation has been implicated in many cancers, three G-rich regions (kit1, kit* and kit2) are able to fold into G-quadruplexes. While kit1 and kit2 have been studied in depth, little information is available on kit* folding behavior despite its key role in regulation of c-KIT transcription. Notably, kit* contains consensus sites for SP1 and AP2 transcription factors. Herein, a set of complementary spectroscopic and biophysical methods reveals that kit*, d[GGCGAGGAGGGGCGTGGCCGGC], adopts a chair type antiparallel G-quadruplex with two G-quartets at physiological relevant concentrations of KCl. Heterogeneous ensemble of structures is observed in the presence of Na+ and NH4+ ions, which however stabilize pre-folded structure. In the presence of K+ ions stacking interactions of adenine and thymine residues on the top G-quartet contribute to structural stability together with a G10•C18 base pair and a fold-back motif of the five residues at the 3′-terminal under the bottom G-quartet. The 3′-tail enables formation of a bimolecular pre-folded structure that drives folding of kit* into a single G-quadruplex. Intriguingly, kinetics of kit* G-quadruplex formation matches timescale of transcriptional processes and might demonstrate interplay of kinetic and thermodynamic factors for understanding regulation of c-KIT proto-oncogene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kotar
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Riccardo Rigo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,EN-FIST Center of Excellence, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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98
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Mazzini S, Gargallo R, Musso L, De Santis F, Aviñó A, Scaglioni L, Eritja R, Di Nicola M, Zunino F, Amatulli A, Dallavalle S. Stabilization of c-KIT G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by the RNA Polymerase I Inhibitors BMH-21 and BA-41. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194927. [PMID: 31590335 PMCID: PMC6801708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The stabilization of G-quadruplex DNA structures by small molecules with affinity to oncogene promoters has emerged as a promising anticancer strategy, due to a potential role in gene expression regulation. We explored the ability of BMH-21 (1) and its analogue BA-41 (2) to bind the G-quadruplex structure present in the c-KIT promoter by biophysical methods and molecular modeling. We provide evidence that both compounds interact with the c-KIT 21-mer sequence. The stable monomeric intramolecular parallel G-quadruplex obtained by the mutation of positions 12 and 21 allowed the precise determination of the binding mode by NMR and molecular dynamics studies. Both compounds form a complex characterized by one ligand molecule positioned over the tetrad at the 3′-end, stabilized by an extensive network of π–π interactions. The binding constants (Kb) obtained with fluorescence are similar for both complexes (around 106 M−1). Compound BA-41 (2) showed significant antiproliferative activity against a human lymphoma cell line, SU-DHL4, known to express substantial levels of c-KIT. However, the partial inhibition of c-KIT expression by Western blot analysis suggested that the interaction of compound 2 with the c-KIT promoter is not the primary event and that multiple effects provide a contribution as determinants of biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mazzini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Raimundo Gargallo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí I Franqués 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Loana Musso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca De Santis
- Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer innovative Therapeutics, Department of Medical Oncology Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Venezian 1, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Anna Aviñó
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), CSIC, Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Leonardo Scaglioni
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), CSIC, Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Massimo Di Nicola
- Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer innovative Therapeutics, Department of Medical Oncology Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Venezian 1, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Franco Zunino
- Unit of Immunotherapy and Anticancer innovative Therapeutics, Department of Medical Oncology Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Venezian 1, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Annabella Amatulli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DEFENS), Division of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Milan, via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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99
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Oxidative Stress: Role and Response of Short Guanine Tracts at Genomic Locations. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174258. [PMID: 31480304 PMCID: PMC6747389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the decades, oxidative stress has emerged as a major concern to biological researchers. It is involved in the pathogenesis of various lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. The connection between oxidative stress and telomere shortening via oxidative guanine lesion is well documented. Telomeres are confined to guanine rich ends of chromosomes. Owing to its self-association properties, it adopts G-quadruplex structures and hampers the overexpression of telomerase in the cancer cells. Guanine, being the most oxidation prone nucleobase, when structured in G-quadruplex entity, is found to respond peculiarly towards oxidative stress. Interestingly, this non-Watson-Crick structural feature exists abundantly in promoters of various oncogenes, exons and other genomic locations. The involvement of G-quadruplex architecture in oncogene promoters is well recognized in gene regulation processes. Development of small molecules aimed to target G-quadruplex structures, have found to alter the overexpression of oncogenes. The interaction may lead to the obstruction of diseased cell having elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, presence of short guanine tracts (Gn) forming G-quadruplexes suggests its critical role in oxidative genome damage. Present review is a modest attempt to gain insight on the association of oxidative stress and G-quadruplexes, in various biological processes.
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100
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Prasher P, Sharma M. Tailored therapeutics based on 1,2,3-1 H-triazoles: a mini review. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1302-1328. [PMID: 31534652 PMCID: PMC6748286 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00218a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary drug discovery approaches rely on library synthesis coupled with combinatorial methods and high-throughput screening to identify leads. However, due to the multitude of components involved, a majority of optimization techniques face persistent challenges related to the efficiency of synthetic processes and the purity of compound libraries. These methods have recently found an upgradation as fragment-based approaches for target-guided synthesis of lead molecules with active involvement of their biological target. The click chemistry approach serves as a promising tool for tailoring the therapeutically relevant biomolecules of interest, improving their bioavailability and bioactivity and redirecting them as efficacious drugs. 1,2,3-1H-Triazole nucleus, being a planar and biologically acceptable scaffold, plays a crucial role in the design of biomolecular mimetics and tailor-made molecules with therapeutic relevance. This versatile scaffold also forms an integral part of the current fragment-based approaches for drug design, kinetic target guided synthesis and bioorthogonal methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parteek Prasher
- UGC Sponsored Centre for Advanced Studies , Department of Chemistry , Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar 143005 , India . ;
- Department of Chemistry , University of Petroleum & Energy Studies , Dehradun 248007 , India
| | - Mousmee Sharma
- UGC Sponsored Centre for Advanced Studies , Department of Chemistry , Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar 143005 , India . ;
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