51
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Sakai N, Assies L, Matile S. G‐Quartets, 4‐Way Junctions and Triple Helices but Not DNA Duplexes: Planarization of Twisted Push‐Pull Flipper Probes by Surface Recognition Rather Than Physical Compression. Helv Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.202200052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sakai
- University of Geneva: Universite de Geneve Department of Organic Chemistry SWITZERLAND
| | - Lea Assies
- University of Geneva: Universite de Geneve Department of Organic Chemistry SWITZERLAND
| | - Stefan Matile
- University of Geneva Department of Organic Chemistry Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30 CH-1211 Geneva SWITZERLAND
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52
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Paul T, Opresko PL, Ha T, Myong S. Vectorial folding of telomere overhang promotes higher accessibility. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6271-6283. [PMID: 35687089 PMCID: PMC9226509 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human telomere overhang composed of tandem repeats of TTAGGG folds into G-quadruplex (G4). Unlike in an experimental setting in the test tube in which the entire length is allowed to fold at once, inside the cell, the overhang is expected to fold as it is synthesized directionally (5' to 3') and released segmentally by a specialized enzyme, the telomerase. To mimic such vectorial G4 folding process, we employed a superhelicase, Rep-X which can unwind DNA to release the TTAGGG repeats in 5' to 3' direction. We demonstrate that the folded conformation achieved by the refolding of full sequence is significantly different from that of the vectorial folding for two to eight TTAGGG repeats. Strikingly, the vectorially folded state leads to a remarkably higher accessibility to complementary C-rich strand and the telomere binding protein POT1, reflecting a less stably folded state resulting from the vectorial folding. Importantly, our study points to an inherent difference between the co-polymerizing and post-polymerized folding of telomere overhang that can impact telomere architecture and downstream processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Paul
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218, USA
| | - Patricia L Opresko
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA15213, USA
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218, USA.,Physics Frontier Center (Center for Physics of Living Cells), University of Illinois, 1110 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sua Myong
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218, USA.,Physics Frontier Center (Center for Physics of Living Cells), University of Illinois, 1110 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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53
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Bowater RP, Bohálová N, Brázda V. Interaction of Proteins with Inverted Repeats and Cruciform Structures in Nucleic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116171. [PMID: 35682854 PMCID: PMC9180970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cruciforms occur when inverted repeat sequences in double-stranded DNA adopt intra-strand hairpins on opposing strands. Biophysical and molecular studies of these structures confirm their characterization as four-way junctions and have demonstrated that several factors influence their stability, including overall chromatin structure and DNA supercoiling. Here, we review our understanding of processes that influence the formation and stability of cruciforms in genomes, covering the range of sequences shown to have biological significance. It is challenging to accurately sequence repetitive DNA sequences, but recent advances in sequencing methods have deepened understanding about the amounts of inverted repeats in genomes from all forms of life. We highlight that, in the majority of genomes, inverted repeats are present in higher numbers than is expected from a random occurrence. It is, therefore, becoming clear that inverted repeats play important roles in regulating many aspects of DNA metabolism, including replication, gene expression, and recombination. Cruciforms are targets for many architectural and regulatory proteins, including topoisomerases, p53, Rif1, and others. Notably, some of these proteins can induce the formation of cruciform structures when they bind to DNA. Inverted repeat sequences also influence the evolution of genomes, and growing evidence highlights their significance in several human diseases, suggesting that the inverted repeat sequences and/or DNA cruciforms could be useful therapeutic targets in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P. Bowater
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - Natália Bohálová
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Brázda
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Correspondence:
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54
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Jia S, Wang W, Qin S, Xie S, Zhan L, Wei Q, Lu Z, Zhou X, Chen C, Chen K, Yan S, Tan C, Mao Z, Zhou X. The development of an iridium(III) complex functionalized G-quadruplex probe for the stability of G-quadruplex and lifetime image in cytoplasm. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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55
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Teng X, Dai Y, Li J. Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G-quadruplexes. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210214. [PMID: 37323879 PMCID: PMC10191030 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS-COV-2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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56
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Sakamoto T, Yu Z, Otani Y. Dual-Color Fluorescence Switch-On Probe for Imaging G-Quadruplex and Double-Stranded DNA in Living Cells. Anal Chem 2022; 94:4269-4276. [PMID: 35234461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A tripodal quinone-cyanine dye having one donor and three acceptors, that is, one quinone and three N-methylbenzothiazolium moieties, QCy(MeBT)3, was synthesized by simple Knoevenagel condensation between 2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde and N-methyl-2-methylbenzothiazolium iodide. The 700 nm (λex, 570 nm) and 600 nm (λex, 470 nm) fluorescence emission of QCy(MeBT)3 was significantly and individually enhanced with the addition of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), respectively. The results of docking simulations and the response against the viscosity change revealed that the dual-fluorescence response was caused by the difference in the binding mode of QCy(MeBT)3 depending on the DNA structure. The results of fluorescence microscopy imaging experiments using QCy(MeBT)3 suggested that G4 DNAs and dsDNAs in the cell nucleus can be imaged with near-infrared (NIR, 700 nm) and red (600 nm) fluorescence emissions. Furthermore, pyridostatin-induced G4 formation in the living cells can be imaged with NIR fluorescence. The results indicated that QCy(MeBT)3 has huge potential to be a NIR-fluorescent molecular probe for analyzing the structural dynamics of nucleic acids in living cells with a normal fluorescence microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sakamoto
- Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan.,Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Zehui Yu
- Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Yuto Otani
- Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
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57
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Zhan S, Jiang J, Zeng Z, Wang Y, Cui H. DNA-templated coinage metal nanostructures and their applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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58
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Yadav K, Sardana D, Shweta H, Clovis NS, Sen S. Molecular Picture of the Effect of Cosolvent Crowding on Ligand Binding and Dispersed Solvation Dynamics in G-Quadruplex DNA. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:1668-1681. [PMID: 35170968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c09349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular interactions and dynamics of proteins and DNA in a cell-like crowded environment is crucial for predicting their functions within the cell. Noncanonical G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures adopt various topologies that were shown to be strongly affected by molecular crowding. However, it is unknown how such crowding affects the solvation dynamics in GqDNA. Here, we study the effect of cosolvent (acetonitrile) crowding on ligand (DAPI) solvation dynamics within human telomeric antiparallel GqDNA through direct comparison of time-resolved fluorescence Stokes shift (TRFSS) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results. We show that ligand binding affinity to GqDNA is drastically affected by acetonitrile (ACN). Solvation dynamics probed by DAPI in GqDNA groove show dispersed dynamics from ∼100 fs to 10 ns in the absence and presence of 20% and 40% (v/v) ACN. The nature of dynamics remain similar in buffer and 20% ACN, although in 40% ACN, distinct dynamics is observed in <100 ps. MD simulations performed on GqDNA/DAPI complex reveal preferential solvation of ligand by ACN, particularly in 40% ACN. Simulated solvation time-correlation functions calculated from MD trajectories compare very well to the overall solvation dynamics of DAPI in GqDNA, observed in experiments. Linear response decomposition of simulated solvation correlation functions unfolds the origin of dispersed dynamics, showing that the slower dynamics is dominated by DNA-motion in the presence of ACN (and also by the ACN dynamics at higher concentration). However, water-DNA coupled motion controls the slow dynamics in the absence of ACN. Our data, thus, unravel a detailed molecular picture showing that though ACN crowding affect ligand binding affinity to GqDNA significantly, the overall dispersed solvation dynamics in GqDNA remain similar in the absence and the presence of 20% ACN, albeit with a small effect on the dynamics in the presence of 40% ACN due to preferential solvation of ligand by ACN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Yadav
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Deepika Sardana
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Him Shweta
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ndege Simisi Clovis
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sobhan Sen
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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59
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Yahav G, Weber Y, Duadi H, Pawar S, Fixler D. Classification of fluorescent anisotropy decay based on the distance approach in the frequency domain. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:6176-6192. [PMID: 35209559 DOI: 10.1364/oe.453108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Frequency-domain (FD) fluorometry is a widely utilized tool to probe unique features of complex biological structures, which may serve medical diagnostic purposes. The conventional data analysis approaches used today to extract the fluorescence intensity or fluorescence anisotropy (FA) decay data suffer from several drawbacks and are inherently limited by the characteristics and complexity of the decay models. This paper presents the squared distance (D2) technique, which categorized samples based on the direct frequency response data (FRD) of the FA decay. As such, it improves the classification ability of the FD measurements of the FA decay as it avoids any distortion that results from the challenged translation into time domain data. This paper discusses the potential use of the D2 approach to classify biological systems. Mathematical formulation of D2 technique adjusted to the FRD of the FA decay is described. In addition, it validates the D2 approach using 2 simulated data sets of 6 groups with similar widely and closely spaced FA decay data as well as in experimental data of 4 samples of a fluorophore-solvent (fluorescein-glycerol) system. In the simulations, the classification accuracy was above 95% for all 6 groups. In the experimental data, the classification accuracy was 100%. The D2 approach can help classify samples whose FA decay data are difficult to extract making FA in the FD a realistic diagnostic tool. The D2 approach offers an advanced method for sorting biological samples with differences beyond the practical temporal resolution limit in a reliable and efficient manner based on the FRD of their time-resolved fluorescence measurements thereby achieving better diagnostic quality in a shorter time.
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60
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Prasad B, Doimo M, Andréasson M, L'Hôte V, Chorell E, Wanrooij S. A complementary chemical probe approach towards customized studies of G-quadruplex DNA structures in live cells. Chem Sci 2022; 13:2347-2354. [PMID: 35310480 PMCID: PMC8864707 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05816a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are implicated in central biological processes and are considered promising therapeutic targets because of their links to human diseases such as cancer. However, functional details of...
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Doimo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University Umeå 90736 Sweden
| | | | - Valentin L'Hôte
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University Umeå 90736 Sweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University 90187 Umeå Sweden
| | - Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University Umeå 90736 Sweden
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61
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Liano D, Monti L, Chowdhury S, Raguseo F, Di Antonio M. Long-range DNA interactions: inter-molecular G-quadruplexes and their potential biological relevance. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:12753-12762. [PMID: 36281554 PMCID: PMC9671097 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc04872h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences are known to fold into secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s), which can form from either individual DNA strands (intra-molecular) or multiple DNA strands (inter-molecular, iG4s). Intra-molecular G4s have been the object of extensive biological investigation due to their enrichment in gene-promoters and telomers. On the other hand, iG4s have never been considered in biological contexts, as the interaction between distal sequences of DNA to form an iG4 in cells was always deemed as highly unlikely. In this feature article, we challenge this dogma by presenting our recent discovery of the first human protein (CSB) displaying astonishing picomolar affinity and binding selectivity for iG4s. These findings suggest potential for iG4 structures to form in cells and highlight the need of further studies to unravel the fundamental biological roles of these inter-molecular DNA structures. Furthermore, we discuss how the potential for formation of iG4s in neuronal cells, triggered by repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene, can lead to the formation of nucleic-acids based pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. Finally, based on our recent work on short LNA-modified probes, we provide a prespective on how the rational design of G4-selective chemical tools can be leveraged to further elucidate the biological relevance of iG4 structures in the context of ageing-related diseases. Intermolecular G-quadruplex structures can form within distal region of genomic DNA, contributing to chromatin looping. Herein, we discuss recent evidence supporting formation of iG4s in living cells and their potential biological function.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Liano
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Ludovica Monti
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Souroprobho Chowdhury
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
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62
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Tseng TY, Wang CL, Huang WC, Chang TC. Folding and Unfolding of Exogenous G-Rich Oligonucleotides in Live Cells by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy of o-BMVC Fluorescent Probe. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010140. [PMID: 35011378 PMCID: PMC8747072 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich oligonucleotides (GROs) can self-associate to form G-quadruplex (G4) structures that have been extensively studied in vitro. To translate the G4 study from in vitro to in live cells, here fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of an o-BMVC fluorescent probe is applied to detect G4 structures and to study G4 dynamics in CL1-0 live cells. FLIM images of exogenous GROs show that the exogenous parallel G4 structures that are characterized by the o-BMVC decay times (≥2.4 ns) are detected in the lysosomes of live cells in large quantities, but the exogenous nonparallel G4 structures are hardly detected in the cytoplasm of live cells. In addition, similar results are also observed for the incubation of their single-stranded GROs. In the study of G4 formation by ssHT23 and hairpin WT22, the analyzed binary image can be used to detect very small increases in the number of o-BMVC foci (decay time ≥ 2.4 ns) in the cytoplasm of live cells. However, exogenous ssCMA can form parallel G4 structures that are able to be detected in the lysosomes of live CL1-0 cells in large quantities. Moreover, the photon counts of the o-BMVC signals (decay time ≥ 2.4 ns) that are measured in the FLIM images are used to reveal the transition of the G4 formation of ssCMA and to estimate the unfolding rate of CMA G4s with the addition of anti-CMA into live cells for the first time. Hence, FLIM images of o-BMVC fluorescence hold great promise for the study of G4 dynamics in live cells.
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63
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Structured Waters Mediate Small Molecule Binding to G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010007. [PMID: 35056064 PMCID: PMC8781208 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of G-quadruplexes in human cancers is increasingly well-defined. Accordingly, G-quadruplexes can be suitable drug targets and many small molecules have been identified to date as G-quadruplex binders, some using computer-based design methods and co-crystal structures. The role of bound water molecules in the crystal structures of G-quadruplex-small molecule complexes has been analyzed in this study, focusing on the water arrangements in several G-quadruplex ligand complexes. One is the complex between the tetrasubstituted naphthalene diimide compound MM41 and a human intramolecular telomeric DNA G-quadruplex, and the others are in substituted acridine bimolecular G-quadruplex complexes. Bridging water molecules form most of the hydrogen-bond contacts between ligands and DNA in the parallel G-quadruplex structures examined here. Clusters of structured water molecules play essential roles in mediating between ligand side chain groups/chromophore core and G-quadruplex. These clusters tend to be conserved between complex and native G-quadruplex structures, suggesting that they more generally serve as platforms for ligand binding, and should be taken into account in docking and in silico studies.
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64
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Masson T, Landras Guetta C, Laigre E, Cucchiarini A, Duchambon P, Teulade-Fichou MP, Verga D. BrdU immuno-tagged G-quadruplex ligands: a new ligand-guided immunofluorescence approach for tracking G-quadruplexes in cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12644-12660. [PMID: 34875077 PMCID: PMC8682774 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures forming in G-rich nucleic acids. G4s are assumed to play critical roles in biology, nonetheless their detection in cells is still challenging. For tracking G4s, synthetic molecules (G4 ligands) can be used as reporters and have found wide application for this purpose through chemical functionalization with a fluorescent tag. However, this approach is limited by a low-labeling degree impeding precise visualization in specific subcellular regions. Herein, we present a new visualization strategy based on the immuno-recognition of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (5-BrdU) modified G4 ligands, functionalized prior- or post-G4-target binding by CuAAC. Remarkably, recognition of the tag by antibodies leads to the detection of the modified ligands exclusively when bound to a G4 target both in vitro, as shown by ELISA, and in cells, thereby providing a highly efficient G4-ligand Guided Immunofluorescence Staining (G4-GIS) approach. The obtained signal amplification revealed well-defined fluorescent foci located in the perinuclear space and RNase treatment revealed the preferential binding to G4-RNA. Furthermore, ligand treatment affected significantly BG4 foci formation in cells. Our work headed to the development of a new imaging approach combining the advantages of immunostaining and G4-recognition by G4 ligands leading to visualization of G4/ligands species in cells with unrivaled precision and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Masson
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Corinne Landras Guetta
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Eugénie Laigre
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Patricia Duchambon
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
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65
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Hui WWI, Simeone A, Zyner KG, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. Single-cell mapping of DNA G-quadruplex structures in human cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23641. [PMID: 34880271 PMCID: PMC8654944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded DNA secondary structures that form in guanine-rich regions of the genome. G4s have important roles in transcription and replication and have been implicated in genome instability and cancer. Thus far most work has profiled the G4 landscape in an ensemble of cell populations, therefore it is critical to explore the structure-function relationship of G4s in individual cells to enable detailed mechanistic insights into G4 function. With standard ChIP-seq methods it has not been possible to determine if G4 formation at a given genomic locus is variable between individual cells across a population. For the first time, we demonstrate the mapping of a DNA secondary structure at single-cell resolution. We have adapted single-nuclei (sn) CUT&Tag to allow the detection of G4s in single cells of human cancer cell lines. With snG4-CUT&Tag, we can distinguish cellular identity from a mixed cell-type population solely based on G4 features within individual cells. Our methodology now enables genomic investigations on cell-to-cell variation of a DNA secondary structure that were previously not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie W I Hui
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Angela Simeone
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Katherine G Zyner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
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66
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Brosh RM, Wu Y. An emerging picture of FANCJ's role in G4 resolution to facilitate DNA replication. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab034. [PMID: 34873585 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A well-accepted hallmark of cancer is genomic instability, which drives tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular defects that destabilize chromosomal integrity is paramount to cancer diagnosis, treatment and cure. DNA repair and the replication stress response are overarching paradigms for maintenance of genomic stability, but the devil is in the details. ATP-dependent helicases serve to unwind DNA so it is replicated, transcribed, recombined and repaired efficiently through coordination with other nucleic acid binding and metabolizing proteins. Alternatively folded DNA structures deviating from the conventional anti-parallel double helix pose serious challenges to normal genomic transactions. Accumulating evidence suggests that G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is problematic for replication. Although there are multiple human DNA helicases that can resolve G4 in vitro, it is debated which helicases are truly important to resolve such structures in vivo. Recent advances have begun to elucidate the principal helicase actors, particularly in cellular DNA replication. FANCJ, a DNA helicase implicated in cancer and the chromosomal instability disorder Fanconi Anemia, takes center stage in G4 resolution to allow smooth DNA replication. We will discuss FANCJ's role with its protein partner RPA to remove G4 obstacles during DNA synthesis, highlighting very recent advances and implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brosh
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yuliang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
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67
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Liu Y, Zhu X, Wang K, Zhang B, Qiu S. The Cellular Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of G-Quadruplex Unwinding Helicases in Humans. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:783889. [PMID: 34912850 PMCID: PMC8667583 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.783889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable non-canonical secondary structures formed by G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. They play various regulatory roles in many biological processes. It is commonly agreed that G4 unwinding helicases play key roles in G4 metabolism and function, and these processes are closely related to physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, more and more functional and mechanistic details of G4 helicases have been discovered; therefore, it is necessary to carefully sort out the current research efforts. Here, we provide a systematic summary of G4 unwinding helicases from the perspective of functions and molecular mechanisms. First, we provide a general introduction about helicases and G4s. Next, we comprehensively summarize G4 unfolding helicases in humans and their proposed cellular functions. Then, we review their study methods and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we share our perspective on further prospects. We believe this review will provide opportunities for researchers to reach the frontiers in the functions and molecular mechanisms of human G4 unwinding helicases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xinting Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Kejia Wang
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shuyi Qiu
- Key laboratory of Plant Resource Conservation and Germplasm Innovation in Mountainous Region (Ministry of Education), Collaborative Innovation Center for Mountain Ecology and Agro-Bioengineering (CICMEAB), College of Life Sciences/Institute of Agro-bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Liquor and Food Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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68
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Abstract
Optical imaging is an indispensable tool in clinical diagnostics and fundamental biomedical research. Autofluorescence-free optical imaging, which eliminates real-time optical excitation to minimize background noise, enables clear visualization of biological architecture and physiopathological events deep within living subjects. Molecular probes especially developed for autofluorescence-free optical imaging have been proven to remarkably improve the imaging sensitivity, penetration depth, target specificity, and multiplexing capability. In this Review, we focus on the advancements of autofluorescence-free molecular probes through the lens of particular molecular or photophysical mechanisms that produce long-lasting luminescence after the cessation of light excitation. The versatile design strategies of these molecular probes are discussed along with a broad range of biological applications. Finally, challenges and perspectives are discussed to further advance the next-generation autofluorescence-free molecular probes for in vivo imaging and in vitro biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Jiang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Kanyi Pu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore.,School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Singapore
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69
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Summers PA, Thomas AP, Kench T, Vannier JB, Kuimova MK, Vilar R. Cationic helicenes as selective G4 DNA binders and optical probes for cellular imaging. Chem Sci 2021; 12:14624-14634. [PMID: 34881015 PMCID: PMC8580066 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04567a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The important role that G-quadruplex DNA (G4 DNA) structures play in regulating biological processes is becoming widely recognised. These structures have also been proposed to be attractive drug targets. Therefore, there has been significant interest in developing small molecules that can selectively bind to G4 DNA over other topologies. In this paper we investigate the interaction between DNA and helical compounds (helicenes) based on a central carbocation trisubstituted with aromatic rings. We show that the non-planar structure of these helicenes results in a significantly reduced affinity for dsDNA when compared to their planar analogues, whilst maintaining a high affinity for G4 DNA. Additionally, the right- and left-handed enantiomers of one of these helicenes recognise the chiral DNA environments of G4 and dsDNA differently. We show that upon DNA binding the helicenes display a fluorescence switch-on effect, which we have successfully used for cellular imaging in live and fixed U2OS cells, staining mitochondria and the nucleus, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Summers
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London 82 Wood Lane, White City Campus W12 0BZ UK +44 (0)20 7594 1967 +44 (0)20 7594 8558
| | - Ajesh P Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London 82 Wood Lane, White City Campus W12 0BZ UK +44 (0)20 7594 1967 +44 (0)20 7594 8558
| | - Timothy Kench
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London 82 Wood Lane, White City Campus W12 0BZ UK +44 (0)20 7594 1967 +44 (0)20 7594 8558
| | - Jean-Baptiste Vannier
- Telomere Replication and Stability Group, Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences London W12 0NN UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London London W12 0NN UK
| | - Marina K Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London 82 Wood Lane, White City Campus W12 0BZ UK +44 (0)20 7594 1967 +44 (0)20 7594 8558
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London 82 Wood Lane, White City Campus W12 0BZ UK +44 (0)20 7594 1967 +44 (0)20 7594 8558
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70
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Impact of G-Quadruplexes and Chronic Inflammation on Genome Instability: Additive Effects during Carcinogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111779. [PMID: 34828385 PMCID: PMC8619830 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome instability is an enabling characteristic of cancer, essential for cancer cell evolution. Hotspots of genome instability, from small-scale point mutations to large-scale structural variants, are associated with sequences that potentially form non-B DNA structures. G-quadruplex (G4) forming motifs are enriched at structural variant endpoints in cancer genomes. Chronic inflammation is a physiological state underlying cancer development, and oxidative DNA damage is commonly invoked to explain how inflammation promotes genome instability. We summarize where G4s and oxidative stress overlap, with a focus on DNA replication. Guanine has low ionization potential, making G4s vulnerable to oxidative damage. Impacts to G4 structure are dependent upon lesion type, location, and G4 conformation. Occasionally, G4s pose a challenge to replicative DNA polymerases, requiring specialized DNA polymerases to maintain genome stability. Therefore, chronic inflammation creates a dual challenge for DNA polymerases to maintain genome stability: faithful G4 synthesis and bypassing unrepaired oxidative lesions. Inflammation is also accompanied by global transcriptome changes that may impact mutagenesis. Several studies suggest a regulatory role for G4s within cancer- and inflammatory-related gene promoters. We discuss the extent to which inflammation could influence gene regulation by G4s, thereby impacting genome instability, and highlight key areas for new investigation.
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71
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Teng FY, Jiang ZZ, Guo M, Tan XZ, Chen F, Xi XG, Xu Y. G-quadruplex DNA: a novel target for drug design. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6557-6583. [PMID: 34459951 PMCID: PMC11072987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Emerging evidence in recent years authenticated that G4 DNA structures exist both in cell-free and cellular systems, and function in different diseases, especially in various cancers, aging, neurological diseases, and have been considered novel promising targets for drug design. In this review, we summarize the detection method and the structure of G4, highlighting some non-canonical G4 DNA structures, such as G4 with a bulge, a vacancy, or a hairpin. Subsequently, the functions of G4 DNA in physiological processes are discussed, especially their regulation of DNA replication, transcription of disease-related genes (c-MYC, BCL-2, KRAS, c-KIT et al.), telomere maintenance, and epigenetic regulation. Typical G4 ligands that target promoters and telomeres for drug design are also reviewed, including ellipticine derivatives, quinoxaline analogs, telomestatin analogs, berberine derivatives, and CX-5461, which is currently in advanced phase I/II clinical trials for patients with hematologic cancer and BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. Furthermore, since the long-term stable existence of G4 DNA structures could result in genomic instability, we summarized the G4 unfolding mechanisms emerged recently by multiple G4-specific DNA helicases, such as Pif1, RecQ family helicases, FANCJ, and DHX36. This review aims to present a general overview of the field of G-quadruplex DNA that has progressed in recent years and provides potential strategies for drug design and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Teng
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zong-Zhe Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Tan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- LBPA, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 61, Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France.
| | - Yong Xu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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DNA Binding Mode Analysis of a Core-Extended Naphthalene Diimide as a Conformation-Sensitive Fluorescent Probe of G-Quadruplex Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910624. [PMID: 34638964 PMCID: PMC8508963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex existence was proved in cells by using both antibodies and small molecule fluorescent probes. However, the G-quadruplex probes designed thus far are structure- but not conformation-specific. Recently, a core-extended naphthalene diimide (cex-NDI) was designed and found to provide fluorescent signals of markedly different intensities when bound to G-quadruplexes of different conformations or duplexes. Aiming at evaluating how the fluorescence behaviour of this compound is associated with specific binding modes to the different DNA targets, cex-NDI was here studied in its interaction with hybrid G-quadruplex, parallel G-quadruplex, and B-DNA duplex models by biophysical techniques, molecular docking, and biological assays. cex-NDI showed different binding modes associated with different amounts of stacking interactions with the three DNA targets. The preferential binding sites were the groove, outer quartet, or intercalative site of the hybrid G-quadruplex, parallel G-quadruplex, and B-DNA duplex, respectively. Interestingly, our data show that the fluorescence intensity of DNA-bound cex-NDI correlates with the amount of stacking interactions formed by the ligand with each DNA target, thus providing the rationale behind the conformation-sensitive properties of cex-NDI and supporting its use as a fluorescent probe of G-quadruplex structures. Notably, biological assays proved that cex-NDI mainly localizes in the G-quadruplex-rich nuclei of cancer cells.
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73
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Targeting of Telomeric Repeat-Containing RNA G-Quadruplexes: From Screening to Biophysical and Biological Characterization of a New Hit Compound. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910315. [PMID: 34638655 PMCID: PMC8508872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures, either within gene promoter sequences or at telomeres, have been extensively investigated as potential small-molecule therapeutic targets. However, although G4s forming at the telomeric DNA have been extensively investigated as anticancer targets, few studies focus on the telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), transcribed from telomeres, as potential pharmacological targets. Here, a virtual screening approach to identify a library of drug-like putative TERRA G4 binders, in tandem with circular dichroism melting assay to study their TERRA G4-stabilizing properties, led to the identification of a new hit compound. The affinity of this compound for TERRA RNA and some DNA G4s was analyzed through several biophysical techniques and its biological activity investigated in terms of antiproliferative effect, DNA damage response (DDR) activation, and TERRA RNA expression in high vs. low TERRA-expressing human cancer cells. The selected hit showed good affinity for TERRA G4 and no binding to double-stranded DNA. In addition, biological assays showed that this compound is endowed with a preferential cytotoxic effect on high TERRA-expressing cells, where it induces a DDR at telomeres, probably by displacing TERRA from telomeres. Our studies demonstrate that the identification of TERRA G4-targeting drugs with potential pharmacological effects is achievable, shedding light on new perspectives aimed at discovering new anticancer agents targeting these G4 structures.
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Zhang R, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiao K, Hou Y, Liu H, Sun X. Detecting and Profiling Endogenous RNA G-Quadruplexes in the Human Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158012. [PMID: 34360778 PMCID: PMC8347560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are the non-canonical nucleic acid structures that are preferentially formed in G-rich regions. This structure has been shown to be associated with many biological functions. Regardless of the broad efforts on DNA G-quadruplexes, we still have limited knowledge on RNA G-quadruplexes, especially in a transcriptome-wide manner. Herein, by integrating the DMS-seq and the bioinformatics pipeline, we profiled and depicted the RNA G-quadruplexes in the human transcriptome. The genes that contain RNA G-quadruplexes in their specific regions are significantly related to immune pathways and the COVID-19-related gene sets. Bioinformatics analysis reveals the potential regulatory functions of G-quadruplexes on miRNA targeting at the scale of the whole transcriptome. In addition, the G-quadruplexes are depleted in the putative, not the real, PAS-strong poly(A) sites, which may weaken the possibility of such sites being the real cleaved sites. In brief, our study provides insight into the potential function of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Hangzhou Hongquan Internet of Things Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Ke Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yue Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongde Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Cadoni E, Magalhães PR, Emídio RM, Mendes E, Vítor J, Carvalho J, Cruz C, Victor BL, Paulo A. New (Iso)quinolinyl-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide G-Quadruplex Stabilizers. A Structure-Activity Relationship Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070669. [PMID: 34358095 PMCID: PMC8308870 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4)-interactive small molecules have a wide range of potential applications, not only as drugs, but also as sensors of quadruplex structures. The purpose of this work is the synthesis of analogues of the bis-methylquinolinium-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide G4 ligand 360A, to identify relevant structure-activity relationships to apply to the design of other G4-interactive small molecules bearing bis-quinoline or bis-isoquinoline moieties. Thermal denaturation experiments revealed that non-methylated derivatives with a relative 1,4 position between the amide linker and the nitrogen of the quinoline ring are moderate G4 stabilizers, with a preference for the hybrid h-Telo G4, a 21-nt sequence present in human telomeres. Insertion of a positive charge upon methylation of quinoline/isoquinoline nitrogen increases compounds' ability to selectively stabilize G4s compared to duplex DNA, with a preference for parallel structures. Among these, compounds having a relative 1,3-position between the charged methylquinolinium/isoquinolinium nitrogen and the amide linker are the best G4 stabilizers. More interestingly, these ligands showed different capacities to selectively block DNA polymerization in a PCR-stop assay and to induce G4 conformation switches of hybrid h-Telo G4. Molecular dynamic simulations with the parallel G4 formed by a 21-nt sequence present in k-RAS gene promoter, showed that the relative spatial orientation of the two methylated quinoline/isoquinoline rings determines the ligands mode and strength of binding to G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cadoni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (E.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Pedro R. Magalhães
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (P.R.M.); (R.M.E.); (B.L.V.)
| | - Rita M. Emídio
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (P.R.M.); (R.M.E.); (B.L.V.)
| | - Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (E.C.); (E.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Vítor
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (P.R.M.); (R.M.E.); (B.L.V.)
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (E.C.); (E.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Huang Q, Chen B, Shen J, Liu L, Li J, Shi J, Li Q, Zuo X, Wang L, Fan C, Li J. Encoding Fluorescence Anisotropic Barcodes with DNA Fameworks. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:10735-10742. [PMID: 34242004 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c04942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence anisotropy (FA) holds great potential for multiplexed analysis and imaging of biomolecules since it can effectively discriminate fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra. Nevertheless, its susceptibility to environmental variation hampers its widespread applications in biology and biotechnology. In this study, we design FA DNA frameworks (FAFs) by scaffolding fluorophores in a fluorescent protein-like microenvironment. We find that the FA stability of the fluorophores is remarkably improved due to the sequestration effects of FAFs. The FA level of the fluorophores can be finely tuned when placed at different locations on an FAF, analogous to spectral shifts of protein-bound fluorophores. The high programmability of FAFs further enables the design of a spectrum of encoded FA barcodes for multiplexed sensing of nucleic acids and multiplexed labeling of live cells. This FAF system thus establishes a new paradigm for designing multiplexing FA probes for cellular imaging and other biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Huang
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jianlei Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Jiye Shi
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acids Chemistry and Nanomedicine State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- The Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.,The Interdisciplinary Research Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
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77
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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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78
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Palma E, Carvalho J, Cruz C, Paulo A. Metal-Based G-Quadruplex Binders for Cancer Theranostics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:605. [PMID: 34201682 PMCID: PMC8308583 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of fluorescent small molecules, such as metal complexes, to selectively recognize G-quadruplex (G4) structures has opened a route to develop new probes for the visualization of these DNA structures in cells. The main goal of this review is to update the most recent research efforts towards the development of novel cancer theranostic agents using this type of metal-based probes that specifically recognize G4 structures. This encompassed a comprehensive overview of the most significant progress in the field, namely based on complexes with Cu, Pt, and Ru that are among the most studied metals to obtain this class of molecules. It is also discussed the potential interest of obtaining G4-binders with medical radiometals (e.g., 99mTc, 111In, 64Cu, 195mPt) suitable for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications within nuclear medicine modalities, in order to enable their theranostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal;
| | - Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal;
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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79
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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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80
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Chakraborty A, Ravi SP, Shamiya Y, Cui C, Paul A. Harnessing the physicochemical properties of DNA as a multifunctional biomaterial for biomedical and other applications. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7779-7819. [PMID: 34036968 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01387k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The biological purpose of DNA is to store, replicate, and convey genetic information in cells. Progress in molecular genetics have led to its widespread applications in gene editing, gene therapy, and forensic science. However, in addition to its role as a genetic material, DNA has also emerged as a nongenetic, generic material for diverse biomedical applications. DNA is essentially a natural biopolymer that can be precisely programed by simple chemical modifications to construct materials with desired mechanical, biological, and structural properties. This review critically deciphers the chemical tools and strategies that are currently being employed to harness the nongenetic functions of DNA. Here, the primary product of interest has been crosslinked, hydrated polymers, or hydrogels. State-of-the-art applications of macroscopic, DNA-based hydrogels in the fields of environment, electrochemistry, biologics delivery, and regenerative therapy have been extensively reviewed. Additionally, the review encompasses the status of DNA as a clinically and commercially viable material and provides insight into future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishik Chakraborty
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada.
| | - Shruthi Polla Ravi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Yasmeen Shamiya
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Caroline Cui
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Arghya Paul
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada. and School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada and Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
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81
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Label-Free Fluorescence Molecular Beacon Probes Based on G-Triplex DNA and Thioflavin T for Protein Detection. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102962. [PMID: 34067563 PMCID: PMC8156537 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein detection plays an important role in biological and biomedical sciences. The immunoassay based on fluorescence labeling has good specificity but a high labeling cost. Herein, on the basis of G-triplex molecular beacon (G3MB) and thioflavin T (ThT), we developed a simple and label-free biosensor for protein detection. The biotin and streptavidin were used as model enzymes. In the presence of target streptavidin (SA), the streptavidin hybridized with G3MB-b (biotin-linked-G-triplex molecular beacon) perfectly and formed larger steric hindrance, which hindered the hydrolysis of probes by exonuclease III (Exo III). In the absence of target streptavidin, the exonuclease III successively cleaved the stem of G3MB-b and released the G-rich sequences which self-assembled into a G-triplex and subsequently activated the fluorescence signal of thioflavin T. Compared with the traditional G-quadruplex molecular beacon (G4MB), the G3MB only needed a lower dosage of exonuclease III and a shorter reaction time to reach the optimal detection performance, because the concise sequence of G-triplex was good for the molecular beacon design. Moreover, fluorescence experiment results exhibited that the G3MB-b had good sensitivity and specificity for streptavidin detection. The developed label-free biosensor provides a valuable and general platform for protein detection.
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82
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Brázda V, Bartas M, Bowater RP. Evolution of Diverse Strategies for Promoter Regulation. Trends Genet 2021; 37:730-744. [PMID: 33931265 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA is fundamentally important for all cellular organisms due to its role as a store of hereditary genetic information. The precise and accurate regulation of gene transcription depends primarily on promoters, which vary significantly within and between genomes. Some promoters are rich in specific types of bases, while others have more varied, complex sequence characteristics. However, it is not only base sequence but also epigenetic modifications and altered DNA structure that regulate promoter activity. Significantly, many promoters across all organisms contain sequences that can form intrastrand hairpins (cruciforms) or four-stranded structures (G-quadruplex or i-motif). In this review we integrate recent studies on promoter regulation that highlight the importance of DNA structure in the evolutionary adaptation of promoter sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bartas
- Department of Biology and Ecology/Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Richard P Bowater
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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83
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Grün JT, Blümler A, Burkhart I, Wirmer-Bartoschek J, Heckel A, Schwalbe H. Unraveling the Kinetics of Spare-Tire DNA G-Quadruplex Folding. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:6185-6193. [PMID: 33872503 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The folding of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4) is essential to regulate expression of oncogenes and involves polymorphic long-lived intermediate states. G4 formation requires four G-tracts, but human gene-promoters often contain multiple G-tracts that act as spare-tires. These additional G-tracts are highly conserved and add multiple layers of functional complexity, as they are crucial to maintain G4 function after oxidative damage. Herein, we unravel the folding dynamics of the G4 sequence containing five G-tracts from cMYC, the major proliferation-driving oncogene. We devise a general method to induce folding at constant experimental conditions using a photochemical trapping strategy. Our data dissect the individual kinetics and thermodynamics of the spare-tire mechanism of cMYC-G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tassilo Grün
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
| | - Anja Blümler
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
| | - Ines Burkhart
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
| | - Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
| | - Alexander Heckel
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany.,Center of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt 60323, Germany
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84
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The Genome Stability Maintenance DNA Helicase DDX11 and Its Role in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030395. [PMID: 33802088 PMCID: PMC8000936 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DDX11/ChlR1 is a super-family two iron–sulfur cluster containing DNA helicase with roles in DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion establishment, and general chromosome architecture. Bi-allelic mutations of the DDX11 gene cause a rare hereditary disease, named Warsaw breakage syndrome, characterized by a complex spectrum of clinical manifestations (pre- and post-natal growth defects, microcephaly, intellectual disability, heart anomalies and sister chromatid cohesion loss at cellular level) in accordance with the multifaceted, not yet fully understood, physiological functions of this DNA helicase. In the last few years, a possible role of DDX11 in the onset and progression of many cancers is emerging. Herein we summarize the results of recent studies, carried out either in tumoral cell lines or in xenograft cancer mouse models, suggesting that DDX11 may have an oncogenic role. The potential of DDX11 DNA helicase as a pharmacological target for novel anti-cancer therapeutic interventions, as inferred from these latest developments, is also discussed.
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85
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Santos D, Mahtab M, Boavida A, Pisani FM. Role of the DDX11 DNA Helicase in Warsaw Breakage Syndrome Etiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2308. [PMID: 33669056 PMCID: PMC7956524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Warsaw breakage syndrome (WABS) is a genetic disorder characterized by sister chromatid cohesion defects, growth retardation, microcephaly, hearing loss and other variable clinical manifestations. WABS is due to biallelic mutations of the gene coding for the super-family 2 DNA helicase DDX11/ChlR1, orthologous to the yeast chromosome loss protein 1 (Chl1). WABS is classified in the group of "cohesinopathies", rare hereditary diseases that are caused by mutations in genes coding for subunits of the cohesin complex or protein factors having regulatory roles in the sister chromatid cohesion process. In fact, among the cohesion regulators, an important player is DDX11, which is believed to be important for the functional coupling of DNA synthesis and cohesion establishment at the replication forks. Here, we will review what is known about the molecular and cellular functions of human DDX11 and its role in WABS etiopathogenesis, even in light of recent findings on the role of cohesin and its regulator network in promoting chromatin loop formation and regulating chromatin spatial organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Santos
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.S.); (M.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Mohammad Mahtab
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.S.); (M.M.); (A.B.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ana Boavida
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.S.); (M.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Francesca M. Pisani
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.S.); (M.M.); (A.B.)
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