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Structural insight into the bulge-containing KRAS oncogene promoter G-quadruplex bound to berberine and coptisine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6016. [PMID: 36224201 PMCID: PMC9556435 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most highly mutated oncoproteins, which is overexpressed in various human cancers and implicated in poor survival. The G-quadruplex formed in KRAS oncogene promoter (KRAS-G4) is a transcriptional modulator and amenable to small molecule targeting. However, no available KRAS-G4-ligand complex structure has yet been determined, which seriously hinders the structure-based rational design of KRAS-G4 targeting drugs. In this study, we report the NMR solution structures of a bulge-containing KRAS-G4 bound to berberine and coptisine, respectively. The determined complex structure shows a 2:1 binding stoichiometry with each compound recruiting the adjacent flacking adenine residue to form a "quasi-triad plane" that stacks over the two external G-tetrads. The binding involves both π-stacking and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, berberine and coptisine significantly lowered the KRAS mRNA levels in cancer cells. Our study thus provides molecular details of ligand interactions with KRAS-G4 and is beneficial for the design of specific KRAS-G4-interactive drugs.
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Jiang XC, Tu FH, Wei LY, Wang BZ, Yuan H, Yuan JM, Rao Y, Huang SL, Li QJ, Ou TM, Wang HG, Tan JH, Chen SB, Huang ZS. Discovery of a Novel G-Quadruplex and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Dual-Targeting Agent for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12346-12366. [PMID: 36053318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly associated with G-quadruplex (G4); thus, targeting G4 is a potential strategy for TNBC therapy. Because concomitant histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibition could amplify the impact of G4-targeting compounds, we designed and synthesized two novel series of G4/HDAC dual-targeting compounds by connecting the zinc-binding pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors to the G4-targeting isaindigotone scaffold (1). Among the new compounds, a6 with the potent HDAC inhibitory and G4 stabilizing activity could induce more DNA G4 formation than SAHA and 1 in TNBC cells. Remarkably, a6 caused more G4-related DNA damage and G4-related differentially expressed genes, consistent with its effect on disrupting the cell cycle, invasion, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a6 significantly suppresses the proliferation of various TNBC cells and the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model without evident toxicity. Our study suggests a novel strategy for TNBC therapeutics through dual-targeting HDAC and G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Chen Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fang-Hai Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Yuan Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bo-Zheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jing-Mei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shi-Liang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing-Jiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong-Gen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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53
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Ma X, Feng Y, Luo Z, Zhang W. Identification and functional characterization of G-quadruplexes in plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:952-953. [PMID: 35466026 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.
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54
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Fang S, Liu S, Yang D, Yang L, Hu CD, Wan J. Decoding regulatory associations of G-quadruplex with epigenetic and transcriptomic functional components. Front Genet 2022; 13:957023. [PMID: 36092921 PMCID: PMC9452811 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.957023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) has been previously observed to be associated with gene expression. In this study, we performed integrative analysis on G4 multi-omics data from in-silicon prediction and ChIP-seq in human genome. Potential G4 sites were classified into three distinguished groups, such as one group of high-confidence G4-forming locations (G4-II) and groups only containing either ChIP-seq detected G4s (G4-I) or predicted G4 motif candidates (G4-III). We explored the associations of different-confidence G4 groups with other epigenetic regulatory elements, including CpG islands, chromatin status, enhancers, super-enhancers, G4 locations compared to the genes, and DNA methylation. Our elastic net regression model revealed that G4 structures could correlate with gene expression in two opposite ways depending on their locations to the genes as well as G4-forming DNA strand. Some transcription factors were identified to be over-represented with G4 emergence. The motif analysis discovered distinct consensus sequences enriched in the G4 feet, the flanking regions of two groups of G4s. We found high GC content in the feet of high-confidence G4s (G4-II) when compared to high TA content in solely predicted G4 feet of G4-III. Overall, we uncovered the comprehensive associations of G4 formations or predictions with other epigenetic and transcriptional elements which potentially coordinate gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Fang
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- The Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics (CB) shared by Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Chang-Deng Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- The Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics (CB) shared by Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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55
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Feng Y, Luo Z, Huang R, Yang X, Cheng X, Zhang W. Epigenomic Features and Potential Functions of K+ and Na+ Favorable DNA G-Quadruplexes in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158404. [PMID: 35955535 PMCID: PMC9368837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical four-stranded DNA structures involved in various biological processes in eukaryotes. Molecularly crowded solutions and monovalent cations have been reported to stabilize in vitro and in vivo G4 formation. However, how K+ and Na+ affect G4 formation genome-wide is still unclear in plants. Here, we conducted BG4-DNA-IP-seq, DNA immunoprecipitation with anti-BG4 antibody coupled with sequencing, under K+ and Na+ + PEG conditions in vitro. We found that K+-specific IP-G4s had a longer peak size, more GC and PQS content, and distinct AT and GC skews compared to Na+-specific IP-G4s. Moreover, K+- and Na+-specific IP-G4s exhibited differential subgenomic enrichment and distinct putative functional motifs for the binding of certain trans-factors. More importantly, we found that K+-specific IP-G4s were more associated with active marks, such as active histone marks, and low DNA methylation levels, as compared to Na+-specific IP-G4s; thus, K+-specific IP-G4s in combination with active chromatin features facilitate the expression of overlapping genes. In addition, K+- and Na+-specific IP-G4 overlapping genes exhibited differential GO (gene ontology) terms, suggesting they may have distinct biological relevance in rice. Thus, our study, for the first time, explores the effects of K+ and Na+ on global G4 formation in vitro, thereby providing valuable resources for functional G4 studies in rice. It will provide certain G4 loci for the biotechnological engineering of rice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Ranran Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Xueming Yang
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China;
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-84396610; Fax: +86-25-84396302
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56
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Zhai LY, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Su AM, Xi XG, Hou XM. Targeting the RNA G-Quadruplex and Protein Interactome for Antiviral Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10161-10182. [PMID: 35862260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, G-quadruplexes (G4s), types of noncanonical four-stranded nucleic acid structures, have been identified in many viruses that threaten human health, such as HIV and Epstein-Barr virus. In this context, G4 ligands were designed to target the G4 structures, among which some have shown promising antiviral effects. In this Perspective, we first summarize the diversified roles of RNA G4s in different viruses. Next, we introduce small-molecule ligands developed as G4 modulators and highlight their applications in antiviral studies. In addition to G4s, we comprehensively review the medical intervention of G4-interacting proteins from both the virus (N protein, viral-encoded helicases, severe acute respiratory syndrome-unique domain, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1) and the host (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, RNA helicases, zinc-finger cellular nucelic acid-binding protein, and nucleolin) by inhibitors as an alternative way to disturb the normal functions of G4s. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in G4-based antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China.,Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology, CNRS UMR 8113, IDA FR3242, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
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57
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Li M, Tian R, Monchaud D, Zhang W. Omics studies of DNA G-/C-quadruplexes in plants. Trends Genet 2022; 38:999-1002. [PMID: 35853768 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide studies of DNA G- and C-quadruplexes (G4s and i-motifs, respectively) can boost the pace of progress towards a comprehensive understanding of their biological implications and practical applications in plants. We summarize the current state of knowledge about omics studies in order to highlight the current challenges and propose future directions to take studies of plant quadruplexes to the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Ruiping Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.
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58
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Zhao H, Wong HY, Ji D, Lyu K, Kwok CK. Novel L-RNA Aptamer Controls APP Gene Expression in Cells by Targeting RNA G-Quadruplex Structure. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:30582-30594. [PMID: 35762921 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplex (G4) structure is a four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structure motif with unique chemical properties and important biological roles. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related gene, and recently, we reported the formation of RNA G4 (rG4) at the 3'UTR of APP mRNA and demonstrated its repressive role in translation. Herein, we apply rG4-SELEX to develop a novel L-RNA aptamer, L-Apt.8f, which binds to APP 3'UTR D-rG4 strongly with subnanomolar affinity. We structurally characterize the aptamer and find that it contains a thermostable and parallel G4 motif, and mutagenesis analysis identifies the key nucleotides that are involved in the target recognition. We also reveal that the L-Apt.8f-APP D-rG4 interaction is enantiomeric-, magnesium ion-, and potassium ion-dependent. Notably, L-Apt.8f preferentially recognizes APP rG4 over other structural motifs, and it can control the APP reporter gene and native transcript translation in cells. Our work introduces a novel strategy and reports a new L-aptamer candidate to target APP 3'UTR rG4 structure, which laid the foundation for further applying L-RNA as an important class of biomolecule for practical L-aptamer-based targeting and controlling of gene expression in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhou Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
| | - Hei Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
| | - Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
| | - Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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59
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Ishiguro A, Ishihama A. Essential Roles and Risks of G-Quadruplex Regulation: Recognition Targets of ALS-Linked TDP-43 and FUS. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:957502. [PMID: 35898304 PMCID: PMC9309350 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.957502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-canonical DNA/RNA structure, G-quadruplex (G4), is a unique structure formed by two or more guanine quartets, which associate through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding leading to form a square planar arrangement. A set of RNA-binding proteins specifically recognize G4 structures and play certain unique physiological roles. These G4-binding proteins form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) through a physicochemical phenomenon called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). G4-containing RNP granules are identified in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but extensive studies have been performed in eukaryotes. We have been involved in analyses of the roles of G4-containing RNAs recognized by two G4-RNA-binding proteins, TDP-43 and FUS, which both are the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) causative gene products. These RNA-binding proteins play the essential roles in both G4 recognition and LLPS, but they also carry the risk of agglutination. The biological significance of G4-binding proteins is controlled through unique 3D structure of G4, of which the risk of conformational stability is influenced by environmental conditions such as monovalent metals and guanine oxidation.
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60
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Abak A, Baniahmad A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jamali E, Dinger ME. Interaction between non-coding RNAs, mRNAs and G-quadruplexes. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35488342 PMCID: PMC9052686 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary helical configurations established between guanine-rich nucleic acids. The structure is seen in the promoter regions of numerous genes under certain situations. Predicted G-quadruplex-forming sequences are distributed across the genome in a non-random way. These structures are formed in telomeric regions of the human genome and oncogenic promoter G-rich regions. Identification of mechanisms of regulation of stability of G-quadruplexes has practical significance for understanding the molecular basis of genetic diseases such as cancer. A number of non-coding RNAs such as H19, XIST, FLJ39051 (GSEC), BC200 (BCYRN1), TERRA, pre-miRNA-1229, pre-miRNA-149 and miR-1587 have been found to contain G-quadraplex-forming regions or affect configuration of these structures in target genes. In the current review, we outline the recent research on the interaction between G-quadruplexes and non-coding RNAs, other RNA transcripts and DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefe Abak
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Elena Jamali
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakin Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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61
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Shu H, Zhang R, Xiao K, Yang J, Sun X. G-Quadruplex-Binding Proteins: Promising Targets for Drug Design. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050648. [PMID: 35625576 PMCID: PMC9138358 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary nucleic acid structures. Sequences with the potential to form G4s are abundant in regulatory regions of the genome including telomeres, promoters and 5′ non-coding regions, indicating they fulfill important genome regulatory functions. Generally, G4s perform various biological functions by interacting with proteins. In recent years, an increasing number of G-quadruplex-binding proteins have been identified with biochemical experiments. G4-binding proteins are involved in vital cellular processes such as telomere maintenance, DNA replication, gene transcription, mRNA processing. Therefore, G4-binding proteins are also associated with various human diseases. An intensive study of G4-protein interactions provides an attractive approach for potential therapeutics and these proteins can be considered as drug targets for novel medical treatment. In this review, we present biological functions and structural properties of G4-binding proteins, and discuss how to exploit G4-protein interactions to develop new therapeutic targets.
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62
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Umar MI, Chan CY, Kwok CK. Development of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4)-targeting L-RNA aptamers by rG4-SELEX. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:1385-1414. [PMID: 35444329 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplex (rG4)-SELEX is a method that generates L-RNA aptamers to target an rG4 structure of interest, which can be applied to inhibit G-quadruplex-mediated interactions that have important roles in gene regulation and function. Here we present a Protocol Extension substantially modifying an existing SELEX protocol to describe in detail the procedures involved in performing rG4-SELEX to identify rG4-specific binders that can effectively suppress rG4-peptide and rG4-protein associations. This Protocol Extension improves the speed of aptamer discovery and identification, offering a suite of techniques to characterize the aptamer secondary structure and monitor binding affinity and specificity, and demonstrating the utility of the L-RNA aptamer. The previous protocol mainly describes the identification of RNA aptamers against proteins of interest, whereas in this Protocol Extension we present the development of an unnatural RNA aptamer against an RNA structure of interest, with the potential to be applicable to other nucleic acid motifs or biomolecules. rG4-SELEX starts with a random D-RNA library incubated with the L-rG4 target of interest, followed by binding, washing and elution of the library. Enriched D-aptamer candidates are sequenced and structurally characterized. Then, the L-aptamer is synthesized and used for different applications. rG4-SELEX can be carried out by an experienced molecular biologist with a basic understanding of nucleic acids. The development of rG4-targeting L-RNA aptamers expands the current rG4 toolkit to explore innovative rG4-related applications, and opens new doors to discovering novel rG4 biology in the near future. The duration of each selection cycle as outlined in the protocol is ~2 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak I Umar
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,RNA Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chun-Yin Chan
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institut für Chemische Epigenetik München (ICEM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universtität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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63
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Wang KB, Liu Y, Li Y, Dickerhoff J, Li J, Yang MH, Yang D, Kong LY. Oxidative Damage Induces a Vacancy G-Quadruplex That Binds Guanine Metabolites: Solution Structure of a cGMP Fill-in Vacancy G-Quadruplex in the Oxidized BLM Gene Promoter. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6361-6372. [PMID: 35352895 PMCID: PMC9904417 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Guanine (G)-oxidation to 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG) by reactive oxygen species in genomic DNA has been implicated with various human diseases. G-quadruplex (G4)-forming sequences in gene promoters are highly susceptible to G-oxidation, which can subsequently cause gene activation. However, the underlying G4 structural changes that result from OG modifications remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigate the effect of G-oxidation on the BLM gene promoter G4. For the first time, we show that OG can induce a G-vacancy-containing G4 (vG4), which can be filled in and stabilized by guanine metabolites and derivatives. We determined the NMR solution structure of the cGMP-fill-in oxidized BLM promoter vG4. This is the first complex structure of an OG-induced vG4 from a human gene promoter sequence with a filled-in guanine metabolite. The high-resolution structure elucidates the structural features of the specific 5'-end cGMP-fill-in for the OG-induced vG4. Interestingly, the OG is removed from the G-core and becomes part of the 3'-end capping structure. A series of guanine metabolites and derivatives are evaluated for fill-in activity to the oxidation-induced vG4. Significantly, cellular guanine metabolites, such as cGMP and GTP, can bind and stabilize the OG-induced vG4, suggesting their potential regulatory role in response to oxidative damage in physiological and pathological processes. Our work thus provides exciting insights into how oxidative damage and cellular metabolites may work together through a G4-based epigenetic feature for gene regulation. Furthermore, the NMR structure can guide the rational design of small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target the oxidation-induced vG4s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yipu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jinzhu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Department of Chemistry, and Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
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64
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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65
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Feng Y, Tao S, Zhang P, Sperti FR, Liu G, Cheng X, Zhang T, Yu H, Wang XE, Chen C, Monchaud D, Zhang W. Epigenomic features of DNA G-quadruplexes and their roles in regulating rice gene transcription. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1632-1648. [PMID: 34893906 PMCID: PMC8896617 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A DNA G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid structure involved in many biological processes in mammals. The current knowledge on plant DNA G4s, however, is limited; whether and how DNA G4s impact gene expression in plants is still largely unknown. Here, we applied a protocol referred to as BG4-DNA-IP-seq followed by a comprehensive characterization of DNA G4s in rice (Oryza sativa L.); we next integrated dG4s (experimentally detectable G4s) with existing omics data and found that dG4s exhibited differential DNA methylation between transposable element (TE) and non-TE genes. dG4 regions displayed genic-dependent enrichment of epigenomic signatures; finally, we showed that these sites displayed a positive association with expression of DNA G4-containing genes when located at promoters, and a negative association when located in the gene body, suggesting localization-dependent promotional/repressive roles of DNA G4s in regulating gene transcription. This study reveals interrelations between DNA G4s and epigenomic signatures, as well as implicates DNA G4s in modulating gene transcription in rice. Our study provides valuable resources for the functional characterization or bioengineering of some of key DNA G4s in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Shentong Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Pengyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Guanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hengxiu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiu-e Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Caiyan Chen
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
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66
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Yang SY, Monchaud D, Wong JMY. Global mapping of RNA G-quadruplexes (G4-RNAs) using G4RP-seq. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:870-889. [PMID: 35140410 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00671-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich RNAs can fold into four-stranded structures, termed G-quadruplexes (G4-RNAs), and participate in a wide range of biological processes. Here we describe in detail a G4-RNA-specific precipitation (G4RP) protocol, which enables the transcriptomic profiling of G4-RNAs. The G4RP protocol consists of a chemical cross-linking step, followed by affinity capture with a G4-specific probe, BioTASQ. G4RP can be coupled with sequencing to capture a comprehensive global snapshot of folded G4-RNAs. This method can also be used to profile induced changes (i.e., through G4 ligand treatments) within the G4-RNA transcriptome. The entire protocol can be completed in 1-2 weeks and can be scaled up or down depending on the specific experimental goals. In addition to the protocol details, we also provide here a guide for optimization in different laboratory setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny Y Yang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC, Dijon, France
| | - Judy M Y Wong
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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67
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Chen JN, He YD, Liang HT, Cai TT, Chen Q, Zheng KW. Regulation of PDGFR-β gene expression by targeting the G-vacancy bearing G-quadruplex in promoter. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12634-12643. [PMID: 34850916 PMCID: PMC8682790 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex is an essential element in gene transcription that serves as a promising drug target. Guanine-vacancy-bearing G-quadruplex (GVBQ) is a newly identified G-quadruplex that has distinct structural features from the canonical G-quadruplex. Potential GVBQ-forming motifs are widely distributed in gene promoter regions. However, whether GVBQ can form in genomic DNA and be an effective target for manipulating gene expression is unknown. Using photo-crosslinking, dimethyl sulfate footprinting, exonuclease digestion and in vitro transcription, we demonstrated the formation of a GVBQ in the G-rich nuclease hypersensitivity element within the human PDGFR-β gene promoter region in both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. The formation of GVBQ in dsDNA could be induced by negative supercoiling created by downstream transcription. We also found that the PDGFR-β GVBQ was specifically recognized and stabilized by a new synthetic porphyrin guanine conjugate (mPG). Targeting the PDGFR-β GVBQ in human cancer cells using the mPG could specifically alter PDGFR-β gene expression. Our work illustrates that targeting GVBQ with mPG in human cells can regulate the expression level of a specific gene, thus indicating a novel strategy for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Nan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yi-de He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Ting Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Ting Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Wei Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
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68
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An J, Yin M, Yin J, Wu S, Selby CP, Yang Y, Sancar A, Xu GL, Qian M, Hu J. Genome-wide analysis of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine at single-nucleotide resolution unveils reduced occurrence of oxidative damage at G-quadruplex sites. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12252-12267. [PMID: 34788860 PMCID: PMC8643665 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (OG), one of the most common oxidative DNA damages, causes genome instability and is associated with cancer, neurological diseases and aging. In addition, OG and its repair intermediates can regulate gene transcription, and thus play a role in sensing cellular oxidative stress. However, the lack of methods to precisely map OG has hindered the study of its biological roles. Here, we developed a single-nucleotide resolution OG-sequencing method, named CLAPS-seq (Chemical Labeling And Polymerase Stalling Sequencing), to measure the genome-wide distribution of both exogenous and endogenous OGs with high specificity. Our data identified decreased OG occurrence at G-quadruplexes (G4s), in association with underrepresentation of OGs in promoters which have high GC content. Furthermore, we discovered that potential quadruplex sequences (PQSs) were hotspots of OGs, implying a role of non-G4-PQSs in OG-mediated oxidative stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao An
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengdie Yin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayong Yin
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sizhong Wu
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Christopher P Selby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7260, USA
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7260, USA
| | - Aziz Sancar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7260, USA
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Maoxiang Qian
- Institute of Pediatrics and Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinchuan Hu
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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69
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Lyu J, Shao R, Kwong Yung PY, Elsässer SJ. Genome-wide mapping of G-quadruplex structures with CUT&Tag. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:e13. [PMID: 34792172 PMCID: PMC8860588 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded genomic DNA can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures or form DNA:RNA hybrids (R loops). Recent evidence suggests that such non-canonical DNA structures affect gene expression, DNA methylation, replication fork progression and genome stability. When and how G4 structures form and are resolved remains unclear. Here we report the use of Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) for mapping native G4 in mammalian cell lines at high resolution and low background. Mild native conditions used for the procedure retain more G4 structures and provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio than ChIP-based methods. We determine the G4 landscape of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC), observing widespread G4 formation at active promoters, active and poised enhancers. We discover that the presence of G4 motifs and G4 structures distinguishes active and primed enhancers in mouse ESCs. Upon differentiation to neural progenitor cells (NPC), enhancer G4s are lost. Further, performing R-loop CUT&Tag, we demonstrate the genome-wide co-occurrence of single-stranded DNA, G4s and R loops at promoters and enhancers. We confirm that G4 structures exist independent of ongoing transcription, suggesting an intricate relationship between transcription and non-canonical DNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lyu
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rui Shao
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Yuk Kwong Yung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon J Elsässer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
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70
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Lin R, Zhong X, Zhou Y, Geng H, Hu Q, Huang Z, Hu J, Fu XD, Chen L, Chen JY. R-loopBase: a knowledgebase for genome-wide R-loop formation and regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:D303-D315. [PMID: 34792163 PMCID: PMC8728142 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops play versatile roles in many physiological and pathological processes, and are of great interest to scientists in multiple fields. However, controversy about their genomic localization and incomplete understanding of their regulatory network raise great challenges for R-loop research. Here, we present R-loopBase (https://rloopbase.nju.edu.cn) to tackle these pressing issues by systematic integration of genomics and literature data. First, based on 107 high-quality genome-wide R-loop mapping datasets generated by 11 different technologies, we present a reference set of human R-loop zones for high-confidence R-loop localization, and spot conservative genomic features associated with R-loop formation. Second, through literature mining and multi-omics analyses, we curate the most comprehensive list of R-loop regulatory proteins and their targeted R-loops in multiple species to date. These efforts help reveal a global regulatory network of R-loop dynamics and its potential links to the development of cancers and neurological diseases. Finally, we integrate billions of functional genomic annotations, and develop interactive interfaces to search, visualize, download and analyze R-loops and R-loop regulators in a well-annotated genomic context. R-loopBase allows all users, including those with little bioinformatics background to utilize these data for their own research. We anticipate R-loopBase will become a one-stop resource for the R-loop community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhong
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yongli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huichao Geng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qingxi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhihao Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jia-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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71
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Camarillo R, Jimeno S, Huertas P. The Effect of Atypical Nucleic Acids Structures in DNA Double Strand Break Repair: A Tale of R-loops and G-Quadruplexes. Front Genet 2021; 12:742434. [PMID: 34691154 PMCID: PMC8531813 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.742434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The fine tuning of the DNA double strand break repair pathway choice relies on different regulatory layers that respond to environmental and local cues. Among them, the presence of non-canonical nucleic acids structures seems to create challenges for the repair of nearby DNA double strand breaks. In this review, we focus on the recently published effects of G-quadruplexes and R-loops on DNA end resection and homologous recombination. Finally, we hypothesized a connection between those two atypical DNA structures in inhibiting the DNA end resection step of HR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Camarillo
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sonia Jimeno
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pablo Huertas
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
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72
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Cheng Y, Zhang Y, You H. Characterization of G-Quadruplexes Folding/Unfolding Dynamics and Interactions with Proteins from Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1579. [PMID: 34827577 PMCID: PMC8615981 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable secondary nucleic acid structures that play crucial roles in many fundamental biological processes. The folding/unfolding dynamics of G4 structures are associated with the replication and transcription regulation functions of G4s. However, many DNA G4 sequences can adopt a variety of topologies and have complex folding/unfolding dynamics. Determining the dynamics of G4s and their regulation by proteins remains challenging due to the coexistence of multiple structures in a heterogeneous sample. Here, in this mini-review, we introduce the application of single-molecule force-spectroscopy methods, such as magnetic tweezers, optical tweezers, and atomic force microscopy, to characterize the polymorphism and folding/unfolding dynamics of G4s. We also briefly introduce recent studies using single-molecule force spectroscopy to study the molecular mechanisms of G4-interacting proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huijuan You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (Y.C.); (Y.Z.)
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73
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Caterino M, Paeschke K. Action and function of helicases on RNA G-quadruplexes. Methods 2021; 204:110-125. [PMID: 34509630 PMCID: PMC9236196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methodological progresses and piling evidence prove the rG4 biology in vivo. rG4s step in virtually every aspect of RNA biology. Helicases unwinding of rG4s is a fine regulatory layer to the downstream processes and general cell homeostasis. The current knowledge is however limited to a few cell lines. The regulation of helicases themselves is delineating as a important question. Non-helicase rG4-processing proteins likely play a role.
The nucleic acid structure called G-quadruplex (G4) is currently discussed to function in nucleic acid-based mechanisms that influence several cellular processes. They can modulate the cellular machinery either positively or negatively, both at the DNA and RNA level. The majority of what we know about G4 biology comes from DNA G4 (dG4) research. RNA G4s (rG4), on the other hand, are gaining interest as researchers become more aware of their role in several aspects of cellular homeostasis. In either case, the correct regulation of G4 structures within cells is essential and demands specialized proteins able to resolve them. Small changes in the formation and unfolding of G4 structures can have severe consequences for the cells that could even stimulate genome instability, apoptosis or proliferation. Helicases are the most relevant negative G4 regulators, which prevent and unfold G4 formation within cells during different pathways. Yet, and despite their importance only a handful of rG4 unwinding helicases have been identified and characterized thus far. This review addresses the current knowledge on rG4s-processing helicases with a focus on methodological approaches. An example of a non-helicase rG4s-unwinding protein is also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caterino
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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74
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Robinson J, Raguseo F, Nuccio SP, Liano D, Di Antonio M. DNA G-quadruplex structures: more than simple roadblocks to transcription? Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8419-8431. [PMID: 34255847 PMCID: PMC8421137 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been >20 years since the formation of G-quadruplex (G4) secondary structures in gene promoters was first linked to the regulation of gene expression. Since then, the development of small molecules to selectively target G4s and their cellular application have contributed to an improved understanding of how G4s regulate transcription. One model that arose from this work placed these non-canonical DNA structures as repressors of transcription by preventing polymerase processivity. Although a considerable number of studies have recently provided sufficient evidence to reconsider this simplistic model, there is still a misrepresentation of G4s as transcriptional roadblocks. In this review, we will challenge this model depicting G4s as simple 'off switches' for gene expression by articulating how their formation has the potential to alter gene expression at many different levels, acting as a key regulatory element perturbing the nature of epigenetic marks and chromatin architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Robinson
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Sabrina Pia Nuccio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Denise Liano
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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75
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Datta A, Pollock KJ, Kormuth KA, Brosh RM. G-Quadruplex Assembly by Ribosomal DNA: Emerging Roles in Disease Pathogenesis and Cancer Biology. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:285-296. [PMID: 34469893 DOI: 10.1159/000516394] [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: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique repetitive elements of the eukaryotic genome can be problematic for cellular DNA replication and transcription and pose a source of genomic instability. Human ribosomal DNA (rDNA) exists as repeating units clustered together on several chromosomes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby rDNA interferes with normal genome homeostasis is the subject of this review. We discuss the instability of rDNA as a driver of senescence and the important roles of helicases to suppress its deleterious effects. The propensity of rDNA that is rich in guanine bases to form G-quadruplexes (G4) is discussed and evaluated in disease pathogenesis. Targeting G4 in the ribosomes and other chromosomal loci may represent a useful synthetic lethal approach to combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin J Pollock
- Department of Biology, Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, USA
| | - Karen A Kormuth
- Department of Biology, Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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76
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Li C, Wang H, Yin Z, Fang P, Xiao R, Xiang Y, Wang W, Li Q, Huang B, Huang J, Liang K. Ligand-induced native G-quadruplex stabilization impairs transcription initiation. Genome Res 2021; 31:1546-1560. [PMID: 34400476 PMCID: PMC8415369 DOI: 10.1101/gr.275431.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical DNA secondary structures formed through the self-association of guanines, and G4s are distributed widely across the genome. G4 participates in multiple biological processes including gene transcription, and G4-targeted ligands serve as potential therapeutic agents for DNA-targeted therapies. However, genome-wide studies of the exact roles of G4s in transcriptional regulation are still lacking. Here, we establish a sensitive G4-CUT&Tag method for genome-wide profiling of native G4s with high resolution and specificity. We find that native G4 signals are cell type–specific and are associated with transcriptional regulatory elements carrying active epigenetic modifications. Drug-induced promoter-proximal RNA polymerase II pausing promotes nearby G4 formation. In contrast, G4 stabilization by G4-targeted ligands globally reduces RNA polymerase II occupancy at gene promoters as well as nascent RNA synthesis. Moreover, ligand-induced G4 stabilization modulates chromatin states and impedes transcription initiation via inhibition of general transcription factors loading to promoters. Together, our study reveals a reciprocal genome-wide regulation between native G4 dynamics and gene transcription, which will deepen our understanding of G4 biology toward therapeutically targeting G4s in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhinang Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ruijing Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qiuzi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Beili Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jian Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Research Center for Medicine and Structural Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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77
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Herbert A. The Simple Biology of Flipons and Condensates Enhances the Evolution of Complexity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164881. [PMID: 34443469 PMCID: PMC8400190 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical genetic code maps nucleotide triplets to amino acids. The associated sequence composition is complex, representing many elaborations during evolution of form and function. Other genomic elements code for the expression and processing of RNA transcripts. However, over 50% of the human genome consists of widely dispersed repetitive sequences. Among these are simple sequence repeats (SSRs), representing a class of flipons, that under physiological conditions, form alternative nucleic acid conformations such as Z-DNA, G4 quartets, I-motifs, and triplexes. Proteins that bind in a structure-specific manner enable the seeding of condensates with the potential to regulate a wide range of biological processes. SSRs also encode the low complexity peptide repeats to patch condensates together, increasing the number of combinations possible. In situations where SSRs are transcribed, SSR-specific, single-stranded binding proteins may further impact condensate formation. Jointly, flipons and patches speed evolution by enhancing the functionality of condensates. Here, the focus is on the selection of SSR flipons and peptide patches that solve for survival under a wide range of environmental contexts, generating complexity with simple parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Herbert
- Unit 3412, Discovery, InsideOutBio 42 8th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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78
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Rocher V, Genais M, Nassereddine E, Mourad R. DeepG4: A deep learning approach to predict cell-type specific active G-quadruplex regions. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009308. [PMID: 34383754 PMCID: PMC8384162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA is a complex molecule carrying the instructions an organism needs to develop, live and reproduce. In 1953, Watson and Crick discovered that DNA is composed of two chains forming a double-helix. Later on, other structures of DNA were discovered and shown to play important roles in the cell, in particular G-quadruplex (G4). Following genome sequencing, several bioinformatic algorithms were developed to map G4s in vitro based on a canonical sequence motif, G-richness and G-skewness or alternatively sequence features including k-mers, and more recently machine/deep learning. Recently, new sequencing techniques were developed to map G4s in vitro (G4-seq) and G4s in vivo (G4 ChIP-seq) at few hundred base resolution. Here, we propose a novel convolutional neural network (DeepG4) to map cell-type specific active G4 regions (e.g. regions within which G4s form both in vitro and in vivo). DeepG4 is very accurate to predict active G4 regions in different cell types. Moreover, DeepG4 identifies key DNA motifs that are predictive of G4 region activity. We found that such motifs do not follow a very flexible sequence pattern as current algorithms seek for. Instead, active G4 regions are determined by numerous specific motifs. Moreover, among those motifs, we identified known transcription factors (TFs) which could play important roles in G4 activity by contributing either directly to G4 structures themselves or indirectly by participating in G4 formation in the vicinity. In addition, we used DeepG4 to predict active G4 regions in a large number of tissues and cancers, thereby providing a comprehensive resource for researchers. Availability: https://github.com/morphos30/DeepG4. DNA is a molecule carrying genetic information and found in all living cells. In 1953, Watson and Crick found that DNA has a double helix structure. However, other DNA structures were later identified, and most notably, G-quadruplex (G4). In 2000, the Human Genome Project revealed the widespread presence of G4s in the genome using algorithms. To date, all G4 mapping algorithms were developed to map G4s on naked DNA, without knowing if they could be formed in a given cell type. Here, we designed a novel artificial intelligence algorithm that could map G4 regions active in the cell from the DNA sequence and chromatin accessibility. Moreover, we identified key transcriptional factor motifs that could explain G4 activity depending on cell type. Lastly, we used our new algorithm to map active G4 regions in multiple tissues and cancers as a comprehensive resource for the G4 community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Rocher
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Matthieu Genais
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, Toulouse, France
| | - Elissar Nassereddine
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Raphael Mourad
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
- * E-mail:
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79
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Yu Z, Hendricks AL, Cowan JA. G-quadruplex targeting chemical nucleases as a nonperturbative tool for analysis of cellular G-quadruplex DNA. iScience 2021; 24:102661. [PMID: 34189433 PMCID: PMC8215219 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102661] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structures are associated with various biological activities, while in vivo evidence is essential to confirm the formation of G-quadruplexes inside cells. Most conventional agents that recognize G-quadruplex, including antibodies and small-molecule G-quadruplex ligands, either stabilize the G-quadruplex or prevent G-quadruplex unfolding by helicase, thereby artificially increasing the G-quadruplex levels in cells. Unambiguous study of G-quadruplexes at natural cellular levels requires agents that do not enhance the stability of G-quadruplex. Herein, we report the first example of nonperturbative chemical nucleases that do not influence the stability of G-quadruplex telomeric DNA but can selectively cleave G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA. These chemical nucleases can be readily taken up by cells and promote selective cleavage of telomeric DNA with low levels of nonselective DNA cleavage of other regions of the genome. The cleavage of G-quadruplex telomeric DNA by nonperturbative chemical nucleases confirms the formation of G-quadruplex telomeric DNA in live cells. Novel chemical nucleases exhibit no effect on G-quadruplex telomeric DNA stability Selective nucleases cleave G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA Cleavage of G-quadruplex telomeric DNA motifs confirms their existence in cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amber L. Hendricks
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - James A. Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Corresponding author
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80
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Sperti Rota F, Charbonnier T, Lejault P, Zell J, Bernhard C, Valverde IE, Monchaud D. Biomimetic, Smart, and Multivalent Ligands for G-Quadruplex Isolation and Bioorthogonal Imaging. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:905-914. [PMID: 33914525 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) continue to gather wide attention in the field of chemical biology as their prevalence in the human genome and transcriptome strongly suggests that they play key regulatory roles in cell biology. G4-specific, cell-permeable small molecules (G4-ligands) innovatively permit the interrogation of cellular circuitries in order to assess to what extent G4s influence cell fate and functions. Here, we report on multivalent, biomimetic G4-ligands referred to as TASQs that enable both the isolation and visualization of G4s in human cells. Two biotinylated TASQs, BioTASQ and BioCyTASQ, are indeed efficient molecular tools to isolate G4s from mixtures of nucleic acids through simple affinity capture protocols and to image G4s in cells via a biotin/avidin pretargeted imaging system first applied here to G4s, found to be a reliable alternative to in situ click chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thibaut Charbonnier
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Pauline Lejault
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Joanna Zell
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Claire Bernhard
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Ibai E Valverde
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - David Monchaud
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, UBFC Dijon, 9, Avenue Alain Savary, 21078 Dijon, France
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81
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Spiegel J, Cuesta SM, Adhikari S, Hänsel-Hertsch R, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. G-quadruplexes are transcription factor binding hubs in human chromatin. Genome Biol 2021; 22:117. [PMID: 33892767 PMCID: PMC8063395 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The binding of transcription factors (TF) to genomic targets is critical in the regulation of gene expression. Short, double-stranded DNA sequence motifs are routinely implicated in TF recruitment, but many questions remain on how binding site specificity is governed. RESULTS Herein, we reveal a previously unappreciated role for DNA secondary structures as key features for TF recruitment. In a systematic, genome-wide study, we discover that endogenous G-quadruplex secondary structures (G4s) are prevalent TF binding sites in human chromatin. Certain TFs bind G4s with affinities comparable to double-stranded DNA targets. We demonstrate that, in a chromatin context, this binding interaction is competed out with a small molecule. Notably, endogenous G4s are prominent binding sites for a large number of TFs, particularly at promoters of highly expressed genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal a novel non-canonical mechanism for TF binding whereby G4s operate as common binding hubs for many different TFs to promote increased transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Spiegel
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Sergio Martínez Cuesta
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Present Address: Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Santosh Adhikari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Present Address: Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- 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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82
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Hossain KA, Jurkowski M, Czub J, Kogut M. Mechanism of recognition of parallel G-quadruplexes by DEAH/RHAU helicase DHX36 explored by molecular dynamics simulations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2526-2536. [PMID: 34025941 PMCID: PMC8114077 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.039] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of high stability and slow unfolding rates of G-quadruplexes (G4), cells have evolved specialized helicases that disrupt these non-canonical DNA and RNA structures in an ATP-dependent manner. One example is DHX36, a DEAH-box helicase, which participates in gene expression and replication by recognizing and unwinding parallel G4s. Here, we studied the molecular basis for the high affinity and specificity of DHX36 for parallel-type G4s using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. By computing binding free energies, we found that the two main G4-interacting subdomains of DHX36, DSM and OB, separately exhibit high G4 affinity but they act cooperatively to recognize two distinctive features of parallel G4s: the exposed planar face of a guanine tetrad and the unique backbone conformation of a continuous guanine tract, respectively. Our results also show that DSM-mediated interactions are the main contributor to the binding free energy and rely on making extensive van der Waals contacts between the GXXXG motifs and hydrophobic residues of DSM and a flat guanine plane. Accordingly, the sterically more accessible 5'-G-tetrad allows for more favorable van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions which leads to the preferential binding of DSM to the 5'-side. In contrast to DSM, OB binds to G4 mostly through polar interactions by flexibly adapting to the 5'-terminal guanine tract to form a number of strong hydrogen bonds with the backbone phosphate groups. We also identified a third DHX36/G4 interaction site formed by the flexible loop missing in the crystal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazi Amirul Hossain
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Michal Jurkowski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Czub
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kogut
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotnikow 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
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83
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Lejault P, Mitteaux J, Sperti FR, Monchaud D. How to untie G-quadruplex knots and why? Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:436-455. [PMID: 33596431 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For over two decades, the prime objective of the chemical biology community studying G-quadruplexes (G4s) has been to use chemicals to interact with and stabilize G4s in cells to obtain mechanistic interpretations. This strategy has been undoubtedly successful, as demonstrated by recent advances. However, these insights have also led to a fundamental rethinking of G4-targeting strategies: due to the prevalence of G4s in the human genome, transcriptome, and ncRNAome (collectively referred to as the G4ome), and their involvement in human diseases, should we continue developing G4-stabilizing ligands or should we invest in designing molecular tools to unfold G4s? Here, we first focus on how, when, and where G4s fold in cells; then, we describe the enzymatic systems that have evolved to counteract G4 folding and how they have been used as tools to manipulate G4s in cells; finally, we present strategies currently being implemented to devise new molecular G4 unwinding agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lejault
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, France.
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84
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Thermal Stability Changes in Telomeric G-Quadruplex Structures Due to N6-Methyladenine Modification. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5010005. [PMID: 34968256 PMCID: PMC8594671 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5010005] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenine modification (m6dA) has recently been identified in eukaryote genomic DNA. The methylation destabilizes the duplex structure when the adenine forms a Watson-Crick base pair, whereas the methylation on a terminal unpaired adenine stabilizes the duplex structure by increasing the stacking interaction. In this study, the effects of m6dA modification on the thermal stability of four distinct telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) structures were investigated. The m6dA-modified telomeric oligonucleotide d[AGGG(TTAGGG)3] that forms a basket-type G4 in Na+, d[(TTAGGG)4TT] that forms a hybrid-type G4 in K+ (Form-2), d[AAAGGG(TTAGGG)3AA] that forms a hybrid-type G4 in K+ (Form-1), and d[GGG(TTAGGG)3T] that forms a basket-type G4 with two G-tetrads in K+ (Form-3) were analyzed. Circular dichroism melting analysis demonstrated that (1) A7- and A19-methylation destabilized the basket-type G4 structure that formed in Na+, whereas A13-methylation stabilized the structure; (2) A15-methylation stabilized the Form-2 G4 structure; (3) A15- and A21-methylations stabilized the Form-1 G4 structure; and (4) A12-methylation stabilized the Form-3 G4 structure. These results suggest that m6dA modifications may affect the thermal stability of human telomeric G4 structures in regulating the biological functions.
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