1
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Tomecki R, Drazkowska K, Madaj R, Mamot A, Dunin-Horkawicz S, Sikorski PJ. Expanding the Available RNA Labeling Toolbox With CutA Nucleotidyltransferase for Efficient Transcript Labeling with Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Analogs. Chembiochem 2024:e202400202. [PMID: 38818670 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
RNA labeling is an invaluable tool for investigation of the function and localization of nucleic acids. Labels are commonly incorporated into 3' end of RNA and the primary enzyme used for this purpose is RNA poly(A) polymerase (PAP), which belongs to the class of terminal nucleotidyltransferases (NTases). However, PAP preferentially adds ATP analogs, thus limiting the number of available substrates. Here, we report the use of another NTase, CutA from the fungus Thielavia terrestris. Using this enzyme, we were able to incorporate into the 3' end of RNA not only purine analogs, but also pyrimidine analogs. We engaged strain-promoted azide-alkyl cycloaddition (SPAAC) to obtain fluorescently labeled or biotinylated transcripts from RNAs extended with azide analogs by CutA. Importantly, modified transcripts retained their biological properties. Furthermore, fluorescently labeled mRNAs were suitable for visualization in cultured mammalian cells. Finally, we demonstrate that either affinity studies or molecular dynamic (MD) simulations allow for rapid screening of NTase substrates, what opens up new avenues in the search for the optimal substrates for this class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Tomecki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Drazkowska
- Laboratory of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Madaj
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stanislaw Dunin-Horkawicz
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Laboratory of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Weissenboeck F, Klöcker N, Špaček P, Hüwel S, Rentmeister A. Stabilized 5' Cap Analogue for Optochemical Activation of mRNA Translation. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12810-12816. [PMID: 38524462 PMCID: PMC10955689 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The 5' cap is a distinguishing feature of transcripts made by polymerase II and characterized by an N7-methylated guanosine (m7G) linked to the first transcribed nucleotide by a 5'-5' triphosphate bridge. It stabilizes eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a crucial role in translation initiation. Its importance in mRNA processing, translation, and turnover makes the 5' cap a privileged structure for engineering by non-natural modifications. A photocleavable group at the 5' cap of guanosine was recently used to mute translation of exogenous mRNAs. Its removal by light enabled direct control of protein production at the posttranscriptional level. Modifications in the triphosphate bridge impede degradation by specific decapping enzymes and maintain translation. Here, we combined 5' cap modifications at different positions and investigated how they impact 5' cap-dependent processes in distinct manners. We synthesized 5' cap analogues with a photocleavable group at the N2-position of m7G in addition to a medronate in the triphosphate bridge to obtain a photoactivatable 5' cap analogue featuring a methylene group between the β and γ phosphates. The resulting Medronate-FlashCap transiently or permanently impeded distinct crucial interactions of the 5' cap required for translation and degradation. We show that the Medronate-FlashCap is compatible with in vitro transcription to generate muted mRNA and that light can be used to activate translation in cells. After light-induced removal of the photocleavable group, the Medronate-FlashCap remained stable against degradation by the decapping enzyme DcpS. The additional methylene group renders the 5' cap resistant to DcpS, while maintaining the interaction with cap-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Petr Špaček
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sabine Hüwel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
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3
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Bollu A, Schepers H, Klöcker N, Erguven M, Lawrence-Dörner AM, Rentmeister A. Visible Light Activates Coumarin-Caged mRNA for Cytoplasmic Cap Methylation in Cells. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303174. [PMID: 37883670 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Protein synthesis is important and regulated by various mechanisms in the cell. Translation initiation in eukaryotes starts at the 5' cap and is the most complex of the three phases of mRNA translation. It requires methylation of the N7 position of the terminal guanosine (m7 G). The canonical capping occurs in the nucleus, however, cytoplasmic recapping has been discovered. It functions in switching mRNAs between translating and non-translating states, but the individual steps are difficult to dissect. We targeted cytoplasmic cap methylation as the ultimate step of cytoplasmic recapping. We present an N7G photocaged 5' cap that can be activated for cytoplasmic methylation by visible light. We report chemical and chemo-enzymatic synthesis of this 5' cap with 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-coumarin (DEACM) at the N7G and validate that it is not bound by translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). We demonstrate incorporation into mRNA, the release of unmethylated cap analog and enzymatic remethylation to functional cap 0 after irradiation at 450 nm. In cells, irradiation triggers translation of mRNAs with the N7G photocaged 5' cap via cytoplasmic cap methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Bollu
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Helena Schepers
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Mehmet Erguven
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Lawrence-Dörner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Waldeyerstraße 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
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4
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Cornelissen NV, Mineikaitė R, Erguven M, Muthmann N, Peters A, Bartels A, Rentmeister A. Post-synthetic benzylation of the mRNA 5' cap via enzymatic cascade reactions. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10962-10970. [PMID: 37829022 PMCID: PMC10566477 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03822j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNAs are emerging modalities for vaccination and protein replacement therapy. Increasing the amount of protein produced by stabilizing the transcript or enhancing translation without eliciting a strong immune response are major steps towards overcoming the present limitations and improving their therapeutic potential. The 5' cap is a hallmark of mRNAs and non-natural modifications can alter the properties of the entire transcript selectively. Here, we developed a versatile enzymatic cascade for regioselective benzylation of various biomolecules and applied it for post-synthetic modification of mRNA at the 5' cap to demonstrate its potential. Starting from six synthetic methionine analogues bearing (hetero-)benzyl groups, S-adenosyl-l-methionine analogues are formed and utilized for N7G-cap modification of mRNAs. This post-synthetic enzymatic modification exclusively modifies mRNAs at the terminal N7G, producing mRNAs with functional 5' caps. It avoids the wrong orientation of the 5' cap-a problem in common co-transcriptional capping. In the case of the 4-chlorobenzyl group, protein production was increased to 139% during in vitro translation and to 128-150% in four different cell lines. This 5' cap modification did not activate cytosolic pathogen recognition receptors TLR3, TLR7 or TLR8 significantly more than control mRNAs, underlining its potential to contribute to the development of future mRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Cornelissen
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - R Mineikaitė
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - M Erguven
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
- University of Münster, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre Waldeyerstr. 15 48149 Münster Germany
| | - N Muthmann
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Peters
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Bartels
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - A Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
- University of Münster, Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre Waldeyerstr. 15 48149 Münster Germany
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5
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Cárdenas EL, O'Rourke RL, Menon A, Meagher J, Stuckey J, Garner AL. Design of Cell-Permeable Inhibitors of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) for Inhibiting Aberrant Cap-Dependent Translation in Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10734-10745. [PMID: 37471629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is an RNA-binding protein that binds to the m7GpppX-cap at the 5' terminus of coding mRNAs to initiate cap-dependent translation. While all cells require cap-dependent translation, cancer cells become addicted to enhanced translational capacity, driving the production of oncogenic proteins involved in proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis, among other cancerous phenotypes. eIF4E is the rate-limiting translation factor, and its activation has been shown to drive cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. These findings have established eIF4E as a translational oncogene and promising, albeit challenging, anti-cancer therapeutic target. Although significant effort has been put forth toward inhibiting eIF4E, the design of cell-permeable, cap-competitive inhibitors remains a challenge. Herein, we describe our work toward solving this long-standing challenge. By employing an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug strategy, we report the synthesis of cell-permeable inhibitors of eIF4E binding to capped mRNA to inhibit cap-dependent translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio L Cárdenas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel L O'Rourke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Arya Menon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jennifer Meagher
- Life Science Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Science Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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6
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Cárdenas EL, O’Rourke RL, Menon A, Meagher J, Stuckey J, Garner AL. Design of Cell-Permeable Inhibitors of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) for Inhibiting Aberrant Cap-Dependent Translation in Cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.541912. [PMID: 37292917 PMCID: PMC10245873 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is an RNA-binding protein that binds to the m 7 GpppX-cap at the 5' terminus of coding mRNAs to initiate cap-dependent translation. While all cells require cap-dependent translation, cancer cells become addicted to enhanced translational capacity, driving the production of oncogenic proteins involved in proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis among other cancerous phenotypes. eIF4E is the rate-limiting translation factor and its activation has been shown to drive cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. These findings have established eIF4E as a translational oncogene and promising, albeit challenging, anti-cancer therapeutic target. Although significant effort has been put forth towards inhibiting eIF4E, the design of cell-permeable, cap-competitive inhibitors remains a challenge. Herein, we describe our work towards solving this long-standing challenge. By employing an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrug strategy, we report the synthesis of cell-permeable inhibitors of eIF4E binding to capped mRNA to inhibit cap-dependent translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio L. Cárdenas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rachel L. O’Rourke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Arya Menon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jennifer Meagher
- Life Science Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Science Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L. Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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7
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Wojtczak BA, Bednarczyk M, Sikorski PJ, Wojtczak A, Surynt P, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Synthesis and Evaluation of Diguanosine Cap Analogs Modified at the C8-Position by Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling: Discovery of 7-Methylguanosine-Based Molecular Rotors. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37209102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications of the mRNA cap structure can enhance the stability, translational properties, and half-life of mRNAs, thereby altering the therapeutic properties of synthetic mRNA. However, cap structure modification is challenging because of the instability of the 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge and N7-methylguanosine. The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction between boronic acid and halogen compound is a mild, convenient, and potentially applicable approach for modifying biomolecules. Herein, we describe two methods to synthesize C8-modified cap structures using the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. Both methods employed phosphorimidazolide chemistry to form the 5',5'-triphosphate bridge. However, in the first method, the introduction of the modification via the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction at the C8 position occurs postsynthetically, at the dinucleotide level, whereas in the second method, the modification was introduced at the level of the nucleoside 5'-monophosphate, and later, the triphosphate bridge was formed. Both methods were successfully applied to incorporate six different groups (methyl, cyclopropyl, phenyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, and 1-pyrene) into either the m7G or G moieties of the cap structure. Aromatic substituents at the C8-position of guanosine form a push-pull system that exhibits environment-sensitive fluorescence. We demonstrated that this phenomenon can be harnessed to study the interaction with cap-binding proteins, e.g., eIF4E, DcpS, Nudt16, and snurportin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej A Wojtczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcelina Bednarczyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojtczak
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Surynt
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw; L. Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw; S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Brunderová M, Krömer M, Vlková M, Hocek M. Chloroacetamide-Modified Nucleotide and RNA for Bioconjugations and Cross-Linking with RNA-Binding Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202213764. [PMID: 36533569 PMCID: PMC10107093 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202213764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reactive RNA probes are useful for studying and identifying RNA-binding proteins. To that end, we designed and synthesized chloroacetamide-linked 7-deaza-ATP which was a good substrate for T7 RNA polymerase in in vitro transcription assay to synthesize reactive RNA probes bearing one or several reactive modifications. Modified RNA probes reacted with thiol-containing molecules as well as with cysteine- or histidine-containing peptides to form stable covalent products. They also reacted selectively with RNA-binding proteins to form cross-linked conjugates in high conversions thanks to proximity effect. Our modified nucleotide and RNA probes are promising tools for applications in RNA (bio)conjugations or RNA proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Brunderová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Matouš Krömer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Vlková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nám. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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9
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Ohno H, Akamine S, Mochizuki M, Hayashi K, Akichika S, Suzuki T, Saito H. Versatile strategy using vaccinia virus-capping enzyme to synthesize functional 5' cap-modified mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e34. [PMID: 36731515 PMCID: PMC10085709 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of synthetic mRNA as a genetic carrier has increased its application in scientific fields. Because the 5' cap regulates the stability and translational activity of mRNAs, there are concerted efforts to search for and synthesize chemically-modified 5' caps that improve the functionality of mRNA. Here, we report an easy and efficient method to synthesize functional mRNAs by modifying multiple 5' cap analogs using a vaccinia virus-capping enzyme. We show that this enzyme can introduce a variety of GTP analogs to the 5' end of RNA to generate 5' cap-modified mRNAs that exhibit different translation levels. Notably, some of these modified mRNAs improve translation efficiency and can be conjugated to chemical structures, further increasing their functionality. Our versatile method to generate 5' cap-modified mRNAs will provide useful tools for RNA therapeutics and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Ohno
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Sae Akamine
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Megumi Mochizuki
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Karin Hayashi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Akichika
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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10
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Klöcker N, Anhäuser L, Rentmeister A. Enzymatic Modification of the 5' Cap with Photocleavable ONB-Derivatives Using GlaTgs V34A. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200522. [PMID: 36408753 PMCID: PMC10108117 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The 5' cap of mRNA plays a critical role in mRNA processing, quality control and turnover. Enzymatic availability of the 5' cap governs translation and could be a tool to investigate cell fate decisions and protein functions or develop protein replacement therapies. We have previously reported on the chemical synthesis of 5' cap analogues with photocleavable groups for this purpose. However, the synthesis is complex and post-synthetic enzymatic installation may make the technique more applicable to biological researchers. Common 5' cap analogues, like the cap 0, are commercially available and routinely used for in vitro transcription. Here, we report a facile enzymatic approach to attach photocleavable groups site-specifically to the N2 position of m7 G of the 5' cap. By expanding the substrate scope of the methyltransferase variant GlaTgs V34A and using synthetic co-substrate analogues, we could enzymatically photocage the 5' cap and recover it after irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Klöcker
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, Münster, Germany
| | - Lea Anhäuser
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, Münster, Germany
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11
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Rösner L, Reichert D, Rau K, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Sequence-specific targeting of RNA. Methods 2022; 205:73-82. [PMID: 35764247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications play an important role in several processes, including translation, splicing, and RNA degradation in eukaryotic cells. To investigate the function of specific modifications it is of high interest to develop tools for sequence-specific RNA-targeting. This work focuses on two abundant modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, namely methylation of the guanine-N7 position of the 5'-cap and internal N6-methyladenosine (m6A). We describe the sequence-specific targeting of model RNA transcripts via RNA-binding proteins, such as nuclease-deficient RNA-targeting Cas9 (RCas9) and the Pumilio homology domain (PumHD) fused to two different effector enzymes, the dioxygenase FTO and the guanine-N7 methyltransferase Ecm1. With this tool, we were able to install and remove the methylation at the respective positions with high specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Rösner
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Dennis Reichert
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Kristina Rau
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Muthmann
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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12
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Photocaged 5' cap analogues for optical control of mRNA translation in cells. Nat Chem 2022; 14:905-913. [PMID: 35725774 PMCID: PMC7613264 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-00972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) is a fundamental process in gene expression, and control of translation is important to regulate protein synthesis in cells. The primary hallmark of eukaryotic mRNAs is their 5′ cap, whose molecular contacts to the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E govern the initiation of translation. Here we report 5′ cap analogues with photo-cleavable groups (FlashCaps) that prohibit binding to eIF4E and resist cleavage by decapping enzymes. These compounds are compatible with the general and efficient production of mRNAs by in vitro transcription. In FlashCap-mRNAs, the single photocaging group abrogates translation in vitro and in mammalian cells without increasing immunogenicity. Irradiation restores the native cap, triggering efficient translation. FlashCaps overcome the problem of remaining sequence or structure changes in mRNA after irradiation that limited previous designs. Together, these results demonstrate that FlashCaps offer a route to regulate the expression of any given mRNA and to dose mRNA therapeutics with spatio-temporal control. ![]()
Analogues of mRNA 5′ caps containing a photo-cleavable group have now been developed. These so-called FlashCaps can be used for routine in vitro transcription to make long mRNAs containing a cap. In cells, the capped mRNAs are translationally muted; however, upon irradiation by light, the photo-cleavable group is removed without leaving any remaining modification and mRNA is then translated into the corresponding protein.
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13
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Loehr MO, Luedtke NW. A Kinetic and Fluorogenic Enhancement Strategy for Labeling of Nucleic Acids. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202112931. [PMID: 35139255 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemical modification of nucleic acids in living cells can be sterically hindered by tight packing of bioorthogonal functional groups in chromatin. To address this limitation, we report here a dual enhancement strategy for nucleic acid-templated reactions utilizing a fluorogenic intercalating agent capable of undergoing inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions with DNA containing 5-vinyl-2'-deoxyuridine (VdU) or RNA containing 5-vinyl-uridine (VU). Reversible high-affinity intercalation of a novel acridine-tetrazine conjugate "PINK" (KD =5±1 μM) increases the reaction rate of tetrazine-alkene IEDDA on duplex DNA by 60 000-fold (590 M-1 s-1 ) as compared to the non-templated reaction. At the same time, loss of tetrazine-acridine fluorescence quenching renders the reaction highly fluorogenic and detectable under no-wash conditions. This strategy enables live-cell dynamic imaging of acridine-modified nucleic acids in dividing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten O Loehr
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Nathan W Luedtke
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Prom. Sir William Osler, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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14
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Bollu A, Peters A, Rentmeister A. Chemo-Enzymatic Modification of the 5' Cap To Study mRNAs. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:1249-1261. [PMID: 35420432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology hinges on messenger RNA (mRNA), which presents a blueprint of the genetic information encoded in the DNA and serves as a template for translation into proteins. In addition to its fundamental importance in basic research, this class of biomolecules has recently become the first approved Covid vaccine, underscoring its utility in medical applications.Eukaryotic mRNA is heavily processed, including the 5' cap as the primary hallmark. This 5' cap protects mRNA from degradation by exoribonucleases but also interacts specifically with several proteins and enzymes to ensure mRNA turnover and processing, like splicing, export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and initiation of translation. The absence of a 5' cap leads to a strong immune response, and the methylation status contributes to distinguishing self from non-self RNA.Non-natural modifications of the 5' cap provide an avenue to label mRNAs and make them accessible to analyses, which is important to study their cellular localization, trafficking, and binding partners. They bear potential to engineer mRNAs, e.g., more stable or immunogenic mRNAs that are still translated, by impacting select interactions in a distinct manner. The modification of the 5' cap itself is powerful as it can be applied to make long mRNAs (∼1000 nt, not directly accessible by solid-phase synthesis) by in vitro transcription.This Account describes our contribution to the field of chemo-enzymatic modification of mRNA at the 5' cap. Our approach relies on RNA methyltransferases (MTases) with promiscuous activity on analogues of their natural cosubstrate S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet). We will describe how RNA MTases in combination with non-natural cosubstrates provide access to site-specific modification of different positions of the 5' cap, namely, the N2 and N7 position of guanosine and the N6 position of adenosine as the transcription start nucleotide (TSN) and exemplify strategies to make long mRNAs with modified 5' caps.We will compare the chemical and enzymatic synthesis of the AdoMet analogues used for this purpose. We could overcome previous limitations in methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) substrate scope by engineering variants (termed PC-MATs) with the ability to convert methionine analogues with benzylic and photocaging groups at the sulfonium ion.The final part of this Account will highlight applications of the modified mRNAs. Like in many chemo-enzymatic approaches, a versatile strategy is to install small functional groups enzymatically and use them as handles in subsequent bioorthogonal reactions. We showed fluorescent labeling of mRNAs via different types of click chemistry in vitro and in cells. In a second line of applications, we used the handles to make mRNAs amenable for analyses, most notably next-generation sequencing. In the case of extremely promiscuous enzymes, the direct installation of photo-cross-linking groups was successful also and provided a way to covalently bind protein-interaction partners. Finally, the non-natural modifications of mRNAs can also modulate the properties of mRNAs. Propargylation of Am as the transcription start nucleotide at its N6 position maintained the translation of mRNAs but increased their immunogenicity. The installation of photocaging groups provides a way to revert these effects and control interactions by light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Bollu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Aileen Peters
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36, 48149 Münster, Germany
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15
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Rudenko AY, Mariasina SS, Sergiev PV, Polshakov VI. Analogs of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in Studies of Methyltransferases. Mol Biol 2022; 56:229-250. [PMID: 35440827 PMCID: PMC9009987 DOI: 10.1134/s002689332202011x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferases (MTases) play an important role in the functioning of living systems, catalyzing the methylation reactions of DNA, RNA, proteins, and small molecules, including endogenous compounds and drugs. Many human diseases are associated with disturbances in the functioning of these enzymes; therefore, the study of MTases is an urgent and important task. Most MTases use the cofactor S‑adenosyl‑L‑methionine (SAM) as a methyl group donor. SAM analogs are widely applicable in the study of MTases: they are used in studies of the catalytic activity of these enzymes, in identification of substrates of new MTases, and for modification of the substrates or substrate linking to MTases. In this review, new synthetic analogs of SAM and the problems that can be solved with their usage are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Yu. Rudenko
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - S. S. Mariasina
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - P. V. Sergiev
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - V. I. Polshakov
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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16
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Fischer TR, Meidner L, Schwickert M, Weber M, Zimmermann RA, Kersten C, Schirmeister T, Helm M. Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry of RNA methyltransferases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4216-4245. [PMID: 35412633 PMCID: PMC9071492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methyltransferases (MTases) are ubiquitous enzymes whose hitherto low profile in medicinal chemistry, contrasts with the surging interest in RNA methylation, the arguably most important aspect of the new field of epitranscriptomics. As MTases become validated as drug targets in all major fields of biomedicine, the development of small molecule compounds as tools and inhibitors is picking up considerable momentum, in academia as well as in biotech. Here we discuss the development of small molecules for two related aspects of chemical biology. Firstly, derivates of the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) are being developed as bioconjugation tools for targeted transfer of functional groups and labels to increasingly visible targets. Secondly, SAM-derived compounds are being investigated for their ability to act as inhibitors of RNA MTases. Drug development is moving from derivatives of cosubstrates towards higher generation compounds that may address allosteric sites in addition to the catalytic centre. Progress in assay development and screening techniques from medicinal chemistry have led to recent breakthroughs, e.g. in addressing human enzymes targeted for their role in cancer. Spurred by the current pandemic, new inhibitors against coronaviral MTases have emerged at a spectacular rate, including a repurposed drug which is now in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
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17
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Loehr MO, Luedtke NW. A Kinetic and Fluorogenic Enhancement Strategy for Labeling of Nucleic Acids. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morten O. Loehr
- Department of Chemistry McGill University 801 Sherbrooke St. West Montréal Québec, H3A 0B8 Canada
| | - Nathan W. Luedtke
- Department of Chemistry McGill University 801 Sherbrooke St. West Montréal Québec, H3A 0B8 Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics McGill University 3655 Prom. Sir William Osler Montréal Québec H3G 1Y6 Canada
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18
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Müggenburg F, Müller S. Azide-modified Nucleosides as Versatile Tools for Bioorthogonal Labeling and Functionalization. CHEM REC 2022; 22:e202100322. [PMID: 35189013 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100322] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Azide-modified nucleosides are important building blocks for RNA and DNA functionalization by click chemistry based on azide-alkyne cycloaddition. This has put demand on synthetic chemistry to develop approaches for the preparation of azide-modified nucleoside derivatives. We review here the available methods for the synthesis of various nucleosides decorated with azido groups at the sugar residue or nucleobase, their incorporation into oligonucleotides and cellular RNAs, and their application in azide-alkyne cycloadditions for labelling and functionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Müggenburg
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sabine Müller
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Wu D, Yang K, Zhang Z, Feng Y, Rao L, Chen X, Yu G. Metal-free bioorthogonal click chemistry in cancer theranostics. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:1336-1376. [PMID: 35050284 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00451d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal chemistry is a powerful tool to site-specifically activate drugs in living systems. Bioorthogonal reactions between a pair of biologically reactive groups can rapidly and specifically take place in a mild physiological milieu without perturbing inherent biochemical processes. Attributed to their high selectivity and efficiency, bioorthogonal reactions can significantly decrease background signals in bioimaging. Compared with metal-catalyzed bioorthogonal click reactions, metal-free click reactions are more biocompatible without the metal catalyst-induced cytotoxicity. Although a great number of bioorthogonal chemistry-based strategies have been reported for cancer theranostics, a comprehensive review is scarce to highlight the advantages of these strategies. In this review, recent progress in cancer theranostics guided by metal-free bioorthogonal click chemistry will be depicted in detail. The elaborate design as well as the advantages of bioorthogonal chemistry in tumor theranostics are summarized and future prospects in this emerging field are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Kuikun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau 999078, P. R. China
| | - Zhankui Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China.
| | - Yunxuan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
| | - Lang Rao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
| | - Guocan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.
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20
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Liu H, Wang Y, Zhou X. Labeling and sequencing nucleic acid modifications using bio-orthogonal tools. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:994-1007. [PMID: 35975003 PMCID: PMC9347354 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00087c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The bio-orthogonal reaction is a type of reaction that can occur within a cell without interfering with the active components of the cell. Bio-orthogonal reaction techniques have been used to label and track the synthesis, metabolism, and interactions of distinct biomacromolecules in cells. Thus, it is a handy tool for analyzing biological macromolecules within cells. Nucleic acid modifications are widely distributed in DNA and RNA in cells and play a critical role in regulating physiological and pathological cellular activities. Utilizing bio-orthogonal tools to study modified bases is a critical and worthwhile research direction. The development of bio-orthogonal reactions focusing on nucleic acid modifications has enabled the mapping of nucleic acid modifications in DNA and RNA. This review discusses the recent advances in bio-orthogonal labeling and sequencing nucleic acid modifications in DNA and RNA. Labeling nucleic acid modifications using bio-orthogonal tools, then sequencing and imaging the labeled modifications in DNA and RNA.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yafen Wang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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21
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Darrah KE, Deiters A. Translational control of gene function through optically regulated nucleic acids. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:13253-13267. [PMID: 34739027 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00257k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Translation of mRNA into protein is one of the most fundamental processes within biological systems. Gene expression is tightly regulated both in space and time, often involving complex signaling or gene regulatory networks, as most prominently observed in embryo development. Thus, studies of gene function require tools with a matching level of external control. Light is an excellent conditional trigger as it is minimally invasive, can be easily tuned in wavelength and amplitude, and can be applied with excellent spatial and temporal resolution. To this end, modification of established oligonucleotide-based technologies with optical control elements, in the form of photocaging groups and photoswitches, has rendered these tools capable of navigating the dynamic regulatory pathways of mRNA translation in cellular and in vivo models. In this review, we discuss the different optochemical approaches used to generate photoresponsive nucleic acids that activate and deactivate gene expression and function at the translational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie E Darrah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA.
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA.
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22
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Müggenburg F, Biallas A, Debiais M, Smietana M, Müller S. Azido Functionalized Nucleosides Linked to Controlled Pore Glass as Suitable Starting Materials for Oligonucleotide Synthesis by the Phosphoramidite Approach. European J Org Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202101140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Müggenburg
- Institut für Biochemie Universität Greifswald Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4 17487 Greifswald Germany
| | - Alexander Biallas
- Institut für Biochemie Universität Greifswald Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4 17487 Greifswald Germany
| | - Mégane Debiais
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM Place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier France
| | - Michael Smietana
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM Place Eugène Bataillon 34095 Montpellier France
| | - Sabine Müller
- Institut für Biochemie Universität Greifswald Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4 17487 Greifswald Germany
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23
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Reichert D, Schepers H, Simke J, Lechner H, Dörner W, Höcker B, Ravoo BJ, Rentmeister A. Computational design and experimental characterization of a photo-controlled mRNA-cap guanine-N7 methyltransferase. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1484-1490. [PMID: 34704053 PMCID: PMC8495969 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00109d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial and temporal control of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level is essential in eukaryotic cells and developing multicellular organisms. In recent years optochemical and optogenetic tools have enabled the manipulation and investigation of many steps in the involved processes. However, examples for light-mediated control of eukaryotic mRNA processing and the responsible enzymes are still rare. In particular, methylation of the 5′ cap of mRNA is required for ribosome assembly, and the responsible guanine-N7 methyltransferase (MTase) from E. cuniculi (Ecm1) proved suitable for activating translation. Here, we report on a photoswitchable MTase obtained by bridging the substrate-binding cleft of Ecm1 with a tetra-ortho-methoxy-azobenzene. This azobenzene derivative is characterized by efficient trans-to-cis isomerization using red light at 615 nm. Starting from a cysteine-free Ecm1 variant (ΔCys), we used a computational approach to identify suitable conjugation sites for the azobenzene moiety. We created and characterized the four best-ranked variants, each featuring two appropriately positioned cysteines close to the substrate-binding cleft. Conjugating and crosslinking the azobenzene between C149/C155 in a designed Ecm1 variant (VAR3-Az) enabled light-dependent modulation of the MTase activity and showed a 50% higher activity for the cis form than the trans-form of the azobenzene conjugated to VAR3-Az. Guided by computational design, we engineered a light-dependent 5' cap guanine-N7 methyltransferase by bridging the substrate-binding cleft with an azobenzene derivative.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Reichert
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Correnstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany .,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Helena Schepers
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Correnstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Julian Simke
- Organic Chemistry Institute, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Horst Lechner
- Department for Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 Bayreuth 95447 Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 10-12/II Graz 8010 Austria
| | - Wolfgang Dörner
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Correnstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Birte Höcker
- Department for Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 Bayreuth 95447 Germany
| | - Bart Jan Ravoo
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster Münster 48149 Germany.,Organic Chemistry Institute, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Correnstraße 36 Münster 48149 Germany .,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster Münster 48149 Germany
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24
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Depmeier H, Hoffmann E, Bornewasser L, Kath‐Schorr S. Strategies for Covalent Labeling of Long RNAs. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2826-2847. [PMID: 34043861 PMCID: PMC8518768 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of chemical modifications into long RNA molecules at specific positions for visualization, biophysical investigations, diagnostic and therapeutic applications still remains challenging. In this review, we present recent approaches for covalent internal labeling of long RNAs. Topics included are the assembly of large modified RNAs via enzymatic ligation of short synthetic oligonucleotides and synthetic biology approaches preparing site-specifically modified RNAs via in vitro transcription using an expanded genetic alphabet. Moreover, recent approaches to employ deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes) and ribozymes for RNA labeling and RNA methyltransferase based labeling strategies are presented. We discuss the potentials and limits of the individual methods, their applicability for RNAs with several hundred to thousands of nucleotides in length and indicate future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Depmeier
- University of CologneDepartment of ChemistryGreinstr. 450939CologneGermany
| | - Eva Hoffmann
- University of CologneDepartment of ChemistryGreinstr. 450939CologneGermany
| | - Lisa Bornewasser
- University of CologneDepartment of ChemistryGreinstr. 450939CologneGermany
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25
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Depaix A, Mlynarska-Cieslak A, Warminski M, Sikorski PJ, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. RNA Ligation for Mono and Dually Labeled RNAs. Chemistry 2021; 27:12190-12197. [PMID: 34114681 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Labeled RNAs are invaluable probes for investigation of RNA function and localization. However, mRNA labeling remains challenging. Here, we developed an improved method for 3'-end labeling of in vitro transcribed RNAs. We synthesized novel adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate analogues modified at the N6 or C2 position of adenosine with an azide-containing linker, fluorescent label, or biotin and assessed these constructs as substrates for RNA labeling directly by T4 ligase or via postenzymatic strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). All analogues were substrates for T4 RNA ligase. Analogues containing bulky fluorescent labels or biotin showed better overall labeling yields than postenzymatic SPAAC. We successfully labeled uncapped RNAs, NAD-capped RNAs, and 5'-fluorescently labeled m7 Gp3 Am -capped mRNAs. The obtained highly homogenous dually labeled mRNA was translationally active and enabled fluorescence-based monitoring of decapping. This method will facilitate the use of various functionalized mRNA-based probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Depaix
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mlynarska-Cieslak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
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26
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van Dülmen M, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Chemo-Enzymatic Modification of the 5' Cap Maintains Translation and Increases Immunogenic Properties of mRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13280-13286. [PMID: 33751748 PMCID: PMC8250829 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs are emerging modalities for protein replacement therapy and vaccination. Their 5' cap is important for mRNA translation and immune response and can be naturally methylated at different positions by S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferases (MTases). We report on the cosubstrate scope of the MTase CAPAM responsible for methylation at the N6 -position of adenosine start nucleotides using synthetic AdoMet analogs. The chemo-enzymatic propargylation enabled production of site-specifically modified reporter-mRNAs. These cap-propargylated mRNAs were efficiently translated and showed ≈3-fold increased immune response in human cells. The same effects were observed when the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2-a currently tested epitope for mRNA vaccination-was used. Site-specific chemo-enzymatic modification of eukaryotic mRNA may thus be a suitable strategy to modulate translation and immune response of mRNAs for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa van Dülmen
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Nils Muthmann
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of BiochemistryCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CenterUniversity of MünsterGermany
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27
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Dülmen M, Muthmann N, Rentmeister A. Eine chemo‐enzymatische Modifizierung der 5′‐Kappe erhält die Translation und erhöht die Immunogenität der mRNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Dülmen
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Nils Muthmann
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Fachbereich Chemie und Pharmazie Institut für Biochemie Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Deutschland
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Deutschland
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28
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Quantification of mRNA cap-modifications by means of LC-QqQ-MS. Methods 2021; 203:196-206. [PMID: 34058305 PMCID: PMC7612805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic modification of the 5'-cap is a versatile approach to modulate the properties of mRNAs. Transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) or functional moieties from non-natural analogs by methyltransferases (MTases) allows for site-specific modifications at the cap. These modifications have been used to tune translation or control it in a temporal manner and even influence immunogenicity of mRNA. For quantification of the MTase-mediated cap modification, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provides the required sensitivity and accuracy. Here, we describe the complete workflow starting from in vitro transcription to produce mRNAs, via their enzymatic modification at the cap with natural or non-natural moieties to the quantification of these cap-modifications by LC-QqQ-MS.
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29
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Wang Q, Tan K, Wang H, Shang J, Wan Y, Liu X, Weng X, Wang F. Orthogonal Demethylase-Activated Deoxyribozyme for Intracellular Imaging and Gene Regulation. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:6895-6904. [PMID: 33905655 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epigenetic modification of nucleic acids represents a versatile approach for achieving high-efficient control over gene expression and transcription and could dramatically expand their biosensing and therapeutic applications. Demethylase-involved removal of N6-methyladenine (m6A) represents one of the vital epigenetic reprogramming events, yet its direct intracellular evaluation and as-guided gene regulation are extremely rare. The endonuclease-mimicking deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) is a catalytically active DNA that enables the site-specific cleavage of the RNA substrate, and several strategies have imparted the magnificent responsiveness to DNAzyme by using chemical and light stimuli. However, the epigenetic regulation of DNAzyme has remained largely unexplored, leaving a significant gap in responsive DNA nanotechnology. Herein, we reported an epigenetically responsive DNAzyme system through the in vitro selection of an exquisite m6A-caged DNAzyme that could be specifically activated by FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein) demethylation for precise intracellular imaging-directed gene regulation. Based on a systematic investigation, the active DNAzyme configuration was potently disrupted by the site-specific incorporation of m6A modification and subsequently restored into the intact DNAzyme structure via the tunable FTO-specific removal of m6A-caging groups under a variety of conditions. This orthogonal demethylase-activated DNAzyme amplifier enables the robust and accurate monitoring of FTO and its inhibitors in live cells. Moreover, the simple demethylase-activated DNAzyme facilitates the assembly of an intelligent self-adaptive gene regulation platform for knocking down demethylase with the ultimate apoptosis of tumor cells. As a straightforward and scarless m6A removal strategy, the demethylase-activated DNAzyme system offers a versatile toolbox for programmable gene regulation in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Kaiyue Tan
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jinhua Shang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yeqing Wan
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaocheng Weng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Fuan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
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30
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Jalali E, Thorson JS. Enzyme-mediated bioorthogonal technologies: catalysts, chemoselective reactions and recent methyltransferase applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 69:290-298. [PMID: 33901763 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Transferases have emerged as among the best catalysts for enzyme-mediated bioorthogonal functional group installation to advance innovative in vitro, cell-based and in vivo chemical biology applications. This review introduces the key considerations for selecting enzyme catalysts and chemoselective reactions most amenable to bioorthogonal platform development and highlights relevant key technology development and applications for one ubiquitous transferase subclass - methyltransferases (MTs). Within this context, recent advances in MT-enabled bioorthogonal labeling/conjugation relevant to DNA, RNA, protein, and natural products (i.e. complex small molecule metabolites) are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Jalali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Jon S Thorson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
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31
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Kumar S, Mohapatra T. Deciphering Epitranscriptome: Modification of mRNA Bases Provides a New Perspective for Post-transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:628415. [PMID: 33816473 PMCID: PMC8010680 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.628415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene regulation depends on dynamic and reversibly modifiable biological and chemical information in the epigenome/epitranscriptome. Accumulating evidence suggests that messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are generated in flashing bursts in the cells in a precisely regulated manner. However, the different aspects of the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Cellular RNAs are post-transcriptionally modified at the base level, which alters the metabolism of mRNA. The current understanding of epitranscriptome in the animal system is far ahead of that in plants. The accumulating evidence indicates that the epitranscriptomic changes play vital roles in developmental processes and stress responses. Besides being non-genetically encoded, they can be of reversible nature and involved in fine-tuning the expression of gene. However, different aspects of base modifications in mRNAs are far from adequate to assign the molecular basis/functions to the epitranscriptomic changes. Advances in the chemogenetic RNA-labeling and high-throughput next-generation sequencing techniques are enabling functional analysis of the epitranscriptomic modifications to reveal their roles in mRNA biology. Mapping of the common mRNA modifications, including N 6-methyladenosine (m6A), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C), have enabled the identification of other types of modifications, such as N 1-methyladenosine. Methylation of bases in a transcript dynamically regulates the processing, cellular export, translation, and stability of the mRNA; thereby influence the important biological and physiological processes. Here, we summarize the findings in the field of mRNA base modifications with special emphasis on m6A, m5C, and their roles in growth, development, and stress tolerance, which provide a new perspective for the regulation of gene expression through post-transcriptional modification. This review also addresses some of the scientific and technical issues in epitranscriptomic study, put forward the viewpoints to resolve the issues, and discusses the future perspectives of the research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
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32
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Ovcharenko A, Weissenboeck FP, Rentmeister A. Tag-Free Internal RNA Labeling and Photocaging Based on mRNA Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:4098-4103. [PMID: 33095964 PMCID: PMC7898847 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202013936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA modification N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is associated with multiple roles in cell function and disease. The methyltransferases METTL3-METTL14 and METTL16 act as "writers" for different target transcripts and sequence motifs. The modification is perceived by dedicated "reader" and "eraser" proteins, but not by polymerases. We report that METTL3-14 shows remarkable cosubstrate promiscuity, enabling sequence-specific internal labeling of RNA without additional guide RNAs. The transfer of ortho-nitrobenzyl and 6-nitropiperonyl groups allowed enzymatic photocaging of RNA in the consensus motif, which impaired polymerase-catalyzed primer extension in a reversible manner. METTL16 was less promiscuous but suitable for chemo-enzymatic labeling using different types of click chemistry. Since both enzymes act on distinct sequence motifs, their combination allowed orthogonal chemo-enzymatic modification of different sites in a single RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ovcharenko
- Department of ChemistryInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of Münster, Corrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CenterUniversity of MünsterWaldeyerstraße 1548149MünsterGermany
| | - Florian P. Weissenboeck
- Department of ChemistryInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of Münster, Corrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CenterUniversity of MünsterWaldeyerstraße 1548149MünsterGermany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of ChemistryInstitute of BiochemistryUniversity of Münster, Corrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty CenterUniversity of MünsterWaldeyerstraße 1548149MünsterGermany
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33
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Reichert D, Mootz HD, Rentmeister A. Light-control of cap methylation and mRNA translation via genetic code expansion of Ecm1. Chem Sci 2021; 12:4383-4388. [PMID: 34163701 PMCID: PMC8179545 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00159k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is tightly regulated in all domains of life, with post-transcriptional regulation being more pronounced in higher eukaryotes. Optochemical and optogenetic approaches enable the actuation of many underlying processes by light, which is an excellent tool to exert spatio-temporal control. However, light-mediated control of eukaryotic mRNA processing and the respective enzymes has not been reported. We used genetic code expansion to install a photo-caged tyrosine (Y) in the active site of the cap methyltransferase Ecm1. This enzyme is responsible for guanine N7 methylation of the 5′ cap, which is required for translation. Substituting Y284 with the photocaged ortho-nitrobenzyl-tyrosine (ONBY) almost completely abrogated the methylation activity of Ecm1. Irradiation with light removed the ONB group, restoring the native tyrosine and Ecm1 activity, yielding up to 97% conversion of the minimal substrate GpppA within 60 min after activation. Using luciferase- and eGFP-mRNAs as reporters, we could show that light actuates translation by inducing activation of Ecm1 ONBY284 in a eukaryotic in vitro translation system. A tyrosine in the active site of the 5′ cap methyltransferase Ecm1 was photocaged. Translation of mRNA could be triggered by light in eukaryotic cell lysate.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Reichert
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Correnstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany .,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Correnstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Correnstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany .,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center, University of Münster 48149 Münster Germany
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34
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Ovcharenko A, Weissenboeck FP, Rentmeister A. Tag‐Free Internal RNA Labeling and Photocaging Based on mRNA Methyltransferases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202013936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ovcharenko
- Department of Chemistry Institute of Biochemistry University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center University of Münster Waldeyerstraße 15 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Florian P. Weissenboeck
- Department of Chemistry Institute of Biochemistry University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center University of Münster Waldeyerstraße 15 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry Institute of Biochemistry University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Center University of Münster Waldeyerstraße 15 48149 Münster Germany
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35
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Abstract
Labeling of nucleic acids is required for many studies aiming to elucidate their functions and dynamics in vitro and in cells. Out of the numerous labeling concepts that have been devised, covalent labeling provides the most stable linkage, an unrivaled choice of small and highly fluorescent labels and - thanks to recent advances in click chemistry - an incredible versatility. Depending on the approach, site-, sequence- and cell-specificity can be achieved. DNA and RNA labeling are rapidly developing fields that bring together multiple areas of research: on the one hand, synthetic and biophysical chemists develop new fluorescent labels and isomorphic nucleobases as well as faster and more selective bioorthogonal reactions. On the other hand, the number of enzymes that can be harnessed for post-synthetic and site-specific labeling of nucleic acids has increased significantly. Together with protein engineering and genetic manipulation of cells, intracellular and cell-specific labeling has become possible. In this review, we provide a structured overview of covalent labeling approaches for nucleic acids and highlight notable developments, in particular recent examples. The majority of this review will focus on fluorescent labeling; however, the principles can often be readily applied to other labels. We will start with entirely chemical approaches, followed by chemo-enzymatic strategies and ribozymes, and finish with metabolic labeling of nucleic acids. Each section is subdivided into direct (or one-step) and two-step labeling approaches and will start with DNA before treating RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Klöcker
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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36
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Walunj MB, Srivatsan SG. Nucleic Acid Conformation Influences Postsynthetic Suzuki-Miyaura Labeling of Oligonucleotides. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:2513-2521. [PMID: 33089687 PMCID: PMC7611128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemoselective transformations that work under physiological conditions have emerged as powerful tools to label nucleic acids in cell-free and cellular environments. However, detailed studies investigating the influence of nucleic acid conformation on the performance of such chemoselective nucleic labeling methods are less explored. Given that nucleic acids adopt complex structures, it is highly important to study the scope of the chemical modification method in the context of nucleic acid conformations. Here we report a systematic study on the effect of local conformation on the postsynthetic Suzuki-Miyaura functionalization of human telomeric (H-Telo) DNA repeat oligonucleotide (ON) sequences, which form multiple G-quadruplex (GQ) structures. 5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU)-modified H-Telo ONs were synthesized by the solid-phase method, and when subjected to Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, its efficiency was found to depend on the type of conformation and the position of IdU label in different loops of the GQ structure. IdU-labeled GQs gave better yields as compared to single-stranded random coil structures. However, the IdU-labeled duplex under different ionic conditions did not undergo the coupling reaction. Further, using this method, we directly installed an environment-sensitive fluorescent probe, which photophysically reported the formation as well as distinguished different GQ topologies of telomeric repeat. Collectively, this systematic study underscores the influence of nucleic acid conformation, which has to be taken into account when establishing postsynthetic chemoselective functionalization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha B. Walunj
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Seergazhi G. Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
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37
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Kasprzyk R, Fido M, Mamot A, Wanat P, Smietanski M, Kopcial M, Cowling VH, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Direct High-Throughput Screening Assay for mRNA Cap Guanine-N7 Methyltransferase Activity. Chemistry 2020; 26:11266-11275. [PMID: 32259329 PMCID: PMC7262028 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, mature mRNA is formed through modifications of precursor mRNA, one of which is 5' cap biosynthesis, involving RNA cap guanine-N7 methyltransferase (N7-MTase). N7-MTases are also encoded by some eukaryotic viruses and facilitate their replication. N7-MTase inhibitors have therapeutic potential, but their discovery is difficult because long RNA substrates are usually required for activity. Herein, we report a universal N7-MTase activity assay based on small-molecule fluorescent probes. We synthesized 12 fluorescent substrate analogues (GpppA and GpppG derivatives) varying in the dye type, dye attachment site, and linker length. GpppA labeled with pyrene at the 3'-O position of adenosine acted as an artificial substrate with the properties of a turn-off probe for all three tested N7-MTases (human, parasite, and viral). Using this compound, a N7-MTase inhibitor assay adaptable to high-throughput screening was developed and used to screen synthetic substrate analogues and a commercial library. Several inhibitors with nanomolar activities were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland.,College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Fido
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Wanat
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Smietanski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Kopcial
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland.,College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Victoria H Cowling
- Centre of Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, Dundee, UK
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02097, Warsaw, Poland
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38
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Ganz D, Harijan D, Wagenknecht HA. Labelling of DNA and RNA in the cellular environment by means of bioorthogonal cycloaddition chemistry. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:86-97. [PMID: 34458750 PMCID: PMC8341813 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00047g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Labelling of nucleic acids as biologically important cellular components is a crucial prerequisite for the visualization and understanding of biological processes. Efficient bioorthogonal chemistry and in particular cycloadditions fullfill the requirements for cellular applications. The broadly applied Cu(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), however, is limited to labellings in vitro and in fixed cells due to the cytotoxicity of copper salts. Currently, there are three types of copper-free cycloadditions used for nucleic acid labelling in the cellular environment: (i) the ring-strain promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), (ii) the "photoclick" 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, and (iii) the Diels-Alder reactions with inverse electron demand (iEDDA). We review only those building blocks for chemical synthesis on solid phase of DNA and RNA and for enzymatic DNA and RNA preparation, which were applied for labelling of DNA and RNA in situ or in vivo, i.e. in the cellular environment, in fixed or in living cells, by the use of bioorthogonal cycloaddition chemistry. Additionally, we review the current status of orthogonal dual and triple labelling of DNA and RNA in vitro to demonstrate their potential for future applications in situ or in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothée Ganz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Dennis Harijan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Hans-Achim Wagenknecht
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Germany
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39
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Zhang D, Jin S, Piao X, Devaraj NK. Multiplexed Photoactivation of mRNA with Single-Cell Resolution. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1773-1779. [PMID: 32484653 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate sequential optical activation of two types of mRNAs in the same mammalian cell through the sequential photocleavage of small molecule caging groups ("photocages") tethered to the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of mRNAs. Synthetic photocages were conjugated onto target mRNA using RNA-TAG, an enzymatic site-specific RNA modification technique. Translation of mRNA was severely reduced upon conjugation of the photocages onto the 5'-UTR. However, subsequent photorelease of the cages from the mRNA transcript triggered activation of translation with single-cell spatiotemporal resolution. To achieve sequential photoactivation of two mRNAs in the same cell, we synthesized a pair of photocages that can be selectively cleaved from mRNA upon photoirradiation with different wavelengths of light. Sequential photoactivation of two mRNAs enabled precise optical control of translation of two unique transcripts. We believe that this modular approach to precisely and rapidly control gene expression will serve as a powerful tool in future biological studies that require controlling translation of multiple transcripts with high spatiotemporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Shuaijiang Jin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Xijun Piao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Neal K. Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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40
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Huber TD, Clinger JA, Liu Y, Xu W, Miller MD, Phillips GN, Thorson JS. Methionine Adenosyltransferase Engineering to Enable Bioorthogonal Platforms for AdoMet-Utilizing Enzymes. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:695-705. [PMID: 32091873 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The structural conservation among methyltransferases (MTs) and MT functional redundancy is a major challenge to the cellular study of individual MTs. As a first step toward the development of an alternative biorthogonal platform for MTs and other AdoMet-utilizing enzymes, we describe the evaluation of 38 human methionine adenosyltransferase II-α (hMAT2A) mutants in combination with 14 non-native methionine analogues to identify suitable bioorthogonal mutant/analogue pairings. Enabled by the development and implementation of a hMAT2A high-throughput (HT) assay, this study revealed hMAT2A K289L to afford a 160-fold inversion of the hMAT2A selectivity index for a non-native methionine analogue over the native substrate l-Met. Structure elucidation of K289L revealed the mutant to be folded normally with minor observed repacking within the modified substrate pocket. This study highlights the first example of exchanging l-Met terminal carboxylate/amine recognition elements within the hMAT2A active-site to enable non-native bioorthgonal substrate utilization. Additionally, several hMAT2A mutants and l-Met substrate analogues produced AdoMet analogue products with increased stability. As many AdoMet-producing (e.g., hMAT2A) and AdoMet-utlizing (e.g., MTs) enzymes adopt similar active-site strategies for substrate recognition, the proof of concept first generation hMAT2A engineering highlighted herein is expected to translate to a range of AdoMet-utilizing target enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D. Huber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation (CPRI), College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
| | | | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation (CPRI), College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
| | | | | | | | - Jon S. Thorson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation (CPRI), College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
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41
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Krell K, Harijan D, Ganz D, Doll L, Wagenknecht HA. Postsynthetic Modifications of DNA and RNA by Means of Copper-Free Cycloadditions as Bioorthogonal Reactions. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:990-1011. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Krell
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dennis Harijan
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dorothée Ganz
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Larissa Doll
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hans-Achim Wagenknecht
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Organic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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42
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Westerich KJ, Chandrasekaran KS, Gross-Thebing T, Kueck N, Raz E, Rentmeister A. Bioorthogonal mRNA labeling at the poly(A) tail for imaging localization and dynamics in live zebrafish embryos. Chem Sci 2020; 11:3089-3095. [PMID: 33623655 PMCID: PMC7879197 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc05981d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Live imaging of mRNA in cells and organisms is important for understanding the dynamic aspects underlying its function.
Live imaging of mRNA in cells and organisms is important for understanding the dynamic aspects underlying its function. Ideally, labeling of mRNA should not alter its structure or function, nor affect the biological system. However, most methods applied in vivo make use of genetically encoded tags and reporters that significantly enhance the size of the mRNA of interest. Alternately, we utilize the 3′ poly(A) tail as a non-coding repetitive hallmark to covalently label mRNAs via bioorthogonal chemistry with different fluorophores from a wide range of spectra without significantly changing the size. We demonstrate that the labeled mRNAs can be visualized in cells and zebrafish embryos, and that they are efficiently translated. Importantly, the labeled mRNAs acquired the proper subcellular localization in developing zebrafish embryos and their dynamics could be tracked in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J Westerich
- Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation , University of Münster , D-48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Karthik S Chandrasekaran
- Institut für Biochemie , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Theresa Gross-Thebing
- Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation , University of Münster , D-48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Nadine Kueck
- Institut für Biochemie , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Erez Raz
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiMIC) , Waldeyerstraße 15 , D-48149 Münster , Germany.,Institute of Cell Biology Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation , University of Münster , D-48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiMIC) , Waldeyerstraße 15 , D-48149 Münster , Germany.,Institut für Biochemie , Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
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43
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Cornelissen NV, Michailidou F, Muttach F, Rau K, Rentmeister A. Nucleoside-modified AdoMet analogues for differential methyltransferase targeting. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2115-2118. [PMID: 31970375 PMCID: PMC7030947 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc07807j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Methyltransferases (MTases) modify a wide range of biomolecules using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) as the cosubstrate. Synthetic AdoMet analogues are powerful tools to site-specifically introduce a variety of functional groups and exhibit potential to be converted only by distinct MTases. Extending the size of the substituent at the sulfur/selenium atom provides selectivity among MTases but is insufficient to discriminate between promiscuous MTases. We present a panel of AdoMet analogues differing in the nucleoside moiety (NM-AdoMets). These NM-AdoMets were efficiently produced by a previously uncharacterized methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) from methionine and ATP analogues, such as ITP and N6-propargyl-ATP. The N6-modification changed the relative activity of three representative MTases up to 13-fold resulting in discrimination of substrates for the methyl transfer and could also be combined with transfer of allyl and propargyl groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas V Cornelissen
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Freideriki Michailidou
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Fabian Muttach
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Kristina Rau
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, D-48149 Muenster, Germany.
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44
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Anhäuser L, Klöcker N, Muttach F, Mäsing F, Špaček P, Studer A, Rentmeister A. A Benzophenone-Based Photocaging Strategy for the N7 Position of Guanosine. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:3161-3165. [PMID: 31747109 PMCID: PMC7012642 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201914573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Selective modification of nucleobases with photolabile caging groups enables the study and control of processes and interactions of nucleic acids. Numerous positions on nucleobases have been targeted, but all involve formal substitution of a hydrogen atom with a photocaging group. Nature, however, also uses ring-nitrogen methylation, such as m7 G and m1 A, to change the electronic structure and properties of RNA and control biomolecular interactions essential for translation and turnover. We report that aryl ketones such as benzophenone and α-hydroxyalkyl ketone are photolabile caging groups if installed at the N7 position of guanosine or the N1 position of adenosine. Common photocaging groups derived from the ortho-nitrobenzyl moiety were not suitable. Both chemical and enzymatic methods for site-specific modification of N7G in nucleosides, dinucleotides, and RNA were developed, thereby opening the door to studying the molecular interactions of m7 G and m1 A with spatiotemporal control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Anhäuser
- Institut für BiochemieWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Institut für BiochemieWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Fabian Muttach
- Institut für BiochemieWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Florian Mäsing
- Organisch-Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterCorrensstrasse 4048149MünsterGermany
| | - Petr Špaček
- Institut für BiochemieWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
| | - Armido Studer
- Organisch-Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterCorrensstrasse 4048149MünsterGermany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institut für BiochemieWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterWilhelm-Klemm-Str. 248149MünsterGermany
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45
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Kurmayer R, Entfellner E, Weisse T, Offterdinger M, Rentmeister A, Deng L. Chemically labeled toxins or bioactive peptides show a heterogeneous intracellular distribution and low spatial overlap with autofluorescence in bloom-forming cyanobacteria. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2781. [PMID: 32066776 PMCID: PMC7026079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms formed by colony-forming cyanobacteria deteriorate water resources by producing cyanotoxins, which frequently occur at high intracellular concentrations. We aimed to localize toxic microcystins (MCs) and bioactive anabaenopeptins (APs) at the subcellular level under noninvasive conditions. Since both metabolites are synthesized nonribosomally, the relaxed specificity of key enzymes catalyzing substrate activation allowed chemical labeling through a standard copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction. The genera Planktothrix and Microcystis specifically incorporated unnatural amino acids such as N-propargyloxy-carbonyl-L-lysine or O-propargyl-L-tyrosine, resulting in modified AP or MC peptides carrying the incorporated alkyne moiety. The labeled cells were quantitatively differentiated from the unlabeled control cells. MCs and APs occurred intracellularly as distinct entities showing a cell-wide distribution but a lowered spatial overlap with natural autofluorescence. Using the immunofluorescence technique, colocalization with markers of individual organelles was utilized to relate the distribution of labeled MCs to cellular compartments, e.g., using RbcL and FtsZ (cytosol) and PsbA (thylakoids). The colocalization correlation coefficients calculated pairwise between organelles and autofluorescence were highly positive as opposed to the relatively low positive indices derived from labeled MCs. The lower correlation coefficients imply that only a portion of the labeled MC molecules were related spatially to the organelles in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Kurmayer
- University of Innsbruck, Research Department for Limnology, Mondseestrasse 9, 5310, Mondsee, Austria.
| | - Elisabeth Entfellner
- University of Innsbruck, Research Department for Limnology, Mondseestrasse 9, 5310, Mondsee, Austria
| | - Thomas Weisse
- University of Innsbruck, Research Department for Limnology, Mondseestrasse 9, 5310, Mondsee, Austria
| | - Martin Offterdinger
- Innsbruck Medical University, Division of Neurobiochemistry, Biooptics Core Facility, Innrain 80, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Muenster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 2, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Li Deng
- Helmholtz Centre Munich, Institute of Virology, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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46
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Schnieders R, Keyhani S, Schwalbe H, Fürtig B. More than Proton Detection-New Avenues for NMR Spectroscopy of RNA. Chemistry 2020; 26:102-113. [PMID: 31454110 PMCID: PMC6973061 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201903355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid oligonucleotides (RNAs) play pivotal roles in cellular function (riboswitches), chemical biology applications (SELEX-derived aptamers), cell biology and biomedical applications (transcriptomics). Furthermore, a growing number of RNA forms (long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs) but also RNA modifications are identified, showing the ever increasing functional diversity of RNAs. To describe and understand this functional diversity, structural studies of RNA are increasingly important. However, they are often more challenging than protein structural studies as RNAs are substantially more dynamic and their function is often linked to their structural transitions between alternative conformations. NMR is a prime technique to characterize these structural dynamics with atomic resolution. To extend the NMR size limitation and to characterize large RNAs and their complexes above 200 nucleotides, new NMR techniques have been developed. This Minireview reports on the development of NMR methods that utilize detection on low-γ nuclei (heteronuclei like 13 C or 15 N with lower gyromagnetic ratio than 1 H) to obtain unique structural and dynamic information for large RNA molecules in solution. Experiments involve through-bond correlations of nucleobases and the phosphodiester backbone of RNA for chemical shift assignment and make information on hydrogen bonding uniquely accessible. Previously unobservable NMR resonances of amino groups in RNA nucleobases are now detected in experiments involving conformational exchange-resistant double-quantum 1 H coherences, detected by 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, 13 C and 15 N chemical shifts provide valuable information on conformations. All the covered aspects point to the advantages of low-γ nuclei detection experiments in RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbin Schnieders
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Sara Keyhani
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438FrankfurtGermany
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyCenter for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität FrankfurtMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438FrankfurtGermany
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47
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Anhäuser L, Klöcker N, Muttach F, Mäsing F, Špaček P, Studer A, Rentmeister A. Eine auf dem Benzophenongerüst basierende Strategie für die Photoschützung der N7‐Position des Guanosins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201914573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Anhäuser
- Institut für Biochemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Nils Klöcker
- Institut für Biochemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Fabian Muttach
- Institut für Biochemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Florian Mäsing
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Corrensstrasse 40 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Petr Špaček
- Institut für Biochemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Armido Studer
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Corrensstrasse 40 48149 Münster Deutschland
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institut für Biochemie Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 48149 Münster Deutschland
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48
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Leiter J, Reichert D, Rentmeister A, Micura R. Practical Synthesis of Cap-4 RNA. Chembiochem 2019; 21:265-271. [PMID: 31626389 PMCID: PMC7004131 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic mRNAs possess 5′ caps that are determinants for their function. A structural characteristic of 5′ caps is methylation, with this feature already present in early eukaryotes such as Trypanosoma. While the common cap‐0 (m7GpppN) shows a rather simple methylation pattern, the Trypanosoma cap‐4 displays seven distinguished additional methylations within the first four nucleotides. The study of essential biological functions mediated by these unique structural features of the cap‐4 and thereby of the metabolism of an important class of human pathogenic parasites is hindered by the lack of reliable preparation methods. Herein we describe the synthesis of custom‐made nucleoside phosphoramidite building blocks for m62Am and m3Um, their incorporation into short RNAs, the efficient construction of the 5′‐to‐5′ triphosphate bridge to guanosine by using a solid‐phase approach, the selective enzymatic methylation at position N7 of the inverted guanosine, and enzymatic ligation to generate trypanosomatid mRNAs of up to 40 nucleotides in length. This study introduces a reliable synthetic strategy to the much‐needed cap‐4 RNA probes for integrated structural biology studies, using a combination of chemical and enzymatic steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Leiter
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dennis Reichert
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- University of Münster, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ronald Micura
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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49
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Tera M, Luedtke NW. Three-Component Bioorthogonal Reactions on Cellular DNA and RNA. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2991-2997. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Tera
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathan W. Luedtke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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50
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Anhäuser L, Hüwel S, Zobel T, Rentmeister A. Multiple covalent fluorescence labeling of eukaryotic mRNA at the poly(A) tail enhances translation and can be performed in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e42. [PMID: 30726958 PMCID: PMC6468298 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression occurs by multiple mechanisms, including subcellular localization of mRNA and alteration of the poly(A) tail length. These mechanisms play crucial roles in the dynamics of cell polarization and embryonic development. Furthermore, mRNAs are emerging therapeutics and chemical alterations to increase their translational efficiency are highly sought after. We show that yeast poly(A) polymerase can be used to install multiple azido-modified adenosine nucleotides to luciferase and eGFP-mRNAs. These mRNAs can be efficiently reacted in a bioorthogonal click reaction with fluorescent reporters without degradation and without sequence alterations in their coding or untranslated regions. Importantly, the modifications in the poly(A) tail impact positively on the translational efficiency of reporter-mRNAs in vitro and in cells. Therefore, covalent fluorescent labeling at the poly(A) tail presents a new way to increase the amount of reporter protein from exogenous mRNA and to label genetically unaltered and translationally active mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Anhäuser
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Hüwel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Zobel
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 2, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Germany
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