1
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Wei K, Ye Z, Dong W, Zhang L, Wang W, Li J, Eltzov E, Wang S, Mao X. Generating robust aptamers for food analysis by sequence-based configuration optimization. Talanta 2024; 275:126044. [PMID: 38626500 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Advanced analytical techniques are emerging in the food industry. Aptamer-based biosensors achieve rapid and highly selective analysis, thus drawing particular attention. Aptamers are oligonucleotide probes screened via in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX), which can bind with their specific targets by folding into three-dimensional configurations and accept various modifications to be incorporated into biosensors, showing great potential in food analysis. Unfortunately, aptamers obtained by SELEX may not possess satisfactory affinity. Post-SELEX strategies were proposed to optimize aptamers' configuration and enhance the binding affinity, with specificity confirmed. Sequence-based optimization strategies exhibit great advantages in simple operation, good generalization, low cost, etc. This review summarizes the latest study (2015-2023) on generating robust aptamers for food targets by sequence-based configuration optimization, as well as the generated aptamers and aptasensors, with an expectation to provide inspirations for developing aptamer and aptasensors with high performance for food analysis and to safeguard food quality and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Ziyang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Ling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Jiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
| | - Evgeni Eltzov
- Department of Postharvest Science, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, The Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Sai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China.
| | - Xiangzhao Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, PR China; Qingdao Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Qingdao, 266404, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Processing of Aquatic Products, China National Light Industry, 266404, PR China
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2
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Neettiyath A, Chung K, Liu W, Lee LP. Nanoplasmonic sensors for extracellular vesicles and bacterial membrane vesicles. NANO CONVERGENCE 2024; 11:23. [PMID: 38918255 PMCID: PMC11199476 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-024-00431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising tools for the early diagnosis of diseases, and bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are especially important in health and environment monitoring. However, detecting EVs or bacterial MVs presents significant challenges for the clinical translation of EV-based diagnostics. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the basics of nanoplasmonic sensing and emphasize recent developments in nanoplasmonics-based optical sensors to effectively identify EVs or bacterial MVs. We explore various nanoplasmonic sensors tailored for EV or bacterial MV detection, emphasizing the application of localized surface plasmon resonance through gold nanoparticles and their multimers. Additionally, we highlight advanced EV detection techniques based on surface plasmon polaritons using plasmonic thin film and nanopatterned structures. Furthermore, we evaluate the improved detection capability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in identifying and classifying these vesicles, aided by plasmonic nanostructures. Nanoplasmonic sensing techniques have remarkable precision and sensitivity, making them a potential tool for accurate EV detection in clinical applications, facilitating point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Finally, we summarize the challenges associated with nanoplasmonic EV or bacterial MV sensors and offer insights into potential future directions for this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Neettiyath
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kyungwha Chung
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Wenpeng Liu
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luke P Lee
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea.
- Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
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3
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Majumdar B, Sarma D, Yu Y, Lozoya-Colinas A, Chaput JC. Increasing the functional density of threose nucleic acid. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:41-48. [PMID: 38179195 PMCID: PMC10763562 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00159h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical strategies that augment genetic polymers with amino acid residues that are overrepresented on the paratope surface of an antibody offer a promising route for enhancing the binding properties of nucleic acid aptamers. Here, we describe the chemical synthesis of α-l-threofuranosyl cytidine nucleoside triphosphate (tCTP) carrying either a benzyl or phenylpropyl side chain at the pyrimidine C-5 position. Polymerase recognition studies indicate that both substrates are readily incorporated into a full-length α-l-threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) product by extension of a DNA primer-template duplex with an engineered TNA polymerase. Similar primer extension reactions performed using nucleoside triphosphate mixtures containing both C-5 modified tCTP and C-5 modified tUTP substrates enable the production of doubly modified TNA strands for a panel of 20 chemotype combinations. Kinetic measurements reveal faster on-rates (kon) and tighter binding affinity constants (Kd) for engineered versions of TNA aptamers carrying chemotypes at both pyrimidine positions as compared to their singly modified counterparts. These findings expand the chemical space of evolvable non-natural genetic polymers by offering a path for improving the quality of biologically stable TNA aptamers for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biju Majumdar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA +1 949-824-8149
| | - Daisy Sarma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA +1 949-824-8149
| | - Yutong Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA +1 949-824-8149
| | - Adriana Lozoya-Colinas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA +1 949-824-8149
| | - John C Chaput
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA +1 949-824-8149
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine CA 92697-3958 USA
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4
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Kawabe H, Thomas CA, Hoshika S, Kim MJ, Kim MS, Miessner L, Kaplan N, Craig JM, Gundlach JH, Laszlo AH, Benner SA, Marchand JA. Enzymatic synthesis and nanopore sequencing of 12-letter supernumerary DNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6820. [PMID: 37884513 PMCID: PMC10603101 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42406-z] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The 4-letter DNA alphabet (A, T, G, C) as found in Nature is an elegant, yet non-exhaustive solution to the problem of storage, transfer, and evolution of biological information. Here, we report on strategies for both writing and reading DNA with expanded alphabets composed of up to 12 letters (A, T, G, C, B, S, P, Z, X, K, J, V). For writing, we devise an enzymatic strategy for inserting a singular, orthogonal xenonucleic acid (XNA) base pair into standard DNA sequences using 2'-deoxy-xenonucleoside triphosphates as substrates. Integrating this strategy with combinatorial oligos generated on a chip, we construct libraries containing single XNA bases for parameterizing kmer basecalling models for commercially available nanopore sequencing. These elementary steps are combined to synthesize and sequence DNA containing 12 letters - the upper limit of what is accessible within the electroneutral, canonical base pairing framework. By introducing low-barrier synthesis and sequencing strategies, this work overcomes previous obstacles paving the way for making expanded alphabets widely accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Kawabe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Shuichi Hoshika
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Myong-Jung Kim
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Myong-Sang Kim
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Logan Miessner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nicholas Kaplan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jonathan M Craig
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jens H Gundlach
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Andrew H Laszlo
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Jorge A Marchand
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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5
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Thomas CA, Craig JM, Hoshika S, Brinkerhoff H, Huang JR, Abell SJ, Kim HC, Franzi MC, Carrasco JD, Kim HJ, Smith DC, Gundlach JH, Benner SA, Laszlo AH. Assessing Readability of an 8-Letter Expanded Deoxyribonucleic Acid Alphabet with Nanopores. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:8560-8568. [PMID: 37036666 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemists have now synthesized new kinds of DNA that add nucleotides to the four standard nucleotides (guanine, adenine, cytosine, and thymine) found in standard Terran DNA. Such "artificially expanded genetic information systems" are today used in molecular diagnostics; to support directed evolution to create medically useful receptors, ligands, and catalysts; and to explore issues related to the early evolution of life. Further applications are limited by the inability to directly sequence DNA containing nonstandard nucleotides. Nanopore sequencing is well-suited for this purpose, as it does not require enzymatic synthesis, amplification, or nucleotide modification. Here, we take the first steps to realize nanopore sequencing of an 8-letter "hachimoji" expanded DNA alphabet by assessing its nanopore signal range using the MspA (Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A) nanopore. We find that hachimoji DNA exhibits a broader signal range in nanopore sequencing than standard DNA alone and that hachimoji single-base substitutions are distinguishable with high confidence. Because nanopore sequencing relies on a molecular motor to control the motion of DNA, we then assessed the compatibility of the Hel308 motor enzyme with nonstandard nucleotides by tracking the translocation of single Hel308 molecules along hachimoji DNA, monitoring the enzyme kinetics and premature enzyme dissociation from the DNA. We find that Hel308 is compatible with hachimoji DNA but dissociates more frequently when walking over C-glycoside nucleosides, compared to N-glycosides. C-glycocide nucleosides passing a particular site within Hel308 induce a higher likelihood of dissociation. This highlights the need to optimize nanopore sequencing motors to handle different glycosidic bonds. It may also inform designs of future alternative DNA systems that can be sequenced with existing motors and pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Thomas
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jonathan M Craig
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Shuichi Hoshika
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Henry Brinkerhoff
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jesse R Huang
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Sarah J Abell
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Hwanhee C Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Michaela C Franzi
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jessica D Carrasco
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Hyo-Joong Kim
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Drew C Smith
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jens H Gundlach
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Andrew H Laszlo
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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6
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Jena NR, Das P, Shukla PK. Complementary base pair interactions between different rare tautomers of the second-generation artificial genetic alphabets. J Mol Model 2023; 29:125. [PMID: 37014428 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The functionality of a semisynthetic DNA in the biological environment will depend on the base pair nature of its complementary base pairs. To understand this, base pair interactions between complementary bases of recently proposed eight second-generation artificial nucleobases are studied herein by considering their rare tautomeric conformations and a dispersion-corrected density functional theoretic method. It is found that the binding energies of two hydrogen-bonded complementary base pairs are more negative than those of the three hydrogen-bonded base pairs. However, as the former base pairs are endothermic, the semisynthetic duplex DNA would involve the latter base pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, 482005, India.
| | - P Das
- Discipline of Natural Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, 482005, India
| | - P K Shukla
- Department of Physics, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, India
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7
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Benner SA. Rethinking nucleic acids from their origins to their applications. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220027. [PMID: 36633284 PMCID: PMC9835595 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reviewed are three decades of synthetic biology research in our laboratory that has generated alternatives to standard DNA and RNA as possible informational systems to support Darwinian evolution, and therefore life, and to understand their natural history, on Earth and throughout the cosmos. From this, we have learned that: • the core structure of nucleic acids appears to be a natural outcome of non-biological chemical processes probably in constrained, intermittently irrigated, sub-aerial aquifers on the surfaces of rocky planets like Earth and/or Mars approximately 4.36 ± 0.05 billion years ago; • however, this core is not unique. Synthetic biology has generated many different molecular systems able to support the evolution of molecular information; • these alternatives to standard DNA and RNA support biotechnology, including DNA synthesis, human diagnostics, biomedical research and medicine; • in particular, they support laboratory in vitro evolution (LIVE) with performance to generate catalysts at least 104-105 fold better than standard DNA libraries, enhancing access to receptors and catalysts on demand. Coupling nanostructures to the products of LIVE with expanded DNA offers new approaches for disease therapy; and • nevertheless, a polyelectrolyte structure and size regular building blocks are required for any informational polymer to support Darwinian evolution. These features serve as universal and agnostic biosignatures, useful for seeking life throughout the Solar System. This article is part of the theme issue 'Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13709 Progress Boulevard no. 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard no. 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
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8
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Kimoto M, Tan HP, Tan YS, Mislan NABM, Hirao I. Success probability of high-affinity DNA aptamer generation by genetic alphabet expansion. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220031. [PMID: 36633272 PMCID: PMC9835594 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers as antibody alternatives bind specifically to target molecules. These aptamers are generated by isolating candidates from libraries with random sequence fragments, through an evolutionary engineering system. We recently reported a high-affinity DNA aptamer generation method that introduces unnatural bases (UBs) as a fifth letter into the library, by genetic alphabet expansion. By incorporating hydrophobic UBs, the affinities of DNA aptamers to target proteins are increased over 100-fold, as compared with those of conventional aptamers with only the natural four letters. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement of the methods for routinely generating high-affinity UB-containing DNA (UB-DNA) aptamers. The success probabilities of the high-affinity aptamer generation depend on the existence of the aptamer candidate sequences in the initial library. We estimated the success probabilities by analysing several UB-DNA aptamers that we generated, as examples. In addition, we investigated the possible improvement of conventional aptamer affinities by introducing one UB at specific positions. Our data revealed that UB-DNA aptamers adopt specific tertiary structures, in which many bases including UBs interact with target proteins for high affinity, suggesting the importance of the UB-DNA library design. This article is part of the theme issue 'Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Kimoto
- Xenolis Pte Ltd, 79 Science Park Drive, #06-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore 118264, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technologyand Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Hui Pen Tan
- Xenolis Pte Ltd, 79 Science Park Drive, #06-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore 118264, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technologyand Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Xenolis Pte Ltd, 79 Science Park Drive, #06-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore 118264, Singapore
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Nur Afiqah Binte Mohd Mislan
- Xenolis Pte Ltd, 79 Science Park Drive, #06-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore 118264, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technologyand Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Xenolis Pte Ltd, 79 Science Park Drive, #06-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore 118264, Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, Agency for Science, Technologyand Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore
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9
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Liu X, Hu J, Ning Y, Xu H, Cai H, Yang A, Shi Z, Li Z. Aptamer Technology and Its Applications in Bone Diseases. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897221144949. [PMID: 36591965 PMCID: PMC9811309 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221144949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids (DNA, short RNA, or other artificial molecules) produced by the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) technology, which can be tightly and specifically combined with desired targets. As a comparable alternative to antibodies, aptamers have many advantages over traditional antibodies such as a strong chemical stability and rapid bulk production. In addition, aptamers can bind targets in various ways, and are not limited like the antigen-antibody combination. Studies have shown that aptamers have tremendous potential to diagnose and treat clinical diseases. However, only a few aptamer-based drugs have been used because of limitations of the aptamers and SELEX technology. To promote the development and applications of aptamers, we present a review of the methods optimizing the SELEX technology and modifying aptamers to boost the selection success rate and improve aptamer characteristics. In addition, we review the application of aptamers to treat bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wuhan Third
Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Wuhan Children’s Hospital, Tongji
Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangyang
Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese
Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Haijia Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wuhan Third
Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hantao Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wenling
First People’s Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Aofei Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hubei
Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengshuai Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wuhan
Sports University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanghua Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wuhan Third
Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Zhanghua Li, Department of Orthopaedics,
Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 216, Guanshan
Avenue, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430074, Hubei Province, China.
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10
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Chen Z, Luo H, Gubu A, Yu S, Zhang H, Dai H, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Ma Y, Lu A, Zhang G. Chemically modified aptamers for improving binding affinity to the target proteins via enhanced non-covalent bonding. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1091809. [PMID: 36910146 PMCID: PMC9996316 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1091809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are ssDNA or ssRNA fragments that specifically recognize targets. However, the pharmacodynamic properties of natural aptamers consisting of 4 naturally occurring nucleosides (A, G, C, T/U) are generally restricted for inferior binding affinity than the cognate antibodies. The development of high-affinity modification strategies has attracted extensive attention in aptamer applications. Chemically modified aptamers with stable three-dimensional shapes can tightly interact with the target proteins via enhanced non-covalent bonding, possibly resulting in hundreds of affinity enhancements. This review overviewed high-affinity modification strategies used in aptamers, including nucleobase modifications, fluorine modifications (2'-fluoro nucleic acid, 2'-fluoro arabino nucleic acid, 2',2'-difluoro nucleic acid), structural alteration modifications (locked nucleic acid, unlocked nucleic acid), phosphate modifications (phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates), and extended alphabets. The review emphasized how these high-affinity modifications function in effect as the interactions with target proteins, thereby refining the pharmacodynamic properties of aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Chen
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hang Luo
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Amu Gubu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Aptacure Therapeutics Limited, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hong Dai
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yihao Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Baoting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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In vitro evolution of ribonucleases from expanded genetic alphabets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208261119. [PMID: 36279447 PMCID: PMC9636917 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208261119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of nucleic acids to catalyze reactions (as well as store and transmit information) is important for both basic and applied science, the first in the context of molecular evolution and the origin of life and the second for biomedical applications. However, the catalytic power of standard nucleic acids (NAs) assembled from just four nucleotide building blocks is limited when compared with that of proteins. Here, we assess the evolutionary potential of libraries of nucleic acids with six nucleotide building blocks as reservoirs for catalysis. We compare the outcomes of in vitro selection experiments toward RNA-cleavage activity of two nucleic acid libraries: one built from the standard four independently replicable nucleotides and the other from six, with the two added nucleotides coming from an artificially expanded genetic information system (AEGIS). Results from comparative experiments suggest that DNA libraries with increased chemical diversity, higher information density, and larger searchable sequence spaces are one order of magnitude richer reservoirs of molecules that catalyze the cleavage of a phosphodiester bond in RNA than DNA libraries built from a standard four-nucleotide alphabet. Evolved AEGISzymes with nitro-carrying nucleobase Z appear to exploit a general acid–base catalytic mechanism to cleave that bond, analogous to the mechanism of the ribonuclease A family of protein enzymes and heavily modified DNAzymes. The AEGISzyme described here represents a new type of catalysts evolved from libraries built from expanded genetic alphabets.
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12
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Cai R, Chen X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhou N. Systematic bio-fabrication of aptamers and their applications in engineering biology. SYSTEMS MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOMANUFACTURING 2022; 3:223-245. [PMID: 38013802 PMCID: PMC9550155 DOI: 10.1007/s43393-022-00140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that have high affinity and selectivity to bind to specific targets. Compared to antibodies, aptamers are easy to in vitro synthesize with low cost, and exhibit excellent thermal stability and programmability. With these features, aptamers have been widely used in biology and medicine-related fields. In the meantime, a variety of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technologies have been developed to screen aptamers for various targets. According to the characteristics of targets, customizing appropriate SELEX technology and post-SELEX optimization helps to obtain ideal aptamers with high affinity and specificity. In this review, we first summarize the latest research on the systematic bio-fabrication of aptamers, including various SELEX technologies, post-SELEX optimization, and aptamer modification technology. These procedures not only help to gain the aptamer sequences but also provide insights into the relationship between structure and function of the aptamers. The latter provides a new perspective for the systems bio-fabrication of aptamers. Furthermore, on this basis, we review the applications of aptamers, particularly in the fields of engineering biology, including industrial biotechnology, medical and health engineering, and environmental and food safety monitoring. And the encountered challenges and prospects are discussed, providing an outlook for the future development of aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 China
| | - Xin Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 China
| | - Nandi Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 China
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13
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Sun L, Ma X, Zhang B, Qin Y, Ma J, Du Y, Chen T. From polymerase engineering to semi-synthetic life: artificial expansion of the central dogma. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1173-1197. [PMID: 36320892 PMCID: PMC9533422 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00116k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids have been extensively modified in different moieties to expand the scope of genetic materials in the past few decades. While the development of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) has expanded the genetic information capacity of nucleic acids, the production of synthetic alternatives of DNA and RNA has increased the types of genetic information carriers and introduced novel properties and functionalities into nucleic acids. Moreover, the efforts of tailoring DNA polymerases (DNAPs) and RNA polymerases (RNAPs) to be efficient unnatural nucleic acid polymerases have enabled broad application of these unnatural nucleic acids, ranging from production of stable aptamers to evolution of novel catalysts. The introduction of unnatural nucleic acids into living organisms has also started expanding the central dogma in vivo. In this article, we first summarize the development of unnatural nucleic acids with modifications or alterations in different moieties. The strategies for engineering DNAPs and RNAPs are then extensively reviewed, followed by summarization of predominant polymerase mutants with good activities for synthesizing, reverse transcribing, or even amplifying unnatural nucleic acids. Some recent application examples of unnatural nucleic acids with their polymerases are then introduced. At the end, the approaches of introducing UBPs and synthetic genetic polymers into living organisms for the creation of semi-synthetic organisms are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Sun
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Xingyun Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Binliang Zhang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yanjia Qin
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Jiezhao Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yuhui Du
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Tingjian Chen
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
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14
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Špaček J, Benner SA. Agnostic Life Finder (ALF) for Large-Scale Screening of Martian Life During In Situ Refueling. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:1255-1263. [PMID: 35796703 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Before the first humans depart for Mars in the next decade, hundreds of tons of martian water-ice must be harvested to produce propellant for the return vehicle, a process known as in situ resource utilization (ISRU). We describe here an instrument, the Agnostic Life Finder (ALF), that is an inexpensive life-detection add-on to ISRU. ALF exploits a well-supported view that informational genetic biopolymers in life in water must have two structural features: (1) Informational biopolymers must carry a repeating charge; they must be polyelectrolytes. (2) Their building blocks must fit into an aperiodic crystal structure; the building blocks must be size-shape regular. ALF exploits the first structural feature to extract polyelectrolytes from ∼10 cubic meters of mined martian water by applying a voltage gradient perpendicularly to the water's flow. This gradient diverts polyelectrolytes from the flow toward their respective electrodes (polyanions to the anode, polycations to the cathode), where they are captured in cartridges before they encounter the electrodes. There, they can later be released to analyze their building blocks, for example, by mass spectrometry or nanopore. Upstream, martian cells holding martian informational polyelectrolytes are disrupted by ultrasound. To manage the (unknown) conductivity of the water due to the presence of salts, the mined water is preconditioned by electrodialysis using porous membranes. ALF uses only resources and technology that must already be available for ISRU. Thus, life detection is easily and inexpensively integrated into SpaceX or NASA ISRU missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Špaček
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences, LLC, Alachua, Florida, USA
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15
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Laos R, Benner S. Fluorinated oil-surfactant mixtures with the density of water: Artificial cells for synthetic biology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0252361. [PMID: 35051170 PMCID: PMC8775225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a rising interest in biotechnology for the compartmentalization of biochemical reactions in water droplets. Several applications, such as the widely used digital PCR, seek to encapsulate a single molecule in a droplet to be amplified. Directed evolution, another technology with growing popularity, seeks to replicate what happens in nature by encapsulating a single gene and the protein encoded by this gene, linking genotype with phenotype. Compartmentalizing reactions in droplets also allows the experimentalist to run millions of different reactions in parallel. Compartmentalization requires a fluid that is immiscible with water and a surfactant to stabilize the droplets. While there are fluids and surfactants on the market that have been used to accomplish encapsulation, there are reported concerns with these. Span® 80, for example, a commonly used surfactant, has contaminants that interfere with various biochemical reactions. Similarly, synthetic fluids distributed by the cosmetic industry allow some researchers to produce experimental results that can be published, but then other researchers fail to reproduce some of these protocols due to the unreliable nature of these products, which are not manufactured with the intent of being used in biotechnology. The most reliable fluids, immiscible with water and suitable for biochemical reactions, are fluorinated fluids. Fluorinated compounds have the peculiar characteristic of being immiscible with water while at the same time not mixing with hydrophobic molecules. This peculiar characteristic has made fluorinated fluids attractive because it seems to be the basis of their being biologically inert. However, commercially available fluorinated fluids have densities between 1.4 to 1.6 g/mL. The higher-than-water density of fluorinated oils complicates handling of the droplets since these would float on the fluid since the water droplets would be less dense. This can cause aggregation and coalescence of the droplets. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization, and use of fluorinated polysiloxane oils that have densities similar to the one of water at room temperature, and when mixed with non-ionic fluorinated surfactants, can produce droplets encapsulating biochemical reactions. We show how droplets in these emulsions can host many biological processes, including PCR, DNA origami, rolling circle amplification (RCA), and Taqman® assays. Some of these use unnatural DNA built from an Artificially Expanded Genetic Information System (AEGIS) with six nucleotide "letters".
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Laos
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida, United States of America
- Panamerican Biolabs LLC, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Steven Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Alachua, Florida, United States of America
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16
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Jena NR. Rare Tautomers of Artificially Expanded Genetic Letters and their Effects on the Base pair Stabilities. Chemphyschem 2022; 23:e202100908. [PMID: 35029036 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To expand the existing genetic letters, it is necessary to design robust nucleotides that can function naturally in living cells. Therefore, it is desirable to examine the roles of recently proposed second-generation artificially expanded genetic letters in producing stable duplex DNA. Here, a reliable dispersion-corrected density functional theory method is used to understand the electronic structures and properties of different rare tautomers of proposed expanded genetic letters and their effects on the base pair stabilities in the duplex DNA. It is found that the rare tautomers are not only stable in the aqueous medium but can also base pair with natural bases to produce stable mispairs. Except for J and V, all the artificial genetic letters are found to produce mispairs that are about 1-7 kcal/mol more stable than their complementary counterparts. They are also appreciably more stable than the naturally occurring G:C, A:T, and G:T pairs. The higher base pair stabilities are found to be mainly because of the polarity of monomers and attractive electrostatic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Jena
- IIITDM Jabalpur, Discipline of Natural Sciences, Dumna Airport Road, Khamaria, India, 482005, Jabalpur, INDIA
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17
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Qi S, Duan N, Khan IM, Dong X, Zhang Y, Wu S, Wang Z. Strategies to manipulate the performance of aptamers in SELEX, post-SELEX and microenvironment. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 55:107902. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Chen X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Niu T, Li B, Guo L, Qiao Y, Zhao J, Yuan B, Liu K. Evolution of DNA aptamers against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using cell-SELEX. Analyst 2021; 146:4180-4187. [PMID: 34105524 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00634g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) subtype accounts for about 90% of all cases of esophageal cancer globally. Currently, ESCC is usually diagnosed in late stages, and targeted therapy is lacking. Therefore, the development of ESCC-specific recognition molecules for an early detection and targeted treatment of ESCC is urgently needed. Aptamers are an excellent molecular recognition tool with unique advantages. In this manuscript, three aptamers (S2, S3, and S8) specific to ESCC cells were successfully screened via cell-SELEX. The experimental results displayed the high affinities of the three aptamers for target KYSE150 cells with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range. The specificity evaluation showed that S2 only bound target KYSE150 cells, but S3 and S8 were capable of targeting a series of ESCC cells. Moreover, several truncated aptamers were generated through sequence optimization. In particular, an ultrashort aptamer S3-2-3 with only 18 bases was successfully obtained; after labeling with Cy5 dyes, it was feasible for the specific imaging of ESCC tissues. Furthermore, the target types of the selected aptamers were preliminarily identified as membrane proteins, and target proteins could be captured by S3-2-3, which may be useful for biomarker discovery. Therefore, the selected aptamers hold great potential for clinical diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and the targeted therapy of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yanli Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Tingting Niu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linyan Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Baoyin Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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19
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Špaček J, Karalkar N, Fojta M, Wang J, Benner SA. Electrochemical reduction and oxidation of eight unnatural 2′-deoxynucleosides at a pyrolytic graphite electrode. Electrochim Acta 2020; 362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.137210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Kimoto M, Hirao I. Genetic alphabet expansion technology by creating unnatural base pairs. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:7602-7626. [PMID: 33015699 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00457j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in the creation of artificial extra base pairs (unnatural base pairs, UBPs) are opening the door to a new research area, xenobiology, and genetic alphabet expansion technologies. UBPs that function as third base pairs in replication, transcription, and/or translation enable the site-specific incorporation of novel components into DNA, RNA, and proteins. Here, we describe the UBPs developed by three research teams and their application in PCR-based diagnostics, high-affinity DNA aptamer generation, site-specific labeling of RNAs, semi-synthetic organism creation, and unnatural-amino-acid-containing protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Kimoto
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, Singapore.
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21
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Duffy K, Arangundy-Franklin S, Holliger P. Modified nucleic acids: replication, evolution, and next-generation therapeutics. BMC Biol 2020; 18:112. [PMID: 32878624 PMCID: PMC7469316 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Modified nucleic acids, also called xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), offer a variety of advantages for biotechnological applications and address some of the limitations of first-generation nucleic acid therapeutics. Indeed, several therapeutics based on modified nucleic acids have recently been approved and many more are under clinical evaluation. XNAs can provide increased biostability and furthermore are now increasingly amenable to in vitro evolution, accelerating lead discovery. Here, we review the most recent discoveries in this dynamic field with a focus on progress in the enzymatic replication and functional exploration of XNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Duffy
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | | | - Philipp Holliger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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22
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Abstract
DNA polymerases play a central role in biology by transferring genetic information from one generation to the next during cell division. Harnessing the power of these enzymes in the laboratory has fueled an increase in biomedical applications that involve the synthesis, amplification, and sequencing of DNA. However, the high substrate specificity exhibited by most naturally occurring DNA polymerases often precludes their use in practical applications that require modified substrates. Moving beyond natural genetic polymers requires sophisticated enzyme-engineering technologies that can be used to direct the evolution of engineered polymerases that function with tailor-made activities. Such efforts are expected to uniquely drive emerging applications in synthetic biology by enabling the synthesis, replication, and evolution of synthetic genetic polymers with new physicochemical properties.
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23
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Kimoto M, Hirao I. New Research Area, Xenobiology, by Integrating Chemistry and Biology. J SYN ORG CHEM JPN 2020. [DOI: 10.5059/yukigoseikyokaishi.78.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR
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24
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ZHAO LP, YANG G, ZHANG XM, QU F. Development of Aptamer Screening against Proteins and Its Applications. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(20)60012-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Röthlisberger P, Levi-Acobas F, Leumann CJ, Hollenstein M. Enzymatic synthesis of biphenyl-DNA oligonucleotides. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115487. [PMID: 32284226 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of nucleotides equipped with C-glycosidic aromatic nucleobases into DNA and RNA is an alluring strategy for a number of practical applications including fluorescent labelling of oligonucleotides, expansion of the genetic alphabet for the generation of aptamers and semi-synthetic organisms, or the modulation of excess electron transfer within DNA. However, the generation of C-nucleoside containing oligonucleotides relies mainly on solid-phase synthesis which is quite labor intensive and restricted to short sequences. Here, we explore the possibility of constructing biphenyl-modified DNA sequences using enzymatic synthesis. The presence of multiple biphenyl-units or biphenyl residues modified with electron donors and acceptors permits the incorporation of a single dBphMP nucleotide. Moreover, templates with multiple abasic sites enable the incorporation of up to two dBphMP nucleotides, while TdT-mediated tailing reactions produce single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides with four biphenyl residues appended at the 3'-end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Röthlisberger
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, CNRS UMR 3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France; Institut Pasteur, Department of Genome and Genetics, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Levi-Acobas
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, CNRS UMR 3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France; Institut Pasteur, Department of Genome and Genetics, Paris, France
| | - Christian J Leumann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Hollenstein
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, CNRS UMR 3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France; Institut Pasteur, Department of Genome and Genetics, Paris, France.
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26
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Marx A, Betz K. The Structural Basis for Processing of Unnatural Base Pairs by DNA Polymerases. Chemistry 2020; 26:3446-3463. [PMID: 31544987 PMCID: PMC7155079 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201903525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Unnatural base pairs (UBPs) greatly increase the diversity of DNA and RNA, furthering their broad range of molecular biological and biotechnological approaches. Different candidates have been developed whereby alternative hydrogen-bonding patterns and hydrophobic and packing interactions have turned out to be the most promising base-pairing concepts to date. The key in many applications is the highly efficient and selective acceptance of artificial base pairs by DNA polymerases, which enables amplification of the modified DNA. In this Review, computational as well as experimental studies that were performed to characterize the pairing behavior of UBPs in free duplex DNA or bound to the active site of KlenTaq DNA polymerase are highlighted. The structural studies, on the one hand, elucidate how base pairs lacking hydrogen bonds are accepted by these enzymes and, on the other hand, highlight the influence of one or several consecutive UBPs on the structure of a DNA double helix. Understanding these concepts facilitates optimization of future UBPs for the manifold fields of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Marx
- Department of ChemistryKonstanz Research School Chemical BiologyUniversity of KonstanzUniversitätsstrasse 1078464KonstanzGermany
| | - Karin Betz
- Department of ChemistryKonstanz Research School Chemical BiologyUniversity of KonstanzUniversitätsstrasse 1078464KonstanzGermany
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27
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Shen R, Tan J, Yuan Q. Chemically Modified Aptamers in Biological Analysis. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2816-2826. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruichen Shen
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine (ICBN), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine (ICBN), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine (ICBN), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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28
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Zumrut H, Yang Z, Williams N, Arizala J, Batool S, Benner SA, Mallikaratchy P. Ligand-Guided Selection with Artificially Expanded Genetic Information Systems against TCR-CD3ε. Biochemistry 2020; 59:552-562. [PMID: 31880917 PMCID: PMC7025805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Here we are reporting, for the first time, a ligand-guided selection (LIGS) experiment using an artificially expanded genetic information system (AEGIS) to successfully identify an AEGIS-DNA aptamer against T cell receptor-CD3ε expressed on Jurkat.E6 cells. Thus, we have effectively combined the enhanced diversity of an AEGIS DNA library with LIGS to develop a superior screening platform to discover superior aptamers. Libraries of DNA molecules from highly diversified building blocks will provide better ligands due to more functional diversity and better-controlled folding. Thus, a DNA library with AEGIS components (dZ and dP) was used in LIGS experiments against TCR-CD3ε in its native state using two clinically relevant monoclonal antibodies to identify an aptamer termed JZPO-10, with nanomolar affinity. Multiple specificity assays using knockout cells, and competition experiments using monoclonal antibodies utilized in LIGS, show unprecedented specificity of JZPO-10, suggesting that the combination of LIGS with AEGIS-DNA libraries will provide a superior screening platform to discover artificial ligands against critical cellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Zumrut
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry , CUNY Graduate Center , 365 Fifth Avenue , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Zunyi Yang
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences, LLC , Alachua , Florida 32615 , United States
| | - Nicole Williams
- Ph.D. Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , CUNY Graduate Center , 365 Fifth Avenue , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Joekeem Arizala
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry , CUNY Graduate Center , 365 Fifth Avenue , New York , New York 10016 , United States
| | - Sana Batool
- Department of Chemistry, Lehman College , The City University of New York , 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West , Bronx , New York 10468 , United States
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution , 13709 Progress Boulevard , Alachua , Florida 32615 , United States
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences, LLC , Alachua , Florida 32615 , United States
| | - Prabodhika Mallikaratchy
- Department of Chemistry, Lehman College , The City University of New York , 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West , Bronx , New York 10468 , United States
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry , CUNY Graduate Center , 365 Fifth Avenue , New York , New York 10016 , United States
- Ph.D. Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , CUNY Graduate Center , 365 Fifth Avenue , New York , New York 10016 , United States
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29
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Jena NR. Electron and hole interactions with P, Z, and P:Z and the formation of mutagenic products by proton transfer reactions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:919-931. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp05367k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Z would act as an electron acceptor and P would capture a hole in the unnatural DNA. The latter process would produce mutagenic products via a proton transfer reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. R. Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences
- Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing
- Jabalpur-482005
- India
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30
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Abstract
To increase the scope of natural biosystem, nucleic acids have been intensively modified. One direction includes the development of a synthetic alternative to the native DNA and RNA, denoted Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs) that are able to store and transfer genetic information either by base-modification or backbone-modification. Another line of research aims to develop alternative third base pair additional to natural A:T and G:C. These unnatural base pairs (UBPs) can store increased information content encoded in three base pairs. This review outlines the recent progress made towards XNA and UBP applications as new components of the genomic DNA as well as biostable aptamers. New achievements in the replacement of a bacterial genome by unnatural non-canonical nucleotides are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Eremeeva
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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31
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Zhang L, Wang S, Yang Z, Hoshika S, Xie S, Li J, Chen X, Wan S, Li L, Benner SA, Tan W. An Aptamer-Nanotrain Assembled from Six-Letter DNA Delivers Doxorubicin Selectively to Liver Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 59:663-668. [PMID: 31650689 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201909691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Expanding the number of nucleotides in DNA increases the information density of functional DNA molecules, creating nanoassemblies that cannot be invaded by natural DNA/RNA in complex biological systems. Here, we show how six-letter GACTZP DNA contributes this property in two parts of a nanoassembly: 1) in an aptamer evolved from a six-letter DNA library to selectively bind liver cancer cells; and 2) in a six-letter self-assembling GACTZP nanotrain that carries the drug doxorubicin. The aptamer-nanotrain assembly, charged with doxorubicin, selectively kills liver cancer cells in culture, as the selectivity of the aptamer binding directs doxorubicin into the aptamer-targeted cells. The assembly does not kill untransformed cells that the aptamer does not bind. This architecture, built with an expanded genetic alphabet, is reminiscent of antibodies conjugated to drugs, which presumably act by this mechanism as well, but with the antibody replaced by an aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,Current address: College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Zunyi Yang
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA.,Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Shuichi Hoshika
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA.,Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Sitao Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Jin Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Xigao Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Shuo Wan
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Long Li
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA.,Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17, Alachua, FL, 32615, USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.,Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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32
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Zhang L, Wang S, Yang Z, Hoshika S, Xie S, Li J, Chen X, Wan S, Li L, Benner SA, Tan W. An Aptamer‐Nanotrain Assembled from Six‐Letter DNA Delivers Doxorubicin Selectively to Liver Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201909691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
- Current address: College of Food Science and Engineering Ocean University of China Qingdao Shandong 266003 China
| | - Zunyi Yang
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7 Alachua FL 32615 USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17 Alachua FL 32615 USA
| | - Shuichi Hoshika
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7 Alachua FL 32615 USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17 Alachua FL 32615 USA
| | - Sitao Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Jin Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Xigao Chen
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Shuo Wan
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Long Li
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Steven A. Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7 Alachua FL 32615 USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17 Alachua FL 32615 USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL) State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
- Department of Chemistry Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics UF Health Cancer Center UF Genetics Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
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33
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Levi-Acobas F, Röthlisberger P, Sarac I, Marlière P, Herdewijn P, Hollenstein M. On the Enzymatic Formation of Metal Base Pairs with Thiolated and pK a -Perturbed Nucleotides. Chembiochem 2019; 20:3032-3040. [PMID: 31216100 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The formation of artificial metal base pairs is an alluring and versatile method for the functionalization of nucleic acids. Access to DNA functionalized with metal base pairs is granted mainly by solid-phase synthesis. An alternative, yet underexplored method, envisions the installation of metal base pairs through the polymerization of modified nucleoside triphosphates. Herein, we have explored the possibility of using thiolated and pKa -perturbed nucleotides for the enzymatic construction of artificial metal base pairs. The thiolated nucleotides S2C, S6G, and S4T as well as the fluorinated analogue 5FU are readily incorporated opposite a templating S4T nucleotide through the guidance of metal cations. Multiple incorporation of the modified nucleotides along with polymerase bypass of the unnatural base pairs are also possible under certain conditions. The thiolated nucleotides S4T, S4T, S2C, and S6G were also shown to be compatible with the synthesis of modified, high molecular weight single-stranded (ss)DNA products through TdT-mediated tailing reactions. Thus, sulfur-substitution and pKa perturbation represent alternative strategies for the design of modified nucleotides compatible with the enzymatic construction of metal base pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Levi-Acobas
- Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Pascal Röthlisberger
- Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Ivo Sarac
- Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Philippe Marlière
- University of Paris Saclay, CNRS, iSSB, UEVE, Genopole, 5 Rue Henri Desbruères, 91030, Evry, France
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat, 49, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Marcel Hollenstein
- Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3523, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
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34
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Ledbetter MP, Malyshev DA, Romesberg FE. Site-Specific Labeling of DNA via PCR with an Expanded Genetic Alphabet. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1973:193-212. [PMID: 31016704 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9216-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a universal and essential tool in molecular biology and biotechnology, but it is generally limited to the amplification of DNA with the four-letter genetic alphabet. Here, we describe PCR amplification with a six-letter alphabet that includes the two natural dA-dT and dG-dC base pairs and an unnatural base pair (UBP) formed between the synthetic nucleotides dNaM and d5SICS or dTPT3 or analogs of these synthetic nucleotides modified with linkers that allow for the site-specific labeling of the amplified DNA with different functional groups. Under standard conditions, the six-letter DNA may be amplified with high efficiency and with greater than 99.9% fidelity. This allows for the efficient production of DNA site-specifically modified with different functionalities of interest for use in a wide range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis A Malyshev
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Floyd E Romesberg
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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35
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Behera B, Das P, Jena NR. Accurate Base Pair Energies of Artificially Expanded Genetic Information Systems (AEGIS): Clues for Their Mutagenic Characteristics. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:6728-6739. [PMID: 31290661 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b04653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, several artificial nucleobases, such as B, S, J, V, X, K, P, and Z, have been proposed to help in the expansion of the genetic information system and diagnosis of diseases. Among these bases, P and Z were identified to form stable DNA and to participate in the replication. However, the stabilities of P:Z and other artificial base pairs are not fully understood. The abilities of these unnatural nucleobases in mispairing with themselves and with natural bases are also not known. Here, the ωB97X-D dispersion-corrected density functional theoretical and complete basis set (CBS-QB3) methods are used to obtain accurate structural and energetic data related to base pair interactions involving these unnatural nucleobases. The roles of protonation and deprotonation of certain artificial bases in inducing mutations are also studied. It is found that each artificial purine has a complementary artificial pyrimidine, the base pair interactions between which are similar to those of the natural Watson-Crick base pairs. Hence, these base pairs will function naturally and would not impart mutagenicity. Among these base pairs, the J:V complex is found to be the most stable and promising artificial base pair. Remarkably, the noncomplementary artificial nucleobases are found to form stable mispairs, which may generate mutagenic products in DNA. Similarly, the misinsertions of natural bases opposite artificial bases are also found to be mutagenic. The mechanisms of these mutations are explained in detail. These results are in agreement with earlier biochemical studies. It is thus expected that this study would aid in the advancement of the synthetic biology to design more robust artificial nucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Behera
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Jabalpur 482005 , India
| | - P Das
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Jabalpur 482005 , India
| | - N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Jabalpur 482005 , India
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36
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Singh I, Laos R, Hoshika S, Benner SA, Georgiadis MM. Snapshots of an evolved DNA polymerase pre- and post-incorporation of an unnatural nucleotide. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:7977-7988. [PMID: 29986111 PMCID: PMC6125688 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The next challenge in synthetic biology is to be able to replicate synthetic nucleic acid sequences efficiently. The synthetic pair, 2-amino-8-(1-beta-d-2′- deoxyribofuranosyl) imidazo [1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-[8H]-4-one (trivially designated P) with 6-amino-3-(2′-deoxyribofuranosyl)-5-nitro-1H-pyridin-2-one (trivially designated Z), is replicated by certain Family A polymerases, albeit with lower efficiency. Through directed evolution, we identified a variant KlenTaq polymerase (M444V, P527A, D551E, E832V) that incorporates dZTP opposite P more efficiently than the wild-type enzyme. Here, we report two crystal structures of this variant KlenTaq, a post-incorporation complex that includes a template-primer with P:Z trapped in the active site (binary complex) and a pre-incorporation complex with dZTP paired to template P in the active site (ternary complex). In forming the ternary complex, the fingers domain exhibits a larger closure angle than in natural complexes but engages the template-primer and incoming dNTP through similar interactions. In the binary complex, although many of the interactions found in the natural complexes are retained, there is increased relative motion of the thumb domain. Collectively, our analyses suggest that it is the post-incorporation complex for unnatural substrates that presents a challenge to the natural enzyme and that more efficient replication of P:Z pairs requires a more flexible polymerase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Roberto Laos
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and the Westheimer Institute of Science & Technology, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Shuichi Hoshika
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and the Westheimer Institute of Science & Technology, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and the Westheimer Institute of Science & Technology, Alachua, FL 32615, USA.,Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Millie M Georgiadis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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37
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Hamashima K, Soong YT, Matsunaga KI, Kimoto M, Hirao I. DNA Sequencing Method Including Unnatural Bases for DNA Aptamer Generation by Genetic Alphabet Expansion. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1401-1410. [PMID: 30995835 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The creation of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) has rapidly advanced the genetic alphabet expansion technology of DNA, requiring a new sequencing method for UB-containing DNAs with five or more letters. The hydrophobic UBP, Ds-Px, exhibits high fidelity in PCR and has been applied to DNA aptamer generation involving Ds as a fifth base. Here, we present a sequencing method for Ds-containing DNAs, in which Ds bases are replaced with natural bases by PCR using intermediate UB substrates (replacement PCR) for conventional deep sequencing. The composition rates of the natural bases converted from Ds significantly varied, depending on the sequence contexts around Ds and two different intermediate substrates. Therefore, we made an encyclopedia of the natural-base composition rates for all sequence contexts in each replacement PCR using different intermediate substrates. The Ds positions in DNAs can be determined by comparing the natural-base composition rates in both the actual and encyclopedia data, at each position of the DNAs obtained by deep sequencing after replacement PCR. We demonstrated the sequence determination of DNA aptamers in the enriched Ds-containing DNA libraries isolated by aptamer generation procedures targeting proteins. This study also provides valuable information about the fidelity of the Ds-Px pair in replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyofumi Hamashima
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Yun Ting Soong
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Ken-ichiro Matsunaga
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Michiko Kimoto
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669
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38
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Abstract
Steve Benner and collaborators have recently reported an analysis of DNA containing eight nucleotide letters, the four natural letters (dG, dC, dA, and dT) and four additional letters (dP, dZ, dS, and dB). Their analysis demonstrates that the additional letters do not perturb the structure or stability of the base pairs formed between the natural letters and, remarkably, that the new base pairs, dP-dZ and dS-dB, behave virtually identically to the natural base pairs. This unprecedented result convincingly demonstrates that the thermodynamic and structural behavior previously thought to be the purview of only natural DNA is in fact not unique and can be imparted to suitably designed synthetic components. In addition, the first evidence that the eight-letter DNA can be transcribed into RNA by a mutant RNA polymerase is presented, paving the way for the transfer of more information from one biopolymer to another. Along with others working to develop unnatural DNA base pairs for both in vitro and in vivo applications, this work represents an important step toward the expansion of the genetic alphabet, a central goal of synthetic biology, and has profound implications for our understanding of the molecules and forces that can make life possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian T Dien
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - Matthew Holcomb
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
| | - Floyd E Romesberg
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 10550 North Torrey Pines Road , La Jolla , California 92037 , United States
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39
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Civit L, Theodorou I, Frey F, Weber H, Lingnau A, Gröber C, Blank M, Dambrune C, Stunden J, Beyer M, Schultze J, Latz E, Ducongé F, Kubbutat MHG, Mayer G. Targeting hormone refractory prostate cancer by in vivo selected DNA libraries in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4976. [PMID: 30899039 PMCID: PMC6428855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeting of specific tissue is a major challenge for the effective use of therapeutics and agents mediating this targeting are strongly demanded. We report here on an in vivo selection technology that enables the de novo identification of pegylated DNA aptamers pursuing tissue sites harbouring a hormone refractory prostate tumour. To this end, two libraries, one of which bearing an 11 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification, were used in an orthotopic xenograft prostate tumour mouse model for the selection process. Next-generation sequencing revealed an in vivo enriched pegylated but not a naïve DNA aptamer recognising prostate cancer tissue implanted either subcutaneous or orthotopically in mice. This aptamer represents a valuable and cost-effective tool for the development of targeted therapies for prostate cancer. The described selection strategy and its analysis is not limited to prostate cancer but will be adaptable to various tissues, tumours, and metastases. This opens the path towards DNA aptamers being experimentally and clinically engaged as molecules for developing targeted therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Civit
- Chemical Biology and Chemical Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ioanna Theodorou
- CEA, DRT, Institut de biologie François-Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), UMR CNRS 9199, 18 Route du Panorama, 92260, Roses, France
| | - Franziska Frey
- Chemical Biology and Chemical Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Holger Weber
- KTB Tumorforschungsgesellschaft mbH, Research Division ProQinase, Breisacher Str. 117, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Straße 117, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Lingnau
- KTB Tumorforschungsgesellschaft mbH, Research Division ProQinase, Breisacher Str. 117, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Genmab B.V., Yalelaan 60, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten Gröber
- AptaIT GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152, Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michael Blank
- AptaIT GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152, Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Chloé Dambrune
- CEA, DRT, Institut de biologie François-Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), UMR CNRS 9199, 18 Route du Panorama, 92260, Roses, France
| | - James Stunden
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115, Bonn, Germany.,Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the DZNE and the University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 27, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Molecular Immunology in Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Str. 27, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim Schultze
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115, Bonn, Germany.,Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics at the DZNE and the University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 27, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eicke Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frédéric Ducongé
- CEA, DRT, Institut de biologie François-Jacob, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), UMR CNRS 9199, 18 Route du Panorama, 92260, Roses, France
| | - Michael H G Kubbutat
- KTB Tumorforschungsgesellschaft mbH, Research Division ProQinase, Breisacher Str. 117, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Straße 117, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Chemical Biology and Chemical Genetics, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany. .,Center of Aptamer Research and Development (CARD), University of Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk Str. 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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40
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Laos R, Lampropoulos C, Benner SA. The surprising pairing of 2-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin-4-one, a component of an expanded DNA alphabet. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2019; 75:22-28. [PMID: 30601127 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229618016923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biologists demonstrate their command over natural biology by reproducing the behaviors of natural living systems on synthetic biomolecular platforms. For nucleic acids, this is being done stepwise, first by adding replicable nucleotides to DNA, and then removing its standard nucleotides. This challenge has been met in vitro with `six-letter' DNA and RNA, where the Watson-Crick pairing `concept' is recruited to increase the number of independently replicable nucleotides from four to six. The two nucleobases most successfully added so far are Z and P, which present a donor-donor-acceptor and an acceptor-acceptor-donor pattern, respectively. This pair of nucleobases are part of an `artificially expanded genetic information system' (AEGIS). The Z nucleobase has been already crystallized, characterized, and published in this journal [Matsuura et al. (2016). Acta Cryst. C72, 952-959]. More recently, variants of Taq polymerase have been crystallized with the pair P:Z trapped in the active site. Here we report the crystal structure of the nucleobase 2-aminoimidazo[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin-4-one (trivially named P) as the monohydrate, C5H5N5O·H2O. The nucleobase P was crystallized from water and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, the crystal structure shows two tautomers of P packed in a Watson-Crick fashion that cocrystallized in a 1:1 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Laos
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Christos Lampropoulos
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
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41
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Non canonical genetic material. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 57:25-33. [PMID: 30554069 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
To increase the scope of natural biosystem, nucleic acids have been intensively modified. One direction includes the development of a synthetic alternative to the native DNA and RNA, denoted Xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs) that are able to store and transfer genetic information either by base-modification or backbone-modification. Another line of research aims to develop alternative third base pair additional to natural A:T and G:C. These unnatural base pairs (UBPs) can store increased information content encoded in three base pairs. This review outlines the recent progress made towards XNA and UBP applications as new components of the genomic DNA as well as biostable aptamers. New achievements in the replacement of a bacterial genome by unnatural non-canonical nucleotides are also described.
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42
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Genetic Alphabet Expansion Provides Versatile Specificities and Activities of Unnatural-Base DNA Aptamers Targeting Cancer Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:158-170. [PMID: 30594072 PMCID: PMC6307347 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The potential of genetic alphabet expansion technologies using artificial extra base pairs (unnatural base pairs) has been rapidly expanding and increasing. We present that the hydrophobic unnatural base, 7-(2-thienyl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (Ds), which acts as a fifth letter in a DNA library, provides a series of high-affinity DNA aptamers with versatile binding specificities and activities to cancer cells. These Ds-containing DNA aptamers were generated by a method called cell-ExSELEX to target three breast cancer cell lines: MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and T-47D. Aptamer 14A-MCF7, which targets MCF7 cells, specifically binds to MCF7 cells, but not other cancer cell lines. Aptamer 07-MB231, which targets MDA-MB-231 cells, binds to a series of metastatic bone and lung cancer cell lines. Aptamer 05-MB231 targets MDA-MB-231 cells, but it also binds to all of the cancer and leukemia cell lines that we examined. None of these aptamers bind to normal cell lines, such as MCF10A and HUVEC. In addition, aptamers 14A-MCF7 and 05-MB231 are internalized within the cancer cells, and aptamer 05-MB231 possesses anti-proliferative properties against most cancer cell lines that we examined. These aptamers and the generation method are broadly applicable to cancer cell imaging, biomarker discovery, cancer cell profiling, anti-cancer therapies, and drug delivery systems.
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43
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Dong L, Zhou H, Zhao M, Gao X, Liu Y, Liu D, Guo W, Hu H, Xie Q, Fan J, Lin J, Wu W. Phosphorothioate-Modified AP613-1 Specifically Targets GPC3 when Used for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Imaging. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:376-386. [PMID: 30347351 PMCID: PMC6198100 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3), the cellular membrane proteoglycan, has been established as a tumor biomarker for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). GPC3 is highly expressed in more than 70% HCC tissues detected by antibody-based histopathological systems. Recently, aptamers, a short single-strand DNA or RNA generated from systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), were reported as potential alternatives in tumor-targeted imaging and diagnosis. In this study, a total of 19 GPC3-bound aptamers were successfully screened by capillary electrophoresis (CE)-SELEX technology. After truncated, AP613-1 was confirmed to specifically target GPC3 with a dissociation constant (KD) of 59.85 nM. When modified with a phosphorothioate linkage, APS613-1 targeted GPC3 with a KD of 15.48 nM and could be used as a specific probe in living Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 imaging, GPC3-positive cell lines, but not in L02 or A549, two GPC3-negative cell lines. More importantly, Alexa Fluor 750-conjugated APS613-1 could be used as a fluorescent probe to subcutaneous HCC imaging in xenograft nude mice. Our results indicated that modified AP613-1, especially APS613-1, was a potential agent in GPC3-positive tumor imaging for HCC early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Dong
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongxin Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Menglong Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinghui Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongli Liu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongwei Hu
- Shanghai Aijin Biochemical Science & Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Qian Xie
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiang Lin
- Department of Radiology and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Röthlisberger P, Hollenstein M. Aptamer chemistry. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:3-21. [PMID: 29626546 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules capable of tightly binding to specific targets. These functional nucleic acids are obtained by an in vitro Darwinian evolution method coined SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). Compared to their proteinaceous counterparts, aptamers offer a number of advantages including a low immunogenicity, a relative ease of large-scale synthesis at affordable costs with little or no batch-to-batch variation, physical stability, and facile chemical modification. These alluring properties have propelled aptamers into the forefront of numerous practical applications such as the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents as well as the construction of biosensing platforms. However, commercial success of aptamers still proceeds at a weak pace. The main factors responsible for this delay are the susceptibility of aptamers to degradation by nucleases, their rapid renal filtration, suboptimal thermal stability, and the lack of functional group diversity. Here, we describe the different chemical methods available to mitigate these shortcomings. Particularly, we describe the chemical post-SELEX processing of aptamers to include functional groups as well as the inclusion of modified nucleoside triphosphates into the SELEX protocol. These methods will be illustrated with successful examples of chemically modified aptamers used as drug delivery systems, in therapeutic applications, and as biosensing devices.
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45
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Jena NR, Das P, Behera B, Mishra PC. Analogues of P and Z as Efficient Artificially Expanded Genetic Information System. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:8134-8145. [PMID: 30063353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b04207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To artificially expand the genetic information system and to realize artificial life, it is necessary to discover new functional DNA bases that can form stable duplex DNA and participate in error-free replication. It is recently proposed that the 2-amino-imidazo[1,2- a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8 H)one (P) and 6-amino-5-nitro-2(1 H)-pyridone (Z) would form a base pair complex, which is more stable than that of the normal G-C base pair and would produce an unperturbed duplex DNA. Here, by using quantum chemical calculations in aqueous medium, it is shown that the P and Z molecules can be modified with the help of electron-withdrawing and -donating substituents mainly found in B-DNA to generate new bases that can produce even more stable base pairs. Among the various bases studied, P3, P4, Z3, and Z5 are found to produce base pairs, which are about 2-15 kcal/mol more stable than the P-Z base pair. It is further shown that these base pairs can be stacked onto the G-C and A-T base pairs to produce stable dimers. The consecutive stacking of these base pairs is found to yield even more stable dimers. The influence of charge penetration effects and backbone atoms in stabilizing these dimers are also discussed. It is thus proposed that the P3, P4, Z3, and Z5 would form promiscuous artificial genetic information system and can be used for different biological applications. However, the evaluations of the dynamical effects of these bases in DNA-containing several nucleotides and the efficacy of DNA polymerases to replicate these bases would provide more insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Jena
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Khamaria, Jabalpur 482005 , India
| | - P Das
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Khamaria, Jabalpur 482005 , India
| | - B Behera
- Discipline of Natural Sciences , Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing , Khamaria, Jabalpur 482005 , India
| | - P C Mishra
- Department of Physics , Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi 221005 , India
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46
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Karalkar NB, Benner SA. The challenge of synthetic biology. Synthetic Darwinism and the aperiodic crystal structure. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 46:188-195. [PMID: 30098527 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
'Grand Challenges' offer ways to discover flaws in existing theory without first needing to guess what those flaws are. Our grand challenge here is to reproduce the Darwinism of terran biology, but on molecular platforms different from standard DNA. Access to Darwinism distinguishes the living from the non-living state. However, theory suggests that any biopolymer able to support Darwinism must (a) be able to form Schrödinger's `aperiodic crystal', where different molecular components pack into a single crystal lattice, and (b) have a polyelectrolyte backbone. In 1953, the descriptive biology of Watson and Crick suggested DNA met Schrödinger's criertion, forming a linear crystal with geometrically similar building blocks supported on a polyelectrolye backbone. At the center of genetics were nucleobase pairs that fit into that crystal lattice by having both size complementarity and hydrogen bonding complementarity to enforce a constant geometry. This review covers experiments that show that by adhering to these two structural rules, the aperiodic crystal structure is maintained in DNA having 6 (or more) components. Further, this molecular system is shown to support Darwinism. Together with a deeper understanding of the role played in crystal formation by the poly-charged backbone and the intervening scaffolding, these results define how we might search for Darwinism, and therefore life, on Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and other watery lagoons in our Solar System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh B Karalkar
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, United States
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, United States; Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, United States.
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47
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Hamashima K, Kimoto M, Hirao I. Creation of unnatural base pairs for genetic alphabet expansion toward synthetic xenobiology. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 46:108-114. [PMID: 30059833 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Artificial extra base pairs (unnatural base pairs, UBPs) expand the genetic alphabet of DNA, thus broadening entire biological systems in the central dogma. UBPs function as third base pairs in replication, transcription, and/or translation, and have created a new research area, synthetic xenobiology, providing genetic engineering tools to generate novel DNAs, RNAs, and proteins with increased functionalities. Several UBPs have been developed and applied to PCR technology, DNA aptamer generation, and semi-synthetic organism creation. Among them, we developed a series of UBPs and demonstrated unique quantitative PCR and high-affinity DNA aptamer generation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyofumi Hamashima
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Michiko Kimoto
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669, Singapore
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, #07-01, Singapore 138669, Singapore.
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48
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Sun L, Gao Y, Wang Y, Wei Q, Shi J, Chen N, Li D, Fan C. Guiding protein delivery into live cells using DNA-programmed membrane fusion. Chem Sci 2018; 9:5967-5975. [PMID: 30079211 PMCID: PMC6050539 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00367j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular delivery of proteins provides a direct means to manipulate cell function and probe the intracellular environment. However, direct cytoplasmic delivery of proteins suffers from limited availability of efficient toolsets, and thus remains challenging in research and therapeutic applications. Natural biological cargo delivery processes, like SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex mediated membrane fusion and other vesicle fusion in live cells, enable targeted delivery with high efficiency. A surrogate of SNARE machinery represents a new direction in intracellular protein delivery. Here, we report a DNA-programmed membrane fusion strategy for guiding the efficient intracellular delivery of proteins into live cells. The inherent programmability of DNA hybridization provides spatiotemporal control of the fusion between protein-encapsulated liposomes and cell membranes, enabling rapid release of proteins directly into the cytoplasm, while still remaining functional due to the bypassing of the endosomal trap. We further demonstrate that delivered exogenous Cytochrome c effectively regulates the cell fate. Hence, this DNA-mediated fusion strategy holds great potential for protein drug delivery, regenerative medicine and gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Sun
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yanjing Gao
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yaoguang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , University of Jinan , Jinan 250022 , China
| | - Qin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , University of Jinan , Jinan 250022 , China
| | - Jiye Shi
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
| | - Nan Chen
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
| | - Di Li
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering , East China Normal University , Shanghai 200241 , China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- Division of Physical Biology & Bioimaging Centre , Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility , Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology , Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201800 , China .
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49
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Randrianjatovo-Gbalou I, Rosario S, Sismeiro O, Varet H, Legendre R, Coppée JY, Huteau V, Pochet S, Delarue M. Enzymatic synthesis of random sequences of RNA and RNA analogues by DNA polymerase theta mutants for the generation of aptamer libraries. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:6271-6284. [PMID: 29788485 PMCID: PMC6158600 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers, especially RNA, exhibit valuable advantages compared to protein therapeutics in terms of size, affinity and specificity. However, the synthesis of libraries of large random RNAs is still difficult and expensive. The engineering of polymerases able to directly generate these libraries has the potential to replace the chemical synthesis approach. Here, we start with a DNA polymerase that already displays a significant template-free nucleotidyltransferase activity, human DNA polymerase theta, and we mutate it based on the knowledge of its three-dimensional structure as well as previous mutational studies on members of the same polA family. One mutant exhibited a high tolerance towards ribonucleotides (NTPs) and displayed an efficient ribonucleotidyltransferase activity that resulted in the assembly of long RNA polymers. HPLC analysis and RNA sequencing of the products were used to quantify the incorporation of the four NTPs as a function of initial NTP concentrations and established the randomness of each generated nucleic acid sequence. The same mutant revealed a propensity to accept other modified nucleotides and to extend them in long fragments. Hence, this mutant can deliver random natural and modified RNA polymers libraries ready to use for SELEX, with custom lengths and balanced or unbalanced ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Randrianjatovo-Gbalou
- Unit of Structural Dynamics of Biological Macromolecules, CNRS UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Sandrine Rosario
- Unit of Structural Dynamics of Biological Macromolecules, CNRS UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Odile Sismeiro
- Transcriptome and EpiGenome platform, BioMics, Center of Innovation and Technological Research, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Transcriptome and EpiGenome platform, BioMics, Center of Innovation and Technological Research, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
- Hub informatique et Biostatistique, Centre de Bioinformatique, Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI, USR 3756 IP-CNRS), Institut Pasteur, 28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Transcriptome and EpiGenome platform, BioMics, Center of Innovation and Technological Research, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
- Hub informatique et Biostatistique, Centre de Bioinformatique, Biostatistique et Biologie Intégrative (C3BI, USR 3756 IP-CNRS), Institut Pasteur, 28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Jean-Yves Coppée
- Transcriptome and EpiGenome platform, BioMics, Center of Innovation and Technological Research, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Valérie Huteau
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, CNRS UMR 3523, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Sylvie Pochet
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, CNRS UMR 3523, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Marc Delarue
- Unit of Structural Dynamics of Biological Macromolecules, CNRS UMR 3528, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
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50
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Hou W, Liu Y, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Cui C, Wang Y, Zhang L, Teng IT, Tan W. Aptamer-based multifunctional ligand-modified UCNPs for targeted PDT and bioimaging. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:10986-10990. [PMID: 29856447 PMCID: PMC6472954 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr01096j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We designed an aptamer-based multifunctional ligand which, upon conjugation to the surface of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), could realize phase transfer, covalent photosensitizer (PS) loading, and cancer cell targeting in one simple step. The as-built PDT nanodrug is selectively internalized into cancer cells and it exhibits highly efficient and selective cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Hou
- Department of Chemistry and Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA.
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