1
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Yang DM, Han Y, Zhang Q, Zhao S, Zhang CY. Development of a DNAzyme-Driven Fluorescent Light-Up Aptasensor for Label-Free Detection of Multiple lncRNAs. Anal Chem 2024; 96:11603-11610. [PMID: 38953495 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as the dynamic regulatory molecules that control the expression of genes and affect numerous biological processes, and their dysregulation is associated with tumor progression. Herein, we develop a fluorescent light-up aptasensor to simultaneously measure multiple lncRNAs in living cells and breast tissue samples based on the DNAzyme-mediated cleavage reaction and transcription-driven synthesis of light-up aptamers. When target lncRNAs are present, they can be recognized by template probes to form the active DNAzyme structures, initiating the T4 PNK-catalyzed dephosphorylation-triggered extension reaction to generate double-strand DNAs with the T7 promoter sequences. The corresponding T7 promoters can initiate the transcription amplification catalyzed by the T7 RNA polymerase to generate abundant Broccoli aptamers and malachite green aptamers, which can bind DFHBI-1T and MG to generate strong fluorescence signals. Taking advantage of the good selectivity of DNAzyme-mediated cleavage of lncRNAs, high amplification efficiency of T7 transcription-driven amplification reaction, and bright fluorescence of the RNA aptamer-fluorophore complex, this method exhibits high sensitivity with a detection limit of 21.4 aM for lncRNA HOTAIR and 18.47 aM for lncRNA MALAT1, and it can accurately measure multiple lncRNAs in both tumor cell lines and breast tissue samples, providing a powerful paradigm for biomedical research and early clinic diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yun Han
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shulin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chun-Yang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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2
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Mishra R, Thunuguntla P, Perkin A, Duraiyan D, Bagwill K, Gonzales S, Brizuela V, Daly S, Chang YJ, Abebe M, Rajana Y, Wichmann K, Bolick C, King J, Fiala M, Fortier J, Jayasinghe R, Schroeder M, Ding L, Vij R, Silva-Fisher J. LINC01432 binds to CELF2 in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma promoting short progression-free survival to standard therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.27.600975. [PMID: 38979159 PMCID: PMC11230414 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.27.600975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a highly prevalent and incurable form of cancer that arises from malignant plasma cells, with over 35,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States. While there are a growing number of approved therapies, MM remains incurable and nearly all patients will relapse and exhaust all available treatment options. Mechanisms for disease progression are unclear and in particular, little is known regarding the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in mediating disease progression and response to treatment. In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing to compare newly diagnosed MM patients who had short progression-free survival (PFS) to standard first-line treatment (PFS < 24 months) to patients who had prolonged PFS (PFS > 24 months). We identified 157 differentially upregulated lncRNAs with short PFS and focused our efforts on characterizing the most upregulated lncRNA, LINC01432. We investigated LINC01432 overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown in MM cell lines to show that LINC01432 overexpression significantly increases cell viability and reduces apoptosis, while knockdown significantly reduces viability and increases apoptosis, supporting the clinical relevance of this lncRNA. Next, we used individual-nucleotide resolution cross-linking immunoprecipitation with RT-qPCR to show that LINC01432 directly interacts with the RNA binding protein, CELF2. Lastly, we showed that LINC01432-targeted locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides reduce viability and increases apoptosis. In summary, this fundamental study identified lncRNAs associated with short PFS to standard NDMM treatment and further characterized LINC01432, which inhibits apoptosis.
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3
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Huang P, Wen F, Li Y, Li Q. The tale of SOX2: Focusing on lncRNA regulation in cancer progression and therapy. Life Sci 2024; 344:122576. [PMID: 38492918 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122576] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, which regulate gene function and expression via multiple mechanistic pathways. Therefore, it is essential to exploit the structures and interactions of lncRNAs to comprehend their mechanistic functions within cells. A growing body of evidence has revealed that deregulated lncRNAs are involved in multiple regulations of malignant events including cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism. SRY-related high mobility group box (SOX)2, a well-recognized member of the SOX family, is commonly overexpressed in various types of cancer, contributing to tumor progression and maintenance of stemness. Emerging studies have shown that lncRNAs interact with SOX2 to remarkably contribute to carcinogenesis and disease states. This review elaborates on the crosstalk between the intricate and complicated functions of lncRNAs and SOX2 in the context of malignant diseases. We elucidate distinct molecular mechanisms that contribute to the onset/advancement of cancer, indicating that lncRNAs/SOX2 axes hold immense promise for potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we delve into the modalities of emerging feasible treatment options for targeting lncRNAs, highlighting the limitations of such therapies and providing novel insights into further ameliorations of targeted strategies of lncRNAs to promote the clinical implications. Translating current discoveries into clinical applications could ultimately boost improved survival and prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - YiShan Li
- Thoracic Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, West China School of Nursing, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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4
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Krochtová K, Janovec L, Bogárová V, Halečková A, Kožurková M. Interaction of 3,9-disubstituted acridine with single stranded poly(rA), double stranded poly(rAU) and triple stranded poly(rUAU): molecular docking - A spectroscopic tandem study. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110965. [PMID: 38552767 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110965] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
RNA plays an important role in many biological processes which are crucial for cell survival, and it has been suggested that it may be possible to inhibit individual processes involved in many diseases by targeting specific sequences of RNA. The aim of this work is to determine the affinity of novel 3,9-disubstited acridine derivative 1 with three different RNA molecules, namely single stranded poly(rA), double stranded homopolymer poly(rAU) and triple stranded poly(rUAU). The results of the absorption titration assays show that the binding constant of the novel derivative to the RNA molecules was in the range of 1.7-6.2 × 104 mol dm-3. The fluorescence and circular dichroism titration assays revealed considerable changes. The most significant results in terms of interpreting the nature of the interactions were the melting temperatures of the RNA samples in complexes with the 1. In the case of poly(rA), denaturation resulted in a self-structure formation; increased stabilization was observed for poly(rAU), while the melting points of the ligand-poly(rUAU) complex showed significant destabilization as a result of the interaction. The principles of molecular mechanics were applied to propose the non-bonded interactions within the binding complex, pentariboadenylic acid and acridine ligand as the study model. Initial molecular docking provided the input structure for advanced simulation techniques. Molecular dynamics simulation and cluster analysis reveal π - π stacking and the hydrogen bonds formation as the main forces that can stabilize the binding complex. Subsequent MM-GBSA calculations showed negative binding enthalpy accompanied the complex formation and proposed the most preferred conformation of the interaction complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Krochtová
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Ladislav Janovec
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Viktória Bogárová
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Annamária Halečková
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Mária Kožurková
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 041 54, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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5
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Kaur J, Sharma A, Mundlia P, Sood V, Pandey A, Singh G, Barnwal RP. RNA-Small-Molecule Interaction: Challenging the "Undruggable" Tag. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38498010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA targeting, specifically with small molecules, is a relatively new and rapidly emerging avenue with the promise to expand the target space in the drug discovery field. From being "disregarded" as an "undruggable" messenger molecule to FDA approval of an RNA-targeting small-molecule drug Risdiplam, a radical change in perspective toward RNA has been observed in the past decade. RNAs serve important regulatory functions beyond canonical protein synthesis, and their dysregulation has been reported in many diseases. A deeper understanding of RNA biology reveals that RNA molecules can adopt a variety of structures, carrying defined binding pockets that can accommodate small-molecule drugs. Due to its functional diversity and structural complexity, RNA can be perceived as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention. This perspective highlights the proof of concept of RNA-small-molecule interactions, exemplified by targeting of various transcripts with functional modulators. The advent of RNA-oriented knowledge would help expedite drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaskirat Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Poonam Mundlia
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ankur Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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6
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Shivakumar KM, Mahendran G, Brown JA. Locked Nucleic Acid Oligonucleotides Facilitate RNA•LNA-RNA Triple-Helix Formation and Reduce MALAT1 Levels. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1630. [PMID: 38338910 PMCID: PMC10855403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031630] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and multiple endocrine neoplasia-β (MENβ) are two long noncoding RNAs upregulated in multiple cancers, marking these RNAs as therapeutic targets. While traditional small-molecule and antisense-based approaches are effective, we report a locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based approach that targets the MALAT1 and MENβ triple helices, structures comprised of a U-rich internal stem-loop and an A-rich tract. Two LNA oligonucleotides resembling the A-rich tract (i.e., A9GCA4) were examined: an LNA (L15) and a phosphorothioate LNA (PS-L15). L15 binds tighter than PS-L15 to the MALAT1 and MENβ stem loops, although both L15 and PS-L15 enable RNA•LNA-RNA triple-helix formation. Based on UV thermal denaturation assays, both LNAs selectively stabilize the Hoogsteen interface by 5-13 °C more than the Watson-Crick interface. Furthermore, we show that L15 and PS-L15 displace the A-rich tract from the MALAT1 and MENβ stem loop and methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) from the METTL16-MALAT1 triple-helix complex. Human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) cells transfected with LNAs have 2-fold less MALAT1 and MENβ. This LNA-based approach represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the dual targeting of MALAT1 and MENβ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica A. Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (K.M.S.); (G.M.)
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7
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Grantham H, Lee RJ, Wardas GM, Mistry JR, Elsegood MRJ, Wright IA, Pritchard GJ, Kimber MC. Transition-Metal-Free Continuous-Flow Synthesis of 2,5-Diaryl Furans: Access to Medicinal Building Blocks and Optoelectronic Materials. J Org Chem 2024; 89:484-497. [PMID: 38143311 PMCID: PMC10777415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The direct transformation of 1,3-dienes into valuable 2,5-diarylfurans using transition-metal-free conditions is presented. By employing a simple oxidation─dehydration sequence on readily accessible 1,3-dienes, important 2,5-diarylfuran building blocks frequently used in medicinal and material chemistry are prepared. The oxidation step is realized using singlet oxygen, and the intermediate endoperoxide is dehydrated under metal-free conditions and at ambient temperature using the Appel reagent. Notably, this sequence can be streamlined into continuous flow, thereby eliminating the isolation of the intermediate, often unstable endoperoxide. This leads to a significant improvement in isolated yields (ca. 27% average increase) of the 2,5-diarylfurans while also increasing safety and reducing waste. Our transition-metal-free synthetic approach to 2,5-diarylfurans delivers several important furan building blocks used commonly in medicinal chemistry and as optoelectronic materials, including short-chain linearly conjugated furan oligomers. Consequently, we also complete a short study of the optical and electrochemical properties of a selection of these novel materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena
F. Grantham
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Robert J. Lee
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Grzegorz M. Wardas
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Jai-Ram Mistry
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Mark R. J. Elsegood
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Iain A. Wright
- The
School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K.
| | - Gareth J. Pritchard
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
| | - Marc C. Kimber
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K.
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8
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Komlosh PG, Chen JL, Childs-Disney J, Disney MD, Canaani D. Broad-spectrum metastasis suppressing compounds and therapeutic uses thereof in human tumors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20420. [PMID: 37990044 PMCID: PMC10663508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47478-x] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have identified a novel human metastasis-inducing lncRNA (named SKAI1BC), that suppresses the KAI1/CD82 metastasis-suppressing gene and is upregulated in triple negative breast cancer and melanoma derived cell lines. Modeling of the SKAI1BC lncRNA secondary structure and its potential interaction with Inforna compounds, led us to identify several compounds that might bind the SKAI1BC lncRNA. We found that these compounds inhibit metastasis invasion and cell migration in culture, in all eight types of solid human cancers tested: several of which are the most lethal and/or frequent human malignancies. Moreover, in most cases, the mechanism of action of several of our compounds involves enhancement of KAI1/CD82 RNA level depending on the specific compound and the human tumor type. With the epigenetic inactivation of KAI1/CD82 in at least ten additional solid human cancers, this implies a very good chance to broaden the spectrum of human cancers affected by our compounds. This is the first time that modeling of a large lncRNA (> 700 bp) secondary structure followed by its potential interaction with Inforna like compounds database has led to the identification of potential biologically active small molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pnina Gottfried Komlosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan L Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 712, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Jessica Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Dan Canaani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
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9
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Liu WJ, Zhang L, Zhang CY. Construction of a Programmable Feedback Network with Continuously Activatable Molecular Beacon Fluorescence for One-Step Quantification of Long Noncoding RNAs in Clinical Breast Tissues. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16343-16351. [PMID: 37874866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators in numerous pathological and physiological processes, and their aberrant expression is implicated in many diseases. Herein, we develop a programmable feedback network with continuously activatable molecular beacon (MB) fluorescence for one-step quantification of mammalian-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lncRNA MALAT1) in clinical breast tissues. We introduce a functional MB with three domains, including a substrate for lncRNA MALAT1 recognition, a template for strand displacement amplification (SDA), and a reporter for signal output with FAM fluorescence being quenched by BHQ1. When MALAT1 is present, it recognizes and unfolds the MB, leading to the recovery of FAM fluorescence. Once the MB is opened, multiple rounds of SDA reaction are automatically initiated by recruiting primer, KF DNA polymerase, and Nt.BbvCI nicking enzyme, inducing the opening of more MBs and the dissociation of more FAM/BHQ1 pairs. Consequently, a feedback network is constructed through multicycle cascade SDA, achieving the exponential accumulation of fluorescence signals for accurate quantification of MALAT1. In this assay, only two oligonucleotides (i.e., MB and primer) are involved for the establishment of a feedback amplification network, greatly simplifying the design of the reaction system. Moreover, this assay requires only one step to realize the isothermal exponential amplification for real-time monitoring of MALAT1 with attomolar sensitivity. This assay displays single-base mismatch selectivity with high anti-interference capability, and it can further quantify endogenous MALAT1 at the single-cell level and differentiate MALAT1 expression between breast cancer patient tissues and healthy person tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Lingfei Zhang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Weihai City, Weihai 264200, China
| | - Chun-Yang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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10
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Wicks SL, Morgan BS, Wilson AW, Hargrove AE. Probing Bioactive Chemical Space to Discover RNA-Targeted Small Molecules. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551350. [PMID: 37577658 PMCID: PMC10418101 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules have become increasingly recognized as invaluable tools to study RNA structure and function and to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics. To rationally design RNA-targeting ligands, a comprehensive understanding and explicit testing of small molecule properties that govern molecular recognition is crucial. To date, most studies have primarily evaluated properties of small molecules that bind RNA in vitro, with little to no assessment of properties that are distinct to selective and bioactive RNA-targeted ligands. Therefore, we curated an RNA-focused library, termed the Duke RNA-Targeted Library (DRTL), that was biased towards the physicochemical and structural properties of biologically active and non-ribosomal RNA-targeted small molecules. The DRTL represents one of the largest academic RNA-focused small molecule libraries curated to date with more than 800 small molecules. These ligands were selected using computational approaches that measure similarity to known bioactive RNA ligands and that diversify the molecules within this space. We evaluated DRTL binding in vitro to a panel of four RNAs using two optimized fluorescent indicator displacement assays, and we successfully identified multiple small molecule hits, including several novel scaffolds for RNA. The DRTL has and will continue to provide insights into biologically relevant RNA chemical space, such as the identification of additional RNA-privileged scaffolds and validation of RNA-privileged molecular features. Future DRTL screening will focus on expanding both the targets and assays used, and we welcome collaboration from the scientific community. We envision that the DRTL will be a valuable resource for the discovery of RNA-targeted chemical probes and therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Wicks
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
| | - Brittany S. Morgan
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; University of Notre Dame; 123 McCourtney Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Alexander W. Wilson
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
| | - Amanda E. Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
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11
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Segal D, Dostie J. The Talented LncRNAs: Meshing into Transcriptional Regulatory Networks in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3433. [PMID: 37444543 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth, cancer is highly multifaceted in how it overrides checkpoints controlling proliferation. Amongst the regulators of these checkpoints, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can have key roles in why natural biological processes go haywire. LncRNAs represent a large class of regulatory transcripts that can localize anywhere in cells. They were found to affect gene expression on many levels from transcription to mRNA translation and even protein stability. LncRNA participation in such control mechanisms can depend on cell context, with given transcripts sometimes acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Importantly, the tissue-specificity and low expression levels of lncRNAs make them attractive therapeutic targets or biomarkers. Here, we review the various cellular processes affected by lncRNAs and outline molecular strategies they use to control gene expression, particularly in cancer and in relation to transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Segal
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Josée Dostie
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
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12
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Huang LA, Lin C, Yang L. Plumbing mysterious RNAs in "dark genome" for the conquest of human diseases. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1577-1595. [PMID: 37165619 PMCID: PMC10278048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing has revealed that less than 2% of transcribed genes are translated into proteins, with a large portion transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Among these, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the largest group and are pervasively transcribed throughout the genome. Dysfunctions in lncRNAs have been found in various diseases, highlighting their potential as therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic targets. However, challenges, such as unknown molecular mechanisms and nonspecific immune responses, and issues of drug specificity and delivery present obstacles in translating lncRNAs into clinical applications. In this review, we summarize recent publications that have explored lncRNA functions in human diseases. We also discuss challenges and future directions for developing lncRNA treatments, aiming to bridge the gap between functional studies and clinical potential and inspire further exploration in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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13
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Duan J, Huang Z, Nice EC, Xie N, Chen M, Huang C. Current advancements and future perspectives of long noncoding RNAs in lipid metabolism and signaling. J Adv Res 2023; 48:105-123. [PMID: 35973552 PMCID: PMC10248733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation of lncRNAs has provided a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms underlying diverse physiological and pathological processes. Compelling evidence has revealed an intrinsic link between lncRNAs and lipid metabolism, demonstrating that lncRNAs-induced disruption of lipid metabolism and signaling contribute to the development of multiple cancers and some other diseases, including obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. AIMOF REVIEW The current review summarizes the recent advances in basic research about lipid metabolism and lipid signaling-related lncRNAs. Meanwhile, the potential and challenges of targeting lncRNA for the therapy of cancers and other lipid metabolism-related diseases are also discussed. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT OF REVIEW Compared with the substantial number of lncRNA loci, we still know little about the role of lncRNAs in metabolism. A more comprehensive understanding of the function and mechanism of lncRNAs may provide a new standpoint for the study of lipid metabolism and signaling. Developing lncRNA-based therapeutic approaches is an effective strategy for lipid metabolism-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiufei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Na Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China.
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 430079 Wuhan, China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041 Chengdu, China.
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14
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Shi H, Gao L, Zhang W, Jiang M. Long non-coding RNAs regulate treatment outcome in leukemia: What have we learnt recently? Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37148556 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is a group of highly heterogeneous and life-threatening blood cancers that originate from abnormal hematopoietic stem cells. Multiple treatments are approved for leukemia, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance occurs in a substantial proportion of patients and greatly compromises the treatment efficacy of leukemia, resulting in relapse and mortality. The abnormal activity of receptor tyrosine kinases, cell membrane transporters, intracellular signal transducers, transcription factors, and anti-apoptotic proteins have been shown to contribute to the emergence of therapeutic resistance. Despite these findings, the exact mechanisms of treatment resistance are still not fully understood, which limits the development of effective measures to overcome it. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are a class of regulatory molecules that are gaining increasing attention, and lncRNA-mediated regulation of therapeutic resistance against multiple drugs for leukemia is being revealed. These dysregulated lncRNAs not only serve as potential targets to reduce resistance but also might improve treatment response prediction and individualized treatment decision. Here, we summarize the recent findings on lncRNA-mediated regulation of therapeutic resistance in leukemia and discuss future perspectives on how to make use of the dysregulated lncRNAs in leukemia to improve treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Gao
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weili Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangcheng People's Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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15
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Bagnolini G, Luu TB, Hargrove AE. Recognizing the power of machine learning and other computational methods to accelerate progress in small molecule targeting of RNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:473-488. [PMID: 36693763 PMCID: PMC10019373 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079497.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA structures regulate a wide range of processes in biology and disease, yet small molecule chemical probes or drugs that can modulate these functions are rare. Machine learning and other computational methods are well poised to fill gaps in knowledge and overcome the inherent challenges in RNA targeting, such as the dynamic nature of RNA and the difficulty of obtaining RNA high-resolution structures. Successful tools to date include principal component analysis, linear discriminate analysis, k-nearest neighbor, artificial neural networks, multiple linear regression, and many others. Employment of these tools has revealed critical factors for selective recognition in RNA:small molecule complexes, predictable differences in RNA- and protein-binding ligands, and quantitative structure activity relationships that allow the rational design of small molecules for a given RNA target. Herein we present our perspective on the value of using machine learning and other computation methods to advance RNA:small molecule targeting, including select examples and their validation as well as necessary and promising future directions that will be key to accelerate discoveries in this important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Bagnolini
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - TinTin B Luu
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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16
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How does precursor RNA structure influence RNA processing and gene expression? Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232489. [PMID: 36689327 PMCID: PMC9977717 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a fundamental biomolecule that has many purposes within cells. Due to its single-stranded and flexible nature, RNA naturally folds into complex and dynamic structures. Recent technological and computational advances have produced an explosion of RNA structural data. Many RNA structures have regulatory and functional properties. Studying the structure of nascent RNAs is particularly challenging due to their low abundance and long length, but their structures are important because they can influence RNA processing. Precursor RNA processing is a nexus of pathways that determines mature isoform composition and that controls gene expression. In this review, we examine what is known about human nascent RNA structure and the influence of RNA structure on processing of precursor RNAs. These known structures provide examples of how other nascent RNAs may be structured and show how novel RNA structures may influence RNA processing including splicing and polyadenylation. RNA structures can be targeted therapeutically to treat disease.
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17
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Garner AL. Contemporary Progress and Opportunities in RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:251-259. [PMID: 36923915 PMCID: PMC10009794 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The surprising discovery that RNAs are the predominant gene products to emerge from the human genome catalyzed a renaissance in RNA biology. It is now well-understood that RNAs act as more than just a messenger and comprise a large and diverse family of ribonucleic acids of differing sizes, structures, and functions. RNAs play expansive roles in the cell, contributing to the regulation and fine-tuning of nearly all aspects of gene expression and genome architecture. In line with the significance of these functions, we have witnessed an explosion in discoveries connecting RNAs with a variety of human diseases. Consequently, the targeting of RNAs, and more broadly RNA biology, has emerged as an untapped area of drug discovery, making the search for RNA-targeted therapeutics of great interest. In this Microperspective, I highlight contemporary learnings in the field and present my views on how to catapult us toward the systematic discovery of RNA-targeted medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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18
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Zeng M, Zhang T, Lin Y, Lin Y, Wu Z. The Common LncRNAs of Neuroinflammation-Related Diseases. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:113-131. [PMID: 36456192 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatio-temporal specific long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important regulatory roles not only in the growth and development of the brain but also in the occurrence and development of neurologic diseases. Generally, the occurrence of neurologic diseases is accompanied by neuroinflammation. Elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs on neuroinflammation is helpful for the clinical treatment of neurologic diseases. This paper focuses on recent findings on the regulatory effect of lncRNAs on neuroinflammatory diseases and selects 10 lncRNAs that have been intensively studied to analyze their mechanism action. The clinical treatment status of lncRNAs as drug targets is also reviewed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Gene therapies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindrome repeats technology, antisense RNA technology, and RNAi technology are gradually applied in clinical treatment, and the development of technology is based on a large number of basic research investigations. This paper focuses on the mechanisms of lncRNAs regulation of neuroinflammation, elucidates the beneficial or harmful effects of lncRNAs in neurosystemic diseases, and provides theoretical bases for lncRNAs as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixing Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (M.Z., Y.L., Z.W.) and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Y.L.), Shantou, Guangdong, China, and The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China(T.Z.)
| | - Ting Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (M.Z., Y.L., Z.W.) and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Y.L.), Shantou, Guangdong, China, and The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China(T.Z.)
| | - Yan Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (M.Z., Y.L., Z.W.) and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Y.L.), Shantou, Guangdong, China, and The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China(T.Z.)
| | - Yongluan Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (M.Z., Y.L., Z.W.) and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Y.L.), Shantou, Guangdong, China, and The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China(T.Z.)
| | - Zhuomin Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (M.Z., Y.L., Z.W.) and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College (Y.L.), Shantou, Guangdong, China, and The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China(T.Z.)
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19
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Castro-Muñoz LJ, Vázquez Ulloa E, Sahlgren C, Lizano M, De La Cruz-Hernández E, Contreras-Paredes A. Modulating epigenetic modifications for cancer therapy (Review). Oncol Rep 2023; 49:59. [PMID: 36799181 PMCID: PMC9942256 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global public health concern. Alterations in epigenetic processes are among the earliest genomic aberrations occurring during cancer development and are closely related to progression. Unlike genetic mutations, aberrations in epigenetic processes are reversible, which opens the possibility for novel pharmacological treatments. Non‑coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an essential epigenetic mechanism, and emerging evidence links ncRNAs to carcinogenesis. Epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) are a group of promising target therapies for cancer treatment acting as coadjuvants to reverse drug resistance in cancer. The present review describes central epigenetic aberrations during malignant transformation and explains how epidrugs target DNA methylation, histone modifications and ncRNAs. Furthermore, clinical trials focused on evaluating the effect of these epidrugs alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies and other ncRNA‑based therapies are discussed. The use of epidrugs promises to be an effective tool for reversing drug resistance in some patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elenaé Vázquez Ulloa
- Faculty of Science and Engineering/Cell Biology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Cecilia Sahlgren
- Faculty of Science and Engineering/Cell Biology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20500, Finland,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico,Departamento de Medicina Genomica y Toxicologia Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Erick De La Cruz-Hernández
- Laboratory of Research in Metabolic and Infectious Diseases, Multidisciplinary Academic Division of Comalcalco, Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco 86650, Mexico
| | - Adriana Contreras-Paredes
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico,Correspondence to: Professor Adriana Contreras-Paredes, Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenue San Fernando, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico, E-mail:
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20
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Lightfoot HL, Smith GF. Targeting RNA with small molecules-A safety perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36631428 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a major player in cellular function, and consequently can drive a number of disease pathologies. Over the past several years, small molecule-RNA targeting (smRNA targeting) has developed into a promising drug discovery approach. Numerous techniques, tools, and assays have been developed to support this field, and significant investments have been made by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. To date, the focus has been on identifying disease validated primary targets for smRNA drug development, yet RNA as a secondary (off) target for all small molecule drug programs largely has been unexplored. In this perspective, we discuss structure, target, and mechanism-driven safety aspects of smRNAs and highlight how these parameters can be evaluated in drug discovery programs to produce potentially safer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Safety and Mechanistic Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham F Smith
- Data Science and AI, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Zablowsky N, Farack L, Rofall S, Kramer J, Meyer H, Nguyen D, Ulrich AKC, Bader B, Steigemann P. High Throughput FISH Screening Identifies Small Molecules That Modulate Oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 via GSK3B and hnRNPs. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:ncrna9010002. [PMID: 36649031 PMCID: PMC9844399 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, small molecule-based drug discovery has mainly focused on proteins as the drug target. Opening RNA as an additional target space for small molecules offers the possibility to therapeutically modulate disease-driving non-coding RNA targets as well as mRNA of otherwise undruggable protein targets. MALAT1 is a highly conserved long-noncoding RNA whose overexpression correlates with poor overall patient survival in some cancers. We report here a fluorescence in-situ hybridization-based high-content imaging screen to identify small molecules that modulate the oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 in a cellular setting. From a library of FDA approved drugs and known bioactive molecules, we identified two compounds, including Niclosamide, an FDA-approved drug, that lead to a rapid decrease of MALAT1 nuclear levels with good potency. Mode-of-action studies suggest a novel cellular regulatory pathway that impacts MALAT1 lncRNA nuclear levels by GSK3B activation and the involvement of the RNA modulating family of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). This study is the basis for the identification of novel targets that lead to a reduction of the oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1 in a cancer setting.
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22
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Seyednejad SA, Sartor GC. Noncoding RNA therapeutics for substance use disorder. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10807. [PMID: 36601439 PMCID: PMC9808746 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been shown to regulate maladaptive neuroadaptations that drive compulsive drug use, ncRNA-targeting therapeutics for substance use disorder (SUD) have yet to be clinically tested. Recent advances in RNA-based drugs have improved many therapeutic issues related to immune response, specificity, and delivery, leading to multiple successful clinical trials for other diseases. As the need for safe and effective treatments for SUD continues to grow, novel nucleic acid-based therapeutics represent an appealing approach to target ncRNA mechanisms in SUD. Here, we review ncRNA processes implicated in SUD, discuss recent therapeutic approaches for targeting ncRNAs, and highlight potential opportunities and challenges of ncRNA-targeting therapeutics for SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Afshin Seyednejad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (CT IBACS), Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Gregory C. Sartor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (CT IBACS), Storrs, CT, United States
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23
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Suresh BM, Akahori Y, Taghavi A, Crynen G, Gibaut QMR, Li Y, Disney MD. Low-Molecular Weight Small Molecules Can Potently Bind RNA and Affect Oncogenic Pathways in Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20815-20824. [PMID: 36322830 PMCID: PMC9930674 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
RNA is challenging to target with bioactive small molecules, particularly those of low molecular weight that bind with sufficient affinity and specificity. In this report, we developed a platform to address this challenge, affording a novel bioactive interaction. An RNA-focused small-molecule fragment collection (n = 2500) was constructed by analyzing features in all publicly reported compounds that bind RNA, the largest collection of RNA-focused fragments to date. The RNA-binding landscape for each fragment was studied by using a library-versus-library selection with an RNA library displaying a discrete structural element, probing over 12.8 million interactions, the greatest number of interactions between fragments and biomolecules probed experimentally. Mining of this dataset across the human transcriptome defined a drug-like fragment that potently and specifically targeted the microRNA-372 hairpin precursor, inhibiting its processing into the mature, functional microRNA and alleviating invasive and proliferative oncogenic phenotypes in gastric cancer cells. Importantly, this fragment has favorable properties, including an affinity for the RNA target of 300 ± 130 nM, a molecular weight of 273 Da, and quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED) score of 0.8. (For comparison, the mean QED of oral medicines is 0.6 ± 0.2). Thus, these studies demonstrate that a low-molecular weight, fragment-like compound can specifically and potently modulate RNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessy M. Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Yoshihiro Akahori
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Amirhossein Taghavi
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Gogce Crynen
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Core, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Quentin M. R. Gibaut
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute & UF Scripps Biomedical Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
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24
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An H, Elvers KT, Gillespie JA, Jones K, Atack JR, Grubisha O, Shelkovnikova TA. A toolkit for the identification of NEAT1_2/paraspeckle modulators. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e119. [PMID: 36099417 PMCID: PMC9723620 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Paraspeckles are ribonucleoprotein granules assembled by NEAT1_2 lncRNA, an isoform of Nuclear Paraspeckle Assembly Transcript 1 (NEAT1). Dysregulation of NEAT1_2/paraspeckles has been linked to multiple human diseases making them an attractive drug target. However currently NEAT1_2/paraspeckle-focused translational research and drug discovery are hindered by a limited toolkit. To fill this gap, we developed and validated a set of tools for the identification of NEAT1_2 binders and modulators comprised of biochemical and cell-based assays. The NEAT1_2 triple helix stability element was utilized as the target in the biochemical assays, and the cellular assay ('ParaQuant') was based on high-content imaging of NEAT1_2 in fixed cells. As a proof of principle, these assays were used to screen a 1,200-compound FDA-approved drug library and a 170-compound kinase inhibitor library and to confirm the screening hits. The assays are simple to establish, use only commercially-available reagents and are scalable for higher throughput. In particular, ParaQuant is a cost-efficient assay suitable for any cells growing in adherent culture and amenable to multiplexing. Using ParaQuant, we identified dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors as potent negative modulators of paraspeckles. The tools we describe herein should boost paraspeckle studies and help guide the search, validation and optimization of NEAT1_2/paraspeckle-targeted small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan An
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Karen T Elvers
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jason A Gillespie
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Kimberley Jones
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - John R Atack
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Olivera Grubisha
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Tatyana A Shelkovnikova
- Medicines Discovery Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.,Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
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25
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Yuan F, Liu X, Tan L. Binding and stabilization effect of arene ruthenium(Ⅱ) polypyridyl complexes toward the triple-helical RNA poly(U)•poly(A)⁎poly(U). Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2022.121140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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26
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Takashima Y, Murata A, Iida K, Sugai A, Hagiwara M, Nakatani K. Method for Identifying Sequence Motifs in Pre-miRNAs for Small-Molecule Binding. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2817-2827. [PMID: 36150699 PMCID: PMC9594041 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are emerging targets for drug development because they are involved in various cellular processes. However, there are a few reliable design strategies for small molecules that can target RNAs. This paper reports a simple and efficient method to comprehensively analyze RNA motifs that can be bound by a specific small molecule. The method involves Dicer-mediated pre-miRNA cleavage and subsequent analysis of the reaction products by high-throughput sequencing. A pre-miRNA mutant library containing a randomized region at the Dicer cleavage site was used as the substrate for the reaction. Sequencing analysis of the products of the reaction carried out in the presence or absence of a synthetic small molecule identified the pre-miRNA mutants whose Dicer-mediated cleavage was significantly altered by the addition of the small molecule. The binding of the small molecule to the identified pre-miRNA mutants was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance, demonstrating the feasibility of our method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Takashima
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Asako Murata
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan,
| | - Kei Iida
- Medical
Research Support Center, Kyoto University
Graduate School of Medicine, Konoecho Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ayako Sugai
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department
of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto
University Graduate School of Medicine, Konoecho Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan,
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27
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Olsthoorn RCL. Replication of alphaviruses requires a pseudoknot that involves the poly(A) tail. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 28:1348-1358. [PMID: 35906005 PMCID: PMC9479738 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079243.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses, such as the Sindbis virus and the Chikungunya virus, are RNA viruses with a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome that infect various vertebrates, including humans. A conserved sequence element (CSE) of ∼19 nt in the 3' noncoding region is important for replication. Despite extensive mutational analysis of the CSE, no comprehensive model of this element exists to date. Here, it is shown that the CSE can form an RNA pseudoknot with part of the poly(A) tail and is similar to the human telomerase pseudoknot with which it shares 17 nt. Mutants that alter the stability of the pseudoknot were investigated in the context of a replicon of the Sindbis virus and by native gel electrophoresis. These studies reveal that the pseudoknot is required for virus replication and is stabilized by UAU base triples. The new model is discussed in relation to previous data on Sindbis virus mutants and revertants lacking (part of) the CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- René C L Olsthoorn
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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28
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Zafferani M, Martyr JG, Muralidharan D, Montalvan NI, Cai Z, Hargrove AE. Multiassay Profiling of a Focused Small Molecule Library Reveals Predictive Bidirectional Modulation of the lncRNA MALAT1 Triplex Stability In Vitro. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2437-2447. [PMID: 35984959 PMCID: PMC9741926 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly accelerating characterization of RNA tertiary structures has revealed their pervasiveness and active roles in human diseases. Small molecule-mediated modulation of RNA tertiary structures constitutes an attractive avenue for the development of tools for therapeutically targeting and/or uncovering the pathways associated with these RNA motifs. This potential has been highlighted by targeting of the triple helix present at the 3'-end of the noncoding RNA MALAT1, a transcript implicated in several human diseases. This triplex has been reported to decrease the susceptibility of the transcript to degradation and promote its cellular accumulation. While small molecules have been shown to bind to and impact the stability of the MALAT1 triple helix, the small molecule properties that lead to these structural modulations are not well understood. We designed a library utilizing the diminazene scaffold, which is underexplored but precedented for nucleic acid binding, to target the MALAT1 triple helix. We employed multiple assays to holistically assess what parameters, if any, could predict the small molecule affinity and effect on triplex stability. We designed and/or optimized competition, calorimetry, and thermal shift assays as well as an enzymatic degradation assay, the latter of which led to the discovery of bidirectional modulators of triple helix stability within the scaffold-centric library. Determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships afforded predictive models for both affinity- and stability-based assays. This work establishes a suite of powerful orthogonal biophysical tools for the evaluation of small molecule:RNA triplex interactions that generate predictive models and will allow small molecule interrogation of the growing body of disease-associated RNA triple helices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zafferani
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Justin G Martyr
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Nanaline H. Duke, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
| | - Dhanasheel Muralidharan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Nadeska I Montalvan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Zhengguo Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Nanaline H. Duke, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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29
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Krueger SB, Lanzendorf AN, Jeon HH, Zimmerman SC. Selective and Reversible Ligand Assembly on the DNA and RNA Repeat Sequences in Myotonic Dystrophy. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200260. [PMID: 35790065 PMCID: PMC9733911 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule targeting of DNA and RNA sequences has come into focus as a therapeutic strategy for diseases such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a trinucleotide repeat disease characterized by RNA gain-of-function. Herein, we report a novel template-selected, reversible assembly of therapeutic agents in situ via aldehyde-amine condensation. Rationally designed small molecule targeting agents functionalized with either an aldehyde or an amine were synthesized and screened against the target nucleic acid sequence. The assembly of fragments was confirmed by MALDI-MS in the presence of DM1-relevant nucleic acid sequences. The resulting hit combinations of aldehyde and amine inhibited the formation of r(CUG)exp in vitro in a cooperative manner at low micromolar levels and rescued mis-splicing defects in DM1 model cells. This reversible template-selected assembly is a promising approach to achieve cell permeable and multivalent targeting via in situ synthesis and could be applied to other nucleic acid targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Krueger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Amie N Lanzendorf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Hyoeun Heather Jeon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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30
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Shedding light on the dark genome: drugging long non-coding RNA. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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31
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Cai Z, Zafferani M, Akande OM, Hargrove AE. Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Study Predicts Small-Molecule Binding to RNA Structure. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7262-7277. [PMID: 35522972 PMCID: PMC9150105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The diversity of RNA structural elements and their documented role in human diseases make RNA an attractive therapeutic target. However, progress in drug discovery and development has been hindered by challenges in the determination of high-resolution RNA structures and a limited understanding of the parameters that drive RNA recognition by small molecules, including a lack of validated quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs). Herein, we develop QSAR models that quantitatively predict both thermodynamic- and kinetic-based binding parameters of small molecules and the HIV-1 transactivation response (TAR) RNA model system. Small molecules bearing diverse scaffolds were screened against TAR using surface plasmon resonance. Multiple linear regression (MLR) combined with feature selection afforded robust models that allowed direct interpretation of the properties critical for both binding strength and kinetic rate constants. These models were validated with new molecules, and their accurate performance was confirmed via comparison to ensemble tree methods, supporting the general applicability of this platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguo Cai
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Martina Zafferani
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Olanrewaju M. Akande
- Social
Science Research Institute, 140 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Amanda E. Hargrove
- Department
of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States,. Phone: 919-660-1521. Fax: 919-660-1605
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32
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Saltarella I, Apollonio B, Lamanuzzi A, Desantis V, Mariggiò MA, Desaphy JF, Vacca A, Frassanito MA. The Landscape of lncRNAs in Multiple Myeloma: Implications in the "Hallmarks of Cancer", Clinical Perspectives and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081963. [PMID: 35454868 PMCID: PMC9032822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive hematological neoplasia caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant plasmacells. Neoplastic transformation and progression are driven by a number of biological processes, called ‘hallmarks of cancer’, which are regulated by different molecules, including long non-coding RNAs. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate MM development and progression will help to improve patients stratification and management, and promote the identification of new therapeutic targets. Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins. Nowadays, lncRNAs are gaining importance as key regulators of gene expression and, consequently, of several biological functions in physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Here, we point out the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). We focus on their ability to regulate the biological processes identified as “hallmarks of cancer” that enable malignant cell transformation, early tumor onset and progression. The aberrant expression of lncRNAs in MM suggests their potential use as clinical biomarkers for diagnosis, patient stratification, and clinical management. Moreover, they represent ideal candidates for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine “Guido Baccelli”, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (B.A.); (A.L.); (V.D.); (A.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Apollonio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine “Guido Baccelli”, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (B.A.); (A.L.); (V.D.); (A.V.)
| | - Aurelia Lamanuzzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine “Guido Baccelli”, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (B.A.); (A.L.); (V.D.); (A.V.)
| | - Vanessa Desantis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine “Guido Baccelli”, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (B.A.); (A.L.); (V.D.); (A.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Maria Addolorata Mariggiò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of General Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine “Guido Baccelli”, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (B.A.); (A.L.); (V.D.); (A.V.)
| | - Maria Antonia Frassanito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of General Pathology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, I-70124 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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33
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Melixetian M, Pelicci PG, Lanfrancone L. Regulation of LncRNAs in Melanoma and Their Functional Roles in the Metastatic Process. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030577. [PMID: 35159386 PMCID: PMC8834033 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of numerous intracellular processes leading to tumorigenesis. They are frequently deregulated in cancer, functioning as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. As they act through multiple mechanisms, it is not surprising that they may exert dual functions in the same tumor. In melanoma, a highly invasive and metastatic tumor with the propensity to rapidly develop drug resistance, lncRNAs play different roles in: (i) guiding the phenotype switch and leading to metastasis formation; (ii) predicting the response of melanoma patients to immunotherapy; (iii) triggering adaptive responses to therapy and acquisition of drug resistance phenotypes. In this review we summarize the most recent findings on the lncRNAs involved in melanoma growth and spreading to distant sites, focusing on their role as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and patient prognosis, or targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Melixetian
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanfrancone
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (P.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-94375011
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34
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Zhao R, Fu J, Zhu L, Chen Y, Liu B. Designing strategies of small-molecule compounds for modulating non-coding RNAs in cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:14. [PMID: 35123522 PMCID: PMC8817562 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been defined as a class of RNA molecules transcribed from the genome but not encoding proteins, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, Circular RNAs, and Piwi-interacting RNAs. Accumulating evidence has recently been revealing that ncRNAs become potential druggable targets for regulation of several small-molecule compounds, based on their complex spatial structures and biological functions in cancer therapy. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing some new emerging designing strategies, such as high-throughput screening approach, small-molecule microarray approach, structure-based designing approach, phenotypic screening approach, fragment-based designing approach, and pharmacological validation approach. Based on the above-mentioned approaches, a series of representative small-molecule compounds, including Bisphenol-A, Mitoxantrone and Enoxacin have been demonstrated to modulate or selectively target ncRNAs in different types of human cancers. Collectively, these inspiring findings would provide a clue on developing more novel avenues for pharmacological modulations of ncRNAs with small-molecule drugs for future cancer therapeutics.
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35
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The potential of long noncoding RNA therapies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:269-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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36
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Liang Y, Miao S, Mao J, Devari S, Gonzalez M, Bong D. Screening of Minimalist Noncanonical Sites in Duplex DNA and RNA Reveals Context and Motif-Selective Binding by Fluorogenic Base Probes. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202103616. [PMID: 34693570 PMCID: PMC8758549 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesize that programmable hybridization to noncanonical nucleic acid motifs may be achieved by macromolecular display of binders to individual noncanonical pairs (NCPs). As each recognition element may individually have weak binding to an NCP, we developed a semi-rational approach to detect low affinity interactions between selected nitrogenous bases and noncanonical sites in duplex DNA and RNA. A set of fluorogenic probes was synthesized by coupling abiotic (triazines, pyrimidines) and native RNA bases to thiazole orange (TO) dye. This probe library was screened against duplex nucleic acid substrates bearing single abasic, single NCP, and tandem NCP sites. Probe engagement with NCP sites was reported by 100-1000× fluorescence enhancement over background. Binding is strongly context-dependent, reflective of both molecular recognition and stability: less stable motifs are more likely to bind a synthetic probe. Further, DNA and RNA substrates exhibit entirely different abasic and single NCP binding profiles. While probe binding in the abasic and single NCP screens was monotonous, much richer binding profiles were observed with the screen of tandem NCP sites in RNA, in part due to increased steric accessibility. In addition to known binding interactions between the triazine melamine (M) and T/U sites, the NCP screens identified new targeting elements for pyrimidine-rich motifs in single NCPs and 2×2 internal bulges. We anticipate that semi-rational approaches of this type will lead to programmable noncanonical hybridization strategies at the macromolecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Liang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Shiqin Miao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Jie Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Shekaraiah Devari
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Maricarmen Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Dennis Bong
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 W. 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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37
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Zafferani M, Muralidharan D, Montalvan NI, Hargrove AE. RT-qPCR as a screening platform for mutational and small molecule impacts on structural stability of RNA tertiary structures. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:905-915. [PMID: 35866161 PMCID: PMC9257624 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00015f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The exponential increase in the discovery and characterization of RNA tertiary structures has highlighted their active role in a variety of human diseases, yet often their interactome and specific function remain unknown. Small molecules offer opportunities to both decode these cellular roles and develop therapeutics, however there are few examples of small molecules that target biologically relevant RNA tertiary structures. While RNA triple helices are a particularly attractive target, discovery of triple helix modulators has been hindered by the lack of correlation between small molecule affinity and effect on structural modulation, thereby limiting the utility of affinity-based screening as a primary filtering method. To address this challenge, we developed a high-throughput RT-qPCR screening platform that reports on the effect of mutations and additives, such as small molecules, on the stability of triple helices. Using the 3′-end of the oncogenic long non-coding RNA MALAT1 as a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the applicability of both a two-step and a one-pot method to assess the impact of mutations and small molecules on the stability of the triple helix. We demonstrated the adaptability of the assay to diverse RNA tertiary structures by applying it to the SARS-CoV-2 pseudoknot, a key viral RNA structure recently identified as an attractive therapeutic target for the development of antivirals. Employment of a functional high-throughput assay as a primary screen will significantly expedite the discovery of probes that modulate the structural landscape of RNA structures and, consequently, help gain insight into the roles of these pervasive structures. RT-qPCR can be harnessed as a small molecule screening platform to read out the effect of small molecules on the structural stability of a variety of RNA targets.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zafferani
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | | | - Nadeska I. Montalvan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Amanda E. Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27705, USA
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38
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Cable J, Heard E, Hirose T, Prasanth KV, Chen LL, Henninger JE, Quinodoz SA, Spector DL, Diermeier SD, Porman AM, Kumar D, Feinberg MW, Shen X, Unfried JP, Johnson R, Chen CK, Wilusz JE, Lempradl A, McGeary SE, Wahba L, Pyle AM, Hargrove AE, Simon MD, Marcia M, Przanowska RK, Chang HY, Jaffrey SR, Contreras LM, Chen Q, Shi J, Mendell JT, He L, Song E, Rinn JL, Lalwani MK, Kalem MC, Chuong EB, Maquat LE, Liu X. Noncoding RNAs: biology and applications-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1506:118-141. [PMID: 34791665 PMCID: PMC9808899 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The human transcriptome contains many types of noncoding RNAs, which rival the number of protein-coding species. From long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are over 200 nucleotides long to piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) of only 20 nucleotides, noncoding RNAs play important roles in regulating transcription, epigenetic modifications, translation, and cell signaling. Roles for noncoding RNAs in disease mechanisms are also being uncovered, and several species have been identified as potential drug targets. On May 11-14, 2021, the Keystone eSymposium "Noncoding RNAs: Biology and Applications" brought together researchers working in RNA biology, structure, and technologies to accelerate both the understanding of RNA basic biology and the translation of those findings into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edith Heard
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Tetsuro Hirose
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kannanganattu V Prasanth
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Sofia A Quinodoz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - David L Spector
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor and Genetics Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Sarah D Diermeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Allison M Porman
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mark W Feinberg
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaohua Shen
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Pablo Unfried
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Department of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Universidad de Navarra (UNAV), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rory Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital; and Department for BioMedical Research University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- School of Biology and Environmental Science and Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chun-Kan Chen
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jeremy E Wilusz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adelheid Lempradl
- Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Sean E McGeary
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Lamia Wahba
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Connecticut and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
| | | | - Matthew D Simon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marco Marcia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Róża K Przanowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Lydia M Contreras
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Qi Chen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - Junchao Shi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
| | - Joshua T Mendell
- Department of Molecular Biology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lin He
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center and Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Bioland Laboratory; Program of Molecular Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University; and Fountain-Valley Institute for Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - John L Rinn
- Department of Biochemistry, BioFrontiers Institute, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Mukesh Kumar Lalwani
- Queens Medical Research Institute, BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Murat Can Kalem
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York
| | - Edward B Chuong
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Lynne E Maquat
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Xuhang Liu
- Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Sabol M, Calleja-Agius J, Di Fiore R, Suleiman S, Ozcan S, Ward MP, Ozretić P. (In)Distinctive Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Common and Rare Ovarian Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205040. [PMID: 34680193 PMCID: PMC8534192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare ovarian cancers (ROCs) are OCs with an annual incidence of fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 women. They affect women of all ages, but due to their low incidence and the potential clinical inexperience in management, there can be a delay in diagnosis, leading to a poor prognosis. The underlying causes for these tumors are varied, but generally, the tumors arise due to alterations in gene/protein expression in cellular processes that regulate normal proliferation and its checkpoints. Dysregulation of the cellular processes that lead to cancer includes gene mutations, epimutations, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, posttranscriptional and posttranslational modifications. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are defined as transcribed RNA molecules, more than 200 nucleotides in length which are not translated into proteins. They regulate gene expression through several mechanisms and therefore add another level of complexity to the regulatory mechanisms affecting tumor development. Since few studies have been performed on ROCs, in this review we summarize the mechanisms of action of lncRNA in OC, with an emphasis on ROCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Sherif Suleiman
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta; (J.C.-A.); (R.D.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Sureyya Ozcan
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey;
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory (CanSyl), Middle East Technical University (METU), 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Trinity College Dublin and Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-(1)-4571292
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Miao S, Bhunia D, Devari S, Liang Y, Munyaradzi O, Rundell S, Bong D. Bifacial PNAs Destabilize MALAT1 by 3' A-Tail Displacement from the U-Rich Internal Loop. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1600-1609. [PMID: 34382766 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We report herein a new class of synthetic reagents for targeting the element for nuclear expression (ENE) in MALAT1, a long noncoding RNA upregulated in many cancers. The cis-acting ENE contains a U-rich internal loop (URIL) that forms an 11 base UAU-rich triplex stem with the truncated 3' oligo-A tail of MALAT1, protecting the terminus from exonuclease digestion and greatly extending transcript lifetime. Bifacial peptide nucleic acids (bPNAs) similarly bind URILs via base triple formation between two uracil bases and a synthetic base, melamine. We synthesized a set of low molecular weight bPNAs composed of α-linked peptide, isodipeptide, and diketopiperazine backbones and evaluated their ENE binding efficacy in vitro via oligo-A strand displacement and consequent exonuclease sensitivity. Degradation was greatly enhanced by bPNA treatment in the presence of exonucleases, with ENE half-life plunging to 6 min from >24 h. RNA digestion kinetics could clearly distinguish between bPNAs with similar URIL affinities, highlighting the utility of functional assays for evaluating synthetic RNA binders. In vitro activity was mirrored by a 50% knockdown of MALAT1 expression in pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells upon treatment with bPNAs, consistent with intracellular digestion triggered by a similar ENE A-tail displacement mechanism. Pulldown from PANC-1 total RNA with biotinylated bPNA enriched MALAT1 > 4000× , supportive of bPNA-URIL selectivity. Together, these experiments establish the feasibility of native transcript targeting by bPNA in both in vitro and intracellular contexts. Reagents such as bPNAs may be useful tools for the investigation of transcripts stabilized by cis-acting poly(A) binding RNA elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Miao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Debmalya Bhunia
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shekaraiah Devari
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yufeng Liang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Oliver Munyaradzi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sarah Rundell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dennis Bong
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Winkle M, El-Daly SM, Fabbri M, Calin GA. Noncoding RNA therapeutics - challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:629-651. [PMID: 34145432 PMCID: PMC8212082 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 768] [Impact Index Per Article: 256.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), represents an attractive approach for the treatment of cancers, as well as many other diseases. Over the past decade, substantial effort has been made towards the clinical application of RNA-based therapeutics, employing mostly antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs, with several gaining FDA approval. However, trial results have so far been ambivalent, with some studies reporting potent effects whereas others demonstrated limited efficacy or toxicity. Alternative entities such as antimiRNAs are undergoing clinical testing, and lncRNA-based therapeutics are gaining interest. In this Perspective, we discuss key challenges facing ncRNA therapeutics - including issues associated with specificity, delivery and tolerability - and focus on promising emerging approaches that aim to boost their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Winkle
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sherien M El-Daly
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Medical Research Division - Cancer Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences - National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
- The RNA Interference and Non-codingRNA Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas State University, Houston, TX, USA.
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42
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Policarpo R, Sierksma A, De Strooper B, d'Ydewalle C. From Junk to Function: LncRNAs in CNS Health and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:714768. [PMID: 34349622 PMCID: PMC8327212 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.714768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped to uncover the existence of tens of thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that arise from the dark matter of the genome. These lncRNAs were originally thought to be transcriptional noise but an increasing number of studies demonstrate that these transcripts can modulate protein-coding gene expression by a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The spatiotemporal regulation of lncRNA expression is particularly evident in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may directly contribute to specific brain processes, including neurogenesis and cellular homeostasis. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are therefore gaining attention as putative novel therapeutic targets for disorders of the brain. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the functions of lncRNAs in the brain, their role in neuronal maintenance, and their potential contribution to disease. We conclude this review by postulating how these RNA molecules can be targeted for the treatment of yet incurable neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Policarpo
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantin d'Ydewalle
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
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Bush JA, Williams CC, Meyer SM, Tong Y, Haniff HS, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Systematically Studying the Effect of Small Molecules Interacting with RNA in Cellular and Preclinical Models. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1111-1127. [PMID: 34166593 PMCID: PMC8867596 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interrogation and manipulation of biological systems by small molecules is a powerful approach in chemical biology. Ideal compounds selectively engage a target and mediate a downstream phenotypic response. Although historically small molecule drug discovery has focused on proteins and enzymes, targeting RNA is an attractive therapeutic alternative, as many disease-causing or -associated RNAs have been identified through genome-wide association studies. As the field of RNA chemical biology emerges, the systematic evaluation of target validation and modulation of target-associated pathways is of paramount importance. In this Review, through an examination of case studies, we outline the experimental characterization, including methods and tools, to evaluate comprehensively the impact of small molecules that target RNA on cellular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Bush
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Christopher C Williams
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Samantha M Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Yuquan Tong
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Hafeez S Haniff
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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François-Moutal L, Miranda VG, Mollasalehi N, Gokhale V, Khanna M. In Silico Targeting of the Long Noncoding RNA MALAT1. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:915-921. [PMID: 34141069 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA targeting has gained traction over the past decade. It has become clear that dysregulation of RNA can be linked to many diseases, leading to a need for new scaffolds recognizing RNA specifically. Long noncoding RNAs are emerging as key controllers of gene expression and potential therapeutic targets. However, traditional targeting methods have overwhelmingly been focused on proteins. In this study, we used a protein computational tool and found several possible targetable pockets in a structurally characterized long noncoding RNA, MALAT1. Screening against those identified pockets revealed several hit compounds. We tested the binding of those compounds to MALAT1 RNA and tRNA as a negative control, using SPR. While several compounds were nonspecific binders, others were able to recognize MALAT1 specifically. One of them, MTC07, has an apparent affinity of 400.2 ± 14.4 μM. Although it has weak affinity, MTC07 is the first compound targeting MALAT1 originating from in silico docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberty François-Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Victor G. Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Niloufar Mollasalehi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0041, United States
| | - Vijay Gokhale
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0041, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Abstract
RNAs are involved in an enormous range of cellular processes, including gene regulation, protein synthesis, and cell differentiation, and dysfunctional RNAs are associated with disorders such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. Thus, the identification of compounds with the ability to bind RNAs and modulate their functions is an exciting approach for developing next-generation therapies. Numerous RNA-binding agents have been reported over the past decade, but the design of synthetic molecules with selectivity for specific RNA sequences is still in its infancy. In this perspective, we highlight recent advances in targeting RNAs with synthetic molecules, and we discuss the potential value of this approach for the development of innovative therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Zamani
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
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46
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Liu H, Rauch S, Dickinson BC. Programmable technologies to manipulate gene expression at the RNA level. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 64:27-37. [PMID: 33930627 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RNA has long been an enticing therapeutic target, but is now garnering increased attention, largely driven by clinical successes of RNA interference-based drugs. While gene knockdown by well-established RNA interference- and other oligonucleotide-based strategies continues to advance in the clinic, the repertoire of targetable effectors capable of altering gene expression at the RNA level is also rapidly expanding. In this review, we focus on several recently developed bifunctional molecular technologies that both interact with and act upon a target RNA. These new approaches for programmable RNA knockdown, editing, splicing, translation, and chemical modifications stand to provide impactful new modalities for therapeutic development in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachun Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Simone Rauch
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bryan C Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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47
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Zafferani M, Hargrove AE. Small molecule targeting of biologically relevant RNA tertiary and quaternary structures. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:594-609. [PMID: 33823146 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Initial successes in developing small molecule ligands for non-coding RNAs have underscored their potential as therapeutic targets. More recently, these successes have been aided by advances in biophysical and structural techniques for identification and characterization of more complex RNA structures; these higher-level folds present protein-like binding pockets that offer opportunities to design small molecules that could achieve a degree of selectivity often hard to obtain at the primary and secondary structure level. More specifically, identification and small molecule targeting of RNA tertiary and quaternary structures have allowed researchers to probe several human diseases and have resulted in promising clinical candidates. In this review we highlight a selection of diverse and exciting successes and the experimental approaches that led to their discovery. These studies include examples of recent developments in RNA-centric assays and ligands that provide insight into the features responsible for the affinity and biological outcome of RNA-targeted chemical probes. This report highlights the potential and emerging opportunities to selectively target RNA tertiary and quaternary structures as a route to better understand and, ultimately, treat many diseases.
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Falese JP, Donlic A, Hargrove AE. Targeting RNA with small molecules: from fundamental principles towards the clinic. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:2224-2243. [PMID: 33458725 PMCID: PMC8018613 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01261k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of RNA biology have uncovered crucial roles for RNA in multiple disease states, ranging from viral and bacterial infections to cancer and neurological disorders. As a result, multiple laboratories have become interested in developing drug-like small molecules to target RNA. However, this development comes with multiple unique challenges. For example, RNA is inherently dynamic and has limited chemical diversity. In addition, promiscuous RNA-binding ligands are often identified during screening campaigns. This Tutorial Review overviews important considerations and advancements for generating RNA-targeted small molecules, ranging from fundamental chemistry to promising small molecule examples with demonstrated clinical efficacy. Specifically, we begin by exploring RNA functional classes, structural hierarchy, and dynamics. We then discuss fundamental RNA recognition principles along with methods for small molecule screening and RNA structure determination. Finally, we review unique challenges and emerging solutions from both the RNA and small molecule perspectives for generating RNA-targeted ligands before highlighting a selection of the "Greatest Hits" to date. These molecules target RNA in a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and viral infection, in cellular and animal model systems. Additionally, we explore the recently FDA-approved small molecule regulator of RNA splicing, risdiplam, for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Together, this Tutorial Review showcases the fundamental role of chemical and molecular recognition principles in enhancing our understanding of RNA biology and contributing to the rapidly growing number of RNA-targeted probes and therapeutics. In particular, we hope this widely accessible review will serve as inspiration for aspiring small molecule and/or RNA researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Falese
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Anita Donlic
- Princeton University, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Durham, North Carolina, USA. and Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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49
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Chen Y, Li Z, Chen X, Zhang S. Long non-coding RNAs: From disease code to drug role. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:340-354. [PMID: 33643816 PMCID: PMC7893121 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Enormous studies have corroborated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) extensively participate in crucial physiological processes such as metabolism and immunity, and are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorders, nephropathy, and other diseases. The application of lncRNAs as biomarkers or intervention targets can provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This paper has focused on the emerging research into lncRNAs as pharmacological targets and has reviewed the transition of lncRNAs from the role of disease coding to acting as drug candidates, including the current status and progress in preclinical research. Cutting-edge strategies for lncRNA modulation have been summarized, including the sources of lncRNA-related drugs, such as genetic technology and small-molecule compounds, and related delivery methods. The current progress of clinical trials of lncRNA-targeting drugs is also discussed. This information will form a latest updated reference for research and development of lncRNA-based drugs.
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Key Words
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- ANRIL, antisense noncoding RNA gene at the INK4 locus
- ASO, antisense oligonucleotide
- ASncmtRNA
- ASncmtRNA, antisense noncoding mitochondrial RNA
- BCAR4, breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 4
- BDNF-AS, brain-derived neurotrophic factor antisense
- CASC9, cancer susceptibility candidate 9
- CDK, cyclin dependent kinase 1
- CHRF, cardiac hypertrophy related factor
- CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
- Clinical trials
- DACH1, dachshund homolog 1
- DANCR, differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA
- DKD, diabetic kidney disease
- DPF, diphenyl furan
- Delivery
- EBF3-AS, early B cell factor 3-antisense
- ENE, element for nuclear expression
- Erbb4-IR, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4-immunoreactivity
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GAS5, growth arrest specific 5
- Gene therapy
- HISLA, HIF-1α-stabilizing long noncoding RNA
- HOTAIR, HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA
- HULC, highly upregulated in liver cancer
- LIPCAR, long intergenic noncoding RNA predicting cardiac remodeling
- LNAs, locked nucleic acids
- LncRNAs
- MALAT1, metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1
- MEG3, maternally expressed gene 3
- MHRT, myosin heavy chain associated RNA transcripts
- MM, multiple myeloma
- NEAT1, nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1
- NKILA, NF-kappaB interacting lncRNA
- NPs, nanoparticles
- Norad, non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage
- OIP5-AS1, opa-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1
- PD, Parkinson's disease
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- PNAs, peptide nucleic acids
- PTO, phosphorothioate
- PVT1, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1
- RGD, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide
- RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex
- SALRNA1, senescence associated long non-coding RNA 1
- SNHG1, small nucleolar RNA host gene 1
- Small molecules
- SncmtRNA, sense noncoding mitochondrial RNA
- THRIL, TNF and HNRNPL related immunoregulatory
- TTTY15, testis-specific transcript, Y-linked 15
- TUG1, taurine-upregulated gene 1
- TWIST1, twist family BHLH transcription factor 1
- Targeted drug
- TncRNA, trophoblast-derived noncoding RNA
- Translational medicine
- UCA1, urothelial carcinoma-associated 1
- UTF1, undifferentiated transcription factor 1
- XIST, X-inactive specific transcript
- lincRNA-p21, long intergenic noncoding RNA p21
- lncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs
- mtlncRNA, mitochondrial long noncoding RNA
- pHLIP, pH-low insertion peptide
- sgRNA, single guide RNA
- siRNAs, small interfering RNAs
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50
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Zhang G, Zhang C, Sun J, Xiong Y, Wang L, Chen D. Phytochemical Regulation of RNA in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer: Inspirations from Cell and Animal Studies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 376:464-472. [PMID: 33397676 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest an important role for RNA, especially noncoding RNA, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. Drug development based on regulating RNA rather than protein is a promising new area. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant-derived compounds with chemical diversity, biologic activity, easy availability, and low toxicity. Many phytochemicals have been shown to exert protective effects on IBD and colon cancer through modulation of RNAs. The aim of this study was to summarize the advancements of phytochemicals in regulating RNA for the treatment of IBD and colon cancer. This review involves many phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavones, and alkaloids, which can influence various types of RNAs, including microRNA, long noncoding RNA, as well as messenger RNA, by influencing a variety of upstream molecules or regulating epigenetic processes. The limitation for many current studies is that the specific mechanisms of phytochemicals regulating RNA have not been fully uncovered. Accompanied by more identified functions of RNAs, especially noncoding RNA functions, the screening of RNA-regulating phytochemicals has presented challenges as well as opportunities for the prevention and treatment of IBD and colon cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Noncoding RNAs, which constitute the majority of the human transcriptional genome, play a key role in the disease state and are considered as important therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. Recent studies have shown that phytochemicals regulate the expression of many noncoding RNAs involved in IBD and colon cancer. Therefore, identifying the specific molecular mechanism of phytochemicals regulating noncoding RNA in disease models may result in novel and effective therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolin Zhang
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
| | - Chi Zhang
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
| | - Jia'ao Sun
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
| | - Yongjian Xiong
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
| | - Liang Wang
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Comparative Medicine Department of Researching and Teaching, Dalian Medical University, Dalian City, China (G.Z., C.Z., J.S., L.W., D.C.) and Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China (Y.X.)
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