1
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Napoletano S, Battista E, Netti PA, Causa F. MicroLOCK: Highly stable microgel biosensor using locked nucleic acids as bioreceptors for sensitive and selective detection of let-7a. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 260:116406. [PMID: 38805889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116406] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Chemically modified oligonucleotides can solve biosensing issues for the development of capture probes, antisense, CRISPR/Cas, and siRNA, by enhancing their duplex-forming ability, their stability against enzymatic degradation, and their specificity for targets with high sequence similarity as microRNA families. However, the use of modified oligonucleotides such as locked nucleic acids (LNA) for biosensors is still limited by hurdles in design and from performances on the material interface. Here we developed a fluorogenic biosensor for non-coding RNAs, represented by polymeric PEG microgels conjugated with molecular beacons (MB) modified with locked nucleic acids (MicroLOCK). By 3D modeling and computational analysis, we designed molecular beacons (MB) inserting spot-on LNAs for high specificity among targets with high sequence similarity (95%). MicroLOCK can reversibly detect microRNA targets in a tiny amount of biological sample (2 μL) at 25 °C with a higher sensitivity (LOD 1.3 fM) without any reverse transcription or amplification. MicroLOCK can hybridize the target with fast kinetic (about 30 min), high duplex stability without interferences from the polymer interface, showing high signal-to-noise ratio (up to S/N = 7.3). MicroLOCK also demonstrated excellent resistance to highly nuclease-rich environments, in real samples. These findings represent a great breakthrough for using the LNA in developing low-cost biosensing approaches and can be applied not only for nucleic acids and protein detection but also for real-time imaging and quantitative assessment of gene targeting both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Napoletano
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Edmondo Battista
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Causa
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica del Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), University "Federico II", Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy; Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Largo Barsanti e Matteucci 53, 80125, Naples, Italy.
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2
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Levintov L, Vashisth H. Adenine Methylation Enhances the Conformational Flexibility of an RNA Hairpin Tetraloop. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3157-3166. [PMID: 38535997 PMCID: PMC11000223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine modification is one of the most abundant post-transcriptional modifications in ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. Using molecular dynamics simulations and alchemical free-energy calculations, we studied the structural and energetic implications of incorporating this modification in an adenine mononucleotide and an RNA hairpin structure. At the mononucleotide level, we found that the syn configuration is more favorable than the anti configuration by 2.05 ± 0.15 kcal/mol. The unfavorable effect of methylation was due to the steric overlap between the methyl group and a nitrogen atom in the purine ring. We then probed the effect of methylation in an RNA hairpin structure containing an AUCG tetraloop, which is recognized by a "reader" protein (YTHDC1) to promote transcriptional silencing of long noncoding RNAs. While methylation had no significant conformational effect on the hairpin stem, the methylated tetraloop showed enhanced conformational flexibility compared to the unmethylated tetraloop. The increased flexibility was associated with the outward flipping of two bases (A6 and U7) which formed stacking interactions with each other and with the C8 and G9 bases in the tetraloop, leading to a conformation similar to that in the RNA/reader protein complex. Therefore, methylation-induced conformational flexibility likely facilitates RNA recognition by the reader protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Levintov
- Department of Chemical Engineering
and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering
and Bioengineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, United States
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3
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Sarkar R, Mainan A, Roy S. Influence of ion and hydration atmospheres on RNA structure and dynamics: insights from advanced theoretical and computational methods. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024. [PMID: 38501190 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc06105a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
RNA, a highly charged biopolymer composed of negatively charged phosphate groups, defies electrostatic repulsion to adopt well-defined, compact structures. Hence, the presence of positively charged metal ions is crucial not only for RNA's charge neutralization, but they also coherently decorate the ion atmosphere of RNA to stabilize its compact fold. This feature article elucidates various modes of close RNA-ion interactions, with a special emphasis on Mg2+ as an outer-sphere and inner-sphere ion. Through examples, we highlight how inner-sphere chelated Mg2+ stabilizes RNA pseudoknots, while outer-sphere ions can also exert long-range electrostatic interactions, inducing groove narrowing, coaxial helical stacking, and RNA ring formation. In addition to investigating the RNA's ion environment, we note that the RNA's hydration environment is relatively underexplored. Our study delves into its profound interplay with the structural dynamics of RNA, employing state-of-the-art atomistic simulation techniques. Through examples, we illustrate how specific ions and water molecules are associated with RNA functions, leveraging atomistic simulations to identify preferential ion binding and hydration sites. However, understanding their impact(s) on the RNA structure remains challenging due to the involvement of large length and long time scales associated with RNA's dynamic nature. Nevertheless, our contributions and recent advances in coarse-grained simulation techniques offer insights into large-scale structural changes dynamically linked to the RNA ion atmosphere. In this connection, we also review how different cutting-edge computational simulation methods provide a microscopic lens into the influence of ions and hydration on RNA structure and dynamics, elucidating distinct ion atmospheric components and specific hydration layers and their individual and collective impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Sarkar
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India.
| | - Avijit Mainan
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India.
| | - Susmita Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India.
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4
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Rinaldi S, Moroni E, Rozza R, Magistrato A. Frontiers and Challenges of Computing ncRNAs Biogenesis, Function and Modulation. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:993-1018. [PMID: 38287883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c01239] [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: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), generated from nonprotein coding DNA sequences, constitute 98-99% of the human genome. Non-coding RNAs encompass diverse functional classes, including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs. With critical involvement in gene expression and regulation across various biological and physiopathological contexts, such as neuronal disorders, immune responses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, non-coding RNAs are emerging as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this review, after providing an overview of non-coding RNAs' role in cell homeostasis, we illustrate the potential and the challenges of state-of-the-art computational methods exploited to study non-coding RNAs biogenesis, function, and modulation. This can be done by directly targeting them with small molecules or by altering their expression by targeting the cellular engines underlying their biosynthesis. Drawing from applications, also taken from our work, we showcase the significance and role of computer simulations in uncovering fundamental facets of ncRNA mechanisms and modulation. This information may set the basis to advance gene modulation tools and therapeutic strategies to address unmet medical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rinaldi
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM), c/o Area di Ricerca CNR di Firenze Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (SCITEC), via Mario Bianco 9, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rozza
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR) - Institute of Material Foundry (IOM) c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Bonomea, 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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5
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Angelo M, Zhang W, Vilseck JZ, Aoki ST. In silico λ-dynamics predicts protein binding specificities to modified RNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577511. [PMID: 38328125 PMCID: PMC10849657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA modifications shape gene expression through a smorgasbord of chemical changes to canonical RNA bases. Although numbering in the hundreds, only a few RNA modifications are well characterized, in part due to the absence of methods to identify modification sites. Antibodies remain a common tool to identify modified RNA and infer modification sites through straightforward applications. However, specificity issues can result in off-target binding and confound conclusions. This work utilizes in silico λ-dynamics to efficiently estimate binding free energy differences of modification-targeting antibodies between a variety of naturally occurring RNA modifications. Crystal structures of inosine and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) targeting antibodies bound to their modified ribonucleosides were determined and served as structural starting points. λ-Dynamics was utilized to predict RNA modifications that permit or inhibit binding to these antibodies. In vitro RNA-antibody binding assays supported the accuracy of these in silico results. High agreement between experimental and computed binding propensities demonstrated that λ-dynamics can serve as a predictive screen for antibody specificity against libraries of RNA modifications. More importantly, this strategy is an innovative way to elucidate how hundreds of known RNA modifications interact with biological molecules without the limitations imposed by in vitro or in vivo methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murphy Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jonah Z. Vilseck
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Scott T. Aoki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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6
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Dutta N, Sarzynska J, Deb I, Lahiri A. Predicting nearest neighbor free energies of modified RNA with LIE: results for pseudouridine and N1-methylpseudouridine within RNA duplexes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:992-999. [PMID: 38088148 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02442c] [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: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Pseudouridine (Ψ) and N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) are among the key modifications in the field of mRNA therapeutics and vaccine research. The accuracy of the design and development of therapeutic RNAs containing such modifications depends on the accuracy of the secondary structure prediction, which in turn depends on the nearest neighbor (NN) thermodynamic parameters for the standard and modified residues. Here, we propose a simple approach based on molecular dynamics simulations and linear interaction energy (LIE) approximation that is able to predict the NN free energy parameters for U-A, Ψ-A and m1Ψ-A pairs in reasonable agreement with the recent experimental reports. We report the NN thermodynamic parameters for different U, Ψ and m1Ψ base pairs, which might be helpful for a deeper understanding of the effect of these modifications in RNA. The predicted NN free energy parameters in this study are able to closely reproduce the folding free energies of duplexes containing internal Ψ for which the thermodynamic data were available. Additionally, we report the predicted folding free energies for the duplexes containing internal m1Ψ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Dutta
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India.
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, Poznan 61-704, Poland
| | - Indrajit Deb
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India.
| | - Ansuman Lahiri
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal, India.
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7
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Amini SK, Bashirbanaem P. Evidences for reaction mechanism of 9DB1 DNA catalyst. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126710. [PMID: 37690649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126710] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The first reported reaction mechanism of a DNAzyme, i.e. 9DB1, by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations includes some ambiguities. We try to overcome some of these ambiguous aspects such as the role of mono and divalent metal ions and observed metal rescue effects by surveying the role of functional groups of original 9DB1 and a variety of its rate conserving and rate decreasing mutations via MD simulations. Conformational differences of these two distinct groups are responsible for their opposite rate trends. Blocking of the OH3' of acceptor nucleotide from effective attack by its hydrogen bond to O4' of donor nucleotide is observed in rate decreasing mutations. Our simulations manifest the role of Na+ and Mg2+ ions in bringing close to each other the ligated atoms. These findings along with observed conformational changes explain carefully the reported metal rescue effects for some phosphate groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed K Amini
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Research Centre of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Park SJ, Kern N, Brown T, Lee J, Im W. CHARMM-GUI PDB Manipulator: Various PDB Structural Modifications for Biomolecular Modeling and Simulation. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167995. [PMID: 37356910 PMCID: PMC10291205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167995] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Molecular modeling and simulation play important roles in biomedical research as they provide molecular-level insight into the underlying mechanisms of biological functions that are difficult to elucidate only with experiments. CHARMM-GUI (https://charmm-gui.org) is a web-based cyberinfrastructure that is widely used to generate various molecular simulation system and input files and thus facilitates and standardizes the usage of common and advanced simulation techniques. In particular, PDB Manipulator provides various chemical modification options as the starting point for most input generation modules in CHARMM-GUI. Here, we discuss recent additions to PDB Manipulator, such as non-standard amino acids/RNA substitutions, ubiquitylation and SUMOylation, Lys/Arg post-translational modifications, lipidation, peptide stapling, and improved parameterization options of small molecules. These additional features are expected to make complex PDB modifications easy for biomolecular modeling and simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Jun Park
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Nathan Kern
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Turner Brown
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Jumin Lee
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
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9
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Miller LG, Demny M, Tamamis P, Contreras LM. Characterization of epitranscriptome reader proteins experimentally and in silico: Current knowledge and future perspectives beyond the YTH domain. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3541-3556. [PMID: 37501707 PMCID: PMC10371769 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, over 150 chemical modifications to the four canonical RNA bases have been discovered, known collectively as the epitranscriptome. Many of these modifications have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes and disease states. Additional work has been done to identify proteins known as "readers" that selectively interact with RNAs that contain specific chemical modifications. Protein interactomes with N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG) have been determined, mainly through experimental advances in proteomics techniques. However, relatively few proteins have been confirmed to bind directly to RNA containing these modifications. Furthermore, for many of these protein readers, the exact binding mechanisms as well as the exclusivity for recognition of modified RNA species remain elusive, leading to questions regarding their roles within different cellular processes. In the case of the YT-521B homology (YTH) family of proteins, both experimental and in silico techniques have been leveraged to provide valuable biophysical insights into the mechanisms of m6A recognition at atomic resolution. To date, the YTH family is one of the best characterized classes of readers. Here, we review current knowledge about epitranscriptome recognition of the YTH domain proteins from previously published experimental and computational studies. We additionally outline knowledge gaps for proteins beyond the well-studied human YTH domains and the current in silico techniques and resources that can enable investigation of protein interactions with modified RNA outside of the YTH-m6A context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G. Miller
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Madeline Demny
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lydia M. Contreras
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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10
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Tamez A, Nilsson L, Mihailescu MR, Evanseck JD. Parameterization of the miniPEG-Modified γPNA Backbone: Toward Induced γPNA Duplex Dissociation. J Chem Theory Comput 2023. [PMID: 37195939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
γ-Modified peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) serve as potential therapeutic agents against genetic diseases. Miniature poly(ethylene glycol) (miniPEG) has been reported to increase solubility and binding affinity toward genetic targets, yet details of γPNA structure and dynamics are not understood. Within our work, we parameterized missing torsional and electrostatic terms for the miniPEG substituent on the γ-carbon atom of the γPNA backbone in the CHARMM force field. Microsecond timescale molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on six miniPEG-modified γPNA duplexes from NMR structures (PDB ID: 2KVJ). Three NMR models for the γPNA duplex (PDB ID: 2KVJ) were simulated as a reference for structural and dynamic changes captured for the miniPEG-modified γPNA duplex. Principal component analysis performed on the γPNA backbone atoms identified a single isotropic conformational substate (CS) for the NMR simulations, whereas four anisotropic CSs were identified for the ensemble of miniPEG-modified γPNA simulations. The NMR structures were found to have a 23° helical bend toward the major groove, consistent with our simulated CS structure of 19.0°. However, a significant difference between simulated methyl- and miniPEG-modified γPNAs involved the opportunistic invasion of miniPEG through the minor and major groves. Specifically, hydrogen bond fractional analysis showed that the invasion was particularly prone to affect the second G-C base pair, reducing the Watson-Crick base pair hydrogen bond by 60% over the six simulations, whereas the A-T base pairs decreased by only 20%. Ultimately, the invasion led to base stack reshuffling, where the well-ordered base stacking was reduced to segmented nucleobase stacking interactions. Our 6 μs timescale simulations indicate that duplex dissociation suggests the onset toward γPNA single strands, consistent with the experimental observation of decreased aggregation. To complement the insight of miniPEG-modified γPNA structure and dynamics, the new miniPEG force field parameters allow for further exploration of such modified γPNA single strands as potential therapeutic agents against genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Tamez
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Mihaela-Rita Mihailescu
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Evanseck
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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11
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Sinha S, Pindi C, Ahsan M, Arantes PR, Palermo G. Machines on Genes through the Computational Microscope. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:1945-1964. [PMID: 36947696 PMCID: PMC10104023 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular machines acting on genes are at the core of life's fundamental processes, including DNA replication and repair, gene transcription and regulation, chromatin packaging, RNA splicing, and genome editing. Here, we report the increasing role of computational biophysics in characterizing the mechanisms of "machines on genes", focusing on innovative applications of computational methods and their integration with structural and biophysical experiments. We showcase how state-of-the-art computational methods, including classical and ab initio molecular dynamics to enhanced sampling techniques, and coarse-grained approaches are used for understanding and exploring gene machines for real-world applications. As this review unfolds, advanced computational methods describe the biophysical function that is unseen through experimental techniques, accomplishing the power of the "computational microscope", an expression coined by Klaus Schulten to highlight the extraordinary capability of computer simulations. Pushing the frontiers of computational biophysics toward a pragmatic representation of large multimegadalton biomolecular complexes is instrumental in bridging the gap between experimentally obtained macroscopic observables and the molecular principles playing at the microscopic level. This understanding will help harness molecular machines for medical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological purposes.
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12
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Kim H, Jeong IH, Choi YK, Lee YK, Moon E, Huh YH, Im W, Jin JO, Kwak M, Lee PCW. Suppression of Lung Cancer Malignancy by Micellized siRNA through Cell Cycle Arrest. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202358. [PMID: 36644959 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
UBA6-specific E2 conjugation enzyme 1 (USE1) is frequently overexpressed in lung cancer patients. Moreover, the critical role of USE1 in the progression of human lung cancer is also indicated. As the next step, the authors aim to develop USE1-targeted therapeutic agents based on RNA interference (RNAi). In this study, a lipid-modified DNA carrier, namely U4T, which consists of four consecutive dodec-1-ynyluracil (U) nucleobases to increase the cell permeability of siRNA targeting of USE1 is introduced. The U4Ts aggregate to form micelles, and the USE1-silencing siRNA-incorporated soft spherical nucleic acid aggregate (siSNA) can be created simply through base-pairing with siRNA. Treatment with siSNA is effective in suppressing tumor growth in vivo as well as cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, siSNA inhibited tumor cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and apoptosis. Thus, the anti-tumor efficacy of siSNA in lung cancer cell lines and that siSNA possesses effective cell-penetrating ability without using cationic transfection moieties are confirmed. Collectively, these results suggest that siSNA can be applied to the clinical application of RNAi-based therapeutics for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haejoo Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.,Smart Gym-based Translational Research Center for Active Senior's Healthcare, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Ho Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.,Lung Cancer Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeol Kyo Choi
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Yeon Kyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Moon
- Center for Electron Microscopy Research, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Hoon Huh
- Center for Electron Microscopy Research, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Department of Microbiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry and Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea.,Smart Gym-based Translational Research Center for Active Senior's Healthcare, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Peter Chang-Whan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.,Lung Cancer Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
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13
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Trollmann MFW, Böckmann RA. mRNA lipid nanoparticle phase transition. Biophys J 2022; 121:3927-3939. [PMID: 36045573 PMCID: PMC9674992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Crucial for mRNA-based vaccines are the composition, structure, and properties of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as their delivery vehicle. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations as a computational microscope, we provide an atomistic view of the structure of the Comirnaty vaccine LNP, its molecular organization, physicochemical properties, and insight in its pH-driven phase transition enabling mRNA release at atomistic resolution. At physiological pH, our simulations suggest an oil-like LNP core that is composed of the aminolipid ALC-0315 and cholesterol (ratio 72:28). It is surrounded by a lipid monolayer formed by distearoylphosphatidylcholine, ALC-0315, PEGylated lipids, and cholesterol at a ratio of 22:9:6:63. Protonated aminolipids enveloping mRNA formed inverted micellar structures that provide a shielding and likely protection from environmental factors. In contrast, at low pH, the Comirnaty lipid composition instead spontaneously formed lipid bilayers that display a high degree of elasticity. These pH-dependent lipid phases suggest that a change in pH of the environment upon LNP transfer to the endosome likely acts as trigger for cargo release from the LNP core by turning aminolipids inside out, thereby destabilizing both the LNP shell and the endosomal membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius F W Trollmann
- Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Erlangen National Center for High-Performance Computing (NHR@FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer A Böckmann
- Computational Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Erlangen National Center for High-Performance Computing (NHR@FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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14
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Bheemireddy S, Sandhya S, Srinivasan N, Sowdhamini R. Computational tools to study RNA-protein complexes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:954926. [PMID: 36275618 PMCID: PMC9585174 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.954926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA is the key player in many cellular processes such as signal transduction, replication, transport, cell division, transcription, and translation. These diverse functions are accomplished through interactions of RNA with proteins. However, protein–RNA interactions are still poorly derstood in contrast to protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. This knowledge gap can be attributed to the limited availability of protein-RNA structures along with the experimental difficulties in studying these complexes. Recent progress in computational resources has expanded the number of tools available for studying protein-RNA interactions at various molecular levels. These include tools for predicting interacting residues from primary sequences, modelling of protein-RNA complexes, predicting hotspots in these complexes and insights into derstanding in the dynamics of their interactions. Each of these tools has its strengths and limitations, which makes it significant to select an optimal approach for the question of interest. Here we present a mini review of computational tools to study different aspects of protein-RNA interactions, with focus on overall application, development of the field and the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Bheemireddy
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Sankaran Sandhya
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
- *Correspondence: Sankaran Sandhya, ; Ramanathan Sowdhamini,
| | | | - Ramanathan Sowdhamini
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Sankaran Sandhya, ; Ramanathan Sowdhamini,
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15
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Croitoru A, Aleksandrov A. Parametrization of Force Field Bonded Terms under Structural Inconsistency. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4771-4782. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Croitoru
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences (CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau F-91128, France
| | - Alexey Aleksandrov
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences (CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau F-91128, France
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16
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Piomponi V, Fröhlking T, Bernetti M, Bussi G. Molecular Simulations Matching Denaturation Experiments for N 6-Methyladenosine. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1218-1228. [PMID: 36032773 PMCID: PMC9413829 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications are crucial for RNA function and can affect its structure and dynamics. Force-field-based classical molecular dynamics simulations are a fundamental tool to characterize biomolecular dynamics, and their application to RNA is flourishing. Here, we show that the set of force-field parameters for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) developed for the commonly used AMBER force field does not reproduce duplex denaturation experiments and, specifically, cannot be used to describe both paired and unpaired states. Then, we use reweighting techniques to derive new parameters matching available experimental data. The resulting force field can be used to properly describe paired and unpaired m6A in both syn and anti conformation, which thus opens the way to the use of molecular simulations to investigate the effects of N6 methylations on RNA structural dynamics.
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17
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D’Esposito RJ, Myers CA, Chen AA, Vangaveti S. Challenges with Simulating Modified RNA: Insights into Role and Reciprocity of Experimental and Computational Approaches. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030540. [PMID: 35328093 PMCID: PMC8949676 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is critical to a broad spectrum of biological and viral processes. This functional diversity is a result of their dynamic nature; the variety of three-dimensional structures that they can fold into; and a host of post-transcriptional chemical modifications. While there are many experimental techniques to study the structural dynamics of biomolecules, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) play a significant role in complementing experimental data and providing mechanistic insights. The accuracy of the results obtained from MDS is determined by the underlying physical models i.e., the force-fields, that steer the simulations. Though RNA force-fields have received a lot of attention in the last decade, they still lag compared to their protein counterparts. The chemical diversity imparted by the RNA modifications adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging problem. Insight into the effect of RNA modifications upon RNA folding and dynamics is lacking due to the insufficiency or absence of relevant experimental data. This review provides an overview of the state of MDS of modified RNA, focusing on the challenges in parameterization of RNA modifications as well as insights into relevant reference experiments necessary for their calibration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. D’Esposito
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (R.J.D.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Christopher A. Myers
- Department of Physics, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA;
| | - Alan A. Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; (R.J.D.); (A.A.C.)
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sweta Vangaveti
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Correspondence:
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18
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Dutta N, Deb I, Sarzynska J, Lahiri A. Inosine and its methyl derivatives: Occurrence, biogenesis, and function in RNA. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 169-170:21-52. [PMID: 35065168 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Inosine is one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications. Since its discovery, it has been noted for its ability to contribute to non-Watson-Crick interactions within RNA. Rapidly accumulating evidence points to the widespread generation of inosine through hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to inosine by different classes of adenosine deaminases. Three naturally occurring methyl derivatives of inosine, i.e., 1-methylinosine, 2'-O-methylinosine and 1,2'-O-dimethylinosine are currently reported in RNA modification databases. These modifications are expected to lead to changes in the structure, folding, dynamics, stability and functions of RNA. The importance of the modifications is indicated by the strong conservation of the modifying enzymes across organisms. The structure, binding and catalytic mechanism of the adenosine deaminases have been well-studied, but the underlying mechanism of the catalytic reaction is not very clear yet. Here we extensively review the existing data on the occurrence, biogenesis and functions of inosine and its methyl derivatives in RNA. We also included the structural and thermodynamic aspects of these modifications in our review to provide a detailed and integrated discussion on the consequences of A-to-I editing in RNA and the contribution of different structural and thermodynamic studies in understanding its role in RNA. We also highlight the importance of further studies for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the different classes of deamination reactions. Further investigation of the structural and thermodynamic consequences and functions of these modifications in RNA should provide more useful information about their role in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Dutta
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Indrajit Deb
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ansuman Lahiri
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata, 700009, West Bengal, India.
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19
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3D Modeling of Non-coding RNA Interactions. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1385:281-317. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08356-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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20
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Croitoru A, Park SJ, Kumar A, Lee J, Im W, MacKerell AD, Aleksandrov A. Additive CHARMM36 Force Field for Nonstandard Amino Acids. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:3554-3570. [PMID: 34009984 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonstandard amino acids are both abundant in nature, where they play a key role in various cellular processes, and can be synthesized in laboratories, for example, for the manufacture of a range of pharmaceutical agents. In this work, we have extended the additive all-atom CHARMM36 and CHARMM General force field (CGenFF) to a large set of 333 nonstandard amino acids. These include both amino acids with nonstandard side chains, such as post-translationally modified and artificial amino acids, as well as amino acids with modified backbone groups, such as chromophores composed of several amino acids. Model compounds representative of the nonstandard amino acids were parametrized for protonation states that are likely at the physiological pH of 7 and, for some more common residues, in both d- and l-stereoisomers. Considering all protonation, tautomeric, and stereoisomeric forms, a total of 406 nonstandard amino acids were parametrized. Emphasis was placed on the quality of both intra- and intermolecular parameters. Partial charges were derived using quantum mechanical (QM) data on model compound dipole moments, electrostatic potentials, and interactions with water. Optimization of all intramolecular parameters, including torsion angle parameters, was performed against information from QM adiabatic potential energy surface (PES) scans. Special emphasis was put on the quality of terms corresponding to PES around rotatable dihedral angles. Validation of the force field was based on molecular dynamics simulations of 20 protein complexes containing different nonstandard amino acids. Overall, the presented parameters will allow for computational studies of a wide range of proteins containing nonstandard amino acids, including natural and artificial residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Croitoru
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Sang-Jun Park
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Anmol Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Jumin Lee
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Alexey Aleksandrov
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, F-91128 Palaiseau, France
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21
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Loss of m 1acp 3Ψ Ribosomal RNA Modification Is a Major Feature of Cancer. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107611. [PMID: 32375039 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ribosome is an RNA-protein complex that is essential for translation in all domains of life. The structural and catalytic core of the ribosome is its ribosomal RNA (rRNA). While mutations in ribosomal protein (RP) genes are known drivers of oncogenesis, oncogenic rRNA variants have remained elusive. We identify a cancer-specific single-nucleotide variation in 18S rRNA at nucleotide 1248.U in up to 45.9% of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and present across >22 cancer types. This is the site of a unique hyper-modified base, 1-methyl-3-α-amino-α-carboxyl-propyl pseudouridine (m1acp3Ψ), a >1-billion-years-conserved RNA modification at the peptidyl decoding site of the ribosome. A subset of CRC tumors we call hypo-m1acp3Ψ shows sub-stoichiometric m1acp3Ψ modification, unlike normal control tissues. An m1acp3Ψ knockout model and hypo-m1acp3Ψ patient tumors share a translational signature characterized by highly abundant ribosomal proteins. Thus, m1acp3Ψ-deficient rRNA forms an uncharacterized class of "onco-ribosome" which may serve as a chemotherapeutic target for treating cancer patients.
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22
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Porat J, Kothe U, Bayfield MA. Revisiting tRNA chaperones: New players in an ancient game. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078428.120. [PMID: 33593999 PMCID: PMC8051267 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078428.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
tRNAs undergo an extensive maturation process including post-transcriptional modifications that influence secondary and tertiary interactions. Precursor and mature tRNAs lacking key modifications are often recognized as aberrant and subsequently targeted for decay, illustrating the importance of modifications in promoting structural integrity. tRNAs also rely on tRNA chaperones to promote the folding of misfolded substrates into functional conformations. The best characterized tRNA chaperone is the La protein, which interacts with nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts to promote folding and offers protection from exonucleases. More recently, certain tRNA modification enzymes have also been demonstrated to possess tRNA folding activity distinct from their catalytic activity, suggesting that they may act as tRNA chaperones. In this review, we will discuss pioneering studies relating post-transcriptional modification to tRNA stability and decay pathways, present recent advances into the mechanism by which the RNA chaperone La assists pre-tRNA maturation, and summarize emerging research directions aimed at characterizing modification enzymes as tRNA chaperones. Together, these findings shed light on the importance of tRNA folding and how tRNA chaperones, in particular, increase the fraction of nascent pre-tRNAs that adopt a folded, functional conformation.
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23
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Li Y, Bedi RK, Wiedmer L, Sun X, Huang D, Caflisch A. Atomistic and Thermodynamic Analysis of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Recognition by the Reader Domain of YTHDC1. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:1240-1249. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c01136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaozong Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rajiv Kumar Bedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Wiedmer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xianqiang Sun
- Regor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1206, Zhangjiang Road, Building C, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Danzhi Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Functional and computational identification of a rescue mutation near the active site of an mRNA methyltransferase. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21841. [PMID: 33318548 PMCID: PMC7736282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79026-2] [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: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based drugs are an emerging class of therapeutics combining the immense potential of DNA gene-therapy with the absence of genome integration-associated risks. While the synthesis of such molecules is feasible, large scale in vitro production of humanised mRNA remains a biochemical and economical challenge. Human mRNAs possess two post-transcriptional modifications at their 5' end: an inverted methylated guanosine and a unique 2'O-methylation on the ribose of the penultimate nucleotide. One strategy to precisely methylate the 2' oxygen is to use viral mRNA methyltransferases that have evolved to escape the host's cell immunity response following virus infection. However, these enzymes are ill-adapted to industrial processes and suffer from low turnovers. We have investigated the effects of homologous and orthologous active-site mutations on both stability and transferase activity, and identified new functional motifs in the interaction network surrounding the catalytic lysine. Our findings suggest that despite their low catalytic efficiency, the active-sites of viral mRNA methyltransferases have low mutational plasticity, while mutations in a defined third shell around the active site have strong effects on folding, stability and activity in the variant enzymes, mostly via network-mediated effects.
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25
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Govindaraju G, Kadumuri RV, Sethumadhavan DV, Jabeena CA, Chavali S, Rajavelu A. N 6-Adenosine methylation on mRNA is recognized by YTH2 domain protein of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:33. [PMID: 32867812 PMCID: PMC7457798 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum exhibits high translational plasticity during its development in RBCs, yet the regulation at the post-transcriptional level is not well understood. The N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) is an important epigenetic modification primarily present on mRNA that controls the levels of transcripts and efficiency of translation in eukaryotes. Recently, the dynamics of m6A on mRNAs at all three developmental stages of P. falciparum in RBCs have been profiled; however, the proteins that regulate the m6A containing mRNAs in the parasites are unknown. Results Using sequence analysis, we computationally identified that the P. falciparum genome encodes two putative YTH (YT521-B Homology) domain-containing proteins, which could potentially bind to m6A containing mRNA. We developed a modified methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay using PfYTH2 and find that it binds selectively to m6A containing transcripts. The PfYTH2 has a conserved aromatic amino acid cage that forms the methyl-binding pocket. Through site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that F98 residue is important for m6A binding on mRNA. Fluorescence depolarization assay confirmed that PfYTH2 binds to methylated RNA oligos with high affinity. Further, MeRIP sequencing data revealed that PfYTH2 has more permissive sequence specificity on target m6A containing mRNA than other known eukaryotic YTH proteins. Taken together, here we identify and characterize PfYTH2 as the major protein that could regulate m6A containing transcripts in P. falciparum. Conclusion Plasmodium spp. lost the canonical m6A-specific demethylases in their genomes, however, the YTH domain-containing proteins seem to be retained. This study presents a possibility that the YTH proteins are involved in post-transcriptional control in P. falciparum, and might orchestrate the translation of mRNA in various developmental stages of P. falciparum. This is perhaps the first characterization of the methyl-reading function of YTH protein in any parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Govindaraju
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Rajashekar Varma Kadumuri
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Devadathan Valiyamangalath Sethumadhavan
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - C A Jabeena
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Tiger Circle Road, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sreenivas Chavali
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Karakambadi Road, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517507, India
| | - Arumugam Rajavelu
- Pathogen Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India.
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26
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Logotheti S, Marquardt S, Gupta SK, Richter C, Edelhäuser BA, Engelmann D, Brenmoehl J, Söhnchen C, Murr N, Alpers M, Singh KP, Wolkenhauer O, Heckl D, Spitschak A, Pützer BM. LncRNA-SLC16A1-AS1 induces metabolic reprogramming during Bladder Cancer progression as target and co-activator of E2F1. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:9620-9643. [PMID: 32863950 PMCID: PMC7449907 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as integral components of E2F1-regulated gene regulatory networks (GRNs), but their implication in advanced or treatment-refractory malignancy is unknown. Methods: We combined high-throughput transcriptomic approaches with bioinformatics and structure modeling to search for lncRNAs that participate in E2F1-activated prometastatic GRNs and their phenotypic targets in the highly-relevant case of E2F1-driven aggressive bladder cancer (BC). RNA immunoprecipitation was performed to verify RNA-protein interactions. Functional analyses including qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, luciferase assays and measurement of extracellular fluxes were conducted to validate expression and target gene regulation. Results: We identified E2F1-responsive lncRNA-SLC16A1-AS1 and its associated neighboring protein-coding gene, SLC16A1/MCT1, which both promote cancer invasiveness. Mechanistically, upon E2F1-mediated co-transactivation of the gene pair, SLC16A1-AS1 associates with E2F1 in a structure-dependent manner and forms an RNA-protein complex that enhances SLC16A1/MCT1 expression through binding to a composite SLC16A1-AS1:E2F1-responsive promoter element. Moreover, SLC16A1-AS1 increases aerobic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration and fuels ATP production by fatty acid β-oxidation. These metabolic changes are accompanied by alterations in the expression of the SLC16A1-AS1:E2F1-responsive gene PPARA, a key mediator of fatty acid β-oxidation. Conclusions: Our results unveil a new gene regulatory program by which E2F1-induced lncRNA-SLC16A1-AS1 forms a complex with its transcription factor that promotes cancer metabolic reprogramming towards the acquisition of a hybrid oxidative phosphorylation/glycolysis cell phenotype favoring BC invasiveness.
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27
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Girodat D, Blanchard SC, Wieden HJ, Sanbonmatsu KY. Elongation Factor Tu Switch I Element is a Gate for Aminoacyl-tRNA Selection. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:3064-3077. [PMID: 32061931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Selection of correct aminoacyl (aa)-tRNA at the ribosomal A site is fundamental to maintaining translational fidelity. Aa-tRNA selection is a multistep process facilitated by the guanosine triphosphatase elongation factor (EF)-Tu. EF-Tu delivers aa-tRNA to the ribosomal A site and participates in tRNA selection. The structural mechanism of how EF-Tu is involved in proofreading remains to be fully resolved. Here, we provide evidence that switch I of EF-Tu facilitates EF-Tu's involvement during aa-tRNA selection. Using structure-based and explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations based on recent cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions, we studied the conformational change of EF-Tu from the guanosine triphosphate to guanine diphosphate conformation during aa-tRNA accommodation. Switch I of EF-Tu rapidly converts from an α-helix into a β-hairpin and moves to interact with the acceptor stem of the aa-tRNA. In doing so, switch I gates the movement of the aa-tRNA during accommodation through steric interactions with the acceptor stem. Pharmacological inhibition of the aa-tRNA accommodation pathway prevents the proper positioning of switch I with the aa-tRNA acceptor stem, suggesting that the observed interactions are specific for cognate aa-tRNA substrates, and thus capable of contributing to the fidelity mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Girodat
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Scott C Blanchard
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hans-Joachim Wieden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Karissa Y Sanbonmatsu
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA; New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544.
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Gonzalez-Rivera JC, Orr AA, Engels SM, Jakubowski JM, Sherman MW, O'Connor KN, Matteson T, Woodcock BC, Contreras LM, Tamamis P. Computational evolution of an RNA-binding protein towards enhanced oxidized-RNA binding. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:137-152. [PMID: 31988703 PMCID: PMC6965710 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxidation of RNA has been implicated in the development of many diseases. Among the four ribonucleotides, guanosine is the most susceptible to oxidation, resulting in the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoG). Despite the limited knowledge about how cells regulate the detrimental effects of oxidized RNA, cellular factors involved in its regulation have begun to be identified. One of these factors is polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), a multifunctional enzyme implicated in RNA turnover. In the present study, we have examined the interaction of PNPase with 8-oxoG in atomic detail to provide insights into the mechanism of 8-oxoG discrimination. We hypothesized that PNPase subunits cooperate to form a binding site using the dynamic SFF loop within the central channel of the PNPase homotrimer. We evolved this site using a novel approach that initially screened mutants from a library of beneficial mutations and assessed their interactions using multi-nanosecond Molecular Dynamics simulations. We found that evolving this single site resulted in a fold change increase in 8-oxoG affinity between 1.2 and 1.5 and/or selectivity between 1.5 and 1.9. In addition to the improvement in 8-oxoG binding, complementation of K12 Δpnp with plasmids expressing mutant PNPases caused increased cell tolerance to H2O2. This observation provides a clear link between molecular discrimination of RNA oxidation and cell survival. Moreover, this study provides a framework for the manipulation of modified-RNA protein readers, which has potential application in synthetic biology and epitranscriptomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Gonzalez-Rivera
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Asuka A. Orr
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3122 TAMU Room 200, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Sean M. Engels
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Joseph M. Jakubowski
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3122 TAMU Room 200, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Mark W. Sherman
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E 24th Street, Stop A5000, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Katherine N. O'Connor
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Tomas Matteson
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E 24th Street, Stop A5000, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Brendan C. Woodcock
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3122 TAMU Room 200, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Lydia M. Contreras
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 100 E 24th Street, Stop A5000, Austin, TX 78712, United States
- Corresponding authors at: McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States (L.M. Contreras).
| | - Phanourios Tamamis
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3122 TAMU Room 200, College Station, TX 77843, United States
- Corresponding authors at: McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas, 200 E. Dean Keeton Street Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, United States (L.M. Contreras).
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29
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Li Y, Bedi RK, Wiedmer L, Huang D, Śledź P, Caflisch A. Flexible Binding of m 6A Reader Protein YTHDC1 to Its Preferred RNA Motif. J Chem Theory Comput 2019; 15:7004-7014. [PMID: 31670957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.9b00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent chemical modification in human mRNAs. Its recognition by reader proteins enables many cellular functions, including splicing and translation of mRNAs. However, the binding mechanisms of m6A-containing RNAs to their readers are still elusive due to the unclear roles of m6A-flanking ribonucleotides. Here, we use a model system, YTHDC1 with its RNA motif 5'-G-2G-1(m6A)C+1U+2-3', to investigate the binding mechanisms by atomistic simulations, X-ray crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The experimental data and simulation results show that m6A is captured by an aromatic cage of YTHDC1 and the 3' terminus nucleotides are stabilized by cation-π-π interactions, while the 5' terminus remains flexible. Notably, simulations of unbound RNA motifs reveal that the methyl group of m6A and the 5' terminus shift the conformational preferences of the oligoribonucleotide to the bound-like conformation, thereby facilitating the association process. The binding mechanisms may help in the discovery of chemical probes against m6A reader proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaozong Li
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Rajiv Kumar Bedi
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Lars Wiedmer
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Danzhi Huang
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Paweł Śledź
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Zurich , Winterthurerstrasse 190 , CH-8057 Zurich , Switzerland
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30
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Jing Z, Qi R, Thibonnier M, Ren P. Molecular Dynamics Study of the Hybridization between RNA and Modified Oligonucleotides. J Chem Theory Comput 2019; 15:6422-6432. [PMID: 31553600 PMCID: PMC6889957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.9b00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are attractive drug candidates for many diseases as they can modulate the expression of gene networks. Recently, we discovered that DNAs targeting microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) hold the potential for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) by turning fat-storing white adipocytes into fat-burning adipocytes. In this work, we explored the effects of chemical modifications, including phosphorothioate (PS), locked nucleic acid (LNA), and peptide nucleic acid (PNA), on the structure and energy of DNA analogs by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. To achieve a reliable prediction of the hybridization free energy, the AMOEBA polarizable force field and the free energy perturbation technique were employed. The calculated hybridization free energies are generally compatible with previous experiments. For LNA and PNA, the enhanced duplex stability can be explained by the preorganization mechanism, i.e., the single strands adopt stable helical structures similar to those in the duplex. For PS, the S and R isomers (Sp and Rp) have preferences for C2'-endo and C3'-endo sugar puckering conformations, respectively, and therefore Sp is less stable than Rp in DNA/RNA hybrids. In addition, the solvation penalty of Rp accounts for its destabilization effect. PS-LNA is similar to LNA as the sugar puckering is dominated by the locked sugar ring. This work demonstrated that MD simulations with polarizable force fields are useful for the understanding and design of modified nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Rui Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | | | - Pengyu Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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31
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Aleksandrov A. A Molecular Mechanics Model for Flavins. J Comput Chem 2019; 40:2834-2842. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Aleksandrov
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182), Ecole Polytechnique IP Paris, 91128 Palaiseau France
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32
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The chemical diversity of RNA modifications. Biochem J 2019; 476:1227-1245. [PMID: 31028151 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid modifications in DNA and RNA ubiquitously exist among all the three kingdoms of life. This trait significantly broadens the genome diversity and works as an important means of gene transcription regulation. Although mammalian systems have limited types of DNA modifications, over 150 different RNA modification types have been identified, with a wide variety of chemical diversities. Most modifications occur on transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA, however many of the modifications also occur on other types of RNA species including mammalian mRNA and small nuclear RNA, where they are essential for many biological roles, including developmental processes and stem cell differentiation. These post-transcriptional modifications are enzymatically installed and removed in a site-specific manner by writer and eraser proteins respectively, while reader proteins can interpret modifications and transduce the signal for downstream functions. Dysregulation of mRNA modifications manifests as disease states, including multiple types of human cancer. In this review, we will introduce the chemical features and biological functions of these modifications in the coding and non-coding RNA species.
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The ability of locked nucleic acid oligonucleotides to pre-structure the double helix: A molecular simulation and binding study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211651. [PMID: 30753192 PMCID: PMC6372149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides bind DNA target sequences forming Watson-Crick and Hoogsteen base pairs, and are therefore of interest for medical applications. To be biologically active, such an oligonucleotide has to efficiently bind the target sequence. Here we used molecular dynamics simulations and electrophoresis mobility shift assays to elucidate the relation between helical structure and affinity for LNA-containing oligonucleotides. In particular, we have studied how LNA substitutions in the polypyrimidine strand of a duplex (thus forming a hetero duplex, i.e. a duplex with a DNA polypurine strand and an LNA/DNA polypyrimidine strand) enhance triplex formation. Based on seven polypyrimidine single strand oligonucleotides, having LNAs in different positions and quantities, we show that alternating LNA with one or more non-modified DNA nucleotides pre-organizes the hetero duplex toward a triple-helical-like conformation. This in turn promotes triplex formation, while consecutive LNAs distort the duplex structure disfavoring triplex formation. The results support the hypothesis that a pre-organization in the hetero duplex structure enhances the binding of triplex forming oligonucleotides. Our findings may serve as a criterion in the design of new tools for efficient oligonucleotide hybridization.
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34
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Nilsson L, Villa A. Modeling and Simulation of Oligonucleotide Hybrids: Outlining a Strategy. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2036:113-126. [PMID: 31410793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9670-4_6] [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] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations with a state-of-the-art force field provide an atomistic detailed description of the structural and thermodynamic features of biomolecules. Effects of chemical modifications and of the environment such as sequence, solvent, and ionic strength can explicitly be taken into account. Molecular simulation techniques can also provide insight in change in binding affinity, in protonation (pKa shift) and tautomeric propensity due to changes in the environment or in the molecular system. The quality and reliability of a simulation depend on the quality of the force field and on the reproducibility of the data, and validation depends on the availability of suitable experimental data. Here, we describe the workflow to investigate oligonucleotide hybrids using molecular simulation including hardware and software information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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35
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Dans PD, Gallego D, Balaceanu A, Darré L, Gómez H, Orozco M. Modeling, Simulations, and Bioinformatics at the Service of RNA Structure. Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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36
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Bañó-Polo M, Baeza-Delgado C, Tamborero S, Hazel A, Grau B, Nilsson I, Whitley P, Gumbart JC, von Heijne G, Mingarro I. Transmembrane but not soluble helices fold inside the ribosome tunnel. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5246. [PMID: 30531789 PMCID: PMC6286305 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins are assembled into the ER membrane via a continuous ribosome-translocon channel. The hydrophobicity and thickness of the core of the membrane bilayer leads to the expectation that transmembrane (TM) segments minimize the cost of harbouring polar polypeptide backbones by adopting a regular pattern of hydrogen bonds to form α-helices before integration. Co-translational folding of nascent chains into an α-helical conformation in the ribosomal tunnel has been demonstrated previously, but the features governing this folding are not well understood. In particular, little is known about what features influence the propensity to acquire α-helical structure in the ribosome. Using in vitro translation of truncated nascent chains trapped within the ribosome tunnel and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that folding in the ribosome is attained for TM helices but not for soluble helices, presumably facilitating SRP (signal recognition particle) recognition and/or a favourable conformation for membrane integration upon translocon entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Bañó-Polo
- Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BioTecMed), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat de València, E-46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Carlos Baeza-Delgado
- Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BioTecMed), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat de València, E-46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Silvia Tamborero
- Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BioTecMed), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat de València, E-46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Anthony Hazel
- School of Physics, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brayan Grau
- Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BioTecMed), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat de València, E-46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - IngMarie Nilsson
- Center for Biomembrane Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Whitley
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gunnar von Heijne
- Center for Biomembrane Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ismael Mingarro
- Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina (ERI BioTecMed), Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat de València, E-46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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37
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Orr AA, Gonzalez-Rivera JC, Wilson M, Bhikha PR, Wang D, Contreras LM, Tamamis P. A high-throughput and rapid computational method for screening of RNA post-transcriptional modifications that can be recognized by target proteins. Methods 2018; 143:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Zhang C, Lu C, Jing Z, Wu C, Piquemal JP, Ponder JW, Ren P. AMOEBA Polarizable Atomic Multipole Force Field for Nucleic Acids. J Chem Theory Comput 2018; 14:2084-2108. [PMID: 29438622 PMCID: PMC5893433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.7b01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The AMOEBA polarizable atomic multipole force field for nucleic acids is presented. Valence and electrostatic parameters were determined from high-level quantum mechanical data, including structures, conformational energy, and electrostatic potentials, of nucleotide model compounds. Previously derived parameters for the phosphate group and nucleobases were incorporated. A total of over 35 μs of condensed-phase molecular dynamics simulations of DNA and RNA molecules in aqueous solution and crystal lattice were performed to validate and refine the force field. The solution and/or crystal structures of DNA B-form duplexes, RNA duplexes, and hairpins were captured with an average root-mean-squared deviation from NMR structures below or around 2.0 Å. Structural details, such as base pairing and stacking, sugar puckering, backbone and χ-torsion angles, groove geometries, and crystal packing interfaces, agreed well with NMR and/or X-ray. The interconversion between A- and B-form DNAs was observed in ethanol-water mixtures at 328 K. Crystal lattices of B- and Z-form DNA and A-form RNA were examined with simulations. For the RNA tetraloop, single strand tetramers, and HIV TAR with 29 residues, the simulated conformational states, 3 J-coupling, nuclear Overhauser effect, and residual dipolar coupling data were compared with NMR results. Starting from a totally unstacked/unfolding state, the rCAAU tetranucleotide was folded into A-form-like structures during ∼1 μs molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
| | - Zhifeng Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Chuanjie Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
| | - Jean-Philip Piquemal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Laboratoire de Chimie Théorique, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, UMR7616 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jay W. Ponder
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
| | - Pengyu Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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39
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Hartono YD, Xu Y, Karshikoff A, Nilsson L, Villa A. Modeling p K Shift in DNA Triplexes Containing Locked Nucleic Acids. J Chem Inf Model 2018. [PMID: 29537270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The protonation states for nucleic acid bases are difficult to assess experimentally. In the context of DNA triplex, the protonation state of cytidine in the third strand is particularly important, because it needs to be protonated in order to form Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. A sugar modification, locked nucleic acid (LNA), is widely used in triplex forming oligonucleotides to target sites in the human genome. In this study, the parameters for LNA are developed in line with the CHARMM nucleic acid force field and validated toward the available structural experimental data. In conjunction, two computational methods were used to calculate the protonation state of the third strand cytidine in various DNA triplex environments: λ-dynamics and multiple pH regime. Both approaches predict p K of this cytidine shifted above physiological pH when cytidine is in the third strand in a triplex environment. Both methods show an upshift due to cytidine methylation, and a small downshift when the sugar configuration is locked. The predicted p K values for cytidine in DNA triplex environment can inform the design of better-binding oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossa Dwi Hartono
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge , Sweden.,Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences , Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive , Singapore 637551
| | - You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge , Sweden
| | - Andrey Karshikoff
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge , Sweden
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge , Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge , Sweden
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40
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Smith LG, Zhao J, Mathews DH, Turner DH. Physics-based all-atom modeling of RNA energetics and structure. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 8. [PMID: 28815951 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The database of RNA sequences is exploding, but knowledge of energetics, structures, and dynamics lags behind. All-atom computational methods, such as molecular dynamics, hold promise for closing this gap. New algorithms and faster computers have accelerated progress in improving the reliability and accuracy of predictions. Currently, the methods can facilitate refinement of experimentally determined nuclear magnetic resonance and x-ray structures, but are 'unreliable' for predictions based only on sequence. Much remains to be discovered, however, about the many molecular interactions driving RNA folding and the best way to approximate them quantitatively. The large number of parameters required means that a wide variety of experimental results will be required to benchmark force fields and different approaches. As computational methods become more reliable and accessible, they will be used by an increasing number of biologists, much as x-ray crystallography has expanded. Thus, many fundamental physical principles underlying the computational methods are described. This review presents a summary of the current state of molecular dynamics as applied to RNA. It is designed to be helpful to students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty who are considering or starting computational studies of RNA. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1422. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1422.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis G Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jianbo Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Douglas H Turner
- Department of Chemistry and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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41
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Hartono YD, Ito M, Villa A, Nilsson L. Computational Study of Uracil Tautomeric Forms in the Ribosome: The Case of Uracil and 5-Oxyacetic Acid Uracil in the First Anticodon Position of tRNA. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:1152-1160. [PMID: 29260566 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b10878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tautomerism is important in many biomolecular interactions, not least in RNA biology. Crystallographic studies show the possible presence of minor tautomer forms of transfer-RNA (tRNA) anticodon bases in the ribosome. The hydrogen positions are not resolved in the X-ray studies, and we have used ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to understand if and how the minor enol form of uracil (U), or the modified uracil 5-oxyacetic acid (cmo5U), can be accommodated in the tRNA-messenger-RNA interactions in the ribosome decoding center. Ab initio calculations on isolated bases show that the modification affects the keto-enol equilibrium of the uracil base only slightly; the keto form is dominant (>99.99%) in both U and cmo5U. Other factors such as interactions with the surrounding nucleotides or ions would be required to shift the equilibrium toward the enol tautomer. Classical molecular simulations show a better agreement with the X-ray structures for the enol form, but free energy calculations indicate that the most stable form is the keto. In the ribosome, the enol tautomers of U and cmo5U pair with a guanine forming two hydrogen bonds, which do not involve the enol group. The oxyacetic acid modification has a minor effect on the keto-enol equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossa Dwi Hartono
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.,Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551 Singapore
| | - Mika Ito
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
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42
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Pabon-Martinez YV, Xu Y, Villa A, Lundin KE, Geny S, Nguyen CH, Pedersen EB, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Nilsson L, Smith CIE, Zain R. LNA effects on DNA binding and conformation: from single strand to duplex and triplex structures. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11043. [PMID: 28887512 PMCID: PMC5591256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-gene strategy is based on sequence-specific recognition of double-strand DNA by triplex forming (TFOs) or DNA strand invading oligonucleotides to modulate gene expression. To be efficient, the oligonucleotides (ONs) should target DNA selectively, with high affinity. Here we combined hybridization analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to better understand the underlying structural features of modified ONs in stabilizing duplex- and triplex structures. Particularly, we investigated the role played by the position and number of locked nucleic acid (LNA) substitutions in the ON when targeting a c-MYC or FXN (Frataxin) sequence. We found that LNA-containing single strand TFOs are conformationally pre-organized for major groove binding. Reduced content of LNA at consecutive positions at the 3'-end of a TFO destabilizes the triplex structure, whereas the presence of Twisted Intercalating Nucleic Acid (TINA) at the 3'-end of the TFO increases the rate and extent of triplex formation. A triplex-specific intercalating benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ) compound highly stabilizes LNA-containing triplex structures. Moreover, LNA-substitution in the duplex pyrimidine strand alters the double helix structure, affecting x-displacement, slide and twist favoring triplex formation through enhanced TFO major groove accommodation. Collectively, these findings should facilitate the design of potent anti-gene ONs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Vladimir Pabon-Martinez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sylvain Geny
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chi-Hung Nguyen
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, UMR 9187-U 1196, CNRS-Institut Curie, INSERM, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Erik B Pedersen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Per T Jørgensen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nucleic Acid Center, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Centre for Rare Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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43
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Pavlova A, Parks JM, Oyelere AK, Gumbart JC. Toward the rational design of macrolide antibiotics to combat resistance. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:641-652. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pavlova
- School of Physics Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA USA
| | - Jerry M. Parks
- Biosciences Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge TN USA
| | - Adegboyega K. Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA USA
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School of Physics Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA USA
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA USA
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44
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5-Formylcytosine does not change the global structure of DNA. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:544-552. [PMID: 28504696 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which the recently identified DNA modification 5-formylcytosine (fC) is recognized by epigenetic writer and reader proteins is not known. Recently, an unusual DNA structure, F-DNA, has been proposed as the basis for enzyme recognition of clusters of fC. We used NMR and X-ray crystallography to compare several modified DNA duplexes with unmodified analogs and found that in the crystal state the duplexes all belong to the A family, whereas in solution they are all members of the B family. We found that, contrary to previous findings, fC does not significantly affect the structure of DNA, although there are modest local differences at the modification sites. Hence, global conformation changes are unlikely to account for the recognition of this modified base, and our structural data favor a mechanism that operates at base-pair resolution for the recognition of fC by epigenome-modifying enzymes.
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45
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Väre VYP, Eruysal ER, Narendran A, Sarachan KL, Agris PF. Chemical and Conformational Diversity of Modified Nucleosides Affects tRNA Structure and Function. Biomolecules 2017; 7:E29. [PMID: 28300792 PMCID: PMC5372741 DOI: 10.3390/biom7010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are central to all gene expression through the control of protein synthesis. Four major nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and uridine, compose RNAs and provide sequence variation, but are limited in contributions to structural variation as well as distinct chemical properties. The ability of RNAs to play multiple roles in cellular metabolism is made possible by extensive variation in length, conformational dynamics, and the over 100 post-transcriptional modifications. There are several reviews of the biochemical pathways leading to RNA modification, but the physicochemical nature of modified nucleosides and how they facilitate RNA function is of keen interest, particularly with regard to the contributions of modified nucleosides. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most extensively modified RNAs. The diversity of modifications provide versatility to the chemical and structural environments. The added chemistry, conformation and dynamics of modified nucleosides occurring at the termini of stems in tRNA's cloverleaf secondary structure affect the global three-dimensional conformation, produce unique recognition determinants for macromolecules to recognize tRNAs, and affect the accurate and efficient decoding ability of tRNAs. This review will discuss the impact of specific chemical moieties on the structure, stability, electrochemical properties, and function of tRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Y P Väre
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Emily R Eruysal
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Amithi Narendran
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Kathryn L Sarachan
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Paul F Agris
- The RNA Institute, Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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46
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Xu Y, Villa A, Nilsson L. The free energy of locking a ring: Changing a deoxyribonucleoside to a locked nucleic acid. J Comput Chem 2017; 38:1147-1157. [PMID: 28101966 PMCID: PMC5434909 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Locked nucleic acid (LNA), a modified nucleoside which contains a bridging group across the ribose ring, improves the stability of DNA/RNA duplexes significantly, and therefore is of interest in biotechnology and gene therapy applications. In this study, we investigate the free energy change between LNA and DNA nucleosides. The transformation requires the breaking of the bridging group across the ribose ring, a problematic transformation in free energy calculations. To address this, we have developed a 3-step (easy to implement) and a 1-step protocol (more efficient, but more complicated to setup), for single and dual topologies in classical molecular dynamics simulations, using the Bennett Acceptance Ratio method to calculate the free energy. We validate the approach on the solvation free energy difference for the nucleosides thymidine, cytosine, and 5-methyl-cytosine. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
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47
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Vangaveti S, Ranganathan SV, Chen AA. Advances in RNA molecular dynamics: a simulator's guide to RNA force fields. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 8. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Vangaveti
- The RNA Institute; University at Albany State University of New York; Albany NY USA
| | | | - Alan A. Chen
- The RNA Institute; University at Albany State University of New York; Albany NY USA
- Department of Chemistry; University at Albany State University of New York; Albany NY USA
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48
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Zhou H, Kimsey IJ, Nikolova EN, Sathyamoorthy B, Grazioli G, McSally J, Bai T, Wunderlich CH, Kreutz C, Andricioaei I, Al-Hashimi HM. m(1)A and m(1)G disrupt A-RNA structure through the intrinsic instability of Hoogsteen base pairs. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:803-10. [PMID: 27478929 PMCID: PMC5016226 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The B-DNA double helix can dynamically accommodate G-C and A-T base pairs in either Watson-Crick or Hoogsteen configurations. Here, we show that G-C(+) (in which + indicates protonation) and A-U Hoogsteen base pairs are strongly disfavored in A-RNA. As a result,N(1)-methyladenosine and N(1)-methylguanosine, which occur in DNA as a form of alkylation damage and in RNA as post-transcriptional modifications, have dramatically different consequences. Whereas they create G-C(+) and A-T Hoogsteen base pairs in duplex DNA, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the double helix, they block base-pairing and induce local duplex melting in RNA. These observations provide a mechanism for disrupting RNA structure through post-transcriptional modifications. The different propensities to form Hoogsteen base pairs in B-DNA and A-RNA may help cells meet the opposing requirements of maintaining genome stability, on the one hand, and of dynamically modulating the structure of the epitranscriptome, on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina USA
| | - Isaac J. Kimsey
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina USA
| | - Evgenia N. Nikolova
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California USA
| | | | - Gianmarc Grazioli
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California USA
| | - James McSally
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California USA
| | - Tianyu Bai
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina USA
| | | | - Christoph Kreutz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck Austria
| | - Ioan Andricioaei
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California USA
| | - Hashim M. Al-Hashimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina USA
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina USA
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49
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Structural effects of modified ribonucleotides and magnesium in transfer RNAs. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:4826-4834. [PMID: 27364608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Modified nucleotides are ubiquitous and important to tRNA structure and function. To understand their effect on tRNA conformation, we performed a series of molecular dynamics simulations on yeast tRNAPhe and tRNAinit, Escherichia coli tRNAinit and HIV tRNALys. Simulations were performed with the wild type modified nucleotides, using the recently developed CHARMM compatible force field parameter set for modified nucleotides (J. Comput. Chem.2016, 37, 896), or with the corresponding unmodified nucleotides, and in the presence or absence of Mg2+. Results showed a stabilizing effect associated with the presence of the modifications and Mg2+ for some important positions, such as modified guanosine in position 37 and dihydrouridines in 16/17 including both structural properties and base interactions. Some other modifications were also found to make subtle contributions to the structural properties of local domains. While we were not able to investigate the effect of adenosine 37 in tRNAinit and limitations were observed in the conformation of E. coli tRNAinit, the presence of the modified nucleotides and of Mg2+ better maintained the structural features and base interactions of the tRNA systems than in their absence indicating the utility of incorporating the modified nucleotides in simulations of tRNA and other RNAs.
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50
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Xu Y, Vanommeslaeghe K, Aleksandrov A, MacKerell AD, Nilsson L. Additive CHARMM force field for naturally occurring modified ribonucleotides. J Comput Chem 2016; 37:896-912. [PMID: 26841080 PMCID: PMC4801715 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 naturally occurring modified nucleotides have been found in RNA molecules, in particular in tRNAs. We have determined molecular mechanics force field parameters compatible with the CHARMM36 all‐atom additive force field for all these modifications using the CHARMM force field parametrization strategy. Emphasis was placed on fine tuning of the partial atomic charges and torsion angle parameters. Quantum mechanics calculations on model compounds provided the initial set of target data, and extensive molecular dynamics simulations of nucleotides and oligonucleotides in aqueous solutions were used for further refinement against experimental data. The presented parameters will allow for computational studies of a wide range of RNAs containing modified nucleotides, including the ribosome and transfer RNAs. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Xu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, HUDDINGE, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Kenno Vanommeslaeghe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (FABI), Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, B-1090, Belgium
| | - Alexey Aleksandrov
- Department of Biology, Ecole Polytechnique, Laboratoire De Biochimie (CNRS UMR7654), Palaiseau, F-91128, France
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 20 Penn Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, HUDDINGE, SE-141 83, Sweden
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