1
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Víšková P, Ištvánková E, Ryneš J, Džatko Š, Loja T, Živković ML, Rigo R, El-Khoury R, Serrano-Chacón I, Damha MJ, González C, Mergny JL, Foldynová-Trantírková S, Trantírek L. In-cell NMR suggests that DNA i-motif levels are strongly depleted in living human cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1992. [PMID: 38443388 PMCID: PMC10914786 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46221-y] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
I-Motifs (iM) are non-canonical DNA structures potentially forming in the accessible, single-stranded, cytosine-rich genomic regions with regulatory roles. Chromatin, protein interactions, and intracellular properties seem to govern iM formation at sites with i-motif formation propensity (iMFPS) in human cells, yet their specific contributions remain unclear. Using in-cell NMR with oligonucleotide iMFPS models, we monitor iM-associated structural equilibria in asynchronous and cell cycle-synchronized HeLa cells at 37 °C. Our findings show that iMFPS displaying pHT < 7 under reference in vitro conditions occur predominantly in unfolded states in cells, while those with pHT > 7 appear as a mix of folded and unfolded states depending on the cell cycle phase. Comparing these results with previous data obtained using an iM-specific antibody (iMab) reveals that cell cycle-dependent iM formation has a dual origin, and iM formation concerns only a tiny fraction (possibly 1%) of genomic sites with iM formation propensity. We propose a comprehensive model aligning observations from iMab and in-cell NMR and enabling the identification of iMFPS capable of adopting iM structures under physiological conditions in living human cells. Our results suggest that many iMFPS may have biological roles linked to their unfolded states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlína Víšková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Ištvánková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Ryneš
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Šimon Džatko
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Centre for Advanced Materials Application, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 11, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Loja
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Lenarčič Živković
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Riccardo Rigo
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences Department, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto El-Khoury
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A0B8, Canada
| | - Israel Serrano-Chacón
- Instituto de Química Física 'Blas Cabrera', CSIC, C/Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A0B8, Canada
| | - Carlos González
- Instituto de Química Física 'Blas Cabrera', CSIC, C/Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- Laboratoire d'Optique & Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Inserm, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, 91120, France
| | - Silvie Foldynová-Trantírková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukáš Trantírek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Monsen RC, DeLeeuw LW, Dean W, Gray R, Chakravarthy S, Hopkins J, Chaires J, Trent J. Long promoter sequences form higher-order G-quadruplexes: an integrative structural biology study of c-Myc, k-Ras and c-Kit promoter sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4127-4147. [PMID: 35325198 PMCID: PMC9023277 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on higher-order G-quadruplex structures adopted by long promoter sequences obtained by an iterative integrated structural biology approach. Our approach uses quantitative biophysical tools (analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy) combined with modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, to derive self-consistent structural models. The formal resolution of our approach is 18 angstroms, but in some cases structural features of only a few nucleotides can be discerned. We report here five structures of long (34-70 nt) wild-type sequences selected from three cancer-related promoters: c-Myc, c-Kit and k-Ras. Each sequence studied has a unique structure. Three sequences form structures with two contiguous, stacked, G-quadruplex units. One longer sequence from c-Myc forms a structure with three contiguous stacked quadruplexes. A longer c-Kit sequence forms a quadruplex-hairpin structure. Each structure exhibits interfacial regions between stacked quadruplexes or novel loop geometries that are possible druggable targets. We also report methodological advances in our integrated structural biology approach, which now includes quantitative CD for counting stacked G-tetrads, DNaseI cleavage for hairpin detection and SAXS model refinement. Our results suggest that higher-order quadruplex assemblies may be a common feature within the genome, rather than simple single quadruplex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Monsen
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lynn W DeLeeuw
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - William L Dean
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert D Gray
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Srinivas Chakravarthy
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jesse B Hopkins
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jonathan B Chaires
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - John O Trent
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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3
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Krafčík D, Ištvánková E, Džatko Š, Víšková P, Foldynová-Trantírková S, Trantírek L. Towards Profiling of the G-Quadruplex Targeting Drugs in the Living Human Cells Using NMR Spectroscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6042. [PMID: 34205000 PMCID: PMC8199861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the 1H-detected in-cell NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a unique tool allowing the characterization of interactions between nucleic acid-based targets and drug-like molecules in living human cells. Here, we assess the application potential of 1H and 19F-detected in-cell NMR spectroscopy to profile drugs/ligands targeting DNA G-quadruplexes, arguably the most studied class of anti-cancer drugs targeting nucleic acids. We show that the extension of the original in-cell NMR approach is not straightforward. The severe signal broadening and overlap of 1H in-cell NMR spectra of polymorphic G-quadruplexes and their complexes complicate their quantitative interpretation. Nevertheless, the 1H in-cell NMR can be used to identify drugs that, despite strong interaction in vitro, lose their ability to bind G-quadruplexes in the native environment. The in-cell NMR approach is adjusted to a recently developed 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl probe to monitor the intracellular interaction with ligands using 19F-detected in-cell NMR. The probe allows dissecting polymorphic mixture in terms of number and relative populations of individual G-quadruplex species, including ligand-bound and unbound forms in vitro and in cellulo. Despite the probe's discussed limitations, the 19F-detected in-cell NMR appears to be a promising strategy to profile G-quadruplex-ligand interactions in the complex environment of living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Krafčík
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (E.I.); (Š.D.); (P.V.)
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Ištvánková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (E.I.); (Š.D.); (P.V.)
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Šimon Džatko
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (E.I.); (Š.D.); (P.V.)
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Víšková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (E.I.); (Š.D.); (P.V.)
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Lukáš Trantírek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (D.K.); (E.I.); (Š.D.); (P.V.)
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4
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Živković ML, Gajarský M, Beková K, Stadlbauer P, Vicherek L, Petrová M, Fiala R, Rosenberg I, Šponer J, Plavec J, Trantírek L. Insight into formation propensity of pseudocircular DNA G-hairpins. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2317-2332. [PMID: 33524154 PMCID: PMC7913771 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently showed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomeric DNA can fold into an unprecedented pseudocircular G-hairpin (PGH) structure. However, the formation of PGHs in the context of extended sequences, which is a prerequisite for their function in vivo and their applications in biotechnology, has not been elucidated. Here, we show that despite its ‘circular’ nature, PGHs tolerate single-stranded (ss) protrusions. High-resolution NMR structure of a novel member of PGH family reveals the atomistic details on a junction between ssDNA and PGH unit. Identification of new sequences capable of folding into one of the two forms of PGH helped in defining minimal sequence requirements for their formation. Our time-resolved NMR data indicate a possibility that PGHs fold via a complex kinetic partitioning mechanism and suggests the existence of K+ ion-dependent PGH folding intermediates. The data not only provide an explanation of cation-type-dependent formation of PGHs, but also explain the unusually large hysteresis between PGH melting and annealing noted in our previous study. Our findings have important implications for DNA biology and nanotechnology. Overrepresentation of sequences able to form PGHs in the evolutionary-conserved regions of the human genome implies their functionally important biological role(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lenarčič Živković
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.,Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Martin Gajarský
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Beková
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stadlbauer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno 61265, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Vicherek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Petrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Fiala
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Rosenberg
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šponer
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno 61265, Czech Republic
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.,EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Ljubljana SI-1001, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Lukáš Trantírek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
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5
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Broft P, Dzatko S, Krafcikova M, Wacker A, Hänsel‐Hertsch R, Dötsch V, Trantirek L, Schwalbe H. In-Cell NMR Spectroscopy of Functional Riboswitch Aptamers in Eukaryotic Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:865-872. [PMID: 32975353 PMCID: PMC7839747 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202007184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report here the in-cell NMR-spectroscopic observation of the binding of the cognate ligand 2'-deoxyguanosine to the aptamer domain of the bacterial 2'-deoxyguanosine-sensing riboswitch in eukaryotic cells, namely Xenopus laevis oocytes and in human HeLa cells. The riboswitch is sufficiently stable in both cell types to allow for detection of binding of the ligand to the riboswitch. Most importantly, we show that the binding mode established by in vitro characterization of this prokaryotic riboswitch is maintained in eukaryotic cellular environment. Our data also bring important methodological insights: Thus far, in-cell NMR studies on RNA in mammalian cells have been limited to investigations of short (<15 nt) RNA fragments that were extensively modified by protecting groups to limit their degradation in the intracellular space. Here, we show that the in-cell NMR setup can be adjusted for characterization of much larger (≈70 nt) functional and chemically non-modified RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Broft
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyGoethe UniversityMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438Frankfurt/M.Germany
| | - S. Dzatko
- National Centre for Biomolecular ResearchMasaryk UniversityKamenice 5625 00BrnoCzech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityKamenice 753/5625 00BrnoCzech Republic
| | - M. Krafcikova
- National Centre for Biomolecular ResearchMasaryk UniversityKamenice 5625 00BrnoCzech Republic
- Institute of BiophysicsCzech Academy of SciencesKralovopolska 135612 65BrnoCzech Republic
| | - A. Wacker
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyGoethe UniversityMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438Frankfurt/M.Germany
| | - Robert Hänsel‐Hertsch
- Present address: Center for Molecular Medicine CologneRobert-Koch-Str. 2150931CologneGermany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Institute of Biophysical ChemistryGoethe UniversityMax-von-Laue-Str. 960438Frankfurt/M.Germany
| | - L. Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC)Masaryk UniversityKamenice 753/5625 00BrnoCzech Republic
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ)Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical BiologyGoethe UniversityMax-von-Laue-Str. 760438Frankfurt/M.Germany
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6
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Broft P, Dzatko S, Krafcikova M, Wacker A, Hänsel‐Hertsch R, Dötsch V, Trantirek L, Schwalbe H. In‐Cell NMR Spectroscopy of Functional Riboswitch Aptamers in Eukaryotic Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202007184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Broft
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Germany
| | - S. Dzatko
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research Masaryk University Kamenice 5 625 00 Brno Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) Masaryk University Kamenice 753/5 625 00 Brno Czech Republic
| | - M. Krafcikova
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research Masaryk University Kamenice 5 625 00 Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Biophysics Czech Academy of Sciences Kralovopolska 135 612 65 Brno Czech Republic
| | - A. Wacker
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Germany
| | - Robert Hänsel‐Hertsch
- Present address: Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne Robert-Koch-Str. 21 50931 Cologne Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Institute of Biophysical Chemistry Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt/M. Germany
| | - L. Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) Masaryk University Kamenice 753/5 625 00 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Germany
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7
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Reina C, Cavalieri V. Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4172. [PMID: 32545267 PMCID: PMC7312119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G-quadruplexes occupy strategic locations in genomic DNA and both coding and noncoding RNA molecules, being involved in many essential cellular and organismal functions. In this review, we first outline the fundamental structural features of G-quadruplexes and then focus on the concept that these DNA and RNA structures convey a distinctive layer of epigenetic information that is critical for the complex regulation, either positive or negative, of biological activities in different contexts. In this framework, we summarize and discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying the functions of G-quadruplexes and their interacting factors. Furthermore, we give special emphasis to the interplay between G-quadruplex formation/disruption and other epigenetic marks, including biochemical modifications of DNA bases and histones, nucleosome positioning, and three-dimensional organization of chromatin. Finally, epigenetic roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the issues addressed in this review take on particular importance in the field of comparative epigenetics, as well as in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Reina
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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8
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Krafcikova M, Dzatko S, Caron C, Granzhan A, Fiala R, Loja T, Teulade-Fichou MP, Fessl T, Hänsel-Hertsch R, Mergny JL, Foldynova-Trantirkova S, Trantirek L. Monitoring DNA-Ligand Interactions in Living Human Cells Using NMR Spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:13281-13285. [PMID: 31394899 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b03031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on DNA-ligand interactions in the cellular environment are problematic due to the lack of suitable biophysical tools. To address this need, we developed an in-cell NMR-based approach for monitoring DNA-ligand interactions inside the nuclei of living human cells. Our method relies on the acquisition of NMR data from cells electroporated with preformed DNA-ligand complexes. The impact of the intracellular environment on the integrity of the complexes is assessed based on in-cell NMR signals from unbound and ligand-bound forms of a given DNA target. This technique was tested on complexes of two model DNA fragments and four ligands, namely, a representative DNA minor-groove binder (netropsin) and ligands binding DNA base-pairing defects (naphthalenophanes). In the latter case, we demonstrate that two of the three in vitro-validated ligands retain their ability to form stable interactions with their model target DNA in cellulo, whereas the third one loses this ability due to off-target interactions with genomic DNA and cellular metabolites. Collectively, our data suggest that direct evaluation of the behavior of drug-like molecules in the intracellular environment provides important insights into the development of DNA-binding ligands with desirable biological activity and minimal side effects resulting from off-target binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Krafcikova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno 62500 , Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics , v.v.i., ASCR, Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
| | - Simon Dzatko
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
| | - Coralie Caron
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie , PSL Research University , Orsay 91405 , France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Sud , Université Paris Saclay , Orsay 91405 , France
| | - Anton Granzhan
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie , PSL Research University , Orsay 91405 , France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Sud , Université Paris Saclay , Orsay 91405 , France
| | - Radovan Fiala
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Loja
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie , PSL Research University , Orsay 91405 , France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Sud , Université Paris Saclay , Orsay 91405 , France
| | - Tomas Fessl
- Faculty of Science , University of South Bohemia , Ceske Budejovice CZ-370 05 , Czech Republic
| | - Robert Hänsel-Hertsch
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute , University of Cambridge , Cambridge CB2 0RE , United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie , PSL Research University , Orsay 91405 , France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Sud , Université Paris Saclay , Orsay 91405 , France.,Institute of Biophysics , v.v.i., ASCR, Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
| | | | - Lukas Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University , Brno 62500 , Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics , v.v.i., ASCR, Brno 62500 , Czech Republic
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9
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In Cell NMR Spectroscopy: Investigation of G-Quadruplex Structures Inside Living Xenopus laevis Oocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2035:397-405. [PMID: 31444765 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9666-7_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are inherently polymorphic nucleic acid structures. Their folding topology depends on the nucleic acid primary sequence and on physical-chemical environmental factors. Hence, it remains unclear if a G-quadruplex topology determined in the test tube (in vitro) will also form in vivo. Characterization of G-quadruplexes in their native environment has been proposed as an efficient strategy to tackle this issue. So far, characterization of G-quadruplex structures in living cells has relied exclusively on the use of Xenopus laevis oocytes as a eukaryotic cell model system. Here, we describe the protocol for the preparation of X. laevis oocytes for studies of G-quadruplexes as well as other nucleic acids motifs under native conditions using in-cell NMR spectroscopy.
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10
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Viskova P, Krafcik D, Trantirek L, Foldynova-Trantirkova S. In-Cell NMR Spectroscopy of Nucleic Acids in Human Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 76:e71. [PMID: 30489693 DOI: 10.1002/cpnc.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In-cell NMR spectroscopy is a unique tool that enables the study of the structure and dynamics of biomolecules as well as their interactions in the complex environment of living cells at near-to-atomic resolution. In this article, detailed instructions are described for setting up an in-cell NMR experiment for monitoring structures of DNA oligonucleotides introduced into nuclei of living human cells via tailored electroporation. Detailed step-by-step protocols for both the preparation of an in-cell NMR sample as well as protocols for conducting essential control experiments including flow cytometry and confocal microscopy are described. The strengths and limitations of in-cell NMR experiments are discussed. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Viskova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Krafcik
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Foldynova-Trantirkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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11
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Giassa IC, Rynes J, Fessl T, Foldynova-Trantirkova S, Trantirek L. Advances in the cellular structural biology of nucleic acids. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:1997-2011. [PMID: 29679394 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Conventional biophysical and chemical biology approaches for delineating relationships between the structure and biological function of nucleic acids (NAs) abstract NAs from their native biological context. However, cumulative experimental observations have revealed that the structure, dynamics and interactions of NAs might be strongly influenced by a broad spectrum of specific and nonspecific physical-chemical environmental factors. This consideration has recently sparked interest in the development of novel tools for structural characterization of NAs in the native cellular context. Here, we review the individual methods currently being employed for structural characterization of NA structure in a native cellular environment with a focus on recent advances and developments in the emerging fields of in-cell NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and in-cell single-molecule FRET of NAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilektra-Chara Giassa
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Rynes
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Fessl
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Foldynova-Trantirkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Trantirek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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12
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New structural and functional insights from in-cell NMR. Emerg Top Life Sci 2018; 2:29-38. [PMID: 33525780 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, it has become evident that structural characterization would gain significantly in terms of biological relevance if framed within a cellular context, while still maintaining the atomic resolution. Therefore, major efforts have been devoted to developing Cellular Structural Biology approaches. In this respect, in-cell NMR can provide and has provided relevant contributions to the field, not only to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of macromolecules in solution but, even more relevant, to understand functional processes directly in living cells and the factors that modulate them, such as exogenous molecules, partner proteins, and oxidative stress. In this commentary, we review and discuss some of the main contributions to the understanding of protein structural and functional properties achieved by in-cell NMR.
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13
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Investigation of higher-order RNA G-quadruplex structures in vitro and in living cells by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Nat Protoc 2018. [PMID: 29517770 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2017.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that RNA G-quadruplexes have important roles in various processes such as transcription, translation, regulation of telomere length, and formation of telomeric heterochromatin. Investigation of RNA G-quadruplex structures associated with biological events is therefore essential to understanding the functions of these RNA molecules. We recently demonstrated that the sensitivity and simplicity of 19F NMR can be used to directly observe higher-order telomeric G-quadruplexes of labeled RNA molecules in vitro and in living cells, as well as their interactions with ligands and proteins. This protocol describes detailed procedures for preparing 19F-labeled RNA, the evaluation of 19F-labeled RNA G-quadruplexes in vitro and in living Xenopus laevis oocytes by 19F NMR spectroscopy, the quantitative characterization of thermodynamic properties of the G-quadruplexes, and monitoring of RNA G-quadruplex interactions with ligand molecules and proteins. This approach has several advantages over existing techniques. First, it is relatively easy to prepare 19F-labeled RNA molecules by introducing a 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzene moiety into its 5' terminus. Second, the absence of any natural fluorine background signal in RNA and cells results in a simple and clear 19F NMR spectrum and does not suffer from high background signals as does 1H NMR. Finally, the simplicity and sensitivity of 19F NMR can be used to easily distinguish different RNA G-quadruplex conformations under various conditions, even in living cells, and to obtain the precise thermodynamic parameters of higher-order G-quadruplexes. This protocol can be completed in 2 weeks.
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14
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Fluorescent light-up acridine orange derivatives bind and stabilize KRAS-22RT G-quadruplex. Biochimie 2018; 144:144-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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15
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Fay MM, Lyons SM, Ivanov P. RNA G-Quadruplexes in Biology: Principles and Molecular Mechanisms. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:2127-2147. [PMID: 28554731 PMCID: PMC5603239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are extremely stable DNA or RNA secondary structures formed by sequences rich in guanine. These structures are implicated in many essential cellular processes, and the number of biological functions attributed to them continues to grow. While DNA G4s are well understood on structural and, to some extent, functional levels, RNA G4s and their functions have received less attention. The presence of bona fide RNA G4s in cells has long been a matter of debate. The development of G4-specific antibodies and ligands hinted on their presence in vivo, but recent advances in RNA sequencing coupled with chemical footprinting suggested the opposite. In this review, we will critically discuss the biology of RNA G4s focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying their proposed functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta M Fay
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shawn M Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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16
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Kerkour A, Mergny JL, Salgado GF. NMR based model of human telomeric repeat G-quadruplex in complex with 2,4,6-triarylpyridine family ligand. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1293-1302. [PMID: 28007578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are one of the several different forms of non-canonical DNA structures that can occur in our genome. Their existence is thought to be implicated in important biological functions such as positive and negative transcription regulation or telomeric extension. The human telomeric sequence G4 formed by repetitive nucleotide sequences (T2AG3) at each chromosome end is an important example of intramolecular G4. Knowing the atomic details for different families of ligands targeting G-quadruplex structures hypothetically found in the telomeric repeat it is an important step for rational drug design. Especially if the aim is to prevent or interfere with telomerase extending the 3' end of telomeres. In this study, we report the structure of the complex formed between the telomeric repeat sequence (d[AG3(T2AG3)3]) intramolecular G-quadruplex and the 2,4,6-Triarylpyridine compound. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaziz Kerkour
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS/Inserm, Laboratoire ARNA, Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie (IECB), 2 rue Robert Escarpit 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS/Inserm, Laboratoire ARNA, Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie (IECB), 2 rue Robert Escarpit 33607, Pessac, France
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS/Inserm, Laboratoire ARNA, Institut Européen de Chimie et de Biologie (IECB), 2 rue Robert Escarpit 33607, Pessac, France.
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17
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Abstract
In-cell NMR spectroscopy is a unique tool for characterizing biological macromolecules in their physiological environment at atomic resolution. Recent progress in NMR instruments and sample preparation methods allows functional processes, such as metal uptake, disulfide-bond formation and protein folding, to be analyzed by NMR in living, cultured human cells. This protocol describes the necessary steps to overexpress one or more proteins of interest inside human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells, and it explains how to set up in-cell NMR experiments. The cDNA is transiently transfected as a complex with a cationic polymer (DNA:PEI (polyethylenimine)), and protein expression is carried on for 2-3 d, after which the NMR sample is prepared. (1)H and (1)H-(15)N correlation NMR experiments (for example, using band-selective optimized flip-angle short-transient heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (SOFAST-HMQC)) can be carried out in <2 h, ensuring cell viability. Uniform (15)N labeling and amino-acid-specific (e.g., cysteine, methionine) labeling schemes are possible. The entire procedure takes 4 d from cell culture seeding to NMR data collection.
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18
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Abstract
Conventional structural and chemical biology approaches are applied to macromolecules extrapolated from their native context. When this is done, important structural and functional features of macromolecules, which depend on their native network of interactions within the cell, may be lost. In-cell nuclear magnetic resonance is a branch of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy that allows macromolecules to be analyzed in living cells, at the atomic level. In-cell NMR can be applied to several cellular systems to obtain biologically relevant structural and functional information. Here we summarize the existing approaches and focus on the applications to protein folding, interactions, and post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Luchinat
- From the Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), the Department of Biomedical, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, and
| | - Lucia Banci
- From the Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), the Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Florence 50121, Italy
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19
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Simone R, Fratta P, Neidle S, Parkinson GN, Isaacs AM. G-quadruplexes: Emerging roles in neurodegenerative diseases and the non-coding transcriptome. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1653-68. [PMID: 25979174 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
G-rich sequences in DNA and RNA have a propensity to fold into stable secondary structures termed G-quadruplexes. G-quadruplex forming sequences are widespread throughout the human genome, within both, protein coding and non-coding genes, and regulatory regions. G-quadruplexes have been implicated in multiple cellular functions including chromatin epigenetic regulation, DNA recombination, transcriptional regulation of gene promoters and enhancers, and translation. Here we will review the evidence for the occurrence of G-quadruplexes both in vitro and in vivo; their role in neurological diseases including G-quadruplex-forming repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and loss of the G-quadruplex binding protein FMRP in the intellectual disability fragile X syndrome. We also review mounting evidence that supports a role for G-quadruplexes in regulating the processing or function of a range of non-coding RNAs. Finally we will highlight current perspectives for therapeutic interventions that target G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Simone
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephen Neidle
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Gary N Parkinson
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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20
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Abstract
Ever since scientists realized that cells are the basic building blocks of all life, they have been developing tools to look inside them to reveal the architectures and mechanisms that define their biological functions. Whereas "looking into cells" is typically said in reference to optical microscopy, high-resolution in-cell and on-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful method that offers exciting new possibilities for structural and functional studies in and on live cells. In contrast to conventional imaging techniques, in- and on-cell NMR methods do not provide spatial information on cellular biomolecules. Instead, they enable atomic-resolution insights into the native cell states of proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, and lipids. Here we review recent advances and developments in both fields and discuss emerging concepts that have been delineated with these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darón I Freedberg
- Laboratory of Bacterial Polysaccharides, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20852-1448;
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21
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Hänsel R, Luh LM, Corbeski I, Trantirek L, Dötsch V. Intrazelluläre NMR- und EPR-Spektroskopie von biologischen Makromolekülen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201311320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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22
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Hänsel R, Luh LM, Corbeski I, Trantirek L, Dötsch V. In-cell NMR and EPR spectroscopy of biomacromolecules. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:10300-14. [PMID: 25070284 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201311320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The dream of cell biologists is to be able to watch biological macromolecules perform their duties in the intracellular environment of live cells. Ideally, the observation of both the location and the conformation of these macromolecules with biophysical techniques is desired. The development of many fluorescence techniques, including superresolution fluorescence microscopy, has significantly enhanced our ability to spot proteins and other molecules in the crowded cellular environment. However, the observation of their structure and conformational changes while they attend their business is still very challenging. In principle, NMR and EPR spectroscopy can be used to investigate the conformation and dynamics of biological macromolecules in living cells. The development of in-cell magnetic resonance techniques has demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. Herein we review the different techniques with a focus on liquid-state in-cell NMR spectroscopy, provide an overview of applications, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hänsel
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt (Germany)
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23
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Hänsel R, Löhr F, Trantirek L, Dötsch V. High-resolution insight into G-overhang architecture. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:2816-24. [PMID: 23339582 DOI: 10.1021/ja312403b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to address the effect of intracellular molecular crowding and related hydration on a model telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structure (d(AG(3)(TTAGGG)(3))). d(AG(3)(TTAGGG)(3)) prevalently adopted the hybrid-1 conformation in vivo, ex vivo, and in dilute potassium-based solution, while it formed the parallel propeller fold in water-depleted potassium-based solution, a commonly used model system for studying intracellular molecular crowding. The dilute potassium-based solution appeared to imitate the properties of the cellular environment required for d(AG(3)(TTAGGG)(3)) folding under in vivo and ex vivo conditions. High-resolution NMR investigations of site-specifically (15)N-labeled G4 units in native-like single-stranded telomeric DNA revealed that the 3'-terminal and internal G4 unit predominantly coexist in 2-tetrad antiparallel basket and hybrid-2 structures that are arranged in "beads-on-a-string"-like fashion. Our data provide the first high-resolution insight into the telomeric G-overhang architecture under essentially physiological conditions and identify the 2-tetrad antiparallel basket and hybrid-2 topologies as the structural targets for the development of telomere-specific G4 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hänsel
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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