1
|
Kench T, Rakers V, Bouzada D, Gomez-González J, Robinson J, Kuimova MK, Vázquez López M, Vázquez ME, Vilar R. Dimeric Metal-Salphen Complexes Which Target Multimeric G-Quadruplex DNA. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:911-921. [PMID: 37119235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex DNA structures have attracted increasing attention due to their biological roles and potential as targets for the development of new drugs. While most guanine-rich sequences in the genome have the potential to form monomeric G-quadruplexes, certain sequences have enough guanine-tracks to give rise to multimeric quadruplexes. One of these sequences is the human telomere where tandem repeats of TTAGGG can lead to the formation of two or more adjacent G-quadruplexes. Herein we report on the modular synthesis via click chemistry of dimeric metal-salphen complexes (with NiII and PtII) bridged by either polyether or peptide linkers. We show by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy that they generally have higher selectivity for dimeric vs monomeric G-quadruplexes. The emissive properties of the PtII-salphen dimeric complexes have been used to study their interactions with monomeric and dimeric G-quadruplexes in vitro as well as to study their cellular uptake and localization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Kench
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Viktoria Rakers
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Bouzada
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jacobo Gomez-González
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jenna Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marina K Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Vázquez López
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - M Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Platella C, Criscuolo A, Riccardi C, Gaglione R, Arciello A, Musumeci D, DellaGreca M, Montesarchio D. Exploring the Binding of Natural Compounds to Cancer-Related G-Quadruplex Structures: From 9,10-Dihydrophenanthrenes to Their Dimeric and Glucoside Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097765. [PMID: 37175474 PMCID: PMC10178421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In-depth studies on the interaction of natural compounds with cancer-related G-quadruplex structures have been undertaken only recently, despite their high potential as anticancer agents, especially due to their well-known and various bioactivities. In this frame, aiming at expanding the repertoire of natural compounds able to selectively recognize G-quadruplexes, and particularly focusing on phenanthrenoids, a mini-library including dimeric (1-3) and glucoside (4-5) analogues of 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes, a related tetrahydropyrene glucoside (6) along with 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene 7 were investigated here by several biophysical techniques and molecular docking. Compounds 3 and 6 emerged as the most selective G-quadruplex ligands within the investigated series. These compounds proved to mainly target the grooves/flanking residues of the hybrid telomeric and parallel oncogenic G-quadruplex models exploiting hydrophobic, hydrogen bond and π-π interactions, without perturbing the main folds of the G-quadruplex structures. Notably, a binding preference was found for both ligands towards the hybrid telomeric G-quadruplex. Moreover, compounds 3 and 6 proved to be active on different human cancer cells in the low micromolar range. Overall, these compounds emerged as useful ligands able to target G-quadruplex structures, which are of interest as promising starting scaffolds for the design of analogues endowed with high and selective anticancer activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Criscuolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina DellaGreca
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CINMPIS-Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale di Ricerca in Metodologie e Processi Innovativi di Sintesi, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Selective Targeting of Cancer-Related G-Quadruplex Structures by the Natural Compound Dicentrine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044070. [PMID: 36835480 PMCID: PMC9959918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming to identify highly effective and selective G-quadruplex ligands as anticancer candidates, five natural compounds were investigated here, i.e., the alkaloids Canadine, D-Glaucine and Dicentrine, as well as the flavonoids Deguelin and Millettone, selected as analogs of compounds previously identified as promising G-quadruplex-targeting ligands. A preliminary screening with the G-quadruplex on the Controlled Pore Glass assay proved that, among the investigated compounds, Dicentrine is the most effective ligand of telomeric and oncogenic G-quadruplexes, also showing good G-quadruplex vs. duplex selectivity. In-depth studies in solution demonstrated the ability of Dicentrine to thermally stabilize telomeric and oncogenic G-quadruplexes without affecting the control duplex. Interestingly, it showed higher affinity for the investigated G-quadruplex structures over the control duplex (Kb~106 vs. 105 M-1), with some preference for the telomeric over the oncogenic G-quadruplex model. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Dicentrine preferentially binds the G-quadruplex groove or the outer G-tetrad for the telomeric and oncogenic G-quadruplexes, respectively. Finally, biological assays proved that Dicentrine is highly effective in promoting potent and selective anticancer activity by inducing cell cycle arrest through apoptosis, preferentially targeting G-quadruplex structures localized at telomeres. Taken together, these data validate Dicentrine as a putative anticancer candidate drug selectively targeting cancer-related G-quadruplex structures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kristoffersen E, Coletta A, Lund L, Schiøtt B, Birkedal V. Inhibited complete folding of consecutive human telomeric G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1571-1582. [PMID: 36715345 PMCID: PMC9976873 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical DNA structures, termed G-quadruplexes, are present in human genomic DNA and are important elements in many DNA metabolic processes. Multiple sites in the human genome have G-rich DNA stretches able to support formation of several consecutive G-quadruplexes. One of those sites is the telomeric overhang region that has multiple repeats of TTAGGG and is tightly associated with both cancer and aging. We investigated the folding of consecutive G-quadruplexes in both potassium- and sodium-containing solutions using single-molecule FRET spectroscopy, circular dichroism, thermal melting and molecular dynamics simulations. Our observations show coexistence of partially and fully folded DNA, the latter consisting of consecutive G-quadruplexes. Following the folding process over hours in sodium-containing buffers revealed fast G-quadruplex folding but slow establishment of thermodynamic equilibrium. We find that full consecutive G-quadruplex formation is inhibited by the many DNA structures randomly nucleating on the DNA, some of which are off-path conformations that need to unfold to allow full folding. Our study allows describing consecutive G-quadruplex formation in both nonequilibrium and equilibrium conditions by a unified picture, where, due to the many possible DNA conformations, full folding with consecutive G-quadruplexes as beads on a string is not necessarily achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emil Laust Kristoffersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrea Coletta
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Line Mørkholt Lund
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Platella C, Napolitano E, Riccardi C, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Affinity Chromatography-Based Assays for the Screening of Potential Ligands Selective for G-Quadruplex Structures. Chemistry 2022; 11:e202200090. [PMID: 35608081 PMCID: PMC9127747 DOI: 10.1002/open.202200090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA G‐quadruplexes (G4s) are key structures for the development of targeted anticancer therapies. In this context, ligands selectively interacting with G4s can represent valuable anticancer drugs. Aiming at speeding up the identification of G4‐targeting synthetic or natural compounds, we developed an affinity chromatography‐based assay, named G‐quadruplex on Oligo Affinity Support (G4‐OAS), by synthesizing G4‐forming sequences on commercially available polystyrene OAS. Then, due to unspecific binding of several hydrophobic ligands on nude OAS, we moved to Controlled Pore Glass (CPG). We thus conceived an ad hoc functionalized, universal support on which both the on‐support elongation and deprotection of the G4‐forming oligonucleotides can be performed, along with the successive affinity chromatography‐based assay, renamed as G‐quadruplex on Controlled Pore Glass (G4‐CPG) assay. Here we describe these assays and their applications to the screening of several libraries of chemically different putative G4 ligands. Finally, ongoing studies and outlook of our G4‐CPG assay are reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Frasson I, Pirota V, Richter SN, Doria F. Multimeric G-quadruplexes: A review on their biological roles and targeting. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 204:89-102. [PMID: 35124022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In human cells, nucleic acids adopt several non-canonical structures that regulate key cellular processes. Among them, G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable structures that form in guanine-rich regions in vitro and in cells. G4 folded/unfolded state shapes numerous cellular processes, including genome replication, transcription, and translation. Moreover, G4 folding is involved in genomic instability. G4s have been described to multimerize, forming high-order structures in both DNA and/or RNA strands. Multimeric G4s can be formed by adjacent intramolecular G4s joined by stacking interactions or connected by short loops. Multimeric G4s can also originate from the assembly of guanines embedded on independent DNA or RNA strands. Notably, crucial regions of the human genome, such as the 3'-terminal overhang of the telomeric DNA as well as the open reading frame of genes involved in the preservation of neuron viability in the human central and peripheral nervous system are prone to form multimeric G4s. The biological importance of such structures has been recently described, with multimeric G4s playing potentially protective or deleterious effects in the pathogenic cascade of various diseases. Here, we portray the multifaceted scenario of multimeric G4s, in terms of structural properties, biological roles, and targeting strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy; G4-INTERACT, USERN, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Platella C, Capasso D, Riccardi C, Musumeci D, DellaGreca M, Montesarchio D. Natural compounds from Juncus plants interacting with telomeric and oncogene G-quadruplex structures as potential anticancer agents. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:9953-9965. [PMID: 34747958 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01995c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aiming at discovering novel, putative anticancer drugs featuring low-to-null side effects, natural compounds isolated from Juncaceae were studied here for their ability to target G-quadruplex structures originating from cancer-related telomeric and oncogene DNA sequences. Particularly, various dihydrophenanthrene, benzocoumarin and dihydrodibenzoxepin derivatives were firstly screened by the affinity chromatography-based G4-CPG assay, and the compound with the highest affinity and selectivity for G-quadruplexes (named J10) was selected for further studies. Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism experiments corroborated its capability to selectively recognize and stabilize G-quadruplexes over duplex DNA, also showing a preference for parallel G-quadruplexes. Molecular docking proved that the selective G-quadruplex interactions over duplex interactions could be due to the ability of J10 to bind to the grooves of the telomeric and oncogene G-quadruplex structures. Finally, biological assays demonstrated that J10 induces significant antiproliferative effects on human leukemia cells, with no relevant effects on healthy human fibroblasts. Interestingly, J10 exerts its antiproliferative action on tumor cells by activating the apoptotic pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Capasso
- CIRPEB, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CESTEV, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy. .,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB) - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina DellaGreca
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Substituent effects of cyclic naphthalene diimide on G-quadruplex binding and the inhibition of cancer cell growth. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 50:128323. [PMID: 34400300 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of cyclic naphthalene diimide derivatives (cNDIs), 1-4, with TA-core and c-myc as G-quartet (G4) DNA was studied under dilute or molecular crowding condition. Binding study for TA-core based on an isothermal titration calorimetry showed that 1-4 has 106 M-1 order of binding affinity with the following order: 1 > 4 > 2 > 3 under both conditions. Meting temperature (Tm) of TA-core obtained from the temperature dependence of circular dichroism spectra shows that TA-core was most stabilized by 4, which is in agreement with the result of PCR stop assay and the stabilization effect for 1-3 was correlated with their binding affinity under dilute condition. 3 showed specific growth inhibition of cancer cell line Ca9-22 at <0.03 μM of IC50, with no inhibitory effect against normal bone marrow cells. 3, which has highest value of ΔH/ΔG, shows the highest inhibition ability for Ca9-22, carrying a highest expression level of telomerase mRNA.
Collapse
|
9
|
Geng Y, Liu C, Cai Q, Luo Z, Miao H, Shi X, Xu N, Fung CP, Choy TT, Yan B, Li N, Qian P, Zhou B, Zhu G. Crystal structure of parallel G-quadruplex formed by the two-repeat ALS- and FTD-related GGGGCC sequence. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5881-5890. [PMID: 34048588 PMCID: PMC8191786 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The hexanucleotide repeat expansion, GGGGCC (G4C2), within the first intron of the C9orf72 gene is known to be the most common genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The G4C2 repeat expansions, either DNA or RNA, are able to form G-quadruplexes which induce toxicity leading to ALS/FTD. Herein, we report a novel crystal structure of d(G4C2)2 that self-associates to form an eight-layer parallel tetrameric G-quadruplex. Two d(G4C2)2 associate together as a parallel dimeric G-quadruplex which folds into a tetramer via 5'-to-5' arrangements. Each dimer consists of four G-tetrads connected by two CC propeller loops. Especially, the 3'-end cytosines protrude out and form C·C+•C·C+/ C·C•C·C+ quadruple base pair or C•C·C+ triple base pair stacking on the dimeric block. Our work sheds light on the G-quadruplexes adopted by d(G4C2) and yields the invaluable structural details for the development of small molecules to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, ALS and FTD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Changdong Liu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Qixu Cai
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Zhipu Luo
- Institute of Molecular Enzymology, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Haitao Miao
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Naining Xu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Chun Po Fung
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - To To Choy
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Ning Li
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Peiyuan Qian
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 00000, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao J, Zhai Q. A highly selective switch-on fluorescence sensor targeting telomeric dimeric G-quadruplex. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 40:127971. [PMID: 33753263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fluorescence probes with high selectivity and sensitivity for telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes have attracted much attention. Nevertheless, few small molecules have exhibited telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes recognition specificity. Thus, there is an urgent demand to develop specific fluorescence probes for telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes. We reported herein the specific sensing of telomeric dimeric G-quadruplex TTA45 via a fluorescence light-up response using a commercially available triazine derivative HPTA-1 as a probe. HPTA-1 could discriminate the telomeric dimeric G-quadruplex TTA45 against other types of DNA structures accompanied by a drastic enhancement of the emission intensity without compromising the conformation and stability. Compared with most multimeric G-quadruplex recognition ligands, HPTA-1 had much simpler structure and lower molecular weight. The binding mechanism studies suggested that the distinct fluorescence response was caused by electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions of HPTA-1 with the pocket between two G-quadruplex units of telomeric dimeric G-quadruplex TTA45..
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingfang Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qianqian Zhai
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pirota V, Platella C, Musumeci D, Benassi A, Amato J, Pagano B, Colombo G, Freccero M, Doria F, Montesarchio D. On the binding of naphthalene diimides to a human telomeric G-quadruplex multimer model. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 166:1320-1334. [PMID: 33166559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To selectively target telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) DNA, monomeric and dimeric naphthalene diimides (NDIs) were investigated as binders of multimeric G4 structures able to discriminate duplex DNA. These NDIs were analysed by the affinity chromatography-based screening G4-CPG (G-quadruplex on Controlled Pore Glass), using the sequence d[AGGG(TTAGGG)7] (tel46), folding into two consecutive G4s, as model of the human telomeric G4 multimer. In parallel, a telomeric G4 monomer (tel26) and a duplex structure (ds27) were used as controls. According to G4-CPG screening, NDI-5 proved to be the best ligand in terms of dimeric G4 vs. duplex DNA selectivity and was analysed by circular dichroism (CD), gel electrophoresis, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence spectroscopy in its interactions with tel46. NDI-5 strongly binds and stabilizes tel46 G4, favouring a hybrid folding in K+-containing buffer. Under these conditions, the binding process comprises a first event involving three molecules of NDI-5 and a second one in which other six molecules bind to the DNA. In a metal cation-free system, NDI-5 induces tel46 G4 folding, as indicated by CD and PAGE, favouring an antiparallel structuring. Docking simulations showed that NDI-5 can effectively bind to the pocket between two G4 units, representing a promising ligand for multimeric G4s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Freccero
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao J, Zhai Q. Recent advances in the development of ligands specifically targeting telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes. Bioorg Chem 2020; 103:104229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
13
|
Liu J, Feng W, Zhang W. A single-molecule study reveals novel rod-like structures formed by a thrombin aptamer repeat sequence. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:4159-4166. [PMID: 32022812 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09054a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin aptamers (TBAs) have attracted much attention due to their various applications. The structures and properties of long ssDNA chains with multiple TBA repeat sequences are interesting and distinct from those of their monomers. Due to the complexity of the sample system, it is quite difficult to reveal the structure of such a long-chain ssDNA using traditional methods. In this work, we investigated the repeated ssDNA by using single-molecule magnetic tweezers and AFM imaging. To do that we developed the polymerase change-rolling circle amplification (PC-RCA) synthetic method and prepared two-end modified repeated ssDNA. The rod-like G4 structures formed by intramolecular stacking of the repeat sequence were for the first time identified. This novel structure is different from those higher-order quadruplex structures formed by G-tetrads or loop-mediated interactions. It is also quite interesting to find that the increase of the TBA copy number can unitize the diversity of TBA conformation to the best-fit binding structure for thrombin. The methodology developed in this work can be used for studying other repeat sequences in the genome, such as telomeric DNA as well as interactions of ssDNA with the binding molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Feng
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Papi F, Bazzicalupi C, Ferraroni M, Ciolli G, Lombardi P, Khan AY, Kumar GS, Gratteri P. Pyridine Derivative of the Natural Alkaloid Berberine as Human Telomeric G 4-DNA Binder: A Solution and Solid-State Study. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:645-650. [PMID: 32435365 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is an enzyme deputed to the maintenance of eukaryotic chromosomes; however, its overexpression is a recognized hallmark of many cancer forms. A viable route for the inhibition of telomerase in malignant cells is the stabilization of G-quadruplex structures (G4) at the 3' overhang of telomeres. Berberine has shown in this regard valuable G4 binding properties together with a significant anticancer activity and telomerase inhibition effects. Here, we focused on a berberine derivative featuring a pyridine containing side group at the 13th position. Such modification actually improves the binding toward telomeric G-quadruplexes and establishes a degree of selectivity in the interaction with different sequences. Moreover, the X-ray crystal structure obtained for the complex formed by the ligand and a bimolecular human telomeric quadruplex affords a better understanding of the 13-berberine derivatives behavior with telomeric G4 and allows to draw useful insights for the future design of derivatives with remarkable anticancer properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Giulia Ciolli
- Department of Chemistry ’Ugo Schiff’, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio 70, 20026 Novate Milanese (MI), Italy
| | - Asma Yasmeen Khan
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Gopinatha Suresh Kumar
- Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata 700 032, India
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Department NEUROFARBA − Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section and Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kolesnikova S, Curtis EA. Structure and Function of Multimeric G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173074. [PMID: 31450559 PMCID: PMC6749722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures formed from stacked guanine tetrads. They are frequently used as building blocks and functional elements in fields such as synthetic biology and also thought to play widespread biological roles. G-quadruplexes are often studied as monomers, but can also form a variety of higher-order structures. This increases the structural and functional diversity of G-quadruplexes, and recent evidence suggests that it could also be biologically important. In this review, we describe the types of multimeric topologies adopted by G-quadruplexes and highlight what is known about their sequence requirements. We also summarize the limited information available about potential biological roles of multimeric G-quadruplexes and suggest new approaches that could facilitate future studies of these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kolesnikova
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Edward A Curtis
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lightfoot HL, Hagen T, Tatum NJ, Hall J. The diverse structural landscape of quadruplexes. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2083-2102. [PMID: 31325371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary structures formed in G-rich sequences in DNA and RNA. Considerable research over the past three decades has led to in-depth insight into these unusual structures in DNA. Since the more recent exploration into RNA G-quadruplexes, such structures have demonstrated their in cellulo existence, function and roles in pathology. In comparison to Watson-Crick-based secondary structures, most G-quadruplexes display highly redundant structural characteristics. However, numerous reports of G-quadruplex motifs/structures with unique features (e.g. bulges, long loops, vacancy) have recently surfaced, expanding the repertoire of G-quadruplex scaffolds. This review addresses G-quadruplex formation and structure, including recent reports of non-canonical G-quadruplex structures. Improved methods of detection will likely further expand this collection of novel structures and ultimately change the face of quadruplex-RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timo Hagen
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Saranathan N, Biswas B, Patra A, Vivekanandan P. G-quadruplexes may determine the landscape of recombination in HSV-1. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:382. [PMID: 31096907 PMCID: PMC6524338 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5731-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several lines of evidence suggest that recombination plays a central role in replication and evolution of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). G-quadruplex (G4)-motifs have been linked to recombination events in human and microbial genomes, but their role in recombination has not been studied in DNA viruses. Results The availability of near full-length sequences from 40 HSV-1 recombinant strains with exact position of the recombination breakpoints provided us with a unique opportunity to investigate the role of G4-motifs in recombination among herpes viruses. We mapped the G4-motifs in the parental and all the 40 recombinant strains. Interestingly, the genome-wide distribution of breakpoints closely mirrors the G4 densities in the HSV-1 genome; regions of the genome with higher G4 densities had higher number of recombination breakpoints. Biophysical characterization of oligonucleotides from a subset of predicted G4-motifs confirmed the formation of G-quadruplex structures. Our analysis also reveals that G4-motifs are enriched in regions flanking the recombination breakpoints. Interestingly, about 11% of breakpoints lie within a G4-motif, making these DNA secondary structures hotspots for recombination in the HSV-1 genome. Breakpoints within G4-motifs predominantly lie within G4-clusters rather than individual G4-motifs. Of note, we identified the terminal guanosine of G4-clusters at the boundaries of the UL (unique long) region on either side of the OriL (origin of replication within UL) represented the commonest breakpoint among the HSV-1 recombinants. Conclusion Our findings suggest a correlation between the HSV-1 recombination landscape and the distribution of G4-motifs and G4-clusters, with possible implications for the evolution of DNA viruses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5731-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandhini Saranathan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Banhi Biswas
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupam Patra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The genome-wide occurrence of G-quadruplexes and their demonstrated biological activities call for detailed understanding on the stability and transition kinetics of the structures. Although the core structural element in a G-quadruplex is simple and requires only four tandem repeats of Guanine rich sequences, there is rather rich conformational diversity in this structure. Corresponding to this structural diversity, it displays involved transition kinetics within individual G-quadruplexes and complicated interconversion among different G-quadruplex species. Due to the inherently high signal-to-noise ratio in the measurement, single-molecule tools offer a unique capability to investigate the thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanical properties of G-quadruplexes with dynamic conformations. In this chapter, we describe different single molecule methods such as atomic-force microscopy (AFM), single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET), optical, magnetic, and magneto-optical tweezers to investigate G-quadruplex structures as well as their interactions with small-molecule ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Mandal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | | | - Hanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ihmels H, Jiang S, Mahmoud MMA, Schönherr H, Wesner D, Zamrik I. Fluorimetric Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA in Solution and Adsorbed on Surfaces with a Selective Trinuclear Cyanine Dye. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:11866-11877. [PMID: 30173518 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Quadruplex DNA, which is a relevant target for anticancer therapies, may alter its conformation because of interactions with interfaces. In pursuit of a versatile methodology to probe adsorption-induced conformational changes, the interaction between a fluorescent [2.2.2]heptamethinecyanine dye and quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) was studied in solution and on surfaces. In solution, the cyanine dye exhibits a strong light-up effect upon the association with G4-DNA without interference from double-stranded DNA. In addition, a terminal π-stacking as a binding mode between the cyanine dye and G4-DNA is concluded using NMR spectroscopy. To unravel the effects of adsorption on the conformation of quadruplex-DNA, G4-DNA, and double-stranded and single-stranded DNA were adsorbed to positively charged poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) surfaces, both in planar and in constrained 55 nm diameter aluminum oxide nanopore formats. All DNA forms showed a very strong affinity to the PAH surfaces as shown by surface plasmon resonance and reflectometric interference spectroscopy. The significant increase of the fluorescence emission intensity of the cyanine light-up probe observed exclusively for surface immobilized G4-DNA affords evidence for the adsorption of G4-DNA on PAH with retained quadruplex conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| | - Siyu Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| | - Mohamed M A Mahmoud
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| | - Holger Schönherr
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| | - Daniel Wesner
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| | - Imad Zamrik
- Department of Chemistry and Biology , University of Siegen, and Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ) , Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 , 57068 Siegen , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kar A, Jones N, Arat NÖ, Fishel R, Griffith JD. Long repeating (TTAGGG) n single-stranded DNA self-condenses into compact beaded filaments stabilized by G-quadruplex formation. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9473-9485. [PMID: 29674319 PMCID: PMC6005428 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformations adopted by long stretches of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) are of central interest in understanding the architecture of replication forks, R loops, and other structures generated during DNA metabolism in vivo This is particularly so if the ssDNA consists of short nucleotide repeats. Such studies have been hampered by the lack of defined substrates greater than ∼150 nt and the absence of high-resolution biophysical approaches. Here we describe the generation of very long ssDNA consisting of the mammalian telomeric repeat (5'-TTAGGG-3') n , as well as the interrogation of its structure by EM and single-molecule magnetic tweezers (smMT). This repeat is of particular interest because it contains a run of three contiguous guanine residues capable of forming G quartets as ssDNA. Fluorescent-dye exclusion assays confirmed that this G-strand ssDNA forms ubiquitous G-quadruplex folds. EM revealed thick bead-like filaments that condensed the DNA ∼12-fold. The bead-like structures were 5 and 8 nm in diameter and linked by thin filaments. The G-strand ssDNA displayed initial stability to smMT force extension that ultimately released in steps that were multiples ∼28 nm at forces between 6 and 12 pN, well below the >20 pN required to unravel G-quadruplexes. Most smMT steps were consistent with the disruption of the beads seen by EM. Binding by RAD51 distinctively altered the force extension properties of the G-strand ssDNA, suggesting a stochastic G-quadruplex-dependent condensation model that is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Kar
- From the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Nathan Jones
- the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- the Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, and
| | - N Özlem Arat
- From the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Richard Fishel
- the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210,
- the Interdisciplinary Biophysics Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, and
| | - Jack D Griffith
- From the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a leading cause of death in the developed world and a natural, albeit unfortunate, consequence of longer-lived populations. Despite great demand for therapeutic intervention, it is often the case that these diseases are insufficiently understood at the basic molecular level. What little is known has prompted much hopeful speculation about a generalized mechanistic thread that ties these disparate conditions together at the subcellular level and can be exploited for broad curative benefit. In this review, we discuss a prominent theory supported by genetic and pathological changes in an array of neurodegenerative diseases: that neurons are particularly vulnerable to disruption of RNA-binding protein dosage and dynamics. Here we synthesize the progress made at the clinical, genetic, and biophysical levels and conclude that this perspective offers the most parsimonious explanation for these mysterious diseases. Where appropriate, we highlight the reciprocal benefits of cross-disciplinary collaboration between disease specialists and RNA biologists as we envision a future in which neurodegeneration declines and our understanding of the broad importance of RNA processing deepens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Conlon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - James L Manley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhou CQ, Liao TC, Li ZQ, Gonzalez-Garcia J, Reynolds M, Zou M, Vilar R. Dinickel-Salphen Complexes as Binders of Human Telomeric Dimeric G-Quadruplexes. Chemistry 2017; 23:4713-4722. [PMID: 28207952 PMCID: PMC5516229 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201700276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Three new polyether‐tethered dinickel–salphen complexes (2 a–c) have been synthesized and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The binding affinity and selectivity of these complexes and of the parent mono‐nickel complex (1) towards dimeric quadruplex DNA have been determined by UV/Vis titrations, fluorescence spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and electrophoresis. These studies have shown that the dinickel–salphen complex with the longest polyether linker (2 c) has higher binding affinity and selectivity towards dimeric quadruplexes (over monomeric quadruplexes) than the dinickel–salphen complexes with the shorter polyether linkers (2 a and 2 b). Complex 2 c also has higher selectivity towards human telomeric dimeric quadruplexes with one TTA linker than the monometallic complex 1. Based on the spectroscopic data, a possible binding mode between complex 2 c and the dimeric G‐quadruplex DNA under study is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Qiong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW72AZ, UK.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ting-Cong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Qi Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jorge Gonzalez-Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW72AZ, UK
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW72AZ, UK
| | - Min Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW72AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dolinnaya NG, Ogloblina AM, Yakubovskaya MG. Structure, Properties, and Biological Relevance of the DNA and RNA G-Quadruplexes: Overview 50 Years after Their Discovery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:1602-1649. [PMID: 28260487 PMCID: PMC7087716 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916130034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), which are known to have important roles in regulation of key biological processes in both normal and pathological cells, are the most actively studied non-canonical structures of nucleic acids. In this review, we summarize the results of studies published in recent years that change significantly scientific views on various aspects of our understanding of quadruplexes. Modern notions on the polymorphism of DNA quadruplexes, on factors affecting thermodynamics and kinetics of G4 folding–unfolding, on structural organization of multiquadruplex systems, and on conformational features of RNA G4s and hybrid DNA–RNA G4s are discussed. Here we report the data on location of G4 sequence motifs in the genomes of eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses, characterize G4-specific small-molecule ligands and proteins, as well as the mechanisms of their interactions with quadruplexes. New information on the structure and stability of G4s in telomeric DNA and oncogene promoters is discussed as well as proof being provided on the occurrence of G-quadruplexes in cells. Prominence is given to novel experimental techniques (single molecule manipulations, optical and magnetic tweezers, original chemical approaches, G4 detection in situ, in-cell NMR spectroscopy) that facilitate breakthroughs in the investigation of the structure and functions of G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G Dolinnaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen J, Guo Y, Zhou J, Ju H. The Effect of Adenine Repeats on G-quadruplex/hemin Peroxidase Mimicking DNAzyme Activity. Chemistry 2017; 23:4210-4215. [PMID: 28121370 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201700040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic activity of G-quadruplex/hemin is much lower than that of proteinous enzymes, so it is very important to increase its activity. Very recently, flanking sequences, which can be regarded as an external part of G-quadruplexes, were found to enhance the activity of G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. However, little is known about the effect of internal parts, such as loop sequences and linkers, on the activity. In the present study, adenine repeats were incorporated into several designed G-quadruplex structures either in the loops, bulges, or linkers, and the constructed G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme exhibit about fivefold improvement in peroxidase-mimicking activity in some cases. The enhancement effect may result from the formation of compound I, protoporphyrin⋅FeIV =O.+ , accelerated by dA repeats, which was demonstrated by H2 O2 decay kinetics and pH dependency analysis. The novel enhancement methods described here may help in the development of high-activity DNAzymes, illustrated by a dimer G-quadruplex with flanking adenine at one end, a relatively long adenine run in one loop, and another adenine run in the linker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuehua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Huangxian Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bag SS, Pradhan MK, Talukdar S. Tetrazolylpyrene unnatural nucleoside as a human telomeric multimeric G-quadruplex selective switch-on fluorescent sensor. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:10145-10150. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02433a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Specific sensing of dimeric H45 G-quadruplex DNA using a fluorescence light-up probe, tetrazolylpyrene nucleoside (TzPyBDo), is reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhendu Sekhar Bag
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- North Guwhati-781039
- India
| | - Manoj Kumar Pradhan
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- North Guwhati-781039
- India
| | - Sangita Talukdar
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory
- Department of Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
- North Guwhati-781039
- India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rigo R, Palumbo M, Sissi C. G-quadruplexes in human promoters: A challenge for therapeutic applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1399-1413. [PMID: 28025083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-rich sequences undergo unique structural equilibria to form G-quadruplexes (G4) both in vitro and in cell systems. Several pathologies emerged to be directly related to G4 occurrence at defined genomic portions. Additionally, G-rich sequences are significantly represented around transcription start sites (TSS) thus leading to the hypothesis of a gene regulatory function for G4. Thus, the tuning of G4 formation has been proposed as a new powerful tool to regulate gene expression to treat related pathologies. However, up-to date this approach did not provide any new really efficient treatment. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we summarize the most recent advances on the correlation between the structural features of G4 in human promoters and the role these systems physiologically exert. In particular we focus on the effect of G4 localization among cell compartments and along the promoters in correlation with protein interaction networks and epigenetic state. Finally the intrinsic structural features of G4 at promoters are discussed to unveil the contribution of different G4 structural modules in this complex architecture. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS It emerges that G4s play several roles in the intriguing and complex mechanism of gene expression, being able to produce opposite effects on the same target. This reflects the occurrence of a highly variegate network of several components working simultaneously. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The resulting picture is still fuzzy but some points of strength are definitely emerging, which prompts all of us to strengthen our efforts in view of a selective control of gene expression through G4 modulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rigo
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Manlio Palumbo
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chariker JH, Miller DM, Rouchka EC. Computational Analysis of G-Quadruplex Forming Sequences across Chromosomes Reveals High Density Patterns Near the Terminal Ends. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165101. [PMID: 27776185 PMCID: PMC5077116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structures (G4) are found throughout the human genome and are known to play a regulatory role in a variety of molecular processes. Structurally, they have many configurations and can form from one or more DNA strands. At the gene level, they regulate gene expression and protein synthesis. In this paper, chromosomal-level patterns of distribution are analyzed on the human genome to identify high-level distribution patterns potentially related to global functional processes. Here we show unique high density banding patterns on individual chromosomes that are highly correlated, appearing in a mirror pattern, across forward and reverse DNA strands. The highest density of G4 sequences occurs within four megabases of one end of most chromosomes and contains G4 motifs that bind with zinc finger proteins. These findings suggest that G4 may play a role in global chromosomal processes such as those found in meiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia H. Chariker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
- Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
| | - Donald M. Miller
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
| | - Eric C. Rouchka
- Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America
- Department of Computer Engineering and Computer Science, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li Y, Syed J, Suzuki Y, Asamitsu S, Shioda N, Wada T, Sugiyama H. Effect of ATRX and G-Quadruplex Formation by the VNTR Sequence on α-Globin Gene Expression. Chembiochem 2016; 17:928-35. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
| | - Junetha Syed
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
| | - Yuki Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
| | - Sefan Asamitsu
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
| | - Norifumi Shioda
- Department of Pharmacology; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Tohoku University; Sendai 980-8578 Japan
| | - Takahito Wada
- Department of Medical Ethics and Medical Genetics; Graduate School of Medicine; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate School of Science; Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8502 Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS); Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8501 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary structures found in guanine rich regions of DNA and RNA. Reports have indicated the wide occurrence of RNA G-quadruplexes across the transcriptome in various regions of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. RNA G-quadruplexes have been implicated in playing an important role in translational regulation, mRNA processing events and maintenance of chromosomal end integrity. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional aspects of RNA G-quadruplexes with emphasis on recent progress to understand the protein/trans factors binding these motifs. With the revelation of the importance of these secondary structures as regulatory modules in biology, we have also evaluated the various advancements towards targeting these structures and the challenges associated with them. Apart from this, numerous potential applications of this secondary motif have also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Agarwala
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kaushik M, Kaushik S, Roy K, Singh A, Mahendru S, Kumar M, Chaudhary S, Ahmed S, Kukreti S. A bouquet of DNA structures: Emerging diversity. Biochem Biophys Rep 2016; 5:388-395. [PMID: 28955846 PMCID: PMC5600441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural polymorphism of DNA has constantly been evolving from the time of illustration of the double helical model of DNA by Watson and Crick. A variety of non-canonical DNA structures have constantly been documented across the globe. DNA attracted worldwide attention as a carrier of genetic information. In addition to the classical Watson–Crick duplex, DNA can actually adopt diverse structures during its active participation in cellular processes like replication, transcription, recombination and repair. Structures like hairpin, cruciform, triplex, G-triplex, quadruplex, i-motif and other alternative non-canonical DNA structures have been studied at length and have also shown their in vivo occurrence. This review mainly focuses on non-canonical structures adopted by DNA oligonucleotides which have certain prerequisites for their formation in terms of sequence, its length, number and orientation of strands along with varied solution conditions. This conformational polymorphism of DNA might be the basis of different functional properties of a specific set of DNA sequences, further giving some insights for various extremely complicated biological phenomena. Many of these structures have already shown their linkages with diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, hence making them an extremely striking target for structure-specific drug designing and therapeutic applications. DNA can adopt diverse range of structures other than classical Watson–Crick duplex. Discussion of alternate structures like hairpin, cruciform, triplex, quadruplex etc. This review gives some insights for the biological relevance of DNA structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Kaushik
- Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.,Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shikha Kaushik
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Roy
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anju Singh
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Swati Mahendru
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Mohan Kumar
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Swati Chaudhary
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Saami Ahmed
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shrikant Kukreti
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Saintomé C, Amrane S, Mergny JL, Alberti P. The exception that confirms the rule: a higher-order telomeric G-quadruplex structure more stable in sodium than in potassium. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:2926-35. [PMID: 26762980 PMCID: PMC4824101 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are stabilized by several cations, in particular by potassium and sodium ions. Generally, potassium stabilizes guanine-quartet assemblies to a larger extent than sodium; in this article we report about a higher-order G4 structure more stable in sodium than in potassium. Repeats of the DNA GGGTTA telomeric motif fold into contiguous G4 units. Using three independent approaches (thermal denaturation experiments, isothermal molecular-beacon and protein-binding assays), we show that the (GGGTTA)7GGG sequence, folding into two contiguous G4 units, exhibits an unusual feature among G4 motifs: despite a lower thermal stability, its sodium conformation is more stable than its potassium counterpart at physiological temperature. Using differential scanning calorimetry and mutated sequences, we show that this switch in the relative stability of the sodium and potassium conformations (occurring around 45°C in 100 mM cation concentration) is the result of a more favorable enthalpy change upon folding in sodium, generated by stabilizing interactions between the two G4 units in the sodium conformation. Our work demonstrates that interactions between G4 structural domains can make a higher-order structure more stable in sodium than in potassium, even though its G4 structural domains are individually more stable in potassium than in sodium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Saintomé
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Sorbonne Universités, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Inserm U 1154, CNRS UMR 7196, Paris, France UPMC (Université Pierre et Marie Curie) Université Paris 6, UFR 927, Paris, France
| | - Samir Amrane
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, Bordeaux, France IECB (Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie), Inserm U 869, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Université de Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, Bordeaux, France IECB (Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie), Inserm U 869, Pessac, France
| | - Patrizia Alberti
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Sorbonne Universités, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Inserm U 1154, CNRS UMR 7196, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Selvam S, Yu Z, Mao H. Exploded view of higher order G-quadruplex structures through click-chemistry assisted single-molecule mechanical unfolding. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 44:45-55. [PMID: 26626151 PMCID: PMC4705664 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv1326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the long-range nature of high-order interactions between distal components in a biomolecule, transition dynamics of tertiary structures is often too complex to profile using conventional methods. Inspired by the exploded view in mechanical drawing, here, we used laser tweezers to mechanically dissect high-order DNA structures into two constituting G-quadruplexes in the promoter of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. Assisted with click-chemistry coupling, we sandwiched one G-quadruplex with two dsDNA handles while leaving the other unit free. Mechanical unfolding through these handles revealed transition dynamics of the targeted quadruplex in a native environment, which is named as native mechanical segmentation (NMS). Comparison between unfolding of an NMS construct and that of truncated G-quadruplex constructs revealed a quadruplex-quadruplex interaction with 2 kcal/mol stabilization energy. After mechanically targeting the two G-quadruplexes together, the same interaction was observed during the first unfolding step. The unfolding then proceeded through disrupting the weaker G-quadruplex at the 5'-end, followed by the stronger G-quadruplex at the 3'-end via various intermediates. Such a pecking order in unfolding well reflects the hierarchical nature of nucleic acid structures. With surgery-like precisions, we anticipate this NMS approach offers unprecedented perspective to decipher dynamic transitions in complex biomacromolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Selvam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Zhongbo Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Hanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Morgan RK, Batra H, Gaerig VC, Hockings J, Brooks TA. Identification and characterization of a new G-quadruplex forming region within the kRAS promoter as a transcriptional regulator. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1859:235-45. [PMID: 26597160 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
kRAS is one of the most prevalent oncogenic aberrations. It is either upregulated or mutationally activated in a multitude of cancers, including pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers. While a significant effort has been made to develop drugs that target kRAS, their clinical activity has been disappointing due to a variety of mechanistic hurdles. The presented works describe a novel mechanism and molecular target to downregulate kRAS expression--a previously undescribed G-quadruplex (G4) secondary structure within the proximal promoter acting as a transcriptional silencer. There are three distinct guanine-rich regions within the core kRAS promoter, including a previously examined region (G4near). Of these regions, the most distal region does not form an inducible and stable structure, whereas the two more proximal regions (termed near and mid) do form strong G4s. G4near is predominantly a tri-stacked structure with a discontinuous guanine run incorporated; G4mid consists of seven distinct runs of continuous guanines and forms numerous competing isoforms, including a stable three-tetrad stacked mixed parallel and antiparallel loop structures with longer loops of up to 10 nucleotides. Comprehensive analysis of the regulation of transcription by higher order structures has revealed that the guanine-rich region in the middle of the core promoter, termed G4mid, is a stronger repressor of promoter activity than G4near. Using the extensive guanine-rich region of the kRAS core promoter, and particularly the G4mid structure, as the primary target, future drug discovery programs will have potential to develop a potent, specifically targeted small molecule to be used in the treatment of pancreatic, ovarian, lung, and colon cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna K Morgan
- School of Pharmacy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Harshul Batra
- School of Pharmacy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Vanessa C Gaerig
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jennifer Hockings
- School of Pharmacy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Tracy A Brooks
- School of Pharmacy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tanpure AA, Srivatsan SG. Conformation-sensitive nucleoside analogues as topology-specific fluorescence turn-on probes for DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2015. [PMID: 26202965 PMCID: PMC4678839 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of probes that can discriminate G-quadruplex (GQ) structures and indentify efficient GQ binders on the basis of topology and nucleic acid type is highly desired to advance GQ-directed therapeutic strategies. In this context, we describe the development of minimally perturbing and environment-sensitive pyrimidine nucleoside analogues, based on a 5-(benzofuran-2-yl)uracil core, as topology-specific fluorescence turn-on probes for human telomeric DNA and RNA GQs. The pyrimidine residues of one of the loop regions (TTA) of telomeric DNA and RNA GQ oligonucleotide (ON) sequences were replaced with 5-benzofuran-modified 2′-deoxyuridine and uridine analogues. Depending on the position of modification the fluorescent nucleoside analogues distinguish antiparallel, mixed parallel-antiparallel and parallel stranded DNA and RNA GQ topologies from corresponding duplexes with significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity and quantum yield. Further, these GQ sensors enabled the development of a simple fluorescence binding assay to quantify topology- and nucleic acid-specific binding of small molecule ligands to GQ structures. Together, our results demonstrate that these nucleoside analogues are useful GQ probes, which are anticipated to provide new opportunities to study and discover efficient G-quadruplex binders of therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun A Tanpure
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India
| | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang Q, Liu YC, Kong DM, Guo DS. Tetraphenylethene Derivatives with Different Numbers of Positively Charged Side Arms have Different Multimeric G-Quadruplex Recognition Specificity. Chemistry 2015; 21:13253-60. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201501847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
36
|
Li Y, Sugiyama H. Photoreactivity of the linker region of two consecutive G-quadruplexes formed by human telomeric DNA. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:8861-4. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cc01812a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The photoreaction method was applied to probe the linker region of two consecutive G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 606-8502
- Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 606-8502
- Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sabale PM, George JT, Srivatsan SG. A base-modified PNA-graphene oxide platform as a turn-on fluorescence sensor for the detection of human telomeric repeats. NANOSCALE 2014; 6:10460-9. [PMID: 24981293 DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00878b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Given the biological and therapeutic significance of telomeres and other G-quadruplex forming sequences in human genome, it is highly desirable to develop simple methods to study these structures, which can also be implemented in screening formats for the discovery of G-quadruplex binders. The majority of telomere detection methods developed so far are laborious and use elaborate assay and instrumental setups, and hence, are not amenable to discovery platforms. Here, we describe the development of a simple homogeneous fluorescence turn-on method, which uses a unique combination of an environment-sensitive fluorescent nucleobase analogue, the superior base pairing property of PNA, and DNA-binding and fluorescence quenching properties of graphene oxide, to detect human telomeric DNA repeats of varying lengths. Our results demonstrate that this method, which does not involve a rigorous assay setup, would provide new opportunities to study G-quadruplex structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod M Sabale
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Huang XX, Zhu LN, Wu B, Huo YF, Duan NN, Kong DM. Two cationic porphyrin isomers showing different multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity against monomeric G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:8719-31. [PMID: 24939896 PMCID: PMC4117758 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligands that can interact specifically with telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes could be developed as promising anticancer drugs with few side effects related to other G-quadruplex-forming regions. In this paper, a new cationic porphyrin derivative, m-TMPipEOPP, was synthesized and characterized. Its multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity under molecular crowding conditions was compared to its isomer p-TMPipEOPP. The slight structural difference accounts for different multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity for the two isomers. p-TMPipEOPP can barely discriminate between multimeric and monomeric G-quadruplexes. By contrast, m-TMPipEOPP can bind with multimeric but not with monomeric G-quadruplexes. p-TMPipEOPP might bind to multimeric G-quadruplexes by two modes: sandwich-like end-stacking mode and pocket-dependent intercalative mode. Increasing the pocket size between adjacent two G-quadruplex uints is beneficial for the latter mode. m-TMPipEOPP might bind to multimeric G-quadruplexes by a side binding mode, which confers m-TMPipEOPP with higher multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity compared to p-TMPipEOPP. m-TMPipEOPP increases the stability of multimeric G-quadruplex under both dilute and molecular crowding conditions but its G-quadruplex-stabilizing ability is a little weaker than p-TMPipEOPP. These results provide important information for the design of highly specific multimeric G-quadruplex ligands. Another interesting finding is that pocket size is an important factor in determining the stability of multimeric G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Li-Na Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, PR China Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Yan-Fang Huo
- Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Na-Na Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - De-Ming Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300071, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhao C, Wu L, Ren J, Xu Y, Qu X. Targeting Human Telomeric Higher-Order DNA: Dimeric G-Quadruplex Units Serve as Preferred Binding Site. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:18786-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ja410723r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqi Zhao
- Division
of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth
Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun
Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Li Wu
- Division
of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth
Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun
Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Division
of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth
Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun
Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Division
of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Division
of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth
Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun
Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pagano B, Randazzo A, Fotticchia I, Novellino E, Petraccone L, Giancola C. Differential scanning calorimetry to investigate G-quadruplexes structural stability. Methods 2013; 64:43-51. [PMID: 23500655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a straightforward methodology to characterize the energetics of thermally-induced transitions of DNA and other biological macromolecules. Therefore, DSC has been used to study the thermodynamic stability of several nucleic acids structures. G-quadruplexes are among the most important non-canonical nucleic acid architectures that are receiving great consideration. This article reports examples on the contribution of DSC to the knowledge of G-quadruplex structures. The selected case studies show the potential of this method in investigating the structure stability of G-quadruplex forming nucleic acids, and in providing information on their structural complexity. Indeed, DSC can determine thermodynamic parameters of G-quadruplex folding/unfolding processes, but it can also be useful to reveal the formation of multiple conformations or the presence of intermediate states along the unfolding pathway, and to evaluate the impact of chemical modifications on their structural stability. This article aims to show that DSC is an important complementary methodology to structural techniques, such as NMR and X-ray crystallography, in the study of G-quadruplex forming nucleic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pagano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|