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Donato L, Scimone C, Alibrandi S, Mordà D, Anchesi I, Scalinci SZ, Rinaldi C, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. Investigating G-quadruplex structures in RPGR gene: Implications for understanding X-linked retinal degeneration. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29828. [PMID: 38699732 PMCID: PMC11063440 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims This pilot study investigates the potential pathogenic role of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in RPGR-associated retinal degeneration, starting from a case of suspected X-linked form affected family. We hypothesize that the stabilization of these structures might alter DNA replication and transcription, inducing genetic instability and influencing gene expression. Main methods We conducted whole genome amplification experiments and next-generation sequencing to detect the blockade of polymerase activity by G4 structures. Our specific focus was the RPGR gene, which hosts a high concentration of predicted G4-forming motifs and is implicated in most X-linked retinal degeneration cases. To understand the potential interference of G4 structures, we applied computational and 3D molecular modeling to visualize interferences in DNA replication and transcription regulation. Key findings Our data confirmed the obstruction of DNA polymerase enzymes by G4 structures, particularly when stabilized by the compound pyridostatin. This obstruction was evident in the reduced amplification of RPGR gene regions and a shift in the start/end sites of putative G4 motifs. Moreover, the modeling indicated a potential disruption of critical promoter elements and RNA polymerase binding, which could drastically alter gene expression. Significance Our findings suggest that G4 formation in the RPGR gene could lead to genetic instability and affect the expression of RPGR, contributing to retinal dystrophy. Moreover, this study underscores the broader implications of G4 structures in other genetic disorders. Improved understanding of G4 structures could reveal novel therapeutic targets to combat genetic disorders, promoting the advancement of personalized medicine and precision health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, 90139, Italy
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, 90139, Italy
| | - Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, 90139, Italy
| | - Domenico Mordà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics and Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., Palermo, 90139, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98122, Messina, Italy
| | - Ivan Anchesi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
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Alibrandi S, Nicita F, Donato L, Scimone C, Rinaldi C, D’Angelo R, Sidoti A. Adaptive Modelling of Mutated FMO3 Enzyme Could Unveil Unexplored Scenarios Linking Variant Haplotypes to TMAU Phenotypes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26227045. [PMID: 34834137 PMCID: PMC8618768 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26227045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare genetic disease characterized by the accumulation of trimethylamine (TMA) and its subsequent excretion trough main body fluids, determining the characteristic fish odour in affected patients. We realized an experimental study to investigate the role of several coding variants in the causative gene FMO3, that were only considered as polymorphic or benign, even if the available literature on them did not functionally explain their ineffectiveness on the encoded enzyme. Methods: Mutational analysis of 26 TMAU patients was realized by Sanger sequencing. Detected variants were, subsequently, deeply statistically and in silico characterized to determine their possible effects on the enzyme activity. To achieve this goal, a docking prediction for TMA/FMO3 and an unbinding pathway study were performed. Finally, a TMAO/TMA urine quantification by 1H-NMR spectroscopy was performed to support modelling results. Results: The FMO3 screening of all patients highlighted the presence of 17 variants distributed in 26 different haplotypes. Both non-sense and missense considered variants might impair the enzymatic kinetics of FMO3, probably reducing the interaction time between the protein catalytic site and TMA, or losing the wild-type binding site. Conclusions: Even if further functional assays will confirm our predictive results, considering the possible role of FMO3 variants with still uncertain effects, might be a relevant step towards the detection of novel scenarios in TMAU etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Alibrandi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiana Nicita
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., 90139 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-3136
| | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomolecular Strategies, Genetics, Cutting-Edge Therapies, I.E.ME.S.T., 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Rosalia D’Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.A.); (F.N.); (C.S.); (C.R.); (R.D.); (A.S.)
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