1
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Andreeva DV, Vedekhina TS, Gostev AS, Dezhenkova LG, Volodina YL, Markova AA, Nguyen MT, Ivanova OM, Dolgusheva VА, Varizhuk AM, Tikhomirov AS, Shchekotikhin AE. Thiadiazole-, selenadiazole- and triazole-fused anthraquinones as G-quadruplex targeting anticancer compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116222. [PMID: 38387333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) ligands attract considerable attention as potential anticancer therapeutics. In this study we proposed an original scheme for synthesis of azole-fused anthraquinones and prepared a series of G4 ligands carrying amino- or guanidinoalkylamino side chains. The heterocyclic core and structure of the terminal groups strongly affect on binding to G4-forming oligonucleotides, cellular accumulation and antitumor potency of compounds. In particular, thiadiazole- and selenadiazole- but not triazole-based ligands inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells (e.g. K562 leukemia) and stabilize primarily telomeric and c-MYC G4s. Anthraselenadiazole derivative 11a showed a good affinity to c-MYC G4 in vitro and down-regulated expression of c-MYC oncogene in cellular conditions. Further studies revealed that anthraselenadiazole 11a provoked cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner inhibiting K562 cells growth. Taken together, this work gives a valuable example that the closely related heterocycles may cause a significant difference in biological properties of G4 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Andreeva
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow, 119021, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Vedekhina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physico-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435, Moscow, Malaya Pirogovskaya, 1a, Russia; Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA - Russian Technological University, 119571, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Gostev
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow, 119021, Russia; Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, 125047, Moscow, Miusskaya square, 9, Russia
| | - Lyubov G Dezhenkova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow, 119021, Russia
| | - Yulia L Volodina
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 11 B. Pirogovskaya Street, Moscow, 119021, Russia; Blokhin National Medical Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, Moscow, 115478, Russia
| | - Alina A Markova
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygin Street, 4, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Minh Tuan Nguyen
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kosygin Street, 4, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Olga M Ivanova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physico-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435, Moscow, Malaya Pirogovskaya, 1a, Russia
| | - Vladislava А Dolgusheva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physico-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435, Moscow, Malaya Pirogovskaya, 1a, Russia; Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physico-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435, Moscow, Malaya Pirogovskaya, 1a, Russia; Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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2
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Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Luo Q, Wu T, Huo J, Yin M, Peng H, Xiao Y, Tong Q, You H. Distinguishing G-Quadruplexes Stabilizer and Chaperone for c- MYC Promoter G-Quadruplexes through Single-Molecule Manipulation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:3689-3699. [PMID: 38296825 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) selective stabilizing ligands can regulate c-MYC gene expression, but the kinetic basis remains unclear. Determining the effects of ligands on c-MYC promoter G4s' folding/unfolding kinetics is challenging due to the polymorphic nature of G4s and the high energy barrier to unfold c-MYC promoter G4s. Here, we used single-molecule magnetic tweezers to manipulate a duplex hairpin containing a c-MYC promoter sequence to mimic the transiently denatured duplex during transcription. We measured the effects of six commonly used G4s binding ligands on the competition between quadruplex and duplex structures, as well as the folding/unfolding kinetics of G4s. Our results revealed two distinct roles for G4s selective stabilization: CX-5461 is mainly acting as c-MYC G4s stabilizer, reducing the unfolding rate (ku) of c-MYC G4s, whereas PDS and 360A also act as G4s chaperone, accelerating the folding rates (kf) of c-MYC G4s. qRT-PCR results obtained from CA46 and Raji cell lines demonstrated that G4s stabilizing ligands can downregulate c-MYC expression, while G4s stabilizer CX-5461 exhibited the strongest c-MYC gene suppression. These results shed light on the potential of manipulating G4s' folding/unfolding kinetics by ligands for precise regulation of promoter G4-associated biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashuo Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuanlei Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Qun Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tongbo Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Junfeng Huo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qingyi Tong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Huijuan You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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3
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Wang W, Li D, Xu Q, Cheng J, Yu Z, Li G, Qiao S, Pan J, Wang H, Shi J, Zheng T, Sui G. G-quadruplexes promote the motility in MAZ phase-separated condensates to activate CCND1 expression and contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1045. [PMID: 38316778 PMCID: PMC10844655 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) can recruit transcription factors to activate gene expression, but detailed mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that G4s in the CCND1 promoter propel the motility in MAZ phase-separated condensates and subsequently activate CCND1 transcription. Zinc finger (ZF) 2 of MAZ is a responsible for G4 binding, while ZF3-5, but not a highly disordered region, is critical for MAZ condensation. MAZ nuclear puncta overlaps with signals of G4s and various coactivators including BRD4, MED1, CDK9 and active RNA polymerase II, as well as gene activation histone markers. MAZ mutants lacking either G4 binding or phase separation ability did not form nuclear puncta, and showed deficiencies in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and xenograft tumor formation. Overall, we unveiled that G4s recruit MAZ to the CCND1 promoter and facilitate the motility in MAZ condensates that compartmentalize coactivators to activate CCND1 expression and subsequently exacerbate hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Qingqing Xu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiahui Cheng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shiyao Qiao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiasong Pan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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4
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Li Y, He Z, Li Z, Lu Y, Xun Q, Xiang L, Zhang M. G-quadruplex formation within the promoter region of HSPB2 and its effect on transcription. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24396. [PMID: 38298658 PMCID: PMC10827768 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
G-rich sequences in DNA and RNA tend to fold into stable secondary structures called G-quadruplexes. Except for the telomere region, G-quadruplex-forming sequences are widely present in gene promoters and have been implicated in transcriptional regulation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can disrupt the G-quadruplex structure of a gene promoter. In this study, we confirmed the promoter of HSPB2, a cancer-related gene, tends to form an unusual DNA secondary structure. The dual luciferase assay revealed that the SNP rs2234704 in the HSPB2 promoter with a single G > A mutation increased the transcriptional activity of the HSPB2 promoter. Circular dichroism and native PAGE revealed that the G-rich strand of the DNA in this promoter preferred to form a parallel G-quadruplex, which could be destabilized by the SNP rs2234704 (G > A) mutation. Furthermore, we found that the SNP rs2234704 (G > A) greatly increased and influenced the overexpression of HSPB2 in breast cancer samples. These results suggest SNP rs2234704 (G > A) may play a role in the occurrence of breast cancer by destroying the G-quadruplex structure and promoting the expression of HSPB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jing Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Zhichao He
- Medical Equipment Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Zewu Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Yan Lu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Department, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Qingqing Xun
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Longquan Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jing Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
- Department of Pathology, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272000, PR China
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5
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Kim S, Shin WH, Kang Y, Kim H, Lee JY. Direct visualization of replication and R-loop collision using single-molecule imaging. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:259-273. [PMID: 37994723 PMCID: PMC10783495 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that can cause replication stress by blocking replication fork progression. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the collision of DNA replication forks and R-loops remains elusive. To investigate how R-loops induce replication stress, we use single-molecule fluorescence imaging to directly visualize the collision of replicating Phi29 DNA polymerase (Phi29 DNAp), the simplest replication system, and R-loops. We demonstrate that a single R-loop can block replication, and the blockage is more pronounced when an RNA-DNA hybrid is on the non-template strand. We show that this asymmetry results from secondary structure formation on the non-template strand, which impedes the progression of Phi29 DNAp. We also show that G-quadruplex formation on the displaced single-stranded DNA in an R-loop enhances the replication stalling. Moreover, we observe the collision between Phi29 DNAp and RNA transcripts synthesized by T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAp). RNA transcripts cause more stalling because of the presence of T7 RNAp. Our work provides insights into how R-loops impede DNA replication at single-molecule resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Hee Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongtae Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja Yil Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Basic Science Center for Genomic Integrity, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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6
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Sharma P, Jha NS. Mechanistic aspects of binding of telomeric over parallel G-quadruplex with novel synthesized Knoevenagel condensate 4-nitrobenzylidene curcumin. J Mol Recognit 2023; 36:e3041. [PMID: 37210661 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.3041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of small ligands to stabilise G-quadruplex DNA structures is a promising method for developing anti-cancer drugs. It is challenging to stabilise the G-quadruplex structure, which can take on a variety of topologies and is known to inhibit specific biological processes. To achieve this, 4-nitrobenzylidene curcumin (NBC), the Knoevenagel condensate of curcumin, was synthesized and characterized. The interaction of 4-nitrobenzylidene curcumin with parallel (c-MYC) and hybrid (H-telo) G-quadruplex structures was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, UV-thermal melting, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and docking studies. The outcome demonstrates that, in a K+ -rich solution, the ligand NBC can stabilise the parallel c-MYC and hybrid H-telo G-quadruplex structures by 5°C. The absorption and fluorescence studies show that the ligand NBC binds to c-MYC and H-telo with affinities of 0.3 × 106 M-1 and 0.6 × 106 M-1 , respectively. The ligand interacts with the terminal G-quartet of the quadruplex structure via intercalation and the groove mode of binding, well supported by docking studies as well. NBC has more potent antioxidant activity as compared to the curcumin and 4-nitro benzaldehyde. It was also found to have higher cytotoxic activity towards cell line such as HeLa and MCF-7, while less cytotoxic for healthy Vero cells. Overall, the results show that the Knoevenagel product of curcumin can work better as a G-quadruplex binder and could be used as a possible treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Patna, India
| | - Niki Sweta Jha
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Patna, India
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8
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Li J, Dong T, Wu Z, Zhu D, Gu H. The effects of MYC on tumor immunity and immunotherapy. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:103. [PMID: 36966168 PMCID: PMC10039951 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogene MYC is dysregulated in a host of human cancers, and as an important point of convergence in multitudinous oncogenic signaling pathways, it plays a crucial role in tumor immune regulation in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Specifically, MYC promotes the expression of immunosuppressive factors and inhibits the expression of immune activation regulators. Undoubtedly, a therapeutic strategy that targets MYC can initiate a new era of cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the essential role of the MYC signaling pathway in tumor immunity and the development status of MYC-related therapies, including therapeutic strategies targeting MYC and combined MYC-based immunotherapy. These studies have reported extraordinary insights into the translational application of MYC in cancer treatment and are conducive to the emergence of more effective immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tingyu Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, First Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dacheng Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, First Clinical School of Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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9
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Bahls B, Aljnadi IM, Emídio R, Mendes E, Paulo A. G-Quadruplexes in c-MYC Promoter as Targets for Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030969. [PMID: 36979947 PMCID: PMC10046398 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a societal burden demanding innovative approaches. A major problem with the conventional chemotherapeutic agents is their strong toxicity and other side effects due to their poor selectivity. Uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is due to mutations, deletions, or amplifications in genes (oncogenes) encoding for proteins that regulate cell growth and division, such as transcription factors, for example, c-MYC. The direct targeting of the c-MYC protein has been attempted but so far unsuccessfully, as it lacks a definite binding site for the modulators. Meanwhile, another approach has been explored since the discovery that G-quadruplex secondary DNA structures formed in the guanine-rich sequences of the c-MYC promoter region can downregulate the transcription of this oncogene. Here, we will overview the major achievements made in the last decades towards the discovery of a new class of anticancer drugs targeting G-quadruplexes in the c-MYC promoter of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Israa M Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Emídio
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Zheng BX, Yu J, Long W, Chan KH, Leung ASL, Wong WL. Structurally diverse G-quadruplexes as the noncanonical nucleic acid drug target for live cell imaging and antibacterial study. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:1415-1433. [PMID: 36636928 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05945b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The formation of G-quadruplex structures (G4s) in vitro from guanine (G)-rich nucleic acid sequences of DNA and RNA stabilized with monovalent cations, typically K+ and Na+, under physiological conditions, has been verified experimentally and some of them have high-resolution NMR or X-ray crystal structures; however, the biofunction of these special noncanonical secondary structures of nucleic acids has not been fully understood and their existence in vivo is still controversial at present. It is generally believed that the folding and unfolding of G4s in vivo is a transient process. Accumulating evidence has shown that G4s may play a role in the regulation of certain important cellular functions including telomere maintenance, replication, transcription and translation. Therefore, both DNA and RNA G4s of human cancer hallmark genes are recognized as the potential anticancer drug target for the investigation in cancer biology, chemical biology and drug discovery. The relationship between the sequence, structure and stability of G4s, the interaction of G4s with small molecules, and insights into the rational design of G4-selective binding ligands have been intensively studied over the decade. At present, some G4-ligands have achieved a new milestone and successfully entered the human clinical trials for anticancer therapy. Over the past few decades, numerous efforts have been devoted to anticancer therapy; however, G4s for molecular recognition and live cell imaging and for application as antibacterial agents and antibiofilms against antibiotic resistance have been obviously underexplored. The recent advances in G4-ligands in these areas are thus selected and discussed concentratedly in this article in order to shed light on the emerging role of G4s in chemical biology and therapeutic prospects against bacterial infections. In addition, the recently published molecular scaffolds for designing small ligands selectively targeting G4s in live cell imaging, bacterial biofilm imaging, and antibacterial studies are discussed. Furthermore, a number of underexplored G4-targets from the cytoplasmic membrane-associated DNA, the conserved promoter region of K. pneumoniae genomes, the RNA G4-sites in the transcriptome of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and the mRNA G4-sites in the sequence for coding the vital bacterial FtsZ protein are highlighted to further explore in G4-drug development against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Wei Long
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Ka Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Alan Siu-Lun Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
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11
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Li S, Yang L, Li Y, Yue W, Xin S, Li J, Long S, Zhang W, Cao P, Lu J. Epstein-Barr Virus Synergizes with BRD7 to Conquer c-Myc-Mediated Viral Latency Maintenance via Chromatin Remodeling. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123722. [PMID: 36728436 PMCID: PMC10101146 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01237-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) switches between latent and lytic phases in hosts, which is important in the development of related diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of controlling the viral biphasic life cycle and how EBV mediates this regulation remain largely unknown. This study identified bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) as a crucial host protein in EBV latent infection. Based on the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing of endogenous BRD7 in Burkitt lymphoma cells, we found that EBV drove BRD7 to regulate cellular and viral genomic loci, including the transcriptional activation of c-Myc, a recently reported regulator of EBV latency. Additionally, EBV-mediated BRD7 signals were enriched around the FUSE (far-upstream sequence element) site in chromosome 8 and the enhancer LOC108348026 in the lgH locus, which might activate the c-Myc alleles. Mechanically, EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) bound to BRD7 and colocalized at promoter regions of the related genes, thus serving as cofactors for the maintenance of viral latency. Moreover, the disruption of BRD7 decreased the c-Myc expression, induced the BZLF1 expression, and reactivated the lytic cycle. Our findings reveal the unique role of BRD7 to synergize with EBV in maintaining the viral latency state via chromatin remodeling. This study paves the way for understanding the new molecular mechanism of EBV-induced chromatin remodeling and latent-lytic switch, providing novel therapeutic candidate targets for EBV persistent infection. IMPORTANCE When establishing persistent infection in most human hosts, EBV is usually latent. How the viral latency is maintained in cells remains largely unknown. c-Myc was recently reported to act as a controller of the lytic switch, while whether and how EBV regulates it remain to be explored. Here, we identified that BRD7 is involved in controlling EBV latency. We found that EBV-mediated BRD7 was enriched in both the normal promoter regions and the translocation alleles of c-Myc, and disruption of BRD7 decreased c-Myc expression to reactivate the lytic cycle. We also demonstrated that EBV-encoded EBNA1 bound to and regulated BRD7. Therefore, we reveal a novel mechanism by which EBV can regulate its infection state by coordinating with host BRD7 to target c-Myc. Our findings will help future therapeutic intervention strategies for EBV infection and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenxing Yue
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuyu Xin
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sijing Long
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pengfei Cao
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianhong Lu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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12
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Wu W, Hu X, Zeng Z, Wu D, Li H, Li H. Characterization of the Binding Properties of Sorafenib to c-MYC G-Quadruplexes: Evidence for Screening Potential Ligands. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:874-883. [PMID: 36656764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c06488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib (Sor) is a multitarget kinase inhibitor used clinically to treat hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cancer. In this study, the interaction mechanism of Sor with c-MYC G-quadruplexes (G4) was investigated at the molecular level by computer-aided means and experiments. Molecular docking results predicted the binding of Sor to the groove of G4. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to evaluate the effect of ligand binding to G4. Ultraviolet (UV), fluorescence spectroscopy, and viscosity experiments showed that the binding site was in the groove. The UV and fluorescence titration results showed that compared with traditional G4 ligands represented by compound meso-tetra (N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine (TmPyP4), Sor has a lower affinity for G4. Likewise, results from fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments suggested that Sor could have a limited ability to stabilize G4, but it was not as prominent as that of TmPyP4. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy again supported the results from steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, indicating that a static quenching mechanism mainly drove the process. Studying the interaction mechanism of Sor and c-MYC may inspire the screening of new, selective c-MYC G4 ligands and provide ideas for the design of drugs with good stability, low toxicity, and specific targeting of G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China
| | - Xia Hu
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China
| | - Di Wu
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China.,Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China
| | - Hanmei Li
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China.,Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu610106, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu610065, China
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13
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Ma Y, Yang Y, Xin J, He L, Hu Z, Gao T, Pan F, Guo Z. RNA G-Quadruplex within the 5'-UTR of FEN1 Regulates mRNA Stability under Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020276. [PMID: 36829835 PMCID: PMC9952066 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020276] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly oxidative molecules that induce DNA damage, affecting DNA damage response (DDR) and gene expression. It is now recognized that DNA base excision repair (BER) is one of the important pathways responsible for sensing oxidative stress to eliminate DNA damage, in which FEN1 plays an important role in this process. However, the regulation of FEN1 under oxidative stress is still unclear. Here, we identified a novel RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) sequence in the 5'untranslated region (5'UTR) of FEN1 mRNA. Under oxidative stress, the G bases in the G4-forming sequence can be oxidized by ROS, resulting in structural disruption of the G-quadruplex. ROS or TMPyP4, a G4-structural ligand, disrupted the formation of G4 structure and affected the expression of FEN1. Furthermore, pull-down experiments identified a novel FEN1 rG4-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), and cellular studies have shown that hnRNPA1 plays an important role in regulating FEN1 expression. This work demonstrates that rG4 acts as a ROS sensor in the 5'UTR of FEN1 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role for rG4 in translational control under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jingyu Xin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lingfeng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tao Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feiyan Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (Z.G.)
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (Z.G.)
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14
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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15
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Interface of G-quadruplex with both stabilizing and destabilizing ligands for targeting various diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:414-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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Wei Y, Yang X, Gao L, Xu Y, Yi C. Differences in potential key genes and pathways between primary and radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast. Transl Oncol 2022; 19:101385. [PMID: 35263699 PMCID: PMC8905315 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiosarcoma of the breast is a high-grade malignant soft tissue tumor, it can be divided into primary and secondary. The differences between primary and secondary angiosarcomas in terms of pathogenesis, clinical behavior, early diagnosis biomarkers, genetic abnormalities, and therapeutic targets remain to be fully elucidated. Due to its rarity, most of the current information relating to angiosarcoma is provided by case reports and single-institution retrospective cohort studies and the research with large-scale genomic studies published to date are very limited. We identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary and second breast angiosarcomas and identified the hub genes as well as predicted novel biomarkers, pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for primary and secondary breast angiosarcomas. We aimed to identify novel biomarkers, pathways, and potential therapeutic targets for primary and secondary breast angiosarcomas to facilitate future research.
Background Angiosarcoma of the breast is a high-grade malignant soft tissue tumor, it can be divided into primary and radiation-associated angiosarcoma(secondary). However, the differences between primary and secondary angiosarcomas in terms of pathogenesis, clinical behavior, early diagnosis biomarkers, genetic abnormalities, and therapeutic targets remain to be fully elucidated. At the same time, due to its rarity, most of current information relating to angiosarcoma is provided by case reports. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms of primary and secondary breast angiosarcoma have important value for the discovery of new biomarkers and research into potential therapeutic targets. Methods The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 36 cases of primary angiosarcoma and 54 cases of secondary angiosarcoma were screened. Then, the DEGs were used to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Results A total of 18 DEGs were identified, of which 13 were upregulated and 5 were downregulated in secondary breast angiosarcoma. The GO enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were most enriched in metabolism, energy pathways, and protein metabolism in biological processes. The enriched signaling pathways of DEGs were the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Wnt, Hippo and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Then, the PPI network was conducted and hub genes were identified and they were involved in thyroid hormone, Hippo and other signaling pathways. Conclusion This study lay the foundation for the discovery of effective and reliable molecular biomarkers and essential therapeutic targets for these malignancies.
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17
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Rigo R, Groaz E, Sissi C. Polymorphic and Higher-Order G-Quadruplexes as Possible Transcription Regulators: Novel Perspectives for Future Anticancer Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030373. [PMID: 35337170 PMCID: PMC8950063 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, significant efforts have been put into designing small molecules to target selected genomic sites where DNA conformational rearrangements control gene expression. G-rich sequences at oncogene promoters are considered good points of intervention since, under specific environmental conditions, they can fold into non-canonical tetrahelical structures known as G-quadruplexes. However, emerging evidence points to a frequent lack of correlation between small molecule targeting of G-quadruplexes at gene promoters and the expression of the associated protein, which hampers pharmaceutical applications. The wide genomic localization of G-quadruplexes along with their highly polymorphic behavior may account for this scenario, suggesting the need for more focused drug design strategies. Here, we will summarize the G4 structural features that can be considered to fulfill this goal. In particular, by comparing a telomeric sequence with the well-characterized G-rich domain of the KIT promoter, we will address how multiple secondary structures might cooperate to control genome architecture at a higher level. If this holds true, the link between drug–DNA complex formation and the associated cellular effects will need to be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rigo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- CEITEC—Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Xu Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Zheng Q, Sun Z, He Y, Guo W. Promising Advances in LINC01116 Related to Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736927. [PMID: 34722518 PMCID: PMC8553226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with a length of no less than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins. Accumulating evidence indicates that lncRNAs are pivotal regulators of biological processes in several diseases, particularly in several malignant tumors. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1116 (LINC01116) is a lncRNA, whose aberrant expression is correlated with a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, glioma, and osteosarcoma. LINC01116 plays a crucial role in facilitating cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. In addition, numerous studies have recently suggested that LINC01116 has emerged as a novel biomarker for prognosis and therapy in malignant tumors. Consequently, we summarize the clinical significance of LINC01116 associated with biological processes in various tumors and provide a hopeful orientation to guide clinical treatment of various cancers in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Menggang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingyuan Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zongzong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, China
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19
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MYCN in Neuroblastoma: "Old Wine into New Wineskins". Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040078. [PMID: 34842635 PMCID: PMC8628738 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN Proto-Oncogene, BHLH Transcription Factor (MYCN) has been one of the most studied genes in neuroblastoma. It is known for its oncogenetic mechanisms, as well as its role in the prognosis of the disease and it is considered one of the prominent targets for neuroblastoma therapy. In the present work, we attempted to review the literature, on the relation between MYCN and neuroblastoma from all possible mechanistic sites. We have searched the literature for the role of MYCN in neuroblastoma based on the following topics: the references of MYCN in the literature, the gene's anatomy, along with its transcripts, the protein's anatomy, the epigenetic mechanisms regulating MYCN expression and function, as well as MYCN amplification. MYCN plays a significant role in neuroblastoma biology. Its functions and properties range from the forming of G-quadraplexes, to the interaction with miRNAs, as well as the regulation of gene methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation. Although MYCN is one of the most primary genes studied in neuroblastoma, there is still a lot to be learned. Our knowledge on the exact mechanisms of MYCN amplification, etiology and potential interventions is still limited. The knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of MYCN in neuroblastoma, could have potential prognostic and therapeutic advantages.
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20
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Identification of Effective Anticancer G-Quadruplex-Targeting Chemotypes through the Exploration of a High Diversity Library of Natural Compounds. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101611. [PMID: 34683905 PMCID: PMC8537501 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the quest for selective G-quadruplex (G4)-targeting chemotypes, natural compounds have been thus far poorly explored, though representing appealing candidates due to the high structural diversity of their scaffolds. In this regard, a unique high diversity in-house library composed of ca. one thousand individual natural products was investigated. The combination of molecular docking-based virtual screening and the G4-CPG experimental screening assay proved to be useful to quickly and effectively identify-out of many natural compounds-five hit binders of telomeric and oncogenic G4s, i.e., Bulbocapnine, Chelidonine, Ibogaine, Rotenone and Vomicine. Biophysical studies unambiguously demonstrated the selective interaction of these compounds with G4s compared to duplex DNA. The rationale behind the G4 selective recognition was suggested by molecular dynamics simulations. Indeed, the selected ligands proved to specifically interact with G4 structures due to peculiar interaction patterns, while they were unable to firmly bind to a DNA duplex. From biological assays, Chelidonine and Rotenone emerged as the most active compounds of the series against cancer cells, also showing good selectivity over normal cells. Notably, the anticancer activity correlated well with the ability of the two compounds to target telomeric G4s.
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21
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Caterino M, Paeschke K. Action and function of helicases on RNA G-quadruplexes. Methods 2021; 204:110-125. [PMID: 34509630 PMCID: PMC9236196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methodological progresses and piling evidence prove the rG4 biology in vivo. rG4s step in virtually every aspect of RNA biology. Helicases unwinding of rG4s is a fine regulatory layer to the downstream processes and general cell homeostasis. The current knowledge is however limited to a few cell lines. The regulation of helicases themselves is delineating as a important question. Non-helicase rG4-processing proteins likely play a role.
The nucleic acid structure called G-quadruplex (G4) is currently discussed to function in nucleic acid-based mechanisms that influence several cellular processes. They can modulate the cellular machinery either positively or negatively, both at the DNA and RNA level. The majority of what we know about G4 biology comes from DNA G4 (dG4) research. RNA G4s (rG4), on the other hand, are gaining interest as researchers become more aware of their role in several aspects of cellular homeostasis. In either case, the correct regulation of G4 structures within cells is essential and demands specialized proteins able to resolve them. Small changes in the formation and unfolding of G4 structures can have severe consequences for the cells that could even stimulate genome instability, apoptosis or proliferation. Helicases are the most relevant negative G4 regulators, which prevent and unfold G4 formation within cells during different pathways. Yet, and despite their importance only a handful of rG4 unwinding helicases have been identified and characterized thus far. This review addresses the current knowledge on rG4s-processing helicases with a focus on methodological approaches. An example of a non-helicase rG4s-unwinding protein is also briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caterino
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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22
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Herbert A. The Simple Biology of Flipons and Condensates Enhances the Evolution of Complexity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164881. [PMID: 34443469 PMCID: PMC8400190 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical genetic code maps nucleotide triplets to amino acids. The associated sequence composition is complex, representing many elaborations during evolution of form and function. Other genomic elements code for the expression and processing of RNA transcripts. However, over 50% of the human genome consists of widely dispersed repetitive sequences. Among these are simple sequence repeats (SSRs), representing a class of flipons, that under physiological conditions, form alternative nucleic acid conformations such as Z-DNA, G4 quartets, I-motifs, and triplexes. Proteins that bind in a structure-specific manner enable the seeding of condensates with the potential to regulate a wide range of biological processes. SSRs also encode the low complexity peptide repeats to patch condensates together, increasing the number of combinations possible. In situations where SSRs are transcribed, SSR-specific, single-stranded binding proteins may further impact condensate formation. Jointly, flipons and patches speed evolution by enhancing the functionality of condensates. Here, the focus is on the selection of SSR flipons and peptide patches that solve for survival under a wide range of environmental contexts, generating complexity with simple parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Herbert
- Unit 3412, Discovery, InsideOutBio 42 8th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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23
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Tran PLT, Rieu M, Hodeib S, Joubert A, Ouellet J, Alberti P, Bugaut A, Allemand JF, Boulé JB, Croquette V. Folding and persistence times of intramolecular G-quadruplexes transiently embedded in a DNA duplex. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5189-5201. [PMID: 34009328 PMCID: PMC8136832 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures have emerged as important regulatory elements during DNA metabolic transactions. While many in vitro studies have focused on the kinetics of G4 formation within DNA single-strands, G4 are found in vivo in double-stranded DNA regions, where their formation is challenged by the complementary strand. Since the energy of hybridization of Watson-Crick structures dominates the energy of G4 folding, this competition should play a critical role on G4 persistence. To address this, we designed a single-molecule assay allowing to measure G4 folding and persistence times in the presence of the complementary strand. We quantified both folding and unfolding rates of biologically relevant G4 sequences, such as the cMYC and cKIT oncogene promoters, human telomeres and an avian replication origin. We confirmed that G4s are found much more stable in tested replication origin and promoters than in human telomere repeats. In addition, we characterized how G4 dynamics was affected by G4 ligands and showed that both folding rate and persistence time increased. Our assay opens new perspectives for the measurement of G4 dynamics in double-stranded DNA mimicking a replication fork, which is important to understand their role in DNA replication and gene regulation at a mechanistic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong Lan Thao Tran
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Martin Rieu
- Laboratoire de physique de L'École Normale Supérieure de Paris, CNRS, ENS, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Samar Hodeib
- Laboratoire de physique de L'École Normale Supérieure de Paris, CNRS, ENS, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Joubert
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jimmy Ouellet
- Depixus SAS, 3-5 Impasse Reille, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Patrizia Alberti
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anthony Bugaut
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Allemand
- Laboratoire de physique de L'École Normale Supérieure de Paris, CNRS, ENS, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Boulé
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Croquette
- Laboratoire de physique de L'École Normale Supérieure de Paris, CNRS, ENS, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France.,ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
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24
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Scott P, Brabec V. Fe II Metallohelices Stabilize DNA G-Quadruplexes and Downregulate the Expression of G-Quadruplex-Regulated Oncogenes. Chemistry 2021; 27:11682-11692. [PMID: 34048082 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified within the promoter regions of many proto-oncogenes. Thus, G4s represent attractive targets for cancer therapy, and the design and development of new drugs as G4 binders is a very active field of medicinal chemistry. Here, molecular biophysics and biology methods were employed to investigate the interaction of chiral metallohelices with a series of four DNA G4s (hTelo, c-myc, c-kit1, c-kit2) that are formed by the human telomeric sequence (hTelo) and in the promoter regions of c-MYC and c-KIT proto-oncogenes. We show that the investigated water-compatible, optically pure metallohelices, which are made by self-assembly of simple nonpeptidic organic components around FeII ions and exhibit bioactivity emulating the natural systems, bind with high affinity to G4 DNA and much lower affinity to duplex DNA. Notably, both enantiomers of a metallohelix containing a m-xylenyl bridge (5 b) were found to effectively inhibit primer elongation catalyzed by Taq DNA polymerase by stabilizing G4 structures formed in the template strands containing c-myc and c-kit2 G4-forming sequences. Moreover, both enantiomers of 5 b downregulated the expression of c-MYC and c-KIT oncogenes in human embryonic kidney cells at mRNA and protein levels. As metallohelices also bind alternative nucleic acid structures, they hold promise as potential multitargeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Viktor Brabec
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
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25
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Whitfield JR, Soucek L. The long journey to bring a Myc inhibitor to the clinic. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212429. [PMID: 34160558 PMCID: PMC8240852 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogene Myc is deregulated in the majority of human tumors and drives numerous hallmarks of cancer. Despite its indisputable role in cancer development and maintenance, Myc is still undrugged. Developing a clinical inhibitor for Myc has been particularly challenging owing to its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of a binding pocket, coupled with concerns regarding potentially deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissues. However, major breakthroughs in the development of Myc inhibitors have arisen in the last couple of years. Notably, the direct Myc inhibitor that we developed has just entered clinical trials. Celebrating this milestone, with this Perspective, we pay homage to the different strategies developed so far against Myc and all of the researchers focused on developing treatments for a target long deemed undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Exploring the Interaction of Curaxin CBL0137 with G-Quadruplex DNA Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126476. [PMID: 34204214 PMCID: PMC8234370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Curaxins and especially the second-generation derivative curaxin CBL0137 have important antitumor activities in multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, melanoma and others. Although most of the authors suggest that their mechanism of action comes from the activation of p53 and inactivation of NF-kB by targeting FACT, there is evidence supporting the involvement of DNA binding in their antitumor activity. In this work, the DNA binding properties of curaxin CBL0137 with model quadruplex DNA oligomers were studied by 1H NMR, CD, fluorescence and molecular modeling. We provided molecular details of the interaction of curaxin with two G-quadruplex structures, the single repeat of human telomere d(TTAGGGT)4 and the c-myc promoter Pu22 sequence. We also performed 1H and 31P NMR experiments were also performed in order to investigate the interaction with duplex DNA models. Our data support the hypothesis that the interaction of curaxin with G-quadruplex may provide a novel insight into the DNA-binding properties of CBL0137, and it will be helpful for the design of novel selective DNA-targeting curaxin analogues.
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27
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Sirazhetdinova NS, Savelyev VA, Baev DS, Golubeva TS, Klimenko LS, Tolstikova TG, Ganbaatar J, Shults EE. Synthesis, characterization and anticancer evaluation of nitrogen-substituted 1-(3-aminoprop-1-ynyl)-4-hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives. Med Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02754-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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28
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Wickhorst PJ, Ihmels H. Selective, pH-Dependent Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Quadruplex DNA with 4-Dimethylamino(phenyl)-Substituted Berberine Derivatives. Chemistry 2021; 27:8580-8589. [PMID: 33855748 PMCID: PMC8252107 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The 9- and 12-dimethylaminophenyl-substituted berberine derivatives 3 a and 3 b were readily synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions and shown to be useful fluorescent probes for the optical detection of quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA). Their association with the nucleic acids was investigated by spectrometric titrations, CD and LD spectroscopy, and with DNA-melting analysis. Both ligands bind to duplex DNA by intercalation and to G4-DNA by terminal π stacking. At neutral conditions, they bind with higher affinity (Kb =105 -106 M-1 ) to representative quadruplex forming oligonucleotides 22AG, c-myc, c-kit, and a2, than to duplex calf thymus (ct) DNA (Kb =5-7×104 M-1 ). At pH 5, however, the affinity of 3 a towards G4-DNA 22AG is higher (Kb =1.2×106 M-1 ), whereas the binding constant towards ct DNA is lower (Kb =3.9×103 M-1 ) than under neutral conditions. Notably, the association of the ligand with DNA results in characteristic changes of the absorption and emission properties under specific conditions, which may be used for optical DNA detection. Other than the parent berberine, the ligands do not show a noticeable increase of their very low intrinsic emission intensity upon association with DNA at neutral conditions. In contrast, a fluorescence light-up effect was observed upon association to duplex (Φfl =0.01) and quadruplex DNA (Φfl =0.04) at pH 5. This fluorimetric response to G4-DNA association in combination with the distinct, red-shifted absorption under these conditions provides a simple and conclusive optical detection of G4-DNA at lower pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Jonas Wickhorst
- Department of Chemistry – BiologyUniversity of Siegen, andCenter of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ)Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068SiegenGermany
| | - Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry – BiologyUniversity of Siegen, andCenter of Micro- and Nanochemistry and Engineering (Cμ)Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 257068SiegenGermany
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29
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On the Road to Fight Cancer: The Potential of G-quadruplex Ligands as Novel Therapeutic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115947. [PMID: 34073075 PMCID: PMC8198608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid sequences able to adopt a G-quadruplex conformation are overrepresented within the human genome. This evidence strongly suggests that these genomic regions have been evolutionary selected to play a pivotal role in several aspects of cell biology. In the present review article, we provide an overview on the biological impact of targeting G-quadruplexes in cancer. A variety of small molecules showing good G-quadruplex stabilizing properties has been reported to exert an antitumor activity in several preclinical models of human cancers. Moreover, promiscuous binders and multiple targeting G-quadruplex ligands, cancer cell defense responses and synthetic lethal interactions of G-quadruplex targeting have been also highlighted. Overall, evidence gathered thus far indicates that targeting G-quadruplex may represent an innovative and fascinating therapeutic approach for cancer. The continued methodological improvements, the development of specific tools and a careful consideration of the experimental settings in living systems will be useful to deepen our knowledge of G-quadruplex biology in cancer, to better define their role as therapeutic targets and to help design and develop novel and reliable G-quadruplex-based anticancer strategies.
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30
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Amjadi-Moheb F, Paniri A, Akhavan-Niaki H. Insights into the Links between MYC and 3D Chromatin Structure and Epigenetics Regulation: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1925-1936. [PMID: 33472888 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
MYC is embedded in the transcriptional oasis of the 8q24 gene desert. A plethora of genomic elements has roles in MYC aberrant expression in cancer development by interacting with transcription factors and epigenetics regulators as well as altering the structure of chromatin at the MYC locus and tissue-specific long-range enhancer-promoter contacts. Furthermore, MYC is a master regulator of several human cancers by modulating the transcription of numerous cancer-related genes through epigenetic mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the three-dimensional genomic organization around MYC and the role of epigenetic machinery in transcription and function of MYC as well as discusses various epigenetic-targeted therapeutic strategies in MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Amjadi-Moheb
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Alireza Paniri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Haleh Akhavan-Niaki
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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31
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Duffy MJ, O'Grady S, Tang M, Crown J. MYC as a target for cancer treatment. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 94:102154. [PMID: 33524794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The MYC gene which consists of 3 paralogs, C-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC, is one of the most frequently deregulated driver genes in human cancer. Because of its high prevalence of deregulation and its causal role in cancer formation, maintenance and progression, targeting MYC is theoretically an attractive strategy for treating cancer. As a potential anticancer target, MYC was traditionally regarded as undruggable due to the absence of a suitable pocket for high-affinity binding by low molecular weight inhibitors. In recent years however, several compounds that directly or indirectly inhibit MYC have been shown to have anticancer activity in preclinical tumor models. Amongst the most detailed investigated strategies for targeting MYC are inhibition of its binding to its obligate interaction partner MAX, prevention of MYC expression and blocking of genes exhibiting synthetic lethality with overexpression of MYC. One of the most extensively investigated MYC inhibitors is a peptide/mini-protein known as OmoMYC. OmoMYC, which acts by blocking the binding of all 3 forms of MYC to their target promoters, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity in a diverse range of preclinical models, with minimal side effects. Based on its broad efficacy and limited toxicity, OmoMYC is currently being developed for evaluation in clinical trials. Although no compound directly targeting MYC has yet progressed to clinical testing, APTO-253, which partly acts by decreasing expression of MYC, is currently undergoing a phase I clinical trial in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duffy
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Clinical Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Shane O'Grady
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Minhong Tang
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Farrell NP, Brabec V. Antitumor substitution-inert polynuclear platinum complexes stabilize G-quadruplex DNA and suppress G-quadruplex-mediated gene expression. Inorg Chem Front 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1qi00488c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer substitution-inert polynuclear platinum(ii) complexes (SI-PPCs) effectively stabilize DNA G-quadruplexes (G4) and terminate DNA polymerization on templates containing G4-forming sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
| | | | - Viktor Brabec
- Czech Academy of Sciences
- Institute of Biophysics
- CZ-61265 Brno
- Czech Republic
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