1
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Falanga AP, D'Urso A, Travagliante G, Gangemi CMA, Marzano M, D'Errico S, Terracciano M, Greco F, De Stefano L, Dardano P, Rea I, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Borbone N. Higher-order G-quadruplex structures and porphyrin ligands: Towards a non-ambiguous relationship. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131801. [PMID: 38670185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131801] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we evaluated the interaction of the tetracationic porphyrin H2TCPPSpm4 with three distinct DNA G-quadruplex (G4) models, i.e., the tetramolecular G4 d(TGGGGT)4 (Q1), the 5'-5' stacked G4-dimer [d(CGGAGGT)4]2 (Q2), and a mixture of 5'-5' stacked G-wires [d(5'-CGGT-3'-3'-GGC-5')4]n (Qn). The combined data obtained from UV-Vis, CD, fluorescence, PAGE, RLS, AFM, NMR, and HPLC-SEC experiments allowed us to shed light on the binding mode of H2TCPPSpm4 with the three G4 models differing for the type and the number of available G4 ending faces, the length of the G4 units, and the number of stacked G4 building blocks. Specifically, we found that H2TCPPSpm4 interacted with the shortest Q1 as an end-stacking ligand, whereas the groove binding mode was ascertained in the case of the Q2 and Qn G4 models. In the case of the interaction with Q1 and Qn, we found that H2TCPPSpm4 induces the formation of supramolecular aggregates at porphyrin/G4 ratios higher than 2:1, whereas no significant aggregation was observed for the interaction with Q2 up to the 5:1 ratio. These results unambiguously demonstrated the suitability of porphyrins for the development of specific G4 ligands or G4-targeting diagnostic probes, being H2TCPPSpm4 capable to distinguish between different G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro D'Urso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Travagliante
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria Marzano
- CESTEV, University of Naples Federico II, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Unit of Naples, National Research Council, via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Unit of Naples, National Research Council, via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rea
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Unit of Naples, National Research Council, via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Marzano M, D'Errico S, Greco F, Falanga AP, Terracciano M, Di Prisco D, Piccialli G, Borbone N, Oliviero G. Polymorphism of G-quadruplexes formed by short oligonucleotides containing a 3'-3' inversion of polarity: From G:C:G:C tetrads to π-π stacked G-wires. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127062. [PMID: 37748594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127062] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
G-wires are supramolecular DNA structures based on the G-quadruplex (G4) structural motif obtained by the self-assembly of interlocked slipped G-rich oligonucleotide (ON) strands, or by end-to-end stacking of G4 units. Despite the increasing interest towards G-wires due to their potential applications in DNA nanotechnologies, the self-assembly process to obtain G-wires having a predefined length and stability is still neither completely understood nor controlled. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that the d(5'CG2-3'-3'-G2C5') ON, characterized by the presence of a 3'-3'-inversion of polarity site self-assembles into a G-wire structure when annealed in the presence of K+ ions. Herein, by using CD, PAGE, HPLC size exclusion chromatography, and NMR investigations we studied the propensity of shorter analogues having sequences 5'CGn-3'-3'-GmC5' (with n = 1 and 1 ≤ m ≤ 3) to form the corresponding G-quadruplexes and stacked G-wires. The results revealed that the formation of G-wires starting from d(5'CGn-3'-3'-GmC5') ONs is possible only for the sequences having n and m > 1 in which both guanosines flanking the 5'-ending cytosines are not involved into the 3'-3' phosphodiester bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marzano
- CESTEV, University of Naples Federico II, Via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daria Di Prisco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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3
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Falanga AP, Terracciano M, Oliviero G, Roviello GN, Borbone N. Exploring the Relationship between G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acids and Plants: From Plant G-Quadruplex Function to Phytochemical G4 Ligands with Pharmaceutic Potential. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2377. [PMID: 36365194 PMCID: PMC9698481 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) oligonucleotides are higher-order DNA and RNA secondary structures of enormous relevance due to their implication in several biological processes and pathological states in different organisms. Strategies aiming at modulating human G4 structures and their interrelated functions are first-line approaches in modern research aiming at finding new potential anticancer treatments or G4-based aptamers for various biomedical and biotechnological applications. Plants offer a cornucopia of phytocompounds that, in many cases, are effective in binding and modulating the thermal stability of G4s and, on the other hand, contain almost unexplored G4 motifs in their genome that could inspire new biotechnological strategies. Herein, we describe some G4 structures found in plants, summarizing the existing knowledge of their functions and biological role. Moreover, we review some of the most promising G4 ligands isolated from vegetal sources and report on the known relationships between such phytochemicals and G4-mediated biological processes that make them potential leads in the pharmaceutical sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P. Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, Italian National Council of Research (ISASI-CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Greco F, Marzano M, Falanga AP, Terracciano M, Piccialli G, Roviello GN, D'Errico S, Borbone N, Oliviero G. Cytosine-rich oligonucleotides incorporating a non-nucleotide loop: A further step towards the obtainment of physiologically stable i-motif DNA. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:626-636. [PMID: 35952813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
i-Motifs, also known as i-tetraplexes, are secondary structures of DNA occurring in cytosine-rich oligonucleotides (CROs) that recall increasing interest in the scientific community for their relevance in various biological processes and DNA nanotechnology. This study reports the design of new structurally modified CROs, named Double-Ended-Linker-CROs (DEL-CROs), capable of forming stable i-motif structures. Here, two C-rich strands having sequences d(AC4A) and d(C6) have been attached, in a parallel fashion, to the two linker's edges by their 3' or 5' ends. The resulting DEL-CROs have been investigated for their capability to form i-motif structures by circular dichroism, poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, HPLC-size-exclusion chromatography, and NMR studies. This investigation established that DEL-CROs could form more stable i-motif structures than the corresponding unmodified CROs. In particular, the i-motif formed by DEL-5'-d(C6)2 resulted stable enough to be detected even at near physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.0). The results open the way to developing pH-switchable nanocarriers and aptamers based on suitably functionalized DEL-CROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Greco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Marzano
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nicola Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy; ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Gabelica V. Native Mass Spectrometry and Nucleic Acid G-Quadruplex Biophysics: Advancing Hand in Hand. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3691-3699. [PMID: 34546031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While studying nucleic acids to reveal the weak interactions responsible for their three-dimensional structure and for their interactions with drugs, we also contributed to the field of biomolecular mass spectrometry, both in terms of fundamental understanding and with new methodological developments. A first goal was to develop mass spectrometry approaches to detect noncovalent interactions between antitumor drugs and their DNA target. Twenty years ago, our attention turned toward specific DNA structures such as the G-quadruplex (a structure formed by guanine-rich strands). Mass spectrometry allows one to discern which molecules interact with one another by measuring the masses of the complexes, and quantify the affinities by measuring their abundance. The most important findings came from unexpected masses. For example, we showed the formation of higher- or lower-order structures by G-quadruplexes used in traditional biophysical assays. We also derived complete thermodynamic and kinetic description of G-quadruplex folding pathways by measuring cation binding, one at a time. Getting quantitative information requires accounting for nonspecific adduct formation and for the response factors of the different molecular forms. With these caveats in mind, the approach is now mature enough for routine biophysical characterization of nucleic acids. A second goal is to obtain more detailed structural information on each of the complexes separated by the mass spectrometer. One such approach is ion mobility spectrometry, and even today the challenge lies in the structural interpretation of the measurements. We showed that, although structures such as G-quadruplexes are well-preserved in the MS conditions, double helices actually get more compact in the gas phase. These major rearrangements forced us to challenge comfortable assumptions. Further work is still needed to generalize how to deduce structures in solution from ion mobility spectrometry data and, in particular, how to account for the electrospray charging mechanisms and for ion internal energy effects. These studies also called for complementary approaches to ion mobility spectrometry. Recently, we applied isotope exchange labeling mass spectrometry to characterize nucleic acid structures for the first time, and we reported the first ever circular dichroism ion spectroscopy measurement on mass-selected trapped ions. Circular dichroism plays a key role in assigning the stacking topology, and our new method now opens the door to characterizing a wide variety of chiral molecules by mass spectrometry. In summary, advanced mass spectrometry approaches to characterize gas-phase structures work well for G-quadruplexes because they are stiffened by inner cations. The next objective will be to generalize these methodologies to a wider range of nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Gabelica
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM,
ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
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Scognamiglio PL, Platella C, Napolitano E, Musumeci D, Roviello GN. From Prebiotic Chemistry to Supramolecular Biomedical Materials: Exploring the Properties of Self-Assembling Nucleobase-Containing Peptides. Molecules 2021; 26:3558. [PMID: 34200901 PMCID: PMC8230524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides and their synthetic analogs are a class of molecules with enormous relevance as therapeutics for their ability to interact with biomacromolecules like nucleic acids and proteins, potentially interfering with biological pathways often involved in the onset and progression of pathologies of high social impact. Nucleobase-bearing peptides (nucleopeptides) and pseudopeptides (PNAs) offer further interesting possibilities related to their nucleobase-decorated nature for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, thanks to their reported ability to target complementary DNA and RNA strands. In addition, these chimeric compounds are endowed with intriguing self-assembling properties, which are at the heart of their investigation as self-replicating materials in prebiotic chemistry, as well as their application as constituents of innovative drug delivery systems and, more generally, as novel nanomaterials to be employed in biomedicine. Herein we describe the properties of nucleopeptides, PNAs and related supramolecular systems, and summarize some of the most relevant applications of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB-CNR, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, I-80145 Naples, Italy
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Riccardi C, Napolitano E, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Dimeric and Multimeric DNA Aptamers for Highly Effective Protein Recognition. Molecules 2020; 25:E5227. [PMID: 33182593 PMCID: PMC7698228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multivalent interactions frequently occur in biological systems and typically provide higher binding affinity and selectivity in target recognition than when only monovalent interactions are operative. Thus, taking inspiration by nature, bivalent or multivalent nucleic acid aptamers recognizing a specific biological target have been extensively studied in the last decades. Indeed, oligonucleotide-based aptamers are suitable building blocks for the development of highly efficient multivalent systems since they can be easily modified and assembled exploiting proper connecting linkers of different nature. Thus, substantial research efforts have been put in the construction of dimeric/multimeric versions of effective aptamers with various degrees of success in target binding affinity or therapeutic activity enhancement. The present review summarizes recent advances in the design and development of dimeric and multimeric DNA-based aptamers, including those forming G-quadruplex (G4) structures, recognizing different key proteins in relevant pathological processes. Most of the designed constructs have shown improved performance in terms of binding affinity or therapeutic activity as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, and anticancer agents and their number is certainly bound to grow in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
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Pavc D, Wang B, Spindler L, Drevenšek-Olenik I, Plavec J, Šket P. GC ends control topology of DNA G-quadruplexes and their cation-dependent assembly. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2749-2761. [PMID: 31996902 PMCID: PMC7049726 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
GCn and GCnCG, where n = (G2AG4AG2), fold into well-defined, dimeric G-quadruplexes with unprecedented folding topologies in the presence of Na+ ions as revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both G-quadruplexes exhibit unique combination of structural elements among which are two G-quartets, A(GGGG)A hexad and GCGC-quartet. Detailed structural characterization uncovered the crucial role of 5'-GC ends in formation of GCn and GCnCG G-quadruplexes. Folding in the presence of 15NH4+ and K+ ions leads to 3'-3' stacking of terminal G-quartets of GCn G-quadruplexes, while 3'-GC overhangs in GCnCG prevent dimerization. Results of the present study expand repertoire of possible G-quadruplex structures. This knowledge will be useful in DNA sequence design for nanotechnological applications that may require specific folding topology and multimerization properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daša Pavc
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Baifan Wang
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Spindler
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Complex Matter, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Drevenšek-Olenik
- Department of Complex Matter, Jozef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Center of Excellence, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primož Šket
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Marzano M, Falanga AP, Marasco D, Borbone N, D’Errico S, Piccialli G, Roviello GN, Oliviero G. Evaluation of an Analogue of the Marine ε-PLL Peptide as a Ligand of G-quadruplex DNA Structures. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18010049. [PMID: 31940851 PMCID: PMC7024349 DOI: 10.3390/md18010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ε-poly-l-Lysine (ε-PLL) peptide is a product of the marine bacterium Bacillus subtilis with antibacterial and anticancer activity largely used worldwide as a food preservative. ε-PLL and its synthetic analogue α,ε-poly-l-lysine (α,ε-PLL) are also employed in the biomedical field as enhancers of anticancer drugs and for drug and gene delivery applications. Recently, several studies reported the interaction between these non-canonical peptides and DNA targets. Among the most important DNA targets are the DNA secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s) which play relevant roles in many biological processes and disease-related mechanisms. The search for novel ligands capable of interfering with G4-driven biological processes elicits growing attention in the screening of new classes of G4 binders. In this context, we have here investigated the potential of α,ε-PLL as a G4 ligand. In particular, the effects of the incubation of two different models of G4 DNA, i.e., the parallel G4 formed by the Pu22 (d[TGAGGGTGGGTAGGGTGGGTAA]) sequence, a mutated and shorter analogue of the G4-forming sequence known as Pu27 located in the promoter of the c-myc oncogene, and the hybrid parallel/antiparallel G4 formed by the human Tel22 (d[AGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG]) telomeric sequence, with α,ε-PLL are discussed in the light of circular dichroism (CD), UV, fluorescence, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) evidence. Even though the SPR results indicated that α,ε-PLL is capable of binding with µM affinity to both the G4 models, spectroscopic and SEC investigations disclosed significant differences in the structural properties of the resulting α,ε-PLL/G4 complexes which support the use of α,ε-PLL as a G4 ligand capable of discriminating among different G4 topologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging—CNR 1, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nicola Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging—CNR 1, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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10
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Marzano M, Falanga AP, Dardano P, D'Errico S, Rea I, Terracciano M, De Stefano L, Piccialli G, Borbone N, Oliviero G. π–π stacked DNA G-wire nanostructures formed by a short G-rich oligonucleotide containing a 3′–3′ inversion of polarity site. Org Chem Front 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0qo00561d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rod-shaped G-wire assemblies potentially useful to obtain new hybrid and conducting materials were obtained by annealing short G-rich oligonucleotides incorporating a 3′–3′ inversion of polarity site in the presence of potassium or ammonium ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Andrea P. Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems
- National Council Research of Italy
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Rea
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems
- National Council Research of Italy
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems
- National Council Research of Italy
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies
- University of Naples Federico II
- 80131 – Naples
- Italy
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11
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Moccia F, Riccardi C, Musumeci D, Leone S, Oliva R, Petraccone L, Montesarchio D. Insights into the G-rich VEGF-binding aptamer V7t1: when two G-quadruplexes are better than one! Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:8318-8331. [PMID: 31276595 PMCID: PMC6735921 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The G-quadruplex-forming VEGF-binding aptamer V7t1 was previously found to be highly polymorphic in a K+-containing solution and, to restrict its conformational preferences to a unique, well-defined form, modified nucleotides (LNA and/or UNA) were inserted in its sequence. We here report an in-depth biophysical characterization of V7t1 in a Na+-rich medium, mimicking the extracellular environment in which VEGF targeting should occur, carried out combining several techniques to analyse the conformational behaviour of the aptamer and its binding to the protein. Our results demonstrate that, in the presence of high Na+ concentrations, V7t1 behaves in a very different way if subjected or not to annealing procedures, as evidenced by native gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering analysis. Indeed, not-annealed V7t1 forms both monomeric and dimeric G-quadruplexes, while the annealed oligonucleotide is a monomeric species. Remarkably, only the dimeric aptamer efficiently binds VEGF, showing higher affinity for the protein compared to the monomeric species. These findings provide new precious information for the development of improved V7t1 analogues, allowing more efficient binding to the cancer-related protein and the design of effective biosensors or theranostic devices based on VEGF targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moccia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Serena Leone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.,Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology 'Gaetano Salvatore', CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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12
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D'Atri V, Gabelica V. DNA and RNA telomeric G-quadruplexes: what topology features can be inferred from ion mobility mass spectrometry? Analyst 2019; 144:6074-6088. [PMID: 31528871 DOI: 10.1039/c9an01216h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of the telomeres is key to chromosome integrity and cell proliferation. The G-quadruplex structures formed by telomeric DNA and RNA (TTAGGG and UUAGGG repeats, respectively) are key to this process. However, because these sequences are particularly polymorphic, solving high-resolution structures is not always possible, and there is a need for new methodologies to characterize the multiple structures coexisting in solution. In this context, we evaluated whether ion mobility spectrometry coupled to native mass spectrometry could help separate and assign the G-quadruplex topologies. We explored the circular dichroism spectra, multimer formation, cation binding, and ion mobility spectra of several 4-repeat and 8-repeat telomeric DNA and RNA sequences, both in NH4+ and in K+. In 1 mM K+ and 100 mM trimethylammonium acetate, all RNAs fold intramolecularly (no multimer). In 8-repeat sequences, the subunits are not independent: in DNA the first subunit disfavors the folding of the second one, whereas in RNA the two subunits fold cooperatively via cation-mediated stacking. Ion mobility spectrometry shows that gas-phase structures keep a memory of - but are not identical to - the solution ones. At the native charge states, the loops can rearrange in a variety of ways (unless they are constrained by pre-formed hydrogen bonds), thereby wrapping the core and masking the strand arrangements. Our study highlights that, to progress towards structural assignment from IM-MS experiments, deeper understanding of the solution-to-gas-phase rearrangement mechanisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina D'Atri
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM and CNRS, ARNA Laboratory, IECB site, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33600 Pessac, France.
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13
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Kolesnikova S, Curtis EA. Structure and Function of Multimeric G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173074. [PMID: 31450559 PMCID: PMC6749722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures formed from stacked guanine tetrads. They are frequently used as building blocks and functional elements in fields such as synthetic biology and also thought to play widespread biological roles. G-quadruplexes are often studied as monomers, but can also form a variety of higher-order structures. This increases the structural and functional diversity of G-quadruplexes, and recent evidence suggests that it could also be biologically important. In this review, we describe the types of multimeric topologies adopted by G-quadruplexes and highlight what is known about their sequence requirements. We also summarize the limited information available about potential biological roles of multimeric G-quadruplexes and suggest new approaches that could facilitate future studies of these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kolesnikova
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Edward A Curtis
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic.
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14
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Nici F, Oliviero G, Falanga AP, D'Errico S, Marzano M, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D, Noppen S, Pannecouque C, Piccialli G, Borbone N. Anti-HIV activity of new higher order G-quadruplex aptamers obtained from tetra-end-linked oligonucleotides. Org Biomol Chem 2019. [PMID: 29543291 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02346d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
By combining the ability of short G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing the sequence 5'CGGA3' to form higher order G-quadruplex (G4) complexes with the tetra-end-linked (TEL) concept to produce aptamers targeting the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120), three new TEL-ODNs (1-3) having the sequence 5'CGGAGG3' were synthesized with the aim of studying the effect of G4 dimerization on their anti-HIV activity. Furthermore, in order to investigate the effect of the groups at the 5' position, the 5' ends of 1-3 were left uncapped (1) or capped with either the lipophilic dimethoxytrityl (DMT) (2) or the hydrophilic glucosyl-4-phosphate (3) moieties. The here reported results demonstrate that only the DMT-substituted TEL-ODN 2 is effective in protecting human MT-4 cell cultures from HIV infection (76% max protection), notwithstanding all the three new aptamers proved to be capable of forming stable higher order dimeric G4s when annealed in K+-containing buffer, thus suggesting that the recognition of a hydrophobic pocket on the target glycoprotein by the aptamers represents a main structural feature for triggering their anti-HIV activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nici
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - G Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - A P Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - S D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - M Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - D Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - D Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Pannecouque
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - N Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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15
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Marzano M, Falanga AP, D'Errico S, Pinto B, Roviello GN, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Borbone N. New G-Quadruplex-Forming Oligodeoxynucleotides Incorporating a Bifunctional Double-Ended Linker (DEL): Effects of DEL Size and ODNs Orientation on the Topology, Stability, and Molecularity of DEL-G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030654. [PMID: 30759875 PMCID: PMC6384581 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unusual secondary structures of DNA occurring in guanosine-rich oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) strands that are extensively studied for their relevance to the biological processes in which they are involved. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new kind of G4-forming molecule named double-ended-linker ODN (DEL-ODN), in which two TG₄T strands are attached to the two ends of symmetric, non-nucleotide linkers. Four DEL-ODNs differing for the incorporation of either a short or long linker and the directionality of the TG₄T strands were synthesized, and their ability to form G4 structures and/or multimeric species was investigated by PAGE, HPLC⁻size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC⁻SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and NMR studies in comparison with the previously reported monomeric tetra-ended-linker (TEL) analogues and with the corresponding tetramolecular species (TG₄T)₄. The structural characterization of DEL-ODNs confirmed the formation of stable, bimolecular DEL-G4s for all DEL-ODNs, as well as of additional DEL-G4 multimers with higher molecular weights, thus suggesting a way towards the obtainment of thermally stable DNA nanostructures based on reticulated DEL-G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marzano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Brunella Pinto
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Camillo Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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16
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Benito S, Ferrer A, Benabou S, Aviñó A, Eritja R, Gargallo R. Evaluation of the effect of polymorphism on G-quadruplex-ligand interaction by means of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 196:185-195. [PMID: 29448171 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich sequences may fold into highly ordered structures known as G-quadruplexes. Apart from the monomeric G-quadruplex, these sequences may form multimeric structures that are not usually considered when studying interaction with ligands. This work studies the interaction of a ligand, crystal violet, with three guanine-rich DNA sequences with the capacity to form multimeric structures. These sequences correspond to short stretches found near the promoter regions of c-kit and SMARCA4 genes. Instrumental techniques (circular dichroism, molecular fluorescence, size-exclusion chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry) and multivariate data analysis were used for this purpose. The polymorphism of G-quadruplexes was characterized prior to the interaction studies. The ligand was shown to interact preferentially with the monomeric G-quadruplex; the binding stoichiometry was 1:1 and the binding constant was in the order of 105M-1 for all three sequences. The results highlight the importance of DNA treatment prior to interaction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Benito
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ferrer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Benabou
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aviñó
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), CIBER-BBN, Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), CIBER-BBN, Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Gargallo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Kolesnikova S, Hubálek M, Bednárová L, Cvacka J, Curtis EA. Multimerization rules for G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:8684-8696. [PMID: 28911118 PMCID: PMC5587800 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes can multimerize under certain conditions, but the sequence requirements of such structures are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the ability of all possible variants of the central tetrad in a monomeric, parallel-strand G-quadruplex to form higher-order structures. Although most of these 256 variants existed primarily as monomers under the conditions of our screen, ∼10% formed dimers or tetramers. These structures could form in a wide range of monovalent and divalent metal ions, and folding was highly cooperative in both KCl and MgCl2. As was previously shown for G-quadruplexes that bind GTP and promote peroxidase reactions, G-quadruplexes that form dimers and tetramers have distinct sequence requirements. Some mutants could also form heteromultimers, and a second screen was performed to characterize the sequence requirements of these structures. Taken together, these experiments provide new insights into the sequence requirements and structures of both homomultimeric and heteromultimeric G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kolesnikova
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hubálek
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Bednárová
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvacka
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Edward A Curtis
- The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 166 10, Czech Republic
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18
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D'Urso A, Randazzo R, Rizzo V, Gangemi CMA, Romanucci V, Zarrelli A, Tomaselli G, Milardi D, Borbone N, Purrello R, Piccialli G, Di Fabio G, Oliviero G. Stabilization vs. destabilization of G-quadruplex superstructures: the role of the porphyrin derivative having spermine arms. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017. [PMID: 28650039 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp02816d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of the porphyrin derivative H2TCPPSpm4, having spermine pendants in the four meso positions, with the G-quadruplex (GQ) structure formed by the DNA aptamer TGGGAG has been investigated by means of UV, electronic circular dichroism and PAGE studies. The results reported here demonstrate that the porphyrin derivative is capable of stabilizing or destabilizing the higher-ordered structures of parallel GQs, depending on the method used to reach their relative stoichiometry (titration vs. single addition). Noteworthily, when two equivalents of H2TCPPSpm4 were mixed directly with one equivalent of the (TGGGAG)4 GQ to reach a 2 : 1 H2TCPPSpm4 : GQ ratio T1/2 higher than 80 °C was also observed confirming the presence of higher-ordered GQ structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Urso
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, V.le A Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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19
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Oliviero G, D'Errico S, Pinto B, Nici F, Dardano P, Rea I, De Stefano L, Mayol L, Piccialli G, Borbone N. Self-Assembly of G-Rich Oligonucleotides Incorporating a 3'-3' Inversion of Polarity Site: A New Route Towards G-Wire DNA Nanostructures. ChemistryOpen 2017; 6:599-605. [PMID: 28794955 PMCID: PMC5542749 DOI: 10.1002/open.201700024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Obtaining DNA nanostructures with potential applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and electronics in a simple and affordable way represents one of the hottest topics in nanotechnological and medical sciences. Herein, we report a novel strategy to obtain structurally homogeneous DNA G-wire nanostructures of known length, starting from the short unmodified G-rich oligonucleotide d(5'-CGGT-3'-3'-GGC-5') (1) incorporating a 3'-3' inversion of polarity site. The reported approach allowed us to obtain long G-wire assemblies through 5'-5' π-π stacking interactions in between the tetramolecular G-quadruplex building blocks that form when 1 is annealed in the presence of potassium ions. Our results expand the repertoire of synthetic methodologies to obtain new tailored DNA G-wire nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies Via S. Pansini 5 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Brunella Pinto
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Fabrizia Nici
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Ilaria Rea
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
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20
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Dolinnaya NG, Ogloblina AM, Yakubovskaya MG. Structure, Properties, and Biological Relevance of the DNA and RNA G-Quadruplexes: Overview 50 Years after Their Discovery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:1602-1649. [PMID: 28260487 PMCID: PMC7087716 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916130034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), which are known to have important roles in regulation of key biological processes in both normal and pathological cells, are the most actively studied non-canonical structures of nucleic acids. In this review, we summarize the results of studies published in recent years that change significantly scientific views on various aspects of our understanding of quadruplexes. Modern notions on the polymorphism of DNA quadruplexes, on factors affecting thermodynamics and kinetics of G4 folding–unfolding, on structural organization of multiquadruplex systems, and on conformational features of RNA G4s and hybrid DNA–RNA G4s are discussed. Here we report the data on location of G4 sequence motifs in the genomes of eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses, characterize G4-specific small-molecule ligands and proteins, as well as the mechanisms of their interactions with quadruplexes. New information on the structure and stability of G4s in telomeric DNA and oncogene promoters is discussed as well as proof being provided on the occurrence of G-quadruplexes in cells. Prominence is given to novel experimental techniques (single molecule manipulations, optical and magnetic tweezers, original chemical approaches, G4 detection in situ, in-cell NMR spectroscopy) that facilitate breakthroughs in the investigation of the structure and functions of G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Dolinnaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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21
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Esposito V, Pepe A, Filosa R, Mayol L, Virgilio A, Galeone A. A novel pyrimidine tetrad contributing to stabilize tetramolecular G-quadruplex structures. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:2938-43. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ob02358k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
5-Amino-2′-deoxyuridine forms an eight hydrogen-bonded tetrad stabilizing a parallel G-quadruplex structure more efficiently than tetrads formed by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine and thymidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- 80131 Naples
- Italy
| | - A. Pepe
- Department of Science
- University of Basilicata
- Potenza
- Italy
| | - R. Filosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine
- Second University of Naples
- 80138 Napoli
- Italy
| | - L. Mayol
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- 80131 Naples
- Italy
| | - A. Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- 80131 Naples
- Italy
| | - A. Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples “Federico II”
- 80131 Naples
- Italy
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