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Pavlova S, Fab L, Savchenko E, Ryabova A, Ryzhova M, Revishchin A, Pronin I, Usachev D, Kopylov A, Pavlova G. The Bi-(AID-1-T) G-Quadruplex Has a Janus Effect on Primary and Recurrent Gliomas: Anti-Proliferation and Pro-Migration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:74. [PMID: 38256907 PMCID: PMC10819273 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010074] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas are considered an incurable disease. Despite all the various therapy options available, patient survival remains low, and the tumor usually returns. Tumor resistance to conventional therapy and stimulation of the migratory activity of surviving cells are the main factors that lead to recurrent tumors. When developing new treatment approaches, the effect is most often evaluated on standard and phenotypically depleted cancer cell lines. Moreover, there is much focus on the anti-proliferative effect of such therapies without considering the possible stimulation of migratory activity. In this paper, we studied how glioma cell migration changes after exposure to bi-(AID-1-T), an anti-proliferative aptamer. We investigated the effect of this aptamer on eight human glioma cell cultures (Grades III and IV) that were derived from patients' tumor tissue; the difference between primary and recurrent tumors was taken into account. Despite its strong anti-proliferative activity, bi-(AID-1-T) was shown to induce migration of recurrent tumor cells. This result shows the importance of studying the effect of therapeutic molecules on the invasive properties of glioma tumor cells in order to reduce the likelihood of inducing tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pavlova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lika Fab
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Savchenko
- Federal State Autonomous Institution N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Ryabova
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Ryzhova
- Federal State Autonomous Institution N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Revishchin
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Pronin
- Federal State Autonomous Institution N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Usachev
- Federal State Autonomous Institution N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kopylov
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physical Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Galina Pavlova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia
- Federal State Autonomous Institution N. N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Properties and Potential Antiproliferative Activity of Thrombin-Binding Aptamer (TBA) Derivatives with One or Two Additional G-Tetrads. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314921. [PMID: 36499249 PMCID: PMC9736779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we study the biological properties of two TBA analogs containing one and two extra G-tetrads, namely TBAG3 and TBAG4, respectively, and two further derivatives in which one of the small loops at the bottom (TBAG41S) or the large loop at the top (TBAG4GS) of the TBAG4 structure has been completely modified by replacing all loop residues with abasic site mimics. The therapeutical development of the TBA was hindered by its low thermodynamic and nuclease stability, while its potential as an anticancer/antiproliferative molecule is also affected by the anticoagulant activity, being a side effect in this case. In order to obtain suitable TBA analogs and to explore the involvement of specific aptamer regions in biological activity, the antiproliferative capability against DU 145 and MDAMB 231 cancer cell lines (MTT), the anticoagulant properties (PT), the biological degradability (nuclease stability assay) and nucleolin (NCL) binding ability (SPR) of the above described TBA derivatives have been tested. Interestingly, none of the TBA analogs exhibits an anticoagulant activity, while all of them show antiproliferative properties to the same extent. Furthermore, TBAG4 displays extraordinary nuclease stability and promising antiproliferative properties against breast cancer cells binding NCL efficiently. These results expand the range of G4-structures targeting NCL and the possibility of developing novel anticancer and antiviral drugs.
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Preparation and Validation of Ultra-sensitive Aptamers by Computer Simulation and Site-Specific Mutation. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-022-02396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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4
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Virgilio A, Pecoraro A, Benigno D, Russo A, Russo G, Esposito V, Galeone A. Antiproliferative Effects of the Aptamer d(GGGT) 4 and Its Analogues with an Abasic-Site Mimic Loop on Different Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115952. [PMID: 35682635 PMCID: PMC9181107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we study the T30923 antiproliferative potential and the contribution of its loop residues in six different human cancer cell lines by preparing five T30923 variants using the single residue replacement approach of loop thymidine with an abasic site mimic (S). G-rich oligonucleotides (GRO) show interesting anticancer properties because of their capability to adopt G-quadruplex structures (G4s), such as the G4 HIV-1 integrase inhibitor T30923. Considering the multi-targeted effects of G4-aptamers and the limited number of cancer cell lines tested, particularly for T30923, it should be important to find a suitable tumor line, in addition to considering that the effects also strictly depend on G4s. CD, NMR and non-denaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis data clearly show that all modified ODNs closely resemble the dimeric structure of parallel G4s’ parent aptamer, keeping the resistance in biological environments substantially unchanged, as shown by nuclease stability assay. The antiproliferative effects of T30923 and its variants are tried in vitro by MTT assays, showing interesting cytotoxic activity, depending on time and dose, for all G4s, especially in MDA-MB-231 cells with a reduction in cell viability approximately up to 30%. Among all derivatives, QS12 results are the most promising, showing more pronounced cytotoxic effects both in MDA-MB-231 and Hela cells, with a decrease in cell viability from 70% to 60%. In summary, the single loop residue S substitution approach may be useful for designing antiproliferative G4s, considering that most of them, characterized by single residue loops, may be able to bind different targets in several cancer cell pathways. Generally, this approach could be of benefit by revealing some minimal functional structures, stimulating further studies aimed at the development of novel anticancer drugs.
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A Comprehensive Analysis of the Thrombin Binding Aptamer Containing Functionalized Pyrrolo-2'-deoxycytidines. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121326. [PMID: 34959726 PMCID: PMC8709445 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121326] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers constitute an answer for the growing need for targeted therapy development. One of the most well-known representatives of this group of compounds is thrombin binding aptamers (TBA) targeted towards thrombin. The TBA inhibitory activity is determined by its spatial arrangement, which consists of two G-tetrads linked by two shorter TT loops and one longer TGT loop and folds into a unimolecular, antiparallel G-quadruplex structure. Interesting properties of the aptamer can be further improved via the introduction of a number of chemical modifications. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of the influence of pyrrolo-2’-deoxycytidine (Py-dC) and its derivatives on TBA physicochemical and biological properties has been presented. The studies have shown that the presence of modified residues at the T7 position of the TGT loop has only minor effects on TBA thermodynamic stability without affecting its folding topology. All analyzed oligomers exhibit anticoagulant properties, but only aptamer modified with a decyl derivative of Py-dC was able to inhibit thrombin activity more efficiently than unmodified, parental compounds. Importantly, the same compound also possessed the potential to effectively restrain HeLa cell line growth.
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Lopes-Nunes J, Oliveira PA, Cruz C. G-Quadruplex-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:671. [PMID: 34358097 PMCID: PMC8308530 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a class of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) with single-stranded G-rich sequences. Owing to the selectivity of some G4s, they are emerging as targeting agents to overtake side effects of several potential anticancer drugs, and delivery systems of small molecules to malignant cells, through their high affinity or complementarity to specific targets. Moreover, different systems are being used to improve their potential, such as gold nano-particles or liposomes. Thus, the present review provides relevant data about the different studies with G4s as drug delivery systems and the challenges that must be overcome in the future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal;
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Virgilio A, Benigno D, Pecoraro A, Russo A, Russo G, Esposito V, Galeone A. Exploring New Potential Anticancer Activities of the G-Quadruplexes Formed by [(GTG 2T(G 3T) 3] and Its Derivatives with an Abasic Site Replacing Single Thymidine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137040. [PMID: 34208896 PMCID: PMC8268168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we report our investigations on five T30175 analogues, prepared by replacing sequence thymidines with abasic sites (S) one at a time, in comparison to their natural counterpart in order to evaluate their antiproliferative potential and the involvement of the residues not belonging to the central core of stacked guanosines in biological activity. The collected NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), CD (Circular Dichroism), and PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) data strongly suggest that all of them adopt G-quadruplex (G4) structures strictly similar to that of the parent aptamer with the ability to fold into a dimeric structure composed of two identical G-quadruplexes, each characterized by parallel strands, three all-anti-G-tetrads and four one-thymidine loops (one bulge and three propeller loops). Furthermore, their antiproliferative (MTT assay) and anti-motility (wound healing assay) properties against lung and colorectal cancer cells were tested. Although all of the oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) investigated here exhibited anti-proliferative activity, the unmodified T30175 aptamer showed the greatest effect on cell growth, suggesting that both its characteristic folding in dimeric form and its presence in the sequence of all thymidines are crucial elements for antiproliferative activity. This straightforward approach is suitable for understanding the critical requirements of the G-quadruplex structures that affect antiproliferative potential and suggests its application as a starting point to facilitate the reasonable development of G-quadruplexes with improved anticancer properties.
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Virgilio A, Esposito V, Pecoraro A, Russo A, Vellecco V, Pepe A, Bucci M, Russo G, Galeone A. Structural properties and anticoagulant/cytotoxic activities of heterochiral enantiomeric thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) derivatives. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 48:12556-12565. [PMID: 33270863 PMCID: PMC7736819 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) possesses promising antiproliferative properties. However, its development as an anticancer agent is drastically impaired by its concomitant anticoagulant activity. Therefore, suitable chemical modifications in the TBA sequence would be required in order to preserve its antiproliferative over anticoagulant activity. In this paper, we report structural investigations, based on circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and biological evaluation of four pairs of enantiomeric heterochiral TBA analogues. The four TBA derivatives of the d-series are composed by d-residues except for one l-thymidine in the small TT loops, while their four enantiomers are composed by l-residues except for one d-thymidine in the same TT loop region. Apart from the left-handedness for the l-series TBA derivatives, CD and NMR measurements have shown that all TBA analogues are able to adopt the antiparallel, monomolecular, ‘chair-like’ G-quadruplex structure characteristic of the natural D-TBA. However, although all eight TBA derivatives are endowed with remarkable cytotoxic activities against colon and lung cancer cell lines, only TBA derivatives of the l-series show no anticoagulant activity and are considerably resistant in biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pecoraro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annapina Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Pepe
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, I-85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Bao HL, Ishizuka T, Yamashita A, Furukoji E, Asada Y, Xu Y. Improving Thermodynamic Stability and Anticoagulant Activity of a Thrombin Binding Aptamer by Incorporation of 8-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine. J Med Chem 2020; 64:711-718. [PMID: 33289557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we incorporated 8-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (FG) into a thrombin binding aptamer (TBA). Circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrophoresis, and prothrombin time (PT) assay were performed to investigate the structure, thermodynamic stability, biological stability, and anticoagulant activity of the FG-modified TBA sequences. We found that the replacement of FG into TBA sequences led to a remarkable improvement in the melting temperature up to 30 °C compared with the native sequence. The trifluoromethyl group allowed us to investigate the TBA G-quadruplex structure by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, PT assays showed that the modified sequences can significantly improve the anticoagulant activity in comparison with the native TBA. Finally, we demonstrated that the trifluoromethyl-modified TBA sequence could function as an anticoagulant reagent in live rats. Our results strongly suggested that FG is a powerful nucleoside derivative to increase the thermodynamic stability and anticoagulant activity of TBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Liang Bao
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Takumi Ishizuka
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathophysiology, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Eiji Furukoji
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Yujiro Asada
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathophysiology, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
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Riccardi C, Napolitano E, Platella C, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. G-quadruplex-based aptamers targeting human thrombin: Discovery, chemical modifications and antithrombotic effects. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 217:107649. [PMID: 32777331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
First studies on thrombin-inhibiting DNA aptamers were reported in 1992, and since then a large number of anticoagulant aptamers has been discovered. TBA - also named HD1, a 15-mer G-quadruplex (G4)-forming oligonucleotide - is the best characterized thrombin binding aptamer, able to specifically recognize the protein exosite I, thus inhibiting the conversion of soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin strands. Unmodified nucleic acid-based aptamers, in general, and TBA in particular, exhibit limited pharmacokinetic properties and are rapidly degraded in vivo by nucleases. In order to improve the biological performance of aptamers, a widely investigated strategy is the introduction of chemical modifications in their backbone at the level of the nucleobases, sugar moieties or phosphodiester linkages. Besides TBA, also other thrombin binding aptamers, able to adopt a well-defined G4 structure, e.g. mixed duplex/quadruplex sequences, as well as homo- and hetero-bivalent constructs, have been identified and optimized. Considering the growing need of new efficient anticoagulant agents associated with the strong therapeutic potential of these thrombin inhibitors, the research on thrombin binding aptamers is still a very hot and intriguing field. Herein, we comprehensively described the state-of-the-art knowledge on the DNA-based aptamers targeting thrombin, especially focusing on the optimized analogues obtained by chemically modifying the oligonucleotide backbone, and their biological performances in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2(nd) 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.
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; 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.
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uL3 Mediated Nucleolar Stress Pathway as a New Mechanism of Action of Antiproliferative G-quadruplex TBA Derivatives in Colon Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040583. [PMID: 32290083 PMCID: PMC7226491 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiproliferative G-quadruplex aptamers are a promising and challenging subject in the framework of the anticancer therapeutic oligonucleotides research field. Although several antiproliferative G-quadruplex aptamers have been identified and proven to be effective on different cancer cell lines, their mechanism of action is still unexplored. We have recently described the antiproliferative activity of a heterochiral thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) derivative, namely, LQ1. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of LQ1 activity and the structural and antiproliferative properties of two further TBA derivatives, differing from LQ1 only by the small loop base-compositions. We demonstrate that in p53 deleted colon cancer cells, LQ1 causes nucleolar stress, impairs ribosomal RNA processing, leading to the accumulation of pre-ribosomal RNAs, arrests cells in the G2/M phase and induces early apoptosis. Importantly, the depletion of uL3 abrogates all these effects, indicating that uL3 is a crucial player in the mechanism of action of LQ1. Taken together, our findings identify p53-independent and uL3-dependent nucleolar stress as a novel stress response pathway activated by a specific G-quadruplex TBA derivative. To the best of our knowledge, this investigation reveals, for the first time, the involvement of the nucleolar stress pathway in the mechanism of action of antiproliferative G-quadruplex aptamers.
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Roxo C, Kotkowiak W, Pasternak A. G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamers-Characteristics, Applications, and Perspectives. Molecules 2019; 24:E3781. [PMID: 31640176 PMCID: PMC6832456 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes constitute a unique class of nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich oligonucleotides of DNA- or RNA-type. Depending on their chemical nature, loops length, and localization in the sequence or structure molecularity, G-quadruplexes are highly polymorphic structures showing various folding topologies. They may be formed in the human genome where they are believed to play a pivotal role in the regulation of multiple biological processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. Thus, natural G-quadruplex structures became prospective targets for disease treatment. The fast development of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technologies provided a number of G-rich aptamers revealing the potential of G-quadruplex structures as a promising molecular tool targeted toward various biologically important ligands. Because of their high stability, increased cellular uptake, ease of chemical modification, minor production costs, and convenient storage, G-rich aptamers became interesting therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives to antibodies. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the development of G-quadruplex based aptamers by focusing on the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of this exceptional class of nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roxo
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Weronika Kotkowiak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anna Pasternak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
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Antipova O, Samoylenkova N, Savchenko E, Zavyalova E, Revishchin A, Pavlova G, Kopylov A. Bimodular Antiparallel G-Quadruplex Nanoconstruct with Antiproliferative Activity. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24193625. [PMID: 31597343 PMCID: PMC6803823 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24193625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides with an antiproliferative activity for human cancer cells have attracted attention over the past decades; many of them have a G-quadruplex structure (GQ), and a cryptic target. In particular, DNA oligonucleotide HD1, a minimal GQ, could inhibit proliferation of some cancer cell lines. The HD1 is a 15-nucleotide DNA oligonucleotide that folds into a minimal chair-like monomolecular antiparallel GQ structure. In this study, for eight human cancer cell lines, we have analyzed the antiproliferative activities of minimal bimodular DNA oligonucleotide, biHD1, which has two HD1 modules covalently linked via single T-nucleotide residue. Oligonucleotide biHD1 exhibits a dose-dependent antiproliferative activity for lung cancer cell line RL-67 and cell line of central nervous system cancer U87 by MTT-test and Ki-67 immunoassay. The study of derivatives of biHD1 for the RL-67 and U87 cell lines revealed a structure-activity correlation of GQ folding and antiproliferative activity. Therefore, a covalent joining of two putative GQ modules within biHD1 molecule provides the antiproliferative activity of initial HD1, opening a possibility to design further GQ multimodular nanoconstructs with antiproliferative activity—either as themselves or as carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Antipova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-40, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda Samoylenkova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina Savchenko
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena Zavyalova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-40, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Revishchin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Galina Pavlova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
- Federal State Autonomous Institution (N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya 13/5, 125047Moscow, Russia.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Molecular Medicine, B. Pyrogovskaya 2/6, 119992 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexey Kopylov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1-40, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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Carotenuto P, Pecoraro A, Palma G, Russo G, Russo A. Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Nucleolus in Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:E1090. [PMID: 31527430 PMCID: PMC6770360 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleolus is a distinct sub-cellular compartment structure in the nucleus. First observed more than 200 years ago, the nucleolus is detectable by microscopy in eukaryotic cells and visible during the interphase as a sub-nuclear structure immersed in the nucleoplasm, from which it is not separated from any membrane. A huge number of studies, spanning over a century, have identified ribosome biogenesis as the main function of the nucleolus. Recently, novel functions, independent from ribosome biogenesis, have been proposed by several proteomic, genomic, and functional studies. Several works have confirmed the non-canonical role for nucleoli in regulating important cellular processes including genome stability, cell-cycle control, the cellular senescence, stress responses, and biogenesis of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Many authors have shown that both canonical and non-canonical functions of the nucleolus are associated with several cancer-related processes. The association between the nucleolus and cancer, first proposed by cytological and histopathological studies showing that the number and shape of nucleoli are commonly altered in almost any type of cancer, has been confirmed at the molecular level by several authors who demonstrated that numerous mechanisms occurring in the nucleolus are altered in tumors. Recently, therapeutic approaches targeting the nucleolus in cancer have started to be considered as an emerging "hallmark" of cancer and several therapeutic interventions have been developed. This review proposes an up-to-date overview of available strategies targeting the nucleolus, focusing on novel targeted therapeutic approaches. Finally, a target-based classification of currently available treatment will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Carotenuto
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Therapeutic Unit, London SM2 5NG, UK.
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Pecoraro
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Palma
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Annapina Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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15
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Seelam Prabhakar P, A Manderville R, D Wetmore S. Impact of the Position of the Chemically Modified 5-Furyl-2'-Deoxyuridine Nucleoside on the Thrombin DNA Aptamer-Protein Complex: Structural Insights into Aptamer Response from MD Simulations. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24162908. [PMID: 31405145 PMCID: PMC6720718 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are functional nucleic acids that bind to a range of targets (small molecules, proteins or cells) with a high affinity and specificity. Chemically-modified aptamers are of interest because the incorporation of novel nucleobase components can enhance aptamer binding to target proteins, while fluorescent base analogues permit the design of functional aptasensors that signal target binding. However, since optimally modified nucleoside designs have yet to be identified, information about how to fine tune aptamer stability and target binding affinity is required. The present work uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate modifications to the prototypical thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA), which is a 15-mer DNA sequence that folds into a G-quadruplex structure connected by two TT loops and one TGT loop. Specifically, we modeled a previously synthesized thymine (T) analog, namely 5-furyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5FurU), into each of the six aptamer locations occupied by a thymine base in the TT or TGT loops of unbound and thrombin bound TBA. This modification and aptamer combination were chosen as a proof-of-principle because previous experimental studies have shown that TBA displays emissive sensitivity to target binding based on the local environment polarity at different 5FurU modification sites. Our simulations reveal that the chemically-modified base imparts noticeable structural changes to the aptamer without affecting the global conformation. Depending on the modification site, 5FurU performance is altered due to changes in the local environment, including the modification site structural dynamics, degree of solvent exposure, stacking with neighboring bases, and interactions with thrombin. Most importantly, these changes directly correlate with the experimentally-observed differences in the stability, binding affinity and emissive response of the modified aptamers. Therefore, the computational protocols implemented in the present work can be used in subsequent studies in a predictive way to aid the fine tuning of aptamer target recognition for use as biosensors (aptasensors) and/or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Seelam Prabhakar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AL T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Richard A Manderville
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stacey D Wetmore
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AL T1K 3M4, Canada.
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16
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Feng X, Yu C, Feng F, Lu P, Chai Y, Li Q, Zhang D, Wang X, Yao L. Direct Measurement of Through-Bond Effects in Molecular Multivalent Interactions. Chemistry 2019; 25:2978-2982. [PMID: 30600858 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201805218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multivalent interactions occur throughout biology, and have a number of characteristics that monovalent interactions do not. However, it remains challenging to directly measure the binding force of molecular multivalent interactions and identify the mechanism of interactions. In this study, the specific interaction between bivalent aptamer and thrombin has been measured directly and quantitatively by force-induced remnant magnetization spectroscopy to investigate the binding force and through-bond effects of the multivalent interactions. The measured differential binding forces enable through-bond effects in thrombin-aptamer complexes to be identified, where aptamer binding at exosite II produces visible effects on their binding at exosite I and vice versa. This method might be suitable for practical applications in the design of high-performance ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Feng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chanchan Yu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Feng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Pan Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yahong Chai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Qilong Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyu Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Li Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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17
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Esposito V, Russo A, Vellecco V, Bucci M, Russo G, Mayol L, Virgilio A, Galeone A. Thrombin binding aptamer analogues containing inversion of polarity sites endowed with antiproliferative and anti-motility properties against Calu-6 cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2645-2650. [PMID: 30071274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is endowed with both anticoagulant and antiproliferative properties, it is possible to reduce the first and enhance the second one by suitable chemical modifications. METHODS Two oligonucleotides (TBA353 and TBA535) based on the TBA sequence (GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) and containing inversion of polarity sites have been investigated by CD, UV and electrophoretic techniques for their ability to form G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, their anticoagulant (PT assay), antiproliferative (MTT assay) and anti-motility (wound healing assay) properties against Calu-6 cells have been tested and compared with TBA. RESULTS CD, UV and electrophoresis data indicate that both ODNs are able to form G-quadruplex structures. Particularly, results suggest that TBA535 adopts a G-quadruplex structure characterized by a loop arrangement different from that of TBA. Both TBA analogues drop the anticoagulant activity. However, TBA535 is endowed with a significant antiproliferative activity against lung cancer Calu-6 cells. Importantly, both TBA and TBA535 possess a remarkable anti-motility property against the same cell line. CONCLUSIONS Both TBA analogues TBA353 and TBA535 are able to form G-quadruplex structures with no anticoagulant activity. However only TBA535 is endowed with noteworthy antiproliferative and anti-motility properties against lung cancer Calu-6 cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The switching from the anticoagulant to antiproliferative property can be obtained also in TBA derivatives not adopting the "chair-like" G-quadruplex structure typical of TBA. Furthermore, results have highlighted an unprecedented anti-cell-motility property of TBA and TBA535 reinforcing the potential of these ODNs as anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annapina Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Vellecco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Bucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Aldo Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
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