Stabilization of guanine quadruplex DNA by the binding of porphyrins with cationic side arms

Investigation of simple BODIPY dyes as G-quadruplex recognizing ligands

An important class of fluorescent dyes used in studying interactions and visualization of vital biomolecules are compounds with a skeleton origin 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene, known as BODIPY. The objects of the presented study are the simple, polar and hydrophobic 3,7-dimethyl-substituted-core BODIPY dyes with the unmodified or modified phenyl aromatic ring at the meso position. Their optical properties as well as binding interactions with different DNA forms (i-motif, parallel G4, antiparallel G4, hybrid G4, dsDNA and ssDNA) were investigated by biophysical methods. The BODIPY derivatives interact more preferably with tetraplexes than other DNA forms. Especially, ligand 1 and 3 exibit tendency to destabilize parallel c-MYC G-quadruplex. The experiments with peroxidase-mimicking DNAzymes manifest that the main interaction between these BODIPY ligands and parallel G-quadruplex occurs via end-stacking mode. Moreover, their biological activity was evaluated by MTT assay.

Stabilization of G-Quadruplex Structures of the SARS-CoV-2 Genome by TMPyP4, BRACO19, and PhenDC3

The G-quadruplex is one of the non-canonical structures formed by nucleic acids, which can be formed by guanine-rich sequences. They became the focus of much research when they were found in several oncogene promoter regions and also in the telomeres. Later on, they were discovered in viruses as well. Various ligands have been developed in order to stabilize DNA G-quadruplexes, which were believed to have an anti-cancer or antiviral effect. We investigated three of these ligands, and whether they can also affect the stability of the G-quadruplex-forming sequences of the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2. All three investigated oligonucleotides showed the G-quadruplex form. We characterized their stability and measured their thermodynamic parameters using the Förster resonance energy transfer method. The addition of the ligands caused an increase in the unfolding temperature, but this effect was smaller compared to that found earlier in the case of G-quadruplexes of the hepatitis B virus, which has a DNA genome.

Unraveling the structural aspects of the G-quadruplex in SMO promoter and elucidating its contribution in transcriptional regulation

We located a 25 nt G-rich sequence in the promoter region of SMO oncogene. We performed an array of biophysical and biochemical assays and confirmed the formation of a parallel G quadruplex (SMO1-GQ) by the identified sequence. SMO1-GQ is highly conserved in primates. For a comprehensive characterization of the SMO quadruplex structure, we have performed spectroscopic and in silico analysis with established GQ binder small molecules TMPyP4 and BRACO-19. We observed comparatively higher stable interaction of BRACO-19 with SMO1-GQ. Structure-based, rational drug design against SMO1-GQ to target SMO oncogene requires a detailed molecular anatomy of the G-quadruplex. We structurally characterised the SMO1-GQ using DMS footprinting assay and molecular modelling, docking, and MD simulation to identify the probable atomic regions that interact with either of the small molecules. We further investigated SMO1-GQ in vivo by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. ChIP data revealed that this gene element functions as a scaffold for a number of transcription factors: specificity protein (Sp1), nucleolin (NCL), non-metastatic cell 2 (NM23-H2), cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP), and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) which reflects the SMO1-P1 G-quadruplex to be the master regulator of SMO1 transcriptional activity. The strong binding interaction detected between SMO1-GQ and BRACO-19 contemplates the potential of the G quadruplex as a promising anti-cancer druggable target to downregulate SMO1 oncogene driven cancers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Porphyrin induced structural destabilization of a parallel DNA G-quadruplex in human MRP1 gene promoter

Porphyrins are among the first ligands that have been tested for their quadruplex binding and stabilization potential. We report the differential interaction of the positional cationic porphyrin isomers TMPyP3 and TMPyP4 with a parallel G-quadruplex (GQ) formed by 33-mer (TP) regulatory sequence present in the promoter region of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) transporter gene. This GQ element encompasses the three evolutionary conserved SP1 transcription factor binding sites. Taking into account that SP1 binds to a non-canonical GQ motif with higher affinity than to a canonical duplex DNA consensus motif, it is suggestive that GQ distortion by cationic porphyrin will have important implications in the regulation of MRP1 expression. Herein, we employed biophysical analysis using circular dichroism, visible absorption, UV-thermal melting and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, reporting destabilization of MRP1 GQ by cationic porphyrins. Results suggest that TMPyP4 and TMPyP3 interact with GQ with a binding affinity of 10⁶ to 10⁷  M^-1 . Thermodynamic analysis indicated a significant decrease in melting temperature of GQ (ΔTm of 15.5°C-23.5°C), in the presence of 2 times excess of porphyrins. This study provides the biophysical evidence indicating the destabilisation of a parallel DNA G-quadruplex by cationic porphyrins.

VID22 counteracts G-quadruplex-induced genome instability

Genome instability is a condition characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations and is a hallmark of cancer cells. To uncover new genes and cellular pathways affecting endogenous DNA damage and genome integrity, we exploited a Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA)-based screen in yeast. Among the positive genes, we identified VID22, reported to be involved in DNA double-strand break repair. vid22Δ cells exhibit increased levels of endogenous DNA damage, chronic DNA damage response activation and accumulate DNA aberrations in sequences displaying high probabilities of forming G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA). If not resolved, these DNA secondary structures can block the progression of both DNA and RNA polymerases and correlate with chromosome fragile sites. Vid22 binds to and protects DNA at G4-containing regions both in vitro and in vivo. Loss of VID22 causes an increase in gross chromosomal rearrangement (GCR) events dependent on G-quadruplex forming sequences. Moreover, the absence of Vid22 causes defects in the correct maintenance of G4-DNA rich elements, such as telomeres and mtDNA, and hypersensitivity to the G4-stabilizing ligand TMPyP4. We thus propose that Vid22 is directly involved in genome integrity maintenance as a novel regulator of G4 metabolism.

QSAR, pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking studies to identify structural alerts for some nitrogen heterocycles as dual inhibitor of telomerase reverse transcriptase and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA

Background

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA are amongst the favorable target for researchers to discover novel and more effective anticancer agents. To understand and elucidate structure activity relationship and mechanism of inhibition of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA, a QSAR modeling and molecular docking were conducted.

Results

Two robust QSAR model were obtained which consist of full set QSAR model (R2: 0.8174, CCCtr: 0.8995, Q2loo: 0.7881, Q2LMO: 0.7814) and divided set QSAR model (R2: 0.8217, CCCtr: 0.9021, Q2loo: 0.7886, Q2LMO: 0.7783, Q2-F1: 0.7078, Q2-F2: 0.6865, Q2-F3: 0.7346) for envisaging the inhibitory activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA. The analysis reveals that carbon atom exactly at 3 bonds from aromatic carbon atom, nitrogen atom exactly at six bonds from planer nitrogen atom, aromatic carbon atom within 2 A0 from the center of mass of molecule and occurrence of element hydrogen within 2 A0 from donar atom are the key pharmacophoric features important for dual inhibition of TERT and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA. To validate this analysis, pharmacophore modeling and the molecular docking is performed. Molecular docking analysis support QSAR analysis and revealed that, dual inhibition of TERT and human telomeric DNA is mainly contributed from hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions.

Conclusion

The findings of molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling, and QSAR are all consistent and in strong agreement. The validated QSAR analyses can detect structural alerts, pharmacophore modelling can classify a molecule's consensus pharmacophore involving hydrophobic and acceptor regions, whereas docking analysis can reveal the mechanism of dual inhibition of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA. The combination of QSAR, pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking may be useful for the future drug design of dual inhibitors to combat the devastating issue of resistance.

Graphical abstract

Studies on the Interactions of 3,11-Difluoro-6,8,13-trimethyl-8H-quino[4,3,2-kl]acridinium and Insulin with the Quadruplex-Forming Oligonucleotide Sequence a2 from the Insulin-Linked Polymorphic Region

Recently, several quadruplex-DNA-forming sequences have been identified in the insulin-linked polymorphic region (ILPR), which is a guanine-rich oligonucleotide sequence in the promoter region of insulin. The formation of this non-canonical quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) has been shown to be involved in the biological activity of the ILPR, specifically with regard to its interplay with insulin. In this context, this contribution reports on the investigation of the association of the quadruplex-forming ILPR sequence a2 with insulin as well as with the well-known G4-DNA ligand 3,11-difluoro-6,8,13-trimethyl-8H-quino[4,3,2-kl]acridinium (1), also named RHPS4, by optical and NMR spectroscopy. CD- and NMR-spectroscopic measurements confirmed the preferential formation of an antiparallel quadruplex structure of a2 with four stacked guanine quartets. Furthermore, ligand 1 has high affinity toward a2 and binds by terminal π stacking to the G1-G11-G15-G25 quartet. In addition, the spectroscopic studies pointed to an association of insulin to the deoxyribose backbone of the loops of a2.

Tetracationic porphyrin derivatives against human breast cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an approved therapeutic approach and an alternative to conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of several types of cancer with the advantages of reducing the side effects and developing resistance mechanisms. Here, was evaluated the photosensitization capabilities of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(pyridinium-1-yl-methyl)phenyl]porphyrin (3), its N-confused isomer (4) and of the neutral precursors (1) and (2) and the results were compared with the ones obtained with the cationic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP). Both regular porphyrin derivatives 1 and 3 showed higher efficiency to generate singlet oxygen than TMPyP. The PDT assays towards MCF-7 cells under red light irradiation (λ > 640 nm, 23.7 mW cm^-2) demonstrated that the cationic porphyrin 3 is an efficient photosensitizer to kill MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study of the cell death mechanisms induced by the photodynamic process showed that the studied porphyrin 3 and TMPyP caused cell death by autophagic flux and necrosis.

Selective, pH-Dependent Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Quadruplex DNA with 4-Dimethylamino(phenyl)-Substituted Berberine Derivatives

The 9- and 12-dimethylaminophenyl-substituted berberine derivatives 3 a and 3 b were readily synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions and shown to be useful fluorescent probes for the optical detection of quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA). Their association with the nucleic acids was investigated by spectrometric titrations, CD and LD spectroscopy, and with DNA-melting analysis. Both ligands bind to duplex DNA by intercalation and to G4-DNA by terminal π stacking. At neutral conditions, they bind with higher affinity (Kb =105 -106  M-1 ) to representative quadruplex forming oligonucleotides 22AG, c-myc, c-kit, and a2, than to duplex calf thymus (ct) DNA (Kb =5-7×104  M-1 ). At pH 5, however, the affinity of 3 a towards G4-DNA 22AG is higher (Kb =1.2×106  M-1 ), whereas the binding constant towards ct DNA is lower (Kb =3.9×103  M-1 ) than under neutral conditions. Notably, the association of the ligand with DNA results in characteristic changes of the absorption and emission properties under specific conditions, which may be used for optical DNA detection. Other than the parent berberine, the ligands do not show a noticeable increase of their very low intrinsic emission intensity upon association with DNA at neutral conditions. In contrast, a fluorescence light-up effect was observed upon association to duplex (Φfl =0.01) and quadruplex DNA (Φfl =0.04) at pH 5. This fluorimetric response to G4-DNA association in combination with the distinct, red-shifted absorption under these conditions provides a simple and conclusive optical detection of G4-DNA at lower pH.

Synthesis of 10-O-aryl-substituted berberine derivatives by Chan-Evans-Lam coupling and investigation of their DNA-binding properties

Eleven novel 10-O-aryl-substituted berberrubine and berberine derivatives were synthesized by the Cu2+-catalyzed Chan-Evans-Lam coupling of berberrubine with arylboronic acids and subsequent 9-O-methylation. The reaction is likely introduced by the Cu2+-induced demethylation of berberrubine and subsequent arylation of the resulting 10-oxyanion functionality. Thus, this synthetic route represents the first successful Cu-mediated coupling reaction of berberine substrates. The DNA-binding properties of the 10-O-arylberberine derivatives with duplex and quadruplex DNA were studied by thermal DNA denaturation experiments, spectrometric titrations as well as CD and LD spectroscopy. Fluorimetric DNA melting analysis with different types of quadruplex DNA revealed a moderate stabilization of the telomeric quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide sequence G3(TTAG3)3. The derivatives showed a moderate affinity towards quadruplex DNA (K b = 5-9 × 105 M-1) and ct DNA (K b = 3-5 × 104 M-1) and exhibited a fluorescence light-up effect upon complexation to both DNA forms, with slightly higher intensity in the presence of the quadruplex DNA. Furthermore, the CD- and LD-spectroscopic studies revealed that the title compounds intercalate into ct DNA and bind to G4-DNA by terminal stacking.

Berberrubine Phosphate: A Selective Fluorescent Probe for Quadruplex DNA

A phosphate-substituted, zwitterionic berberine derivative was synthesized and its binding properties with duplex DNA and G4-DNA were studied using photometric, fluorimetric and polarimetric titrations and thermal DNA denaturation experiments. The ligand binds with high affinity toward both DNA forms (Kb = 2-7 × 105 M-1) and induces a slight stabilization of G4-DNA toward thermally induced unfolding, mostly pronounced for the telomeric quadruplex 22AG. The ligand likely binds by aggregation and intercalation with ct DNA and by terminal stacking with G4-DNA. Thus, this compound represents one of the rare examples of phosphate-substituted DNA binders. In an aqueous solution, the title compound has a very weak fluorescence intensity (Φfl < 0.01) that increases significantly upon binding to G4-DNA (Φfl = 0.01). In contrast, the association with duplex DNA was not accompanied by such a strong fluorescence light-up effect (Φfl < 0.01). These different fluorimetric responses upon binding to particular DNA forms are proposed to be caused by the different binding modes and may be used for the selective fluorimetric detection of G4-DNA.

Interactions of porphyrins with DNA: A review focusing recent advances in chemical modifications on porphyrins as artificial nucleases

The advance of porphyrins as artificial nucleases along the years have developed a class of compounds having potential therapeutic applications. Being an extrovert of chemistry, a variety of chemical modifications have been done on porphyrin macrocycle in order to improve the spectroscopic properties and to adapt as artificial receptors that can recognize molecules. The last twenty years has witnessed broad research in the arena of porphyrin- DNA interactions and their evolution from simple to more complex entities. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the porphyrin-based structural modifications, with a specific emphasis on various effects of porphyrin on DNA cleavage potency. We particularly detailed the nuclease activity of cationic and anionic porphyrins, porphyrin dimers and conjugates as well as heme proteins till the third generation porphyrins as artificial nucleases.

The significance of the metal cation in guanine-quartet – metalloporphyrin complexes

The distinct positions of the divalent metal ions with respect to the porphyrin ring are responsible for different interaction energies between metalloporphyrins and the guanine quartet.

Diphenylaminostyryl-substituted quinolizinium derivatives as fluorescent light-up probes for duplex and quadruplex DNA

(E)-2-[1'-((Diphenylamino)styryl)quinolizinium (3a) and 2,2'-{(phenylimino)-bis[(E)-1'',1'''-styryl]}-bis[quinolizinium] (3b) were synthesized, and their interactions with duplex DNA and quadruplex DNA were investigated with a particular focus on their ability to operate as DNA-sensitive fluorescent probes. Due to the significantly different size and steric demand of these quinolizinium derivatives they exhibit different binding modes. Thus, 3a intercalates into duplex DNA and binds through π stacking to quadruplex DNA, whereas 3b favours groove binding to both DNA forms. The emission intensity of these compounds is very low in aqueous solution, but it increases drastically upon association with duplex DNA by a factor of 11 (3a) and >100 (3b) and with quadruplex DNA by a factor of >100 (3a) and 10 (3b), with emission bands between 600 and 750 nm.

Binding Study of the Fluorescent Carbazole Derivative with Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes

The carbazole ligand 3 was synthesized, characterized and its binding interactions with human telomeric (22HT) G-quadruplex DNA in Na⁺ and K⁺-containing buffer were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and DNA melting. The results showed that the studied carbazole ligand interacted and stabilized the intramolecular G-quadruplexes formed by the telomeric sequence in the presence of sodium and potassium ions. In the UV-Vis titration experiments a two-step complex formation between ligand and G-quadruplex was observed. Very low fluorescence intensity of the carbazole derivative in Tris HCl buffer in the presence of the NaCl or KCl increased significantly after addition of the 22HT G4 DNA. Binding stoichiometry of the ligand/G-quadruplex was investigated with absorbance-based Job plots. Carbazole ligand binds 22HT with about 2:1 stoichiometry in the presence of sodium and potassium ions. The binding mode appeared to be end-stacking with comparable binding constants of ~10⁵ M⁻¹ as determined from UV-Vis and fluorescence titrations data. The carbazole ligand is able to induce formation of G4 structure of 22HT in the absence of salt, which was proved by CD spectroscopy and melting studies. The derivative of carbazole 3 shows significantly higher cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells then for non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. The cytotoxic activity of ligand seems to be not associated with telomerase inhibition.

Novel Amphiphilic G-Quadruplex Binding Synthetic Derivative of TMPyP4 and Its Effect on Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Induction

Porphyrins are well-known anticancer agents because of their high binding affinity for G-quadruplex DNA and excellent photophysical properties. Several studies carried out using TMPyP4 established it as an efficient chemotherapeutic and a photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) agent, but its use as a lead molecule has been restricted because of its high level of binding to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which may have side effects on normal cells and tissues. To minimize its interaction with dsDNA and to enhance internalization into cells, an analogue of TMPyP4 (5Me) was synthesized. Its selectivity for G-quadruplex DNA over dsDNA was evaluated by spectroscopic methods, and its role in stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA was assessed by fluorescence lifetime and thermal melting experiments. Biophysical studies indicated that 5Me interacts well with G-quadruplex DNA. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments with tumor cell lines (PANC-1, B16F10, and MDA MB 231) have revealed that 5Me can inhibit the growth of cancer cells comparable to TMPyP4. MTT and apoptotic assays demonstrated the ability of 5Me to specifically affect cancer cells over normal cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that 5Me, like TMPyP4, induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. In addition, 5Me is more effectively taken up by both cancer and normal cells than TMPyP4. In addition, we have noticed that 5Me is more efficient than TMPyP4 in inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells after irradiation with light (600-720 nm, 20 J/cm², 50 mW/cm²). By and large, these experimental results indicate that 5Me can be an efficient chemotherapeutic as well as a PDT agent.

Comparative study of binding interactions between porphyrin systems and aromatic compounds of biological importance by multiple spectroscopic techniques: A review

The specific spectroscopic and redox properties of porphyrins predestine them to fulfill the role of sensors during interacting with different biologically active substances. Monitoring of binding interactions in the systems porphyrin-biologically active compound is a key question not only in the field of physiological functions of living organisms, but also in environmental protection, notably in the light of the rapidly growing drug consumption and concurrently the production of drug effluents. Not always beneficial action of drugs on natural porphyrin systems induces to further studies, with commercially available porphyrins as the model systems. Therefore the binding process between several water-soluble porphyrins and a series of biologically active compounds (e.g. caffeine, guanine, theophylline, theobromine, xanthine, uric acid) has been studied in different aqueous solutions analyzing their absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra, the porphyrin fluorescence lifetimes and their quantum yields. The magnitude of the binding and fluorescence quenching constants values for particular quenchers decreases in a series: uric acid > guanine > caffeine > theophylline > theobromine > xanthine. In all the systems studied there are characters of static quenching, as a consequence of the π-π-stacked non-covalent and non-fluorescent complexes formation between porphyrins and interacting compounds, accompanied simultaneously by the additional specific binding interactions. The porphyrin fluorescence quenching can be explain by the photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer from aromatic compound to the center of the porphyrin molecule, playing the role of the binding site. Presented results can be valuable for designing of new fluorescent porphyrin chemosensors or monitoring of drug traces in aqueous solutions. The obtained outcomes have also the toxicological and medical importance, providing insight into the interactions of the water-soluble porphyrins with biologically active substances.

Carbazole Derivatives' Binding to c-KIT G-Quadruplex DNA

The binding affinities of three carbazole derivatives to the intramolecular G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA formed by the sequence 5′-AGGGAGGGCGCTGGGAGGAGGG-3′, derived from the c-KIT 1 oncogene region, were investigated. All carbazole cationic ligands that differed in the substituents on the nitrogen atom were able to stabilize G-quadruplex, as demonstrated using UV-Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopic techniques as well as molecular modeling. The spectrophotometric titration results showed spectral features characteristic of these ligands-bathochromic shifts and initial hypochromicity followed by hyperchromicity at higher GQ concentrations. All free carbazole ligands exhibited modest fluorescent properties, but after binding to the DNA the fluorescence intensity increased significantly. The binding affinities of carbazole ligands to the c-KIT 1 DNA were comparable showing values in the order of 10⁵ M−1. Molecular modeling highlights the differences in interactions between each particular ligand and studied G-quadruplex, which potentially influenced binding strength. Obtained results relevant that all three investigated ligands have stabilization properties on studied G-quadruplex.

Non-covalent interactions between thio-caffeine derivatives and water-soluble porphyrin in ethanol-water environment

To determine the binding interactions and ability to form the non-covalent systems, the association process between 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(trimethylammonio)phenyl]-21H,23H-porphine tetra-p-tosylate (H₂TTMePP) and a series of five structurally diverse thio-caffeine analogues has been studied in ethanol and ethanol-water solutions, analyzing its absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectra. The porphyrin fluorescence lifetimes in the systems studied were established as well. During the titration with thio-caffeine compounds the slight bathochromic effect and considerable hypochromicity of the porphyrin Soret band maximum can be noted. The fluorescence quenching effect observed for interactions in H₂TTMePP - thio-caffeine derivative systems, as well as the order of binding and fluorescence quenching constants (of 10⁵-10³mol^-1) suggest the existence of the mechanism of static quenching due to the formation of non-covalent and non-fluorescent stacking complexes. In all the systems studied the phenomenon of the fractional accessibility of the fluorophore for the quencher was observed as well. Additionally, the specific binding interactions, due to the changes in reaction environment polarity, can be observed. It was found that thio-caffeine compounds can quench the porphyrin fluorescence according to the structure of thio-substituent in caffeine molecule. The obtained results can be potentially useful from scientific, therapeutic or environmental points of view.

Naturally occurring quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids selectively stabilize G-quadruplexes

In this work, the interaction of six natural benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids (macarpine, sanguilutine, sanguirubine, chelerythrine, sanguinarine and chelirubine) with parallel and antiparallel G-quadruplex DNA structures was studied.

Development of viscometric methods for studying the interaction of various porphyrins with DNA. Part III: Meso-tetra-(3N-alylpyridyl)porphyrin and its Cu-, Co- and Zn-containing derivatives

Present research continues the development of viscometry method for studying porphyrin–DNA interactions.Water soluble cationic meso-tetra-(3[Formula: see text]-alylpyridyl) porphyrin (H2TAlPyP3) and its Cu-, Co- and Zn-containing derivatives were studied using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and viscometry in order to clarify the effect of chemical structure (presence of double bond in structure of a side radical) of porphyrins and ability to affect the DNA structure. Their binding constant ([Formula: see text] and stoichiometry ([Formula: see text] were determined based on the absorbance spectra for each DNA–porphyrin complex. The results were compared with results of previously conducted similar studies with meso-tetra-(3[Formula: see text]-hydroxyethylpyridyl) porphyrins. It was shown, that the planar porphyrins H2TAlPyP3 and CuTAlPyP3 interact with DNA predominantly by intercalation at low relative concentrations of [Formula: see text](([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Porphyrin]/[DNA])) and by external binding mode at high values of [Formula: see text], whereas the change of chemical structure of peripheral radicals of porphyrins does not absolutely affect on the mechanism of interaction of outside binders CoTAlPyP3 and ZnTAlPyP3 with DNA.

Interaction of hemin with quadruplex DNA

A DNA enzyme with peroxidase activity is a G-quadruplex-based DNAzyme formed by hemin and G-quadruplex DNA. Activity of peroxide DNAzymes can be influenced by the structure of quadruplex DNA. In this investigation, the interaction of hemin with T30695 G-quadruplex DNA is evaluated. Molecular dynamic simulation indicates that the binding mode of hemin to G-quadruplex DNA is end-stacking, which is consistent with absorption spectroscopy. Based on fluorescence spectroscopy, hemin ejects thiazole orange from bases of four-strand DNA. Circular dichroism spectra showed that no alteration occurs in this type of DNA structure. Graphical Abstract Peroxidase DNAzyme is formed by hemin and G-quadruplex DNA.

Sensitive fluorescence assay of organophosphorus pesticides based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdTe quantum dots and porphyrin

A sensitive and selective quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor was successfully fabricated for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs).

Cobalt(III)porphyrin to target G-quadruplex DNA

G-quadruplex DNA ligands attract much attention because of their potential use in biology. Indeed they may interfere with G-quadrulex nucleic acid function in cells. Most of the G-quadruplex ligands so far reported (including also metal complexes) are large planar aromatic compounds that interact by π-π stacking with an external G-quartet of quadruplex. Porphyrins are well-known G-quadruplex ligands. We report herein a new porphyrin scaffold (meso-tetrakis(4-(N-methyl-pyridinium-2-yl)phenyl)porphyrin) able to strongly and selectively bind to G-quadruplex DNA. We show that even when this porphyrin is metallated with cobalt(III), i.e. it carries two water molecules as axial ligands on the cobalt ion, on each face of the porphyrin, the interaction occurs by a π-stacking-like mode with an external G-quartet of quadruplex DNA.

Effects of guanine bases at the central loop on stabilization of the quadruplex DNAs and their interactions with Meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridium-4-yl)porphyrin

The thermal stability of the G-quadruplex formed from the thrombin-binding aptamer, 5'G2T2G2TGTG2T2G2, in which the guanine (G) base at the central loop was replaced with an adenine (A) or inosine (I) base, was examined to determine the role of the central G base in stabilizing the quadruplex. Replacement of the central G base by the I base resulted in a slight decrease in thermal stability. On the other hand, the stability of the G-quadruplex decreased to a significant extent when it was replaced with the A base. The optimized structure of the G-quadruplex, which was obtained by a molecular dynamic simulation, showed that the carbonyl group of the C5 position of the central G base could form hydrogen bonds with the G1 amine group at the C7 position on the upper G-quartet. This formation of a hydrogen bond contributes to the stability of the G-quadruplex. The spectral property of meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridium-4yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) associated with the G-quadruplex was characterized by a moderate red shift and hypochromism in the absorption spectrum, a positive CD signal, and two emission maxima in the fluorescence emission spectrum, suggesting that TMPyP binds at the exterior of the G-quadruplex. Spectral properties were slightly altered when the G base at the central loop was replaced with A or I, while the fluorescence decay times of TMPyP associated with the G-quadruplex were identical. Observed spectral properties removes the possibility of intercalation binding mode for TMPyP. TMPyP binds at the exterior of the quadruplex. Whether it stacks on the central loop or binds at the side of the quadruplex is unclear at this stage.

Modulation of group I ribozyme activity by cationic porphyrins

The effects of cationic porphyrins on the catalytic activities of four group I ribozymes were investigated. A cationic porphyrin possessing four pyridinium moieties (pPyP) inhibited two group IC3 ribozymes (Syn Rz and Azo Rz) and a group IC1 ribozyme (Tet Rz). In the case of a group IA2 ribozyme (Td Rz), however, pPyP served not only as an inhibitor but also as an activator, and the effects of pPyP were dependent on its concentration. To analyze the structural and electronic factors determining the effects of pPyP on group I ribozymes, three cationic porphyrins (pPyNCP, pPyF4P, and TMPyP) were also examined. As interactions between small organic molecules and nucleic acids are attractive and important issues in biochemistry and biotechnology, this study contributes to the development of porphyrin-based molecules that can modulate functions of structured RNA molecules.

Selective recognition of parallel and anti-parallel thrombin-binding aptamer G-quadruplexes by different fluorescent dyes

G-quadruplexes (G4) have been found increasing potential in applications, such as molecular therapeutics, diagnostics and sensing. Both Thioflavin T (ThT) and N-Methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) become fluorescent in the presence of most G4, but thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) has been reported as the only exception of the known G4-forming oligonucleotides when ThT is used as a high-throughput assay to identify G4 formation. Here, we investigate the interactions between ThT/NMM and TBA through fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular docking simulation experiments in the absence or presence of cations. The results display that a large ThT fluorescence enhancement can be observed only when ThT bind to the parallel TBA quadruplex, which is induced to form by ThT in the absence of cations. On the other hand, great promotion in NMM fluorescence can be obtained only in the presence of anti-parallel TBA quadruplex, which is induced to fold by K+ or thrombin. The highly selective recognition of TBA quadruplex with different topologies by the two probes may be useful to investigate the interactions between conformation-specific G4 and the associated proteins, and could also be applied in label-free fluorescent sensing of other biomolecules.

Two cationic porphyrin isomers showing different multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity against monomeric G-quadruplexes

Ligands that can interact specifically with telomeric multimeric G-quadruplexes could be developed as promising anticancer drugs with few side effects related to other G-quadruplex-forming regions. In this paper, a new cationic porphyrin derivative, m-TMPipEOPP, was synthesized and characterized. Its multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity under molecular crowding conditions was compared to its isomer p-TMPipEOPP. The slight structural difference accounts for different multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity for the two isomers. p-TMPipEOPP can barely discriminate between multimeric and monomeric G-quadruplexes. By contrast, m-TMPipEOPP can bind with multimeric but not with monomeric G-quadruplexes. p-TMPipEOPP might bind to multimeric G-quadruplexes by two modes: sandwich-like end-stacking mode and pocket-dependent intercalative mode. Increasing the pocket size between adjacent two G-quadruplex uints is beneficial for the latter mode. m-TMPipEOPP might bind to multimeric G-quadruplexes by a side binding mode, which confers m-TMPipEOPP with higher multimeric G-quadruplex recognition specificity compared to p-TMPipEOPP. m-TMPipEOPP increases the stability of multimeric G-quadruplex under both dilute and molecular crowding conditions but its G-quadruplex-stabilizing ability is a little weaker than p-TMPipEOPP. These results provide important information for the design of highly specific multimeric G-quadruplex ligands. Another interesting finding is that pocket size is an important factor in determining the stability of multimeric G-quadruplexes.

A spectroscopic investigation of the interaction between c-MYC DNA and tetrapyridinoporphyrazinatozinc(II)

The c-MYC gene plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and growth and it is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers. Around 90% of c-MYC transcription is controlled by the nuclease-hypersensitive element III1 (NHE III1), whose 27-nt purine-rich strand has the ability to form a G-quadruplex structure under physiological conditions. Therefore, c-MYC DNA is an attractive target for drug design, especially for cancer chemotherapy. Here, the interaction of water-soluble tetrapyridinoporphyrazinatozinc(II) with 27-nt G-rich strand (G/c-MYC), its equimolar mixture with the complementary sequence (GC/c-MYC) and related C-rich oligonucleotide (C/c-MYC) is investigated. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements of the G-rich 27-mer oligonucleotide in 150 mM KCl, pH 7 demonstrate a spectral signature consistent with parallel G-quadruplex DNA. Furthermore, the CD spectrum of the GC rich oligonucleotide shows characteristics of both duplex and quadruplex structures. Absorption spectroscopy implies that the complex binding of G/c-MYC and GC/c-MYC is a two-step process; in the first step, a very small red shift and hypochromicity and in the second step, a large red shift and hyperchromicity are observed in the Q band. Emission spectra of zinc porphyrazine are quenched upon addition of three types of DNA. According to the results of spectroscopy, it can be concluded the dominant binding mode is probably, outside binding and end stacking.

A Pt(II)-Dip complex stabilizes parallel c-myc G-quadruplex

A new G-quadruplex (GQ) stabilizer, [Pt(Dip)2](PF6)2 (Dip: 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), is prepared by the microwave irradiation method. The complex can highly stabilize G-quadruplex, but has negligible interactions with duplex DNA. Aromatic anchors on the polypyridyl ligands bestow the stabilizer with a high binding preference towards parallel GQ.

Spectroscopic study of associated systems formed between water-soluble cationic porphyrins or their copper (II) complexes and nucleic building blocks

The association process between two water soluble cationic porphyrins, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(trimethyl-ammonio)phenyl]-21H,23H-porphine tetra-p-tosylate (H2TTMePP) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine tetra-p-tosylate (H2TMePyP), as well as their Cu (II) complexes, with five series of nucleic agents has been studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy in aqueous solutions. During the titration with nucleic compounds the bathochromic effect of porphyrins absorption spectra can be observed as well as the hypochromicity of the Soret maximum. The association constants were calculated using a curve-fitting procedure (KAC of the order of magnitude of 103–105 mol−1). It has been shown that the interactions of H2TTMePP with nucleic agents are much stronger than interactions of H2TMePyP, which is most likely related to the kind and the size of the porphyrin substituent groups partaking in the process of stacking. The strength of the observed associated systems increases generally in a series: nucleic base

Shedding light on the interactions of guanine quadruplexes with tricationic metalloporphyrins

G-quadruplex DNA presents a potential target for the design and development of novel anticancer drugs. The porphyrin TMPyP4 was early reported to be a suitable motif for G-quadruplex DNA interaction. We inserted various metal ions such as Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(III) in the center of the aromatic core of tricationic TMPyP4-like porphyrin and examined their interactions with an antiparallel G-quadruplex DNA by a combination of spectroscopy and Job plot methods. Porphyrin metallation allowed the conclusion that the presence of one axial ligand perpendicular to the aromatic plane did not hamper π-π stacking interactions between quadruplex and the aromatic parts of porphyrin on the other face while porphyrin with two axial ligands was unable to undergo such interaction due to geometrical factors. Free base porphyrin and porphyrin without axial ligands are able to stabilize the quadruplex structure to a greater extent than the other metal complexes and thus may be potential anti-cancer drugs.

A new cationic porphyrin derivative (TMPipEOPP) with large side arm substituents: a highly selective G-quadruplex optical probe

The discovery of uncommon DNA structures and speculation about their potential functions in genes has brought attention to specific DNA structure recognition. G-quadruplexes are four-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich DNA (or RNA) sequences. G-rich sequences with a high potential to form G-quadruplexes have been found in many important genomic regions. Porphyrin derivatives with cationic side arm substituents are important G-quadruplex-binding ligands. For example, 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphyrin (TMPyP4), interacts strongly with G-quadruplexes, but has poor selectivity for G-quadruplex versus duplex DNA. To increase the G-quadruplex recognition specificity, a new cationic porphyrin derivative, 5,10,15,20-tetra-{4-[2-(1-methyl-1- piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl} porphyrin (TMPipEOPP), with large side arm substituents was synthesized, and the interactions between TMPipEOPP and different DNA structures were compared. The results show that G-quadruplexes cause large changes in the UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of TMPipEOPP, but duplex and single-stranded DNAs do not, indicating that TMPipEOPP can be developed as a highly specific optical probe for discriminating G-quadruplex from duplex and single-stranded DNA. Visual discrimination is also possible. Job plot and Scatchard analysis suggest that a complicated binding interaction occurs between TMPipEOPP and G-quadruplexes. At a low [G-quadruplex]/[TMPipEOPP] ratio, one G-quadruplex binds two TMPipEOPP molecules by end-stacking and outside binding modes. At a high [G-quadruplex]/[TMPipEOPP] ratio, two G-quadruplexes bind to one TMPipEOPP molecule in a sandwich-like end-stacking mode.

Some cationic porphyrins: synthesis, stabilization of G-quadruplexes, and down-regulation of c-myc in Hep G2 cells

The stabilization of G-quadruplex DNA represents an attractive strategy for the design and development of novel antitumor drugs. In the present work, we have designed and synthesized nine cationic porphyrins, each with four side arms at their meso positions. The interactions of these porphyrins with both human telomeric DNA and NHE III1 G-quadruplexes were measured by various DNA binding assays, including polymerase stop assay, circular dichroism (CD) and CD melting assay. We then proceeded to investigate their effects on the expression of c-myc oncogene in the Hep G2 cell line. The experimental results indicate that these porphyrins are capable of effectively inducing or stabilizing both human telomeric and NHE III1 G-quadruplexes in the presence or absence of metal ions. Furthermore, we have discovered that porphyrins with a stronger stabilizing effect on c-myc G-quadruplexes lead to more pronounced down-regulation of the c-myc oncogene in the Hep G2 cell line.

Synthesis of novel long wavelength cationic chlorins via stereoselective aldol-like condensation

Using stereoselective aldol-like condensation as a key methodology, a series of chlorophyll a-based long wavelength cationic chlorins were synthesized using methyl pyropheophorbide a (MPPa) and purpurin-18-N-methoxylimide methyl ester as starting materials. Such long wavelength cationic chlorins possess covalently linked cationic moieties (pyridinium or quinolinium) on the peripheral of their tetrapyrrole macrocycles. It was found that all long wavelength cationic chlorins showed their longest absorption maxima in the range of 712-763nm, making them potential photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. The results of preliminary experiments probing in vitro photodynamic effects showed that the purpurinimide derivatives exhibit relatively high phototoxicity in HeLa cells as compared to MPPa derivatives.

Porphyrins bearing quaternary azaaromatic moieties

In this review, porphyrins bearing quaternary azaaromatic moieties are described as follows: firstly those with useful physicochemical properties, then, species showing biological activities and finally, porphyrins bound with fullerenes and with cyclodextrins.

The porphyrin TmPyP4 unfolds the extremely stable G-quadruplex in MT3-MMP mRNA and alleviates its repressive effect to enhance translation in eukaryotic cells

We report that the cationic porphyrin TmPyP4, which is known mainly as a DNA G-quadruplex stabilizer, unfolds an unusually stable all purine RNA G-quadruplex (M3Q) that is located in the 5′-UTR of MT3-MMP mRNA. When the interaction between TmPyP4 and M3Q was monitored by UV spectroscopy a 22-nm bathochromic shift and 75% hypochromicity of the porphin major Soret band was observed indicating direct binding of the two molecules. TmPyP4 disrupts folded M3Q in a concentration-dependent fashion as was observed by circular dichroism (CD), 1D ¹H NMR and native gel electrophoresis. Additionally, when TmPyP4 is present during the folding process it inhibits the M3Q RNA from adopting a G-quadruplex structure. Using a dual reporter gene construct that contained the M3Q sequence alone or the entire 5′-UTR of MT3-MMP mRNA, we report here that TmPyP4 can relieve the inhibitory effect of the M3Q G-quadruplex. However, the same concentrations of TmPyP4 failed to affect translation of a mutated construct. Thus, TmPyP4 has the ability to unfold an RNA G-quadruplex of extreme stability and modulate activity of a reporter gene presumably via the disruption of the G-quadruplex.