1
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Bağda E, Kızılyar Y, İnci ÖG, Ghaffarlou M, Barsbay M. One-pot modification of oleate-capped UCNPs with AS1411 G-quadruplex DNA in a fully aqueous medium. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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2
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Serumula W, Fernandez G, Gonzalez VM, Parboosing R. Anti-HIV Aptamers: Challenges and Prospects. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:7-19. [PMID: 34503417 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x19666210908114825] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection continues to be a significant health burden in many countries around the world. Current HIV treatment through a combination of different antiretroviral drugs (cART) effectively suppresses viral replication, but drug resistance and crossresistance are significant challenges. This has prompted the search for novel targets and agents, such as nucleic acid aptamers. Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotides that attach to the target sites with high affinity and specificity. This review provides a target-by-target account of research into anti-HIV aptamers and summarises the challenges and prospects of this therapeutic strategy, specifically in the unique context of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Serumula
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
| | - Geronimo Fernandez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Aptus Biotech SL, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria, 298-28035 Madrid. Spain
| | - Victor M Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
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3
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Aptamers in Virology-A Consolidated Review of the Most Recent Advancements in Diagnosis and Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101646. [PMID: 34683938 PMCID: PMC8540715 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of short oligonucleotide or peptide molecules as target-specific aptamers has recently garnered substantial attention in the field of the detection and treatment of viral infections. Based on their high affinity and high specificity to desired targets, their use is on the rise to replace antibodies for the detection of viruses and viral antigens. Furthermore, aptamers inhibit intracellular viral transcription and translation, in addition to restricting viral entry into host cells. This has opened up a plethora of new targets for the research and development of novel vaccines against viruses. Here, we discuss the advances made in aptamer technology for viral diagnosis and therapy in the past decade.
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4
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Baranowska-Łączkowska A, Banaszak-Piechowska A, Donarska B, Łączkowski KZ. Towards understanding the interaction of (S)-thalidomide with nucleobases. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 693:108566. [PMID: 32896516 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108566] [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: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Interaction of (S)-thalidomide molecule with four nucleobases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, is investigated in details employing density functional theory methods. Different mutual positions of the molecules are considered, with the starting geometries enabling hydrogen bond interactions between the monomers. Optimization of geometrical parameters is carried out within the B3LYP/6-311G** approximation and followed by evaluation of vibrational frequencies. Binding and interaction energies are calculated employing exchange-correlation functionals including long-range corrections and properly diffuse basis sets. The strongest interaction exists within the (S)-thalidomide-guanine complex. Interestingly, in one of the investigated (S)-thalidomide-guanine complexes two bifurcated hydrogen bonds are observed. The two hydrogens involved in one of them are bonded to a carbon atom in the α position relative to carbonyl group. The present study can be useful in the design of new anticancer and antiviral drugs interacting selectively with DNA or RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beata Donarska
- Department of Chemical Technology and Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, 2 Jurasz St., PL-85089, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Z Łączkowski
- Department of Chemical Technology and Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, 2 Jurasz St., PL-85089, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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5
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Romanucci V, Oliva R, Petraccone L, Claes S, Schols D, Zarrelli A, Di Fabio G. Synthesis of new riboflavin modified ODNs: Effect of riboflavin moiety on the G-quadruplex arrangement and stability. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104213. [PMID: 32919132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the panorama of modified G-quadruplexes (G4s) with interesting proprieties, here, it has been reported the synthesis of new modified d(TGGGAG) sequences forming G-quadruplexes, with the insertion of a riboflavin unit (Rf, vitamin B2). Exploiting the flavin similarity with the hydrogen bond pattern of guanine and aiming at mimic a typical nucleoside scaffold, the synthesis of the riboflavin building block 3 it has been efficiently carried out. The effect of insertion of riboflavin mimic nucleoside on the G-quadruplex properties has been here, for the first time investigated. A biophysical characterization of Rf-modified sequences (A-D) has been carried out by circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and native gel electrophoresis. CD and electrophoresis data have suggested that Rf-modified sequences are able to form parallel tetramolecular G4 structures similar to that of the unmodified sequence. Analysis of the DSC thermograms has revealed that all modified G-quadruplexes have a higher thermal stability compared with the natural sequence, particularly the stabilisation is higher when the Rf residue is introduced at the 3'-end. Further, DSC analysis has revealed that the Rf residues introduced at the 3'-end are able to form additional stabilising interactions, energetically almost comparable to the enthalpic contribution of a G-tetrad. Fluorescence measurement are consistent with this result showing that the Rf residues introduced at 3'-end are able to form stacking interactions with the adjacent bases within the G-quadruplex structure. The whole of data suggested that the introduction of Rf unit can stabilize G-quadruplex structures and can be a promising candidate for future theranostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Strasse 4a, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandra Claes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso di Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.
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6
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Virgilio A, Esposito V, Tassinari M, Nadai M, Richter SN, Galeone A. Novel monomolecular derivatives of the anti-HIV-1 G-quadruplex-forming Hotoda's aptamer containing inversion of polarity sites. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112786. [PMID: 32911256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we report on the design, preparation and investigation of four analogues of the anti-HIV G-quadruplex-forming Hotoda's aptamer, based on an unprecedented linear topology. In these derivatives, four TGGGAGT tracts have been joined together by exploiting 3'-3' and 5'-5' inversion of polarity sites formed by canonical phosphodiester bonds or a glycerol-based linker. Circular dichroism data suggest that all oligodeoxynucleotides fold in monomolecular G-quadruplex structures characterized by a parallel strand orientation and three side loops connecting 3'- or 5'-ends. The derivative bearing two lipophilic groups, namely HT353LGly, inhibited virus entry into the host cell, with anti-HIV-1 activity in the low nanomolar range; the other derivatives, albeit sharing the same base sequence and similar topology, were inactive. These results highlight that monomolecular Hotoda's aptamers with inversion of polarity sites represent a successful alternative strategy that merges the easiness of synthesis with the maintenance of remarkable activity. They also indicate that two lipophilic groups are necessary and sufficient for biological activity. Our data will inspire the design of further simplified derivatives with improved biophysical and antiviral properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Veronica Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Aldo Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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7
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Amyloidogenic Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: New Insights into Their Self-Assembly and Their Interaction with Membranes. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10080144. [PMID: 32784399 PMCID: PMC7459996 DOI: 10.3390/life10080144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aβ, IAPP, α-synuclein, and prion proteins belong to the amyloidogenic intrinsically disordered proteins’ family; indeed, they lack well defined secondary and tertiary structures. It is generally acknowledged that they are involved, respectively, in Alzheimer’s, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson’s, and Creutzfeldt–Jakob’s diseases. The molecular mechanism of toxicity is under intense debate, as many hypotheses concerning the involvement of the amyloid and the toxic oligomers have been proposed. However, the main role is represented by the interplay of protein and the cell membrane. Thus, the understanding of the interaction mechanism at the molecular level is crucial to shed light on the dynamics driving this phenomenon. There are plenty of factors influencing the interaction as mentioned above, however, the overall view is made trickier by the apparent irreproducibility and inconsistency of the data reported in the literature. Here, we contextualized this topic in a historical, and even more importantly, in a future perspective. We introduce two novel insights: the chemical equilibrium, always established in the aqueous phase between the free and the membrane phospholipids, as mediators of protein-transport into the core of the bilayer, and the symmetry-breaking of oligomeric aggregates forming an alternating array of partially ordered and disordered monomers.
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8
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Pannuzzo M, Horta BAC, La Rosa C, Decuzzi P. Predicting the Miscibility and Rigidity of Poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)/Polyethylene Glycol Blends via Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Macromolecules 2020; 53:3643-3654. [PMID: 32831403 PMCID: PMC7428138 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The
addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrices is extensively used to
modulate the biodegradation, drug loading and release, mechanical
properties, and chemical stability of the original system. Multiple
parameters, including the molecular weight, relative concentration,
polarity, and solubility, affect the physicochemical properties of
the polymer blend. Here, molecular dynamics simulations with the united-atom
2016H66 force field are used to model the behavior of PLGA and PEG chains and thus predict the overall
physicochemical features of the resulting blend. First, the model
accuracy is validated against fundamental properties of pure PLGA
and PEG samples. In agreement with previous experimental and theoretical
observations, the PLGA solubility results to be higher in acetonitrile
than in water, with Flory parameters νACN = 0.63
± 0.01 and νW = 0.21 ± 0.02, and the Young’s
modulus of PLGA and PEG equal to Y = 2.0 ± 0.43
and 0.32 ± 0.34 GPa, respectively. Next, four PEG/PLGA blending
regimes are identified by varying the relative concentrations and
molecular weights of the individual polymers. The computational results
demonstrate that at low PEG concentrations (<8% w/w), homogeneous
blends are generated for both low and high PEG molecular weights.
In contrast, at comparable PEG and PLGA concentrations (∼50%
w/w), short PEG chains are only partially miscible whereas long PEG
chains segregate within the PLGA matrix. This behavior has been confirmed
experimentally via differential scanning calorimetry and is in agreement
with previous observations. Finally, the computed Young’s modulus
of PLGA/PEG blends is observed to decrease with the PEG content returning
the lowest values for the partial and fully segregated regimens (Y ≈ 1.3 GPa). This work proposes a computational
scheme for predicting the physicochemical properties of PLGA/PEG blends
paving the way toward the rational design of polymer mixtures for
biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pannuzzo
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genoa 16163, Italy
| | - Bruno A C Horta
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Carmelo La Rosa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genoa 16163, Italy
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9
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Hotoda's Sequence and Anti-HIV Activity: Where Are We Now? Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071417. [PMID: 30974914 PMCID: PMC6479790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological relevance of ODNs forming G-quadruplexes as anti-HIV agents has been extensively reported in the literature over the last few years. Recent detailed studies have elucidated the peculiar arrangement adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. In this review, we have reported the history of a strong anti-HIV agent: the 6-mer d(TGGGAG) sequence, commonly called "Hotoda's sequence". In particular, all findings reported on this sequence and its modified sequences have been discussed considering the following research phases: (i) discovery of the first 5'-modified active d(TGGGAG) sequences; (ii) synthesis of a variety of end-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; (iii) biophysical and NMR investigations of natural and modified Hotoda's sequences; (iv); kinetic studies on the most active 5'-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; and (v) extensive anti-HIV screening of G-quadruplexes formed by d(TGGGAG) sequences. This review aims to clarify all results obtained over the years on Hotoda's sequence, revealing its potentiality as a strong anti-HIV agent (EC50 = 14 nM).
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10
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Tang Y, Han Z, Ren H, Guo J, Chong H, Tian Y, Liu K, Xu L. A novel multivalent DNA helix-based inhibitor showed enhanced anti-HIV-1 fusion activity. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 125:244-253. [PMID: 30292749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA helix-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitors have been discovered as potent drug candidates, but further research is required to enhance their efficiency. The trimeric structure of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein provides a structural basis for multivalent drug design. In this work, a "multi-domain" strategy was adopted for design of an oligodeoxynucleotide with assembly, linkage, and activity domains. Built on the self-assembly of higher-order nucleic acid structure, a novel category of multivalent DNA helix-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitor could be easily obtained by a simple annealing course in solution buffer, with no other chemical synthesis for multivalent connection. An optimized multivalent molecule, M4, showed significantly higher anti-HIV-1 fusion activity than did corresponding monovalent inhibitors. Examination of the underlying mechanism indicated that M4 could interact with HIV-1 glycoproteins gp120 and gp41, thereby inhibiting 6HB formation in the fusion course. M4 also showed anti-RDDP and anti-RNase H activity of reverse transcriptase. Besides, these assembled molecules showed improved in vitro metabolic stability in liver homogenate, kidney homogenate, and rat plasma. Moreover, little acute toxicity was observed. Our findings aid in the structural design and understanding of the mechanisms of DNA helix-based HIV-1 inhibitors. This study also provides a general strategy based on a new structural paradigm for the design of other multivalent nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zeye Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongqian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiamei Guo
- Beijing Key laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, , Institute of Materia Medica, , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Huihui Chong
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping road, Beijing 100850, China.
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11
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Tang Y, Han Z, Guo J, Tian Y, Liu K, Xu L. Synthesis, biophysical characterization, and anti-HIV-1 fusion activity of DNA helix-based inhibitors with a p-benzyloxyphenyl substituent at the 5'-nucleobase site. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1842-1845. [PMID: 29680665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA helix-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitors have been discovered as potent drug candidates. Introduction of hydrophobic groups to a nucleobase provides an opportunity to design inhibitors with novel structures and mechanisms of action. In this work, two novel nucleoside analogues (1 and 2) were synthesized and incorporated into four DNA duplex- and quadruplex-based inhibitors. All the molecules showed anti-HIV-1 fusion activity. The effect of the p-benzyloxyphenyl group and the attached linker on the helix formation and thermal stability were fully compared and discussed. Surface plasmon resonance analysis further indicated that inhibitors with the same DNA helix may still have variable reaction targets, mainly attributed to the different hydrophobic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zeye Han
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiamei Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yangli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Liang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
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12
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Effects of Dried Blood Spot Storage on Lipidomic Analysis. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020403. [PMID: 29438311 PMCID: PMC6017148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During the lipidomic analysis of red blood cell membranes, the distribution and percentage ratios of the fatty acids are measured. Since fatty acids are the key constituents of cell membranes, by evaluating their quantities it possible to understand the general health of the cells and to obtain health indicators of the whole organism. However, because the analysis is precise, it is necessary to ensure that the blood does not undergo significant variations between the point of collection and analysis. The composition of the blood may vary dramatically weeks after collection, hence, here an attempt is made to stabilize these complex matrixes using antioxidants deposited on the paper cards on which the blood itself is deposited.
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13
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Romanucci V, Zarrelli A, Liekens S, Noppen S, Pannecouque C, Di Fabio G. New findings on the d(TGGGAG) sequence: Surprising anti-HIV-1 activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 145:425-430. [PMID: 29335208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The biological relevance of tetramolecular G-quadruplexes especially as anti-HIV agents has been extensively reported in the literature over the last years. In the light of our recent results regarding the slow G-quadruplex folding kinetics of ODNs based on d(TGGGAG) sequence, here we report a systematic anti-HIV screening to investigate the impact of the G-quadruplex folding on their anti-HIV activity. In particular, varying the single stranded concentrations of ODNs, it has been tested a pool of ODN sample solutions with different G-quadruplex concentrations. The anti-HIV assays have been designed favouring the limited kinetics involved in the tetramolecular G4-association based on the d(TGGGAG) sequence. Aiming to determine the stoichiometry of G-quadruplex structures in the same experimental conditions of the anti-HIV assays, a native gel electrophoresis was performed. The gel confirmed the G-quadruplex formation for almost all sample solutions while showing the formation of high order G4 structures for the more concentrated ODNs solutions. The most significant result is the discovery of a potent anti-HIV activity of the G-quadruplex formed by the natural d(TGGGAG) sequence (IC50 = 14 nM) that, until now, has been reported to be completely inactive against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sandra Liekens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, Postbus 1043, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, Postbus 1043, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, Postbus 1043, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126, Napoli, Italy.
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14
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Romanucci V, Gravante R, Cimafonte M, Marino CD, Mailhot G, Brigante M, Zarrelli A, Fabio GD. Phosphate-Linked Silibinin Dimers (PLSd): New Promising Modified Metabolites. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22081323. [PMID: 28800072 PMCID: PMC6152259 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22081323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
By exploiting the regioselective protection of the hydroxyl groups of silibinin along with the well-known phosphoramidite chemistry, we have developed an efficient strategy for the synthesis of new silibinin-modified species, which we have named Phosphate-Linked Silibinin Dimers (PLSd), in which the monomer units are linked by phosphodiester bonds. The antioxidant abilities of the new PLSd were estimated on HepG2 cells using DPPH free radical scavenging and xanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. The new phosphate-metabolites showed a higher anti-oxidant activity than the silibinin, as well as very low toxicity. The ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen () and hydroxyl radical () reveals that the two dimers are able to scavenge about two times more effectively than silibinin. Finally, solubility studies have shown that the PLSd present good water solubility (more than 20 mg·L-1) under circumneutral pH values, whereas the silibinin was found to be very poorly soluble (less than 0.4 mg·L-1) and not stable under alkaline conditions. Together, the above promising results warrant further investigation of the future potential of the PLSd as anti-oxidant metabolites within the large synthetic polyphenols field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Gravante
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
| | - Martina Cimafonte
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Di Marino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Sannio Tech, P.zza San G. Moscati 8, SS Appia km 256, Apollosa (BN) 82030, Italy.
| | - Gilles Mailhot
- Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Marcello Brigante
- Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Cintia 4, Napoli (NA) I-80126, Italy.
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15
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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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16
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González VM, Martín ME, Fernández G, García-Sacristán A. Use of Aptamers as Diagnostics Tools and Antiviral Agents for Human Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9040078. [PMID: 27999271 PMCID: PMC5198053 DOI: 10.3390/ph9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate diagnosis is the key factor for treatment of viral diseases. Time is the most important factor in rapidly developing and epidemiologically dangerous diseases, such as influenza, Ebola and SARS. Chronic viral diseases such as HIV-1 or HCV are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic and the therapeutic success mainly depends on early detection of the infective agent. Over the last years, aptamer technology has been used in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and, concretely, several strategies are currently being explored using aptamers against virus proteins. From a diagnostics point of view, aptamers are being designed as a bio-recognition element in diagnostic systems to detect viral proteins either in the blood (serum or plasma) or into infected cells. Another potential use of aptamers is for therapeutics of viral infections, interfering in the interaction between the virus and the host using aptamers targeting host-cell matrix receptors, or attacking the virus intracellularly, targeting proteins implicated in the viral replication cycle. In this paper, we review how aptamers working against viral proteins are discovered, with a focus on recent advances that improve the aptamers' properties as a real tool for viral infection detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M González
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Elena Martín
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana García-Sacristán
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Xu L, Zhang T, Xu X, Chong H, Lai W, Jiang X, Wang C, He Y, Liu K. DNA Triplex-Based Complexes Display Anti-HIV-1-Cell Fusion Activity. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 25:219-25. [PMID: 26192705 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2015.0535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA triplexes with hydrophobic modifications were designed and evaluated for their activity as inhibitors of the cell fusion of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Triplex inhibitors displayed low micromolar activities in the cell-cell fusion assay and nanomolar activities in the anti-HIV-1 pseudovirus test. Helix structure and the presence of sufficient numbers of hydrophobic regions were essential for the antifusion activity. Results from native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and a fluorescent resonance energy transfer-based inhibitory assay indicated that these triplexes may interact with the primary pocket at the glycoprotein 41 (gp41) N-heptad repeat, thereby inhibiting formation of the HIV-1 gp41 6-helical bundle. Triplex-based complexes may represent a novel category of HIV-1 inhibitors in anti-HIV-1 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Chong
- 2 Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Xifeng Jiang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
| | - Yuxian He
- 2 Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing, China
| | - Keliang Liu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Beijing, China
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18
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Romanucci V, Marchand A, Mendoza O, D’Alonzo D, Zarrelli A, Gabelica V, Di Fabio G. Kinetic ESI-MS Studies of Potent Anti-HIV Aptamers Based on the G-Quadruplex Forming Sequence d(TGGGAG). ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:256-60. [PMID: 26985311 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate what properties make tetramolecular G-quadruplex ODNs good anti-HIV aptamers, we studied the stoichiometry and the self-assembly kinetics of the highly active 5'-end modified G-quadruplexes based on the d(TGGGAG) sequence. Our results demonstrate that the 5'-end conjugation does not necessarily increase the folding rate of the G-quadruplex; indeed, it ascribes anti-HIV activity. Unexpectedly, the G4-folding kinetics of the inactive G4 is similar to that of the 5'-end modified sequences. ESI-MS studies also revealed the formation of higher order G4 structures identified as octameric complexes along with tetramolecular G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Adrien Marchand
- IECB,
ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Inserm,
U869, ARNA Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Oscar Mendoza
- IECB,
ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Inserm,
U869, ARNA Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniele D’Alonzo
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valérie Gabelica
- IECB,
ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Inserm,
U869, ARNA Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
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19
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Musumeci D, Riccardi C, Montesarchio D. G-Quadruplex Forming Oligonucleotides as Anti-HIV Agents. Molecules 2015; 20:17511-32. [PMID: 26402662 PMCID: PMC6332060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200917511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a variety of different non-canonical nucleic acids conformations have been recognized, G-quadruplex structures are probably the structural motifs most commonly found within known oligonucleotide-based aptamers. This could be ascribed to several factors, as their large conformational diversity, marked responsiveness of their folding/unfolding processes to external stimuli, high structural compactness and chemo-enzymatic and thermodynamic stability. A number of G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides having relevant in vitro anti-HIV activity have been discovered in the last two decades through either SELEX or rational design approaches. Improved aptamers have been obtained by chemical modifications of natural oligonucleotides, as terminal conjugations with large hydrophobic groups, replacement of phosphodiester linkages with phosphorothioate bonds or other surrogates, insertion of base-modified monomers, etc. In turn, detailed structural studies have elucidated the peculiar architectures adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. An overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the relevance of putative G-quadruplex forming sequences within the viral genome and of the most studied G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, selectively targeting HIV proteins, is here presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
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20
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Romanucci V, Gaglione M, Messere A, Potenza N, Zarrelli A, Noppen S, Liekens S, Balzarini J, Di Fabio G. Hairpin oligonucleotides forming G-quadruplexes: new aptamers with anti-HIV activity. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 89:51-8. [PMID: 25462225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe the facile syntheses of new modified oligonucleotides based on d(TG3AG) that form bimolecular G-quadruplexes and possess a HEG loop as an inversion of polarity site 3'-3' or 5'-5' and aromatic residues conjugated to the 5'-end through phosphodiester bonds. The conjugated hairpin G-quadruplexes exhibited parallel orientation, high thermal stability, elevated resistance in human serum and high or moderate anti-HIV-1 activity with low cytotoxicity. Further, these molecules showed significant binding to HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120, gp41 and HSA, as revealed by SPR assays. As a result, these conjugated hairpins represent the first active anti-HIV-1 bimolecular G-quadruplexes based on the d(TG3AG) sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Gaglione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sam Noppen
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Liekens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Balzarini
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.
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21
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The use of hairpin DNA duplexes as HIV-1 fusion inhibitors: synthesis, characterization, and activity evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 82:341-6. [PMID: 24927054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Discovery of new drugs for the treatment of AIDS that possess unique structures associated with novel mechanisms of action are of great importance due the rapidity with which drug-resistant HIV-1 strains evolve. Recently we reported on a novel class of DNA duplex-based HIV-1 fusion inhibitors modified with hydrophobic groups. The present study describes a new category of hairpin fusion inhibitor DNA duplexes bearing a 3 nucleotide loop located at either the hydrophobic or hydrophilic end. The new loop structures were designed to link 2 separate duplex-forming oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to make helix-assembly easier and more thermally stable resulting in a more compact form of DNA duplex based HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. A series of new hairpin duplexes were tested for anti-HIV-1 cell-cell membrane fusion activity. In addition, Tm, CD, fluorescent resonance energy transfer assays, and molecular modeling analyses were carried out to define their structural activity relationships and possible mechanisms of action.
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