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Sumaira S, Vijayarathna S, Hemagirri M, Adnan M, Hassan MI, Patel M, Gupta R, Shanmugapriya, Chen Y, Gopinath SC, Kanwar JR, Sasidharan S. Plant bioactive compounds driven microRNAs (miRNAs): A potential source and novel strategy targeting gene and cancer therapeutics. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1140-1158. [PMID: 39022680 PMCID: PMC11250886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Irrespective of medical technology improvements, cancer ranks among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Although numerous cures and treatments exist, creating alternative cancer therapies with fewer adverse side effects is vital. Since ancient times, plant bioactive compounds have already been used as a remedy to heal cancer. These plant bioactive compounds and their anticancer activity can also deregulate the microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cancerous cells. Therefore, the deregulation of miRNAs in cancer cells by plant bioactive compounds and the usage of the related miRNA could be a promising approach for cancer cure, mainly to prevent cancer and overcome chemotherapeutic side effect problems. Hence, this review highlights the function of plant bioactive compounds as an anticancer agent through the underlying mechanism that alters the miRNA expression in cancer cells, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Moreover, this review provides insight into using plant bioactive compounds -driven miRNAs as an anticancer agent to develop miRNA-based cancer gene therapy. They can be the potential resource for gene therapy and novel strategies targeting cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahreen Sumaira
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Soundararajan Vijayarathna
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Manisekaran Hemagirri
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Mitesh Patel
- Research and Development Cell and Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Department. Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Shanmugapriya
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Yeng Chen
- Department of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subash C.B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Perlis, Malaysia
| | - Jagat R. Kanwar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 174001, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sreenivasan Sasidharan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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2
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Zhao J, Ma Y, Zheng X, Sun Z, Lin H, Du C, Cao J. Bladder cancer: non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:147. [PMID: 39217254 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a highly prevalent type of cancer worldwide, and it is responsible for numerous deaths and cases of disease. Due to the diverse nature of this disease, it is necessary to conduct significant research that delves deeper into the molecular aspects, to potentially discover novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Lately, there has been a significant increase in the focus on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), due to their growing recognition for their involvement in the progression and manifestation of BCa. The interest in exosomes has greatly grown due to their potential for transporting a diverse array of active substances, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. The combination of these components differs based on the specific cell and its condition. Research indicates that using exosomes could have considerable advantages in identifying and forecasting BCa, offering a less invasive alternative. The distinctive arrangement of the lipid bilayer membrane found in exosomes is what makes them particularly effective for administering treatments aimed at managing cancer. In this review, we have tried to summarize different ncRNAs that are involved in BCa pathogenesis. Moreover, we highlighted the role of exosomal ncRNAs in BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingang Zhao
- Department of Urology, Hangzhou Mingzhou Hospital, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhe'jiang, China
| | - Yangyang Ma
- Department of Urology, Hangzhou Mingzhou Hospital, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhe'jiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of the First Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhe'jiang, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of the First Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Hangzhou, 310051, Zhe'jiang, China
| | - Hongxiang Lin
- Department of Urology, Ganzhou Donghe Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiang'xi, China
| | - Chuanjun Du
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhe'jiang, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Urology, Hangzhou Mingzhou Hospital, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhe'jiang, China.
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3
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Haga CL, Phinney DG. Strategies for targeting RNA with small molecule drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:135-147. [PMID: 35934990 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2111414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, therapeutic treatment of disease has been restricted to targeting proteins. Of the approximately 20,000 translated human proteins, approximately 1600 are associated with diseases. Strikingly, less than 15% of disease-associated proteins are predicted or known to be 'druggable.' While the concept and narrative of protein druggability continue to evolve with the development of novel technological and pharmacological advances, most of the human proteome remains undrugged. Recent genomic studies indicate that less than 2% of the human genome encodes for proteins, and while as much as 75% of the genome is transcribed, RNA has largely been ignored as a druggable target for therapeutic interventions. AREAS COVERED This review delineates the theory and techniques involved in the development of small molecule inhibitors of RNAs from brute force, high-throughput screening technologies to de novo molecular design using computational machine and deep learning. We will also highlight the potential pitfalls and limitations of targeting RNA with small molecules. EXPERT OPINION Although significant advances have recently been made in developing systems to identify small molecule inhibitors of RNAs, many challenges remain. Focusing on RNA structure and ligand binding sites may help bring drugging RNA in line with traditional protein drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Haga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Donald G Phinney
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
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4
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Chaudhry T, Coxon CR, Ross K. Trading places: Peptide and small molecule alternatives to oligonucleotide-based modulation of microRNA expression. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103337. [PMID: 35995360 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.08.005] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is involved in the development and progression of various diseases, especially cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that small molecule and peptide agents can interfere with miRNA disease pathways. Despite this, very little is known about structural features that drive drug-miRNA interactions and subsequent inhibition. In this review, we highlight the advances made in the development of small molecule and peptide inhibitors of miRNA processing. Specifically, we attempt to draw attention to peptide features that may be critical for interaction with the miRNA secondary structure to regulate miRNA expression. We hope that this review will help to establish peptides as exciting miRNA expression modulators and will contribute towards the development of the first miRNA-targeting peptide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talhat Chaudhry
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK; Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher R Coxon
- EaStChem School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Kehinde Ross
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK; Institute for Health Research, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
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5
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Takashima Y, Murata A, Iida K, Sugai A, Hagiwara M, Nakatani K. Method for Identifying Sequence Motifs in Pre-miRNAs for Small-Molecule Binding. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2817-2827. [PMID: 36150699 PMCID: PMC9594041 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are emerging targets for drug development because they are involved in various cellular processes. However, there are a few reliable design strategies for small molecules that can target RNAs. This paper reports a simple and efficient method to comprehensively analyze RNA motifs that can be bound by a specific small molecule. The method involves Dicer-mediated pre-miRNA cleavage and subsequent analysis of the reaction products by high-throughput sequencing. A pre-miRNA mutant library containing a randomized region at the Dicer cleavage site was used as the substrate for the reaction. Sequencing analysis of the products of the reaction carried out in the presence or absence of a synthetic small molecule identified the pre-miRNA mutants whose Dicer-mediated cleavage was significantly altered by the addition of the small molecule. The binding of the small molecule to the identified pre-miRNA mutants was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance, demonstrating the feasibility of our method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Takashima
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Asako Murata
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan,
| | - Kei Iida
- Medical
Research Support Center, Kyoto University
Graduate School of Medicine, Konoecho Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Ayako Sugai
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department
of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Kyoto
University Graduate School of Medicine, Konoecho Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department
of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific
and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan,
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6
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Hei YY, Wang S, Xi XX, Wang HP, Guo Y, Xin M, Jiang C, Lu S, Zhang SQ. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of fluoroquinolone derivatives as MicroRNA-21 small-molecule inhibitors. J Pharm Anal 2022; 12:653-663. [PMID: 36105166 PMCID: PMC9463491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-21 (miRNA-21) is highly expressed in various tumors. Small-molecule inhibition of miRNA-21 is considered to be an attractive novel cancer therapeutic strategy. In this study, fluoroquinolone derivatives A1–A43 were synthesized and used as miRNA-21 inhibitors. Compound A36 showed the most potent inhibitory activity and specificity for miRNA-21 in a dual-luciferase reporter assay in HeLa cells. Compound A36 significantly reduced the expression of mature miRNA-21 and increased the protein expression of miRNA-21 target genes, including programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) and phosphatase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), at 10 μM in HeLa cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (CCK-8) was used to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of A36; the results showed that the IC50 value range of A36 against six tumor cell lines was between 1.76 and 13.0 μM. Meanwhile, A36 did not display cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells (lung epithelial cells from a healthy human donor). Furthermore, A36 significantly induced apoptosis, arrested cells at the G0/G1 phase, and inhibited cell-colony formation in HeLa cells. In addition, mRNA deep sequencing showed that treatment with A36 could generate 171 dysregulated mRNAs in HeLa cells, while the expression of miRNA-21 target gene dual-specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) was significantly upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that A36 is a novel miRNA-21 inhibitor. Fluoroquinolone derivatives A1–A43 were synthesized and evaluated as miRNA-21 small-compound inhibitors. The quinolone derivative A36 was validated as an active and specific miRNA-21 small-compound inhibitor. A36 displayed differential anti-cell proliferation activity between normal and miRNA-21-overexpressing cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Hei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Si Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Xi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hai-Peng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yuanxu Guo
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Congshan Jiang
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Corresponding author. Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Shemin Lu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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7
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Bood M, Del Nogal AW, Nilsson JR, Edfeldt F, Dahlén A, Lemurell M, Wilhelmsson LM, Grøtli M. Interbase-FRET binding assay for pre-microRNAs. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9396. [PMID: 33931703 PMCID: PMC8087795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88922-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRs) has been linked to several human diseases. A promising approach for targeting these anomalies is the use of small-molecule inhibitors of miR biogenesis. These inhibitors have the potential to (i) dissect miR mechanisms of action, (ii) discover new drug targets, and (iii) function as new therapeutic agents. Here, we designed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-labeled oligoribonucleotides of the precursor of the oncogenic miR-21 (pre-miR-21) and used them together with a set of aminoglycosides to develop an interbase-FRET assay to detect ligand binding to pre-miRs. Our interbase-FRET assay accurately reports structural changes of the RNA oligonucleotide induced by ligand binding. We demonstrate its application in a rapid, qualitative drug candidate screen by assessing the relative binding affinity between 12 aminoglycoside antibiotics and pre-miR-21. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) were used to validate our new FRET method, and the accuracy of our FRET assay was shown to be similar to the established techniques. With its advantages over SPR and ITC owing to its high sensitivity, small sample size, straightforward technique and the possibility for high-throughput expansion, we envision that our solution-based method can be applied in pre-miRNA–target binding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Bood
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anna Wypijewska Del Nogal
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jesper R Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Edfeldt
- Structure & Biophysics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Anders Dahlén
- Oligonucleotide Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Malin Lemurell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Pepparedsleden 1, 431 83, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - L Marcus Wilhelmsson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Morten Grøtli
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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8
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Parizi PK, Yarahmadi F, Tabar HM, Hosseini Z, Sarli A, Kia N, Tafazoli A, Esmaeili SA. MicroRNAs and target molecules in bladder cancer. Med Oncol 2020; 37:118. [PMID: 33216248 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-020-01435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is considered as one of the most common malignant tumors in humans with complex pathogenesis including gene expression variation, protein degradation, and changes in signaling pathways. Many studies on involved miRNAs in BC have demonstrated that they could be used as potential biomarkers in the prognosis, response to treatment, and screening before the cancerous phenotype onset. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate many cellular processes through their different effects on special targets along with modifying signaling pathways, apoptosis, cell growth, and differentiation. The diverse expression of miRNAs in cancerous tissues could mediate procedures leading to the oncogenic or suppressor behavior of certain genes in cancer cells. Since a specific miRNA may have multiple targets, an mRNA could also be regulated by multiple miRNAs which further demonstrates the actual role of miRNAs in cancer. In addition, miRNAs can be utilized as biomarkers in some cancers that cannot be screened in the early stages. Hence, finding blood, urine, or tissue miRNA biomarkers by novel or routine gene expression method could be an essential step in the prognosis and control of cancer. In the present review, we have thoroughly evaluated the recent findings on different miRNAs in BC which can provide comprehensive information on better understanding the role of diverse miRNAs and better decision making regarding the new approaches in the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Kheirmand Parizi
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Genome Medical Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Zohreh Hosseini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abdolazim Sarli
- Department of Medical Genetic, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Kia
- Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, Torvergata University of Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Alireza Tafazoli
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy With the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Clinical Research Center, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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9
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Zhang B, Tian L, Xie J, Chen G, Wang F. Targeting miRNAs by natural products: A new way for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110546. [PMID: 32721631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNAs play important roles in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNA expression is highly associated with cancer development. Individual miRNA regulates multiple gene expressions, enabling them to regulate multiple cellular signaling pathways simultaneously. Hence, miRNAs could be served as cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and also therapeutic targets. Recently, more and more evidences showed that natural products such as paclitaxel, curcumin, resveratrol, genistein or epigallocatechin-3-gallate exert their anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic effects through regulating one or more miRNAs, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth, induction of apoptosis or enhancement of conventional cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we outlined the recent advances in the regulation of miRNAs expression by the natural products and highlight the importance of these natural drugs as a potential strategy in cancer treatment. This review will help us better understand how natural products modulate miRNAs and contribute to the development of effective and safe natural drugs for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Ling Tian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinrong Xie
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Fu Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an 710071, China.
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10
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Dey S, Sczepanski JT. In vitro selection of l-DNA aptamers that bind a structured d-RNA molecule. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1669-1680. [PMID: 31950158 PMCID: PMC7038948 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of structure-specific RNA binding reagents remains a central challenge in RNA biochemistry and drug discovery. Previously, we showed in vitro selection techniques could be used to evolve l-RNA aptamers that bind tightly to structured d-RNAs. However, whether similar RNA-binding properties can be achieved using aptamers composed of l-DNA, which has several practical advantages compared to l-RNA, remains unknown. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of the first l-DNA aptamers against a structured RNA molecule, precursor microRNA-155, thereby establishing the capacity of DNA and RNA molecules of the opposite handedness to form tight and specific ‘cross-chiral’ interactions with each other. l-DNA aptamers bind pre-miR-155 with low nanomolar affinity and high selectivity despite the inability of l-DNA to interact with native d-RNA via Watson–Crick base pairing. Furthermore, l-DNA aptamers inhibit Dicer-mediated processing of pre-miRNA-155. The sequence and structure of l-DNA aptamers are distinct from previously reported l-RNA aptamers against pre-miR-155, indicating that l-DNA and l-RNA interact with the same RNA sequence through unique modes of recognition. Overall, this work demonstrates that l-DNA may be pursued as an alternative to l-RNA for the generation of RNA-binding aptamers, providing a robust and practical approach for targeting structured RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sougata Dey
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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11
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Reuter T, Herold-Mende C, Dyckhoff G, Rigalli JP, Weiss J. Functional role of miR-148a in oropharyngeal cancer: influence on pregnane X receptor and P-glycoprotein expression. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2019; 39:451-459. [PMID: 31771390 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2019.1694541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs of about 19-25 nucleotides that usually target the 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs thus mediating post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Previous data indicate a role for miR-148a in the regulation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR/NR1I2), a nuclear receptor that regulates the expression of drug transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1). Our study investigated the effect of miR-148a on the post-transcriptional regulation of PXR and its target gene ABCB1 in oropharyngeal cancer cell lines (OPSCC). miR-148a was over-expressed and knocked-down in three OPSCC cell lines (HNO41, HNO206, and HNO413) by transfection with miR-148a mimic and miR-148a antagomir, respectively. Expression of miR-148a, NR1I2, and ABCB1 mRNA was quantified via real-time qPCR, protein expression of PXR was assessed by immunoblotting. Transfection of miR-148a mimic led to increased miR-148a levels in all cell lines and transfection of miR-148a antagomir reduced miR-148a expression in HNO206 and HNO413. Whereas these changes had no significant effect on PXR mRNA expression, protein expression was reduced in HNO41 by transfection with miR-148a and increased in HNO413 by transfection with miR-148a antagomir. Transfection of miR-148a downregulated ABCB1 mRNA in all cell lines, whereas antagonizing miR-148a had no significant effect. Our data demonstrate a modulation of PXR/NR1I2 and ABCB1 expression in OPSCC by miR-148a, however the effect was not uniform in all cell lines and depended on the range of expression of miR-148 and the genotype of rs1054190 SNP in NR1I2 3'UTR. Thus, our findings argue against an unequivocal association between miR-148a and PXR levels in OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasmin Reuter
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Experimental Neurosurgery Research, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Cell Biology Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dyckhoff
- Molecular Cell Biology Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juan Pablo Rigalli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Weiss
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Murata A, Nakamori M, Nakatani K. Modulating RNA secondary and tertiary structures by mismatch binding ligands. Methods 2019; 167:78-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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13
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Abstract
RNA structures play a pivotal role in many biological processes and the progression of human disease, making them an attractive target for therapeutic development. Often RNA structures operate through the formation of complexes with RNA-binding proteins, however, much like protein-protein interactions, RNA-protein interactions span large surface areas and often lack traditional druggable properties, making it challenging to target them with small molecules. Peptides provide much greater surface areas and therefore greater potential for forming specific and high affinity interactions with RNA. In this chapter, we discuss our approach for engineering peptides that bind to structured RNAs by highlighting methods and design strategies from previous successful projects aimed at inhibiting the HIV Tat-TAR interaction and the biogenesis of oncogenic microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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14
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Birman Y, Khorsand S, Tu E, Mortensen RB, Butko MT. Second-harmonic generation-based methods to detect and characterize ligand-induced RNA conformational changes. Methods 2019; 167:92-104. [PMID: 31116965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is a biophysical tool that senses ligand-induced conformational changes in biomolecules. The Biodesy Delta™ has been developed as a high-throughput screening platform to monitor conformational changes in proteins and oligonucleotides by SHG to support drug discovery efforts. This work will outline (1) an overview of this technology, (2) detailed protocols for optimizing screening-ready SHG assays on RNA targets, (3) practical considerations for developing robust and informative SHG measurements, and (4) a case study that demonstrates the application of these recommendations on an RNA target. The previously published theophylline aptamer SHG assay [1] was further optimized to maximize the assay window between the positive control (theophylline) and the negative control (caffeine). Optimization of this assay provides practical considerations for building a robust SHG assay on an RNA target, including testing for specific tethering of the conjugate to the surface as well as testing tool compound response stability, reversibility, and concentration-dependence/affinity. A more robust, better-performing theophylline aptamer SHG assay was achieved that would be more appropriate for conducting a screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Birman
- Biodesy, Inc., South San Francisco 94080, United States
| | - Sina Khorsand
- Biodesy, Inc., South San Francisco 94080, United States
| | - Erick Tu
- Biodesy, Inc., South San Francisco 94080, United States
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15
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Yan H, Liang FS. miRNA inhibition by proximity-enabled Dicer inactivation. Methods 2019; 167:117-123. [PMID: 31077820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as master regulators of biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNA expression has been implicated in many human diseases. Driven by the key biological roles and the therapeutic potential, developing methods for miRNA regulation has become an intense research area. Due to favorable pharmacological properties, small molecule-based miRNA inhibition emerges as a promising strategy and significant progresses have been made. However, it remains challenging to regulate miRNA using small molecules because of the inherent difficulty in RNA targeting and inhibition. Herein we outline the workflow of generating bifunctional small molecule inhibitors blocking miRNA biogenesis through proximity-enabled inactivation of Dicer, an enzyme required for the processing of precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) into mature miRNA. By conjugating a weak Dicer inhibitor with a pre-miRNA binder, the inhibitor can be delivered to the Dicer processing site associated with the targeted pre-miRNA, and as a result inhibiting Dicer-mediated pre-miRNA processing. This protocol can be applicable in producing bifunctional inhibitors for different miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
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16
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Garner AL, Lorenz DA, Sandoval J, Gallagher EE, Kerk SA, Kaur T, Menon A. Tetracyclines as Inhibitors of Pre-microRNA Maturation: A Disconnection between RNA Binding and Inhibition. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:816-821. [PMID: 31098005 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In a high-throughput screening campaign, we recently discovered the rRNA-binding tetracyclines, methacycline and meclocycline, as inhibitors of Dicer-mediated processing of microRNAs. Herein, we describe our biophysical and biochemical characterization of these compounds. Interestingly, although direct, albeit weak, binding to the pre-microRNA hairpins was observed, the inhibitory activity of these compounds was not due to RNA binding. Through additional biochemical and chemical studies, we revealed that metal chelation likely plays a principle role in their mechanism of inhibition. By exploring the activity of other known RNA-binding scaffolds, we identified additional disconnections between direct RNA interaction and inhibition of Dicer processing. Thus, the results presented within provide a valuable case study in the complexities of targeting RNA with small molecules, particularly with weak binding and potentially promiscuous scaffolds.
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17
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Otabe T, Nagano K, Kawai G, Murata A, Nakatani K. Inhibition of pre-miRNA-136 processing by Dicer with small molecule BzDANP suggested the formation of ternary complex of pre-miR-136–BzDANP–Dicer. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2140-2148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Yan H, Zhou M, Bhattarai U, Song Y, Zheng M, Cai J, Liang FS. Cyclic Peptidomimetics as Inhibitor for miR-155 Biogenesis. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:914-920. [PMID: 30601666 PMCID: PMC8513084 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b01247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
miR-155 plays key promoting roles in several cancers and emerges as an important anticancer therapeutic target. However, the discovery of small molecules that target RNAs is challenging. Peptidomimetics have been shown to be a rich source for discovering novel ligands to regulate cellular proteins. However, the potential of using peptidomimetics for RNA targeting is relatively unexplored. To this end, we designed and synthesized members of a novel 320 000 compound macrocyclic peptidomimetic library. An affinity-based screening protocol led to the identification of a pre-miR-155 binder that inhibits oncogenic miR-155 maturation in vitro and in cell and induces cancer cell apoptosis. The results of this investigation demonstrate that macrocyclic peptidomimetics could serve as a new scaffold for RNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Umesh Bhattarai
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Yabin Song
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Mengmeng Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico, 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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19
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Naro Y, Ankenbruck N, Thomas M, Tivon Y, Connelly CM, Gardner L, Deiters A. Small Molecule Inhibition of MicroRNA miR-21 Rescues Chemosensitivity of Renal-Cell Carcinoma to Topotecan. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5900-5909. [PMID: 29993250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemical probes of microRNA (miRNA) function are potential tools for understanding miRNA biology that also provide new approaches for discovering therapeutics for miRNA-associated diseases. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is an oncogenic miRNA that is overexpressed in most cancers and has been strongly associated with driving chemoresistance in cancers such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Using a cell-based luciferase reporter assay to screen small molecules, we identified a novel inhibitor of miR-21 function. Following structure-activity relationship studies, an optimized lead compound demonstrated cytotoxicity in several cancer cell lines. In a chemoresistant-RCC cell line, inhibition of miR-21 via small molecule treatment rescued the expression of tumor-suppressor proteins and sensitized cells to topotecan-induced apoptosis. This resulted in a >10-fold improvement in topotecan activity in cell viability and clonogenic assays. Overall, this work reports a novel small molecule inhibitor for perturbing miR-21 function and demonstrates an approach to enhancing the potency of chemotherapeutics specifically for cancers derived from oncomir addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Naro
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Nicholas Ankenbruck
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Meryl Thomas
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Yaniv Tivon
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Colleen M Connelly
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Laura Gardner
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania 15260 , United States
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20
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Identification of small-molecule ligands that bind to MiR-21 as potential therapeutics for endometriosis by screening ZINC database and in-vitro assays. Gene 2018; 662:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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21
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Brustikova K, Sedlak D, Kubikova J, Skuta C, Solcova K, Malik R, Bartunek P, Svoboda P. Cell-Based Reporter System for High-Throughput Screening of MicroRNA Pathway Inhibitors and Its Limitations. Front Genet 2018. [PMID: 29535760 PMCID: PMC5835079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs repressing gene expression. They contribute to many physiological processes and pathologies. Consequently, strategies for manipulation of the miRNA pathway are of interest as they could provide tools for experimental or therapeutic interventions. One of such tools could be small chemical compounds identified through high-throughput screening (HTS) with reporter assays. While a number of chemical compounds have been identified in such high-throughput screens, their application potential remains elusive. Here, we report our experience with cell-based HTS of a library of 12,816 chemical compounds to identify miRNA pathway modulators. We used human HeLa and mouse NIH 3T3 cell lines with stably integrated or transiently expressed luciferase reporters repressed by endogenous miR-30 and let-7 miRNAs and identified 163 putative miRNA inhibitors. We report that compounds relieving miRNA-mediated repression via stress induction are infrequent; we have found only two compounds that reproducibly induced stress granules and relieved miRNA-targeted reporter repression. However, we have found that this assay type readily yields non-specific (miRNA-independent) stimulators of luciferase reporter activity. Furthermore, our data provide partial support for previously published miRNA pathway modulators; the most notable intersections were found among anthracyclines, dopamine derivatives, flavones, and stilbenes. Altogether, our results underscore the importance of appropriate negative controls in development of small compound inhibitors of the miRNA pathway. This particularly concerns validation strategies, which would greatly profit from assays that fundamentally differ from the routinely employed miRNA-targeted reporter assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Brustikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sedlak
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Kubikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ctibor Skuta
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Solcova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Malik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Bartunek
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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22
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Identification of aminosulfonylarylisoxazole as microRNA-31 regulators. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182331. [PMID: 28783765 PMCID: PMC5544221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of small-molecule regulators of microRNAs remains challenging, but a few have been reported. Herein, we describe small-molecule inhibitors of miR-31, a tumor-associated microRNA (miRNA), identified by high-throughput screening using a cell-based reporter assay. Aminosulfonylarylisoxazole compounds exhibited higher specificity for miR-31 than for six other miRNAs, i.e., miR-15a, miR-16, miR-21, miR-92a-1, miR-146a, and miR-155, and increased the expression of miR-31 target genes. The down-regulation of mature miR-31 was observed, while its precursor form increased following treatment with the compounds. Thus, the compounds may target the processing of pre-miR-31 into mature miR-31 and thereby inhibit the production of mature miR-31.
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23
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Shortridge MD, Walker MJ, Pavelitz T, Chen Y, Yang W, Varani G. A Macrocyclic Peptide Ligand Binds the Oncogenic MicroRNA-21 Precursor and Suppresses Dicer Processing. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1611-1620. [PMID: 28437065 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) help orchestrate cellular growth and survival through post-transcriptional mechanisms. The dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis can lead to cellular growth defects and chemotherapeutic resistance and plays a direct role in the development of many chronic diseases. Among these RNAs, miR-21 is consistently overexpressed in most human cancers, leading to the down-regulation of key tumor-suppressing and pro-apoptotic factors, suggesting that inhibition of miR-21 biogenesis could reverse these negative effects. However, targeted inhibition of miR-21 using small molecules has had limited success. To overcome difficulties in targeting RNA secondary structure with small molecules, we developed a class of cyclic β-hairpin peptidomimetics which bind to RNA stem-loop structures, such as miRNA precursors, with potent affinity and specificity. We screened an existing cyclic peptide library and discovered a lead structure which binds to pre-miR21 with KD = 200 nM and prefers it over other pre-miRNAs. The NMR structure of the complex shows that the peptide recognizes the Dicer cleavage site and alters processing of the precursor to the mature miRNA in vitro and in cultured cells. The structure provides a rationale for the peptide binding activity and clear guidance for further improvements in affinity and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Shortridge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Matthew J. Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Tom Pavelitz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box
351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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24
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Yan H, Bhattarai U, Guo ZF, Liang FS. Regulating miRNA-21 Biogenesis By Bifunctional Small Molecules. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:4987-4990. [PMID: 28287718 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We report a new strategy to regulate microRNAs (miRNAs) biogenesis by using bifunctional small molecules that consist of a pre-miRNA binding unit connected by a linker to a Dicer inhibiting unit. In this effort, fluorescence polarization-based screening was used to identify neomycin as a pre-miR-21 binding ligand. Although neomycin cannot inhibit miR-21 maturation, linking it to the RNase inhibitor 1 forms the bifunctional conjugate 7A, which inhibits the production of miR-21. We expect that this strategy will be applicable to design other molecules for miRNA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico , 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Umesh Bhattarai
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico , 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Zhi-Fo Guo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico , 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Fu-Sen Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, University of New Mexico , 300 Terrace Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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25
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Lin Q, Ma L, Liu Z, Yang Z, Wang J, Liu J, Jiang G. Targeting microRNAs: a new action mechanism of natural compounds. Oncotarget 2017; 8:15961-15970. [PMID: 28052018 PMCID: PMC5362538 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike genetics, epigenetics involves the modification of genome without changes in DNA sequences, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNA regulation. MicroRNA (miRNA), a member of noncoding RNAs superfamily, participates in RNA interference through a unique mechanism. Currently, microRNAs have been found to be regulated by some natural compounds. Through altering the expression of miRNAs and influencing the downstream signaling pathways or target genes, several natural compounds exhibit its bioactivity in the prevention, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and drug resistance of human diseases, such as cancer. In this review, several natural compounds and their studies about miRNA-related action mechanism were summarized. These studies provide a new insight into action mechanism by which natural compound exerts its bioactivity and a novel treatment strategy, demonstrating natural compound a promising remedy for clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lin
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leina Ma
- The Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhantao Liu
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhihong Yang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin Wang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohui Jiang
- College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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26
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Approaches for the Discovery of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting microRNAs. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Akisawa T, Yamada K, Nagatsugi F. Synthesis of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) with a crosslinking agent to RNA and effective inhibition of dicer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5902-5906. [PMID: 27838183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are structural mimics of nucleic acids that form stable hybrids with DNA and RNA. Due to these characteristics, PNAs are widely used as biochemical tools, for example, in antisense/antigene therapy. In this study, we have synthesized PNAs incorporating 2-amino-6-vinylpurine (AVP) for the covalent targeting of single-stranded DNA and RNA, and evaluated their reactivities for these targets. PNA containing AVP at the N-terminal position showed a high reactivity to uracil in RNA and thymine in DNA at the complementary site with AVP. In addition, the crosslinking reactions to pre-miR122 with PNA containing AVP increased the inhibition effect for the Dicer processing of pre-miR122 in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Akisawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Ken Yamada
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.
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28
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Murata A, Otabe T, Zhang J, Nakatani K. BzDANP, a Small-Molecule Modulator of Pre-miR-29a Maturation by Dicer. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2790-2796. [PMID: 27536863 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We here report the synthesis of novel molecule BzDANP having a three-ring benzo[c][1,8]naphthyridine system, the evaluation of its binding properties to a single nucleotide bulge in RNA duplexes, and BzDANP-induced suppression of pre-miR-29a processing by Dicer. BzDANP showed much increased affinity to the bulged RNAs as compared with the parent molecule DANP, which possesses the same hydrogen-bonding surface as BzDANP but in a two-ring [1,8]naphthyridine system. Melting temperature analysis of bulged RNAs showed that BzDANP most effectively stabilized the C-bulged RNA. Dicer-mediated processing of pre-miR-29a was suppressed by BzDANP in a concentration dependent manner. The presence of the C-bulge at the Dicer cleavage site was effective for the suppression of pre-miR-29a processing by BzDANP. These results demonstrated that the small molecule binding to the bulged site in the vicinity of the Dicer cleavage site could be a potential modulator for the maturation of pre-miRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory
Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takahiro Otabe
- Department of Regulatory
Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Regulatory
Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory
Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
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29
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Butko MT, Moree B, Mortensen RB, Salafsky J. Detection of Ligand-Induced Conformational Changes in Oligonucleotides by Second-Harmonic Generation at a Supported Lipid Bilayer Interface. Anal Chem 2016; 88:10482-10489. [PMID: 27696827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a high demand for characterizing oligonucleotide structural changes associated with binding interactions as well as identifying novel binders that modulate their structure and function. In this study, second-harmonic generation (SHG) was used to study RNA and DNA oligonucleotide conformational changes associated with ligand binding. For this purpose, we developed an avidin-based biotin capture surface based on a supported lipid bilayer membrane. The technique was applied to two well-characterized aptamers, both of which undergo conformational changes upon binding either a protein or a small molecule ligand. In both cases, SHG was able to resolve conformational changes in these oligonucleotides sensitively and specifically, in solution and in real time, using nanogram amounts of material. In addition, we developed a competition assay for the oligonucleotides between the specific ligands and known, nonspecific binders, and we demonstrated that intercalators and minor groove binders affect the conformation of the DNA and RNA oligonucleotides in different ways upon binding and subsequently block specific ligand binding in all cases. Our work demonstrates the broad potential of SHG for studying oligonucleotides and their conformational changes upon interaction with ligands. As SHG offers a powerful, high-throughput screening approach, our results here also open an important new avenue for identifying novel chemical probes or sequence-targeted drugs that disrupt or modulate DNA or RNA structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T Butko
- Biodesy, Inc. , 384 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite No. 8, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ben Moree
- Biodesy, Inc. , 384 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite No. 8, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Richard B Mortensen
- Biodesy, Inc. , 384 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite No. 8, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Joshua Salafsky
- Biodesy, Inc. , 384 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite No. 8, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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30
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Sato Y, Asami T, Toriyabe Y, Sato T, Teramae N, Nishizawa S. Pteridine Derivatives Modified with a Guanidine for Binding and Sensing an Orphan Guanine in RNA Duplexes. CHEM LETT 2016. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.160425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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31
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Sinoy S, Fayaz SM, Charles KD, Suvanish VK, Kapfhammer JP, Rajanikant GK. Amikacin Inhibits miR-497 Maturation and Exerts Post-ischemic Neuroprotection. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3683-3694. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9940-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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32
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Small-molecule approaches toward the targeting of oncogenic miRNAs: roadmap for the discovery of RNA modulators. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:803-16. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs are a recently discovered class of small noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression. The deregulation of miRNAs levels has been linked to the development of various cancers where oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed and tumor suppressor miRNAs are underexpressed. Here we report the three main strategies developed in order to discover small-molecule drugs able to selectively interfere with oncogenic miRNAs: the high throughput screening of large libraries of compounds, the focused screening of small libraries of molecules that are known to be able to interact with RNA thus being supposed modulators of miRNAs pathway and the design of small molecules based on the secondary structure of targeted RNA and/or three-dimensional structure of enzymes involved in miRNAs pathway.
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33
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Vo DD, Tran TPA, Staedel C, Benhida R, Darfeuille F, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Oncogenic MicroRNAs Biogenesis as a Drug Target: Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on New Aminoglycoside Conjugates. Chemistry 2016; 22:5350-62. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201505094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Duc Duy Vo
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS, Parc Valrose; 06100 Nice France
| | - Thi Phuong Anh Tran
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS, Parc Valrose; 06100 Nice France
| | - Cathy Staedel
- University of Bordeaux; ARNA Laboratory; 33000 Bordeaux France
- INSERM, U869; 33000 Bordeaux France
| | - Rachid Benhida
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS, Parc Valrose; 06100 Nice France
| | - Fabien Darfeuille
- University of Bordeaux; ARNA Laboratory; 33000 Bordeaux France
- INSERM, U869; 33000 Bordeaux France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS, Parc Valrose; 06100 Nice France
| | - Maria Duca
- University of Nice Sophia Antipolis; Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS, Parc Valrose; 06100 Nice France
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34
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Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Small Molecule Targeting of a MicroRNA Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:375-80. [PMID: 26551630 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Development of precision therapeutics is of immense interest, particularly as applied to the treatment of cancer. By analyzing the preferred cellular RNA targets of small molecules, we discovered that 5"-azido neomycin B binds the Drosha processing site in the microRNA (miR)-525 precursor. MiR-525 confers invasive properties to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Although HCC is one of the most common cancers, treatment options are limited, making the disease often fatal. Herein, we find that addition of 5"-azido neomycin B and its FDA-approved precursor, neomycin B, to an HCC cell line selectively inhibits production of the mature miRNA, boosts a downstream protein, and inhibits invasion. Interestingly, neomycin B is a second-line agent for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and bacterial infections due to cirrhosis. Our results provocatively suggest that neomycin B, or second-generation derivatives, may be dual functioning molecules to treat both HE and HCC. Collectively, these studies show that rational design approaches can be tailored to disease-associated RNAs to afford potential lead therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way #3A1, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way #3A1, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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35
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A pH Sensitive High-Throughput Assay for miRNA Binding of a Peptide-Aminoglycoside (PA) Library. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144251. [PMID: 26656788 PMCID: PMC4699463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small RNAs that have a regulatory role in gene expression. Because of this regulatory role, miRNAs have become a new target for therapeutic compounds. Here, we outline an approach to target specific miRNAs using a high throughput capable assay and a 215 compound peptidic-aminosugar (PA) library. Aminosugars have been shown in a number of recent reports as important lead compounds that bind miRNA. In order to screen for compounds that bind miRNA, we have developed a high throughput displacement assay using a fluorescein-neomycin conjugated molecule (F-neo) as a probe for competitive miRNA binding compounds. We have applied the F-neo assay to four different miRNA constructs and the assay is applicable to most miRNAs, at various stages of processing. The results of the screen were validated by the determination of the IC50 for a select group of compounds from the library. For example, we identified eight compounds that bind to hsa-miR 504 with higher affinity than the parent neomycin. From the F-neo displacement assay we found that the number of binding sites differs for each miRNA, and the binding sites appear to differ both physically and chemically, with different affinity of the compounds resulting from the size of the molecule as well as the chemical structure. Additionally, the affinity of the compounds was dependent on the identity and position of the amino acid position of conjugation and the affinity of the compounds relative to other compounds in the library was miRNA dependent with the introduction of a second amino acid.
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36
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Xia T, Li J, Cheng H, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Small-Molecule Regulators of MicroRNAs in Biomedicine. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:375-81. [PMID: 26450362 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and have been implicated in the development of various human diseases, including cancer. The regulatory networks of miRNAs play a vital role not only in normal physiology but also in pathology and may represent novel targets for drug discovery. Regulation of miRNAs and the elucidation of miRNA networks will advance miRNA-targeted research but are challenging due to a shortage of appropriate tools. Using different assay systems, diverse small molecules with unique miRNA regulatory activity have been identified. These bioactive small molecules not only showed regulation on different miRNAs but revealed previously unknown miRNA networks. Treatment of cancer both in vitro and in vivo with small-molecule regulators of miRNAs has demonstrated their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss assay systems for the identification of small-molecule regulators of miRNAs and reported small molecules, and discuss their applications as probes and candidate drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Advanced Institute for Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing University School of Life Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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37
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Fukuzumi T, Murata A, Aikawa H, Harada Y, Nakatani K. Exploratory Study on the RNA-Binding Structural Motifs by Library Screening Targeting pre-miRNA-29 a. Chemistry 2015; 21:16859-67. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201502913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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38
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Tran TPA, Vo DD, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Ribosome-targeting antibiotics as inhibitors of oncogenic microRNAs biogenesis: Old scaffolds for new perspectives in RNA targeting. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:5334-44. [PMID: 26264847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It is now well established that the overexpression of some miRNAs (oncogenic miRNAs) is responsible for initiation and progression of human cancers and the discovery of new molecules able to interfere with their production and/or function represents one of the most important challenges of current medicinal chemistry of RNA ligands. In this work, we studied the ability of 18 different antibiotics, known as prokaryotic ribosomal RNA, to bind to oncogenic miRNA precursors (stem-loop structured pre-miRNAs) in order to inhibit miRNAs production. In vitro inhibition, binding constants, thermodynamic parameters and binding sites were investigated and highlighted that aminoglycosides and tetracyclines represent interesting pre-miRNA ligands with the ability to inhibit Dicer processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Phuong Anh Tran
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS-University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Duc Duy Vo
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS-University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS-University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Maria Duca
- Institute of Chemistry of Nice, UMR7272 CNRS-University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France.
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39
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Tethering in RNA: an RNA-binding fragment discovery tool. Molecules 2015; 20:4148-61. [PMID: 25749683 PMCID: PMC4760646 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20034148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tethering has been extensively used to study small molecule interactions with proteins through reversible disulfide bond forming reactions to cysteine residues. We describe the adaptation of Tethering to the study of small molecule binding to RNA using a thiol-containing adenosine analog (ASH). Among 30 disulfide-containing small molecules screened for efficient Tethering to ASH-bearing RNAs derived from pre-miR21, a benzotriazole-containing compound showed prominent adduct formation and selectivity for one of the RNAs tested. The results of this screen demonstrate the viability of using thiol-modified nucleic acids to discover molecules with binding affinity and specificity for the purpose of therapeutic compound lead discovery.
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40
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Shortridge MD, Varani G. Structure based approaches for targeting non-coding RNAs with small molecules. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 30:79-88. [PMID: 25687935 PMCID: PMC4416997 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The increasing appreciation of the central role of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) in chronic and degenerative human disease makes them attractive therapeutic targets. This would not be unprecedented: the bacterial ribosomal RNA is a mainstay for antibacterial treatment, while the conservation and functional importance of viral RNA regulatory elements has long suggested they would constitute attractive targets for new antivirals. Oligonucleotide-based chemistry has obvious appeals but also considerable pharmacological limitations that are yet to be addressed satisfactorily. Recent studies identifying small molecules targeting non-coding RNAs may provide an alternative approach to oligonucleotide methods. Here we review recent work investigating new structural and chemical principles for targeting RNA with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Shortridge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box 351700, Seattle 98195, USA
| | - Gabriele Varani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Box 351700, Seattle 98195, USA.
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41
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Jayaraj GG, Nahar S, Maiti S. Nonconventional chemical inhibitors of microRNA: therapeutic scope. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:820-31. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cc04514a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of genomically encoded small RNA molecules (∼22nts in length), which regulate gene expression post transcriptionally. miRNAs are implicated in several diseases, thus modulation of miRNA is of prime importance. Small molecules offer a non-conventional alternative to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Gunanathan Jayaraj
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
| | - Smita Nahar
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Chemical & Systems Biology Unit
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
- New Delhi
- India 110020
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory
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42
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Avitabile C, Cimmino A, Romanelli A. Oligonucleotide analogues as modulators of the expression and function of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs): emerging therapeutics applications. J Med Chem 2014; 57:10220-40. [PMID: 25280271 DOI: 10.1021/jm5006594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
ncRNAs are emerging as key regulators of physiological and pathological processes and therefore have been identified as pharmacological targets and as markers for some diseases. Oligonucleotide analogues represent so far the most widely employed tool for the modulation of the expression of ncRNAs. In this perspective we briefly describe most of the known classes of ncRNAs and then we discuss the design and the applications of oligonucleotide analogues for their targeting. The effects of modifications of the chemical structure of the oligonucleotides on properties such as the binding affinity toward targets and off targets, and the stability to degradation and their biological effects (when known) are discussed. Examples of molecules currently used in clinical trials are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Avitabile
- Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Dipartimento di Farmacia, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
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43
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Chirayil S, Wu Q, Amezcua C, Luebke KJ. NMR characterization of an oligonucleotide model of the miR-21 pre-element. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108231. [PMID: 25250627 PMCID: PMC4177108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used NMR spectroscopy to characterize an oligonucleotide stem loop structure based on the pre-element of an oncogenic microRNA, miR-21. This predicted stem-loop structure is cleaved from the precursor of miR-21 (pre-miR-21) by the nuclease Dicer. It is also a critical feature recognized by the protein complex that converts the primary transcript (pri-miR-21) into the pre-miRNA. The secondary structure of the native sequence is poorly defined by NMR due to rapid exchange of imino protons with solvent; however, replacement of two adjacent putative G•U base pairs with G•C base pairs retains the conformation of the hairpin observed by chemical probing and stabilizes it sufficiently to observe most of the imino proton resonances of the molecule. The observed resonances are consistent with the predicted secondary structure. In addition, a peak due to a loop uridine suggests an interaction between it and a bulged uridine in the stem. Assignment of non-exchangeable proton resonances and characterization of NOEs and coupling constants allows inference of the following features of the structure: extrahelicity of a bulged adenosine, deviation from A-form geometry in a base-paired stem, and consecutive stacking of the adenosines in the 5′ side of the loop, the guanosine of the closing base pair, and a cross-strand adenosine. Modeling of the structure by restrained molecular dynamics suggests a basis for the interaction between the loop uridine, the bulged uridine in the stem, and an A•U base pair in the stem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chirayil
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carlos Amezcua
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Structural Elucidation Group, Medical Products Division, Baxter Healthcare, Round Lake, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Luebke
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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44
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Hesse M, Davies BP, Arenz C. Assaying Dicer-mediated miRNA maturation by means of fluorescent substrates. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1095:95-102. [PMID: 24166305 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-703-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Assaying Dicer-mediated miRNA maturation is a valuable tool not only for validating miRNA maturation itself but also for testing Dicer activity in cell lysate and for screening small molecules inhibiting miRNA maturation in a high-throughput format. The classical assay for miRNA maturation relies on radioactive labeling of a pre-miRNA and subsequent gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Here we present a fluorescently labeled and quenched pre-miRNA beacon that can be ligated easily out of two single labeled RNA strands. Upon Dicer cleavage of the beacon, fluorophore and quencher are separated, which results in an increase of fluorescence over time. Unlike (32)P-labeled probes, our fluorescently labeled pre-miRNA beacon is stable for at least 5 years under storage conditions. Dicer or miRNA maturation assays can be easily performed in a 384-well plate format, consuming less than 1 pmol of RNA beacon per reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen Hesse
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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45
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Diaz JP, Chirayil R, Chirayil S, Tom M, Head KJ, Luebke KJ. Association of a peptoid ligand with the apical loop of pri-miR-21 inhibits cleavage by Drosha. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 20:528-39. [PMID: 24497550 PMCID: PMC3964914 DOI: 10.1261/rna.042911.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We have found a small molecule that specifically inhibits cleavage of a precursor to the oncogenic miRNA, miR-21, by the microprocessor complex of Drosha and DGCR8. We identified novel ligands for the apical loop of this precursor from a screen of 14,024 N-substituted oligoglycines (peptoids) in a microarray format. Eight distinct compounds with specific affinity were obtained, three having affinities for the targeted loop in the low micromolar range and greater than 15-fold discrimination against a closely related hairpin. One of these compounds completely inhibits microprocessor cleavage of a miR-21 primary transcript at concentrations at which cleavage of another miRNA primary transcript, pri-miR-16, is little affected. The apical loop of pri-miR-21, placed in the context of pri-miR-16, is sufficient for inhibition of microprocessor cleavage by the peptoid. This compound also inhibits cleavage of pri-miR-21 containing the pri-miR-16 apical loop, suggesting an additional site of association within pri-miR-21. The reported peptoid is the first example of a small molecule that inhibits microprocessor cleavage by binding to the apical loop of a pri-miRNA.
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46
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Vo DD, Staedel C, Zehnacker L, Benhida R, Darfeuille F, Duca M. Targeting the production of oncogenic microRNAs with multimodal synthetic small molecules. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:711-21. [PMID: 24359019 DOI: 10.1021/cb400668h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered category of small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence indicates that miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in a variety of human cancers and revealed to be oncogenic and to play a pivotal role in initiation and progression of these pathologies. It is now clear that the inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs, defined as blocking their biosynthesis or their function, could find an application in the therapy of different types of cancer in which these miRNAs are implicated. Here we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new small-molecule RNA ligands targeting the production of oncogenic microRNAs. In this work we focused our attention on miR-372 and miR-373 that are implicated in the tumorigenesis of different types of cancer such as gastric cancer. These two oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed in gastric cancer cells starting from their precursors pre-miR-372 and pre-miR-373, two stem-loop structured RNAs that lead to mature miRNAs after cleavage by the enzyme Dicer. The small molecules described herein consist of the conjugation of two RNA binding motives, i.e., the aminoglycoside neomycin and different natural and artificial nucleobases, in order to obtain RNA ligands with increased affinity and selectivity compared to that of parent compounds. After the synthesis of this new series of RNA ligands, we demonstrated that they are able to inhibit the production of the oncogenic miRNA-372 and -373 by binding their pre-miRNAs and inhibiting the processing by Dicer. Moreover, we proved that some of these compounds bear anti-proliferative activity toward gastric cancer cells and that this activity is likely linked to a decrease in the production of targeted miRNAs. To date, only few examples of small molecules targeting oncogenic miRNAs have been reported, and such inhibitors could be extremely useful for the development of new anticancer therapeutic strategies as well as useful biochemical tools for the study of miRNAs' pathways and mechanisms. Furthermore, this is the first time that a design based on current knowledge about RNA targeting is proposed in order to target miRNAs' production with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duc Duy Vo
- Institut de Chimie
de Nice UMR7272 CNRS, University of Nice, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Cathy Staedel
- ARNA
Laboratory, INSERM U869, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Zehnacker
- Institut de Chimie
de Nice UMR7272 CNRS, University of Nice, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Institut de Chimie
de Nice UMR7272 CNRS, University of Nice, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Fabien Darfeuille
- ARNA
Laboratory, INSERM U869, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Duca
- Institut de Chimie
de Nice UMR7272 CNRS, University of Nice, Parc Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
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47
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Abstract
The therapeutic importance of microRNA (miRNA) regulation has recently been realized as these small, noncoding RNAs have been demonstrated to be involved with a plethora of diseases and disorders. Due to the complex miRNA maturation process, the expression of these important biomolecules can be manipulated at various stages of the pathway. This review examines both in vivo and in vitro mechanisms and assays that have been developed to regulate miRNA levels. Modulation of miRNA maturation can be accomplished via several therapeutic agents, including small molecules and oligonucleotides, in both specific and nonspecific fashions. Due to the relevance of miRNAs, these novel therapeutic approaches represent new tools for the treatment of various cancers and other deleterious disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie T Tripp
- Integrated Science Center, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
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Murata A, Harada Y, Fukuzumi T, Nakatani K. Fluorescent indicator displacement assay of ligands targeting 10 microRNA precursors. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:7101-6. [PMID: 24084297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent indicator displacement (FID) assay is a rapid and convenient assay for identifying new ligands that bind to the target molecules. In our previous studies, we have shown that a series of 2,7-diaminoalkoxy xanthone and thioxanthone derivatives can be used as fluorescent indicators for detecting the interaction between RNA and a ligand. The xanthone and thioxanthone fluorochromes showed efficient fluorescence quenching upon binding to target RNA. Subsequent displacement of the bound-fluorochrome with a ligand that binds more strongly to the target RNA led to the recovery of the fluorescence by releasing the fluorochrome from RNA. Here we report a pilot screening of a chemical library that contains 9600 structurally diverse compounds for molecules that bind to a specific miRNA precursor using the FID assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
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Ligand-inducible formation of RNA pseudoknot. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:3539-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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50
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Perspectives in targeting miRNA function. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6115-8. [PMID: 23602624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
First oligonucleotide analogues that inhibit miRNA function are currently investigated in clinical trials. In addition, several alternative methods are under development that may allow for controlling miRNA function by small molecules-mediated inhibiting of its biogenesis. In this perspectives article, we provide a short overview on recent developments in this field.
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