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Palma E, Içhedef C, Fernandes C, Belchior A, Raposinho P, Gano L, Miranda A, Moreira D, Lourenço P, Cruz C, Pires AS, Botelho MF, Paulo A. Targeting of G-quadruplex DNA with 99mTc(I)/Re(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes Carrying Pyridostatin Derivatives. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400285. [PMID: 38386665 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to elucidate the potential relevance of (radio)metal chelates of 99mTc and Re targeting G-quadruplex structures for the design of new tools for cancer theranostics. 99mTc provides the complexes with the ability to perform single-photon-emission computed tomography imaging studies, while the Re complexes should act as anticancer agents upon interaction with specific G4 DNA or RNA structures present in tumor tissues. Towards this goal, we have developed isostructural 99mTc(I) and Re(I) tricarbonyl complexes anchored by a pyrazolyl-diamine (Pz) chelator carrying a pendant pyridostatin (PDS) fragment as the G4-binding motif. The interaction of the PDF-Pz-Re (8) complex with different G4-forming oligonucleotides was studied by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and FRET-melting assays. The results showed that the Re complex retained the ability to bind and stabilize G4-structures from different DNA or RNA sequences, namely those present on the SRC proto-oncogene and telomeric RNA (TERRA sequence). PDF-Pz-Re (8) showed low to moderate cytotoxicity in PC3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, as typically observed for G4-binders. Biodistribution studies of the congener PDF-Pz-99mTc (12) in normal mice showed that the complex undergoes a fast blood clearance with a predominant hepatobiliary excretion, pointing also for a high in vitro stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Palma
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Cigdem Içhedef
- Ege University, Institute of Nuclear Sciences, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Célia Fernandes
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Ana Belchior
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Paula Raposinho
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - David Moreira
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lourenço
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Pires
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- C2TN-Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
- DECN-Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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2
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Gil Rosas M, Centola C, Torres M, Mouguelar VS, David AP, Piga EJ, Gomez D, Calcaterra NB, Armas P, Coux G. The transcription of the main gene associated with Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCOF1) is regulated by G-quadruplexes and cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP). Sci Rep 2024; 14:7472. [PMID: 38553547 PMCID: PMC10980799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58255-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1 (TCOF1) is responsible for about 80% of mandibular dysostosis (MD) cases. We have formerly identified a correlation between TCOF1 and CNBP (CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein) expression in human mesenchymal cells. Given the established role of CNBP in gene regulation during rostral development, we explored the potential for CNBP to modulate TCOF1 transcription. Computational analysis for CNBP binding sites (CNBP-BSs) in the TCOF1 promoter revealed several putative binding sites, two of which (Hs791 and Hs2160) overlap with putative G-quadruplex (G4) sequences (PQSs). We validated the folding of these PQSs measuring circular dichroism and fluorescence of appropriate synthetic oligonucleotides. In vitro studies confirmed binding of purified CNBP to the target PQSs (both folded as G4 and unfolded) with Kd values in the nM range. ChIP assays conducted in HeLa cells chromatin detected the CNBP binding to TCOF1 promoter. Transient transfections of HEK293 cells revealed that Hs2160 cloned upstream SV40 promoter increased transcription of downstream firefly luciferase reporter gene. We also detected a CNBP-BS and PQS (Dr2393) in the zebrafish TCOF1 orthologue promoter (nolc1). Disrupting this G4 in zebrafish embryos by microinjecting DNA antisense oligonucleotides complementary to Dr2393 reduced the transcription of nolc1 and recapitulated the craniofacial anomalies characteristic of Treacher Collins Syndrome. Both cnbp overexpression and Morpholino-mediated knockdown in zebrafish induced nolc1 transcription. These results suggest that CNBP modulates the transcriptional expression of TCOF1 through a mechanism involving G-quadruplex folding/unfolding, and that this regulation is active in vertebrates as distantly related as bony fish and humans. These findings may have implications for understanding and treating MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauco Gil Rosas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cielo Centola
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Torres
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Valeria S Mouguelar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Aldana P David
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ernesto J Piga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Dennis Gomez
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, UMR5089 CNRS-Universite de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer 2018, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Nora B Calcaterra
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Armas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Coux
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina.
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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4
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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Interface of G-quadruplex with both stabilizing and destabilizing ligands for targeting various diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:414-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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6
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Xiang L, Niu K, Peng Y, Zhang X, Li X, Ye R, Yu G, Ye G, Xiang H, Song Q, Feng Q. DNA G-quadruplex structure participates in regulation of lipid metabolism through acyl-CoA binding protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6953-6967. [PMID: 35748856 PMCID: PMC9262599 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structure (G4) is a type of DNA secondary structure that widely exists in the genomes of many organisms. G4s are believed to participate in multiple biological processes. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), a ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved protein in eukaryotic cells, plays important roles in lipid metabolism by transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters. Here, we report the functional identification of a G4 in the promoter of the ACBP gene in silkworm and human cancer cells. We found that G4 exists as a conserved element in the promoters of ACBP genes in invertebrates and vertebrates. The BmACBP G4 bound with G4-binding protein LARK regulated BmACBP transcription, which was blocked by the G4 stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and G4 antisense oligonucleotides. PDS treatment with fifth instar silkworm larvae decreased the BmACBP expression and triacylglycerides (TAG) level, resulting in reductions in fat body mass, body size and weight and growth and metamorphic rates. PDS treatment and knocking out of the HsACBP G4 in human hepatic adenocarcinoma HepG2 cells inhibited the expression of HsACBP and decreased the TAG level and cell proliferation. Altogether, our findings suggest that G4 of the ACBP genes is involved in regulation of lipid metabolism processes in invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Kangkang Niu. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ruoqi Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guoxing Yu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guojun Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
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7
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Singh M, Gupta R, Comez L, Paciaroni A, Rani R, Kumar V. BCL2 G quadruplex-binding small molecules: Current status and prospects for the development of next-generation anticancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2551-2561. [PMID: 35709931 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) overexpression in a range of human tumors is often related to chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis. GC-rich regions upstream of the P1 promoter in human BCL2 can form G-quadruplex (G4) structures through the stacking of four Hoogsteen-paired guanine bases. Stabilizing the G4 fold implies the inhibition of BCL2 expression and, thus, small molecules that selectively bind to the G4 are promising anticancer candidates. In this review, we discuss the structural aspects, binding affinity, selectivity, and biological activity of well-characterized BCL2 G4 binding ligands in vitro and in vivo. We also explore future directions in the research and development of G4-based anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Rajat Gupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Lucia Comez
- IOM-CNR National Research Council, Via Pascoli, Perugia I-06123, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Pascoli, 06123, Italy
| | - Reshma Rani
- Drug Discovery Unit, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Sector 58, Noida, UP 201301, India.
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India.
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8
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Ruggiero E, Frasson I, Tosoni E, Scalabrin M, Perrone R, Marušič M, Plavec J, Richter SN. Fused in Liposarcoma Protein, a New Player in the Regulation of HIV-1 Transcription, Binds to Known and Newly Identified LTR G-Quadruplexes. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:958-968. [PMID: 35502456 PMCID: PMC9112328 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 integrated long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activity is modulated by folding of its G-rich region into non-canonical nucleic acids structures, such as G-quadruplexes (G4s), and their interaction with cellular proteins. Here, by a combined pull-down/mass spectrometry/Western-blot approach, we identified the fused in liposarcoma (FUS) protein and found it to preferentially bind and stabilize the least stable and bulged LTR G4, especially in the cell environment. The outcome of this interaction is the down-regulation of viral transcription, as assessed in a reporter assay with LTR G4 mutants in FUS-silencing conditions. These data indicate that the complexity and dynamics of HIV-1 LTR G4s are much greater than previously envisaged. The G-rich LTR region, with its diverse G4 landscape and multiple cell protein interactions, stands out as prime sensing center for the fine regulation of viral transcription. This region thus represents a rational antiviral target for inhibiting both the actively transcribing and latent viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Ruggiero
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Elena Tosoni
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Matteo Scalabrin
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Rosalba Perrone
- Buck
Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, California 94945, United States
| | - Maja Marušič
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
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9
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Kumar S, Ramamurthy C, Choudhary D, Sekar A, Patra A, Bhavesh NS, Vivekanandan P. Contrasting roles for G-quadruplexes in regulating human Bcl-2 and virus homologues KSHV KS-Bcl-2 and EBV BHRF1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5019. [PMID: 35322051 PMCID: PMC8943185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08161-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses are known to acquire several genes from their hosts during evolution. We found that a significant proportion of virus homologues encoded by HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV and KSHV and their human counterparts contain G-quadruplex motifs in their promoters. We sought to understand the role of G-quadruplexes in the regulatory regions of viral Bcl-2 homologues encoded by KSHV (KS-Bcl-2) and EBV (BHRF1). We demonstrate that the KSHV KS-Bcl-2 and the EBV BHRF1 promoter G-quadruplex motifs (KSHV-GQ and EBV-GQ) form stable intramolecular G-quadruplexes. Ligand-mediated stabilization of KS-Bcl-2 and BHRF1 promoter G-quadruplexes significantly increased the promoter activity resulting in enhanced transcription of these viral Bcl-2 homologues. Mutations disrupting KSHV-GQ and EBV-GQ inhibit promoter activity and render the KS-Bcl-2 and the BHRF1 promoters non-responsive to G-quadruplex ligand. In contrast, promoter G-quadruplexes of human bcl-2 gene inhibit promoter activity. Further, KS-Bcl-2 and BHRF1 promoter G-quadruplexes augment RTA (a virus-encoded transcription factor)-mediated increase in viral bcl-2 promoter activity. In sum, this work highlights how human herpesviruses have evolved to exploit promoter G-quadruplexes to regulate virus homologues to counter their cellular counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Chitteti Ramamurthy
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Divya Choudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Aashika Sekar
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anupam Patra
- Transcription Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Neel Sarovar Bhavesh
- Transcription Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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10
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Marilovtseva EV, Studitsky VM. Guanine Quadruplexes in Cell Nucleus Metabolism. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Sánchez-González Á, Bandeira NAG, Ortiz de Luzuriaga I, Martins FF, Elleuchi S, Jarraya K, Lanuza J, Lopez X, Calhorda MJ, Gil A. New Insights on the Interaction of Phenanthroline Based Ligands and Metal Complexes and Polyoxometalates with Duplex DNA and G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2021; 26:4737. [PMID: 34443326 PMCID: PMC8397986 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This work provides new insights from our team regarding advances in targeting canonical and non-canonical nucleic acid structures. This modality of medical treatment is used as a form of molecular medicine specifically against the growth of cancer cells. Nevertheless, because of increasing concerns about bacterial antibiotic resistance, this medical strategy is also being explored in this field. Up to three strategies for the use of DNA as target have been studied in our research lines during the last few years: (1) the intercalation of phenanthroline derivatives with duplex DNA; (2) the interaction of metal complexes containing phenanthroline with G-quadruplexes; and (3) the activity of Mo polyoxometalates and other Mo-oxo species as artificial phosphoesterases to catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphoester bonds in DNA. We demonstrate some promising computational results concerning the favorable interaction of these small molecules with DNA that could correspond to cytotoxic effects against tumoral cells and microorganisms. Therefore, our results open the door for the pharmaceutical and medical applications of the compounds we propose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Sánchez-González
- Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (Á.S.-G.); (N.A.G.B.); (F.F.M.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Nuno A. G. Bandeira
- Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (Á.S.-G.); (N.A.G.B.); (F.F.M.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Iker Ortiz de Luzuriaga
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Euskadi, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Fisika, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Frederico F. Martins
- Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (Á.S.-G.); (N.A.G.B.); (F.F.M.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Sawssen Elleuchi
- Laboratoire de Chimie Inorganique, LR17ES07, Faculté de Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (S.E.); (K.J.)
| | - Khaled Jarraya
- Laboratoire de Chimie Inorganique, LR17ES07, Faculté de Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (S.E.); (K.J.)
| | - Jose Lanuza
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Fisika, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.L.); (X.L.)
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Xabier Lopez
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak, Fisika, Kimika eta Teknologia Saila, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; (J.L.); (X.L.)
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Maria José Calhorda
- Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (Á.S.-G.); (N.A.G.B.); (F.F.M.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Adrià Gil
- Faculdade de Ciências, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (Á.S.-G.); (N.A.G.B.); (F.F.M.); (M.J.C.)
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Euskadi, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain;
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12
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Lauria A, La Monica G, Terenzi A, Mannino G, Bonsignore R, Bono A, Almerico AM, Barone G, Gentile C, Martorana A. Antiproliferative Properties and G-Quadruplex-Binding of Symmetrical Naphtho[1,2-b:8,7-b']dithiophene Derivatives. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144309. [PMID: 34299583 PMCID: PMC8303715 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: G-quadruplex (G4) forming sequences are recurrent in telomeres and promoter regions of several protooncogenes. In normal cells, the transient arrangements of DNA in G-tetrads may regulate replication, transcription, and translation processes. Tumors are characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and tissue invasiveness and some of them are possibly mediated by gene expression involving G-quadruplexes. The stabilization of G-quadruplex sequences with small molecules is considered a promising strategy in anticancer targeted therapy. Methods: Molecular virtual screening allowed us identifying novel symmetric bifunctionalized naphtho[1,2-b:8,7-b’]dithiophene ligands as interesting candidates targeting h-Telo and c-MYC G-quadruplexes. A set of unexplored naphtho-dithiophene derivatives has been synthesized and biologically tested through in vitro antiproliferative assays and spectroscopic experiments in solution. Results: The analysis of biological and spectroscopic data highlighted noteworthy cytotoxic effects on HeLa cancer cell line (GI50 in the low μM range), but weak interactions with G-quadruplex c-MYC promoter. Conclusions: The new series of naphtho[1,2-b:8,7-b’]dithiophene derivatives, bearing the pharmacophoric assumptions necessary to stabilize G-quadruplexes, have been designed and successfully synthesized. The interesting antiproliferative results supported by computer aided rational approaches suggest that these studies are a significant starting point for a lead optimization process and the isolation of a more efficacious set of G-quadruplexes stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Gabriele La Monica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Mannino
- Plant Physiology Unit, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/A, 10135 Turin, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Bonsignore
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85747 Garching, Germany;
| | - Alessia Bono
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Carla Gentile
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze—Ed. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.L.); (G.L.M.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.A.); (G.B.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-2389-6821
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13
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Lauria A, La Monica G, Bono A, Martorana A. Quinoline anticancer agents active on DNA and DNA-interacting proteins: From classical to emerging therapeutic targets. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113555. [PMID: 34052677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Quinoline is one of the most important and versatile nitrogen heterocycles embodied in several biologically active molecules. Within the numerous quinolines developed as antiproliferative agents, this review is focused on compounds interfering with DNA structure or with proteins/enzymes involved in the regulation of double helix functional processes. In this light, a special focus is given to the quinoline compounds, acting with classical/well-known mechanisms of action (DNA intercalators or Topoisomerase inhibitors). In particular, the quinoline drugs amsacrine and camptothecin (CPT) have been studied as key lead compounds for the development of new agents with improved PK and tolerability properties. Moreover, notable attention has been paid to the quinoline molecules, which are able to interfere with emerging targets involved in cancer progression, as G-quadruplexes or the epigenetic ones (e.g.: histone deacetylase, DNA and histones methyltransferase). The antiproliferative and the enzymatic inhibition data of the reviewed compounds have been analyzed. Furthermore, concerning the SAR (structure-activity relationship) aspects, the most recurrent ligand-protein interactions are summarized, underling the structural requirements for each kind of mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele La Monica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Bono
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
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14
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Bielskutė S, Plavec J, Podbevšek P. Oxidative lesions modulate G-quadruplex stability and structure in the human BCL2 promoter. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2346-2356. [PMID: 33638996 PMCID: PMC7913773 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Misregulation of BCL2 expression has been observed with many diseases and is associated with cellular exposure to reactive oxygen species. A region upstream of the P1 promoter in the human BCL2 gene plays a major role in regulating transcription. This G/C-rich region is highly polymorphic and capable of forming G-quadruplex structures. Herein we report that an oxidative event simulated with an 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (oxoG) substitution within a long G-tract results in a reduction of structural polymorphism. Surprisingly, oxoG within a 25-nt construct boosts thermal stability of the resulting G-quadruplex. This is achieved by distinct hydrogen bonding properties of oxoG, which facilitate formation of an antiparallel basket-type G-quadruplex with a three G-quartet core and a G·oxoG·C base triad. While oxoG has previously been considered detrimental for G-quadruplex formation, its stabilizing effect within a promoter described in this study suggests a potential novel regulatory role of oxidative stress in general and specifically in BCL2 gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stasė Bielskutė
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,EN-FIST Center of Excellence, Trg OF 13, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Podbevšek
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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Ortiz de Luzuriaga I, Lopez X, Gil A. Learning to Model G-Quadruplexes: Current Methods and Perspectives. Annu Rev Biophys 2021; 50:209-243. [PMID: 33561349 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-060320-091827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes have raised considerable interest during the past years for the development of therapies against cancer. These noncanonical structures of DNA may be found in telomeres and/or oncogene promoters, and it has been observed that the stabilization of such G-quadruplexes may disturb tumor cell growth. Nevertheless, the mechanisms leading to folding and stabilization of these G-quadruplexes are still not well established, and they are the focus of much current work in this field. In seminal works, stabilization was observed to be produced by cations. However, subsequent studies showed that different kinds of small molecules, from planar and nonplanar organic molecules to square-planar and octahedral metal complexes, may also lead to the stabilization of G-quadruplexes. Thus, the comprehension and rationalization of the interaction of these small molecules with G-quadruplexes are also important topics of current interest in medical applications. To shed light on the questions arising from the literature on the formation of G-quadruplexes, their stabilization, and their interaction with small molecules, synergies between experimental studies and computational works are needed. In this review, we mainly focus on in silico approaches and provide a broad compilation of different leading studies carried out to date by different computational methods. We divide these methods into twomain categories: (a) classical methods, which allow for long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations and the corresponding analysis of dynamical information, and (b) quantum methods (semiempirical, quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics, and density functional theory methods), which allow for the explicit simulation of the electronic structure of the system but, in general, are not capable of being used in long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations and, therefore, give a more static picture of the relevant processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iker Ortiz de Luzuriaga
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, 20018 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain; .,Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak: Fisika, Kimika eta Teknologia, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Uniberstitatea, UPV/EHU, 20080 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain
| | - Xabier Lopez
- Polimero eta Material Aurreratuak: Fisika, Kimika eta Teknologia, Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Uniberstitatea, UPV/EHU, 20080 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain.,Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Adrià Gil
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, 20018 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain; .,BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
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16
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Savva L, Georgiades SN. Recent Developments in Small-Molecule Ligands of Medicinal Relevance for Harnessing the Anticancer Potential of G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040841. [PMID: 33562720 PMCID: PMC7914483 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, a family of tetraplex helical nucleic acid topologies, have emerged in recent years as novel targets, with untapped potential for anticancer research. Their potential stems from the fact that G-quadruplexes occur in functionally-important regions of the human genome, such as the telomere tandem sequences, several proto-oncogene promoters, other regulatory regions and sequences of DNA (e.g., rDNA), as well as in mRNAs encoding for proteins with roles in tumorigenesis. Modulation of G-quadruplexes, via interaction with high-affinity ligands, leads to their stabilization, with numerous observed anticancer effects. Despite the fact that only a few lead compounds for G-quadruplex modulation have progressed to clinical trials so far, recent advancements in the field now create conditions that foster further development of drug candidates. This review highlights biological processes through which G-quadruplexes can exert their anticancer effects and describes, via selected case studies, progress of the last few years on the development of efficient and drug-like G-quadruplex-targeted ligands, intended to harness the anticancer potential offered by G-quadruplexes. The review finally provides a critical discussion of perceived challenges and limitations that have previously hampered the progression of G-quadruplex-targeted lead compounds to clinical trials, concluding with an optimistic future outlook.
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17
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Ma TZ, Zhang MJ, Liao TC, Li JH, Zou M, Wang ZM, Zhou CQ. Dimers formed with the mixed-type G-quadruplex binder pyridostatin specifically recognize human telomere G-quadruplex dimers. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:920-930. [DOI: 10.1039/c9ob02470k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
By adjusting the length of the polyether linkers, pyridostatin (PDS) dimers displayed higher binding selectivities and thermal stabilization towards human telomere antiparallel and mixed-type G-quadruplex dimers (G2T1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Zhu Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
| | - Meng-Jia Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
| | - Ting-Cong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
| | - Jun-Hui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
| | - Min Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
| | - Zhou-Mo Wang
- Medical School
- Science and Technology College of Hubei University for Nationalities
- Enshi 445000
- P. R. China
| | - Chun-Qiong Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Southern Medical University
- Guangzhou 510515
- P. R. China
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18
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Ge F, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang R, Wang X, Li Q, Liang Z, Yang L. Plant-GQ: An Integrative Database of G-Quadruplex in Plant. J Comput Biol 2019; 26:1013-1019. [PMID: 30958698 DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2019.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G-Q) is advanced DNA or RNA secondary structures frequently found in plant and involved in important biological processes such as transcription, translation, and telomere maintenance. Although some databases and tools were developed for predicting and studying G-Q, none of them was for plant. With the development of next-generation sequencing technology, a large number of plant genomes have been assembled and annotated to provide opportunities for mining G-Q. Plant G-quadruplex database (Plant-GQ) was constructed for predicting G-Q in 195 plants. It has a total of 626,341,645 predicted G-Qs. The database contains four major parts: Search, Tools, JBrowse, and Download. Not only G-Q information but also online forecasting tool can be retrieved and obtained from Plant-GQ. It can also browse and analyze G-Q information by JBrowse in a graph visualization interface. Considering the key role of G-Q in plant, this database will play an important status in the study of the structure, function, and biological relevance of G-Q in plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Ge
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Grape Science and Enology and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huayang Li
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Qingyun Li
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Zhenchang Liang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Grape Science and Enology and Key Laboratory of Plant Resource, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Long Yang
- Agricultural Big-Data Research Center and College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
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19
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Cheng Y, Cheng M, Hao J, Jia G, Li C. Fluorescence Spectroscopic Insight into the Supramolecular Interactions in DNA-Based Enantioselective Sulfoxidation. Chembiochem 2018; 19:2233-2240. [PMID: 30070000 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Interactions of copper(II)-bipyridine cofactors and thioanisole substrate with human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA were studied by UV/Vis absorption, circular dichroism, and fluorescence quenching titration. Three copper(II)-bipyridine complexes are equivalently anchored to the G-quadruplex scaffold at all five fluorescently labeled sites. Thioanisole interacts with the DNA architecture at both the second loop and 3' terminus in the absence or presence of copper(II)-bipyridine complexes. These nonspecificities in the weak interactions of CuII complexes and thioanisole with G-quadruplex might explain why DNA only affords a modest enantioselectivity in the oxidation of thioanisole. These findings provide insights toward the construction of highly enantioselective DNA-based catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Mingpan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Jingya Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China.,Department of Chemical Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Guoqing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, P.R. China
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20
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Hu X, Yang D, Yao T, Gao R, Wumaier M, Shi S. Regulation of multi-factors (tail/loop/link/ions) for G-quadruplex enantioselectivity of Δ- and Λ- [Ru(bpy) 2(dppz-idzo)] 2. Dalton Trans 2018; 47:5422-5430. [PMID: 29594288 DOI: 10.1039/c8dt00501j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chiral recognition of DNA molecules is important because much evidence has indicated that transformations of chirality and diverse conformations of DNA are involved in a series of key biological events. Among these, enrichment of G-quadruplexes (GQs) in the genome, and the exploration of their multiple structures, has aroused great interest. Herein, we compared nearly 100 different sequences with 3'-tail sequences of variable length or different linkers or diverse loops and mutative ionic concentrations. All sequences were capable of forming stable GQs, with fluorescence signal enhancement upon binding with Δ- and Λ- [Ru(bpy)2(dppz-idzo)]2+ (Δ/Λ-1). Our results show that multiple factors, including the 3'-tail length, linkers, loop length and ionic concentration, regulate the enantioselectivity of GQs. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations revealed that chiral recognition of GQs depends on the binding site. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study regarding the regulation of multi-factors for GQ selectivity of chiral Ru-complexes. These results will serve as a useful reference for enantioselective recognition of genomic GQs and may facilitate the development of chiral anticancer agents for targeting GQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Hu
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, Department of Chemistry, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, 200092 Shanghai, PR China.
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Identification and characterization of G-quadruplex formation within the EP0 promoter of pseudorabies virus. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14029. [PMID: 30232344 PMCID: PMC6145870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
EP0 is an important early gene that modulates the life cycle of pseudorabies virus (PRV). A guanine-rich sequence overlapping with three Sp1 binding sites is located upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) in the EP0 promoter. Using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and circular dichroism (CD), we verified that the G-rich region in the EP0 promoter forms an intramolecular parallel G-quadruplex (G4) in the presence of K+ ions. Further dimethyl sulphate (DMS) footprinting and Taq polymerase stop assays indicates the potential polymorphic folding of G4. In addition, a small chemical ligand, pyridostatin (PDS), promotes and stabilizes the formation of G4. Interestingly, based on the results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), the Sp1 protein bound to G4-bearing DNA with more affinity than DNA lacking the G4 structure. According to the luciferase reporter assay, G4 negatively regulates the EP0 promoter activity. These results demonstrate that Sp1 and G4 cooperate to regulate EP0 promoter activity.
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Gunaratnam M, Collie GW, Reszka AP, Todd AK, Parkinson GN, Neidle S. A naphthalene diimide G-quadruplex ligand inhibits cell growth and down-regulates BCL-2 expression in an imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal cancer cell line. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2958-2964. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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23
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Amato J, Pagano A, Capasso D, Di Gaetano S, Giustiniano M, Novellino E, Randazzo A, Pagano B. Targeting the BCL2 Gene Promoter G-Quadruplex with a New Class of Furopyridazinone-Based Molecules. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:406-410. [PMID: 29345419 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of G-quadruplex-forming DNA in the BCL2 gene promoter to inhibit the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein is an attractive approach to cancer treatment. So far, efforts made in the discovery of molecules that are able to target the BCL2 G-quadruplex have succeeded mainly in the identification of ligands with poor drug-like properties. Here, a small series of furo[2,3-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one derivatives were evaluated as a new class of drug-like G-quadruplex-targeting compounds. Biophysical studies showed that two derivatives could effectively bind to BCL2 G-quadruplex with good selectivity. Moreover, one such ligand was found to appreciably inhibit BCL2 gene transcription, with a substantial decrease in protein expression levels, and also showed significant cytotoxicity toward the Jurkat human T-lymphoblastoid cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Capasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Di Gaetano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Giustiniano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Zheng KW, He YD, Liu HH, Li XM, Hao YH, Tan Z. Superhelicity Constrains a Localized and R-Loop-Dependent Formation of G-Quadruplexes at the Upstream Region of Transcription. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:2609-2618. [PMID: 28846373 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Transcription induces formation of intramolecular G-quadruplex structures at the upstream region of a DNA duplex by an upward transmission of negative supercoiling through the DNA. Currently the regulation of such G-quadruplex formation remains unclear. Using plasmid as a model, we demonstrate that while it is the dynamic negative supercoiling generated by a moving RNA polymerase that triggers a formation of a G-quadruplex, the constitutional superhelicity determines the potential and range of the formation of a G-quadruplex by constraining the propagation of the negative supercoiling. G-quadruplex formation is maximal in negatively supercoiled and nearly abolished in relaxed plasmids while being moderate in nicked and linear ones. The formation of a G-quadruplex strongly correlates with the presence of an R-loop. Preventing R-loop formation virtually abolished G-quadruplex formation even in the negatively supercoiled plasmid. Enzymatic action and protein binding that manipulate supercoiling or its propagation all impact the formation of G-quadruplexes. Because chromosomes and plasmids in cells in their natural form are maintained in a supercoiled state, our findings reveal a physical basis that justifies the formation and regulation of G-quadruplexes in vivo. The structural features involved in G-quadruplex formation may all serve as potential targets in clinical and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-wei Zheng
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-de He
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-he Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-min Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-hua Hao
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Tan
- State
Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, ‡University of Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People’s Republic of China
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25
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Li L, Cao JQ, Liu HM, Wu Q, Pan QH, Zeng ZP, Lan YT, Li YM, Mei WJ, Wang XC, Zheng WJ. Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline Derivatives as Apoptosis Inducers in Chemotherapy by Stabilizing Bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050829. [PMID: 28531122 PMCID: PMC6154642 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, a series of imidazo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline derivatives RPIP (PIP = imidazo [4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline, R = NO2, 1; CF3, 2; Cl, 3; OH, 4) have been synthesized in yields of 82.3–94.7% at 100 °C under the irradiation of microwave. MTT assay has been utilized to evaluate the inhibitory activity (IC50) of these compounds against the growth of various tumor cells, and the results revealed that these compounds, especially 1, exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against the growth of A549 cells with IC50 of 15.03 μM. Moreover, it’s also confirmed that 1 can penetrate into the membrane of tumor cells and distribute in mitochondria when observed under microscopy, resulting apoptosis of tumor cells. The further studies showed that 1 can bind to bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA, which demonstrated by the increase of melting point of bcl-2 G4 DNA in the presence of 1, as well as electronic titration and emission spectra. In a word, this kind of compound may develop as a potential apoptosis inducer in cancer chemotherapy via binding and stabilizing to the bcl-2 G-quadruplex DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jie-Qiong Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Qiu-Hui Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Zhi-Ping Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Lan
- School of Nursing, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yu-Mei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xi-Cheng Wang
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Wen-Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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G-Quadruplex surveillance in BCL-2 gene: a promising therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:1165-1186. [PMID: 28506718 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, therapeutic implications of BCL-2 quadruplex invigorated the field of clinical oncology. This Keynote review discusses how a BCL-2 quadruplex-selective approach circumvents the limitations of existing therapeutics; and which improvisations might ameliorate the recent trends of quadruplex-based treatment.
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27
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Spanò V, Giallombardo D, Cilibrasi V, Parrino B, Carbone A, Montalbano A, Frasson I, Salvador A, Richter SN, Doria F, Freccero M, Cascioferro S, Diana P, Cirrincione G, Barraja P. Pyrrolo[3',2':6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridines with potent photo-antiproliferative activity. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 128:300-318. [PMID: 28213283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolo[3',2':6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridines were synthesized as a new class of tricyclic system in which the pyridine ring is annelated to a cycloheptapyrrole scaffold, with the aim of obtaining new photosensitizing agents with improved antiproliferative activity and lower undesired toxic effects. A versatile synthetic pathway was approached, which allowed the isolation of derivatives of the title ring system with a good substitution pattern on the pyrrole moiety. Photobiological studies revealed that the majority of the new compounds showed a potent cytotoxic effect upon photoactivation with light of the proper wavelength, especially when decorated with a 2-ethoxycabonyl group and a N-benzyl substituted moiety, with EC50 values reaching the submicromolar level. The mechanism of action was evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Spanò
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele Giallombardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cilibrasi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Montalbano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessia Salvador
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmeceutiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Freccero
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Barraja
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
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28
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G-quadruplex formation in the Oct4 promoter positively regulates Oct4 expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1860:175-183. [PMID: 27863263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Oct4 gene codes for a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the maintenance of pluripotency in embryonic and cancer stem cells. Its expression thus has to be tightly regulated. We performed biophysical characterization of the promoter region using a combination of UV absorption, CD, and NMR spectroscopies, native PAGE and chemical probing, which was followed by functional studies involving luciferase reporter assays performed in osteosarcoma and human embryonic stem cell lines. We have shown that the evolutionarily conserved G-rich region close to the Oct4 transcription start site in the non-template strand forms a parallel G-quadruplex structure. We characterized its structure and stability upon point mutations in its primary structure. Functional studies then revealed that whereas the wild type quadruplex sequence ensures high reporter gene expression, the expression of mutated variants is significantly decreased proportionally to the destabilizing effect of the mutations on the quadruplex. A ligand, N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX that increases the stability of formed quadruplex rescued the reporter expression of single-mutated variants to the level of wild-type, but it has no effect on a mutated variant that cannot form quadruplex. These data indicate that the quadruplex acts as a strong, positive regulator of Oct4 expression and as such it might serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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