1
|
Yang H, Li S, Li W, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Hao Y, Cao W, Xu F, Wang H, Du G, Wang J. Actinomycin D synergizes with Doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer by inducing P53-dependent cell apoptosis. Carcinogenesis 2024; 45:262-273. [PMID: 37997385 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are three major subtypes of breast cancer, ER+, HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), namely ER-, PR-, HER2-. TNBC is the most aggressive breast cancer with poor prognosis and no target drug up to now. Actinomycin D (ActD) is a bioactive metabolite of marine bacteria that has been reported to have antitumor activity. The aim of study is to investigate whether ActD has a synergetic effect on TNBC with Doxorubicin (Dox), the major chemotherapeutic drug for TNBC, and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS TNBC cell lines HCC1937, MDA-MB-436 and nude mice were used in the study. Drug synergy determination, LDH assay, MMP assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, Flow cytometry, Flexible docking and CESTA assay were carried out. The expression of proteins associated with apoptosis was checked by Western blot and siRNA experiments were performed to investigate the role of P53 and PUMA induced by drugs. RESULTS There was much higher apoptosis rate of cells in the ActD + Dox group than that in ActD group or Dox group. Expression of MDM2 and BCL-2 was reduced while expression of P53, PUMA and BAX were increased in the groups treated with ActD + Dox or Dox compared to the control group. Furthermore, P53 siRNA or PUMA siRNA tremendously abrogated the cell apoptosis in the groups treated by ActD, Dox and ActD + Dox. Flexible docking and CESTA showed that ActD can bind MDM2. CONCLUSIONS ActD had a synergetic effect on TNBC with Dox via P53-dependent apoptosis and it may be a new choice for treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yihui Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wanxin Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kaur J, Sharma A, Mundlia P, Sood V, Pandey A, Singh G, Barnwal RP. RNA-Small-Molecule Interaction: Challenging the "Undruggable" Tag. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38498010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA targeting, specifically with small molecules, is a relatively new and rapidly emerging avenue with the promise to expand the target space in the drug discovery field. From being "disregarded" as an "undruggable" messenger molecule to FDA approval of an RNA-targeting small-molecule drug Risdiplam, a radical change in perspective toward RNA has been observed in the past decade. RNAs serve important regulatory functions beyond canonical protein synthesis, and their dysregulation has been reported in many diseases. A deeper understanding of RNA biology reveals that RNA molecules can adopt a variety of structures, carrying defined binding pockets that can accommodate small-molecule drugs. Due to its functional diversity and structural complexity, RNA can be perceived as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention. This perspective highlights the proof of concept of RNA-small-molecule interactions, exemplified by targeting of various transcripts with functional modulators. The advent of RNA-oriented knowledge would help expedite drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaskirat Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Poonam Mundlia
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ankur Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Wang H, Yang W. Tandem MutSβ binding to long extruded DNA trinucleotide repeats underpins pathogenic expansions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.12.571350. [PMID: 38168405 PMCID: PMC10760016 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Expansion of trinucleotide repeats causes Huntington's disease, Fragile X syndrome and over twenty other monogenic disorders1. How mismatch repair protein MutSβ and large repeats of CNG (N=A, T, C or G) cooperate to drive the expansion is poorly understood. Contrary to expectations, we find that MutSβ prefers to bind the stem of an extruded (CNG) hairpin rather than the hairpin end or hairpin-duplex junction. Structural analyses reveal that in the presence of MutSβ, CNG repeats with N:N mismatches adopt a B form-like pseudo-duplex, with one or two CNG repeats slipped out forming uneven bubbles that partly mimic insertion-deletion loops of mismatched DNA2. When the extruded hairpin exceeds 40-45 repeats, it can be bound by three or more MutSβ molecules, which are resistant to ATP-dependent dissociation. We envision that such MutSβ-CNG complexes recruit MutLγ endonuclease to nick DNA and initiate the repeat expansion process3,4. To develop drugs against the expansion diseases, we have identified lead compounds that prevent MutSβ binding to CNG repeats but not to mismatched DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Huaibin Wang
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Wei Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Satange R, Chang CC, Li L, Lin SH, Neidle S, Hou MH. Synergistic binding of actinomycin D and echinomycin to DNA mismatch sites and their combined anti-tumour effects. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:3540-3555. [PMID: 36919604 PMCID: PMC10164580 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination cancer chemotherapy is one of the most useful treatment methods to achieve a synergistic effect and reduce the toxicity of dosing with a single drug. Here, we use a combination of two well-established anticancer DNA intercalators, actinomycin D (ActD) and echinomycin (Echi), to screen their binding capabilities with DNA duplexes containing different mismatches embedded within Watson-Crick base-pairs. We have found that combining ActD and Echi preferentially stabilised thymine-related T:T mismatches. The enhanced stability of the DNA duplex-drug complexes is mainly due to the cooperative binding of the two drugs to the mismatch duplex, with many stacking interactions between the two different drug molecules. Since the repair of thymine-related mismatches is less efficient in mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cancer cells, we have also demonstrated that the combination of ActD and Echi exhibits enhanced synergistic effects against MMR-deficient HCT116 cells and synergy is maintained in a MMR-related MLH1 gene knockdown in SW620 cells. We further accessed the clinical potential of the two-drug combination approach with a xenograft mouse model of a colorectal MMR-deficient cancer, which has resulted in a significant synergistic anti-tumour effect. The current study provides a novel approach for the development of combination chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers related to DNA-mismatches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Satange
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chun Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
| | - Long‐Yuan Li
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hao Lin
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
- Division of Chest Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan
- Departement of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
| | - Stephen Neidle
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Ming-Hon Hou
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung402, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou W, Xie Z, Si R, Chen Z, Javeed A, Li J, Wu Y, Han B. Actinomycin-X2-Immobilized Silk Fibroin Film with Enhanced Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6269. [PMID: 37047243 PMCID: PMC10094675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinomycin is a family of chromogenic lactone peptides that differ in their peptide portions of the molecule. An antimicrobial peptide, actinomycin X2 (Ac.X2), was produced through the fermentation of a Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus strain. Immobilization of Ac.X2 onto a prepared silk fibroin (SF) film was done through a carbodiimide reaction. The physical properties of immobilized Ac.X2 (antimicrobial films, AMFs) were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, SEM, AFM, and WCA. The findings from an in vitro study showed that AMFs had a more broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli compared with free Ac.X2, which showed no apparent strong effect against E. coli. These AMFs showed a suitable degradation rate, good hemocompatibility, and reduced cytotoxicity in the biocompatibility assay. The results of in vivo bacterially infected wound healing experiments indicated that wound inflammation was prevented by AMFs, which promoted wound repair and improved the wound microenvironment. This study revealed that Ac.X2 transformation is a potential candidate for skin wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhou
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhenxia Xie
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ranran Si
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zijun Chen
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ansar Javeed
- College of Textile Science and Engineering (International Institute of Silk), Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Bingnan Han
- Laboratory of Antiallergy Functional Molecules, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mishra SK, Hicks SM, Frias JA, Vangaveti S, Nakamori M, Cleary JD, Reddy K, Berglund JA. Quercetin selectively reduces expanded repeat RNA levels in models of myotonic dystrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.02.526846. [PMID: 36778282 PMCID: PMC9915578 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.02.526846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy is a multisystemic neuromuscular disease caused by either a CTG repeat expansion in DMPK (DM1) or a CCTG repeat expansion in CNBP (DM2). Transcription of the expanded alleles produces toxic gain-of-function RNA that sequester the MBNL family of alternative splicing regulators into ribonuclear foci, leading to pathogenic mis-splicing. There are currently no approved treatments that target the root cause of disease which is the production of the toxic expansion RNA molecules. In this study, using our previously established HeLa DM1 repeat selective screening platform, we identified the natural product quercetin as a selective modulator of toxic RNA levels. Quercetin treatment selectively reduced toxic RNA levels and rescued MBNL dependent mis-splicing in DM1 and DM2 patient derived cell lines and in the HSALR transgenic DM1 mouse model where rescue of myotonia was also observed. Based on our data and its safety profile for use in humans, we have identified quercetin as a priority disease-targeting therapeutic lead for clinical evaluation for the treatment of DM1 and DM2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subodh K. Mishra
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sawyer M. Hicks
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Jesus A. Frias
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Sweta Vangaveti
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka, Japan, 565-0871
| | - John D. Cleary
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Kaalak Reddy
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - J. Andrew Berglund
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Krueger SB, Zimmerman SC. Dynamic Covalent Template-Guided Screen for Nucleic Acid-Targeting Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12417-12426. [PMID: 36099320 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trinucleotide repeat diseases such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Huntington's disease (HD) are caused by expanded DNA repeats that can be used as templates to synthesize their own inhibitors. Because it would be particularly advantageous to reversibly assemble multivalent nucleic acid-targeting agents in situ, we sought to develop a target-guided screen that uses dynamic covalent chemistry to identify multitarget inhibitors. We report the synthesis of a library of amine- or aldehyde-containing fragments. The assembly of these fragments led to a diverse set of hit combinations that was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) in the presence of DM1 and HD repeat sequences. Of interest for both diseases, the resulting hit combinations inhibited transcription selectively and in a cooperative manner in vitro, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the micromolar range. This dynamic covalent library and screening approach could be applied to identify compounds that reversibly assemble on other nucleic acid targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Krueger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kapoor R, Saini A, Sharma D. Indispensable role of microbes in anticancer drugs and discovery trends. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4885-4906. [PMID: 35819512 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an increased focus on the advancement of naturally derived products for the treatment of cancer. Since the beginning of recorded history, nature has provided a variety of medicinal agents, and an overwhelming number of drugs that we have today are derived from natural sources. Such natural agents are prominently used to treat several diseases such as diabetes, malaria, Alzheimer's, pulmonary disorders, etc. with cancer being the highlight of this review. Due to the rapid development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, the hunt for effective novel drugs is still a paramount concern in cancer treatment. Moreover, many chemotherapy drugs typically have high toxicity and adverse side effects, which necessitates the need to develop anti-tumor drugs that can be employed to treat deadly tumors with fewer negative effects on health and better efficacy. Isolation of several chemotherapeutic drugs has been conducted from a wide range of natural sources which include plants, microbes, fungi, and marine microorganisms. Considering the trends of previous decades, microbial diversity has grown to play a significant role in the formulation of pharmaceuticals and drugs, especially antibiotics and anti-cancer medications. Microbe-derived antitumor antibiotics such as anthracycline, epothilones, bleomycin, actinomycin, and staurosporine are amongst the widely used cancer chemotherapeutic agents. This review deals majorly with microbe-derived anticancer drugs taking into account their derivatives, mechanism of action, isolation procedures, limitations, and tumors targeted by them. This article also reports the phase of clinical study these drugs are undergoing. Moreover, it intends to portray the indispensable part that these microbes have been playing since time immemorial in the odyssey of chemotherapeutic agents. KEY POINTS: • Microbial diversity contributes heavily towards the formulation of anticancer drugs. • Polypeptides, carbohydrates, and alkaloids are prevalent microbe-based drug classes. • Microbe-derived anticancer agents target various sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ridam Kapoor
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
| | - Anamika Saini
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302006, India.,Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
| | - Deepika Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pharmacotherapy alleviates pathological changes in human direct reprogrammed neuronal cell model of myotonic dystrophy type 1. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269683. [PMID: 35776705 PMCID: PMC9249217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269683] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a trinucleotide repeat disorder affecting multiple organs. However, most of the research is focused on studying and treating its muscular symptoms. On the other hand, despite the significant impact of the neurological symptoms on patients’ quality of life, no drug therapy was studied due to insufficient reproducibility in DM1 brain-specific animal models. To establish DM1 neuronal model, human skin fibroblasts were directly converted into neurons by using lentivirus expressing small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against poly-pyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP). We found faster degeneration in DM1 human induced neurons (DM1 hiNeurons) compared to control human induced neurons (ctrl hiNeurons), represented by lower viability from 10 days post viral-infection (DPI) and abnormal axonal growth at 15 DPI. Nuclear RNA foci were present in most of DM1 hiNeurons at 10 DPI. Furthermore, DM1 hiNeurons modelled aberrant splicing of MBNL1 and 2, MAPT, CSNK1D and MPRIP at 10 DPI. We tested two drugs that were shown to be effective for DM1 in non-neuronal model and found that treatment of DM1 hiNeurons with 100 nM or 200 nM actinomycin D (ACT) for 24 h resulted in more than 50% reduction in the number of RNA foci per nucleus in a dose dependent manner, with 16.5% reduction in the number of nuclei containing RNA foci at 200 nM and treatment with erythromycin at 35 μM or 65 μM for 48 h rescued mis-splicing of MBNL1 exon 5 and MBNL 2 exons 5 and 8 up to 17.5%, 10% and 8.5%, respectively. Moreover, erythromycin rescued the aberrant splicing of MAPT exon 2, CSNK1D exon 9 and MPRIP exon 9 to a maximum of 46.4%, 30.7% and 19.9%, respectively. These results prove that our model is a promising tool for detailed pathogenetic examination and novel drug screening for the nervous system.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee J, Li K, Zimmerman SC. A Selective Alkylating Agent for CTG Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1103-1110. [PMID: 35483041 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disease intervention at the DNA level generally has been avoided because of off-target effects. Recent advances in genome editing technologies using CRISPR-Cas9 have opened a new era in DNA-targeted therapeutic approaches. However, delivery of such systems remains a major challenge. Here, we report a selective DNA-modifying small molecule that targets a disease-specific structure and mismatches involved in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). This ligand alkylates T-T mismatch-containing hairpins formed in the expanded CTG repeats (d(CTG)exp) in DM1. Ligand alkylation of d(CTG)exp inhibits the transcription of d(CAG·CTG)exp, thereby reducing the level of the toxic r(CUG)exp transcript. The bioactivity of the ligand also included a reduction in DM1 pathological features such as disease foci formation and misregulation of pre-mRNA splicing in DM1 model cells. Furthermore, the CTG-alkylating ligand may change the d(CAG·CTG)exp repeat length dynamics in DM1 patient cells. Our strategy of linking an alkylating moiety to a DNA mismatch-selective small molecule may be generally applicable to other repeat expansion diseases such as Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JuYeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Steven C. Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular Therapies for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1: From Small Drugs to Gene Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094622. [PMID: 35563013 PMCID: PMC9101876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy affecting many different body tissues, predominantly skeletal and cardiac muscles and the central nervous system. The expansion of CTG repeats in the DM1 protein-kinase (DMPK) gene is the genetic cause of the disease. The pathogenetic mechanisms are mainly mediated by the production of a toxic expanded CUG transcript from the DMPK gene. With the availability of new knowledge, disease models, and technical tools, much progress has been made in the discovery of altered pathways and in the potential of therapeutic intervention, making the path to the clinic a closer reality. In this review, we describe and discuss the molecular therapeutic strategies for DM1, which are designed to directly target the CTG genomic tract, the expanded CUG transcript or downstream signaling molecules.
Collapse
|
12
|
Super-sensitive bifunctional nanoprobe: Self-assembly of peptide-driven nanoparticles demonstrating tumor fluorescence imaging and therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1473-1486. [PMID: 35530136 PMCID: PMC9069314 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of nanomedicine has recently achieved several breakthroughs in the field of cancer treatment; however, biocompatibility and targeted penetration of these nanomaterials remain as limitations, which lead to serious side effects and significantly narrow the scope of their application. The self-assembly of intermediate filaments with arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide (RGD-IFP) was triggered by the hydrophobic cationic molecule 7-amino actinomycin D (7-AAD) to synthesize a bifunctional nanoparticle that could serve as a fluorescent imaging probe to visualize tumor treatment. The designed RGD-IFP peptide possessed the ability to encapsulate 7-AAD molecules through the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions by a one-step method. This fluorescent nanoprobe with RGD peptide could be targeted for delivery into tumor cells and released in acidic environments such as endosomes/lysosomes, ultimately inducing cytotoxicity by arresting tumor cell cycling with inserted DNA. It is noteworthy that the RGD-IFP/7-AAD nanoprobe tail-vein injection approach demonstrated not only high tumor-targeted imaging potential, but also potent antitumor therapeutic effects in vivo. The proposed strategy may be used in peptide-driven bifunctional nanoparticles for precise imaging and cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Neurodegenerative diseases associated with non-coding CGG tandem repeat expansions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:145-157. [PMID: 35022573 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding CGG repeat expansions cause multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease, oculopharyngeal myopathy with leukodystrophy, and oculopharyngodistal myopathy. The underlying genetic causes of several of these diseases have been identified only in the past 2-3 years. These expansion disorders have substantial overlapping clinical, neuroimaging and histopathological features. The shared features suggest common mechanisms that could have implications for the development of therapies for this group of diseases - similar therapeutic strategies or drugs may be effective for various neurodegenerative disorders induced by non-coding CGG expansions. In this Review, we provide an overview of clinical and pathological features of these CGG repeat expansion diseases and consider the likely pathological mechanisms, including RNA toxicity, CGG repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated translation, protein aggregation and mitochondrial impairment. We then discuss future research needed to improve the identification and diagnosis of CGG repeat expansion diseases, to improve modelling of these diseases and to understand their pathogenesis. We also consider possible therapeutic strategies. Finally, we propose that CGG repeat expansion diseases may represent manifestations of a single underlying neuromyodegenerative syndrome in which different organs are affected to different extents depending on the gene location of the repeat expansion.
Collapse
|
14
|
Disrupting the Molecular Pathway in Myotonic Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413225. [PMID: 34948025 PMCID: PMC8708683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. It consists of two forms: type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). DM1 is associated with a trinucleotide repeat expansion mutation, which is transcribed but not translated into protein. The mutant RNA remains in the nucleus, which leads to a series of downstream abnormalities. DM1 is widely considered to be an RNA-based disorder. Thus, we consider three areas of the RNA pathway that may offer targeting opportunities to disrupt the production, stability, and degradation of the mutant RNA.
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu J, Guo ZN, Yan XL, Yang Y, Huang S. Brain Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:755392. [PMID: 34867280 PMCID: PMC8634727 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.755392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy that affects multiple systems including the muscle and heart. The mutant CTG expansion at the 3′-UTR of the DMPK gene causes the expression of toxic RNA that aggregate as nuclear foci. The foci then interfere with RNA-binding proteins, affecting hundreds of mis-spliced effector genes, leading to aberrant alternative splicing and loss of effector gene product functions, ultimately resulting in systemic disorders. In recent years, increasing clinical, imaging, and pathological evidence have indicated that DM1, though to a lesser extent, could also be recognized as true brain diseases, with more and more researchers dedicating to develop novel therapeutic tools dealing with it. In this review, we summarize the current advances in the pathogenesis and pathology of central nervous system (CNS) deficits in DM1, intervention measures currently being investigated are also highlighted, aiming to promote novel and cutting-edge therapeutic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Shuo Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cruz-Ruiz S, Urióstegui-Arcos M, Zurita M. The transcriptional stress response and its implications in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188620. [PMID: 34454982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells require high levels of transcription to survive and maintain their cancerous phenotype. For several years, global transcription inhibitors have been used in the treatment of cancer. However, recent advances in understanding the functioning of the basal transcription machinery and the discovery of new drugs that affect the components of this machinery have generated a new boom in the use of this type of drugs to treat cancer. Inhibiting transcription at the global level in the cell generates a stress situation in which the cancer cell responds by overexpressing hundreds of genes in response to this transcriptional stress. Many of these over-transcribed genes encode factors that may be involved in the selection of cells resistant to the treatment and with a greater degree of malignancy. In this study, we reviewed various examples of substances that inhibit global transcription, as well as their targets, that have a high potential to be used against cancer. We also analysed what kinds of genes are overexpressed in the response to transcriptional stress by different substances and finally we discuss what types of studies are necessary to understand this type of stress response to have more tools to fight cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cruz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Maritere Urióstegui-Arcos
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Domostegui A, Peddigari S, Mercer CA, Iannizzotto F, Rodriguez ML, Garcia-Cajide M, Amador V, Diepstraten ST, Kelly GL, Salazar R, Kozma SC, Kusnadi EP, Kang J, Gentilella A, Pearson RB, Thomas G, Pelletier J. Impaired ribosome biogenesis checkpoint activation induces p53-dependent MCL-1 degradation and MYC-driven lymphoma death. Blood 2021; 137:3351-3364. [PMID: 33512431 PMCID: PMC8212515 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC-driven B-cell lymphomas are addicted to increased levels of ribosome biogenesis (RiBi), offering the potential for therapeutic intervention. However, it is unclear whether inhibition of RiBi suppresses lymphomagenesis by decreasing translational capacity and/or by p53 activation mediated by the impaired RiBi checkpoint (IRBC). Here we generated Eμ-Myc lymphoma cells expressing inducible short hairpin RNAs to either ribosomal protein L7a (RPL7a) or RPL11, the latter an essential component of the IRBC. The loss of either protein reduced RiBi, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation to similar extents. However, only RPL7a depletion induced p53-mediated apoptosis through the selective proteasomal degradation of antiapoptotic MCL-1, indicating the critical role of the IRBC in this mechanism. Strikingly, low concentrations of the US Food and Drug Administration-approved anticancer RNA polymerase I inhibitor Actinomycin D (ActD) dramatically prolonged the survival of mice harboring Trp53+/+;Eμ-Myc but not Trp53-/-;Eμ-Myc lymphomas, which provides a rationale for treating MYC-driven B-cell lymphomas with ActD. Importantly, the molecular effects of ActD on Eμ-Myc cells were recapitulated in human B-cell lymphoma cell lines, highlighting the potential for ActD as a therapeutic avenue for p53 wild-type lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domostegui
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Suresh Peddigari
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Carol A Mercer
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Flavia Iannizzotto
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta L Rodriguez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Garcia-Cajide
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Amador
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ramón Salazar
- Catalan Institute of Oncology, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara C Kozma
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric P Kusnadi
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jian Kang
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Antonio Gentilella
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard B Pearson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; and
| | - George Thomas
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joffrey Pelletier
- Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hagler LD, Krueger SB, Luu LM, Lanzendorf AN, Mitchell NL, Vergara JI, Curet LD, Zimmerman SC. Versatile Target-Guided Screen for Discovering Bidirectional Transcription Inhibitors of a Trinucleotide Repeat Disease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:935-940. [PMID: 34141072 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 originates from d(CTG·CAG) repeats that undergo aberrant expansion during normal processing because the d(CTG) repeat forms stable hairpin structures. Bidirectional transcription of d(CTG·CAG) yields two RNA transcripts that undergo repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation to form homopolymeric proteins. Thus, both the r(CUG) transcript and the r(CAG) transcript are known to be toxic. We report a pairwise fragment-based, target-guided approach to screen for proximity-induced click dimers formed on the nucleic acid template. This screen uses an azide/alkyne clickable fragment library of nucleic acid-binding ligands incubated in parallel, pairwise reactions as an alternative to our previously reported one-pot screening method. MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy was used to detect template assisted click products. Hit compounds inhibited the in vitro transcription of d(CTG·CAG)90 bidirectionally with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. This approach may be broadly applicable to other trinucleotide repeat diseases and in targeting other disease-associated nucleic acid sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D. Hagler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sarah B. Krueger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Long M. Luu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Amie N. Lanzendorf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Niya L. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - J. Ignacio Vergara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - L. Daniel Curet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Steven C. Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
RNAs are involved in an enormous range of cellular processes, including gene regulation, protein synthesis, and cell differentiation, and dysfunctional RNAs are associated with disorders such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. Thus, the identification of compounds with the ability to bind RNAs and modulate their functions is an exciting approach for developing next-generation therapies. Numerous RNA-binding agents have been reported over the past decade, but the design of synthetic molecules with selectivity for specific RNA sequences is still in its infancy. In this perspective, we highlight recent advances in targeting RNAs with synthetic molecules, and we discuss the potential value of this approach for the development of innovative therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Zamani
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Davegårdh C, Säll J, Benrick A, Broholm C, Volkov P, Perfilyev A, Henriksen TI, Wu Y, Hjort L, Brøns C, Hansson O, Pedersen M, Würthner JU, Pfeffer K, Nilsson E, Vaag A, Stener-Victorin E, Pircs K, Scheele C, Ling C. VPS39-deficiency observed in type 2 diabetes impairs muscle stem cell differentiation via altered autophagy and epigenetics. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2431. [PMID: 33893273 PMCID: PMC8065135 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance and lower muscle quality (strength divided by mass) are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we explore whether alterations in muscle stem cells (myoblasts) from individuals with T2D contribute to these phenotypes. We identify VPS39 as an important regulator of myoblast differentiation and muscle glucose uptake, and VPS39 is downregulated in myoblasts and myotubes from individuals with T2D. We discover a pathway connecting VPS39-deficiency in human myoblasts to impaired autophagy, abnormal epigenetic reprogramming, dysregulation of myogenic regulators, and perturbed differentiation. VPS39 knockdown in human myoblasts has profound effects on autophagic flux, insulin signaling, epigenetic enzymes, DNA methylation and expression of myogenic regulators, and gene sets related to the cell cycle, muscle structure and apoptosis. These data mimic what is observed in myoblasts from individuals with T2D. Furthermore, the muscle of Vps39+/- mice display reduced glucose uptake and altered expression of genes regulating autophagy, epigenetic programming, and myogenesis. Overall, VPS39-deficiency contributes to impaired muscle differentiation and reduced glucose uptake. VPS39 thereby offers a therapeutic target for T2D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cajsa Davegårdh
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Johanna Säll
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Benrick
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Christa Broholm
- Diabetes and Bone-metabolic Research Unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petr Volkov
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Alexander Perfilyev
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tora Ida Henriksen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yanling Wu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Line Hjort
- Diabetes and Bone-metabolic Research Unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Brøns
- Diabetes and Bone-metabolic Research Unit, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ola Hansson
- Genomics, Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Allan Vaag
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | | | - Karolina Pircs
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Camilla Scheele
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ling
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jhan CR, Satange R, Wang SC, Zeng JY, Horng YC, Jin P, Neidle S, Hou MH. Targeting the ALS/FTD-associated A-DNA kink with anthracene-based metal complex causes DNA backbone straightening and groove contraction. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9526-9538. [PMID: 33836081 PMCID: PMC8450080 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of a small molecule compound to reduce toxic repeat RNA transcripts or their translated aberrant proteins to target repeat-expanded RNA/DNA with a G4C2 motif is a promising strategy to treat C9orf72-linked disorders. In this study, the crystal structures of DNA and RNA–DNA hybrid duplexes with the -GGGCCG- region as a G4C2 repeat motif were solved. Unusual groove widening and sharper bending of the G4C2 DNA duplex A-DNA conformation with B-form characteristics inside was observed. The G4C2 RNA–DNA hybrid duplex adopts a more typical rigid A form structure. Detailed structural analysis revealed that the G4C2 repeat motif of the DNA duplex exhibits a hydration shell and greater flexibility and serves as a ‘hot-spot’ for binding of the anthracene-based nickel complex, NiII(Chro)2 (Chro = Chromomycin A3). In addition to the original GGCC recognition site, NiII(Chro)2 has extended specificity and binds the flanked G:C base pairs of the GGCC core, resulting in minor groove contraction and straightening of the DNA backbone. We have also shown that Chro-metal complexes inhibit neuronal toxicity and suppresses locomotor deficits in a Drosophila model of C9orf72-associated ALS. The approach represents a new direction for drug discovery against ALS and FTD diseases by targeting G4C2 repeat motif DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyong-Ru Jhan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Roshan Satange
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.,Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics; National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Ching Wang
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics; National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yi Zeng
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics; National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Chern Horng
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 50058, Taiwan
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephen Neidle
- The School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Ming-Hon Hou
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.,Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics; National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
He M, Wang Y, Huang S, Zhao N, Cheng M, Zhang X. Computational exploration of natural peptides targeting ACE2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:8018-8029. [PMID: 33826484 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1905555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Interaction between the SARS-COV-2 (2019 novel coronavirus) spike protein and ACE2 receptors expressed on cellular surfaces initialises viral attachment and consequent infection. Blocking this interaction shows promise for blocking or ameliorating the virus' pathological effects on the body. By contrast to work focusing on the coronavirus, which has significant potential diversity through possible accumulation of mutations during transmission, targeting the conserved ACE2 protein expressed on human cells offers an attractive alternative route to developing pharmacological prophylactics against viral invasion. In this study, we screened a virtual database of natural peptides in silico, with ACE2 as the target, and performed structural analyses of the interface region in the SARS-COV-2 RBD/ACE2 complex. These analyses have identified 15 potentially effective compounds. Analyses of ACE2/polypeptide interactions suggest that these peptides can block viral invasion of cells by stably binding in the ACE2 active site pocket. Molecular simulation results for Complestatin and Valinomycin indicate that they may share this mechanism. The discovery of this probable binding mechanism provides a frame of reference for further optimization, and design of high affinity ACE2 inhibitors that could serve as leads for production of drugs with preventive and therapeutic effects against SARS-COV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meixi He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China
| | - Mengchun Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaozhe Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian, China.,Partner Group of Max Planck Society, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kartje ZJ, Janis HI, Mukhopadhyay S, Gagnon KT. Revisiting T7 RNA polymerase transcription in vitro with the Broccoli RNA aptamer as a simplified real-time fluorescent reporter. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100175. [PMID: 33303627 PMCID: PMC7948468 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for rapid and high-throughput screening of transcription in vitro to examine reaction conditions, enzyme mutants, promoter variants, and small molecule modulators can be extremely valuable tools. However, these techniques may be difficult to establish or inaccessible to many researchers. To develop a straightforward and cost-effective platform for assessing transcription in vitro, we used the "Broccoli" RNA aptamer as a direct, real-time fluorescent transcript readout. To demonstrate the utility of our approach, we screened the effect of common reaction conditions and components on bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) activity using a common quantitative PCR instrument for fluorescence detection. Several essential conditions for in vitro transcription by T7 RNAP were confirmed with this assay, including the importance of enzyme and substrate concentrations, covariation of magnesium and nucleoside triphosphates, and the effects of several typical additives. When we used this method to assess all possible point mutants of a canonical T7 RNAP promoter, our results coincided well with previous reports. This approach should translate well to a broad variety of bacteriophage in vitro transcription systems and provides a platform for developing fluorescence-based readouts of more complex transcription systems in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Kartje
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Helen I Janis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Shaoni Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Keith T Gagnon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schwartz JL, Jones KL, Yeo GW. Repeat RNA expansion disorders of the nervous system: post-transcriptional mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 56:31-53. [PMID: 33172304 PMCID: PMC8192115 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1841726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dozens of incurable neurological disorders result from expansion of short repeat sequences in both coding and non-coding regions of the transcriptome. Short repeat expansions underlie microsatellite repeat expansion (MRE) disorders including myotonic dystrophy (DM1, CUG50–3,500 in DMPK; DM2, CCTG75–11,000 in ZNF9), fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS, CGG50–200 in FMR1), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA, CAG40–55 in AR), Huntington’s disease (HD, CAG36–121 in HTT), C9ORF72-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD and C9-ALS/FTD, GGGGCC in C9ORF72), and many others, like ataxias. Recent research has highlighted several mechanisms that may contribute to pathology in this heterogeneous class of neurological MRE disorders – bidirectional transcription, intranuclear RNA foci, and repeat associated non-AUG (RAN) translation – which are the subject of this review. Additionally, many MRE disorders share similar underlying molecular pathologies that have been recently targeted in experimental and preclinical contexts. We discuss the therapeutic potential of versatile therapeutic strategies that may selectively target disrupted RNA-based processes and may be readily adaptable for the treatment of multiple MRE disorders. Collectively, the strategies under consideration for treatment of multiple MRE disorders include reducing levels of toxic RNA, preventing RNA foci formation, and eliminating the downstream cellular toxicity associated with peptide repeats produced by RAN translation. While treatments are still lacking for the majority of MRE disorders, several promising therapeutic strategies have emerged and will be evaluated within this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Schwartz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Krysten Leigh Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hagler LD, Luu LM, Tonelli M, Lee J, Hayes SM, Bonson SE, Vergara JI, Butcher SE, Zimmerman SC. Expanded DNA and RNA Trinucleotide Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Select Their Own Multitarget, Sequence-Selective Inhibitors. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3463-3472. [PMID: 32856901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are few methods available for the rapid discovery of multitarget drugs. Herein, we describe the template-assisted, target-guided discovery of small molecules that recognize d(CTG) in the expanded d(CTG·CAG) sequence and its r(CUG) transcript that cause myotonic dystrophy type 1. A positive cross-selection was performed using a small library of 30 monomeric alkyne- and azide-containing ligands capable of producing >5000 possible di- and trimeric click products. The monomers were incubated with d(CTG)16 or r(CUG)16 under physiological conditions, and both sequences showed selectivity in the proximity-accelerated azide-alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition click reaction. The limited number of click products formed in both selections and the even smaller number of common products suggests that this method is a useful tool for the discovery of single-target and multitarget lead therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Hagler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Long M Luu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Marco Tonelli
- National Magnetics Resonance Facility at Madison, Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - JuYeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Samuel M Hayes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Sarah E Bonson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - J Ignacio Vergara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Samuel E Butcher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Steven C Zimmerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Angelbello AJ, Disney MD. A Toxic RNA Templates the Synthesis of Its Own Fluorogenic Inhibitor by Using a Bio-orthogonal Tetrazine Ligation in Cells and Tissues. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1820-1825. [PMID: 32551539 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Expanded RNA repeats cause more than 30 incurable diseases. One approach to mitigate their toxicity is by using small molecules that assemble into potent, oligomeric species upon binding to the disease-causing RNA in cells. Herein, we show that the expanded repeat [r(CUG)exp] that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) catalyzes the in situ synthesis of its own inhibitor using an RNA-templated tetrazine ligation in DM1 patient-derived cells. The compound synthesized on-site improved DM1-associated defects at picomolar concentrations, enhancing potency by 10 000-fold, compared to its parent compounds that cannot undergo oligomerization. A fluorogenic reaction is also described where r(CUG)exp templates the synthesis of its own imaging probe to enable visualization of the repeat in its native context in live cells and muscle tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J. Angelbello
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Benhamou RI, Abe M, Choudhary S, Meyer SM, Angelbello AJ, Disney MD. Optimization of the Linker Domain in a Dimeric Compound that Degrades an r(CUG) Repeat Expansion in Cells. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7827-7839. [PMID: 32657583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RNA repeat expansions are responsible for more than 30 incurable diseases. Among them is myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common form of adult on-set muscular dystrophy. DM1 is caused by an r(CUG) repeat expansion [r(CUG)exp] located in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene. This repeat expansion is highly structured, forming a periodic array of 5'CUG/3'GUC internal loop motifs. We therefore designed dimeric compounds that simultaneously bind two of these motifs by connecting two RNA-binding modules with peptoid linkers of different geometries and lengths. The optimal linker contains two proline residues and enhances compound affinity. Equipping this molecule with a bleomycin A5 cleaving module converts the simple binding compound into a potent allele-selective cleaver of r(CUG)exp. This study shows that the linker in modularly assembled ligands targeting RNA can be optimized to afford potent biological activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael I Benhamou
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Masahito Abe
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Shruti Choudhary
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Samantha M Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Alicia J Angelbello
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the clinical features, pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, and management of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and myotonic dystrophy type 2. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of myotonic dystrophy type 1 is better understood than the prevalence of myotonic dystrophy type 2, and new evidence indicates that the risk of cancer is increased in patients with the myotonic dystrophies. In addition, descriptions of the clinical symptoms and relative risks of comorbidities such as cardiac arrhythmias associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 have been improved. SUMMARY Myotonic dystrophy type 1 and myotonic dystrophy type 2 are both characterized by progressive muscle weakness, early-onset cataracts, and myotonia. However, both disorders have multisystem manifestations that require a comprehensive management plan. While no disease-modifying therapies have yet been identified, advances in therapeutic development have a promising future.
Collapse
|
29
|
Angelbello AJ, DeFeo ME, Glinkerman CM, Boger DL, Disney MD. Precise Targeted Cleavage of a r(CUG) Repeat Expansion in Cells by Using a Small-Molecule-Deglycobleomycin Conjugate. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:849-855. [PMID: 32186845 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RNA repeat expansions cause more than 30 neurological and neuromuscular diseases with no known cures. Since repeat expansions operate via diverse pathomechanisms, one potential therapeutic strategy is to rid them from disease-affected cells, using bifunctional small molecules that cleave the aberrant RNA. Such an approach has been previously implemented for the RNA repeat that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 [DM1, r(CUG)exp] with Cugamycin, which is a small molecule that selectively binds r(CUG)exp conjugated to a bleomycin A5 cleaving module. Herein, we demonstrate that, by replacing bleomycin A5 with deglycobleomycin, an analogue in which the carbohydrate domain of bleomycin A5 is removed, the selectivity of the resulting small-molecule conjugate (DeglycoCugamycin) was enhanced, while maintaining potent and allele-selective cleavage of r(CUG)exp and rescue of DM1-associated defects. In particular, DeglycoCugamycin did not induce the DNA damage that is observed with high concentrations (25 μM) of Cugamycin, while selectively cleaving the disease-causing allele and improving DM1 defects at 1 μM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J. Angelbello
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Mary E. DeFeo
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Christopher M. Glinkerman
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Dale L. Boger
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Benhamou RI, Angelbello AJ, Andrews RJ, Wang ET, Moss WN, Disney MD. Structure-Specific Cleavage of an RNA Repeat Expansion with a Dimeric Small Molecule Is Advantageous over Sequence-Specific Recognition by an Oligonucleotide. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:485-493. [PMID: 31927948 PMCID: PMC7081929 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a genetically defined muscular dystrophy that is caused by an expanded repeat of r(CCUG) [r(CCUG)exp] in intron 1 of a CHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) pre-mRNA. Various mechanisms contribute to DM2 pathology including pre-mRNA splicing defects caused by sequestration of the RNA splicing regulator muscleblind-like-1 (MBNL1) by r(CCUG)exp. Herein, we study the biological impacts of the molecular recognition of r(CCUG)exp's structure by a designer dimeric small molecule that directly cleaves the RNA in patient-derived cells. The compound is comprised of two RNA-binding modules conjugated to a derivative of the natural product bleomycin. Careful design of the chimera affords RNA-specific cleavage, as attachment of the bleomycin cleaving module was done in a manner that disables DNA cleavage. The chimeric cleaver is more potent than the parent binding compound for alleviating DM2-associated defects. Importantly, oligonucleotides targeting the r(CCUG)exp sequence for cleavage exacerbate DM2 defects due to recognition of a short r(CCUG) sequence that is embedded in CNBP, argonaute-1 (AGO1), and MBNL1, reducing their levels. The latter event causes a greater depletion of functional MBNL1 than the amount already sequestered by r(CCUG)exp. Thus, compounds targeting RNA structures can have functional advantages over oligonucleotides that target the sequence in some disease settings, particularly in DM2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael I Benhamou
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 110 Scripps Way , Jupiter , Florida 33458 , United States
| | - Alicia J Angelbello
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 110 Scripps Way , Jupiter , Florida 33458 , United States
| | - Ryan J Andrews
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology , Iowa State University , Ames , Iowa 50011 , United States
| | - Eric T Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, UF Genetics Institute , University of Florida , 2033 Mowry Road , Gainesville , Florida 32610 , United States
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology , Iowa State University , Ames , Iowa 50011 , United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry , The Scripps Research Institute , 110 Scripps Way , Jupiter , Florida 33458 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Onizuka K, Hazemi ME, Sato N, Tsuji GI, Ishikawa S, Ozawa M, Tanno K, Yamada K, Nagatsugi F. Reactive OFF-ON type alkylating agents for higher-ordered structures of nucleic acids. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6578-6589. [PMID: 31188442 PMCID: PMC6649768 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher-ordered structure motifs of nucleic acids, such as the G-quadruplex (G-4), mismatched and bulge structures, are significant research targets because these structures are involved in genetic control and diseases. Selective alkylation of these higher-order structures is challenging due to the chemical instability of the alkylating agent and side-reactions with the single- or double-strand DNA and RNA. We now report the reactive OFF-ON type alkylating agents, vinyl-quinazolinone (VQ) precursors with a sulfoxide, thiophenyl or thiomethyl group for the OFF-ON control of the vinyl reactivity. The stable VQ precursors conjugated with aminoacridine, which bind to the G-4 DNA, selectively reacted with a T base on the G-4 DNA in contrast to the single- and double-strand DNA. Additionally, the VQ precursor reacted with the T or U base in the AP-site, G-4 RNA and T-T mismatch structures. These VQ precursors would be a new candidate for the T or U specific alkylation in the higher-ordered structures of nucleic acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Madoka E Hazemi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Norihiro Sato
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Gen-Ichiro Tsuji
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shunya Ishikawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ozawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kousuke Tanno
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ken Yamada
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mukherjee S, Błaszczyk L, Rypniewski W, Falschlunger C, Micura R, Murata A, Dohno C, Nakatani K, Kiliszek A. Structural insights into synthetic ligands targeting A-A pairs in disease-related CAG RNA repeats. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:10906-10913. [PMID: 31566242 PMCID: PMC6847237 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (TREDs) constitute of a group of >40 hereditary neurodegenerative human diseases associated with abnormal expansion of repeated sequences, such as CAG repeats. The pathogenic factor is a transcribed RNA or protein whose function in the cell is compromised. The disorders are progressive and incurable. Consequently, many ongoing studies are oriented at developing therapies. We have analyzed crystal structures of RNA containing CAG repeats in complex with synthetic cyclic mismatch-binding ligands (CMBLs). The models show well-defined interactions between the molecules in which the CMBLs mimic nucleobases as they form pseudo-canonical base pairs with adenosine residues and engage in extensive stacking interactions with neighboring nucleotides. The binding of ligands is associated with major structural changes of the CAG repeats, which is consistent with results of biochemical studies. The results constitute an early characterization of the first lead compounds in the search for therapy against TREDs. The crystallographic data indicate how the compounds could be further refined in future biomedical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Mukherjee
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Leszek Błaszczyk
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Rypniewski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Christoph Falschlunger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University, Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University, Innrain 80-82, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Chikara Dohno
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Agnieszka Kiliszek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hung CS, Lin JC. Alternatively spliced MBNL1 isoforms exhibit differential influence on enhancing brown adipogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1863:194437. [PMID: 31730826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.194437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Browning of white adipocytes (WAs) (also referred as beige cells) was demonstrated to execute thermogenesis by consuming stored lipids as do brown adipocytes (BAs), and this is highly related to metabolic homeostasis. Alternative splicing (AS) constitutes a pivotal mechanism for defining cellular fates and functional specifications. Nevertheless, the impacts of AS regulation on the browning of WAs have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we first identified the discriminative expression and splicing profiles of the muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) gene in postnatal brown adipose tissues (BATs) compared to those of embryonic BATs. A shift in the MBNL1+ex 5 isoform 7 (MBNL17) to MBNL1-ex 5 isoform 1 (MBNL11) was characterized throughout BAT development or during the in vitro browning of pre-WAs, 3T3-L1 cells. The interplay between MBNL1 and the exonic CCUG motif constitutes an autoregulatory mechanism for excluding MBNL1 exon 5. The simultaneous association of RNA-binding motif protein 4a (RBM4a) with exonic and intronic CU elements collaboratively mediates the skipping of MBNL1 exon 5. Overexpressing the MBNL11 isoform exhibited a more-prominent effect than that of the MBNL17 isoform on programming its own transcripts and beige cell-related splicing events in a CCUG motif-mediated manner. In addition to splicing regulation, overexpression of the MBNL11 and MBNL17 isoforms differentially enhanced beige adipogenic signatures of 3T3-L1 cells. Our findings demonstrated that MBNL1 constitutes an emerging and autoregulatory mechanism involved in development of beige cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Sheng Hung
- PhD Program in Medicine Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chun Lin
- PhD Program in Medicine Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xu B, Shi Y, Wu Y, Meng Y, Jin Y. Role of RNA secondary structures in regulating Dscam alternative splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
35
|
A CTG repeat-selective chemical screen identifies microtubule inhibitors as selective modulators of toxic CUG RNA levels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:20991-21000. [PMID: 31570586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901893116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene is the causative mutation of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Transcription of the expanded CTG repeat produces toxic gain-of-function CUG RNA, leading to disease symptoms. A screening platform that targets production or stability of the toxic CUG RNA in a selective manner has the potential to provide new biological and therapeutic insights. A DM1 HeLa cell model was generated that stably expresses a toxic r(CUG)480 and an analogous r(CUG)0 control from DMPK and was used to measure the ratio-metric level of r(CUG)480 versus r(CUG)0. This DM1 HeLa model recapitulates pathogenic hallmarks of DM1, including CUG ribonuclear foci and missplicing of pre-mRNA targets of the muscleblind (MBNL) alternative splicing factors. Repeat-selective screening using this cell line led to the unexpected identification of multiple microtubule inhibitors as hits that selectively reduce r(CUG)480 levels and partially rescue MBNL-dependent missplicing. These results were validated by using the Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical microtubule inhibitor colchicine in DM1 mouse and primary patient cell models. The mechanism of action was found to involve selective reduced transcription of the CTG expansion that we hypothesize to involve the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex. The unanticipated identification of microtubule inhibitors as selective modulators of toxic CUG RNA opens research directions for this form of muscular dystrophy and may shed light on the biology of CTG repeat expansion and inform therapeutic avenues. This approach has the potential to identify modulators of expanded repeat-containing gene expression for over 30 microsatellite expansion disorders.
Collapse
|
36
|
Reddy K, Jenquin JR, Cleary JD, Berglund JA. Mitigating RNA Toxicity in Myotonic Dystrophy using Small Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4017. [PMID: 31426500 PMCID: PMC6720693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This review, one in a series on myotonic dystrophy (DM), is focused on the development and potential use of small molecules as therapeutics for DM. The complex mechanisms and pathogenesis of DM are covered in the associated reviews. Here, we examine the various small molecule approaches taken to target the DNA, RNA, and proteins that contribute to disease onset and progression in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaalak Reddy
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | - Jana R Jenquin
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - John D Cleary
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
- Center for NeuroGenetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Verma AK, Khan E, Bhagwat SR, Kumar A. Exploring the Potential of Small Molecule-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Targeting Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:566-584. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
38
|
Jenquin JR, Yang H, Huigens RW, Nakamori M, Berglund JA. Combination Treatment of Erythromycin and Furamidine Provides Additive and Synergistic Rescue of Mis-Splicing in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Models. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:247-263. [PMID: 31485578 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic disease that presents with clinical symptoms including myotonia, cardiac dysfunction and cognitive impairment. DM1 is caused by a CTG expansion in the 3' UTR of the DMPK gene. The transcribed expanded CUG repeat RNA sequester the muscleblind-like (MBNL) and up-regulate the CUG-BP Elav-like (CELF) families of RNA-binding proteins leading to global mis-regulation of RNA processing and altered gene expression. Currently, there are no disease-targeting treatments for DM1. Given the multi-step pathogenic mechanism, combination therapies targeting different aspects of the disease mechanism may be a viable therapeutic approach. Here, as proof-of-concept, we studied a combination of two previously characterized small molecules, erythromycin and furamidine, in two DM1 models. In DM1 patient-derived myotubes, rescue of mis-splicing was observed with little to no cell toxicity. In a DM1 mouse model, a combination of erythromycin and the prodrug of furamidine (pafuramidine), administered orally, displayed both additive and synergistic mis-splicing rescue. Gene expression was only modestly affected and over 40 % of the genes showing significant expression changes were rescued back toward WT expression levels. Further, the combination treatment partially rescued the myotonia phenotype in the DM1 mouse. This combination treatment showed a high degree of mis-splicing rescue coupled with low off-target gene expression changes. These results indicate that combination therapies are a promising therapeutic approach for DM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana R Jenquin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Hongfen Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products Drug Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Robert W Huigens
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Natural Products Drug Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - J Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, New York, 12222, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Onizuka K, Usami A, Yamaoki Y, Kobayashi T, Hazemi ME, Chikuni T, Sato N, Sasaki K, Katahira M, Nagatsugi F. Selective alkylation of T-T mismatched DNA using vinyldiaminotriazine-acridine conjugate. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1059-1068. [PMID: 29309639 PMCID: PMC5814796 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The alkylation of the specific higher-order nucleic acid structures is of great significance in order to control its function and gene expression. In this report, we have described the T–T mismatch selective alkylation with a vinyldiaminotriazine (VDAT)–acridine conjugate. The alkylation selectively proceeded at the N3 position of thymidine on the T–T mismatch. Interestingly, the alkylated thymidine induced base flipping of the complementary base in the duplex. In a model experiment for the alkylation of the CTG repeats DNA which causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the observed reaction rate for one alkylation increased in proportion to the number of T–T mismatches. In addition, we showed that primer extension reactions with DNA polymerase and transcription with RNA polymerase were stopped by the alkylation. The alkylation of the repeat DNA will efficiently work for the inhibition of replication and transcription reactions. These functions of the VDAT–acridine conjugate would be useful as a new biochemical tool for the study of CTG repeats and may provide a new strategy for the molecular therapy of DM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Akira Usami
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yudai Yamaoki
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Tomohito Kobayashi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Madoka E Hazemi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Tomoko Chikuni
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Norihiro Sato
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kaname Sasaki
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Masato Katahira
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rao AN, Cooper TA. A Therapeutic Double Whammy: Transcriptional or Post-transcriptional Suppression of Microsatellite Repeat Toxicity by Cas9. Mol Cell 2019; 68:473-475. [PMID: 29100050 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellite expansion diseases are caused by unstable tandem repeats of 3-10 nucleotides that become pathogenic beyond a threshold number of copies. Two groups present different approaches to reduce pathogenesis by targeting deactivated Cas9 to either the DNA (Pinto et al., 2017) or the RNA (Batra et al., 2017) repeats with therapeutic potential for several diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish N Rao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas A Cooper
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Development of novel macrocyclic small molecules that target CTG trinucleotide repeats. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2978-2984. [PMID: 31113691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.022] [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] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We describe the molecular design, synthesis, and investigation of a series of acridine-triaminotriazine macrocycles that selectively bind to CTG trinucleotide repeats in DNA with minimal nonspecific binding. The limited conformational flexibility enforces the stacking of the triaminotriazine and acridine units. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies and Job plot analyses revealed that the ligands bound to d(CTG) mismatched sites. The acridine and triaminotriazine units were shown to intramolecularly π-stack in aqueous solutions. Compared to a noncyclic analog, the macrocycles showed an almost 10-fold lower cytotoxicity in HeLa cells and up to 4-fold higher transcription inhibition of d(CTG·CAG)74.
Collapse
|
42
|
Intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent and multitargeting ligands for myotonic dystrophy type 1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:8709-8714. [PMID: 30975744 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820827116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing highly active, multivalent ligands as therapeutic agents is challenging because of delivery issues, limited cell permeability, and toxicity. Here, we report intrinsically cell-penetrating multivalent ligands that target the trinucleotide repeat DNA and RNA in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), interrupting the disease progression in two ways. The oligomeric ligands are designed based on the repetitive structure of the target with recognition moieties alternating with bisamidinium groove binders to provide an amphiphilic and polycationic structure, mimicking cell-penetrating peptides. Multiple biological studies suggested the success of our multivalency strategy. The designed oligomers maintained cell permeability and exhibited no apparent toxicity both in cells and in mice at working concentrations. Furthermore, the oligomers showed important activities in DM1 cells and in a DM1 liver mouse model, reducing or eliminating prominent DM1 features. Phenotypic recovery of the climbing defect in adult DM1 Drosophila was also observed. This design strategy should be applicable to other repeat expansion diseases and more generally to DNA/RNA-targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
|
43
|
Precise small-molecule cleavage of an r(CUG) repeat expansion in a myotonic dystrophy mouse model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:7799-7804. [PMID: 30926669 PMCID: PMC6475439 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901484116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of small-molecule lead medicines that potently and specifically modulate RNA function is challenging. We designed a small molecule that cleaves r(CUG)exp, the RNA repeat expansion that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1. In cells and in an animal model, the small-molecule cleaver specifically recognizes the 3-dimensional structure of r(CUG)exp, cleaving it more selectively among transcripts containing short, nonpathogenic r(CUG) repeats than an oligonucleotide that recognizes RNA sequence via Watson-Crick base pairing. The small molecule broadly relieves disease-associated phenotype in a mouse model. Thus, small molecules that recognize and cleave RNA structures should be considered a therapeutic strategy for targeting RNA in vivo. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an incurable neuromuscular disorder caused by an expanded CTG repeat that is transcribed into r(CUG)exp. The RNA repeat expansion sequesters regulatory proteins such as Muscleblind-like protein 1 (MBNL1), which causes pre-mRNA splicing defects. The disease-causing r(CUG)exp has been targeted by antisense oligonucleotides, CRISPR-based approaches, and RNA-targeting small molecules. Herein, we describe a designer small molecule, Cugamycin, that recognizes the structure of r(CUG)exp and cleaves it in both DM1 patient-derived myotubes and a DM1 mouse model, leaving short repeats of r(CUG) untouched. In contrast, oligonucleotides that recognize r(CUG) sequence rather than structure cleave both long and short r(CUG)-containing transcripts. Transcriptomic, histological, and phenotypic studies demonstrate that Cugamycin broadly and specifically relieves DM1-associated defects in vivo without detectable off-targets. Thus, small molecules that bind and cleave RNA have utility as lead chemical probes and medicines and can selectively target disease-causing RNA structures to broadly improve defects in preclinical animal models.
Collapse
|
44
|
Nguyen L, Cleary JD, Ranum LPW. Repeat-Associated Non-ATG Translation: Molecular Mechanisms and Contribution to Neurological Disease. Annu Rev Neurosci 2019; 42:227-247. [PMID: 30909783 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-070918-050405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellite mutations involving the expansion of tri-, tetra-, penta-, or hexanucleotide repeats cause more than 40 different neurological disorders. Although, traditionally, the position of the repeat within or outside of an open reading frame has been used to focus research on disease mechanisms involving protein loss of function, protein gain of function, or RNA gain of function, the discoveries of bidirectional transcription and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) have blurred these distinctions. Here we review what is known about RAN proteins in disease, the mechanisms by which they are produced, and the novel therapeutic opportunities they provide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Genetics Institute, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA;
| | - John Douglas Cleary
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Genetics Institute, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA;
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- Center for NeuroGenetics, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Genetics Institute, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Microsatellite expansions cause more than 40 neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease, myotonic dystrophy, and C9ORF72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). These repeat expansion mutations can produce repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) proteins in all three reading frames, which accumulate in disease-relevant tissues. There has been considerable interest in RAN protein products and their downstream consequences, particularly for the dipeptide proteins found in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD. Understanding how RAN translation occurs, what cellular factors contribute to RAN protein accumulation, and how these proteins contribute to disease should lead to a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of gene expression and human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Douglas Cleary
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Amrutha Pattamatta
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
| | - Laura P W Ranum
- From the Center for NeuroGenetics,
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and
- Genetics Institute, and
- Neurology, College of Medicine
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy is an autosomal dominant muscular dystrophy not only associated with muscle weakness, atrophy, and myotonia but also prominent multisystem involvement. There are 2 similar, but distinct, forms of myotonic dystrophy; type 1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the DMPK gene, and type 2 is caused by a CCTG repeat expansion in the CNBP gene. Type 1 is associated with distal limb, neck flexor, and bulbar weakness and results in different phenotypic subtypes with variable onset from congenital to very late-onset as well as variable signs and symptoms. The classically described adult-onset form is the most common. In contrast, myotonic dystrophy type 2 is adult-onset or late-onset, has proximal predominant muscle weakness, and generally has less severe multisystem involvement. In both forms of myotonic dystrophy, the best characterized disease mechanism is a RNA toxic gain-of-function during which RNA repeats form nuclear foci resulting in sequestration of RNA-binding proteins and, therefore, dysregulated splicing of premessenger RNA. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies, but clinical surveillance, preventative measures, and supportive treatments are used to reduce the impact of muscular impairment and other systemic involvement including cataracts, cardiac conduction abnormalities, fatigue, central nervous system dysfunction, respiratory weakness, dysphagia, and endocrine dysfunction. Exciting preclinical progress has been made in identifying a number of potential strategies including genome editing, small molecule therapeutics, and antisense oligonucleotide-based therapies to target the pathogenesis of type 1 and type 2 myotonic dystrophies at the DNA, RNA, or downstream target level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha LoRusso
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Benjamin Weiner
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 West 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jenquin JR, Coonrod LA, Silverglate QA, Pellitier NA, Hale MA, Xia G, Nakamori M, Berglund JA. Furamidine Rescues Myotonic Dystrophy Type I Associated Mis-Splicing through Multiple Mechanisms. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2708-2718. [PMID: 30118588 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant, CTG•CAG microsatellite expansion disease. Expanded CUG repeat RNA sequester the muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of RNA-binding proteins, thereby disrupting their normal cellular function which leads to global mis-regulation of RNA processing. Previously, the small molecule furamidine was shown to reduce CUG foci and rescue mis-splicing in a DM1 HeLa cell model and to rescue mis-splicing in the HSALR DM1 mouse model, but furamidine's mechanism of action was not explored. Here we use a combination of biochemical, cell toxicity, and genomic studies in DM1 patient-derived myotubes and the HSALR DM1 mouse model to investigate furamidine's mechanism of action. Mis-splicing rescue was observed in DM1 myotubes and the HSALR DM1 mouse with furamidine treatment. Interestingly, while furamidine was found to bind CTG•CAG repeat DNA with nanomolar affinity, a reduction in expanded CUG repeat transcript levels was observed in the HSALR DM1 mouse but not DM1 patient-derived myotubes. Further investigation in these cells revealed that furamidine treatment at nanomolar concentrations led to up-regulation of MBNL1 and MBNL2 protein levels and a reduction of ribonuclear foci. Additionally, furamidine was shown to bind CUG RNA with nanomolar affinity and disrupted the MBNL1 -CUG RNA complex in vitro at micromolar concentrations. Furamidine's likely promiscuous interactions in vitro and in vivo appear to affect multiple pathways in the DM1 mechanism to rescue mis-splicing, yet surprisingly furamidine was shown globally to rescue many mis-splicing events with only modest off-target effects on gene expression in the HSALR DM1 mouse model. Importantly, over 20% of the differentially expressed genes were shown to be returned, to varying degrees, to wild-type expression levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana R. Jenquin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Leslie A. Coonrod
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Quinn A. Silverglate
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Natalie A. Pellitier
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Melissa A. Hale
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Guangbin Xia
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Masayuki Nakamori
- Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - J. Andrew Berglund
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for NeuroGenetics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Braz SO, Acquaire J, Gourdon G, Gomes-Pereira M. Of Mice and Men: Advances in the Understanding of Neuromuscular Aspects of Myotonic Dystrophy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:519. [PMID: 30050493 PMCID: PMC6050950 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive effort has been directed toward the modeling of myotonic dystrophy (DM) in mice, in order to reproduce human disease and to provide useful tools to investigate molecular and cellular pathogenesis and test efficient therapies. Mouse models have contributed to dissect the multifaceted impact of the DM mutation in various tissues, cell types and in a pleiotropy of pathways, through the expression of toxic RNA transcripts. Changes in alternative splicing, transcription, translation, intracellular RNA localization, polyadenylation, miRNA metabolism and phosphorylation of disease intermediates have been described in different tissues. Some of these events have been directly associated with specific disease symptoms in the skeletal muscle and heart of mice, offering the molecular explanation for individual disease phenotypes. In the central nervous system (CNS), however, the situation is more complex. We still do not know how the molecular abnormalities described translate into CNS dysfunction, nor do we know if the correction of individual molecular events will provide significant therapeutic benefits. The variability in model design and phenotypes described so far requires a thorough and critical analysis. In this review we discuss the recent contributions of mouse models to the understanding of neuromuscular aspects of disease, therapy development, and we provide a reflective assessment of our current limitations and pressing questions that remain unanswered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra O Braz
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julien Acquaire
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mário Gomes-Pereira
- Laboratory CTGDM, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France.,Institut Imagine, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cerro-Herreros E, Sabater-Arcis M, Fernandez-Costa JM, Moreno N, Perez-Alonso M, Llamusi B, Artero R. miR-23b and miR-218 silencing increase Muscleblind-like expression and alleviate myotonic dystrophy phenotypes in mammalian models. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2482. [PMID: 29946070 PMCID: PMC6018771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional depletion of the alternative splicing factors Muscleblind-like (MBNL 1 and 2) is at the basis of the neuromuscular disease myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). We previously showed the efficacy of miRNA downregulation in Drosophila DM1 model. Here, we screen for miRNAs that regulate MBNL1 and MBNL2 in HeLa cells. We thus identify miR-23b and miR-218, and confirm that they downregulate MBNL proteins in this cell line. Antagonists of miR-23b and miR-218 miRNAs enhance MBNL protein levels and rescue pathogenic missplicing events in DM1 myoblasts. Systemic delivery of these "antagomiRs" similarly boost MBNL expression and improve DM1-like phenotypes, including splicing alterations, histopathology, and myotonia in the HSALR DM1 model mice. These mammalian data provide evidence for therapeutic blocking of the miRNAs that control Muscleblind-like protein expression in myotonic dystrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Cerro-Herreros
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Sabater-Arcis
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan M Fernandez-Costa
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nerea Moreno
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Perez-Alonso
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Llamusi
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. .,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. .,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ruben Artero
- Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (ERI BIOTECMED), University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. .,Translational Genomics Group, Incliva Health Research Institute, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain. .,Joint Unit Incliva-CIPF, Dr. Moliner 50, E46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
López-Morató M, Brook JD, Wojciechowska M. Small Molecules Which Improve Pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2018; 9:349. [PMID: 29867749 PMCID: PMC5968088 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults for which there is currently no treatment. The pathogenesis of this autosomal dominant disorder is associated with the expansion of CTG repeats in the 3'-UTR of the DMPK gene. DMPK transcripts with expanded CUG repeats (CUGexpDMPK) are retained in the nucleus forming multiple discrete foci, and their presence triggers a cascade of toxic events. Thus far, most research emphasis has been on interactions of CUGexpDMPK with the muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of splicing factors. These proteins are sequestered by the expanded CUG repeats of DMPK RNA leading to their functional depletion. As a consequence, abnormalities in many pathways of RNA metabolism, including alternative splicing, are detected in DM1. To date, in vitro and in vivo efforts to develop therapeutic strategies for DM1 have mostly been focused on targeting CUGexpDMPK via reducing their expression and/or preventing interactions with MBNL1. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the CUG repeats in the DMPK transcripts are of particular interest due to their potential capacity to discriminate between mutant and normal transcripts. However, a growing number of reports describe alternative strategies using small molecule chemicals acting independently of a direct interaction with CUGexpDMPK. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about these chemicals and we describe the beneficial effects they caused in different DM1 experimental models. We also present potential mechanisms of action of these compounds and pathways they affect which could be considered for future therapeutic interventions in DM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta López-Morató
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - John David Brook
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marzena Wojciechowska
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|