1
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Effects of N-terminus modified Hx-amides on DNA binding affinity, sequence specificity, cellular uptake, and gene expression. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 47:128158. [PMID: 34058343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Five X-HxIP (Hx-amides) 6a-e, in which the N-terminus p-anisyl moiety is modified, were designed and synthesised with the purpose of optimising DNA binding, improving cellular uptake/nuclear penetration, and enhancing the modulation of the topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) gene expression. The modifications include a fluorophenyl group and other heterocycles bearing different molecular shapes, size, and polarity. Like their parent compound HxIP 3, all five X-HxIP analogues bind preferentially to their cognate sequence 5'-TACGAT-3', which is found embedded on the 5' flank of the inverted CCAAT box-2 (ICB2) site in the TOP2A gene promoter, and inhibit protein complex binding. Interestingly, the 4-pyridyl analog 6a exhibits greater binding affinity for the target DNA sequence and abolishes the protein:ICB2 interaction in vitro, at a lower concentration, compared to the prototypical compound HxIP 3. Analogues 6b-e, display improved DNA sequence specificity, but reduced binding affinity for the cognate sequence, relative to the unmodified HxIP 3, with polyamides 6b and 6e being the most sequence selective. However, unlike 3 and 6b, 6a was unable to enter cells, access the nucleus and thereby affect TOP2A gene expression in confluent human lung cancer cells. These results show that while DNA binding affinity and sequence selectivity are important, consideration of cellular uptake and concentration in the nucleus are critical when exerting biological activity is the desired outcome. By characterising the DNA binding, cellular uptake and gene regulatory properties of these small molecules, we can elucidate the determinants of the elicited biological activity, which can be impacted by even small structural modifications in the polyamide molecular design.
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2
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Guo P, Farahat AA, Paul A, Kumar A, Boykin DW, Wilson WD. Extending the σ-Hole Motif for Sequence-Specific Recognition of the DNA Minor Groove. Biochemistry 2020; 59:1756-1768. [PMID: 32293884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of current drugs against diseases, such as cancer, can bind to one or more sites in a protein and inhibit its activity. There are, however, well-known limits on the number of druggable proteins, and complementary current drugs with compounds that could selectively target DNA or RNA would greatly enhance the availability of cellular probes and therapeutic progress. We are focusing on the design of sequence-specific DNA minor groove binders that, for example, target the promoter sites of transcription factors involved in a disease. We have started with AT-specific minor groove binders that are known to enter human cells and have entered clinical trials. To broaden the sequence-specific recognition of these compounds, several modules that have H-bond acceptors that strongly and specifically recognize G·C base pairs were identified. A lead module is a thiophene-N-alkyl-benzimidazole σ-hole-based system with terminal phenyl-amidines that have excellent affinity and selectivity for a G·C base pair in the minor groove. Efforts are now focused on optimizing this module. In this work, we are evaluating modifications to the compound aromatic system with the goal of improving GC selectivity and affinity. The lead compounds retain the thiophene-N-alkyl-BI module but have halogen substituents adjacent to an amidine group on the terminal phenyl-amidine. The optimum compounds must have strong affinity and specificity with a residence time of at least 100 s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Guo
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Abdelbasset A Farahat
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States.,Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, California 95757, United States
| | - Ananya Paul
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
| | - W David Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street Southeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, United States
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3
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A New Generation of Minor-Groove-Binding-Heterocyclic Diamidines That Recognize G·C Base Pairs in an AT Sequence Context. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24050946. [PMID: 30866557 PMCID: PMC6429135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the preparation of new compounds with good solution and cell uptake properties that can selectively recognize mixed A·T and G·C bp sequences of DNA. Our underlying aim is to show that these new compounds provide important new biotechnology reagents as well as a new class of therapeutic candidates with better properties and development potential than other currently available agents. In this review, entirely different ways to recognize mixed sequences of DNA by modifying AT selective heterocyclic cations are described. To selectively recognize a G·C base pair an H-bond acceptor must be incorporated with AT recognizing groups as with netropsin. We have used pyridine, azabenzimidazole and thiophene-N-methylbenzimidazole GC recognition units in modules crafted with both rational design and empirical optimization. These modules can selectively and strongly recognize a single G·C base pair in an AT sequence context. In some cases, a relatively simple change in substituents can convert a heterocyclic module from AT to GC recognition selectivity. Synthesis and DNA interaction results for initial example lead modules are described for single G·C base pair recognition compounds. The review concludes with a description of the initial efforts to prepare larger compounds to recognize sequences of DNA with more than one G·C base pairs. The challenges and initial successes are described along with future directions.
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4
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Liu B, Pett L, Kiakos K, Patil PC, Satam V, Hartley JA, Lee M, Wilson WD. DNA-Binding Properties of New Fluorescent AzaHx Amides: Methoxypyridylazabenzimidazolepyrroleimidazole/pyrrole. Chembiochem 2018; 19:1979-1987. [PMID: 29974647 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA minor groove binding polyamides have been extensively developed to control abnormal gene expression. The establishment of novel, inherently fluorescent 2-(p-anisyl)benzimidazole (Hx) amides has provided an alternative path for studying DNA binding in cells by direct observation of cell localization. Because of the 2:1 antiparallel stacking homodimer binding mode of these molecules to DNA, modification of Hx amides to 2-(p-anisyl)-4-azabenzimidazole (AzaHx) amides has successfully extended the DNA-recognition repertoire from central CG [recognized by Hx-I (I=N-methylimidazole)] to central GC [recognized by AzaHx-P (P=N-methylpyrrole)] recognition. For potential targeting of two consecutive GG bases, modification of the AzaHx moiety to 2- and 3-pyridyl-aza-benzimidazole (Pyr-AzaHx) moieties was explored. The newly designed molecules are also small-sized, fluorescent amides with the Pyr-AzaHx moiety connected to two conventional five-membered heterocycles. Complementary biophysical methods were performed to investigate the DNA-binding properties of these molecules. The results showed that neither 3-Pyr-AzaHx nor 2-Pyr-AzaHx was able to mimic I-I=N-methylimidazole-N-methylimidazole to target GG dinucleotides specifically. Rather, 3-Pyr-AzaHx was found to function like AzaHx, f-I (f=formamide), or P-I as an antiparallel stacked dimer. 3-Pyr-AzaHx-PI (2) binds 5'-ACGCGT'-3' with improved binding affinity and high sequence specificity in comparison to its parent molecule AzaHx-PI (1). However, 2-Pyr-AzaHx is detrimental to DNA binding because of an unfavorable steric clash upon stacking in the minor groove.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Luke Pett
- Cancer Research (UK) Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Konstantinos Kiakos
- Cancer Research (UK) Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pravin C Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, 141 E 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49423, USA
| | - Vijay Satam
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, 141 E 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49423, USA
| | - John A Hartley
- Cancer Research (UK) Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Moses Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Hope College, 141 E 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49423, USA.,Current address: M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, 703 Broadway Street, Suite, 710, Vancouver, WA, 98660, USA
| | - W David Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
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5
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Portugal J. Challenging transcription by DNA-binding antitumor drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 155:336-345. [PMID: 30040927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been associated with altered gene expression. Therefore, transcription and its regulation by transcription factors are considered key points to be explored in the pursuit of more efficient antitumor agents. This paper reviews the effects of DNA-binding drugs on the interaction between transcription factors and DNA, and it discusses recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which small compounds interfere with the activity of transcription factors and gene expression. Many DNA-binding drugs, some of them in clinical use, can compete with a variety of transcription factors for their preferred binding sites in gene promoters, or they can covalently modify DNA, thus preventing transcription factors from recognizing their binding sites. On the other hand, transcription factor activity can be impaired through modification of the protein factors or their complexes. Several "omic" tools have been developed to explore the genome-wide changes in gene expression induced by DNA-binding drugs, which reveal details of the mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic profiles obtained from drug-treated cells and of samples collected from patients upon treatment provide insights into the in vivo mechanisms of drug action related to the inhibition of gene transcription. The information available about the molecular structure and mechanisms of action of both transcription factors and DNA-binding drugs, together with the new opportunities provided by functional genomics, should encourage the development of new more-selective DNA-binding antitumor drugs to target a single gene with little effect on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Portugal
- Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua, CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Lambert M, Jambon S, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH. Targeting Transcription Factors for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061479. [PMID: 29921764 PMCID: PMC6100431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers for which they account for about 20% of all oncogenes identified so far. For long time, with the exception of ligand-inducible nuclear receptors, transcription factors were considered as “undruggable” targets. Advances knowledge of these transcription factors, in terms of structure, function (expression, degradation, interaction with co-factors and other proteins) and the dynamics of their mode of binding to DNA has changed this postulate and paved the way for new therapies targeted against transcription factors. Here, we discuss various ways to target transcription factors in cancer models: by modulating their expression or degradation, by blocking protein/protein interactions, by targeting the transcription factor itself to prevent its DNA binding either through a binding pocket or at the DNA-interacting site, some of these inhibitors being currently used or evaluated for cancer treatment. Such different targeting of transcription factors by small molecules is facilitated by modern chemistry developing a wide variety of original molecules designed to specifically abort transcription factor and by an increased knowledge of their pathological implication through the use of new technologies in order to make it possible to improve therapeutic control of transcription factor oncogenic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
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7
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Bhaduri S, Ranjan N, Arya DP. An overview of recent advances in duplex DNA recognition by small molecules. Beilstein J Org Chem 2018; 14:1051-1086. [PMID: 29977379 PMCID: PMC6009268 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.14.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the carrier of genetic information, the DNA double helix interacts with many natural ligands during the cell cycle, and is amenable to such intervention in diseases such as cancer biogenesis. Proteins bind DNA in a site-specific manner, not only distinguishing between the geometry of the major and minor grooves, but also by making close contacts with individual bases within the local helix architecture. Over the last four decades, much research has been reported on the development of small non-natural ligands as therapeutics to either block, or in some cases, mimic a DNA–protein interaction of interest. This review presents the latest findings in the pursuit of novel synthetic DNA binders. This article provides recent coverage of major strategies (such as groove recognition, intercalation and cross-linking) adopted in the duplex DNA recognition by small molecules, with an emphasis on major works of the past few years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli 122003, India
| | - Dev P Arya
- NUBAD, LLC, 900B West Faris Rd., Greenville 29605, SC, USA.,Clemson University, Hunter Laboratory, Clemson 29634, SC, USA
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8
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Kiakos K, Englinger B, Yanow SK, Wernitznig D, Jakupec MA, Berger W, Keppler BK, Hartley JA, Lee M, Patil PC. Design, synthesis, nuclear localization, and biological activity of a fluorescent duocarmycin analog, HxTfA. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1342-1347. [PMID: 29548574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
HxTfA 4 is a fluorescent analog of a potent cytotoxic and antimalarial agent, TfA 3, which is currently being investigated for the development of an antimalarial vaccine, PlasProtect®. HxTfA contains a p-anisylbenzimidazole or Hx moiety, which is endowed with a blue emission upon excitation at 318 nm; thus enabling it to be used as a surrogate for probing the cellular fate of TfA using confocal microscopy, and addressing the question of nuclear localization. HxTfA exhibits similar selectivity to TfA for A-tract sequences of DNA, alkylating adenine-N3, albeit at 10-fold higher concentrations. It also possesses in vitro cytotoxicity against A549 human lung carcinoma cells and Plasmodium falciparum. Confocal microscopy studies showed for the first time that HxTfA, and by inference TfA, entered A549 cells and localized in the nucleus to exert its biological activity. At biologically relevant concentrations, HxTfA elicits DNA damage response as evidenced by a marked increase in the levels of γH2AX observed by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting studies, and ultimately induces apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kiakos
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Debora Wernitznig
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael A Jakupec
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard K Keppler
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research", University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - John A Hartley
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Moses Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Pravin C Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
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9
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Kawamoto Y, Bando T, Sugiyama H. Sequence-specific DNA binding Pyrrole-imidazole polyamides and their applications. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:1393-1411. [PMID: 29439914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrole-imidazole polyamides (Py-Im polyamides) are cell-permeable compounds that bind to the minor groove of double-stranded DNA in a sequence-specific manner without causing denaturation of the DNA. These compounds can be used to control gene expression and to stain specific sequences in cells. Here, we review the history, structural variations, and functional investigations of Py-Im polyamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Bando
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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10
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Laughlin-Toth S, Carter EK, Ivanov I, Wilson WD. DNA microstructure influences selective binding of small molecules designed to target mixed-site DNA sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:1297-1306. [PMID: 28180310 PMCID: PMC5388402 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific targeting of protein–nucleic acid interactions is an area of current interest, for example, in the regulation of gene-expression. Most transcription factor proteins bind in the DNA major groove; however, we are interested in an approach using small molecules to target the minor groove to control expression by an allosteric mechanism. In an effort to broaden sequence recognition of DNA-targeted-small-molecules to include both A·T and G·C base pairs, we recently discovered that the heterocyclic diamidine, DB2277, forms a strong monomer complex with a DNA sequence containing 5΄-AAAGTTT-3΄. Competition mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance identified new monomer complexes, as well as unexpected binding of two DB2277 with certain sequences. Inherent microstructural differences within the experimental DNAs were identified through computational analyses to understand the molecular basis for recognition. These findings emphasize the critical nature of the DNA minor groove microstructure for sequence-specific recognition and offer new avenues to design synthetic small molecules for effective regulation of gene-expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Laughlin-Toth
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E Kathleen Carter
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ivaylo Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - W David Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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11
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Pett L, Kiakos K, Satam V, Patil P, Laughlin-Toth S, Gregory M, Bowerman M, Olson K, Savagian M, Lee M, Lee M, Wilson WD, Hochhauser D, Hartley JA. Modulation of topoisomerase IIα expression and chemosensitivity through targeted inhibition of NF-Y:DNA binding by a diamino p-anisyl-benzimidazole (Hx) polyamide. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:617-629. [PMID: 27750031 PMCID: PMC5757371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sequence specific polyamide HxIP 1, targeted to the inverted CCAAT Box 2 (ICB2) on the topoisomerase IIα (topo IIα) promoter can inhibit NF-Y binding, re-induce gene expression and increase sensitivity to etoposide. To enhance biological activity, diamino-containing derivatives (HxI*P 2 and HxIP* 3) were synthesised incorporating an alkyl amino group at the N1-heterocyclic position of the imidazole/pyrrole. METHODS DNase I footprinting was used to evaluate DNA binding of the diamino Hx-polyamides, and their ability to disrupt the NF-Y:ICB2 interaction assessed using EMSAs. Topo IIα mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein (Immunoblotting) levels were measured following 18h polyamide treatment of confluent A549 cells. γH2AX was used as a marker for etoposide-induced DNA damage after pre-treatment with HxIP* 3 and cell viability was measured using Cell-Titer Glo®. RESULTS Introduction of the N1-alkyl amino group reduced selectivity for the target sequence 5'-TACGAT-3' on the topo IIα promoter, but increased DNA binding affinity. Confocal microscopy revealed both fluorescent diamino polyamides localised in the nucleus, yet HxI*P 2 was unable to disrupt the NF-Y:ICB2 interaction and showed no effect against the downregulation of topo IIα. In contrast, inhibition of NF-Y binding by HxIP* 3 stimulated dose-dependent (0.1-2μM) re-induction of topo IIα and potentiated cytotoxicity of topo II poisons by enhancing DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS Polyamide functionalisation at the N1-position offers a design strategy to improve drug-like properties. Dicationic HxIP* 3 increased topo IIα expression and chemosensitivity to topo II-targeting agents. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Pharmacological modulation of topo IIα expression has the potential to enhance cellular sensitivity to clinically-used anticancer therapeutics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Pett
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Konstantinos Kiakos
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Vijay Satam
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Pravin Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Sarah Laughlin-Toth
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Matthew Gregory
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Michael Bowerman
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Kevin Olson
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Mia Savagian
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Megan Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States
| | - Moses Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, United States; Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - W David Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
| | - Daniel Hochhauser
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - John A Hartley
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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12
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Gurtner A, Manni I, Piaggio G. NF-Y in cancer: Impact on cell transformation of a gene essential for proliferation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1860:604-616. [PMID: 27939755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
NF-Y is a ubiquitous heterotrimeric transcription factor with a binding affinity for the CCAAT consensus motif, one of the most common cis-acting element in the promoter and enhancer regions of eukaryote genes in direct (CCAAT) or reverse (ATTGG) orientation. NF-Y consists of three subunits, NF-YA, the regulatory subunit of the trimer, NF-YB, and NF-YC, all required for CCAAT binding. Growing evidence in cells and animal models support the notion that NF-Y, driving transcription of a plethora of cell cycle regulatory genes, is a key player in the regulation of proliferation. Proper control of cellular growth is critical for cancer prevention and uncontrolled proliferation is a hallmark of cancer cells. Indeed, during cell transformation aberrant molecular pathways disrupt mechanisms controlling proliferation and many growth regulatory genes are altered in tumors. Here, we review bioinformatics, molecular and functional evidence indicating the involvement of the cell cycle regulator NF-Y in cancer-associated pathways. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymone Gurtner
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, UOSD SAFU, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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