1
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Merlino F, Marzano S, Zizza P, D'Aria F, Grasso N, Carachino A, Iachettini S, Biroccio A, Fonzo SD, Grieco P, Randazzo A, Amato J, Pagano B. Unlocking the potential of protein-derived peptides to target G-quadruplex DNA: from recognition to anticancer activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae471. [PMID: 38828773 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical nucleic acid structures, particularly G-quadruplexes, have garnered significant attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. Here, the recognition of G-quadruplex DNA by peptides derived from the Rap1 protein is explored, with the aim of developing novel peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands with enhanced selectivity and anticancer activity. Biophysical techniques were employed to assess the interaction of a peptide derived from the G-quadruplex-binding domain of the protein with various biologically relevant G-quadruplex structures. Through alanine scanning mutagenesis, key amino acids crucial for G-quadruplex recognition were identified, leading to the discovery of two peptides with improved G-quadruplex-binding properties. However, despite their in vitro efficacy, these peptides showed limited cell penetration and anticancer activity. To overcome this challenge, cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-conjugated derivatives were designed, some of which exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Interestingly, selected CPP-conjugated peptides exerted potent anticancer activity across various tumour types via a G-quadruplex-dependent mechanism. These findings underscore the potential of peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy and pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these DNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Alice Carachino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Sara Iachettini
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Fonzo
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
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2
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Ngo KH, Liew CW, Heddi B, Phan AT. Structural Basis for Parallel G-Quadruplex Recognition by an Ankyrin Protein. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13709-13713. [PMID: 38738955 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4) structures formed by guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences are implicated in various biological processes. Understanding the mechanisms by which proteins recognize G4 structures is crucial for elucidating their functional roles. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of an ankyrin protein bound to a parallel G4 structure. Our findings reveal a new specific recognition mode in which a bundle of α-helices and loops of the ankyrin form a flat surface to stack on the G-tetrad core. The protein employs a combination of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts to interact with the G4, and electrostatic interaction is used to enhance the binding affinity. This binding mechanism provides valuable insights into understanding G4 recognition by proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khac Huy Ngo
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Chong Wai Liew
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Brahim Heddi
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Pharmacologie Appliquée (LBPA), UMR8113 CNRS, ENS Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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3
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Galli S, Flint G, Růžičková L, Di Antonio M. Genome-wide mapping of G-quadruplex DNA: a step-by-step guide to select the most effective method. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:426-438. [PMID: 38725910 PMCID: PMC11078208 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of methods that enabled genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplex structures in chromatin has played a critical role in providing evidence to support the formation of these structures in living cells. Over the past decade, a variety of methods aimed at mapping G-quadruplexes have been reported in the literature. In this critical review, we have sought to provide a technical overview on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the genomics approaches currently available, offering step-by-step guidance to assessing experimental needs and selecting the most appropriate method to achieve effective genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galli
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Gem Flint
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Lucie Růžičková
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- The Francis Crick Institute 1 Midland Road London UK
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4
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Chen Y, Simeone A, Melidis L, Cuesta SM, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. An Upstream G-Quadruplex DNA Structure Can Stimulate Gene Transcription. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:736-742. [PMID: 38417105 PMCID: PMC10949190 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00775] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Four-stranded G-quadruplexes (G4s) are DNA secondary structures that can form in the human genome. G4 structures have been detected in gene promoters and are associated with transcriptionally active chromatin and the recruitment of transcription factors and chromatin remodelers. We adopted a controlled, synthetic biology approach to understand how G4s can influence transcription. We stably integrated G4-forming sequences into the promoter of a synthetic reporter gene and inserted these into the genome of human cells. The integrated G4 sequences were shown to fold into a G4 structure within a cellular genomic context. We demonstrate that G4 structure formation within a gene promoter stimulates transcription compared to the corresponding G4-negative control promoter in a way that is not dependent on primary sequence or inherent G-richness. Systematic variation in the stability of folded G4s showed that in this system, transcriptional levels increased with higher stability of the G4 structure. By creating and manipulating a chromosomally integrated synthetic promoter, we have shown that G4 structure formation in a defined gene promoter can cause gene transcription to increase, which aligns with earlier observational correlations reported in the literature linking G4s to active transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Chen
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Angela Simeone
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Larry Melidis
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Sergio Martinez Cuesta
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- School
of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, U.K.
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5
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Maurizio I, Tosoni B, Gallina I, Ruggiero E, Zanin I, Richter SN. Production of the anti-G-quadruplex antibody BG4 for efficient genome-wide analyses: From plasmid quality control to antibody validation. Methods Enzymol 2024; 695:193-219. [PMID: 38521585 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acids secondary structures that can form at guanine-rich sequences of DNA and RNA in every kingdom of life. At the DNA level, G4s can form throughout genomes but they are prevalently found in promoter regions and at telomeres, and they have been attributed functions spanning from transcriptional regulation, to control of DNA replication, to maintenance of chromosome ends. Our understanding of the functions of G4s in cells has greatly improved with the development of specific anti-G4 antibodies, which allow the visualization of G4s by immunofluorescence but also the mapping of these secondary DNA structures genome wide. Whole genome identification of the location and abundance of G4s with techniques such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and Cleavage Under Target and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) has allowed the profiling of G4 distribution across distinct cell types and deepen the understanding of G4 functions, particularly in the regulation of transcription. Crucial for these types of genome-wide studies is the availability of an anti-G4 antibody preparation with high affinity and specificity. Here, we describe a protocol for the expression and purification of the anti-DNA G4 structure antibody (BG4) first developed by the Balasubramanian group, which has been proven to selectively recognize G4 structures both in vitro and within cells, and which has great applicability in high-throughput techniques. We provide a detailed, step-by-step protocol to obtain active BG4 starting from a commercially available expression plasmid. We also describe three different approaches to validate the activity of the BG4 preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Maurizio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tosoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Gallina
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Irene Zanin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy.
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6
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Huang R, Feng Y, Gao Z, Ahmed A, Zhang W. The Epigenomic Features and Potential Functions of PEG- and PDS-Favorable DNA G-Quadruplexes in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:634. [PMID: 38203805 PMCID: PMC10779103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) is a typical non-B DNA structure and involved in various DNA-templated events in eukaryotic genomes. PEG and PDS chemicals have been widely applied for promoting the folding of in vivo or in vitro G4s. However, how PEG and PDS preferentially affect a subset of G4 formation genome-wide is still largely unknown. We here conducted a BG4-based IP-seq in vitro under K++PEG or K++PDS conditions in the rice genome. We found that PEG-favored IP-G4s+ have distinct sequence features, distinct genomic distributions and distinct associations with TEGs, non-TEGs and subtypes of TEs compared to PDS-favored ones. Strikingly, PEG-specific IP-G4s+ are associated with euchromatin with less enrichment levels of DNA methylation but with more enriched active histone marks, while PDS-specific IP-G4s+ are associated with heterochromatin with higher enrichment levels of DNA methylation and repressive marks. Moreover, we found that genes with PEG-specific IP-G4s+ are more expressed than those with PDS-specific IP-G4s+, suggesting that PEG/PDS-specific IP-G4s+ alone or coordinating with epigenetic marks are involved in the regulation of the differential expression of related genes, therefore functioning in distinct biological processes. Thus, our study provides new insights into differential impacts of PEG and PDS on G4 formation, thereby advancing our understanding of G4 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (R.H.); (Y.F.); (Z.G.); (A.A.)
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7
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Kastl M, Hersperger F, Kierdorf K, Paeschke K. Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures in Macrophages. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2713:453-462. [PMID: 37639141 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3437-0_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the canonical B-DNA conformation, DNA can fold into different secondary structures. Among them are G-quadruplex structures (G4s). G4 structures are very stable and can fold in specific guanine-rich regions in DNA and RNA. Different in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo experiments have shown that G4 structures form so far in all tested organisms. There are over 700,000 predicted G4s in higher eukaryotes, but it is so far assumed that not all will form at the same time. Their formation is dynamically regulated by proteins and is cell type-specific and even changes during the cell cycle or during different exogenous or endogenous stimuli (e.g., infection or developmental stages) can alter the G4 level. G4s have been shown to accumulate in cancer cells where they contribute to gene expression changes and the mutagenic burden of the tumor. Specific targeting of G4 structures to impact the expression of oncogenes is currently discussed as an anti-cancer treatment. In a tumor microenvironment, not only the tumor cells will be targeted by G4 stabilization but also immune cells such as macrophages. Although G4s were detected in multiple organisms and different cell types, only little is known about their role in immune cells. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to detect G4 formation in the nucleus of macrophages of vertebrates and invertebrates by microscopic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kastl
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Hersperger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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8
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Khurana S, Kukreti S, Kaushik M. Prospecting the cancer therapeutic edge of chitosan-based gold nanoparticles through conformation selective binding to the parallel G-quadruplex formed by short telomeric DNA sequence: A multi-spectroscopic approach. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126835. [PMID: 37709220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The biological relevance of G4 structures formed in telomere & oncogenes promoters make them extremely crucial therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Herein, we have synthesized chitosan-based gold nanoparticles (CH-Au NPs) through green method and have investigated their interaction with G4 structures formed by short telomeric sequences to evaluate their potential for targeting G4 structures. Firstly, we have characterized morphological/physical attributes of synthesized CH-Au NPs and salt dependent structural aspects of model G-rich DNA sequence, 12-mer d(T2G4)2 [TETRA] using spectroscopic and biophysical techniques. The molecular interactions between CH-Au NPs and parallel/antiparallel TETRA G4 structures were evaluated using UV-Visible, CD, Fluorescence, CD melting, DLS and Zeta potential studies. The experimental data indicated that CH-Au NPs showed strong binding interactions with Parallel TETRA G4 and provided thermal stabilization to the structure, whereas their interactions with Antiparallel TETRA G4 DNA and Ct-DNA (DNA duplex) were found to be negligible. Further, CH-Au NPs were also investigated for their selectivity aptitude for different G4 structures formed by human telomeric sequences; d(T2AG3)3 [HUM-12] and d(T2AG3)4T [HUM-25]. Our findings suggested that CH-Au NPs exhibited topology specific binding aptitude towards G4 structure, which can be utilized to inhibit/modulate crucial biological functions for potential anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Khurana
- Nano-bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shrikant Kukreti
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Mahima Kaushik
- Nano-bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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9
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Ji D, Yuan JH, Chen SB, Tan JH, Kwok C. Selective targeting of parallel G-quadruplex structure using L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11439-11452. [PMID: 37870474 PMCID: PMC10681708 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad900] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are special nucleic acid structures with diverse conformational polymorphisms. Selective targeting of G-quadruplex conformations and regulating their biological functions provide promising therapeutic intervention. Despite the large repertoire of G4-binding tools, only a limited number of them can specifically target a particular G4 conformation. Here, we introduce a novel method, G4-SELEX-Seq and report the development of the first L-RNA aptamer, L-Apt12-6, with high binding selectivity to parallel G4 over other nucleic acid structures. Using parallel dG4 c-kit 1 as an example, we demonstrate the strong binding affinity between L-Apt12-6 and c-kit 1 dG4 in vitro and in cells, and notably report the applications of L-Apt12-6 in controlling DNA replication and gene expression. Our results suggest that L-Apt12-6 is a valuable tool for targeting parallel G-quadruplex conformation and regulating G4-mediated biological processes. Furthermore, G4-SELEX-Seq can be used as a general platform for G4-targeting L-RNA aptamers selection and should be applicable to other nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Hao Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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10
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El-Khoury R, Roman M, Assi HA, Moye AL, Bryan T, Damha M. Telomeric i-motifs and C-strands inhibit parallel G-quadruplex extension by telomerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10395-10410. [PMID: 37742080 PMCID: PMC10602923 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad764] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric C-rich repeated DNA sequences fold into tetrahelical i-motif structures in vitro at acidic pH. While studies have suggested that i-motifs may form in cells, little is known about their potential role in human telomere biology. In this study, we explore the effect of telomeric C-strands and i-motifs on the ability of human telomerase to extend G-rich substrates. To promote i-motif formation at neutral pH, we use telomeric sequences where the cytidines have been substituted with 2'-fluoroarabinocytidine. Using FRET-based studies, we show that the stabilized i-motifs resist hybridization to concomitant parallel G-quadruplexes, implying that both structures could exist simultaneously at telomeric termini. Moreover, through telomerase activity assays, we show that both unstructured telomeric C-strands and telomeric i-motifs can inhibit the activity and processivity of telomerase extension of parallel G-quadruplexes and linear telomeric DNA. The data suggest at least three modes of inhibition by C-strands and i-motifs: direct hybridization to the substrate DNA, hybridization to nascent product DNA resulting in early telomerase dissociation, and interference with the unique mechanism of telomerase unwinding and extension of a G-quadruplex. Overall, this study highlights a potential inhibitory role for the telomeric C-strand in telomere maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto El-Khoury
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Morgane Roman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hala Abou Assi
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Aaron L Moye
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tracy M Bryan
- Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Masad J Damha
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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11
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Matos-Rodrigues G, Hisey JA, Nussenzweig A, Mirkin SM. Detection of alternative DNA structures and its implications for human disease. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3622-3641. [PMID: 37863029 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.018] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Around 3% of the genome consists of simple DNA repeats that are prone to forming alternative (non-B) DNA structures, such as hairpins, cruciforms, triplexes (H-DNA), four-stranded guanine quadruplexes (G4-DNA), and others, as well as composite RNA:DNA structures (e.g., R-loops, G-loops, and H-loops). These DNA structures are dynamic and favored by the unwinding of duplex DNA. For many years, the association of alternative DNA structures with genome function was limited by the lack of methods to detect them in vivo. Here, we review the recent advancements in the field and present state-of-the-art technologies and methods to study alternative DNA structures. We discuss the limitations of these methods as well as how they are beginning to provide insights into causal relationships between alternative DNA structures, genome function and stability, and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A Hisey
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - André Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Sato K, Knipscheer P. G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103552. [PMID: 37572578 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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13
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Mizumoto A, Yokoyama Y, Miyoshi T, Takikawa M, Ishikawa F, Sadaie M. DHX36 maintains genomic integrity by unwinding G-quadruplexes. Genes Cells 2023; 28:694-708. [PMID: 37632696 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The guanine-rich stretch of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) forms a G-quadruplex (G4) in a fraction of genic and intergenic chromosomal regions. The probability of G4 formation increases during events causing ssDNA generation, such as transcription and replication. In turn, G4 abrogates these events, leading to DNA damage. DHX36 unwinds G4-DNA in vitro and in human cells. However, its spatial correlation with G4-DNA in vivo and its role in genome maintenance remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a connection between DHX36 and G4-DNA and its implications for genomic integrity. The nuclear localization of DHX36 overlapped with that of G4-DNA, RNA polymerase II, and a splicing-related factor. Depletion of DHX36 resulted in accumulated DNA damage, slower cell growth, and enhanced cell growth inhibition upon treatment with a G4-stabilizing compound; DHX36 expression reversed these defects. In contrast, the reversal upon expression of DHX36 mutants that could not bind G4 was imperfect. Thus, DHX36 may suppress DNA damage by promoting the clearance of G4-DNA for cell growth and survival. Our findings deepen the understanding of G4 resolution in the maintenance of genomic integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Mizumoto
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuta Yokoyama
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory for Retrotransposon Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takikawa
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
| | - Fuyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Stress Response, Radiation Biology Center, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mahito Sadaie
- Department of Gene Mechanisms, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
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14
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Pandey A, Roy S, Srivatsan SG. Probing the Competition between Duplex, G-Quadruplex and i-Motif Structures of the Oncogenic c-Myc DNA Promoter Region. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300510. [PMID: 37541298 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Development of probe systems that provide unique spectral signatures for duplex, G-quadruplex (GQ) and i-motif (iM) structures is very important to understand the relative propensity of a G-rich-C-rich promoter region to form these structures. Here, we devise a platform using a combination of two environment-sensitive nucleoside analogs namely, 5-fluorobenzofuran-modified 2'-deoxyuridine (FBF-dU) and 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (F-dU) to study the structures adopted by a promoter region of the c-Myc oncogene. FBF-dU serves as a dual-purpose probe containing a fluorescent and 19 F NMR label. When incorporated into the C-rich sequence, it reports the formation of different iMs via changes in its fluorescence properties and 19 F signal. F-dU incorporated into the G-rich ON reports the formation of a GQ structure whose 19 F signal is clearly different from the signals obtained for iMs. Rewardingly, the labeled ONs when mixed with respective complementary strands allows us to determine the relative population of different structures formed by the c-Myc promoter by the virtue of the probe's ability to produce distinct and resolved 19 F signatures for different structures. Our results indicate that at physiological pH and temperature the c-Myc promoter forms duplex, random coil and GQ structures, and does not form an iM. Whereas at acidic pH, the mixture largely forms iM and GQ structures. Taken together, our system will complement existing tools and provide unprecedented insights on the population equilibrium and dynamics of nucleic acid structures under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Sarupa Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
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15
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Gutierrez-Bayona NE, Scruggs SS, Yang HC, Chai M, Gross ML, Taylor JS. Post- and Pre-Radiolabeling Assays for anti Thymidine Cyclobutane Dimers as Intrinsic Photoprobes of Various Types of G-Quadruplexes, Reverse Hoogsteen Hairpins, and Other Non-B DNA Structures. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2269-2279. [PMID: 37459251 PMCID: PMC10474795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are thought to play an important role in gene regulation and telomere maintenance, but developing probes for their presence and location is challenging due to their transitory and highly dynamic nature. The majority of probes for G-quadruplexes have relied on antibody or small-molecule binding agents, many of which can also alter the dynamics and relative populations of G-quadruplexes. Recently, it was discovered that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation of human telomeric DNA and various G-quadruplex forming sequences found in human promoters, as well as reverse Hoogsteen hairpins, produces a unique class of non-adjacent anti cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Therefore, one can envision using a pulse of UVB light to irreversibly trap these non-B DNA structures via anti CPD formation without perturbing their dynamics, after which the anti CPDs can be identified and mapped. As a first step toward this goal, we report radioactive post- and pre-labeling assays for the detection of non-adjacent CPDs and illustrate their use in detecting trans,anti T=(T) CPD formation in a human telomeric DNA sequence. Both assays make use of snake venom phosphodiesterase (SVP) to degrade the trans,anti T=(T) CPD-containing DNA to the tetranucleotide pTT=(pTT) corresponding to CPD formation between the underlined T's of two separate dinucleotides while degrading the adjacent syn TT CPDs to the trinucleotide pGT=T. In the post-labeling assay, calf intestinal phosphodiesterase is used to dephosphorylate the tetranucleotides, which are then rephosphorylated with kinase and [32P]-ATP to produce radiolabeled mono- and diphosphorylated tetranucleotides. The tetranucleotides are confirmed to be non-adjacent CPDs by 254 nm photoreversion to the dinucleotide p*TT. In the pre-labeling assay, radiolabeled phosphates are introduced into non-adjacent CPD-forming sites by ligation prior to irradiation, thereby eliminating the dephosphorylation and rephosphorylation steps. The assays are also demonstrated to detect the stereoisomeric cis,anti T=(T) CPD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Savannah S Scruggs
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, United States
| | - Hsin-Chieh Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, United States
| | - Mengqi Chai
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, United States
| | - Michael L Gross
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, United States
| | - John-Stephen Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899, United States
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16
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Sannapureddi RKR, Mohanty MK, Salmon L, Sathyamoorthy B. Conformational Plasticity of Parallel G-Quadruplex─Implications on Duplex-Quadruplex Motifs. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37428641 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes are essential motifs in molecular biology performing a wide range of functions enabled by their unique and diverse structures. In this study, we focus on the conformational plasticity of the most abundant and biologically relevant parallel G-quadruplex topology. A multipronged approach of structure survey, solution-state NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations unravels subtle yet essential features of the parallel G-quadruplex topology. Stark differences in flexibility are observed for the nucleotides depending upon their positioning in the tetrad planes that are intricately correlated with the conformational sampling of the propeller loop. Importantly, the terminal nucleotides in the 5'-end versus the 3'-end of the parallel quadruplex display differential dynamics that manifests their ability to accommodate a duplex on either end of the G-quadruplex. The conformational plasticity characterized in this study provides essential cues toward biomolecular processes such as small molecular binding, intermolecular quadruplex stacking, and implications on how a duplex influences the structure of a neighboring quadruplex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Loïc Salmon
- Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, UMR 5082 (CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), University of Lyon, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | - Bharathwaj Sathyamoorthy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
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17
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Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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18
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Pavlova I, Iudin M, Surdina A, Severov V, Varizhuk A. G-Quadruplexes in Nuclear Biomolecular Condensates. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051076. [PMID: 37239436 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have long been implicated in the regulation of chromatin packaging and gene expression. These processes require or are accelerated by the separation of related proteins into liquid condensates on DNA/RNA matrices. While cytoplasmic G4s are acknowledged scaffolds of potentially pathogenic condensates, the possible contribution of G4s to phase transitions in the nucleus has only recently come to light. In this review, we summarize the growing evidence for the G4-dependent assembly of biomolecular condensates at telomeres and transcription initiation sites, as well as nucleoli, speckles, and paraspeckles. The limitations of the underlying assays and the remaining open questions are outlined. We also discuss the molecular basis for the apparent permissive role of G4s in the in vitro condensate assembly based on the interactome data. To highlight the prospects and risks of G4-targeting therapies with respect to the phase transitions, we also touch upon the reported effects of G4-stabilizing small molecules on nuclear biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Pavlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail Iudin
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Surdina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav Severov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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19
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Zhang X, Barrow J, van Mourik T, Bühl M. Towards Computational Modeling of Ligand Binding to the ILPR G-Quadruplex. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083447. [PMID: 37110681 PMCID: PMC10145587 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Using a combination of unconstrained and constrained molecular dynamics simulations, we have evaluated the binding affinities between two porphyrin derivatives (TMPyP4 and TEGPy) and the G-quadruplex (G4) of a DNA fragment modeling the insulin-linked polymorphic region (ILPR). Refining a well-established potential of mean force (PMF) approach to selections of constraints based on root-mean-square fluctuations results in an excellent agreement between the calculated and observed absolute free binding energy of TMPyP4. The binding affinity of IPLR-G4 toward TEGPy is predicted to be higher than that toward TMPyP4 by 2.5 kcal/mol, which can be traced back to stabilization provided by the polyether side chains of TMPyP4 that can nestle into the grooves of the quadruplex and form hydrogen bonds through the ether oxygen atoms. Because our refined methodology can be applied to large ligands with high flexibility, the present research opens an avenue for further ligand design in this important area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zhang
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - John Barrow
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Education in Healthcare and Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Tanja van Mourik
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Michael Bühl
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
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20
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Teng X, Dai Y, Li K, Wu Y, Hou H, Li J. LiveG4ID-Seq for Profiling the Dynamic Landscape of Chromatin G-Quadruplexes During Cell Cycle in Living Cells. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201487. [PMID: 36739600 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) structures exist in the single-stranded DNA of chromatin and regulate genome function. However, the native chromatin G4 landscape in living cells has yet to be fully characterized. Herein, a genetic-encoded live-cell G4 identifier probe (LiveG4ID) is constructed and its cellular localization, biocompatibility, and G4-binding specificity is evaluated. By coupling LiveG4ID with cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag), LiveG4ID-seq, a method for mapping native chromatin G4 landscape in living cells with high accuracy is established. Compared to the conventional G4 CUT&Tag method, LiveG4ID-seq can identify more chromatin G4 signals and have a higher ratio of true positive signals. Using LiveG4ID-seq, the dynamic landscape of chromatin G4 structures during the cell cycle is profiled. It is discovered that chromatin G4 structures are prevalent in the promoter regions of cell cycle-specific genes, even in the early M phase when the chromatin is condensed. These data demonstrate the capacity of LiveG4ID-seq to profile a more accurate G4 landscape in living cells and promote future studies on chromatin G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Ke Li
- Novoprotein Scientific Inc., Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuncong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Beijing Institute of Life Science and Technology, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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21
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Bai D, Shan SW, Zhang X, Li Y, Xie J, Wu WQ. Comprehensive insights into the structures and dynamics of plant telomeric G-quadruplexes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123281. [PMID: 36657543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres, which are located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, are crucial for genomic maintenance. Most telomeric DNA is composed of tandemly repeated guanine (G)-rich sequences, which form G-quadruplexes (G4s). The structures and dynamics of telomeric G4s are essential for telomere functioning and helpful for G4-based biosensing. However, they are far from being understood, especially for plants. In this contribution, the folding, environment-induced G4 dynamics, and protein-catalyzed unfolding of plant telomeric G4s were comprehensively studied. It was found that diverse plant telomeric sequences from land plants to green algae could fold into G4 structures. In addition, 5'-proximal ssDNA but not 3'-proximal ssDNA drove conversion of anti-parallel G4 structures to parallel structures, and both 5' and 3' ssDNA decreased the stability of G4s in dilute solution. Furthermore, molecular crowding promoted the formation of parallel structures for three-layer but not for two-layer G4s, and increased the stability of all selected G4s. Finally, AtRecQ2 helicase resolved the stable parallel structure of typical plant telomeric G4 in crowded solution, but ssDNA binding protein AtRPA did not. Furthermore, AtRecQ2 unwound the structure more efficiently in the presence of AtRPA. The results may expand our understanding on the structures and dynamics of plant telomeric G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Song-Wang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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22
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Miclot T, Bignon E, Terenzi A, Grandemange S, Barone G, Monari A. G-Quadruplex Recognition by DARPIns through Epitope/Paratope Analogy. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201824. [PMID: 35791808 PMCID: PMC9804223 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the mechanisms leading to the specific recognition of Guanine Guadruplex (G4) by DARPins peptides, which can lead to the design of G4 s specific sensors. To this end we carried out all-atom molecular dynamic simulations to unravel the interactions between specific nucleic acids, including human-telomeric (h-telo), Bcl-2, and c-Myc, with different peptides, forming a DARPin/G4 complex. By comparing the sequences of DARPin with that of a peptide known for its high affinity for c-Myc, we show that the recognition cannot be ascribed to sequence similarity but, instead, depends on the complementarity between the three-dimensional arrangement of the molecular fragments involved: the α-helix/loops domain of DARPin and the G4 backbone. Our results reveal that DARPins tertiary structure presents a charged hollow region in which G4 can be hosted, thus the more complementary the structural shapes, the more stable the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Miclot
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversità degli Studi di PalermoViale delle Scienze90128PalermoItaly,Université de Lorraine and CNRS LPCT UMR 701954000NancyFrance
| | | | - Alessio Terenzi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversità degli Studi di PalermoViale delle Scienze90128PalermoItaly
| | | | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and TechnologiesUniversità degli Studi di PalermoViale delle Scienze90128PalermoItaly
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS LPCT UMR 701954000NancyFrance,Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS75006ParisFrance
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23
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Shi X, Teng H, Sun Z. An updated overview of experimental and computational approaches to identify non-canonical DNA/RNA structures with emphasis on G-quadruplexes and R-loops. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6751149. [PMID: 36208174 PMCID: PMC9677470 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple types of non-canonical nucleic acid structures play essential roles in DNA recombination and replication, transcription, and genomic instability and have been associated with several human diseases. Thus, an increasing number of experimental and bioinformatics methods have been developed to identify these structures. To date, most reviews have focused on the features of non-canonical DNA/RNA structure formation, experimental approaches to mapping these structures, and the association of these structures with diseases. In addition, two reviews of computational algorithms for the prediction of non-canonical nucleic acid structures have been published. One of these reviews focused only on computational approaches for G4 detection until 2020. The other mainly summarized the computational tools for predicting cruciform, H-DNA and Z-DNA, in which the algorithms discussed were published before 2012. Since then, several experimental and computational methods have been developed. However, a systematic review including the conformation, sequencing mapping methods and computational prediction strategies for these structures has not yet been published. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of conformation, current sequencing technologies and computational identification methods for non-canonical nucleic acid structures, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. We expect that this review will aid in understanding how these structures are characterised and how they contribute to related biological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The first Affiliated Hospital of WMU; Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Huajing Teng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education) at Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhongsheng Sun
- Corresponding author: Zhongsheng Sun, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of WMU, Nanbaixiang Wenyi Yiyuan Xinyuan District, Ouhai District, Wenzhou 325000, China. E-mail:
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24
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Verma S, Patidar RK, Tiwari K, Tiwari R, Baranwal J, Velayutham R, Ranjan N. Preferential Recognition of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA by a Red-Emissive Molecular Rotor. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7298-7309. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Verma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Rajesh K. Patidar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Khushboo Tiwari
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ratnesh Tiwari
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jaya Baranwal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ravichandiran Velayutham
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow 226002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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25
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Fang S, Liu S, Yang D, Yang L, Hu CD, Wan J. Decoding regulatory associations of G-quadruplex with epigenetic and transcriptomic functional components. Front Genet 2022; 13:957023. [PMID: 36092921 PMCID: PMC9452811 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.957023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) has been previously observed to be associated with gene expression. In this study, we performed integrative analysis on G4 multi-omics data from in-silicon prediction and ChIP-seq in human genome. Potential G4 sites were classified into three distinguished groups, such as one group of high-confidence G4-forming locations (G4-II) and groups only containing either ChIP-seq detected G4s (G4-I) or predicted G4 motif candidates (G4-III). We explored the associations of different-confidence G4 groups with other epigenetic regulatory elements, including CpG islands, chromatin status, enhancers, super-enhancers, G4 locations compared to the genes, and DNA methylation. Our elastic net regression model revealed that G4 structures could correlate with gene expression in two opposite ways depending on their locations to the genes as well as G4-forming DNA strand. Some transcription factors were identified to be over-represented with G4 emergence. The motif analysis discovered distinct consensus sequences enriched in the G4 feet, the flanking regions of two groups of G4s. We found high GC content in the feet of high-confidence G4s (G4-II) when compared to high TA content in solely predicted G4 feet of G4-III. Overall, we uncovered the comprehensive associations of G4 formations or predictions with other epigenetic and transcriptional elements which potentially coordinate gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Fang
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,The Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics (CB) shared by Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Chang-Deng Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,The Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformatics (CB) shared by Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,*Correspondence: Jun Wan,
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26
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Liu L, Zhu L, Tong H, Su C, Wells JW, Chalikian TV. Distribution of Conformational States Adopted by DNA from the Promoter Regions of the VEGF and Bcl-2 Oncogenes. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:6654-6670. [PMID: 36001297 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We employed a previously described procedure, based on circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, to quantify the distribution of conformational states adopted by equimolar mixtures of complementary G-rich and C-rich DNA strands from the promoter regions of the VEGF and Bcl-2 oncogenes. Spectra were recorded at different pHs, concentrations of KCl, and temperatures. The temperature dependences of the fractional populations of the duplex, G-quadruplex, i-motif, and coiled conformations of each promoter were then analyzed within the framework of a thermodynamic model to obtain the enthalpy and melting temperature of each folded-to-unfolded transition involved in the equilibrium. A comparison of the conformational data on the VEGF and Bcl-2 DNA with similar results on the c-MYC DNA, which we reported previously, reveals that the distribution of conformational states depends on the specific DNA sequence and is modulated by environmental factors. Under the physiological conditions of room temperature, neutral pH, and elevated concentrations of potassium ions, the duplex conformation coexists with the G-quadruplex conformation in proportions that depend on the sequence. This observed conformational diversity has biological implications, and it further supports our previously proposed thermodynamic hypothesis of gene regulation. In that hypothesis, a specific distribution of duplex and tetraplex conformations in a promoter region is fine-tuned to maintain the healthy level of gene expression. Any deviation from a healthy distribution of conformational states may result in pathology stemming from up- or downregulation of the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Legeng Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Haoyuan Tong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Chongyu Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - James W Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Tigran V Chalikian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
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27
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Feng Y, Luo Z, Huang R, Yang X, Cheng X, Zhang W. Epigenomic Features and Potential Functions of K+ and Na+ Favorable DNA G-Quadruplexes in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158404. [PMID: 35955535 PMCID: PMC9368837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical four-stranded DNA structures involved in various biological processes in eukaryotes. Molecularly crowded solutions and monovalent cations have been reported to stabilize in vitro and in vivo G4 formation. However, how K+ and Na+ affect G4 formation genome-wide is still unclear in plants. Here, we conducted BG4-DNA-IP-seq, DNA immunoprecipitation with anti-BG4 antibody coupled with sequencing, under K+ and Na+ + PEG conditions in vitro. We found that K+-specific IP-G4s had a longer peak size, more GC and PQS content, and distinct AT and GC skews compared to Na+-specific IP-G4s. Moreover, K+- and Na+-specific IP-G4s exhibited differential subgenomic enrichment and distinct putative functional motifs for the binding of certain trans-factors. More importantly, we found that K+-specific IP-G4s were more associated with active marks, such as active histone marks, and low DNA methylation levels, as compared to Na+-specific IP-G4s; thus, K+-specific IP-G4s in combination with active chromatin features facilitate the expression of overlapping genes. In addition, K+- and Na+-specific IP-G4 overlapping genes exhibited differential GO (gene ontology) terms, suggesting they may have distinct biological relevance in rice. Thus, our study, for the first time, explores the effects of K+ and Na+ on global G4 formation in vitro, thereby providing valuable resources for functional G4 studies in rice. It will provide certain G4 loci for the biotechnological engineering of rice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Ranran Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Xueming Yang
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China;
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production Co-Sponsored by Province and Ministry (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.F.); (Z.L.); (R.H.); (X.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-25-84396610; Fax: +86-25-84396302
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28
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High-throughput techniques enable advances in the roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:159. [PMID: 35851062 PMCID: PMC9290270 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable structure of DNA is the canonical right-handed double helix termed B DNA. However, certain environments and sequence motifs favor alternative conformations, termed non-canonical secondary structures. The roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional regulation remain incompletely understood. However, advances in high-throughput assays have enabled genome wide characterization of some secondary structures. Here, we describe their regulatory functions in promoters and 3’UTRs, providing insights into key mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression. We discuss their implication in human disease, and how advances in molecular technologies and emerging high-throughput experimental methods could provide additional insights.
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29
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Lena A, Benassi A, Stasi M, Saint-Pierre C, Freccero M, Gasparutto D, Bombard S, Doria F, Verga D. Photoactivatable V-Shaped Bifunctional Quinone Methide Precursors as a New Class of Selective G-quadruplex Alkylating Agents. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200734. [PMID: 35441438 PMCID: PMC9322314 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Combining the selectivity of G‐quadruplex (G4) ligands with the spatial and temporal control of photochemistry is an emerging strategy to elucidate the biological relevance of these structures. In this work, we developed six novel V‐shaped G4 ligands that can, upon irradiation, form stable covalent adducts with G4 structures via the reactive intermediate, quinone methide (QM). We thoroughly investigated the photochemical properties of the ligands and their ability to generate QMs. Subsequently, we analyzed their specificity for various topologies of G4 and discovered a preferential binding towards the human telomeric sequence. Finally, we tested the ligand ability to act as photochemical alkylating agents, identifying the covalent adducts with G4 structures. This work introduces a novel molecular tool in the chemical biology toolkit for G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Benassi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Stasi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Present Address: Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | | | - Mauro Freccero
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Didier Gasparutto
- University Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IRIG, SyMMES-UMR5819, 38054, Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Bombard
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91405, Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91405, Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
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30
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Castelli M, Doria F, Freccero M, Colombo G, Moroni E. Studying the Dynamics of a Complex G-Quadruplex System: Insights into the Comparison of MD and NMR Data. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:4515-4528. [PMID: 35666124 PMCID: PMC9281369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Molecular dynamics
(MD) simulations are coming of age in the study
of nucleic acids, including specific tertiary structures such as G-quadruplexes.
While being precious for providing structural and dynamic information
inaccessible to experiments at the atomistic level of resolution,
MD simulations in this field may still be limited by several factors.
These include the force fields used, different models for ion parameters,
ionic strengths, and water models. We address various aspects of this
problem by analyzing and comparing microsecond-long atomistic simulations
of the G-quadruplex structure formed by the human immunodeficiency
virus long terminal repeat (HIV LTR)-III sequence for which nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) structures are available. The system is studied
in different conditions, systematically varying the ionic strengths,
ion numbers, and water models. We comparatively analyze the dynamic
behavior of the G-quadruplex motif in various conditions and assess
the ability of each simulation to satisfy the nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR)-derived experimental constraints and structural parameters.
The conditions taking into account K+-ions to neutralize
the system charge, mimicking the intracellular ionic strength, and
using the four-atom water model are found to be the best in reproducing
the experimental NMR constraints and data. Our analysis also reveals
that in all of the simulated environments residues belonging to the
duplex moiety of HIV LTR-III exhibit the highest flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Castelli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Freccero
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.,Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies SCITEC-CNR, Via Mario Bianco, 9, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies SCITEC-CNR, Via Mario Bianco, 9, 20131 Milano, Italy
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31
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Liu L, Zhang W, Zhong MQ, Jia MH, Jiang F, Zhang Y, Xiao CD, Xiao X, Shen XC. Tetraphenylethene derivative that discriminates parallel G-quadruplexes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14765-14775. [PMID: 35702216 PMCID: PMC9109478 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01433e] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4), as a non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structure, has been proved to be prevalent in genomes and plays important roles in many biological processes. Ligands targeting G4, especially small-molecular fluorescent light-up probes with selectivity for special conformations, are essential for studying the relationship between G4 folding and the cellular response. However, their development still remains challenging but is attracting massive attention. Here, we synthesized a new tetraphenylethene derivative, namely TPE-B, as a parallel G4 probe. Fluorescence experiments showed that TPE-B could give out a strong fluorescence response to the G4 structure. Moreover, it gave a much higher fluorescence intensity response to parallel G4s than anti-parallel ones, which indicated that TPE-B could serve as a special tool for probing parallel G4s. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra and melting curves showed that TPE-B could selectively bind and stabilize parallel G4s without changing their topology. ESI-MS studies showed that TPE-B could bind to parallel G4 with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The gel staining results showed that TPE-B was a good candidate for probing parallel G4s. Altogether, the TPE-B molecule may serve as a promising new probe that can discriminate parallel G4s. A tetraphenylethene derivative: 1,1′,1′′,1′′′-(((ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayltetrakis(benzene-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(oxy)) tetrakis(butane-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(4-(dimethylamino) pyridin-1-ium) bromide (TPE-B) has been designed as a fluorescent light-up probe with high selectivity for parallel G-quadruplexes![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Fei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang Guizhou 550001 P. R. China
| | - Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
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32
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Emerging mechanisms of telomerase reactivation in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:632-641. [PMID: 35568649 PMCID: PMC7614490 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) result in hyperactivation of hTERT. Notably, all mutations are G>A transitions, frequently found in a wide range of cancer types, and causally associated with cancer progression. Initially, the mutations were understood to reactivate hTERT by generating novel E26 transformation-specific (ETS) binding sites. Recent work reveals the role of DNA secondary structure G-quadruplexes, telomere binding factor(s), and chromatin looping in hTERT regulation. Here, we discuss these emerging findings in relation to the clinically significant promoter mutations to provide a broader understanding of the context-dependent outcomes that result in hTERT activation in normal and pathogenic conditions.
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33
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Monsen RC, DeLeeuw LW, Dean W, Gray R, Chakravarthy S, Hopkins J, Chaires J, Trent J. Long promoter sequences form higher-order G-quadruplexes: an integrative structural biology study of c-Myc, k-Ras and c-Kit promoter sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4127-4147. [PMID: 35325198 PMCID: PMC9023277 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on higher-order G-quadruplex structures adopted by long promoter sequences obtained by an iterative integrated structural biology approach. Our approach uses quantitative biophysical tools (analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy) combined with modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, to derive self-consistent structural models. The formal resolution of our approach is 18 angstroms, but in some cases structural features of only a few nucleotides can be discerned. We report here five structures of long (34-70 nt) wild-type sequences selected from three cancer-related promoters: c-Myc, c-Kit and k-Ras. Each sequence studied has a unique structure. Three sequences form structures with two contiguous, stacked, G-quadruplex units. One longer sequence from c-Myc forms a structure with three contiguous stacked quadruplexes. A longer c-Kit sequence forms a quadruplex-hairpin structure. Each structure exhibits interfacial regions between stacked quadruplexes or novel loop geometries that are possible druggable targets. We also report methodological advances in our integrated structural biology approach, which now includes quantitative CD for counting stacked G-tetrads, DNaseI cleavage for hairpin detection and SAXS model refinement. Our results suggest that higher-order quadruplex assemblies may be a common feature within the genome, rather than simple single quadruplex structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Monsen
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lynn W DeLeeuw
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - William L Dean
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert D Gray
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Srinivas Chakravarthy
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jesse B Hopkins
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jonathan B Chaires
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - John O Trent
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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34
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Yuan JH, Tu JL, Liu GC, Chen XC, Huang ZS, Chen SB, Tan JH. Visualization of ligand-induced c-MYC duplex-quadruplex transition and direct exploration of the altered c-MYC DNA-protein interactions in cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4246-4257. [PMID: 35412611 PMCID: PMC9071431 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ligand-Induced duplex-quadruplex transition within the c-MYC promoter region is one of the most studied and advanced ideas for c-MYC regulation. Despite its importance, there is a lack of methods for monitoring such process in cells, hindering a better understanding of the essence of c-MYC G-quadruplex as a drug target. Here we developed a new fluorescent probe ISCH-MYC for specific c-MYC G-quadruplex recognition based on GTFH (G-quadruplex-Triggered Fluorogenic Hybridization) strategy. We validated that ISCH-MYC displayed distinct fluorescence enhancement upon binding to c-MYC G-quadruplex, which allowed the duplex-quadruplex transition detection of c-MYC G-rich DNA in cells. Using ISCH-MYC, we successfully characterized the induction of duplex to G-quadruplex transition in the presence of G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand PDS and further monitored and evaluated the altered interactions of relevant transcription factors Sp1 and CNBP with c-MYC G-rich DNA. Thus, our study provides a visualization strategy to explore the mechanism of G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand action on c-MYC G-rich DNA and relevant proteins, thereby empowering future drug discovery efforts targeting G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Li Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guo-Cai Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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35
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Teng X, Dai Y, Li J. Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G-quadruplexes. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210214. [PMID: 37323879 PMCID: PMC10191030 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS-COV-2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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36
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Feng Y, Tao S, Zhang P, Sperti FR, Liu G, Cheng X, Zhang T, Yu H, Wang XE, Chen C, Monchaud D, Zhang W. Epigenomic features of DNA G-quadruplexes and their roles in regulating rice gene transcription. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1632-1648. [PMID: 34893906 PMCID: PMC8896617 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A DNA G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid structure involved in many biological processes in mammals. The current knowledge on plant DNA G4s, however, is limited; whether and how DNA G4s impact gene expression in plants is still largely unknown. Here, we applied a protocol referred to as BG4-DNA-IP-seq followed by a comprehensive characterization of DNA G4s in rice (Oryza sativa L.); we next integrated dG4s (experimentally detectable G4s) with existing omics data and found that dG4s exhibited differential DNA methylation between transposable element (TE) and non-TE genes. dG4 regions displayed genic-dependent enrichment of epigenomic signatures; finally, we showed that these sites displayed a positive association with expression of DNA G4-containing genes when located at promoters, and a negative association when located in the gene body, suggesting localization-dependent promotional/repressive roles of DNA G4s in regulating gene transcription. This study reveals interrelations between DNA G4s and epigenomic signatures, as well as implicates DNA G4s in modulating gene transcription in rice. Our study provides valuable resources for the functional characterization or bioengineering of some of key DNA G4s in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Shentong Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Pengyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Guanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hengxiu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiu-e Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Caiyan Chen
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
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37
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Long W, Zheng BX, Li Y, Huang XH, Lin DM, Chen CC, Hou JQ, Ou TM, Wong WL, Zhang K, Lu YJ. Rational design of small-molecules to recognize G-quadruplexes of c-MYC promoter and telomere and the evaluation of their in vivo antitumor activity against breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1829-1848. [PMID: 35166828 PMCID: PMC8887543 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G4-structures from human c-MYC promoter and telomere are considered as important drug targets; however, the developing of small-molecule-based fluorescent binding ligands that are highly selective in targeting these G4-structures over other types of nucleic acids is challenging. We herein report a new approach of designing small molecules based on a non-selective thiazole orange scaffold to provide two-directional and multi-site interactions with flanking residues and loops of the G4-motif for better selectivity. The ligands are designed to establish multi-site interactions in the G4-binding pocket. This structural feature may render the molecules higher selectivity toward c-MYC G4s than other structures. The ligand–G4 interaction studied with 1H NMR may suggest a stacking interaction with the terminal G-tetrad. Moreover, the intracellular co-localization study with BG4 and cellular competition experiments with BRACO-19 may suggest that the binding targets of the ligands in cells are most probably G4-structures. Furthermore, the ligands that either preferentially bind to c-MYC promoter or telomeric G4s are able to downregulate markedly the c-MYC and hTERT gene expression in MCF-7 cells, and induce senescence and DNA damage to cancer cells. The in vivo antitumor activity of the ligands in MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice is also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Long
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xuan-He Huang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Dan-Min Lin
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Cui-Cui Chen
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jin-Qiang Hou
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.,Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6V4, Canada
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, P.R. China; International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, 529040, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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38
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Masson T, Landras Guetta C, Laigre E, Cucchiarini A, Duchambon P, Teulade-Fichou MP, Verga D. BrdU immuno-tagged G-quadruplex ligands: a new ligand-guided immunofluorescence approach for tracking G-quadruplexes in cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12644-12660. [PMID: 34875077 PMCID: PMC8682774 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures forming in G-rich nucleic acids. G4s are assumed to play critical roles in biology, nonetheless their detection in cells is still challenging. For tracking G4s, synthetic molecules (G4 ligands) can be used as reporters and have found wide application for this purpose through chemical functionalization with a fluorescent tag. However, this approach is limited by a low-labeling degree impeding precise visualization in specific subcellular regions. Herein, we present a new visualization strategy based on the immuno-recognition of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (5-BrdU) modified G4 ligands, functionalized prior- or post-G4-target binding by CuAAC. Remarkably, recognition of the tag by antibodies leads to the detection of the modified ligands exclusively when bound to a G4 target both in vitro, as shown by ELISA, and in cells, thereby providing a highly efficient G4-ligand Guided Immunofluorescence Staining (G4-GIS) approach. The obtained signal amplification revealed well-defined fluorescent foci located in the perinuclear space and RNase treatment revealed the preferential binding to G4-RNA. Furthermore, ligand treatment affected significantly BG4 foci formation in cells. Our work headed to the development of a new imaging approach combining the advantages of immunostaining and G4-recognition by G4 ligands leading to visualization of G4/ligands species in cells with unrivaled precision and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Masson
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Corinne Landras Guetta
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Eugénie Laigre
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Patricia Duchambon
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
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39
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Liano D, Chowdhury S, Di Antonio M. Cockayne Syndrome B Protein Selectively Resolves and Interact with Intermolecular DNA G-Quadruplex Structures. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:20988-21002. [PMID: 34855372 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA can fold into secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s can form from a single DNA strand (intramolecular) or from multiple DNA strands (intermolecular), but studies on their biological functions have been often limited to intramolecular G4s, owing to the low probability of intermolecular G4s to form within genomic DNA. Herein, we report the first example of an endogenous protein, Cockayne Syndrome B (CSB), that can bind selectively with picomolar affinity toward intermolecular G4s formed within rDNA while displaying negligible binding toward intramolecular structures. We observed that CSB can selectively resolve intermolecular over intramolecular G4s, demonstrating that its selectivity toward intermolecular structures is also reflected at the resolvase level. Immunostaining of G4s with the antibody BG4 in CSB-impaired cells (CS1AN) revealed that G4-staining in the nucleolus of these cells can be abrogated by transfection of viable CSB, suggesting that intermolecular G4s can be formed within rDNA and act as binding substrate for CSB. Given that loss of function of CSB elicits premature aging phenotypes, our findings indicate that the interaction between CSB and intermolecular G4s in rDNA could be of relevance to maintain cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Liano
- Chemistry Department, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Souroprobho Chowdhury
- Chemistry Department, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Chemistry Department, Imperial College London, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
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40
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Kim Y, Inoue Y, Hasegawa H, Yoshida Y, Sakata T. In Situ Electrical Monitoring of Methylated DNA Based on Its Conformational Change to G-Quadruplex Using a Solution-Gated Field-Effect Transistor. Anal Chem 2021; 93:16709-16717. [PMID: 34859677 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylated DNA is not only a diagnostic but also a prognostic biomarker for early-stage cancer. However, sodium bisulfite sequencing as a "gold standard" method for detection of methylation markers has some drawbacks such as its time-consuming and labor-intensive procedures. Therefore, simple and reliable methods are required to analyze DNA sequences with or without methylated residues. Herein, we propose a simple and direct method for detecting DNA methylation through its conformation transition to G-quadruplex using a solution-gated field-effect transistor (SG-FET) without using labeled materials. The BCL-2 gene, which is involved in the development of various human tumors, contains G-rich segments and undergoes a conformational change to G-quadruplex depending on the K+ concentration. Stacked G-quadruplex strands move close to the SG-FET sensor surface, resulting in large electrical signals based on intrinsic molecular charges. In addition, a dense hydrophilic polymer brush is grafted using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization onto the SG-FET sensor surface to reduce electrical noise based on nonspecific adsorption of interfering species. In particular, control of the polymer brush thickness induces electrical signals based on DNA molecular charges in the diffusion layer, according to the Debye length limit. A platform based on the SG-FET sensor with a well-defined polymer brush is suitable for in situ monitoring of methylated DNA and realizes a point-of-care device with a high signal-to-noise ratio and without the requirement for additional processes such as bisulfite conversion and polymerase chain reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Kim
- Advanced Technology Research Dept., LG Japan Lab Inc., Glass Cube Shinagawa, 4-13-14 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002, Japan
| | - Yuuki Inoue
- Advanced Technology Research Dept., LG Japan Lab Inc., Glass Cube Shinagawa, 4-13-14 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002, Japan
| | - Hijiri Hasegawa
- Advanced Technology Research Dept., LG Japan Lab Inc., Glass Cube Shinagawa, 4-13-14 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002, Japan
| | | | - Toshiya Sakata
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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41
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Lyu J, Shao R, Kwong Yung PY, Elsässer SJ. Genome-wide mapping of G-quadruplex structures with CUT&Tag. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:e13. [PMID: 34792172 PMCID: PMC8860588 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded genomic DNA can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures or form DNA:RNA hybrids (R loops). Recent evidence suggests that such non-canonical DNA structures affect gene expression, DNA methylation, replication fork progression and genome stability. When and how G4 structures form and are resolved remains unclear. Here we report the use of Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) for mapping native G4 in mammalian cell lines at high resolution and low background. Mild native conditions used for the procedure retain more G4 structures and provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio than ChIP-based methods. We determine the G4 landscape of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC), observing widespread G4 formation at active promoters, active and poised enhancers. We discover that the presence of G4 motifs and G4 structures distinguishes active and primed enhancers in mouse ESCs. Upon differentiation to neural progenitor cells (NPC), enhancer G4s are lost. Further, performing R-loop CUT&Tag, we demonstrate the genome-wide co-occurrence of single-stranded DNA, G4s and R loops at promoters and enhancers. We confirm that G4 structures exist independent of ongoing transcription, suggesting an intricate relationship between transcription and non-canonical DNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lyu
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rui Shao
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Yuk Kwong Yung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon J Elsässer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
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42
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Marilovtseva EV, Studitsky VM. Guanine Quadruplexes in Cell Nucleus Metabolism. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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43
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Sato K, Martin-Pintado N, Post H, Altelaar M, Knipscheer P. Multistep mechanism of G-quadruplex resolution during DNA replication. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf8653. [PMID: 34559566 PMCID: PMC8462899 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf8653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (or G4) structures form in guanine-rich DNA sequences and threaten genome stability when not properly resolved. G4 unwinding occurs during S phase via an unknown mechanism. Using Xenopus egg extracts, we define a three-step G4 unwinding mechanism that acts during DNA replication. First, the replicative helicase composed of Cdc45, MCM2-7 and GINS (CMG) stalls at a leading strand G4 structure. Second, the DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36) mediates bypass of the CMG past the intact G4 structure, allowing approach of the leading strand to the G4. Third, G4 structure unwinding by the Fanconi anemia complementation group J helicase (FANCJ) enables DNA polymerase to synthesize past the G4 motif. A G4 on the lagging strand template does not stall CMG but still requires DNA replication for unwinding. DHX36 and FANCJ have partially redundant roles, conferring pathway robustness. This previously unknown genome maintenance pathway promotes faithful G4 replication, thereby avoiding genome instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute–KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CT, Netherlands
| | - Nerea Martin-Pintado
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute–KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CT, Netherlands
| | - Harm Post
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CH, Netherlands
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute–KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht 3584 CT, Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
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44
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Deiana M, Obi I, Andreasson M, Tamilselvi S, Chand K, Chorell E, Sabouri N. A Minimalistic Coumarin Turn-On Probe for Selective Recognition of Parallel G-Quadruplex DNA Structures. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1365-1376. [PMID: 34328300 PMCID: PMC8397291 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
![]()
G-quadruplex (G4)
DNA structures are widespread in the human genome
and are implicated in biologically important processes such as telomere
maintenance, gene regulation, and DNA replication. Guanine-rich sequences
with potential to form G4 structures are prevalent in the promoter
regions of oncogenes, and G4 sites are now considered as attractive
targets for anticancer therapies. However, there are very few reports
of small “druglike” optical G4 reporters that are easily
accessible through one-step synthesis and that are capable of discriminating
between different G4 topologies. Here, we present a small water-soluble
light-up fluorescent probe that features a minimalistic amidinocoumarin-based
molecular scaffold that selectively targets parallel G4 structures
over antiparallel and non-G4 structures. We showed that this biocompatible
ligand is able to selectively stabilize the G4 template resulting
in slower DNA synthesis. By tracking individual DNA molecules, we
demonstrated that the G4-stabilizing ligand perturbs DNA replication
in cancer cells, resulting in decreased cell viability. Moreover,
the fast-cellular entry of the probe enabled detection of nucleolar
G4 structures in living cells. Finally, insights gained from the structure–activity
relationships of the probe suggest the basis for the recognition of
parallel G4s, opening up new avenues for the design of new biocompatible
G4-specific small molecules for G4-driven theranostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Deiana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ikenna Obi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Måns Andreasson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Shanmugam Tamilselvi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karam Chand
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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45
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Yan KKP, Obi I, Sabouri N. The RGG domain in the C-terminus of the DEAD box helicases Dbp2 and Ded1 is necessary for G-quadruplex destabilization. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8339-8354. [PMID: 34302476 PMCID: PMC8373067 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of G-quadruplex (G4) binding proteins and insights into their mechanism of action are important for understanding the regulatory functions of G4 structures. Here, we performed an unbiased affinity-purification assay coupled with mass spectrometry and identified 30 putative G4 binding proteins from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Gene ontology analysis of the molecular functions enriched in this pull-down assay included mRNA binding, RNA helicase activity, and translation regulator activity. We focused this study on three of the identified proteins that possessed putative arginine-glycine-glycine (RGG) domains, namely the Stm1 homolog Oga1 and the DEAD box RNA helicases Dbp2 and Ded1. We found that Oga1, Dbp2, and Ded1 bound to both DNA and RNA G4s in vitro. Both Dbp2 and Ded1 bound to G4 structures through the RGG domain located in the C-terminal region of the helicases, and point mutations in this domain weakened the G4 binding properties of the helicases. Dbp2 and Ded1 destabilized less thermostable G4 RNA and DNA structures, and this ability was independent of ATP but dependent on the RGG domain. Our study provides the first evidence that the RGG motifs in DEAD box helicases are necessary for both G4 binding and G4 destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kok-Phen Yan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ikenna Obi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Carloni LE, Wechselberger R, De Vijlder T. Characterization of In Vitro G-Quadruplex Formation of Imetelstat Telomerase Inhibitor. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:341-350. [PMID: 34018844 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Imetelstat (GRN163L) is a potent and specific telomerase inhibitor currently in clinical development for the treatment of hematological malignancies such as myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndrome. It is a 13-mer N3'-P5' thio-phosphoramidate oligonucleotide covalently functionalized at the 5'-end with a palmitoyl lipid moiety through an aminoglycerol linker. As a competitive inhibitor of human telomerase, imetelstat directly binds to the telomerase RNA component sequence (hTR) in the catalytic site of the enzyme and acts as a direct competitor of human telomere binding. Administration of imetelstat causes progressive shortening of the telomeres, thereby inhibiting malignant cells' proliferation. We report here the ability of imetelstat to form stable, parallel, intermolecular G-quadruplex structures in vitro. The impact of the ionic environment on the formation and stability of imetelstat higher-order structure was investigated through circular dichroism spectroscopy, thermal denaturation analysis, and size-exclusion chromatography. We demonstrated that different structural elements, such as the 5'-palmitoyl linker and the thio-phosphoramidate backbone, critically contribute to G-quadruplex stability. Experiments further showed that G-quadruplex formation does not hamper binding to the hTR oligonucleotide sequence in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure-Elie Carloni
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Development, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Rainer Wechselberger
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Development, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Thomas De Vijlder
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Development, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
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Frasson I, Soldà P, Nadai M, Lago S, Richter SN. Parallel G-quadruplexes recruit the HSV-1 transcription factor ICP4 to promote viral transcription in herpes virus-infected human cells. Commun Biol 2021; 4:510. [PMID: 33931711 PMCID: PMC8087788 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02035-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures abundant at gene promoters. They can adopt several distinctive conformations. G4s have been shown to form in the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) genome during its viral cycle. Here by cross-linking/pull-down assay we identified ICP4, the major HSV-1 transcription factor, as the protein that most efficiently interacts with viral G4s during infection. ICP4 specific and direct binding and unfolding of parallel G4s, including those present in HSV-1 immediate early gene promoters, induced transcription in vitro and in infected cells. This mechanism was also exploited by ICP4 to promote its own transcription. Proximity ligation assay allowed visualization of G4-protein interaction at the single selected G4 in cells. G4 ligands inhibited ICP4 binding to G4s. Our results indicate the existence of a well-defined G4-viral protein network that regulates the productive HSV-1 cycle. They also point to G4s as elements that recruit transcription factors to activate transcription in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Soldà
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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G-quadruplex stabilization via small-molecules as a potential anti-cancer strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111550. [PMID: 33831835 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are secondary four-stranded DNA helical structures consisting of guanine-rich nucleic acids, which can be formed in the promoter regions of several genes under proper conditions. Several cancer cells have been shown to emerge from genomic changes in the expression of crucial growth-regulating genes that allow cells to develop and begin to propagate in an undifferentiated state. Recent attempts have focused on producing treatments targeted at particular protein products of genes that are abnormally expressed. Many of the proteins found are hard to target and considered undruggable due to structural challenges, protein overexpression, or mutations that affect treatment resistance. The utilization of small molecules that stabilize secondary DNA structures existing in several possible oncogenes' promoters and modulate their transcription is a new strategy that avoids some of these problems. In this review, we outline the function of G-quadruplex stabilization in cancer by small-molecules with the aim to improve cancer therapy.
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49
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Savva L, Georgiades SN. Recent Developments in Small-Molecule Ligands of Medicinal Relevance for Harnessing the Anticancer Potential of G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040841. [PMID: 33562720 PMCID: PMC7914483 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, a family of tetraplex helical nucleic acid topologies, have emerged in recent years as novel targets, with untapped potential for anticancer research. Their potential stems from the fact that G-quadruplexes occur in functionally-important regions of the human genome, such as the telomere tandem sequences, several proto-oncogene promoters, other regulatory regions and sequences of DNA (e.g., rDNA), as well as in mRNAs encoding for proteins with roles in tumorigenesis. Modulation of G-quadruplexes, via interaction with high-affinity ligands, leads to their stabilization, with numerous observed anticancer effects. Despite the fact that only a few lead compounds for G-quadruplex modulation have progressed to clinical trials so far, recent advancements in the field now create conditions that foster further development of drug candidates. This review highlights biological processes through which G-quadruplexes can exert their anticancer effects and describes, via selected case studies, progress of the last few years on the development of efficient and drug-like G-quadruplex-targeted ligands, intended to harness the anticancer potential offered by G-quadruplexes. The review finally provides a critical discussion of perceived challenges and limitations that have previously hampered the progression of G-quadruplex-targeted lead compounds to clinical trials, concluding with an optimistic future outlook.
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50
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Sengupta P, Bose D, Chatterjee S. The Molecular Tête-à-Tête between G-Quadruplexes and the i-motif in the Human Genome. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1517-1537. [PMID: 33355980 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (GQ) and i-motif structures are the paradigmatic examples of nonclassical tetrastranded nucleic acids having multifarious biological functions and widespread applications in therapeutics and material science. Recently, tetraplexes emerged as promising anticancer targets due to their structural robustness, gene-regulatory roles, and predominant distribution at specific loci of oncogenes. However, it is arguable whether the i-motif evolves in the complementary single-stranded region after GQ formation in its opposite strand and vice versa. In this review, we address the prerequisites and significance of the simultaneous and/or mutually exclusive formation of GQ and i-motif structures at complementary and sequential positions in duplexes in the cellular milieu. We discussed how their dynamic interplay Sets up cellular homeostasis and exacerbates carcinogenesis. The review gives insights into the spatiotemporal formation of GQ and i-motifs that could be harnessed to design different types of reporter systems and diagnostic platforms for potential bioanalytical and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Sengupta
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
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