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Luo X, Zhang J, Gao Y, Pan W, Yang Y, Li X, Chen L, Wang C, Wang Y. Emerging roles of i-motif in gene expression and disease treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136251. [PMID: 37021044 PMCID: PMC10067743 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures consisting of cytosine-rich nucleic acids, i-motifs can form under certain conditions. Several i-motif sequences have been identified in the human genome and play important roles in biological regulatory functions. Due to their physicochemical properties, these i-motif structures have attracted attention and are new targets for drug development. Herein, we reviewed the characteristics and mechanisms of i-motifs located in gene promoters (including c-myc, Bcl-2, VEGF, and telomeres), summarized various small molecule ligands that interact with them, and the possible binding modes between ligands and i-motifs, and described their effects on gene expression. Furthermore, we discussed diseases closely associated with i-motifs. Among these, cancer is closely associated with i-motifs since i-motifs can form in some regions of most oncogenes. Finally, we introduced recent advances in the applications of i-motifs in multiple areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chang Wang
- *Correspondence: Chang Wang, ; Yuqing Wang,
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2
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Petrunina NA, Shtork AS, Lukina MM, Tsvetkov VB, Khodarovich YM, Feofanov AV, Moysenovich AM, Maksimov EG, Shipunova VO, Zatsepin TS, Bogomazova AN, Shender VO, Aralov AV, Lagarkova MA, Varizhuk AM. Ratiometric i-Motif-Based Sensor for Precise Long-Term Monitoring of pH Micro Alterations in the Nucleoplasm and Interchromatin Granules. ACS Sens 2023; 8:619-629. [PMID: 36662613 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA-intercalated motifs (iMs) are facile scaffolds for the design of various pH-responsive nanomachines, including biocompatible pH sensors. First, DNA pH sensors relied on complex intermolecular scaffolds. Here, we used a simple unimolecular dual-labeled iM scaffold and minimized it by replacing the redundant loop nucleosides with abasic or alkyl linkers. These modifications improved the thermal stability of the iM and increased the rates of its pH-induced conformational transitions. The best effects were obtained upon the replacement of all three native loops with short and flexible linkers, such as the propyl one. The resulting sensor showed a pH transition value equal to 6.9 ± 0.1 and responded rapidly to minor acidification (tau1/2 <1 s for 7.2 → 6.6 pH jump). We demonstrated the applicability of this sensor for pH measurements in the nuclei of human lung adenocarcinoma cells (pH = 7.4 ± 0.2) and immortalized embryonic kidney cells (pH = 7.0 ± 0.2). The sensor stained diffusely the nucleoplasm and piled up in interchromatin granules. These findings highlight the prospects of iMs in the studies of normal and pathological pH-dependent processes in the nucleus, including the formation of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia A Petrunina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia
| | - Alina S Shtork
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia
| | - Maria M Lukina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow119435, Russia
| | - Vladimir B Tsvetkov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Institute of Biodesign and Complex System Modeling, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow119991, Russia.,A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninsky Prospect Str. 29, Moscow119991, Russia
| | - Yuri M Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117997, Russia.,The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 117198Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow119992, Russia.,Institute of Gene Biology RAS, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow119334, Russia
| | | | - Eugene G Maksimov
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow119992, Russia
| | - Victoria O Shipunova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117997, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow119992, Russia
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow119435, Russia
| | - Victoria O Shender
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow119435, Russia.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117997, Russia
| | - Andrey V Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117997, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow119435, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow119435, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow119435, Russia.,G4_Interact, USERN, University of Pavia, 27100Pavia, Italy
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3
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Lizunova SA, Tsvetkov VB, Skvortsov DA, Kamzeeva PN, Ivanova OM, Vasilyeva LA, Chistov AA, Belyaev ES, Khrulev AA, Vedekhina TS, Bogomazova AN, Lagarkova MA, Varizhuk AM, Aralov AV. Anticancer activity of G4-targeting phenoxazine derivatives in vitro. Biochimie 2022; 201:43-54. [PMID: 35817132 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
G4-stabilizing ligands are now being considered as anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial agents. Phenoxazine is a promising scaffold for the development of G4 ligands. Here, we profiled two known phenoxazine-based nucleoside analogs and five new nucleoside and non-nucleoside derivatives against G4 targets from telomere repeats and the KIT promoter region. Leading new derivatives exhibited remarkably high G4-stabilizing effects (comparable or superior to the effects of the commonly used selective G4 ligands PDS and NMM) and selectivity toward G4s over duplex (superior to BRACO-19). All phenoxazine-based ligands inhibited cellular metabolic activity. The phenoxazine derivatives were particularly toxic for lung adenocarcinoma cells A549' and human liver cancer cells HepG2 (CC50 of the nucleoside analogues in the nanomolar range), but also affected breast cancer cells MCF7, as well as immortalized fibroblasts VA13 and embryonic kidney cells HEK293t (CC50 in the micromolar range). Importantly, the CC50 values varied mostly in accordance with G4-binding affinities and G4-stabilizing effects, and the phenoxazine derivatives localized in the cell nuclei, which corroborates G4-mediated mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia A Lizunova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Vladimir B Tsvetkov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Str. 8-2, Moscow, 119991, Russia; A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninsky Prospect Str. 29, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitry A Skvortsov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Polina N Kamzeeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Olga M Ivanova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Lilja A Vasilyeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey A Chistov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Evgeny S Belyaev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry of the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Alexei A Khrulev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Vedekhina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; G4_Interact, USERN, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str. 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy Pereulok 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Russia; G4_Interact, USERN, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Andrey V Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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4
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Tsvetkov VB, Turaev AV, Petrunina NA, Melnik DM, Khodarovich YM, Pozmogova GE, Zatsepin TS, Varizhuk AM, Aralov AV. Phenoxazine pseudonucleotides in DNA i-motifs allow precise profiling of small molecule binders by fluorescence monitoring. Analyst 2021; 146:4436-4440. [PMID: 34132709 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00660f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The lack of high throughput screening (HTS) techniques for small molecules that stabilize DNA iMs limits their development as perspective drug candidates. Here we showed that fluorescence monitoring for probing the effects of ligands on the iM stability using the FAM-BHQ1 pair provides incorrect results due to additional dye-related interactions. We developed an alternative system with fluorescent phenoxazine pseudonucleotides in loops that do not alter iM unfolding. At the same time, the fluorescence of phenoxazine residues is sensitive to iM unfolding that enables accurate evaluation of ligand-induced changes of iM stability. Our results provide the basis for new approaches for HTS of iM ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir B Tsvetkov
- Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia and World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8/2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow, 119146, Russia and A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Anton V Turaev
- Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Nataliia A Petrunina
- Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Denis M Melnik
- Center for Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy boulevard 30b1, Moscow, 121205, Russia
| | - Yuriy M Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Galina E Pozmogova
- Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center for Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy boulevard 30b1, Moscow, 121205, Russia and Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Leninskie Gory Str. 1-3, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia and Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow 119435, Russia.
| | - Andrey V Aralov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia and Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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5
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Turaev AV, Isaakova EA, Severov VV, Bogomazova AN, Zatsepin TS, Sardushkin MV, Aralov AV, Lagarkova MA, Pozmogova GE, Varizhuk AM. Genomic DNA i-motifs as fast sensors responsive to near-physiological pH microchanges. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 175:112864. [PMID: 33309217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We report the design of robust sensors for measuring intracellular pH, based on the native DNA i-motifs (iMs) found in neurodegeneration- or carcinogenesis-related genes. Those iMs appear to be genomic regulatory elements and might modulate transcription in response to pH stimuli. Given their intrinsic sensitivity to minor pH changes within the physiological range, such noncanonical DNA structures can be used as sensor core elements without additional modules other than fluorescent labels or quenchers. We focused on several iMs that exhibited fast folding/unfolding kinetics. Using stopped-flow techniques and FRET-melting/annealing assays, we confirmed that the rates of temperature-driven iM-ssDNA transitions correlate with the rates of the pH-driven transitions. Thus, we propose FRET-based hysteresis analysis as an express method for selecting sensors with desired kinetic characteristics. For the leading fast-response sensor, we optimized the labelling scheme and performed intracellular calibration. Unlike the commonly used small-molecule pH indicators, that sensor was transferred efficiently to cell nuclei. Considering its favourable kinetic characteristics, the sensor can be used for monitoring proton dynamics in the nucleus. These results argue that the 'genome-inspired' design is a productive approach to the development of biocompatible molecular tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton V Turaev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Isaakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav V Severov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow Oblast, 143026, Russia
| | - Makar V Sardushkin
- Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, 125047, Russia
| | - Andrey V Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Galina E Pozmogova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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