1
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Zhou W, Wan W, Miao W, Bao Y, Liu Y, Jia G, Li C. K +-Specification with Flavone P0 Probe in a G-Quadruplex DNA. Anal Chem 2024; 96:10835-10840. [PMID: 38889097 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02368] [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: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is considered as a prospective therapeutic target due to its potential biological significance. To understand G4 biological roles and function, a G4-specific fluorescent probe is necessary. However, it is difficult for versatile G4 to precisely recognize without perturbing their folding dynamics. Herein, we reported that flavone P0 can be a fluorescent probe for G4 DNA-specific recognition and have developed a highly selective detection of K+ ion by dimeric G4/P0 system. When comparing various nucleic acid structures, including G4, i-motif, ss/ds-DNA, and triplex, an apparent fluorescence enhancement is observed in the presence of G4 DNA for 85-fold, but only 8-fold for non-G4 DNA. Furthermore, based on fluorescent probe of flavone P0 for G4 DNA screening, the noncovalent dimeric G4/P0 system is exploited as a K+ sensor, that selectively responds to K+ with a 513-fold fluorescence enhancement and a detection range for K+ ion concentration from 0 to 500 mM. This K+ sensor also has a remarkably anti-interference ability for other metal cations, especially for a high concentration of Na+. These results have demonstrated that flavone P0 is an efficient tool for monitoring G-quadruplex DNA and endows flavone P0 with bioanalytical and medicinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wang Wan
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wenhui Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yu Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Guoqing Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian 116023, China
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2
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Li X, Liu M, Men D, Duan Y, Deng L, Zhou S, Hou J, Hou C, Huo D. Rapid, portable, and sensitive detection of CaMV35S by RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G4 colorimetric assays with high accuracy deep learning object recognition and classification. Talanta 2024; 278:126441. [PMID: 38924982 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126441] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Fast, sensitive, and portable detection of genetic modification contributes to agricultural security and food safety. Here, we developed RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G-quadruplex colorimetric assays that can combine with intelligent recognition by deep learning algorithms to achieve sensitive, rapid, and portable detection of the CaMV35S promoter. When the crRNA-Cas12a complex recognizes the RPA amplification product, Cas12 cleaves the G-quadruplex, causing the G4-Hemin complex to lose its peroxide mimetic enzyme function and be unable to catalyze the conversion of ABTS2- to ABTS, allowing CaMV35S concentration to be determined based on ABTS absorbance. By utilizing the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-G4 assay, we achieved a CaMV35S limit of detection down to 10 aM and a 0.01 % genetic modification sample in 45 min. Deep learning algorithms are designed for highly accurate classification of color results. Yolov5 objective finding and Resnet classification algorithms have been trained to identify trace (0.01 %) CaMV35S more accurately than naked eye colorimetry. We also coupled deep learning algorithms with a smartphone app to achieve portable and rapid photo identification. Overall, our findings enable low cost ($0.43), high accuracy, and intelligent detection of the CaMV35S promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuheng Li
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Meilin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Dianhui Men
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Yi Duan
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Liyuan Deng
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Shiying Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Jingzhou Hou
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Eldercare, Chongqing City Management College, Chongqing, 401331, PR China.
| | - Changjun Hou
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-perception & Intelligent Information Processing, School of Microelectronics and Communication Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Danqun Huo
- Key Laboratory for Biological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-perception & Intelligent Information Processing, School of Microelectronics and Communication Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
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3
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Tao S, Run Y, Monchaud D, Zhang W. i-Motif DNA: identification, formation, and cellular functions. Trends Genet 2024:S0168-9525(24)00133-1. [PMID: 38902139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.05.011] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
An i-motif (iM) is a four-stranded (quadruplex) DNA structure that folds from cytosine (C)-rich sequences. iMs can fold under many different conditions in vitro, which paves the way for their formation in living cells. iMs are thought to play key roles in various DNA transactions, notably in the regulation of genome stability, gene transcription, mRNA translation, DNA replication, telomere and centromere functions, and human diseases. We summarize the different techniques used to assess the folding of iMs in vitro and provide an overview of the internal and external factors that affect their formation and stability in vivo. We describe the possible biological relevance of iMs and propose directions towards their use as target in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shentong Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Yonghang Run
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 6302, Université Bourgogne Franche Comté (UBFC), Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.
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4
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Geng Y, Liu C, Xu N, Suen MC, Miao H, Xie Y, Zhang B, Chen X, Song Y, Wang Z, Cai Q, Zhu G. Crystal structure of a tetrameric RNA G-quadruplex formed by hexanucleotide repeat expansions of C9orf72 in ALS/FTD. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae473. [PMID: 38860430 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The abnormal GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs) in C9orf72 cause the fatal neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The transcribed RNA HREs, short for r(G4C2)n, can form toxic RNA foci which sequestrate RNA binding proteins and impair RNA processing, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. Here, we determined the crystal structure of r(G4C2)2, which folds into a parallel tetrameric G-quadruplex composed of two four-layer dimeric G-quadruplex via 5'-to-5' stacking in coordination with a K+ ion. Notably, the two C bases locate at 3'- end stack on the outer G-tetrad with the assistance of two additional K+ ions. The high-resolution structure reported here lays a foundation in understanding the mechanism of neurological toxicity of RNA HREs. Furthermore, the atomic details provide a structural basis for the development of potential therapeutic agents against the fatal neurodegenerative diseases ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- Clinical Research Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Changdong Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Naining Xu
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Monica Ching Suen
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Haitao Miao
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bingchang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Clinical Research Institute of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuanjian Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neuroscience, Fujian Key Laboratory of Brain Tumors Diagnosis and Precision Treatment, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qixu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- Institute for Advanced Study and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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5
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Ciaco S, Aronne R, Fiabane M, Mori M. The Rise of Bacterial G-Quadruplexes in Current Antimicrobial Discovery. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:24163-24180. [PMID: 38882119 PMCID: PMC11170735 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent critical issue that poses several challenges to health systems. While the discovery of novel antibiotics is currently stalled and prevalently focused on chemical variations of the scaffolds of available drugs, novel targets and innovative strategies are urgently needed to face this global threat. In this context, bacterial G-quadruplexes (G4s) are emerging as timely and profitable targets for the design and development of antimicrobial agents. Indeed, they are expressed in regulatory regions of bacterial genomes, and their modulation has been observed to provide antimicrobial effects with translational perspectives in the context of AMR. In this work, we review the current knowledge of bacterial G4s as well as their modulation by small molecules, including tools and techniques suitable for these investigations. Finally, we critically analyze the needs and future directions in the field, with a focus on the development of small molecules as bacterial G4s modulators endowed with remarkable drug-likeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciaco
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Aronne
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Martina Fiabane
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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6
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Shen G, Ma Y, Zhang H, Wang F, Yang F, Ye H, Li R, Wang C, Tang Y. Novel fluorescence strategy based on G-quadruplex structure-switching aptamer for enrofloxacin detection in food and environmental samples. Food Chem 2024; 441:138393. [PMID: 38199111 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138393] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Enrofloxacin (ENR) is widely used in the prevention and treatment of animal infectious diseases, so it is necessary to strengthen the residue detection of this drug in animal-derived food and water environments. In this work, for the first time, we engineered assembly a split ENR aptamer into the G-quadruplex (G4) region to form a new aptamer (G4-ENRA) that provides a more sensitive signal-reporting function while retaining target-specific recognition ability of the aptamer. This rational design effectively overcomes the issue of difficulty in identification probe development. Under the optimized conditions, a response range of 0.05-20 µM and limit of detection of 26.7 nM were obtained by directly detecting fluorescence signals, displaying a comparative advantage over the previously reported methods. Moreover, this method demonstrated satisfactory performance for the ENR detection in various real food and environmental samples, with the detection recoveries ranging from 95.87 % to 104.36 %, illustrating promising applicability prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Shen
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yingnan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Fangfang Wang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fengmin Yang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Huanfeng Ye
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Runzhi Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Changzheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Yalin Tang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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7
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Ajit K, Alagia A, Burger K, Gullerova M. Tyrosine 1-phosphorylated RNA polymerase II transcribes PROMPTs to facilitate proximal promoter pausing and induce global transcriptional repression in response to DNA damage. Genome Res 2024; 34:201-216. [PMID: 38467418 PMCID: PMC10984383 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278644.123] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage triggers a complex transcriptional response that involves both activation and repression of gene expression. In this study, we investigated global changes in transcription in response to ionizing irradiation (IR), which induces double-strand breaks in DNA. We used mNET-seq to profile nascent transcripts bound to different phosphorylated forms of the RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) C-terminal domain (CTD). We found that IR leads to global transcriptional repression of protein-coding genes, accompanied by an increase in antisense transcripts near promoters, called PROMPTs, transcribed by RNA Pol II phosphorylated on tyrosine 1 (Y1P) residue of the CTD. These Y1P-transcribed PROMPTs are enriched for PRC2 binding sites and associated with RNA Pol II proximal promoter pausing. We show the interaction between Y1P RNA Pol II and PRC2, as well as PRC2 binding to PROMPTs. Inhibition of PROMPTs or depletion of PRC2 leads to loss of transcriptional repression. Our results reveal a novel function of Y1P-dependent PROMPTs in mediating PRC2 recruitment to chromatin and RNA Pol II promoter pausing in response to DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Ajit
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Adele Alagia
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Kaspar Burger
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center for Cancer Research, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter of the University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Gullerova
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom;
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8
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Huang P, Li X, Tan Z, Wang Y, Yan J. Characterization of the G-quadruplexes in the transthyretin gene and its role in silencing transthyretin mRNA transcription. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 97:129568. [PMID: 38008337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129568] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Transthyretin Amyloidosis arises from the misfolding of monomers or oligomers of the normal transthyretin protein. Our investigation revealed that certain guanine-rich regions within the 5' UTR sequence of the transthyretin gene possess the ability to form G2-quadruplex structures, as determined through analysis with QGRS mapper. We demonstrated that small molecule ligands, including TMPyP4, Braco-19, NMM, and TO, have a significant impact on the stabilization of transthyretin G-quadruplexes. The objective of this study was to confirm the effect of ligands on transthyretin gene transcription through the stabilization of G-quadruplexes. To comprehend the interaction between ligands and transthyretin G-quadruplexes, a range of analytical techniques were employed, includingUV titration, fluorescence titration assays, circular dichroism, quantitative RT-PCR and cytotoxicity tests. The results revealed the presence of four putative G2-quadruplex sequences, which formed stable anti-parallel, parallel, and hybrid G2-quadruplex structures. Notably, Ttrg 3 (5'-GGAAGGAAGGGAGGGAGGG-3') exhibited the highest stability to form G-quadruplex. Furthermore, TmPyP4, Braco-19, NMM and TO were found to stabilize the parallel topology of Ttrg 3. After 48 h of incubation, the RT-PCR experiments revealed a significant reduction in transthyretin mRNA transcription in HepG2 cells when treated with 20 μM TmPyP4 and Braco-19, without inducing apoptosis. Our findings suggested that ligand-mediated stabilization of G-quadruplexes within the 5'-UTR can effectively silence transthyretin expression, highlighting the potential of G-quadruplex as a novel therapeutic target for Transthyretin Amyloidosis. This study might shed valuable lights for the development of innovative therapeutic approach against Transthyretin Amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peimin Huang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xu Li
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhonghan Tan
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Jinwu Yan
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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9
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Dai Y, Zhang Z, Wang D, Li T, Ren Y, Chen J, Feng L. Machine-Learning-Driven G-Quartet-Based Circularly Polarized Luminescence Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310455. [PMID: 37983564 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in chiral functional devices. Synthesizing CPL materials with a high dissymmetry factor (glum ) remains a significant challenge. Inspired by efficient machine learning (ML) applications in scientific research, this work demonstrates ML-based techniques for the first time to guide the synthesis of G-quartet-based CPL gels with high glum values and multiple chiral regulation strategies. Employing an "experiment-prediction-verification" approach, this work devises a ML classification and regression model for the solvothermal synthesis of G-quartet gels in deep eutectic solvents. This process illustrates the relationship between various synthesis parameters and the glum value. The decision tree algorithm demonstrates superior performance across six ML models, with model accuracy and determination coefficients amounting to 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. The screened CPL gels exhibiting a glum value up to 0.15 are obtained through combined ML guidance and experimental verification, among the highest ones reported till now for biomolecule-based CPL systems. These findings indicate that ML can streamline the rational design of chiral nanomaterials, thereby expediting their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankai Dai
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Tianliang Li
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuze Ren
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Lingyan Feng
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, ShanghaiUniversity, Shanghai, 200444, China
- QianWeichang College, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
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10
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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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11
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Binet T, Padiolleau-Lefèvre S, Octave S, Avalle B, Maffucci I. Comparative Study of Single-stranded Oligonucleotides Secondary Structure Prediction Tools. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:422. [PMID: 37940855 PMCID: PMC10634105 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05532-5] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-stranded nucleic acids (ssNAs) have important biological roles and a high biotechnological potential linked to their ability to bind to numerous molecular targets. This depends on the different spatial conformations they can assume. The first level of ssNAs spatial organisation corresponds to their base pairs pattern, i.e. their secondary structure. Many computational tools have been developed to predict the ssNAs secondary structures, making the choice of the appropriate tool difficult, and an up-to-date guide on the limits and applicability of current secondary structure prediction tools is missing. Therefore, we performed a comparative study of the performances of 9 freely available tools (mfold, RNAfold, CentroidFold, CONTRAfold, MC-Fold, LinearFold, UFold, SPOT-RNA, and MXfold2) on a dataset of 538 ssNAs with known experimental secondary structure. RESULTS The minimum free energy-based tools, namely mfold and RNAfold, and some tools based on artificial intelligence, namely CONTRAfold and MXfold2, provided the best results, with [Formula: see text] of exact predictions, whilst MC-fold seemed to be the worst performing tool, with only [Formula: see text] of exact predictions. In addition, UFold and SPOT-RNA are the only options for pseudoknots prediction. Including in the analysis of mfold and RNAfold results 5-10 suboptimal solutions further improved the performances of these tools. Nevertheless, we could observe issues in predicting particular motifs, such as multiple-ways junctions and mini-dumbbells, or the ssNAs whose structure has been determined in complex with a protein. In addition, our benchmark shows that some effort has to be paid for ssDNA secondary structure predictions. CONCLUSIONS In general, Mfold, RNAfold, and MXfold2 seem to currently be the best choice for the ssNAs secondary structure prediction, although they still show some limits linked to specific structural motifs. Nevertheless, actual trends suggest that artificial intelligence has a high potential to overcome these remaining issues, for example the recently developed UFold and SPOT-RNA have a high success rate in predicting pseudoknots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Binet
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, CNRS, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu - CS 60 319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Séverine Padiolleau-Lefèvre
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, CNRS, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu - CS 60 319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Octave
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, CNRS, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu - CS 60 319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France
| | - Bérangère Avalle
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, CNRS, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu - CS 60 319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France.
| | - Irene Maffucci
- Université de technologie de Compiègne, UPJV, CNRS, Enzyme and Cell Engineering, Centre de recherche Royallieu - CS 60 319, 60203, Compiègne Cedex, France.
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12
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Ji D, Feng H, Liew SW, Kwok CK. Modified nucleic acid aptamers: development, characterization, and biological applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1360-1384. [PMID: 37302912 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their targets via specific structural interactions. To improve the properties and performance of aptamers, modified nucleotides are incorporated during or after a selection process such as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We summarize the latest modified nucleotides and strategies used in modified (mod)-SELEX and post-SELEX to develop modified aptamers, highlight the methods used to characterize aptamer-target interactions, and present recent progress in modified aptamers that recognize different targets. We discuss the challenges and perspectives in further advancing the methodologies and toolsets to accelerate the discovery of modified aptamers, improve the throughput of aptamer-target characterization, and expand the functional diversity and complexity of modified aptamers.
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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
| | - Hengxin Feng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shiau Wei Liew
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, 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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13
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Duy DL, Kim N. Yeast transcription factor Msn2 binds to G4 DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9643-9657. [PMID: 37615577 PMCID: PMC10570036 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequences capable of forming quadruplex or G4 DNA are prevalent in the promoter regions. The transformation from canonical to non-canonical secondary structure apparently regulates transcription of a number of human genes. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified 37 genes with a G4 motif in the promoters including 20 genes that contain stress response element (STRE) overlapping a G4 motif. STRE is the binding site of stress response regulators Msn2 and Msn4, transcription factors belonging to the C2H2 zinc-finger protein family. We show here that Msn2 binds directly to the G4 DNA structure through its zinc-finger domain with a dissociation constant similar to that of STRE-binding and that, in a stress condition, Msn2 is enriched at G4 DNA-forming loci in the yeast genome. For a large fraction of genes with G4/STRE-containing promoters, treating with G4-ligands led to significant elevations in transcription levels. Such transcriptional elevation was greatly diminished in a msn2Δ msn4Δ background and was partly muted when the G4 motif was disrupted. Taken together, our data suggest that G4 DNA could be an alternative binding site of Msn2 in addition to STRE, and that G4 DNA formation could be an important element of transcriptional regulation in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong Long Duy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Mou X, Kwok CK. Peptides Selected by G4-mRNA Display-Seq Enable RNA G-Quadruplex Recognition and Gene Regulation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18693-18697. [PMID: 37582058 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical secondary structures that play critical roles in both chemistry and biology. Although several approaches have been developed for G4 targeting, such as chemicals and antibodies, there is currently no general and efficient platform for G4-specific peptides. In this study, we developed a new platform, G4-mRNA display-Seq, for selecting peptides that specifically recognize the G4 target of interest. By using an RNA G4 (rG4) found in human telomerase RNA (hTERC) as the target, we have identified a novel short peptide, namely, peptide 11 (pep11), which displays high affinity and selectivity to hTERC rG4. Furthermore, we designed tandem and cyclic versions of pep11 and found that both modified versions exhibit stronger binding affinity with preferential rG4 selectivity. Notably, we have demonstrated that these peptides can negatively regulate gene expression by targeting rG4. Our results provide a universal platform for the discovery of G4-targeting peptides and demonstrate the ability of these peptides to regulate G4-mediated gene functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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15
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Sannikova NE, Kolokolov MI, Khlynova TA, Chubarov AS, Polienko YF, Fedin MV, Krumkacheva OA. Revealing light-induced structural shifts in G-quadruplex-porphyrin complexes: a pulsed dipolar EPR study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:22455-22466. [PMID: 37581249 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01775c] [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: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The binding of G-quadruplex structures (G4s) with photosensitizers is of considerable importance in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery due to their promising potential in photodynamic therapy applications. G4s can experience structural changes as a result of ligand interactions and light exposure. Understanding these modifications is essential to uncover the fundamental biological roles of the complexes and optimize their therapeutic potential. The structural diversity of G4s makes it challenging to study their complexes with ligands, necessitating the use of various complementary methods to fully understand these interactions. In this study, we introduce, for the first time, the application of laser-induced dipolar EPR as a method to characterize G-quadruplex DNA complexes containing photosensitizers and to investigate light-induced structural modifications in these systems. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we studied complexes of the human telomeric G-quadruplex (HTel-22) with cationic 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridinio) porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate) (TMPyP4). In addition to showcasing a new methodology, we also aimed to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying photoinduced HTel-22/TMPyP4 structural changes, thereby aiding in the advancement of approaches targeting G4s in photodynamic therapy. EPR revealed G-quadruplex unfolding and dimer formation upon light exposure. Our findings demonstrate the potential of EPR spectroscopy for examining G4 complexes with photosensitizers and contribute to a better understanding of G4s' interactions with ligands under light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya E Sannikova
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Kolokolov
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Tamara A Khlynova
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alexey S Chubarov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yuliya F Polienko
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Matvey V Fedin
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olesya A Krumkacheva
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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16
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Elimelech-Zohar K, Orenstein Y. An overview on nucleic-acid G-quadruplex prediction: from rule-based methods to deep neural networks. Brief Bioinform 2023:bbad252. [PMID: 37438149 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad252] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic-acid G-quadruplexes (G4s) play vital roles in many cellular processes. Due to their importance, researchers have developed experimental assays to measure nucleic-acid G4s in high throughput. The generated high-throughput datasets gave rise to unique opportunities to develop machine-learning-based methods, and in particular deep neural networks, to predict G4s in any given nucleic-acid sequence and any species. In this paper, we review the success stories of deep-neural-network applications for G4 prediction. We first cover the experimental technologies that generated the most comprehensive nucleic-acid G4 high-throughput datasets in recent years. We then review classic rule-based methods for G4 prediction. We proceed by reviewing the major machine-learning and deep-neural-network applications to nucleic-acid G4 datasets and report a novel comparison between them. Next, we present the interpretability techniques used on the trained neural networks to learn key molecular principles underlying nucleic-acid G4 folding. As a new result, we calculate the overlap between measured DNA and RNA G4s and compare the performance of DNA- and RNA-G4 predictors on RNA- and DNA-G4 datasets, respectively, to demonstrate the potential of transfer learning from DNA G4s to RNA G4s. Last, we conclude with open questions in the field of nucleic-acid G4 prediction and computational modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaron Orenstein
- Department of Computer Science, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
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17
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Lyu K, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure detection using RTS and SHALiPE assays. Methods Enzymol 2023; 691:63-80. [PMID: 37914452 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.06.003] [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: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical RNA secondary structures that were first reported several decades ago. Latest studies have suggested that they are widespread in the transcriptomes of diverse species, and they have been demonstrated to have key roles in various fundamental cellular processes. Among the RNA secondary structure probing assays developed recently, Reverse transcriptase stalling (RTS) and selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by lithium ion-based primer extension (SHALiPE) enabled the identification and characterization of distinct structural features of an rG4 structure of interest. Herein, we present an experimental protocol describing in detail the procedures involved in the preparation of in vitro transcribed RNAs, buffers, and reagents for RTS and SHALiPE assays, as well as performing RTS and SHALiPE assays, to examine the formation of rG4 and reveal the rG4 structural conformation at nucleotide resolution in vitro. RTS and SHALiPE assays can be performed by an experienced molecular biologist or chemical biologist with a basic understanding of nucleic acids. The duration for the preparation of in vitro transcription and RNA preparation is around 2 days, and the duration for RTS and SHALiPE assays is approximately 5 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China; Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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18
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He C, Peng J, Li Z, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Luo X, Liu Z, Feng G, Fang J. Engineering a Red Fluorescent Protein Chromophore for Visualization of RNA G-Quadruplexes. Biochemistry 2023. [PMID: 37376793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic red fluorescent protein (RFP) chromophores have emerged as valuable tools for biological imaging and therapeutic applications, but their application in the visualization of endogenous RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in living cells has been rarely reported so far. Here, by integrating the group of the excellent G4 dye ThT, we modulate RFP chromophores to create a novel fluorescent probe DEBIT with red emission. DEBIT selectively recognizes the G4 structure with the advantage of strong binding affinity, high selectivity, and excellent photostability. Using DEBIT as a fluorescent indicator, the real-time monitoring of RNA G4 in biological systems can be achieved. In summary, our work expands the application of synthetic RFP chromophores and provides an essential dye category to the classical G4 probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang He
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jiasheng Peng
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qinghui Yang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xingyu Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China
| | - Zekai Liu
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Guangfu Feng
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jun Fang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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19
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Wu C, Liu D, Zhang L, Wang J, Ding Y, Sun Z, Wang W. 5'-tiRNA-Gln inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by repressing translation through the interaction with eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I. Front Med 2023; 17:476-492. [PMID: 36973570 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are novel non-coding RNAs that are involved in the occurrence and progression of diverse diseases. However, their exact presence and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, differentially expressed tsRNAs in HCC were profiled. A novel tsRNA, tRNAGln-TTG derived 5'-tiRNA-Gln, is significantly downregulated, and its expression level is correlated with progression in patients. In HCC cells, 5'-tiRNA-Gln overexpression impaired the proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while 5'-tiRNA-Gln knockdown yielded opposite results. 5'-tiRNA-Gln exerted its function by binding eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-I (EIF4A1), which unwinds complex RNA secondary structures during translation initiation, causing the partial inhibition of translation. The suppressed downregulated proteins include ARAF, MEK1/2 and STAT3, causing the impaired signaling pathway related to HCC progression. Furthermore, based on the construction of a mutant 5'-tiRNA-Gln, the sequence of forming intramolecular G-quadruplex structure is crucial for 5'-tiRNA-Gln to strongly bind EIF4A1 and repress translation. Clinically, 5'-tiRNA-Gln expression level is negatively correlated with ARAF, MEK1/2, and STAT3 in HCC tissues. Collectively, these findings reveal that 5'-tiRJNA-Gln interacts with EIF4A1 to reduce related mRNA binding through the intramolecular G-quadruplex structure, and this process partially inhibits translation and HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengdong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Dekai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lufei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhongquan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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20
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Lista MJ, Jousset AC, Cheng M, Saint-André V, Perrot E, Rodrigues M, Di Primo C, Gadelle D, Toccafondi E, Segeral E, Berlioz-Torrent C, Emiliani S, Mergny JL, Lavigne M. DNA topoisomerase 1 represses HIV-1 promoter activity through its interaction with a guanine quadruplex present in the LTR sequence. Retrovirology 2023; 20:10. [PMID: 37254203 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-023-00625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Once integrated in the genome of infected cells, HIV-1 provirus is transcribed by the cellular transcription machinery. This process is regulated by both viral and cellular factors, which are necessary for an efficient viral replication as well as for the setting up of viral latency, leading to a repressed transcription of the integrated provirus. RESULTS In this study, we examined the role of two parameters in HIV-1 LTR promoter activity. We identified DNA topoisomerase1 (TOP1) to be a potent repressor of this promoter and linked this repression to its catalytic domain. Additionally, we confirmed the folding of a Guanine quadruplex (G4) structure in the HIV-1 promoter and its repressive effect. We demonstrated a direct interaction between TOP1 and this G4 structure, providing evidence of a functional relationship between the two repressive elements. Mutations abolishing G4 folding affected TOP1/G4 interaction and hindered G4-dependent inhibition of TOP1 catalytic activity in vitro. As a result, HIV-1 promoter activity was reactivated in a native chromatin environment. Lastly, we noticed an enrichment of predicted G4 sequences in the promoter of TOP1-repressed cellular genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the formation of a TOP1/G4 complex on the HIV-1 LTR promoter and its repressive effect on the promoter activity. They reveal the existence of a new mechanism of TOP1/G4-dependent transcriptional repression conserved between viral and human genes. This mechanism contrasts with the known property of TOP1 as global transcriptional activator and offers new perspectives for anti-cancer and anti-viral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Lista
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne-Caroline Jousset
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 9002, Architecture et réactivité de l'ARN, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mingpan Cheng
- CNRS UMR 5320, INSERM U1212, ARNA, Univ. Bordeaux, IECB, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Violaine Saint-André
- Institut Pasteur, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Elouan Perrot
- Institut Pasteur, Departement of Virology, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Melissa Rodrigues
- Institut Pasteur, Departement of Virology, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Carmelo Di Primo
- CNRS UMR 5320, INSERM U1212, ARNA, Univ. Bordeaux, IECB, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Danielle Gadelle
- Institut de Biologie Integrative de la Cellule, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif Sur Yvette, Cedex, France
| | - Elenia Toccafondi
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR 9002, Architecture et réactivité de l'ARN, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emmanuel Segeral
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Stéphane Emiliani
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- CNRS UMR 5320, INSERM U1212, ARNA, Univ. Bordeaux, IECB, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Marc Lavigne
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014, Paris, France.
- Institut Pasteur, Departement of Virology, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France.
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21
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Shan W, Chen K, Sun J, Liu R, Xu W, Shao B. Mismatched duplexed aptamer-isothermal amplification-based nucleic acid-nanoflower for fluorescent detection of okadaic acid. Food Chem 2023; 424:136374. [PMID: 37207608 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136374] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We developed a highly sensitive fluorescent assay to detect okadaic acid (OA), a prevalent aquatic toxin posing serious health risks. Our approach uses a mismatched duplexed aptamer (DA) immobilized on streptavidin-conjugated magnetic beads (SMBs) to create a DA@SMB complex. In the presence of OA, the cDNA unwinds, hybridizes with a G-rich segment pre-encoding circular template (CT), and undergoes rolling circle amplification (RCA) to produce G-quadruplexes, which are detected using the fluorescent dye thioflavine T (ThT). The method has a LOD of 3.1 × 10-3 ng/mL, a linear range of 0.1 ∼ 1.0 × 103 ng/mL, and was successfully applied to shellfish samples with spiked recoveries of 85.9% ∼ 102.2% and RSD less than 13%. Furthermore, instrumental analysis confirmed the accuracy and reliability of this rapid detection method. Overall, this work represents a significant advancement in the field of rapid aquatic toxin detection and has important implications for public health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchong Shan
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Keren Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Health (Institute of Nutrition and Health), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Jiefang Sun
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, PR China
| | - Runqing Liu
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, PR China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Health (Institute of Nutrition and Health), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Bing Shao
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China; Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100013, PR China; Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Luohe 462300, PR China.
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22
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Lang XX, Sun SH, Cao HW, Chen YS, Li HY, Wang MQ. An environmentally insensitive fluorescent probe for G4 DNA detection: Design, synthesis, and mechanism studies. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1252:341074. [PMID: 36935132 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341074] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
G4 DNA structure highly localized to functionally important sites within the human genome, has been identified as a biomarker for regulation of multiple biological processes. Identification G4-responsive fluorescence probes has broad application prospects for addressing G4 biological functions, as well as developing of new families of anticancer drugs. However, some currently designed G4 DNA probes may suffer from serious solvent-dependent effect, and cause unspecific fluorescence that masks the specific signal from G4 DNA. Herein, with a bulky imidazole-cored molecular rotor fusing in D-A building block of carbazole-pyridinium, we constructed a new probe ACPS. This new probe with desirable environmentally insensitive property exhibited a "fluorescence-off" state in various polarity solvents. In the presence of G4 DNA, the intra-molecular rotations would be restricted, triggering intense fluorescence enhancement. Especially, probe ACPS bound to G4 DNA structures with superior selectivity, exhibiting much weaker fluorescence response in the presence of non-G4 DNA structures. This probe was also able to realize fluorescence visualization in cell imaging. Collectively, the probe design strategy eliminates the background fluorescence caused by uncontrollable environmental polarity change, thereby achieving high-fidelity sensing G4 DNA structures in complicated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Xian Lang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Shu-Hui Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Hao-Wen Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Yan-Song Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Hong-Yao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Ming-Qi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China.
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23
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Kang Y, Wang J, Zhang W, Xu Y, Xu B, Qu G, Yu Y, Yan B, Su G. RNA extraction-free workflow integrated with a single-tube CRISPR-Cas-based colorimetric assay for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection in different environmental matrices. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131487. [PMID: 37148798 PMCID: PMC10125216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
On-site environmental surveillance of viruses is increasingly important for infection prevention and pandemic control. Herein, we report a facile single-tube colorimetric assay for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from environmental compartments. Using glycerol as the phase separation additive, reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA), CRISPR-Cas system activation, G-quadruplex (G4) cleavage, and G4-based colorimetric reaction were performed in a single tube. To further simplify the test, viral RNA genomes used for the one-tube assay were obtained via acid/base treatment without further purification. The whole assay from sampling to visual readout was completed within 30 min at a constant temperature without the need for sophisticated instruments. Coupling the RT-RPA to CRISPR-Cas improved the reliability by avoiding false positive results. Non-labeled cost-effective G4-based colorimetric systems are highly sensitive to CRISPR-Cas cleavage events, and the proposed assay reached the limit of detection of 0.84 copies/µL. Moreover, environmental samples from contaminated surfaces and wastewater were analyzed using this facile colorimetric assay. Given its simplicity, sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness, our proposed colorimetric assay is highly promising for applications in on-site environmental surveillance of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Wensi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yuhang Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bohui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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24
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Apsley AT, Domico ER, Verbiest MA, Brogan CA, Buck ER, Burich AJ, Cardone KM, Stone WJ, Anisimova M, Vandenbergh DJ. A novel hypervariable variable number tandem repeat in the dopamine transporter gene ( SLC6A3). Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201677. [PMID: 36754567 PMCID: PMC9909461 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopamine transporter gene, SLC6A3, has received substantial attention in genetic association studies of various phenotypes. Although some variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) present in SLC6A3 have been tested in genetic association studies, results have not been consistent. VNTRs in SLC6A3 that have not been examined genetically were characterized. The Tandem Repeat Annotation Library was used to characterize the VNTRs of 64 unrelated long-read haplotype-phased SLC6A3 sequences. Sequence similarity of each repeat unit of the five VNTRs is reported, along with the correlations of SNP-SNP, SNP-VNTR, and VNTR-VNTR alleles across the gene. One of these VNTRs is a novel hyper-VNTR (hyVNTR) in intron 8 of SLC6A3, which contains a range of 3.4-133.4 repeat copies and has a consensus sequence length of 38 bp, with 82% G+C content. The 38-base repeat was predicted to form G-quadruplexes in silico and was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. In addition, this hyVNTR contains multiple putative binding sites for PRDM9, which, in combination with low levels of linkage disequilibrium around the hyVNTR, suggests it might be a recombination hotspot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abner T Apsley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- The Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Biosciences Program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Emma R Domico
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Max A Verbiest
- Institute of Computational Life Science, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carly A Brogan
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Evan R Buck
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Andrew J Burich
- Department of Information Science and Technologies - Applied Data Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Cardone
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Wesley J Stone
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Maria Anisimova
- Institute of Computational Life Science, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David J Vandenbergh
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- The Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Biosciences Program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- Institute of the Neurosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
- The Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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25
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Yang X, Yuan L, Xu Y, He B. Target-catalyzed self-assembled spherical G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of microRNA in serum. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1247:340879. [PMID: 36781247 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.340879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The accurate and visual detection of circulating microRNA (miRNA) has attracted increasing interest due to its pivotal role in clinical disease diagnosis. Taking advantages of nucleic acid isothermal amplification and enzyme-catalyzed chromogenic reaction, here, a colorimetric sensing strategy was proposed for sensitive miRNA analysis. When the target miRNA was present, local catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) would be triggered and proceed continuously to form dozens of double-stranded oligonucleotides with G-rich sticky ends on the gold nanoparticle, which could self-assemble into a spherical G-quadruplex (GQ)/hemin DNAzyme by binding with hemin and potassium ions. As a horseradish peroxidase-mimic, GQ/hemin DNAzyme could catalyze the redox reaction and color change of the substrates. Taking miRNA-21 as an example, the developed method exhibited satisfactory specificity as well as high sensitivity with a detection limit of 90.3 fM. Furthermore, the sensing platform has been successfully employed to detect miRNA-21 in spiked serum, providing a promising tool for early diagnosis of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Liquan Yuan
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Yue Xu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Bingfang He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China; College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, China.
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26
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Shien Yeoh T, Yusof Hazrina H, Bukari BA, Tang TH, Citartan M. Generation of an RNA aptamer against LipL32 of Leptospira isolated by Tripartite-hybrid SELEX coupled with in-house Python-aided unbiased data sorting. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 81:117186. [PMID: 36812779 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117186] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira. The major hurdle of the diagnosis of Leptospirosis lies in the issues associated with current methods of detection, which are time-consuming, tedious and the need for sophisticated, special equipments. Restrategizing the diagnostics of Leptospirosis may involve considerations of the direct detection of the outer membrane protein, which can be faster, cost-saving and require fewer equipments. One such promising marker is LipL32, which is an antigen with high amino acid sequence conservation among all the pathogenic strains. In this study, we endeavored to isolate an aptamer against LipL32 protein via a modified SELEX strategy known as tripartite-hybrid SELEX, based on 3 different partitioning strategies. In this study, we also demonstrated the deconvolution of the candidate aptamers by using in-house Python-aided unbiased data sorting in examining multiple parameters to isolate potent aptamers. We have successfully generated an RNA aptamer against LipL32 of Leptospira, LepRapt-11, which is applicable in a simple direct ELASA for the detection of LipL32. LepRapt-11 can be a promising molecular recognition element for the diagnosis of leptospirosis by targeting LipL32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzi Shien Yeoh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hamdani Yusof Hazrina
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Bakhtiar A Bukari
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 3216 Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thean-Hock Tang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Marimuthu Citartan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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27
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Liu F, Zhang C, Duan Y, Ma J, Wang Y, Chen G. Optimization of an aptamer against Prorocentrum minimum - A common harmful algae by truncation and G-quadruplex-forming mutation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115099. [PMID: 36563978 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115099] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Prorocentrum minimum have seriously posed economic losses and ecological disasters. To reduce these losses, aptamers are used as a new molecular probe to establish rapid methods. Herein, to improve the affinity and application of aptamers in the detection of harmful algae, the optimization was performed on the previously reported aptamers against P. minimum. First, a total of seven candidate aptamers, including three truncated aptamers (TA1, TA2 and TA3) and four mutant aptamers (MA1, MA2, MA3 and MA4), were obtained by truncation and G-quadruplex (GQ)-forming mutation. Next, the specificity and affinity test by flow cytometry revealed that except for TA1 and TA2, all of the candidate aptamers are specific with the equilibrium dissociation constant of (40.4 ± 5.5) nM for TA3, (63.3 ± 24.0) nM for MA1, (71.7 ± 14.6) nM for MA2, (365.9 ± 74.4) nM for MA3, and (21.1 ± 0.5) nM for MA4, respectively. The circular dichroism analysis of the mutant aptamers demonstrated that the GQ structures formed by MA1/MA2, MA3 and MA4 were antiparallel, mixed parallel and parallel, respectively. The affinity of aptamers with various GQ is in the order of parallel structure > antiparallel structure > mixed parallel structure. In addition, to further improve binding ability, the binding conditions of MA4 were optimized as follows: binding time, 60 min; binding temperature, 37 °C; pH of the binding buffer, 7.5; and Na+/Mg2+ concentration in the binding buffer, 100 mM/0.5 mM. The binding examination by fluorescence microscopy showed that MA4 had a stronger binding ability to P. minimum than the original aptamer. Taken together, this study not only obtained an aptamer with higher affinity than the original aptamer, which laid a good foundation for subsequent application, but also may provide a feasible reference method for aptamer optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Liu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, 264209, PR China; School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, 264209, PR China
| | - Yu Duan
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Jinju Ma
- School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, 264209, PR China
| | - Guofu Chen
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai), Weihai, 264209, PR China.
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28
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Liang L, Qin F, Wang S, Wu J, Li R, Wang Z, Ren M, Liu D, Wang D, Astruc D. Overview of the materials design and sensing strategies of nanopore devices. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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29
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Song C, Liu C, Chen J, Ma Z, Tang S, Pan R, Suo X, Yan Z, Lee HK, Shen W. Self-Generation of Distinguishable Fluorescent Probes via a One-Pot Process for Multiple MicroRNA Detection by Liquid Chromatography. Anal Chem 2023; 95:4113-4121. [PMID: 36787427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
To address the challenge of signal production and separation for multiple microRNA (miRNA) detection, in this work, a "one-pot" process to self-generate distinguishable fluorescent probes was developed. Based on a long and short probe amplification strategy, the generated G-quadruplex fluorescent dye-free probes can be separated and detected by a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence platform. The free hairpin probes enriched in guanine with different lengths and base sequences were designed and could be opened by the target miRNAs (miRNA-10b, miRNA-21, and miRNA-210). Cleaved G-quadruplex probes with fluorescent signal could be generated in a one-pot process after a duplex-specific nuclease-based cleavage, and the detection of multiple miRNAs could be realized in one run. No solid nanomaterials were applied in the assay, which avoided the blocking of the column. Moreover, without modification of expensive fluorescein, the experimental cost was greatly reduced. The one-pot reaction process also eliminated tedious preparation steps and suggested feasibility of automation. The limits of detection of miRNA-10b, miRNA-21, and miRNA-210 were 2.19, 2.20, and 2.75 fM, respectively. Notably, this method was successfully applied to multiplex detection of miRNAs in serum samples from breast cancer patients within 30 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Song
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Jisen Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Ziyu Ma
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Ruirong Pan
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaocen Suo
- Testing Center of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Zuowei Yan
- ACD/Labs, (Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc.), Pudong 201210, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China.,Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Wei Shen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
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30
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Hudait N, Karmakar A, Basu A, Kar B, Bhuyan S, Chhetri K, Kundu S, Gopal Roy B, Sengupta J. Transglycosylation Reaction: Synthesis and Supramolecular Study of Carbohydrate‐Cased
C
2
‐Symmetric 20‐ and 22‐Membered Macrocyclic Dinucleosides. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202204311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nandagopal Hudait
- Department of Chemistry West Bengal State University 700126 Barasat Kolkata India
| | - Arun Karmakar
- Electrochemical Process Engineering Division CSIR-CECRI 630003 Karaikudi India
| | - Arpan Basu
- Department of Chemistry West Bengal State University 700126 Barasat Kolkata, India
| | - Binoy Kar
- Department of Chemistry School of Advanced Science Vellore Institute of Technology 632014 Vellore Tamil Nadu India
| | - Samuzal Bhuyan
- Department of Chemistry Sikkim University 737102 Gangtok India
| | - Karan Chhetri
- Department of Chemistry Sikkim University 737102 Gangtok India
| | - Subrata Kundu
- Electrochemical Process Engineering Division CSIR-CECRI 630003 Karaikudi India
| | - Biswajit Gopal Roy
- Department of Chemistry Sikkim University 737102 Gangtok India
- Department of Chemistry Sikkim University 737102 Gangtok India
| | - Jhimli Sengupta
- Department of Chemistry West Bengal State University 700126 Barasat Kolkata India
- Department of Chemistry West Bengal State University 700126 Barasat Kolkata, India
- Department of Chemistry School of Advanced Science Vellore Institute of Technology 632014 Vellore Tamil Nadu India
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31
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G4Beacon: An In Vivo G4 Prediction Method Using Chromatin and Sequence Information. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020292. [PMID: 36830661 PMCID: PMC9953394 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020292] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) structures are critical epigenetic regulatory elements, which usually form in guanine-rich regions in DNA. However, predicting the formation of G4 structures within living cells remains a challenge. Here, we present an ultra-robust machine learning method, G4Beacon, which utilizes the Gradient-Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) algorithm, coupled with the ATAC-seq data and the surrounding sequences of in vitro G4s, to accurately predict the formation ability of these in vitro G4s in different cell types. As a result, our model achieved excellent performance even when the test set was extremely skewed. Besides this, G4Beacon can also identify the in vivo G4s of other cell lines precisely with the model built on a special cell line, regardless of the experimental techniques or platforms. Altogether, G4Beacon is an accurate, reliable, and easy-to-use method for the prediction of in vivo G4s of various cell lines.
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32
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Liu Y, Abula A, Xiao H, Guo H, Li T, Zheng L, Chen B, Nguyen HC, Ji X. Structural Insight Into hnRNP A2/B1 Homodimerization and DNA Recognition. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167920. [PMID: 36528084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167920] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1) has been identified as a nuclear DNA sensor. Upon viral infection, hnRNP A2/B1 recognizes pathogen-derived DNA as a homodimer, which is a prerequisite for its translocation to the cytoplasm to activate the interferon response. However, the DNA binding mechanism inducing hnRNP A2/B1 homodimerization is unknown. Here, we show the crystal structure of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of hnRNP A2/B1 in complex with a U-shaped ssDNA, which mediates the formation of a newly observed protein dimer. Our biochemical assays and mutagenesis studies confirm that the hnRNP A2/B1 homodimer forms in solution by binding to pre-generated ssDNA or dsDNA with a U-shaped bulge. These results depict a potential functional state of hnRNP A2/B1 in antiviral immunity and other cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Abudureyimu Abula
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, People's Republic of China
| | - Haonan Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangtian Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tinghan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Biqing Chen
- Research Center of Chinese Medicine/Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine/ the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Henry C Nguyen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Ji
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Institute of Artificial Intelligence Biomedicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China.
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33
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Pandya N, Singh M, Rani R, Kumar V, Kumar A. G-quadruplex-mediated specific recognition, stabilization and transcriptional repression of bcl-2 by small molecule. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 734:109483. [PMID: 36513132 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109483] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the G-quadruplex (G4) structure in the promoter region of the human bcl-2 oncogenes makes it a promising target for developing anti-cancer therapeutics. Bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis, and its frequent overexpression in cancer cells contributes to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. Small molecules that can specifically bind to bcl-2 G4 with high affinity and selectivity are remaining elusive. Here, we report that small molecule 1,3-bis-) furane-2yl-methylidene-amino) guanidine (BiGh) binds to bcl-2 G4 DNA structure with very high affinity and selectivity over other genomic G4 DNA structures and duplex DNA. BiGh stabilizes folded parallel conformation of bcl-2 G4 via non-covalent and electrostatic interactions and increases the thermal stabilization up to 15 °C. The ligand significantly suppresses the bcl-2 transcription in HeLa cells by a G4-dependent mechanism and induces cell cycle arrest which promotes apoptosis. The in silico ADME profiling confirms the potential 'drug-likeness' of BiGh. Our results showed that BiGh stabilizes the bcl-2 G-quadruplex motif, downregulates the bcl-2 gene transcription as well as translation process in cervical cancer cells, and exhibits potential anti-cancer activity. This work provides a potential platform for the development of lead compound(s) as G4 stabilizers with drug-like properties of BiGh for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India
| | - Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Reshma Rani
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India.
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34
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Self-assembled Supramolecular Artificial Transmembrane Ion Channels: Recent Progress and Application. Chem Res Chin Univ 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40242-023-2337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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35
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Alangari M, Demir B, Gultakti CA, Oren EE, Hihath J. Mapping DNA Conformations Using Single-Molecule Conductance Measurements. Biomolecules 2023; 13:129. [PMID: 36671514 PMCID: PMC9855376 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA is an attractive material for a range of applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and it has recently been demonstrated that the electronic properties of DNA are uniquely sensitive to its sequence and structure, opening new opportunities for the development of electronic DNA biosensors. In this report, we examine the origin of multiple conductance peaks that can occur during single-molecule break-junction (SMBJ)-based conductance measurements on DNA. We demonstrate that these peaks originate from the presence of multiple DNA conformations within the solutions, in particular, double-stranded B-form DNA (dsDNA) and G-quadruplex structures. Using a combination of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, computational approaches, sequence and environmental controls, and single-molecule conductance measurements, we disentangle the conductance information and demonstrate that specific conductance values come from specific conformations of the DNA and that the occurrence of these peaks can be controlled by controlling the local environment. In addition, we demonstrate that conductance measurements are uniquely sensitive to identifying these conformations in solutions and that multiple configurations can be detected in solutions over an extremely large concentration range, opening new possibilities for examining low-probability DNA conformations in solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashari Alangari
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Engineering College, University of Ha’il, Ha’il 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Busra Demir
- Bionanodesign Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - Caglanaz Akin Gultakti
- Bionanodesign Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - Ersin Emre Oren
- Bionanodesign Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara 06560, Turkey
| | - Joshua Hihath
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics, School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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36
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Apostolidi M, Stamatopoulou V. Aberrant splicing in human cancer: An RNA structural code point of view. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1137154. [PMID: 36909167 PMCID: PMC9995731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1137154] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing represents an essential process that occurs widely in eukaryotes. In humans, most genes undergo alternative splicing to ensure transcriptome and proteome diversity reflecting their functional complexity. Over the last decade, aberrantly spliced transcripts due to mutations in cis- or trans-acting splicing regulators have been tightly associated with cancer development, largely drawing scientific attention. Although a plethora of single proteins, ribonucleoproteins, complexed RNAs, and short RNA sequences have emerged as nodal contributors to the splicing cascade, the role of RNA secondary structures in warranting splicing fidelity has been underestimated. Recent studies have leveraged the establishment of novel high-throughput methodologies and bioinformatic tools to shed light on an additional layer of splicing regulation in the context of RNA structural elements. This short review focuses on the most recent available data on splicing mechanism regulation on the basis of RNA secondary structure, emphasizing the importance of the complex RNA G-quadruplex structures (rG4s), and other specific RNA motifs identified as splicing silencers or enhancers. Moreover, it intends to provide knowledge on newly established techniques that allow the identification of RNA structural elements and highlight the potential to develop new RNA-oriented therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Apostolidi
- Agilent Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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37
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Sahayasheela VJ, Yu Z, Hidaka T, Pandian GN, Sugiyama H. Mitochondria and G-quadruplex evolution: an intertwined relationship. Trends Genet 2023; 39:15-30. [PMID: 36414480 PMCID: PMC9772288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical structures formed in guanine (G)-rich sequences through stacked G tetrads by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of G4s in the genome of various organisms, including humans, and have proposed that G4s have a regulatory role in various cellular functions. However, little is known regarding the dissemination of G4s in mitochondria. In this review, we report the observation that the number of potential G4-forming sequences in the mitochondrial genome increases with the evolutionary complexity of different species, suggesting that G4s have a beneficial role in higher-order organisms. We also discuss the possible function of G4s in mitochondrial (mt)DNA and long noncoding (lnc)RNA and their role in various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh J Sahayasheela
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Zutao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takuya Hidaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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38
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Klett-Mingo JI, Pinto-Díez C, Cambronero-Plaza J, Carrión-Marchante R, Barragán-Usero M, Pérez-Morgado MI, Rodríguez-Martín E, del Val Toledo-Lobo M, González VM, Martín ME. Potential Therapeutic Use of Aptamers against HAT1 in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010227. [PMID: 36612223 PMCID: PMC9818519 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010227] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the most common of all cancer types. Histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) has attracted increasing interest as a potential therapeutic target due to its involvement in multiple pathologies, including cancer. Aptamers are single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules whose three-dimensional structure allows them to bind to a target molecule with high specificity and affinity, thus making them exceptional candidates for use as diagnostic or therapeutic tools. In this work, aptamers against HAT1 were obtained, subsequently characterized, and optimized, showing high affinity and specificity for HAT1 and the ability to inhibit acetyltransferase activity in vitro. Of those tested, the apHAT610 aptamer reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibited colony formation in lung cancer cell lines. All these results indicate that the apHAT610 aptamer is a potential drug for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Klett-Mingo
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Pinto-Díez
- Aptus Biotech SL, Av. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Cambronero-Plaza
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Carrión-Marchante
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Barragán-Usero
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Pérez-Morgado
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eulalia Rodríguez-Martín
- Departamento de Inmunología, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Val Toledo-Lobo
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Víctor M. González
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (V.M.G.); (M.E.M.); Tel.: +34-913368173 (V.M.G. & M.E.M.)
| | - Maria Elena Martín
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (V.M.G.); (M.E.M.); Tel.: +34-913368173 (V.M.G. & M.E.M.)
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39
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Lyu K, Chen SB, Chow EYC, Zhao H, Yuan JH, Cai M, Shi J, Chan TF, Tan JH, Kwok CK. An RNA G-Quadruplex Structure within the ADAR 5'UTR Interacts with DHX36 Helicase to Regulate Translation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203553. [PMID: 36300875 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) play crucial roles in fundamental cellular processes. ADAR is an important enzyme that binds to double-strand RNA and accounts for the conversion of Adenosine to Inosine in RNA editing. However, so far there is no report on the formation and regulatory role of rG4 on ADAR expression. Here, we identify and characterize a thermostable rG4 structure within the 5'UTR of the ADAR1 mRNA and demonstrate its formation and inhibitory role on translation in reporter gene and native gene constructs. We reveal rG4-specific helicase DHX36 interacts with this rG4 in vitro and in cells under knockdown and knockout conditions by GTFH (G-quadruplex-triggered fluorogenic hybridization) probes and modulates translation in an rG4-dependent manner. Our results further substantiate the rG4 structure-DHX36 protein interaction in cells and highlight rG4 to be a key player in controlling ADAR1 translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haizhou Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Hao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Meng Cai
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programmes, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, 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, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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40
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Wang X, Chen S, Zhao Z, Chen F, Huang Y, Guo X, Lei L, Wang W, Luo Y, Yu H, Wang J. Genomic G-quadruplex folding triggers a cytokine-mediated inflammatory feedback loop to aggravate inflammatory diseases. iScience 2022; 25:105312. [PMID: 36304116 PMCID: PMC9593248 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105312] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplex is a non-canonical secondary structure that could epigenetically regulate gene expression. To investigate the regulating role of G-quadruplex, we devised an integrating method to perform the algorithm profiling and genome-wide analysis for the dynamic change of genomic G-quadruplex and RNA profiles in rat nucleus pulposus cells by inducing G-quadruplex folding with multiple stabilizers. A group of genes potentially regulated by G-quadruplex and involved in the inflammation process has been identified. We found that G-quadruplex folding triggers inflammation response by upregulating inflammatory cytokines, which could promote G-quadruplex folding in a manner of positive feedback loop. Moreover, we confirmed that G-quadruplex is a marker indicating elevated inflammatory status and G-quadruplex folding facilitates the development of inflammatory diseases using in vivo intervertebral disc degeneration models. The crosstalk between G-quadruplex and inflammatory cytokines plays a vital role in regulating inflammation-derived diseases, which may provide new insights into the blocking target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shunlun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhuoyang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuming Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingyu Guo
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Linchuan Lei
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wantao Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanxin Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huichuan Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianru Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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41
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Roy S, Muniyappa K, Bhattacharya S. Deciphering the Binding Insights of Novel Disubstituted Anthraquinone Derivatives with G-Quadruplex DNA to Exhibit Selective Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200436. [PMID: 36161519 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Anthraquinone-based compounds are well-known as duplex DNA as well as G-quadruplex DNA binders. Implications of various anthraquinone derivatives for specific recognition of G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA is a 'challenging' research work that requires adequate experience with molecular design. To address this important issue, we designed and synthesized ten new 2,6-disubstituted anthraquinone-based derivatives with different functionalized piperazinyl side-chains. Among these, particular compounds with certain distant groups have shown selective and significant binding affinities toward the c-MYC and c-KIT G-quadruplex DNA over the duplex DNA, as noticed from various biophysical experiments. The structural difference of quadruplex and duplex DNA was utilized to probe these derivatives for the end-stacking mode of binding with G-quadruplex DNA. The ability of the ligands to halt DNA synthesis by stabilizing G-quadruplex structures is one of the crucial points to further apply them for quadruplex-mediated anti-cancer therapeutics. Interestingly, these ligands trigger apoptosis to exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells. This was further evidenced by ligand-induced cell cycle arrest as well as cellular apoptotic morphological changes. These blood-compatible ligands provided detailed structure-activity relationship approaches for the molecular design of anthraquinone-based G-quadruplex binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Roy
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.,School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Kalappa Muniyappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.,School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
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42
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Bazzicalupi C, Bonardi A, Biver T, Ferraroni M, Papi F, Savastano M, Lombardi P, Gratteri P. Probing the Efficiency of 13-Pyridylalkyl Berberine Derivatives to Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes Binding: Spectroscopic, Solid State and In Silico Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214061. [PMID: 36430540 PMCID: PMC9693123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the series of berberine derivatives 1-5 (NAX071, NAX120, NAX075, NAX077 and NAX079) and human telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4), which are able to inhibit the Telomerase enzyme's activity in malignant cells, was investigated. The derivatives bear a pyridine moiety connected by a hydrocarbon linker of varying length (n = 1-5, with n number of aliphatic carbon atoms) to the C13 position of the parent berberine. As for the G4s, both bimolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGT-3' (Tel12) and monomolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-3' (Tel23) DNA oligonucleotides were considered. Spectrophotometric titrations, melting tests, X-ray diffraction solid state analysis and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to describe the different systems. The results were compared in search of structure-activity relationships. The analysis pointed out the formation of 1:1 complexes between Tel12 and all ligands, whereas both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/G4 stoichiometries were found for the adduct formed by NAX071 (n = 1). Tel12, with tetrads free from the hindrance by the loop, showed a higher affinity. The details of the different binding geometries were discussed, highlighting the importance of H-bonds given by the berberine benzodioxole group and a correlation between the strength of binding and the hydrocarbon linker length. Theoretical (MD) and experimental (X-ray) structural studies evidence the possibility for the berberine core to interact with one or both G4 strands, depending on the constraints given by the linker length, thus affecting the G4 stabilization effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alessandro Bonardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Savastano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.G.)
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43
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Zhao L, Ahmed F, Zeng Y, Xu W, Xiong H. Recent Developments in G-Quadruplex Binding Ligands and Specific Beacons on Smart Fluorescent Sensor for Targeting Metal Ions and Biological Analytes. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2833-2856. [PMID: 36112358 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00992] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex structure is crucial in several biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, and genomic maintenance. G-quadruplex-based fluorescent probes have recently gained popularity because of their ease of use, low cost, excellent selectivity, and sensitivity. This review summarizes the latest applications of G-quadruplex structures as detectors of genome-wide, enantioselective catalysts, disease therapeutics, promising drug targets, and smart fluorescence probes. In every section, sensing of G-quadruplex and employing G4 for the detection of other analytes were introduced, respectively. Since the discovery of the G-quadruplex structure, several studies have been conducted to investigate its conformations, biological potential, stability, reactivity, selectivity for chemical modification, and optical properties. The formation mechanism and advancements for detecting different metal ions (Na+, K+, Ag+, Tl+, Cu+/Cu2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+) and biomolecules (AMP, ATP, DNA/RNA, microRNA, thrombin, T4 PNK, RNase H, ALP, CEA, lipocalin 1, and UDG) using fluorescent sensors based on G-quadruplex modification, such as dye labels, artificial nucleobase moieties, dye complexes, intercalating dyes, and bioconjugated nanomaterials (AgNCs, GO, QDs, CDs, and MOF) is described herein. To investigate these extremely efficient responsive agents for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine, fluorescence sensors based on G-quadruplexes have also been employed as a quantitative visualization technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China.,College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yating Zeng
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Weiqing Xu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Hai Xiong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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44
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Xiang M, Li Y, Liu J, Shi J, Ge Y, Peng C, Bin Y, Wang Z, Wang L. G-Quadruplex Linked DNA Guides Selective Transfection into Nucleolin-Overexpressing Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102247. [PMID: 36297681 PMCID: PMC9609445 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102247] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating tumors. Conventional approaches of DNA delivery depending on non-viral or viral vectors are unsatisfactory due to the concerns of biosafety and cell-targeting efficiency. The question how to deliver DNA into tumor cells efficiently and selectively is a major technological problem in tumor gene therapy. Here, we develop a vector-free gene transfer strategy to deliver genes effectively and selectively by taking advantage of targeting nucleolin. Nucleolin, a shuttle protein moving between cell membrane, cytoplasm and nuclei, is overexpressed in tumor cells. It has a natural ligand G-quadruplex (Gq). Gq-linked DNA (Gq-DNA) is likely to be internalized by ligand dependent uptake mechanisms independently of vectors after neutralizing negative charges of cell membrane by targeting nucleolin. This strategy is referred to as Gq-DNA transfection. Benefiting from its high affinity to nucleolin, Gq-DNA can be effectively delivered into nucleolin-positive tumor cells even nuclei. Gq-DNA transfection is characterized by low cytotoxicity, high efficiency, ease of synthesis, high stability in serum, direct access into nuclei, and specific nucleolin-positive tumor cell targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Xiang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yizhi Ge
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yawen Bin
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.W.)
| | - Lin Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.W.)
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45
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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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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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47
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Kang Y, Wei C. A stilbene derivative as dual-channel fluorescent probe for mitochondrial G-quadruplex DNA in living cells. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 278:121316. [PMID: 35569198 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNA has attracted the widespread attention as a novel target of anticancer strategy. Herein, two novel stilbene derivatives 2a and 2b were designed and synthesized under mild reaction conditions, and their interactions with G-quadruplex DNA, cytotoxicity, and distribution in living cells were investigated in detail. Both compounds display a low cytotoxicity and the higher affinity to G-quadruplex DNA than to the other secondary structures, including duplex, single-stranded and i-motif DNA, moreover, the affinity of 2b with m-allyl pyridine salt group to G-quadruplex DNA is about 10-fold stronger than that of 2a with p-allyl pyridine salt group. The interactions of the compounds with the promoter G-quadruplexes are enthalpy-driven by an ITC assay. 2a and 2b not only stabilize the G-quadruplex structure but also induce the G-rich sequences (bcl-2, HRCC and KSS) to fold into the mixed-type G-quadruplex in Na+/K+ free Tris-HCl buffer at pH 7.0, and 2b presents the higher stabilization to G-quadruplex than 2a by a FRET-melting assay. 2b presents a dual-emission at 508 and 600 nm and gives a turn-on and stronger and more sensitive fluorescence response over 2a to the promoter (bcl-2, c-kit 2 and c-myc) and mitochondrial (HRCC and KSS) G-quadruplex DNA at both emission wavelengths, moreover, the peak at 508 nm is blue-shifted to 466 nm after binding to DNA. The blue and red dual-channel CLSM images indicate that 2b is mainly distributed in the mitochondrion of living HepG2 cells. The results show that 2b is a potential dual-channel fluorescent probe for mitochondrial G-quadruplex DNA in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Kang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Chunying Wei
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China.
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48
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Song T, Wang X, Yao D, Liang H, Lu Y. Identifying and Differentiating Topological G-Quadruplex Structures with DNA-Encoded Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202204201. [PMID: 35894268 PMCID: PMC9489634 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202204201] [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: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified as critical elements in modulating genomic functions and many other biological processes. Their functions are highly dependent on the primary nucleotides and secondary folding structures. Therefore, to understand their functions, methods to identify and differentiate structures of G4 with speed and accuracy are required but limited. In this report, we have applied a synthetic G4 DNA-encoded nanoparticle approach to identify and differentiate G4 DNA molecules with different topologies and nucleotide residues. We found that the resulting plasmonic properties of the gold nanoparticles, monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy, are quite sensitive to different G4 structures, including stacking layers, loop sequences, capping bases on G4s, and topological structures. Through these systematic investigations, we demonstrate that this G4-encoded gold nanoparticle approach can be used to profile the G4 structures and distinguish G4s from human telomeres. Such a method may have wide applications in G4 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingjie Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Dongbao Yao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Haojun Liang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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49
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Nagano M, Nakano S, Yoshimoto K. Evaluation of G-quartet-forming deoxyguanines in antiparallel G-quadruplexes using optical spectroscopy and deoxyguanine-to-deoxythymidine scanning. Anal Biochem 2022; 658:114903. [PMID: 36162449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Due to the dynamic conformations of G-quadruplex structures (G4), determining the guanines that form G4 in a guanine-rich sequence is elusive. Here, we report a method for identifying deoxyguanines (dGs) forming antiparallel G4 by optical spectroscopy. The method, referred to as dG-to-deoxythymidine (dT) scanning, compares the spectra between a wild type and a single nucleobase dG-to-dT mutant at all dG positions. The most strongly involved dGs to form antiparallel G4 in the two model sequences were estimated using dG-to-dT scanning by circular dichroism (CD) and UV-Vis melting curve. This simple and robust method will facilitate understanding de novo antiparallel G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Nagano
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Sosuke Nakano
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Keitaro Yoshimoto
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
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50
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Optimization of Gonyautoxin1/4-Binding G-Quadruplex Aptamers by Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090622. [PMID: 36136560 PMCID: PMC9505997 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090622] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids with G-quadruplex (G4) structures play an important role in physiological function, analysis and detection, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and new drug research and development. Aptamers obtained using systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment (SELEX) screening technology do not always have the best affinity or binding specificity to ligands. Therefore, the establishment of a structure-oriented experimental method is of great significance. To study the potential of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in aptamer optimization, marine biotoxin gonyautoxin (GTX)1/4 and its G4 aptamer obtained using SELEX were selected. The binding site and the induced fit of the aptamer to GTX1/4 were confirmed using SERS combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. The intensity of interaction between GTX1/4 and G4 was also quantified by measuring the relative intensity of SERS bands corresponding to intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the interaction between GTX1/4 and optimized aptamers was analyzed. The order of intensity change in the characteristic bands of G4 aptamers was consistent with the order of affinity calculated using microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations. SERS provides a rapid, sensitive, and economical post-SELEX optimization of aptamers. It is also a reference for future research on other nucleic acid sequences containing G4 structures.
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