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Chen Y, Li J, Niu K, Peng Y, Song Q, Feng Q. G-quadruplex is involved in the regulation of BmSGF1 expression in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38439572 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Advanced DNA structures, such as the G-quadruplex (G4) and the i-motif, are widely but not randomly present in the genomes of many organisms. A G4 structure was identified in the promoter of the silk gland factor-1 gene (SGF1), which is the main regulatory gene for silk production in Bombyx mori. In this study, a BmSGF1 G4-/- homozygous mutant was generated with the G4 sequence knocked out. The promoter activity of BmSGF1 was lowered in the BmSGF1 G4-/- mutant. Pyridostatin (PDS) stabilized the G4 structure and increased the promoter activity of BmSGF1, whereas anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) complementary to the G4 sequence suppressed the promoter activity of BmSGF1. Compared with wild-type larvae, the deletion of the BmSGF1 G4 structure decreased both the expression of BmSGF1 and the fibroin heavy chain gene BmFib-H in the posterior silk gland and the weight of the cocoons. Overall, these results suggest that the promoter G4 structure of BmSGF1 participates in the transcription regulation of the BmSGF1 gene in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Chen
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science & Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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3
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Liu M, Yu K, Lian W, Zhou N, Wu C, Bao J. G-Quadruplex Structures as a "Switch" Regulate ATF4 Expression in Ferroptotic HepG2 Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:273-284. [PMID: 36722101 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) is a noncanonical structure folded in a widespread manner by guanine-rich tandem repeated sequences. As a key response factor, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) has dual functions in managing iron-dependent ferroptosis by regulating amino acid synthesis and antioxidant-related gene expression. In our study, the activity of ATF4 expression was elevated in HepG2 cells induced by erastin. Based on preliminary bioinformatics analyses, the G-tract region, named WT, had high potential to form G4, and it was found that PDS could markedly weaken the increase of ATF4 expression by reducing the sensitivity of HepG2 cells toward erastin. In circular dichroism spectra, WT oligonucleotides showed characteristic molar ellipticity at specific wavelengths of parallel G4 structures, while corresponding single-base mutants possessed a weaker ability to form G4, which were consistent with immunostaining results. In addition, endogenous G4 formed by the WT motif was significantly destroyed in HepG2 cells treated with erastin. After being transfected with WT oligonucleotides, the levels of ATF4 mRNA decreased significantly regardless of being treated with erastin or not. Meanwhile, mutations of G-tracts could advantageously impact the luciferase expression downstream of an ATF4 promoter in reporter assays, manifesting that the decrease of endogenous G4 in the ATF4 promoter was positively associated with the expression enhanced by erastin in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Weishao Lian
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Chuanfang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Jinku Bao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
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Deng Z, Zhang Y, Gao C, Shen W, Wang S, Ni X, Liu S, Li X. A transposon-introduced G-quadruplex motif is selectively retained and constrained to downregulate CYP321A1. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1629-1642. [PMID: 35226400 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insects utilize xenobiotic compounds to up- and downregulate cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) involved in detoxification of toxic xenobiotics including phytochemicals and pesticides. G-quadruplexes (G4)-forming DNA motifs are enriched in the promoter regions of transcription factors and function as cis-acting elements to regulate these genes. Whether and how P450s gain and keep G4 DNA motifs to regulate their expression still remain unexplored. Here, we show that CYP321A1, a xenobiotic-metabolizing P450 from Helicoverpa zea, a polyphagous insect of economic importance, has acquired and preserved a G4 DNA motif by selectively retaining a transposon known as HzIS1-3 that carries this G4 DNA motif in its promoter region. The HzIS1-3 G4 DNA motif acts as a silencer to suppress the constitutive and induced expression of CYP321A1 by plant allelochemicals flavone and xanthotoxin through folding into an intramolecular parallel or hybrid-1 conformation in the absence or presence of K+ . The G4 ligand N-methylmesoporphyrin IX (NMM) strengthens the silencing effect of HzIS1-3 G4 DNA motif by switching its structure from hybrid-1 to hybrid-2. The enrichment of transposons in P450s and other environment-adaptation genes implies that selective retention of G4 DNA motif-carrying transposons may be the main evolutionary route for these genes to obtain G4 DNA motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Deng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Wang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Sisi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianchun Li
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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5
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Li F, Huang K, Pan C, Xiao Y, Zheng Q, Zhong K. Expression Patterns of Glycosylation Regulators Define Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy in Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:811075. [PMID: 35242759 PMCID: PMC8886025 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.811075] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation (Glyc) is prevalently related to gastric cancer (GC) pathophysiology. However, studies on the relationship between glycosylation regulators and tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy of GC remain scarce. We extracted expression data of 1,956 patients with GC from eight cohorts and systematically characterized the glycosylation patterns of six marker genes into phenotype clusters using the unsupervised clustering method. Next, we constructed a Glyc. score to quantify the glycosylation index of each patient with GC. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between Glyc. score and clinical traits including molecular subtype, TME, and immunotherapy of GC. On the basis of prognostic glycosylation-related differentially expressed genes, we constructed the Glyc. score and divided the samples into the high– and low–Glyc. score groups. The high–Glyc. score group showed a poor prognosis and was validated in multiple cohorts. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the high–Glyc. score group was enriched in metabolism-related pathways. Furthermore, the high–Glyc. score group was associated with the infiltration of immune cells. Importantly, the established Glyc. score would contribute to predicting the response to anti–PD-1/L1 immunotherapy. In conclusion, the Glyc. score is a potentially useful tool to predict the prognosis of GC. Comprehensive analysis of glycosylation may provide novel insights into the epigenetics of GC and improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaibin Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chaohu Pan
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China.,Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajie Xiao
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qijun Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keli Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Xu W, Chen B, Ke D, Chen X. MicroRNA-138-5p targets the NFIB-Snail1 axis to inhibit colorectal cancer cell migration and chemoresistance. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:475. [PMID: 33013202 PMCID: PMC7528477 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer ranks among the most lethal diseases worldwide. Although much progress has been made in research and treatment of colorectal cancer in recent years, the underlying mechanisms related to migration of the cancer cells and the reason for chemoresistance still remain unclear. In this research, we explored the underlying effect of miR-138-5p in colorectal cancer. Methods We used qRT-PCR to investigate the expression of miR-138-5p, Snail1, NFIB in colorectal cancer cells. Lentiviral vectors containing miR-138-5p mimics and inhibitors were constructed and transfected cells. Wound healing assay was applied to illustrate interferences on cell migration. Fluorouracial, doxorubicin, cisplat in were used to detect chemotherapy resistance. In order to identify target genes, bioinformatic methods were applied. Snail1 and NFIB protein expression in stable cell lines was detected using Western blot. Double luciferase and CHIP experiment were used to verify binding sites. We used rescue experiments to further explore the interactions among Snail1, NFIB and miR-138-5p. Results The expression of miR-138-5p in colorectal cancer cells was low. miR-138-5p inhibited cell migration in colorectal cancer, and could negatively regulate chemotherapy resistance. miR-138-5p targeted NFIB, and regulated Snail1 expression, which mediated colorectal cancer cell migration and chemotherapy resistance. Conclusions Our research indicates that miR-138-5p could be a crucial modulator controlling colorectal cancer cell migration and chemoresistance, by acting upon the NFIB-Snail1 axis. miR-138-5p has an emerging prospect to be exploited as a new target for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan People's Republic of China
| | - Beibei Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan People's Republic of China
| | - Dianshan Ke
- Department of Cell Biology, Southern Medical University, 510515 Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan People's Republic of China
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