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Xiao C, Li Y, Liu Y, Dong R, He X, Lin Q, Zang X, Wang K, Xia Y, Kong L. Overcoming Cancer Persister Cells by Stabilizing the ATF4 Promoter G-quadruplex. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401748. [PMID: 38994891 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Persister cells (PS) selected for anticancer therapy have been recognized as a significant contributor to the development of treatment-resistant malignancies. It is found that imposing glutamine restriction induces the generation of PS, which paradoxically bestows heightened resistance to glutamine restriction treatment by activating the integrated stress response and initiating the general control nonderepressible 2-activating transcription factor 4-alanine, serine, cysteine-preferring transporter 2 (GCN2-ATF4-ASCT2) axis. Central to this phenomenon is the stress-induced ATF4 translational reprogramming. Unfortunately, directly targeting ATF4 protein has proven to be a formidable challenge because of its flat surface. Nonetheless, a G-quadruplex structure located within the promoter region of ATF4 (ATF4-G4) is uncovered and resolved, which functions as a transcriptional regulator and can be targeted by small molecules. The investigation identifies the natural compound coptisine (COP) as a potent binder that interacts with and stabilizes ATF4-G4. For the first time, the high-resolution structure of the COP-ATF4-G4 complex is determined. The formation of this stable complex disrupts the interaction between transcription factor AP-2 alpha (TFAP2A) and ATF4-G4, resulting in a substantial reduction in intracellular ATF4 levels and the eventual death of cancer cells. These seminal findings underscore the potential of targeting the ATF4-G4 structure to yield significant therapeutic advantages within the realm of persister cancer cells induced by glutamine-restricted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengmei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yipu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yushuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ruifang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xin Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kaibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuanzheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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2
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Iachettini S, Biroccio A, Zizza P. Therapeutic Use of G4-Ligands in Cancer: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:771. [PMID: 38931438 PMCID: PMC11206494 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are guanine-rich non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acids that were identified in vitro almost half a century ago. Starting from the early 1980s, these structures were also observed in eukaryotic cells, first at the telomeric level and later in regulatory regions of cancer-related genes, in regulatory RNAs and within specific cell compartments such as lysosomes, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Because of the involvement of these structures in a large number of biological processes and in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer, the interest in G4 targeting has exponentially increased in the last few years, and a great number of novel G4 ligands have been developed. Notably, G4 ligands represent a large family of heterogeneous molecules that can exert their functions by recognizing, binding, and stabilizing G4 structures in multiple ways. Regarding anti-cancer activity, the efficacy of G4 ligands was originally attributed to the capability of these molecules to inhibit the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that elongates telomeres and promotes endless replication in cancer cells. Thereafter, novel mechanisms through which G4 ligands exert their antitumoral activities have been defined, including the induction of DNA damage, control of gene expression, and regulation of metabolic pathways, among others. Here, we provided a perspective on the structure and function of G4 ligands with particular emphasis on their potential role as antitumoral agents. In particular, we critically examined the problems associated with the clinical translation of these molecules, trying to highlight the main aspects that should be taken into account during the phases of drug design and development. Indeed, taking advantage of the successes and failures, and the more recent technological progresses in the field, it would be possible to hypothesize the development of these molecules in the future that would represent a valid option for those cancers still missing effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pasquale Zizza
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS—Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Roma, Italy; (S.I.); (A.B.)
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3
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Hanczyc P. Role of Alkali Cations in DNA-Thioflavin T Interaction. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38833533 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the role of alkali cations in modulating the interaction between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Thioflavin T (ThT) in dilute and condensed phases. The emission characteristics of ThT were analyzed in the presence of double-stranded DNA and G-quadruplex structures with a focus on the effects of four cations: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The ThT emission in double-stranded DNA was influenced by direct DNA binding and steric hindrance within the hydration shell of DNA, which was modulated by the presence of alkali cations. Lasing spectroscopy experiments further highlighted ThT sensitivity to the spatial arrangement of water molecules in the DNA hydration shell. Lasing was exclusively observed in the presence of Mg2+ in the G-quadruplex structure, suggesting that the parallel propeller configuration of G4 provides an optimal environment for ThT light amplification. This study highlights the critical role of cations in DNA-dye interactions and reaffirms the significance of ThT in biophysical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hanczyc
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw 02-093, Poland
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4
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Brankiewicz-Kopcinska W, Kallingal A, Krzemieniecki R, Baginski M. Targeting shelterin proteins for cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104056. [PMID: 38844065 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104056] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
As a global health challenge, cancer prompts continuous exploration for innovative therapies that are also based on new targets. One promising avenue is targeting the shelterin protein complex, a safeguard for telomeres crucial in preventing DNA damage. The role of shelterin in modulating ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases, key players in the DNA damage response (DDR), establishes its significance in cancer cells. Disrupting these defence mechanisms of shelterins, especially in cancer cells, renders telomeres vulnerable, potentially leading to genomic instability and hindering cancer cell survival. In this review, we outline recent approaches exploring shelterins as potential anticancer targets, highlighting the prospect of developing selective molecules to exploit telomere vulnerabilities toward new innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Brankiewicz-Kopcinska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland; Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anoop Kallingal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Krzemieniecki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Baginski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland.
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5
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Vianney YM, Dierks D, Weisz K. Structural Differences at Quadruplex-Duplex Interfaces Enable Ligand-Induced Topological Transitions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309891. [PMID: 38477454 PMCID: PMC11200018 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Quadruplex-duplex (QD) junctions, which represent unique structural motifs of both biological and technological significance, have been shown to constitute high-affinity binding sites for various ligands. A QD hybrid construct based on a human telomeric sequence, which harbors a duplex stem-loop in place of a short lateral loop, is structurally characterized by NMR. It folds into two major species with a (3+1) hybrid and a chair-type (2+2) antiparallel quadruplex domain coexisting in a K+ buffer solution. The antiparallel species is stabilized by an unusual capping structure involving a thymine and protonated adenine base AH+ of the lateral loop facing the hairpin duplex to form a T·AH+·G·C quartet with the interfacial G·C base pair at neutral pH. Addition and binding of Phen-DC3 to the QD hybrid mixture by its partial intercalation at corresponding QD junctions leads to a topological transition with exclusive formation of the (3+1) hybrid fold. In agreement with the available experimental data, such an unprecedented discrimination of QD junctions by a ligand can be rationalized following an induced fit mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanes Maria Vianney
- Institut für BiochemieUniversität GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4D‐17489GreifswaldGermany
| | - Dorothea Dierks
- Institut für BiochemieUniversität GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4D‐17489GreifswaldGermany
| | - Klaus Weisz
- Institut für BiochemieUniversität GreifswaldFelix‐Hausdorff‐Str. 4D‐17489GreifswaldGermany
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6
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Zhu Y, Li X, Zhang Q, Yang X, Sun X, Pan Y, Yuan X, Ma Y, Xu B, Yang Z. Aptamer AS411 interacts with the KRAS promoter/hnRNP A1 complex and shows increased potency against drug-resistant lung cancer. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1515-1526. [PMID: 38784467 PMCID: PMC11110790 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00752a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) aptamers that can competitively binding protein with oncogene promoter G4 hold promise for cancer treatment. In this study, a neutral cytidinyl lipid, DNCA, was shown to transfect and deliver G4 aptamers (AS1411, TBA) into tumour cells, including multidrug-resistant tumour cells, and their nuclear localizations were clearly detected. Both AS1411/DNCA and TBA/DNCA showed excellent antitumour efficacies in the drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549/TXL at a low concentration (100 nM). Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) was identified as a new target of AS1411 and TBA. The binding affinities were measured, and the Kd values of AS1411/hnRNP A1 and TBA/hnRNP A1 were 17.5 nM and 21.1 nM, respectively. Then the expression of KRAS mRNA in A549/TXL cells was found to be higher than that in A549 cells, and KRAS mRNA was reduced by approximately 40% after administration of AS1411 or TBA in A549/TXL cells. Further, it was confirmed for the first time that AS1411 targeted not only hnRNP A1 but also the KRAS promoter/hnRNP A1 complexes. And although TBA cannot target the KRAS promoter/hnRNP A1 complexes, the biolayer interferometry (BLI) experiment showed that TBA and AS1411 have similar effects on several key proteins in tumour cells, especially hnRNP A1. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that AS1411 and the KRAS promoter bound to the same domain of hnRNP A1 protein, while TBA bound to another domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Xiantao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College 783 Xindu Avenue, Xindu District Chengdu 610500 China
| | - Xudong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Yi Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Yuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Beijing 100191 China +86 10 82802503 +86 10 82802503
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7
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Tang GX, Li ML, Zhou C, Huang ZS, Chen SB, Chen XC, Tan JH. Mitochondrial RelA empowers mtDNA G-quadruplex formation for hypoxia adaptation in cancer cells. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00181-8. [PMID: 38821064 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.003] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) G-quadruplexes (G4s) have important regulatory roles in energy metabolism, yet their specific functions and underlying regulatory mechanisms have not been delineated. Using a chemical-genetic screening strategy, we demonstrated that the JAK/STAT3 pathway is the primary regulatory mechanism governing mtDNA G4 dynamics in hypoxic cancer cells. Further proteomic analysis showed that activation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway facilitates the translocation of RelA, a member of the NF-κB family, to the mitochondria, where RelA binds to mtDNA G4s and promotes their folding, resulting in increased mtDNA instability, inhibited mtDNA transcription, and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. This binding event disrupts the equilibrium of energy metabolism, catalyzing a metabolic shift favoring glycolysis. Collectively, the results provide insights into a strategy employed by cancer cells to adapt to hypoxia through metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Xue Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mao-Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cui Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Li C, Hu Y, Shi T, Dong K, Wu T. Label-free colorimetric detection platform based on catalytic hairpin self-assembly and G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme for comprehensive biomarker profiling. Talanta 2024; 272:125835. [PMID: 38422905 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125835] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The expression level of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is closely associated with the onset of various diseases, establishing it as a crucial clinical biomarker and a target in anti-cancer efforts. This study accomplished colorimetric and visual detection of APE1 by harnessing its endonuclease activity through catalytic hairpin self-assembly (CHA) and G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. Optimization of the freedom degrees of the G-rich sequence significantly improved the detection performance of the strategy by influencing DNAzyme formation. Additionally, we replaced the signal reporting system with a molecular beacon to develop a fluorescence detection strategy, which served as an extension of the signal amplification system for validation and signal readout. The fluorescent probe method achieved a detection limit of 3.37 × 10-4 U/mL, while the colorimetric method yielded a detection limit of 6.5 × 10-3 U/mL, with a linear range spanning from 0.01 to 0.25 U/mL. Subsequently, the colorimetric approach effectively assessed APE1 activity in biological samples and facilitated the screening of APE1 activity inhibitors. Furthermore, this CHA/G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme strategy was adapted for the colorimetric detection of adenosine, showcasing its broad applicability across various biomarkers. The developed colorimetric analytical strategy represents a pivotal biosensing platform for diagnosing and treating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuqiang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tianzi Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kejun Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Tongbo Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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9
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Zhang Z, Mlýnský V, Krepl M, Šponer J, Stadlbauer P. Mechanical Stability and Unfolding Pathways of Parallel Tetrameric G-Quadruplexes Probed by Pulling Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3896-3911. [PMID: 38630447 PMCID: PMC11094737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00227] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplex (GQ) is a noncanonical nucleic acid structure formed by guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences. Folding of GQs is a complex process, where several aspects remain elusive, despite being important for understanding structure formation and biological functions of GQs. Pulling experiments are a common tool for acquiring insights into the folding landscape of GQs. Herein, we applied a computational pulling strategy─steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations─in combination with standard molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the unfolding landscapes of tetrameric parallel GQs. We identified anisotropic properties of elastic conformational changes, unfolding transitions, and GQ mechanical stabilities. Using a special set of structural parameters, we found that the vertical component of pulling force (perpendicular to the average G-quartet plane) plays a significant role in disrupting GQ structures and weakening their mechanical stabilities. We demonstrated that the magnitude of the vertical force component depends on the pulling anchor positions and the number of G-quartets. Typical unfolding transitions for tetrameric parallel GQs involve base unzipping, opening of the G-stem, strand slippage, and rotation to cross-like structures. The unzipping was detected as the first and dominant unfolding event, and it usually started at the 3'-end. Furthermore, results from both SMD and standard MD simulations indicate that partial spiral conformations serve as a transient ensemble during the (un)folding of GQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
- CEITEC−Central
European Institute of Technology, Masaryk
University, Kamenice
5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
- National
Center for Biomolecular Research,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Mlýnský
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Krepl
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šponer
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stadlbauer
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
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10
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Zhuk AS, Stepchenkova EI, Zotova IV, Belopolskaya OB, Pavlov YI, Kostroma II, Gritsaev SV, Aksenova AY. G-Quadruplex Forming DNA Sequence Context Is Enriched around Points of Somatic Mutations in a Subset of Multiple Myeloma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5269. [PMID: 38791307 PMCID: PMC11121618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105269] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, which remains incurable despite recent advances in treatment strategies. Like other forms of cancer, MM is characterized by genomic instability, caused by defects in DNA repair. Along with mutations in DNA repair genes and genotoxic drugs used to treat MM, non-canonical secondary DNA structures (four-stranded G-quadruplex structures) can affect accumulation of somatic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in the tumor cells of MM patients. Here, we tested the hypothesis that G-quadruplex structures may influence the distribution of somatic mutations in the tumor cells of MM patients. We sequenced exomes of normal and tumor cells of 11 MM patients and analyzed the data for the presence of G4 context around points of somatic mutations. To identify molecular mechanisms that could affect mutational profile of tumors, we also analyzed mutational signatures in tumor cells as well as germline mutations for the presence of specific SNPs in DNA repair genes or in genes regulating G-quadruplex unwinding. In several patients, we found that sites of somatic mutations are frequently located in regions with G4 context. This pattern correlated with specific germline variants found in these patients. We discuss the possible implications of these variants for mutation accumulation and specificity in MM and propose that the extent of G4 context enrichment around somatic mutation sites may be a novel metric characterizing mutational processes in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Zhuk
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
- Institute of Applied Computer Science, ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena I. Stepchenkova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Zotova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Olesya B. Belopolskaya
- Resource Center “Bio-Bank Center”, Research Park of St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- The Laboratory of Genogeography, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Youri I. Pavlov
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Pathology, Genetics Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ivan I. Kostroma
- City Hospital No. 15, 198205 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.I.K.); (S.V.G.)
| | | | - Anna Y. Aksenova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
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11
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Han Y, Buric A, Chintareddy V, DeMoss M, Chen L, Dickerhoff J, De Dios R, Chand P, Riggs R, Yang D, Cushman M. Design, Synthesis, and Investigation of the Pharmacokinetics and Anticancer Activities of Indenoisoquinoline Derivatives That Stabilize the G-Quadruplex in the MYC Promoter and Inhibit Topoisomerase I. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7006-7032. [PMID: 38668707 PMCID: PMC11134171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02303] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are noncanonical four-stranded DNA secondary structures. MYC is a master oncogene and the G-quadruplex formed in the MYC promoter functions as a transcriptional silencer and can be stabilized by small molecules. We have previously revealed a novel mechanism of action for indenoisoquinoline anticancer drugs, dual-downregulation of MYC and inhibition of topoisomerase I. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of novel 7-aza-8,9-methylenedioxyindenoisoquinolines based on desirable substituents and π-π stacking interactions. These compounds stabilize the MYC promoter G-quadruplex, significantly lower MYC levels in cancer cells, and inhibit topoisomerase I. MYC targeting was demonstrated by differential activities in Raji vs CA-46 cells and cytotoxicity in MYC-dependent cell lines. Cytotoxicities in the NCI-60 panel of human cancer cell lines were investigated. Favorable pharmacokinetics were established, and in vivo anticancer activities were demonstrated in xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, favorable brain penetration, brain pharmacokinetics, and anticancer activity in an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Han
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Adam Buric
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Venkat Chintareddy
- Therachem Research Medilab LLC, 100 Jade Park, Chelsea, Alabama 35043, United States
| | - Mercedes DeMoss
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Luying Chen
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Robyn De Dios
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Pooran Chand
- Therachem Research Medilab LLC, 100 Jade Park, Chelsea, Alabama 35043, United States
| | - Randall Riggs
- Gibson Oncology, 7772 Fisher Island Drive, Miami, Florida 33109, United States
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mark Cushman
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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12
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Zheng BX, Long W, Zheng W, Zeng Y, Guo XC, Chan KH, She MT, Leung ASL, Lu YJ, Wong WL. Mitochondria-Selective Dicationic Small-Molecule Ligand Targeting G-Quadruplex Structures for Human Colorectal Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6292-6312. [PMID: 38624086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02240] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are important drug targets for anticancer and other disease therapies. Certain human mitochondrial DNA sequences capable of forming G-quadruplex structures (G4s) are emerging drug targets of small molecules. Despite some mitochondria-selective ligands being reported for drug delivery against cancers, the ligand design is mostly limited to the triphenylphosphonium scaffold. The ligand designed with lipophilic small-sized scaffolds bearing multipositive charges targeting the unique feature of high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is lacking and most mitochondria-selective ligands are not G4-targeting. Herein, we report a new small-sized dicationic lipophilic ligand to target MMP and mitochondrial DNA G4s to enhance drug delivery for anticancer. The ligand showed marked alteration of mitochondrial gene expression and substantial induction of ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. The ligand also exhibited high anticancer activity against HCT116 cancer cells (IC50, 3.4 μM) and high antitumor efficacy in the HCT116 tumor xenograft mouse model (∼70% tumor weight reduction).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wende Zheng
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Yaoxun Zeng
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Chun Guo
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ka-Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Meng-Ting She
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Alan Siu-Lun Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
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13
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Fleming AM, Guerra Castañaza Jenkins BL, Buck BA, Burrows CJ. DNA Damage Accelerates G-Quadruplex Folding in a Duplex-G-Quadruplex-Duplex Context. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146. [PMID: 38602473 PMCID: PMC11046481 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Molecular details for the impact of DNA damage on folding of potential G-quadruplex sequences (PQSs) to noncanonical DNA structures involved in gene regulation are poorly understood. Here, the effects of DNA base damage and strand breaks on PQS folding kinetics were studied in the context of the VEGF promoter sequence embedded between two DNA duplex anchors, termed a duplex-G-quadruplex-duplex (DGD) motif. This DGD scaffold imposes constraints on the PQS folding process that more closely mimic those found in genomic DNA. Folding kinetics were monitored by circular dichroism (CD) to find folding half-lives ranging from 2 s to 12 min depending on the DNA damage type and sequence position. The presence of Mg2+ ions and G-quadruplex (G4)-binding protein APE1 facilitated the folding reactions. A strand break placing all four G runs required for G4 formation on one side of the break accelerated the folding rate by >150-fold compared to the undamaged sequence. Combined 1D 1H NMR and CD analyses confirmed that isothermal folding of the VEGF-DGD constructs yielded spectral signatures that suggest the formation of G4 motifs and demonstrated a folding dependency on the nature and location of DNA damage. Importantly, the PQS folding half-lives measured are relevant to replication, transcription, and DNA repair time frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Fleming
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | | | - Bethany A. Buck
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Cynthia J. Burrows
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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14
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Brundridge NM, Fritz JM, Dickerhoff J, Yang D, McLuckey SA. Negative Electron Transfer Collision-Induced Dissociation of G-Quadruplexes: Uncovering the Guanine Radical Anion Loss Pathway. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:756-766. [PMID: 38456425 PMCID: PMC11022967 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA can form highly stable secondary structures in the presence of metal cations, and research has shown its potential as a transcriptional regulator for oncogenes in the human genome. In order to explore the interactions of DNA with metal cations using mass spectrometry, employing complementary fragmentation methods can enhance structural information. This study explores the use of ion-ion reactions for sequential negative electron transfer collision-induced dissociation (nET-CID) as a complement to traditional ion-trap CID (IT-CID). The resulting nET-CID data for G4 anions with and without metal cations show an increase in fragment ion type diversity and yield of structurally informative ions relative to IT-CID. The nET-CID yields greater sequence coverage by virtue of fragmentation at the 3'-side of thymine residues, which is lacking with IT-CID. Potassium adductions to backbone fragments in IT-CID and nET-CID spectra were nearly identical. Of note is a prominent fragment resulting from a loss of a 149 Da anion seen in nET-CID of large, G-rich sequences, proposed to be radical anion guanine loss. Neutral loss of neutral guanine (151 Da) and deprotonated nucleobase loss (150 Da) have been previously reported, but this is the first report of radical anion guanine loss (149 Da). Confirmation of the identity of the 149 Da anion results from the examination of the homonucleobase sequence 5'-GGGGGGGG-3'. Loss of a charged adenine radical anion at much lower relative abundance was also noted for the sequence 5'-AAAAAAAA-3'. DFT modeling indicates that the loss of a nucleobase as a radical anion from odd-electron nucleic acid anions is a thermodynamically favorable fragmentation pathway for G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Brundridge
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jordan M Fritz
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 575 W. Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47904, United States
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 575 W. Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47904, United States
| | - Scott A McLuckey
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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15
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Fatma K, Thumpati P, Panda D, Velayutham R, Dash J. Selective Recognition of c-KIT 1 G-Quadruplex by Structural Tuning of Heteroaromatic Scaffolds and Side Chains. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:388-395. [PMID: 38505840 PMCID: PMC10945540 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00537] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, carbazole (MC) and dibenzofuran (MD) derivatives were synthesized to examine their effect on the biomolecular recognition of G-quadruplex (G4) targets. Biophysical studies revealed that MC-4, a carbazole derivative, exhibits a specific affinity and effectively stabilizes the c-KIT 1 G4. Molecular modeling suggests a stable interaction of MC-4 with the terminal G-tetrad of c-KIT 1 G4. Biological studies demonstrate that MC-4 efficiently enters cells, reduces c-KIT gene expression, and induces cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis in cancer cells. These findings demonstrate MC-4 as a selective c-KIT G4 ligand with therapeutic potential, providing insight into the structural basis of its anticancer mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushnood Fatma
- Indian
Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra
Mallick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Prasanth Thumpati
- Indian
Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra
Mallick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
- National
Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Chunilal Bhawan, Maniktala, Kolkata-700054, India
| | - Deepanjan Panda
- Indian
Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra
Mallick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Ravichandiran Velayutham
- National
Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Chunilal Bhawan, Maniktala, Kolkata-700054, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- Indian
Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra
Mallick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
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16
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Figueiredo J, Mergny JL, Cruz C. G-quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy: Progress, challenges, and clinical perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 340:122481. [PMID: 38301873 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122481] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplexes (G4) in living cells, making these structures promising anti-cancer targets. Compounds able to recognize these structures have been investigated as potential anticancer drugs; however, no G4 binder has yet been approved in the clinic. Here, we describe G4 ligands structure-activity relationships, in vivo effects as well as clinical trials. Addressing G4 ligand characteristics, targeting challenges, and structure-activity relationships, this review provides insights into the development of potent and selective G4-targeting molecules for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau cedex, France; Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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17
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Pokorná P, Mlýnský V, Bussi G, Šponer J, Stadlbauer P. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the parallel stranded d(GGGA) 3GGG DNA quadruplex folds via multiple paths from a coil-like ensemble. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 261:129712. [PMID: 38286387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129712] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures that fold through complex processes. Characterization of the G4 folding landscape may help to elucidate biological roles of G4s but is challenging both experimentally and computationally. Here, we achieved complete folding of a three-quartet parallel DNA G4 with (GGGA)3GGG sequence using all-atom explicit-solvent enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations suggested early formation of guanine stacks in the G-tracts, which behave as semi-rigid blocks in the folding process. The folding continues via the formation of a collapsed compact coil-like ensemble. Structuring of the G4 from the coil then proceeds via various cross-like, hairpin, slip-stranded and two-quartet ensembles and can bypass the G-triplex structure. Folding of the parallel G4 does not appear to involve any salient intermediates and is a multi-pathway process. We also carried out an extended set of simulations of parallel G-hairpins. While parallel G-hairpins are extremely unstable when isolated, they are more stable inside the coil structure. On the methodology side, we show that the AMBER DNA force field predicts the folded G4 to be less stable than the unfolded ensemble, uncovering substantial force-field issues. Overall, we provide unique atomistic insights into the folding landscape of parallel-stranded G4 but also reveal limitations of current state-of-the-art MD techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlína Pokorná
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Mlýnský
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Giovanni Bussi
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, Trieste 34136, Italy
| | - Jiří Šponer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stadlbauer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 61200, Czech Republic.
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18
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Wang X, Yu B, Sakurabayashi S, Paz-Villatoro JM, Iwahara J. Robust Enzymatic Production of DNA G-Quadruplex, Aptamer, DNAzyme, and Other Oligonucleotides: Applications for NMR. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:1748-1752. [PMID: 38191993 PMCID: PMC10926321 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11219] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides are widely used in biological research, therapeutics, biotechnology, and nanomachines. Large-scale enzymatic production of ssDNA oligonucleotides forming noncanonical structures has been difficult. Here, we present a simple and robust method named "palindrome-nicking-dependent amplification" (PaNDA) for enzymatic production of a large amount of ssDNA oligonucleotides. It utilizes a strand-displacing DNA polymerase and a nicking enzyme together with input DNA and deoxynucleotide triphosphates at 55 °C. Scaling up of PaNDA is straightforward due to its isothermal nature. The ssDNA products can easily be isolated through anion-exchange chromatography under nondenaturing conditions. We demonstrate applications of PaNDA to 13C/15N-labeling of various DNA strands, including a 22-nt telomere repeat G-quadruplex, a 26-nt therapeutic aptamer, and a 33-nt DNAzyme. The 13C/15N-labeling by PaNDA greatly facilitates the characterization of noncanonical DNA by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. For example, the behavior of therapeutic DNA aptamers in human serum can be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068, United States
| | - Binhan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068, United States
| | - Shuhei Sakurabayashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068, United States
| | - Jonathan M Paz-Villatoro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068, United States
| | - Junji Iwahara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1068, United States
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19
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Fleming AM, Jenkins BLGC, Buck BA, Burrows CJ. DNA Damage Accelerates G-Quadruplex Folding in a Duplex-G-Quadruplex-Duplex Context. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.20.576387. [PMID: 38293204 PMCID: PMC10827223 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.20.576387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Molecular details for DNA damage impact on the folding of potential G-quadruplex sequences (PQS) to non-canonical DNA structures that are involved in gene regulation are poorly understood. Here, the effects of DNA base damage and strand breaks on PQS folding kinetics were studied in the context of the VEGF promoter sequence embedded between two DNA duplex anchors, referred to as a duplex-G-quadruplex-duplex (DGD) motif. This DGD scaffold imposes constraints on the PQS folding process that more closely mimic those found in genomic DNA. Folding kinetics were monitored by circular dichroism (CD) to find folding half-lives ranging from 2 s to 12 min depending on the DNA damage type and sequence position. The presence of Mg2+ ions and the G-quadruplex (G4)-binding protein APE1 facilitated the folding reactions. A strand break placing all four G runs required for G4 formation on one side of the break accelerated the folding rate by >150-fold compared to the undamaged sequence. Combined 1D 1H-NMR and CD analyses confirmed that isothermal folding of the VEGF-DGD constructs yielded spectral signatures that suggest formation of G4 motifs, and demonstrated a folding dependency with the nature and location of DNA damage. Importantly, the PQS folding half-lives measured are relevant to replication, transcription, and DNA repair time frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Fleming
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850 United States
| | | | - Bethany A Buck
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850 United States
| | - Cynthia J Burrows
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850 United States
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20
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Bose D, Banerjee N, Roy A, Sengupta P, Chatterjee S. Switchable tetraplex elements in the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K promoter: micro-environment dictated structural transitions of G/C rich elements. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38235706 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2303378] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
We have elucidated the hnRNP K promoter as a hotspot for tetraplex-based molecular switches receptive to micro-environmental stimuli. We have characterised the structural features of four tetraplex-forming loci and identified them as binding sites of transcription factors. These segments form either G-quadruplex or i-motif structures, the structural dynamicity of which has been studied in depth via several biophysical techniques. The tetraplexes display high dynamicity and are influenced by both pH and KCl concentrations in vitro. The loci complementary to these sequences form additional non-canonical secondary structures. In the cellular context, the most eminent observation of this study is the binding of hnRNP K to the i-motif forming sequences in its own promoter. We are the first to report a probable transcriptional autoregulatory function of hnRNP K in coordination with higher-order DNA structures. Herein, we also report the positive interaction of the endogenous tetraplexes with Sp1, a well-known transcriptional regulator. Treatment with tetraplex-specific small molecule ligands further uncovered G-quadruplexes' functioning as repressors and i-motifs as activators in this context. Together, our findings strongly indicate the critical regulatory role of the identified tetraplex elements in the hnRNP K promoter.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ananya Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pallabi Sengupta
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kemihuset (K), Campus, Umeå, Umeå universitet, Umeå, Sweden
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21
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Dickerhoff J, Jang J, Yang D. Best method to determine DNA G-quadruplex folding: The 1H- 13C HSQC NMR experiment. Methods 2024; 221:35-41. [PMID: 38029869 PMCID: PMC10872514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.11.013] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy is the major method for G-quadruplex structure determination under physiologically relevant solution conditions. Unlike duplex B-DNA, in which all nucleotides adopt an anti glycosidic conformation, the core tetrad-guanines in a G-quadruplex can adopt anti or syn glycosidic conformation depending on the folding structure. An experimental method that can clearly and unambiguously determine syn and anti tetrad-Gs in a G-quadruplex is highly desirable and necessary. In the present study, we exploit the advantages of the 1H-13C HSQC experiment to determine tetrad-G's glycosidic conformation and thus folding topology of G-quadruplexes. We use several examples to demonstrate the clear and straightforward determination of the guanine glycosidic conformations and G-quadruplex folding structures. Moreover, 1H-13C HSQC data can readily identify adenine H2 resonances as well as determine unusual syn conformation in loop and flanking sequences, a challenging task by standard 2D NOESY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 575 W Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Jinho Jang
- Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 575 W Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Purdue University, College of Pharmacy, Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 575 W Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, 201 S University St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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22
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Xu Y, Komiyama M. G-Quadruplexes in Human Telomere: Structures, Properties, and Applications. Molecules 2023; 29:174. [PMID: 38202757 PMCID: PMC10780218 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010174] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, intricate four-stranded structures composed of G-tetrads formed by four guanine bases, are prevalent in both DNA and RNA. Notably, these structures play pivotal roles in human telomeres, contributing to essential cellular functions. Additionally, the existence of DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplexes adds a layer of complexity to their structural diversity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in unraveling the intricacies of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes within human telomeres. Detailed insights into their structural features are presented, encompassing the latest developments in chemical approaches designed to probe these G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, this review explores the applications of G-quadruplex structures in targeting human telomeres. Finally, the manuscript outlines the imminent challenges in this evolving field, setting the stage for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Makoto Komiyama
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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23
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Kratochvilová L, Vojsovič M, Valková N, Šislerová L, El Rashed Z, Inga A, Monti P, Brázda V. The presence of a G-quadruplex prone sequence upstream of a minimal promoter increases transcriptional activity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20231348. [PMID: 38112096 PMCID: PMC10730334 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231348] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical secondary structures in DNA are increasingly being revealed as critical players in DNA metabolism, including modulating the accessibility and activity of promoters. These structures comprise the so-called G-quadruplexes (G4s) that are formed from sequences rich in guanine bases. Using a well-defined transcriptional reporter system, we sought to systematically investigate the impact of the presence of G4 structures on transcription in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To this aim, different G4 prone sequences were modeled to vary the chance of intramolecular G4 formation, analyzed in vitro by Thioflavin T binding test and circular dichroism and then placed at the yeast ADE2 locus on chromosome XV, downstream and adjacent to a P53 response element (RE) and upstream from a minimal CYC1 promoter and Luciferase 1 (LUC1) reporter gene in isogenic strains. While the minimal CYC1 promoter provides basal reporter activity, the P53 RE enables LUC1 transactivation under the control of P53 family proteins expressed under the inducible GAL1 promoter. Thus, the impact of the different G4 prone sequences on both basal and P53 family protein-dependent expression was measured after shifting cells onto galactose containing medium. The results showed that the presence of G4 prone sequences upstream of a yeast minimal promoter increased its basal activity proportionally to their potential to form intramolecular G4 structures; consequently, this feature, when present near the target binding site of P53 family transcription factors, can be exploited to regulate the transcriptional activity of P53, P63 and P73 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libuše Kratochvilová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Vojsovič
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natália Valková
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Šislerová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zeinab El Rashed
- Gene Expression Regulation SSD, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Inga
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Paola Monti
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Prevention UO, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
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24
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Sergeev AV, Loiko AG, Genatullina AI, Petrov AS, Kubareva EA, Dolinnaya NG, Gromova ES. Crosstalk between G-Quadruplexes and Dnmt3a-Mediated Methylation of the c-MYC Oncogene Promoter. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:45. [PMID: 38203216 PMCID: PMC10779317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The methylation of cytosines at CpG sites in DNA, carried out de novo by DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a, is a basic epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation and genome stability. Aberrant CpG methylation in gene promoters leads to oncogenesis. In oncogene promoters, CpG sites often colocalize with guanine-rich sequences capable of folding into G-quadruplexes (G4s). Our in vitro study aimed to investigate how parallel G4s formed by a sequence derived from the c-MYC oncogene promoter region affect the activity of the Dnmt3a catalytic domain (Dnmt3a-CD). For this purpose, we designed synthetic oligonucleotide constructs: a c-MYC G4-forming oligonucleotide and linear double-stranded DNA containing an embedded stable extrahelical c-MYC G4. The topology and thermal stability of G4 structures in these DNA models were analyzed using physicochemical techniques. We showed that Dnmt3a-CD specifically binds to an oligonucleotide containing c-MYC G4, resulting in inhibition of its methylation activity. c-MYC G4 formation in a double-stranded context significantly reduces Dnmt3a-CD-induced methylation of a CpG site located in close proximity to the quadruplex structure; this effect depends on the distance between the non-canonical structure and the specific CpG site. One would expect DNA hypomethylation near the G4 structure, while regions distant from this non-canonical form would maintain a regular pattern of high methylation levels. We hypothesize that the G4 structure sequesters the Dnmt3a-CD and impedes its proper binding to B-DNA, resulting in hypomethylation and activation of c-MYC transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. Sergeev
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Andrei G. Loiko
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Adelya I. Genatullina
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Alexander S. Petrov
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Elena A. Kubareva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nina G. Dolinnaya
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Elizaveta S. Gromova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.S.); (A.G.L.); (A.I.G.); (A.S.P.); (N.G.D.); (E.S.G.)
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25
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Tuzimski T, Petruczynik A. New trends in the practical use of isoquinoline alkaloids as potential drugs applicated in infectious and non-infectious diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115704. [PMID: 37862968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115704] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, traditional natural products have been the center of attention for the scientific community and exploration of their therapeutic abilities is proceeding permanently. Isoquinoline alkaloids have always attracted scientific interest due to either their positive or negative effects on human organism. The present review describes research on isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from different plant species. Alkaloids are one of the most important classes of plant derived compounds among these isoquinoline alkaloids possess varied biological activities such as anticancer, antineurodegenerative diseases, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and many others. The use of plants against different disorders is entrenched in traditional medicine around the globe. Recent progress in modern therapeutics has stimulated the use of natural products worldwide for various ailments and diseases. The review provides a collection of information on the capabilities of some isoquinoline alkaloids, its potential for the treatment of various diseases and is designed to be a guide for future research on different biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids and plant species containing them. The authors are aware that they were not able to cover the whole area of the topic related to biological activity of isoquinoline alkaloids. This review is intended to suggest directions for further research and can also help other researchers in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Tuzimski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Petruczynik
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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26
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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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27
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Kim H, Kim E, Pak Y. Computational Probing of the Folding Mechanism of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6366-6375. [PMID: 37782649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01257] [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: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The human telomeric (htel) sequences in the terminal regions of human telomeres form diverse G-quadruplex (GQ) structures. Despite much experimental efforts to elucidate the folding pathways of htel GQ, no comprehensive model of htel GQ folding has been presented. Here, we describe folding pathways of the htel GQ determined by state-of-the-art enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulation at the all-atom level. Briefly, GQ folding is initiated by the formation of a single-hairpin and then followed by the formation of double-hairpins, which then branch via distinct folding pathways to produce different GQ topologies (antiparallel chair, antiparallel basket, hybrids 1 and 2, and parallel propeller). In addition to these double-hairpin states, three-triad and two-tetrad structures in antiparallel backbone alignment serve as key intermediates that connect the GQ folding and transition between two different GQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea
| | - Eunae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, South Korea
| | - Youngshang Pak
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Functional Materials, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea
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28
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Brundridge NM, Dickerhoff J, Yang D, McLuckey SA. Gas-Phase Fragmentation as a Probe of G-Quadruplex Formation. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15057-15067. [PMID: 37774231 PMCID: PMC11022955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03143] [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] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is found in oncogene promoters and human telomeres and is an attractive anticancer target. Stable G4 structures form in guanine-rich sequences in the presence of metal cations and can stabilize further with specific ligand adduction. To explore the preservation and stability of this secondary structure with mass spectrometry, gas-phase collision-induced dissociation kinetics of G4-like and non-G4-like ion structures were determined in a linear quadrupole ion trap. This study focused on a sequence from the promoter of the MYC oncogene, MycG4, and a mutant non-G4-forming sequence, MycNonG4. At relatively high ion activation energies, the backbone fragmentation patterns of the MycG4 and MycNonG4 are similar, while potassium ion-stabilized G4-folded [MycG4 + 2K-7H]5- and counterpart [MycG4-5H]5- ions are essentially indistinguishable, indicating that high-energy fragmentation is not sensitive to the G4 structure. At low energies, the backbone fragmentation patterns of MycG4 and MycNonG4 are significantly different. For MycG4, fragmentation over time differed significantly between the potassium-bound and free structures, reflecting the preservation of the G4 structure in the gas phase. Kinetic measurements revealed the [MycG4 + 2K-7H]5- ions to fragment two to three times more slowly than the [MycG4-5H]5-. Results for the control MycNonG4 indicated that the phenomena noted for [MycG4 + 2K-7H]5- ions are specific to G4-folding. Therefore, our data show that gentle activation conditions can lead to fragmentation behavior that is sensitive to G-quadruplex structure, revealing differences in kinetic stabilities of isomeric structures as well as the regions of the sequence that are directly involved in forming these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Brundridge
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 575 W Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47904, United States
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 575 W Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47904, United States
| | - Scott A McLuckey
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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29
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Stitch M, Avagliano D, Graczyk D, Clark IP, González L, Towrie M, Quinn SJ. Good Vibrations Report on the DNA Quadruplex Binding of an Excited State Amplified Ruthenium Polypyridyl IR Probe. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:21344-21360. [PMID: 37736878 PMCID: PMC10557146 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06099] [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: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The nitrile containing Ru(II)polypyridyl complex [Ru(phen)2(11,12-dCN-dppz)]2+ (1) is shown to act as a sensitive infrared probe of G-quadruplex (G4) structures. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy reveals enantiomer sensitive binding for the hybrid htel(K) and antiparallel htel(Na) G4s formed by the human telomer sequence d[AG3(TTAG3)3]. Time-resolved infrared (TRIR) of 1 upon 400 nm excitation indicates dominant interactions with the guanine bases in the case of Λ-1/htel(K), Δ-1/htel(K), and Λ-1/htel(Na) binding, whereas Δ-1/htel(Na) binding is associated with interactions with thymine and adenine bases in the loop. The intense nitrile transient at 2232 cm-1 undergoes a linear shift to lower frequency as the solution hydrogen bonding environment decreases in DMSO/water mixtures. This shift is used as a sensitive reporter of the nitrile environment within the binding pocket. The lifetime of 1 in D2O (ca. 100 ps) is found to increase upon DNA binding, and monitoring of the nitrile and ligand transients as well as the diagnostic DNA bleach bands shows that this increase is related to greater protection from the solvent environment. Molecular dynamics simulations together with binding energy calculations identify the most favorable binding site for each system, which are in excellent agreement with the observed TRIR solution study. This study shows the power of combining the environmental sensitivity of an infrared (IR) probe in its excited state with the TRIR DNA "site effect" to gain important information about the binding site of photoactive agents and points to the potential of such amplified IR probes as sensitive reporters of biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Stitch
- School
of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Davide Avagliano
- Institute
of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemical Physics Theory Group, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Daniel Graczyk
- School
of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Ian P. Clark
- Central
Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Leticia González
- Institute
of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Research Platform on Accelerating Photoreaction Discovery, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 19, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Towrie
- Central
Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, U.K.
| | - Susan J Quinn
- School
of Chemistry, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
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30
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Dai Y, Teng X, Zhang Q, Hou H, Li J. Advances and challenges in identifying and characterizing G-quadruplex-protein interactions. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:894-909. [PMID: 37422364 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are peculiar nucleic acid secondary structures formed by DNA or RNA and are considered as fundamental features of the genome. Many proteins can specifically bind to G4 structures. There is increasing evidence that G4-protein interactions involve in the regulation of important cellular processes, such as DNA replication, transcription, RNA splicing, and translation. Additionally, G4-protein interactions have been demonstrated to be potential targets for disease treatment. In order to unravel the detailed regulatory mechanisms of G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), biochemical methods for detecting G4-protein interactions with high specificity and sensitivity are highly demanded. Here, we review recent advances in screening and validation of new G4BPs and highlight both their features and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing 102209, China.
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing 102209, China; Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China.
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31
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Liu Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Bian Y, Xia Y, Yang MH, Zheng K, Wang KB, Kong LY. Structure of the Major G-Quadruplex in the Human EGFR Oncogene Promoter Adopts a Unique Folding Topology with a Distinctive Snap-Back Loop. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16228-16237. [PMID: 37460135 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have made remarkable success in targeted cancer therapy. However, therapeutic resistance inevitably occurred and EGFR-targeting therapy has been demonstrated to have limited efficacy or utility in glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is a high demand for the development of new targets to inhibit EGFR signaling. Herein, we found that the EGFR oncogene proximal promoter sequence forms a unique type of snap-back loop containing G-quadruplex (G4), which can be targeted by small molecules. For the first time, we determined the NMR solution structure of this snap-back EGFR-G4, a three-tetrad-core, parallel-stranded G4 with naturally occurring flanking residues at both the 5'-end and 3'-end. The snap-back loop located at the 3'-end region forms a stable capping structure through two stacked G-triads connected by multiple potential hydrogen bonds. Notably, the flanking residues are consistently absent in reported snap-back G4s, raising the question of whether such structures truly exist under in vivo conditions. The resolved EGFR-G4 structure has eliminated the doubt and showed distinct structural features that distinguish it from the previously reported snap-back G4s, which lack the flanking residues. Furthermore, we found that the snap-back EGFR-G4 structure is highly stable and can form on an elongated DNA template to inhibit DNA polymerase. The unprecedented high-resolution EGFR-G4 structure has thus contributed a promising molecular target for developing alternative EGFR signaling inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. Meanwhile, the two stacked triads may provide an attractive site for specific small-molecule targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Juannan Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzheng Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Bo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
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32
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Han ZQ, Wen LN. Application of G-quadruplex targets in gastrointestinal cancers: Advancements, challenges and prospects. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1149-1173. [PMID: 37546556 PMCID: PMC10401460 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i7.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and inflammation are considered to be two enabling characteristics that support cancer development and progression. G-quadruplex structure is a key element that contributes to genomic instability and inflammation. G-quadruplexes were once regarded as simply an obstacle that can block the transcription of oncogenes. A ligand targeting G-quadruplexes was found to have anticancer activity, making G-quadruplexes potential anticancer targets. However, further investigation has revealed that G-quadruplexes are widely distributed throughout the human genome and have many functions, such as regulating DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, translation, epigenetics, and inflammatory response. G-quadruplexes play double regulatory roles in transcription and translation. In this review, we focus on G-quadruplexes as novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. We summarize the application basis of G-quadruplexes in gastrointestinal cancers, including their distribution sites, structural characteristics, and physiological functions. We describe the current status of applications for the treatment of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as the associated challenges. Finally, we review the prospective clinical applications of G-quadruplex targets, providing references for targeted treatment strategies in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Qiang Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing 102211, China
| | - Li-Na Wen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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33
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Sannapureddi RKR, Mohanty MK, Salmon L, Sathyamoorthy B. Conformational Plasticity of Parallel G-Quadruplex─Implications on Duplex-Quadruplex Motifs. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37428641 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes are essential motifs in molecular biology performing a wide range of functions enabled by their unique and diverse structures. In this study, we focus on the conformational plasticity of the most abundant and biologically relevant parallel G-quadruplex topology. A multipronged approach of structure survey, solution-state NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations unravels subtle yet essential features of the parallel G-quadruplex topology. Stark differences in flexibility are observed for the nucleotides depending upon their positioning in the tetrad planes that are intricately correlated with the conformational sampling of the propeller loop. Importantly, the terminal nucleotides in the 5'-end versus the 3'-end of the parallel quadruplex display differential dynamics that manifests their ability to accommodate a duplex on either end of the G-quadruplex. The conformational plasticity characterized in this study provides essential cues toward biomolecular processes such as small molecular binding, intermolecular quadruplex stacking, and implications on how a duplex influences the structure of a neighboring quadruplex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Loïc Salmon
- Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, UMR 5082 (CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), University of Lyon, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | - Bharathwaj Sathyamoorthy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
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34
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Gaur P, Bain FE, Honda M, Granger SL, Spies M. Single-Molecule Analysis of the Improved Variants of the G-Quadruplex Recognition Protein G4P. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10274. [PMID: 37373425 PMCID: PMC10299155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210274] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As many as 700,000 unique sequences in the human genome are predicted to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical structures formed by Hoogsteen guanine-guanine pairing within G-rich nucleic acids. G4s play both physiological and pathological roles in many vital cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA transcription. Several reagents have been developed to visualize G4s in vitro and in cells. Recently, Zhen et al. synthesized a small protein G4P based on the G4 recognition motif from RHAU (DHX36) helicase (RHAU specific motif, RSM). G4P was reported to bind the G4 structures in cells and in vitro, and to display better selectivity toward G4s than the previously published BG4 antibody. To get insight into G4P- G4 interaction kinetics and selectivity, we purified G4P and its expanded variants, and analyzed their G4 binding using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and mass photometry. We found that G4P binds to various G4s with affinities defined mostly by the association rate. Doubling the number of the RSM units in the G4P increases the protein's affinity for telomeric G4s and its ability to interact with sequences folding into multiple G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maria Spies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA (M.H.)
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35
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Li G, Su G, Wang Y, Wang W, Shi J, Li D, Sui G. Integrative genomic analyses of promoter G-quadruplexes reveal their selective constraint and association with gene activation. Commun Biol 2023; 6:625. [PMID: 37301913 PMCID: PMC10257653 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) regulate DNA replication and gene transcription, and are enriched in promoters without fully appreciated functional relevance. Here we show high selection pressure on putative G4 (pG4) forming sequences in promoters through investigating genetic and genomic data. Analyses of 76,156 whole-genome sequences reveal that G-tracts and connecting loops in promoter pG4s display lower or higher allele frequencies, respectively, than pG4-flanking regions, and central guanines (Gs) in G-tracts show higher selection pressure than other Gs. Additionally, pG4-promoters produce over 72.4% of transcripts, and promoter G4-containing genes are expressed at relatively high levels. Most genes repressed by TMPyP4, a G4-ligand, regulate epigenetic processes, and promoter G4s are enriched with gene activation histone marks, chromatin remodeler and transcription factor binding sites. Consistently, cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTLs) are enriched in promoter pG4s and their G-tracts. Overall, our study demonstrates selective constraint of promoter G4s and reinforces their stimulative role in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Gongbo Su
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yunxuan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Guan L, Zhou Y, Li X, Mao Y, Li A, Fu Y, Liu W, Dong S, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Zhang L. ON-OFF Fluorescent Cyanine Dye Based on a Benzothiophenyl Rotor Enables Selective Illumination of G-Quadruplexes in Mitochondria. Anal Chem 2023. [PMID: 37290004 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conventional cyanine dyes exist as "always-on" fluorescent probes leading to inevitable background signals which often limit their performance and scope of applications. To develop specific fluorescent probes with high sensitivity and robust OFF/ON switching for targeting G4s, we introduced aromatic heterocycles through conjugation with polymethine chains to construct a rotor-π system. Here, a universal strategy is presented to synthesize pentamethine cyanines with different aromatic heterocycle substituents on the meso-polymethine chain. In these probes, SN-Cy5-S is self-quenched in aqueous solution due to H-aggregation. The structure indicates that SN-Cy5-S with a flexible meso-benzothiophenyl rotor conjugated to the cyanine backbone matches adaptively with G-tetrad planes, enhancing π-π stacking and resulting in triggered fluorescence. This allows recognition of G-quadruplexes due to the synergy of disaggregation-induced emission (DIE) and inhibited twisted intramolecular charge-transfer effects. This combination leads to a robust lighting-up fluorescence response for c-myc G4 with superior fluorescence enhancement (98-fold), allowing for a low detection limit of 1.51 nM, which is much more sensitive than the previously reported DIE-based G4 probes (22-83.5 nM). In addition, the superior imaging properties and rapid internalization time (5 min) in mitochondria allow SN-Cy5-S to also have a high potential for mitochondrially targeting anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Xiao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yongbao Mao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Anyang Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yile Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Sheying Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yukui Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
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37
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Gaur P, Bain FE, Honda M, Granger SL, Spies M. Single-molecule analysis of the improved variants of the G-quadruplex recognition protein G4P. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539902. [PMID: 37214990 PMCID: PMC10197523 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As many as 700,000 unique sequences in the human genome are predicted to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical structures formed by Hoogsteen guanine-guanine pairing within G-rich nucleic acids. G4s play both physiological and pathological roles in many vital cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA transcription. Several reagents have been developed to visualize G4s in vitro and in cells. Recently, Zhen et al . synthesized a small protein G4P based on the G4 recognition motif from RHAU (DHX36) helicase (RHAU specific motif, RSM). G4P was reported to bind the G4 structures in cells and in vitro , and to display better selectivity towards G4s than the previously published BG4 antibody. To get insight into the G4P-G4 interaction kinetics and selectivity, we purified G4P and its expanded variants, and analyzed their G4 binding using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and mass photometry. We found that G4P binds to various G4s with affinities defined mostly by the association rate. Doubling the number of the RSM units in the G4P increases the protein's affinity for telomeric G4s and its ability to interact with sequences folding into multiple G4s.
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38
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Campanile M, Oliva R, Del Vecchio P, Winter R, Petraccone L. The anticancer peptide LL-III binds with nanomolar affinity to human telomeric and cMyc G-quadruplexes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:6179-6182. [PMID: 37114333 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00737e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
LL-III is a natural anticancer peptide able to cross the membrane of cancer cells and to localize in the nucleolus, but its intracellular target is unknown. Here, we show that LL-III is able to bind with nM affinity to specific G-quadruplex structures known to be relevant anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campanile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roland Winter
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Street 4a, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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39
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Wu TY, Chen XC, Tang GX, Shao W, Li ZC, Chen SB, Huang ZS, Tan JH. Development and Characterization of Benzoselenazole Derivatives as Potent and Selective c-MYC Transcription Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5484-5499. [PMID: 37036951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing c-MYC transcription inhibitors that target the G-quadruplex has generated significant interest; however, few compounds have demonstrated specificity for c-MYC G-quadruplex and cancer cells. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of benzoazole derivatives as potential G-quadruplex ligand-based c-MYC transcription inhibitors. Surprisingly, benzoselenazole derivatives, which are rarely reported as G-quadruplex ligands, demonstrated greater c-MYC G-quadruplex selectivity and cancer cell specificity compared to their benzothiazole and benzoxazole analogues. The most promising compound, benzoselenazole m-Se3, selectively inhibited c-MYC transcription by specifically stabilizing the c-MYC G-quadruplex. This led to selective inhibition of hepatoma cell growth and proliferation by affecting the MYC target gene network, as well as effective tumor growth inhibition in hepatoma xenografts. Collectively, our study demonstrates that m-Se3 holds significant promise as a potent and selective inhibitor of c-MYC transcription for cancer treatment. Furthermore, our findings inspire the development of novel selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds as c-MYC G-quadruplex-specific ligands and transcription inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ying Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gui-Xue Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhang-Chi Li
- 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
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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40
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Howpay Manage SA, Zhu J, Fleming AM, Burrows CJ. Promoters vs. telomeres: AP-endonuclease 1 interactions with abasic sites in G-quadruplex folds depend on topology. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:261-270. [PMID: 37034403 PMCID: PMC10074553 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00233g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA repair endonuclease APE1 is responsible for the cleavage of abasic sites (AP) in DNA as well as binding AP in promoter G-quadruplex (G4) folds in some genes to regulate transcription. The present studies focused on the topological properties of AP-bearing G4 folds and how they impact APE1 interaction. The human telomere sequence with a tetrahydrofuran model (F) of an AP was folded in K+- or Na+-containing buffers to adopt hybrid- or basket-folds, respectively. Endonuclease and binding assays were performed with APE1 and the G4 substrates, and the data were compared to prior work with parallel-stranded VEGF and NEIL3 promoter G4s to identify topological differences. The APE1-catalyzed endonuclease assays led to the conclusion that telomere G4 folds were slightly better substrates than the promoter G4s, but the yields were all low compared to duplex DNA. In the binding assays, G4 topological differences were observed in which APE1 bound telomere G4s with dissociation constants similar to single-stranded DNA, and promoter G4s were bound with nearly ten-fold lower values similar to duplex DNA. An in-cellulo assay with the telomere G4 in a model promoter bearing a lesion failed to regulate transcription. These data support a hypothesis that G4 topology in gene promoters is a critical feature that APE1 recognizes for gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judy Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah 315 S. 1400 E. Salt Lake City UT 84112-0850 USA
| | - Aaron M Fleming
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah 315 S. 1400 E. Salt Lake City UT 84112-0850 USA
| | - Cynthia J Burrows
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah 315 S. 1400 E. Salt Lake City UT 84112-0850 USA
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Chashchina GV, Tevonyan LL, Beniaminov AD, Kaluzhny DN. Taq-Polymerase Stop Assay to Determine Target Selectivity of G4 Ligands in Native Promoter Sequences of MYC, TERT, and KIT Oncogenes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040544. [PMID: 37111301 PMCID: PMC10142109 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040544] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational and high-throughput experimental methods predict thousands of potential quadruplex sequences (PQSs) in the human genome. Often these PQSs contain more than four G-runs, which introduce additional uncertainty into the conformational polymorphism of the G4 DNA. G4-specific ligands, which are currently being actively developed as potential anticancer agents or tools for studying G4 structures in genomes, may preferentially bind to specific G4 structures over the others that can be potentially formed in the extended G-rich genomic region. We propose a simple technique that identifies the sequences that tend to form G4 in the presence of potassium ions or a specific ligand. Thermostable DNA Taq-polymerase stop assay can detect the preferential position of the G4 -ligand binging within a long PQS-rich genomic DNA fragment. This technique was tested for four G4 binders PDS, PhenDC3, Braco-19, and TMPyP4 at three promoter sequences of MYC, KIT, and TERT that contain several PQSs each. We demonstrate that the intensity of polymerase pausing reveals the preferential binding of a ligand to particular G4 structures within the promoter. However, the strength of the polymerase stop at a specific site does not always correlate with the ligand-induced thermodynamic stabilization of the corresponding G4 structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V Chashchina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liana L Tevonyan
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Artemy D Beniaminov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry N Kaluzhny
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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42
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Monchaud D. Template-Assembled Synthetic G-Quartets (TASQs): multiTASQing Molecular Tools for Investigating DNA and RNA G-Quadruplex Biology. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:350-362. [PMID: 36662540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetics is defined as a "practice of making technological design that copies natural processes", with the idea that "nature has already solved the challenges we are trying to solve" (Cambridge Dictionary). The challenge we decided to address several years ago was the selective targeting of G quadruplexes (G4s) by small molecules (G4 ligands). Why? Because G4s, which are four-stranded DNA and RNA structures that fold from guanine (G)-rich sequences, are suspected to play key biological roles in human cells and diseases. Selective G4 ligands can thus be used as small-molecule modulators to gain a deep understanding of cell circuitry where G4s are involved, thus complying with the very definition of chemical biology (Stuart Schreiber) applied here to G4 biology. How? Following a biomimetic approach that hinges on the observation that G4s are stable secondary structures owing to the ability of Gs to self-associate to form G quartets, and then of G quartets to self-stack to form the columnar core of G4s. Therefore, using a synthetic G quartet as a G4 ligand represents a unique example of biomimetic recognition of G4s.We formulated this hypothesis more than a decade ago, stepping on years of research on Gs, G4s, and G4 ligands. Our approach led to the design, synthesis, and use of a broad family of synthetic G quartets, also referred to as TASQs for template-assembled synthetic G quartets (John Sherman). This quest led us across various chemical lands (organic and supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, and genetics), along a route on which every new generation of TASQ was a milestone in the growing portfolio of ever smarter molecular tools to decipher G4 biology. As discussed in this Account, we detail how and why we successively develop the very first prototypes of (i) biomimetic ligands, which interact with G4s according to a bioinspired, like-likes-like interaction between two G quartets, one from the ligand, the other from the G4; (ii) smart ligands, which adopt their active conformation only in the presence of their G4 targets; (iii) twice-as-smart ligands, which act as both smart ligands and smart fluorescent probes, whose fluorescence is triggered (turned on) upon interaction with their G4 targets; and (iv) multivalent ligands, which display additional functionalities enabling the detection, isolation, and identification of G4s both in vitro and in vivo. This quest led us to gather a panel of 14 molecular tools which were used to investigate the biology of G4s at a cellular level, from basic optical imaging to multiomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Monchaud
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne, 21078 Dijon, France
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