1
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Lukaszewicz M. Application of Mammalian Nudix Enzymes to Capped RNA Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1195. [PMID: 39338357 PMCID: PMC11434898 DOI: 10.3390/ph17091195] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, mRNA-based therapeutics have now become a great interest and potential. The development of this approach has been preceded by studies of modifications found on mRNA ribonucleotides that influence the stability, translation and immunogenicity of this molecule. The 5' cap of eukaryotic mRNA plays a critical role in these cellular functions and is thus the focus of intensive chemical modifications to affect the biological properties of in vitro-prepared mRNA. Enzymatic removal of the 5' cap affects the stability of mRNA in vivo. The NUDIX hydrolase Dcp2 was identified as the first eukaryotic decapping enzyme and is routinely used to analyse the synthetic cap at the 5' end of RNA. Here we highlight three additional NUDIX enzymes with known decapping activity, namely Nudt2, Nudt12 and Nudt16. These enzymes possess a different and some overlapping activity towards numerous 5' RNA cap structures, including non-canonical and chemically modified ones. Therefore, they appear as potent tools for comprehensive in vitro characterisation of capped RNA transcripts, with special focus on synthetic RNAs with therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Lukaszewicz
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Warminski M, Depaix A, Ziemkiewicz K, Spiewla T, Zuberek J, Drazkowska K, Kedzierska H, Popielec A, Baranowski MR, Sklucka M, Bednarczyk M, Smietanski M, Wolosewicz K, Majewski B, Serwa RA, Nowis D, Golab J, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Trinucleotide cap analogs with triphosphate chain modifications: synthesis, properties, and evaluation as mRNA capping reagents. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae763. [PMID: 39248095 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemics have demonstrated the great therapeutic potential of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNAs, but improvements in their biochemical properties, such as cellular stability, reactogenicity and translational activity, are critical for further practical applications in gene replacement therapy and anticancer immunotherapy. One of the strategies to overcome these limitations is the chemical modification of a unique mRNA 5'-end structure, the 5'-cap, which is responsible for regulating translation at multiple levels. This could be achieved by priming the in vitro transcription reaction with synthetic cap analogs. In this study, we combined a highly efficient trinucleotide IVT capping technology with several modifications of the 5' cap triphosphate bridge to synthesize a series of 16 new cap analogs. We also combined these modifications with epigenetic marks (2'-O-methylation and m6Am) characteristic of mRNA 5'-ends in higher eukaryotes, which was not possible with dinucleotide caps. All analogs were compared for their effect on the interactions with eIF4E protein, IVT priming, susceptibility to decapping, and mRNA translation efficiency in model cell lines. The most promising α-phosphorothiolate modification was also evaluated in an in vivo mouse model. Unexpected differences between some of the analogs were analyzed using a protein cell extract pull-down assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anais Depaix
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Ziemkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Spiewla
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Drazkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hanna Kedzierska
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Popielec
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek R Baranowski
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Sklucka
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Miroslaw Smietanski
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Wolosewicz
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Majewski
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz A Serwa
- Proteomics Core Facility, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Golab
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Explorna Therapeutics sp. z o.o, Zwirki i Wigury 93/2157, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Warminski M, Grab K, Szczepanski K, Spiewla T, Zuberek J, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Photoactivatable mRNA 5' Cap Analogs for RNA-Protein Crosslinking. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400994. [PMID: 39049186 PMCID: PMC11423160 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400994] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Chemical modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) has paved the way for advancing mRNA-based therapeutics. The intricate process of mRNA translation in eukaryotes is orchestrated by numerous proteins involved in complex interaction networks. Many of them bind specifically to a unique structure at the mRNA 5'-end, called 5'-cap. Depending on the 5'-terminal sequence and its methylation pattern, different proteins may be involved in the translation initiation and regulation, but a deeper understanding of these mechanisms requires specialized molecular tools to identify natural binders of mRNA 5'-end variants. Here, a series of 8 new synthetic 5'-cap analogs that allow the preparation of RNA molecules with photoreactive tags using a standard in vitro transcription reaction are reported. Two photoreactive tags and four different modification sites are selected to minimize potential interference with cap-protein contacts and to provide complementary properties regarding crosslinking chemistry and molecular interactions. The tailored modification strategy allows for the generation of specific crosslinks with model cap-binding proteins, such as eIF4E and Dcp2. The usefulness of the photoreactive cap analogs is also demonstrated for identifying the cap-binding subunit in a multi-protein complex, which makes them perfect candidates for further development of photoaffinity labeling probes to study more complex mRNA-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grab
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | - Kacper Szczepanski
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Tomasz Spiewla
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, Warsaw, 02-089, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuberek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
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4
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Tomecki R, Drazkowska K, Madaj R, Mamot A, Dunin-Horkawicz S, Sikorski PJ. Expanding the Available RNA Labeling Toolbox With CutA Nucleotidyltransferase for Efficient Transcript Labeling with Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Analogs. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400202. [PMID: 38818670 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400202] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
RNA labeling is an invaluable tool for investigation of the function and localization of nucleic acids. Labels are commonly incorporated into 3' end of RNA and the primary enzyme used for this purpose is RNA poly(A) polymerase (PAP), which belongs to the class of terminal nucleotidyltransferases (NTases). However, PAP preferentially adds ATP analogs, thus limiting the number of available substrates. Here, we report the use of another NTase, CutA from the fungus Thielavia terrestris. Using this enzyme, we were able to incorporate into the 3' end of RNA not only purine analogs, but also pyrimidine analogs. We engaged strain-promoted azide-alkyl cycloaddition (SPAAC) to obtain fluorescently labeled or biotinylated transcripts from RNAs extended with azide analogs by CutA. Importantly, modified transcripts retained their biological properties. Furthermore, fluorescently labeled mRNAs were suitable for visualization in cultured mammalian cells. Finally, we demonstrate that either affinity studies or molecular dynamic (MD) simulations allow for rapid screening of NTase substrates, what opens up new avenues in the search for the optimal substrates for this class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Tomecki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pawinskiego 5a, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Drazkowska
- Laboratory of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Madaj
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stanislaw Dunin-Horkawicz
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Laboratory of Epitranscriptomics, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Warminski M, Mamot A, Depaix A, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Chemical Modifications of mRNA Ends for Therapeutic Applications. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:2814-2826. [PMID: 37782471 PMCID: PMC10586375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00442] [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: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is the universal cellular instruction for ribosomes to produce proteins. Proteins are responsible for most of the functions of living organisms, and their abnormal structure or activity is the cause of many diseases. mRNA, which is expressed in the cytoplasm and, unlike DNA, does not need to be delivered into the nucleus, appears to be an ideal vehicle for pursuing the idea of gene therapy in which genetic information about proteins is introduced into an organism to exert a therapeutic effect. mRNA molecules of any sequence can be synthesized using the same set of reagents in a cell-free system via a process called in vitro transcription (IVT), which is very convenient for therapeutic applications. However, this does not mean that the path from the idea to the first mRNA-based therapeutic was short and easy. It took 30 years of trial and error in the search for solutions that eventually led to the first mRNA vaccines created in record time during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. One of the fundamental problems in the development of RNA-based therapeutics is the legendary instability of mRNA, due to the transient nature of this macromolecule. From the chemical point of view, mRNA is a linear biopolymer composed of four types of ribonucleic subunits ranging in length from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of nucleotides, with unique structures at its ends: a 5'-cap at the 5'-end and a poly(A) tail at the 3'-end. Both are extremely important for the regulation of translation and mRNA durability. These elements are also convenient sites for sequence-independent labeling of mRNA to create probes for enzymatic assays and tracking of the fate of mRNA in cells and living organisms. Synthetic 5'-cap analogs have played an important role in the studies of mRNA metabolism, and some of them have also been shown to significantly improve the translational properties of mRNA or affect mRNA stability and reactogenicity. The most effective of these is used in clinical trials of mRNA-based anticancer vaccines. Interestingly, thanks to the knowledge gained from the biophysical studies of cap-related processes, even relatively large modifications such as fluorescent tags can be attached to the cap structure without significant effects on the biological properties of the mRNA, if properly designed cap analogs are used. This has been exploited in the development of molecular tools (fluorescently labeled mRNAs) to track these macromolecules in complex biological systems, including organisms. These tools are extremely valuable for better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in mRNA metabolism but also for designing therapeutic mRNAs with superior properties. Much less is known about the usefulness/utility of poly(A) tail modifications in the therapeutic context, but it is clear that chemical modifications of poly(A) can also affect biochemical properties of mRNA. This Account is devoted to chemical modifications of both the 5'- and 3'-ends of mRNA aimed at improving the biological properties of mRNA, without interfering with its translational function, and is based on the authors' more than 20 years of experience in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Warminski
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Mamot
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anaïs Depaix
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division
of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre
of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Ohno H, Akamine S, Mochizuki M, Hayashi K, Akichika S, Suzuki T, Saito H. Versatile strategy using vaccinia virus-capping enzyme to synthesize functional 5' cap-modified mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e34. [PMID: 36731515 PMCID: PMC10085709 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of synthetic mRNA as a genetic carrier has increased its application in scientific fields. Because the 5' cap regulates the stability and translational activity of mRNAs, there are concerted efforts to search for and synthesize chemically-modified 5' caps that improve the functionality of mRNA. Here, we report an easy and efficient method to synthesize functional mRNAs by modifying multiple 5' cap analogs using a vaccinia virus-capping enzyme. We show that this enzyme can introduce a variety of GTP analogs to the 5' end of RNA to generate 5' cap-modified mRNAs that exhibit different translation levels. Notably, some of these modified mRNAs improve translation efficiency and can be conjugated to chemical structures, further increasing their functionality. Our versatile method to generate 5' cap-modified mRNAs will provide useful tools for RNA therapeutics and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Ohno
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Sae Akamine
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Megumi Mochizuki
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Karin Hayashi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Akichika
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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7
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Perzanowska O, Smietanski M, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. Chemically Modified Poly(A) Analogs Targeting PABP: Structure Activity Relationship and Translation Inhibitory Properties. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201115. [PMID: 35575378 PMCID: PMC9400960 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Poly(A)‐binding protein (PABP) is an essential element of cellular translational machinery. Recent studies have revealed that poly(A) tail modifications can modulate mRNA stability and translational potential, and that oligoadenylate‐derived PABP ligands can act as effective translational inhibitors with potential applications in pain management. Although extensive research has focused on protein‐RNA and protein‐protein interactions involving PABPs, further studies are required to examine the ligand specificity of PABP. In this study, we developed a microscale thermophoresis‐based assay to probe the interactions between PABP and oligoadenylate analogs containing different chemical modifications. Using this method, we evaluated oligoadenylate analogs modified with nucleobase, ribose, and phosphate moieties to identify modification hotspots. In addition, we determined the susceptibility of the modified oligos to CNOT7 to identify those with the potential for increased cellular stability. Consequently, we selected two enzymatically stable oligoadenylate analogs that inhibit translation in rabbit reticulocyte lysates with a higher potency than a previously reported PABP ligand. We believe that the results presented in this study and the implemented methodology can be capitalized upon in the future development of RNA‐based biological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perzanowska
- Division of Biophysics Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw Ludwika Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
- Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Stefana Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Miroslaw Smietanski
- Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Stefana Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Stefana Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw Ludwika Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
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8
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Zhou H, Li Y, Gan Y, Wang R. Total RNA Synthesis and its Covalent Labeling Innovation. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2022; 380:16. [PMID: 35218412 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-022-00371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA plays critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes. For example, it is well known that RNA plays an important role in regulating gene expression, cell proliferation, and differentiation, and many other chemical and biological processes. However, the research community still suffers from limited approaches that can be applied to readily visualize a specific RNA-of-interest (ROI). Several methods can be used to track RNAs; these rely mainly on biological properties, namely, hybridization, aptamer, reporter protein, and protein binding. With respect to covalent approaches, very few cases have been reported. Happily, several new methods for efficient labeling studies of ROIs have been demonstrated successfully in recent years. Additionally, methods employed for the detection of ROIs by RNA modifying enzymes have also proved feasible. Several approaches, namely, phosphoramidite chemistry, in vitro transcription reactions, co-transcription reactions, chemical post-modification, RNA modifying enzymes, ligation, and other methods targeted at RNA labeling have been revealed in the past decades. To illustrate the most recent achievements, this review aims to summarize the most recent research in the field of synthesis of RNAs-of-interest bearing a variety of unnatural nucleosides, the subsequent RNA labeling research via biocompatible ligation, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Youfang Gan
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Key Laboratory of Natural Product and Resource, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Shanghai, 230030, China.
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9
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Depaix A, Mlynarska-Cieslak A, Warminski M, Sikorski PJ, Jemielity J, Kowalska J. RNA Ligation for Mono and Dually Labeled RNAs. Chemistry 2021; 27:12190-12197. [PMID: 34114681 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Labeled RNAs are invaluable probes for investigation of RNA function and localization. However, mRNA labeling remains challenging. Here, we developed an improved method for 3'-end labeling of in vitro transcribed RNAs. We synthesized novel adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate analogues modified at the N6 or C2 position of adenosine with an azide-containing linker, fluorescent label, or biotin and assessed these constructs as substrates for RNA labeling directly by T4 ligase or via postenzymatic strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). All analogues were substrates for T4 RNA ligase. Analogues containing bulky fluorescent labels or biotin showed better overall labeling yields than postenzymatic SPAAC. We successfully labeled uncapped RNAs, NAD-capped RNAs, and 5'-fluorescently labeled m7 Gp3 Am -capped mRNAs. The obtained highly homogenous dually labeled mRNA was translationally active and enabled fluorescence-based monitoring of decapping. This method will facilitate the use of various functionalized mRNA-based probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Depaix
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mlynarska-Cieslak
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Kleczewska N, Sikorski PJ, Warminska Z, Markiewicz L, Kasprzyk R, Baran N, Kwapiszewska K, Karpinska A, Michalski J, Holyst R, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Cellular delivery of dinucleotides by conjugation with small molecules: targeting translation initiation for anticancer applications. Chem Sci 2021; 12:10242-10251. [PMID: 34377411 PMCID: PMC8336483 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02143e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting cap-dependent translation initiation is one of the experimental approaches that could lead to the development of novel anti-cancer therapies. Synthetic dinucleoside 5',5'-triphosphates cap analogs are potent antagonists of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in vitro and could counteract elevated levels of eIF4E in cancer cells; however, transformation of these compounds into therapeutic agents remains challenging - they do not easily penetrate into cells and are susceptible to enzymatic cleavage. Here, we tested the potential of several small molecule ligands - folic acid, biotin, glucose, and cholesterol - to deliver both hydrolyzable and cleavage-resistant cap analogs into cells. A broad structure-activity relationship (SAR) study using model fluorescent probes and cap-ligand conjugates showed that cholesterol greatly facilitates uptake of cap analogs without disturbing the interactions with eIF4E. The most potent cholesterol conjugate identified showed apoptosis-mediated cytotoxicity towards cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kleczewska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Zofia Warminska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Lukasz Markiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Renata Kasprzyk
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- Division of Biophysics Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Natalia Baran
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- Faculty of Biology University of Warsaw I. Miecznikowa 1 02-096 Warsaw Poland
| | - Karina Kwapiszewska
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Kasprzaka 44/52 01-224 Warsaw Poland
| | - Aneta Karpinska
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Kasprzaka 44/52 01-224 Warsaw Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Michalski
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Kasprzaka 44/52 01-224 Warsaw Poland
| | - Robert Holyst
- Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Kasprzaka 44/52 01-224 Warsaw Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
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11
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Biomolecular condensates amplify mRNA decapping by biasing enzyme conformation. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:615-623. [PMID: 33767388 PMCID: PMC8476181 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells organize biochemical processes into biological condensates. P-bodies are cytoplasmic condensates that are enriched in enzymes important for mRNA degradation and have been identified as sites of both storage and decay. How these opposing outcomes can be achieved in condensates remains unresolved. mRNA decapping immediately precedes degradation, and the Dcp1/Dcp2 decapping complex is enriched in P-bodies. Here, we show that Dcp1/Dcp2 activity is modulated in condensates and depends on the interactions promoting phase separation. We find that Dcp1/Dcp2 phase separation stabilizes an inactive conformation in Dcp2 to inhibit decapping. The activator Edc3 causes a conformational change in Dcp2 and rewires the protein-protein interactions to stimulate decapping in condensates. Disruption of the inactive conformation dysregulates decapping in condensates. Our results indicate that the regulation of enzymatic activity in condensates relies on a coupling across length scales ranging from microns to ångstroms. We propose that this regulatory mechanism may control the functional state of P-bodies and related phase-separated compartments.
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12
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Strzelecka D, Smietanski M, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Phosphodiester modifications in mRNA poly(A) tail prevent deadenylation without compromising protein expression. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1815-1837. [PMID: 32820035 PMCID: PMC7668260 DOI: 10.1261/rna.077099.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modifications enable preparation of mRNAs with augmented stability and translational activity. In this study, we explored how chemical modifications of 5',3'-phosphodiester bonds in the mRNA body and poly(A) tail influence the biological properties of eukaryotic mRNA. To obtain modified and unmodified in vitro transcribed mRNAs, we used ATP and ATP analogs modified at the α-phosphate (containing either O-to-S or O-to-BH3 substitutions) and three different RNA polymerases-SP6, T7, and poly(A) polymerase. To verify the efficiency of incorporation of ATP analogs in the presence of ATP, we developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantitative assessment of modification frequency based on exhaustive degradation of the transcripts to 5'-mononucleotides. The method also estimated the average poly(A) tail lengths, thereby providing a versatile tool for establishing a structure-biological property relationship for mRNA. We found that mRNAs containing phosphorothioate groups within the poly(A) tail were substantially less susceptible to degradation by 3'-deadenylase than unmodified mRNA and were efficiently expressed in cultured cells, which makes them useful research tools and potential candidates for future development of mRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Strzelecka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Na Z, Luo Y, Schofield JA, Smelyansky S, Khitun A, Muthukumar S, Valkov E, Simon MD, Slavoff SA. The NBDY Microprotein Regulates Cellular RNA Decapping. Biochemistry 2020; 59:4131-4142. [PMID: 33059440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteogenomic identification of translated small open reading frames in humans has revealed thousands of microproteins, or polypeptides of fewer than 100 amino acids, that were previously invisible to geneticists. Hundreds of microproteins have been shown to be essential for cell growth and proliferation, and many regulate macromolecular complexes. One such regulatory microprotein is NBDY, a 68-amino acid component of the human cytoplasmic RNA decapping complex. Heterologously expressed NBDY was previously reported to regulate cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granules known as P-bodies and reporter gene stability, but the global effect of endogenous NBDY on the cellular transcriptome remained undefined. In this work, we demonstrate that endogenous NBDY directly interacts with the human RNA decapping complex through EDC4 and DCP1A and localizes to P-bodies. Global profiling of RNA stability changes in NBDY knockout (KO) cells reveals dysregulated stability of more than 1400 transcripts. DCP2 substrate transcript half-lives are both increased and decreased in NBDY KO cells, which correlates with 5' UTR length. NBDY deletion additionally alters the stability of non-DCP2 target transcripts, possibly as a result of downregulated expression of nonsense-mediated decay factors in NBDY KO cells. We present a comprehensive model of the regulation of RNA stability by NBDY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenkun Na
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Yang Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Jeremy A Schofield
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06529, United States
| | - Stephanie Smelyansky
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06529, United States
| | - Alexandra Khitun
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Sowndarya Muthukumar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Eugene Valkov
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06529, United States
| | - Sarah A Slavoff
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06529, United States
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14
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Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kubacka D, Ratajczak T, Nowis D, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. The identity and methylation status of the first transcribed nucleotide in eukaryotic mRNA 5' cap modulates protein expression in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1607-1626. [PMID: 31984425 PMCID: PMC7038993 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
7-Methylguanosine 5' cap on mRNA is necessary for efficient protein expression in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies revealed structural diversity of endogenous mRNA caps, which carry different 5'-terminal nucleotides and additional methylations (2'-O-methylation and m6A). Currently available 5'-capping methods do not address this diversity. We report trinucleotide 5' cap analogs (m7GpppN(m)pG), which are utilized by RNA polymerase T7 to initiate transcription from templates carrying Φ6.5 promoter and enable production of mRNAs differing in the identity of the first transcribed nucleotide (N = A, m6A, G, C, U) and its methylation status (±2'-O-methylation). HPLC-purified mRNAs carrying these 5' caps were used to study protein expression in three mammalian cell lines (3T3-L1, HeLa and JAWS II). The highest expression was observed for mRNAs carrying 5'-terminal A/Am and m6Am, whereas the lowest was observed for G and Gm. The mRNAs carrying 2'-O-methyl at the first transcribed nucleotide (cap 1) had significantly higher expression than unmethylated counterparts (cap 0) only in JAWS II dendritic cells. Further experiments indicated that the mRNA expression characteristic does not correlate with affinity for translation initiation factor 4E or in vitro susceptibility to decapping, but instead depends on mRNA purity and the immune state of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Ratajczak
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2C, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Cheng MSQ, Su MXX, Wang MXN, Sun MZY, Ou TM. Probes and drugs that interfere with protein translation via targeting to the RNAs or RNA-protein interactions. Methods 2019; 167:124-133. [PMID: 31185274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is critical to cell survival and translation regulation is essential to post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. Disorders of this process, particularly through RNA-binding proteins, is associated with the development and progression of a number of diseases, including cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of protein synthesis are intricate, making it difficult to find a drug that interferes with this process. Chemical probes are useful in elucidating the structures of RNA-protein complex and molecular mechanism of biological events. Moreover, some of these chemical probes show certain therapeutic benefits and can be further developed as leading compounds. Here, we will briefly review the general process and mechanism of protein synthesis, and emphasis on chemical probes in examples of probing the RNA structural changes and RNA-protein interactions. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of these probes is also discussed to give a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miss Sui-Qi Cheng
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Xiao-Xuan Su
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Miss Xiao-Na Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Zhi-Yin Sun
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou University City, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Bednarek S, Madan V, Sikorski PJ, Bartenschlager R, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. mRNAs biotinylated within the 5' cap and protected against decapping: new tools to capture RNA-protein complexes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2018.0167. [PMID: 30397103 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5'-terminus of eukaryotic mRNAs comprises a 7-methylguanosine cap linked to the first transcribed nucleotide via a 5'-5' triphosphate bond. This cap structure facilitates numerous interactions with molecules participating in mRNA processing, turnover and RNA translation. Here, we report the synthesis and biochemical properties of a set of biotin-labelled cap analogues modified within the triphosphate bridge and increasing mRNA stability while retaining biological activity. Successful co-transcriptional incorporation of the cap analogues allowed for the quantification of cap-dependent translation efficiency, capping efficiency and the susceptibility to decapping by Dcp2. The utility of such cap-biotinylated RNAs as molecular tool was demonstrated by ultraviolet-cross-linking and affinity capture of protein-RNA complexes. In conclusion, RNAs labelled with biotin via the 5' cap structure can be applied to a variety of biological experiments based on biotin-avidin interaction or by means of biotin-specific antibodies, including protein affinity purification, pull-down assays, in vivo visualization, cellular delivery and many others.This article is part of the theme issue '5' and 3' modifications controlling RNA degradation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Bednarek
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland.,Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vanesa Madan
- Department of Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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17
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Wojtczak BA, Sikorski PJ, Fac-Dabrowska K, Nowicka A, Warminski M, Kubacka D, Nowak E, Nowotny M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. 5'-Phosphorothiolate Dinucleotide Cap Analogues: Reagents for Messenger RNA Modification and Potent Small-Molecular Inhibitors of Decapping Enzymes. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:5987-5999. [PMID: 29676910 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b02597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The 5' cap consists of 7-methylguanosine (m7G) linked by a 5'-5'-triphosphate bridge to messenger RNA (mRNA) and acts as the master regulator of mRNA turnover and translation initiation in eukaryotes. Cap analogues that influence mRNA translation and turnover (either as small molecules or as part of an RNA transcript) are valuable tools for studying gene expression, which is often also of therapeutic relevance. Here, we synthesized a series of 15 dinucleotide cap (m7GpppG) analogues containing a 5'-phosphorothiolate (5'-PSL) moiety (i.e., an O-to-S substitution within the 5'-phosphoester) and studied their biological properties in the context of three major cap-binding proteins: translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and two decapping enzymes, DcpS and Dcp2. While the 5'-PSL moiety was neutral or slightly stabilizing for cap interactions with eIF4E, it significantly influenced susceptibility to decapping. Replacing the γ-phosphoester with the 5'-PSL moiety (γ-PSL) prevented β-γ-pyrophosphate bond cleavage by DcpS and conferred strong inhibitory properties. Combining the γ-PSL moiety with α-PSL and β-phosphorothioate (PS) moiety afforded first cap-derived hDcpS inhibitor with low nanomolar potency. Susceptibility to Dcp2 and translational properties were studied after incorporation of the new analogues into mRNA transcripts by RNA polymerase. Transcripts containing the γ-PSL moiety were resistant to cleavage by Dcp2. Surprisingly, superior translational properties were observed for mRNAs containing the α-PSL moiety, which were Dcp2-susceptible. The overall protein expression measured in HeLa cells for this mRNA was comparable to mRNA capped with the translation augmenting β-PS analogue reported previously. Overall, our study highlights 5'-PSL as a synthetically accessible cap modification, which, depending on the substitution site, can either reduce susceptibility to decapping or confer superior translational properties on the mRNA. The 5'-PSL-analogues may find application as reagents for the preparation of efficiently expressed mRNA or for investigation of the role of decapping enzymes in mRNA processing or neuromuscular disorders associated with decapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blazej A Wojtczak
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Kaja Fac-Dabrowska
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Anna Nowicka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Dorota Kubacka
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Elzbieta Nowak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw , 4 Ks. Trojdena Street , 02-109 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw , 4 Ks. Trojdena Street , 02-109 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics , University of Warsaw , Pasteura 5 Street , 02-093 Warsaw , Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Banacha 2c Street , 02-097 Warsaw , Poland
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18
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Mamot A, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Azido-Functionalized 5′ Cap Analogues for the Preparation of Translationally Active mRNAs Suitable for Fluorescent Labeling in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201709052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mamot
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Chemistry; Pasteura 1 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Pawel J. Sikorski
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Physics; Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics; Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- University of Warsaw; Faculty of Physics; Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics; Pasteura 5 02-093 Warsaw Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- University of Warsaw; Centre of New Technologies; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry; Banacha 2c 02-097 Warsaw Poland
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19
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Mamot A, Sikorski PJ, Warminski M, Kowalska J, Jemielity J. Azido-Functionalized 5' Cap Analogues for the Preparation of Translationally Active mRNAs Suitable for Fluorescent Labeling in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:15628-15632. [PMID: 29048718 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201709052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The 7-methylguanosine (m7 G) cap structure is a unique feature present at the 5' ends of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and it can be subjected to extensive modifications, resulting in alterations to mRNA properties (e.g. translatability, susceptibility to degradation). It also can provide molecular tools to study mRNA metabolism. We developed new mRNA 5' cap analogues that enable the site-specific labeling of RNA at the 5' end using strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) without disrupting the basic function of mRNA in protein biosynthesis. Some of these azide-functionalized compounds are equipped with additional modifications to augment mRNA properties. The application of these tools was demonstrated by labeling translationally active mRNAs in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mamot
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.,University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Pasteura 1, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel J Sikorski
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Warminski
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Division of Biophysics, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Jemielity
- University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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