1
|
Nagasawa R, Onizuka K, Komatsu KR, Miyashita E, Murase H, Ojima K, Ishikawa S, Ozawa M, Saito H, Nagatsugi F. Large-scale analysis of small molecule-RNA interactions using multiplexed RNA structure libraries. Commun Chem 2024; 7:98. [PMID: 38693284 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The large-scale analysis of small-molecule binding to diverse RNA structures is key to understanding the required interaction properties and selectivity for developing RNA-binding molecules toward RNA-targeted therapies. Here, we report a new system for performing the large-scale analysis of small molecule-RNA interactions using a multiplexed pull-down assay with RNA structure libraries. The system profiled the RNA-binding landscapes of G-clamp and thiazole orange derivatives, which recognizes an unpaired guanine base and are good probes for fluorescent indicator displacement (FID) assays, respectively. We discuss the binding preferences of these molecules based on their large-scale affinity profiles. In addition, we selected combinations of fluorescent indicators and different ranks of RNA based on the information and screened for RNA-binding molecules using FID. RNAs with high- and intermediate-rank RNA provided reliable results. Our system provides fundamental information about small molecule-RNA interactions and facilitates the discovery of novel RNA-binding molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Nagasawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan.
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
| | - Kaoru R Komatsu
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Emi Miyashita
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Murase
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kanna Ojima
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Shunya Ishikawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ozawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kaur J, Sharma A, Mundlia P, Sood V, Pandey A, Singh G, Barnwal RP. RNA-Small-Molecule Interaction: Challenging the "Undruggable" Tag. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38498010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA targeting, specifically with small molecules, is a relatively new and rapidly emerging avenue with the promise to expand the target space in the drug discovery field. From being "disregarded" as an "undruggable" messenger molecule to FDA approval of an RNA-targeting small-molecule drug Risdiplam, a radical change in perspective toward RNA has been observed in the past decade. RNAs serve important regulatory functions beyond canonical protein synthesis, and their dysregulation has been reported in many diseases. A deeper understanding of RNA biology reveals that RNA molecules can adopt a variety of structures, carrying defined binding pockets that can accommodate small-molecule drugs. Due to its functional diversity and structural complexity, RNA can be perceived as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention. This perspective highlights the proof of concept of RNA-small-molecule interactions, exemplified by targeting of various transcripts with functional modulators. The advent of RNA-oriented knowledge would help expedite drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaskirat Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Poonam Mundlia
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ankur Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wicks SL, Morgan BS, Wilson AW, Hargrove AE. Probing Bioactive Chemical Space to Discover RNA-Targeted Small Molecules. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551350. [PMID: 37577658 PMCID: PMC10418101 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules have become increasingly recognized as invaluable tools to study RNA structure and function and to develop RNA-targeted therapeutics. To rationally design RNA-targeting ligands, a comprehensive understanding and explicit testing of small molecule properties that govern molecular recognition is crucial. To date, most studies have primarily evaluated properties of small molecules that bind RNA in vitro, with little to no assessment of properties that are distinct to selective and bioactive RNA-targeted ligands. Therefore, we curated an RNA-focused library, termed the Duke RNA-Targeted Library (DRTL), that was biased towards the physicochemical and structural properties of biologically active and non-ribosomal RNA-targeted small molecules. The DRTL represents one of the largest academic RNA-focused small molecule libraries curated to date with more than 800 small molecules. These ligands were selected using computational approaches that measure similarity to known bioactive RNA ligands and that diversify the molecules within this space. We evaluated DRTL binding in vitro to a panel of four RNAs using two optimized fluorescent indicator displacement assays, and we successfully identified multiple small molecule hits, including several novel scaffolds for RNA. The DRTL has and will continue to provide insights into biologically relevant RNA chemical space, such as the identification of additional RNA-privileged scaffolds and validation of RNA-privileged molecular features. Future DRTL screening will focus on expanding both the targets and assays used, and we welcome collaboration from the scientific community. We envision that the DRTL will be a valuable resource for the discovery of RNA-targeted chemical probes and therapeutic leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Wicks
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
| | - Brittany S. Morgan
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; University of Notre Dame; 123 McCourtney Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556
| | - Alexander W. Wilson
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
| | - Amanda E. Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry; Duke University; 124 Science Drive; Durham, NC 27708
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rabany O, Nachmani D. Small Nucleolar (Sno)RNA: Therapy Lays in Translation. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:35. [PMID: 37368335 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ribosome is one of the largest complexes in the cell. Adding to its complexity are more than 200 RNA modification sites present on ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) in a single human ribosome. These modifications occur in functionally important regions of the rRNA molecule, and they are vital for ribosome function and proper gene expression. Until recent technological advancements, the study of rRNA modifications and their profiles has been extremely laborious, leaving many questions unanswered. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that facilitate and dictate the specificity of rRNA modification deposition, making them an attractive target for ribosome modulation. Here, we propose that through the mapping of rRNA modification profiles, we can identify cell-specific modifications with high therapeutic potential. We also describe the challenges of achieving the targeting specificity needed to implement snoRNAs as therapeutic targets in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ofri Rabany
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Daphna Nachmani
- Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nagatsugi F, Onizuka K. Selective Chemical Modification to the Higher-Order Structures of Nucleic Acids. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200194. [PMID: 36111635 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
DNA and RNA can adopt a variety of stable higher-order structural motifs, including G-quadruplex (G4 s), mismatches, and bulges. Many of these secondary structures are closely related to the regulation of gene expression. Therefore, the higher-order structure of nucleic acids is one of the candidate therapeutic targets, and the development of binding molecules targeting the higher-order structure of nucleic acids has been pursued vigorously. Furthermore, as one of the methodologies for detecting the higher-order structures of these nucleic acids, developing techniques for the selective chemical modification of the higher-order structures of nucleic acids is also underway. In this personal account, we focus on the following higher-order structures of nucleic acids, double-stranded DNA containing the abasic site, T-T/U-U mismatch structure, and G-quadruplex structure, and describe the development of molecules that bind to and chemically modify these structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.,Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pharmacological inhibition of Lin28 promotes ketogenesis and restores lipid homeostasis in models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7940. [PMID: 36572670 PMCID: PMC9792516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35481-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lin28 RNA-binding proteins are stem-cell factors that play key roles in development. Lin28 suppresses the biogenesis of let-7 microRNAs and regulates mRNA translation. Notably, let-7 inhibits Lin28, establishing a double-negative feedback loop. The Lin28/let-7 axis resides at the interface of metabolic reprogramming and oncogenesis and is therefore a potential target for several diseases. In this study, we use compound-C1632, a drug-like Lin28 inhibitor, and show that the Lin28/let-7 axis regulates the balance between ketogenesis and lipogenesis in liver cells. Hence, Lin28 inhibition activates synthesis and secretion of ketone bodies whilst suppressing lipogenesis. This occurs at least partly via let-7-mediated inhibition of nuclear receptor co-repressor 1, which releases ketogenesis gene expression mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha. In this way, small-molecule Lin28 inhibition protects against lipid accumulation in multiple cellular and male mouse models of hepatic steatosis. Overall, this study highlights Lin28 inhibitors as candidates for the treatment of hepatic disorders of abnormal lipid deposition.
Collapse
|
7
|
Childs-Disney JL, Yang X, Gibaut QMR, Tong Y, Batey RT, Disney MD. Targeting RNA structures with small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:736-762. [PMID: 35941229 PMCID: PMC9360655 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA adopts 3D structures that confer varied functional roles in human biology and dysfunction in disease. Approaches to therapeutically target RNA structures with small molecules are being actively pursued, aided by key advances in the field including the development of computational tools that predict evolutionarily conserved RNA structures, as well as strategies that expand mode of action and facilitate interactions with cellular machinery. Existing RNA-targeted small molecules use a range of mechanisms including directing splicing - by acting as molecular glues with cellular proteins (such as branaplam and the FDA-approved risdiplam), inhibition of translation of undruggable proteins and deactivation of functional structures in noncoding RNAs. Here, we describe strategies to identify, validate and optimize small molecules that target the functional transcriptome, laying out a roadmap to advance these agents into the next decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | - Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Takahashi S, Kotar A, Tateishi-Karimata H, Bhowmik S, Wang ZF, Chang TC, Sato S, Takenaka S, Plavec J, Sugimoto N. Chemical Modulation of DNA Replication along G-Quadruplex Based on Topology-Dependent Ligand Binding. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16458-16469. [PMID: 34554731 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c05468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ligands that bind to and stabilize guanine-quadruplex (G4) structures to regulate DNA replication have therapeutic potential for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Because there are several G4 topologies, ligands that bind to their specific types may have the ability to preferentially regulate the replication of only certain genes. Here, we demonstrated that binding ligands stalled the replication of template DNA at G4, depending on different topologies. For example, naphthalene diimide derivatives bound to the G-quartet of G4 with an additional interaction between the ligand and the loop region of a hybrid G4 type from human telomeres, which efficiently repressed the replication of the G4. Thus, these inhibitory effects were not only stability-dependent but also topology-selective based on the manner in which G4 structures interacted with G4 ligands. Our original method, referred to as a quantitative study of topology-dependent replication (QSTR), was developed to evaluate correlations between replication rate and G4 stability. QSTR enabled the systematic categorization of ligands based on topology-dependent binding. It also demonstrated accuracy in determining quantitatively how G4 ligands control the intermediate state of replication and the kinetics of G4 unwinding. Hence, the QSTR index would facilitate the design of new drugs capable of controlling the topology-dependent regulation of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Takahashi
- FIBER (Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Anita Kotar
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- FIBER (Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sudipta Bhowmik
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University College of Science, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Zi-Fu Wang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chau Chang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Shinobu Sato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan
| | - Shigeori Takenaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- FIBER (Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,FIRST (Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang C, Forsdyke DR. Potential Achilles heels of SARS-CoV-2 are best displayed by the base order-dependent component of RNA folding energy. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 94:107570. [PMID: 34500325 PMCID: PMC8410225 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The base order-dependent component of folding energy has revealed a highly conserved region in HIV-1 genomes that associates with RNA structure. This corresponds to a packaging signal that is recognized by the nucleocapsid domain of the Gag polyprotein. Long viewed as a potential HIV-1 "Achilles heel," the signal can be targeted by a new antiviral compound. Although SARS-CoV-2 differs in many respects from HIV-1, the same technology displays regions with a high base order-dependent folding energy component, which are also highly conserved. This indicates structural invariance (SI) sustained by natural selection. While the regions are often also protein-encoding (e. g. NSP3, ORF3a), we suggest that their nucleic acid level functions can be considered potential "Achilles heels" for SARS-CoV-2, perhaps susceptible to therapies like those envisaged for AIDS. The ribosomal frameshifting element scored well, but higher SI scores were obtained in other regions, including those encoding NSP13 and the nucleocapsid (N) protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiyu Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Donald R Forsdyke
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|