1
|
Turcotte MA, Bolduc F, Vannutelli A, Mitteaux J, Monchaud D, Perreault JP. Development of a highly optimized procedure for the discovery of RNA G-quadruplexes by combining several strategies. Biochimie 2023; 214:24-32. [PMID: 37479077 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.014] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical secondary structures that are formed by the self-association of guanine quartets and that are stabilized by monovalent cations (e.g. potassium). rG4s are key elements in several post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, including both messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA processing, mRNA transport and translation, to name but a few examples. Over the past few years, multiple high-throughput approaches have been developed in order to identify rG4s, including bioinformatic prediction, in vitro assays and affinity capture experiments coupled to RNA sequencing. Each individual approach had its limits, and thus yielded only a fraction of the potential rG4 that are further confirmed (i.e., there is a significant level of false positive). This report aims to benefit from the strengths of several existing approaches to identify rG4s with a high potential of being folded in cells. Briefly, rG4s were pulled-down from cell lysates using the biotinylated biomimetic G4 ligand BioTASQ and the sequences thus isolated were then identified by RNA sequencing. Then, a novel bioinformatic pipeline that included DESeq2 to identify rG4 enriched transcripts, MACS2 to identify rG4 peaks, rG4-seq to increase rG4 formation probability and G4RNA Screener to detect putative rG4s was performed. This workflow uncovers new rG4 candidates whose rG4-folding was then confirmed in vitro using an array of established biophysical methods. Clearly, this workflow led to the identification of novel rG4s in a highly specific and reliable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Bolduc
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Anaïs Vannutelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bazzicalupi C, Bonardi A, Biver T, Ferraroni M, Papi F, Savastano M, Lombardi P, Gratteri P. Probing the Efficiency of 13-Pyridylalkyl Berberine Derivatives to Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes Binding: Spectroscopic, Solid State and In Silico Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214061. [PMID: 36430540 PMCID: PMC9693123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the series of berberine derivatives 1-5 (NAX071, NAX120, NAX075, NAX077 and NAX079) and human telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4), which are able to inhibit the Telomerase enzyme's activity in malignant cells, was investigated. The derivatives bear a pyridine moiety connected by a hydrocarbon linker of varying length (n = 1-5, with n number of aliphatic carbon atoms) to the C13 position of the parent berberine. As for the G4s, both bimolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGT-3' (Tel12) and monomolecular 5'-TAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG-3' (Tel23) DNA oligonucleotides were considered. Spectrophotometric titrations, melting tests, X-ray diffraction solid state analysis and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to describe the different systems. The results were compared in search of structure-activity relationships. The analysis pointed out the formation of 1:1 complexes between Tel12 and all ligands, whereas both 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/G4 stoichiometries were found for the adduct formed by NAX071 (n = 1). Tel12, with tetrads free from the hindrance by the loop, showed a higher affinity. The details of the different binding geometries were discussed, highlighting the importance of H-bonds given by the berberine benzodioxole group and a correlation between the strength of binding and the hydrocarbon linker length. Theoretical (MD) and experimental (X-ray) structural studies evidence the possibility for the berberine core to interact with one or both G4 strands, depending on the constraints given by the linker length, thus affecting the G4 stabilization effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bazzicalupi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.G.)
| | - Alessandro Bonardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Papi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Savastano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma srl, Via G. Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Department NEUROFARBA—Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Firenze, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Savva L, Fossépré M, Keramidas O, Themistokleous A, Rizeq N, Panagiotou N, Leclercq M, Nicolaidou E, Surin M, Hayes SC, Georgiades SN. Gaining Insights on the Interactions of a Class of Decorated (2-([2,2'-Bipyridin]-6-yl)phenyl)platinum Compounds with c-Myc Oncogene Promoter G-Quadruplex and Other DNA Structures. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201497. [PMID: 35726630 PMCID: PMC9804160 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Organometallic molecules offer some of the most promising scaffolds for interaction with G-quadruplex nucleic acids. We report the efficient synthesis of a family of organoplatinum(II) complexes, featuring a 2-([2,2'-bipyridin]-6-yl)phenyl tridentate (N∧ N∧ C) ligand, that incorporates peripheral side-chains aiming at enhancing and diversifying its interaction capabilities. These include a di-isopropyl carbamoyl amide, a morpholine ethylenamide, two enantiomeric proline imides and an oxazole. The binding affinities of the Pt-complexes were evaluated via UV-vis and fluorescence titrations, against 5 topologically-distinct DNA structures, including c-myc G-quadruplex, two telomeric (22AG) G-quadruplexes, a duplex (ds26) and a single-stranded (polyT) DNA. All compounds exhibited binding selectivity in favour of c-myc, with association constants (Ka ) in the range of 2-5×105 M-1 , lower affinity for both folds of 22AG and for ds26 and negligible affinity for polyT. Remarkable emission enhancements (up to 200-fold) upon addition of excess DNA were demonstrated by a subset of the compounds with c-myc, providing a basis for optical selectivity, since optical response to all other tested DNAs was low. A c-myc DNA-melting experiment showed significant stabilizing abilities for all compounds, with the most potent binder, the morpholine-Pt-complex, exhibiting a ΔTm >30 °C, at 1 : 5 DNA-to-ligand molar ratio. The same study implied contributions of the diverse side-chains to helix stabilization. To gain direct evidence of the nature of the interactions, mixtures of c-myc with the four most promising compounds were studied via UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy, which revealed end-stacking binding mode, combined with interactions of side-chains with loop nucleobase residues. Docking simulations were conducted to provide insights into the binding modes for the same four Pt-compounds, suggesting that the binding preference for two alternative orientations of the c-myc G-quadruplex thymine 'cap' ('open' vs. 'closed'), as well as the relative contributions to affinity from end-stacking and H-bonding, are highly dependent on the nature of the interacting Pt-complex side-chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loukiani Savva
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Odysseas Keramidas
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | | | - Natalia Rizeq
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Nikos Panagiotou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Maxime Leclercq
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Eliana Nicolaidou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Sophia C. Hayes
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Savvas N. Georgiades
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
High-throughput techniques enable advances in the roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:159. [PMID: 35851062 PMCID: PMC9290270 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable structure of DNA is the canonical right-handed double helix termed B DNA. However, certain environments and sequence motifs favor alternative conformations, termed non-canonical secondary structures. The roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional regulation remain incompletely understood. However, advances in high-throughput assays have enabled genome wide characterization of some secondary structures. Here, we describe their regulatory functions in promoters and 3’UTRs, providing insights into key mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression. We discuss their implication in human disease, and how advances in molecular technologies and emerging high-throughput experimental methods could provide additional insights.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gupta P, Ojha D, Nadimetla DN, Bhosale SV, Rode AB. Tetraphenylethene Derivatives Modulate the RNA Hairpin-G-quadruplex Conformational Equilibria in Proto-Oncogenes. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200131. [PMID: 35467068 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200131] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (GQs) sequence in 5' UTRs of certain proto-oncogenes colocalize with hairpin (Hp) forming sequence resulting in intramolecular Hp-GQ conformational equilibria which is suggested to regulate cancer development and progression. Thus, regulation of Hp-GQ equilibria with small molecules is an attractive but less explored therapeutic approach. Herein, two tetraphenylethenes (TPE) derivatives TPE-Py and TPE-MePy were synthesized and their effect on Hp-GQ equilibrium was explored. The FRET, CD and molecular docking experiments suggested that cationic TPE-MePy shifts the Hp-GQ equilibrium significantly towards the GQ conformer mainly through π-π stacking and van der waals interaction. In presence of TPE-MePy the observed rate constant values for first and second folding step was increased up to 14.6 and 2.6-fold respectively. The FRET melting assay showed a strong stabilizing ability of TPE-MePy (ΔTm = 4.36 °C). Notably, the unmethylated derivative TPE-Py did not alter the Hp-GQ equilibrium. Subsequently, the luciferase assay demonstrated that the TPE-MePy derivatives suppressed the translation efficiency by ∼5.7-fold by shifting the Hp-GQ equilibrium toward GQ conformers in 5' UTR of TRF2. Our data suggest that HpGQ equilibria could be selectively targeted with small molecules to modulate translation for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Payal Gupta
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, RCB, INDIA
| | - Divya Ojha
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, RCB, INDIA
| | | | | | - Ambadas B Rode
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, RCB, NCR Biotech Science Cluster 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway P.O. Box, 121001, Faridabad, INDIA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Victorino J, Parada GE, Agarwal V, Zhao J, Wong HY, Umar MI, Elor O, Muhwezi A, An JY, Sanders SJ, Kwok CK, Inoue F, Hemberg M, Ahituv N. High-throughput characterization of the role of non-B DNA motifs on promoter function. CELL GENOMICS 2022; 2:100111. [PMID: 35573091 PMCID: PMC9105345 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
lternative DNA conformations, termed non-B DNA structures, can affect transcription, but the underlying mechanisms and their functional impact have not been systematically characterized. Here, we used computational genomic analyses coupled with massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) to show that certain non-B DNA structures have a substantial effect on gene expression. Genomic analyses found that non-B DNA structures at promoters harbor an excess of germline variants. Analysis of multiple MPRAs, including a promoter library specifically designed to perturb non-B DNA structures, functionally validated that Z-DNA can significantly affect promoter activity. We also observed that biophysical properties of non-B DNA motifs, such as the length of Z-DNA motifs and the orientation of G-quadruplex structures relative to transcriptional direction, have a significant effect on promoter activity. Combined, their higher mutation rate and functional effect on transcription implicate a subset of non-B DNA motifs as major drivers of human gene-expression-associated phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jesus Victorino
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo E. Parada
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | | | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hei Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mubarak Ishaq Umar
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Orry Elor
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allan Muhwezi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephan J. Sanders
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fumitaka Inoue
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hoque ME, Mahendran T, Basu S. Reversal of G-Quadruplexes' Role in Translation Control When Present in the Context of an IRES. Biomolecules 2022; 12:314. [PMID: 35204814 PMCID: PMC8869680 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are secondary nucleic acid structures that play regulatory roles in various cellular processes. G-quadruplex-forming sequences present within the 5' UTR of mRNAs can function not only as repressors of translation but also as elements required for optimum function. Based upon previous reports, the majority of the 5' UTR GQ structures inhibit translation, presumably by blocking the ribosome scanning process that is essential for detection of the initiation codon. However, there are certain mRNAs containing GQs that have been identified as positive regulators of translation, as they are needed for translation initiation. While most cellular mRNAs utilize the 5' cap structure to undergo cap-dependent translation initiation, many rely on cap-independent translation under certain conditions in which the cap-dependent initiation mechanism is not viable or slowed down, for example, during development, under stress and in many diseases. Cap-independent translation mainly occurs via Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites (IRESs) that are located in the 5' UTR of mRNAs and are equipped with structural features that can recruit the ribosome or other factors to initiate translation without the need for a 5' cap. In this review, we will focus only on the role of RNA GQs present in the 5' UTR of mRNAs, where they play a critical role in translation initiation, and discuss the potential mechanism of this phenomenon, which is yet to be fully delineated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA; (M.E.H.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cadoni E, De Paepe L, Manicardi A, Madder A. Beyond small molecules: targeting G-quadruplex structures with oligonucleotides and their analogues. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6638-6659. [PMID: 33978760 PMCID: PMC8266634 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are widely studied secondary DNA/RNA structures, naturally occurring when G-rich sequences are present. The strategic localization of G4s in genome areas of crucial importance, such as proto-oncogenes and telomeres, entails fundamental implications in terms of gene expression regulation and other important biological processes. Although thousands of small molecules capable to induce G4 stabilization have been reported over the past 20 years, approaches based on the hybridization of a synthetic probe, allowing sequence-specific G4-recognition and targeting are still rather limited. In this review, after introducing important general notions about G4s, we aim to list, explain and critically analyse in more detail the principal approaches available to target G4s by using oligonucleotides and synthetic analogues such as Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs) and Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), reporting on the most relevant examples described in literature to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cadoni
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lessandro De Paepe
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Qi T, Xu Y, Zhou T, Gu W. The Evolution of G-quadruplex Structure in mRNA Untranslated Region. Evol Bioinform Online 2021; 17:11769343211035140. [PMID: 34366661 DOI: 10.1177/11769343211035140] [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: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) is a kind of non-canonical high-order secondary structure with important biological functions and is enriched in untranslated regions (UTRs) of protein-coding genes. However, how rG4 structures evolve is largely unknown. Here, we systematically investigated the evolution of RNA sequences around UTR rG4 structures in 5 eukaryotic organisms. We found universal selection on UTR sequences, which facilitated rG4 formation in all the organisms that we analyzed. While G-rich sequences were preferred in the rG4 structural region, C-rich sequences were selectively not preferred. The selective pressure acting on rG4 structures in the UTRs of genes with higher G content was significantly smaller. Furthermore, we found that rG4 structures experienced smaller evolutionary selection near the translation initiation region in the 5' UTR, near the polyadenylation signals in the 3' UTR, and in regions flanking the miRNA targets in the 3' UTR. These results suggest universal selection for rG4 formation in the UTRs of eukaryotic genomes and the selection may be related to the biological functions of rG4s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Wanjun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Jiangsu Province of Cancer Prevention and Treatment of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Roles of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7839-7855. [PMID: 34244785 PMCID: PMC8373145 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Expression of tumour suppressor genes is suppressed by mutations or epigenetic silencing, whereas for neurodegenerative disease-related genes, nucleic acid-based effects may be presented through loss of protein function due to erroneous protein sequences or gain of toxic function from extended repeat transcripts or toxic peptide production. These diseases are triggered by damaged genes and proteins due to lifestyle and exposure to radiation. Recent studies have indicated that transient, non-canonical structural changes in nucleic acids in response to the environment can regulate the expression of disease-related genes. Non-canonical structures are involved in many cellular functions, such as regulation of gene expression through transcription and translation, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, and DNA recombination. Transcripts generated from repeat sequences of neurodegenerative disease-related genes form non-canonical structures that are involved in protein transport and toxic aggregate formation. Intracellular phase separation promotes transcription and protein assembly, which are controlled by the nucleic acid structure and can influence cancer and neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings may aid in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review the influence of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in disease-related genes on disease onset and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lyu K, Chow EYC, Mou X, Chan TF, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s): genomics and biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5426-5450. [PMID: 33772593 PMCID: PMC8191793 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-classical DNA or RNA secondary structures that have been first observed decades ago. Over the years, these four-stranded structural motifs have been demonstrated to have significant regulatory roles in diverse biological processes, but challenges remain in detecting them globally and reliably. Compared to DNA G4s (dG4s), the study of RNA G4s (rG4s) has received less attention until recently. In this review, we will summarize the innovative high-throughput methods recently developed to detect rG4s on a transcriptome-wide scale, highlight the many novel and important functions of rG4 being discovered in vivo across the tree of life, and discuss the key biological questions to be addressed in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cave JW, Willis DE. G-quadruplex regulation of neural gene expression. FEBS J 2021; 289:3284-3303. [PMID: 33905176 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures characterized by stacked tetrads of guanosine bases. These structures are widespread throughout mammalian genomic DNA and RNA transcriptomes, and prevalent across all tissues. The role of G-quadruplexes in cancer is well-established, but there has been a growing exploration of these structures in the development and homeostasis of normal tissue. In this review, we focus on the roles of G-quadruplexes in directing gene expression in the nervous system, including the regulation of gene transcription, mRNA processing, and trafficking, as well as protein translation. The role of G-quadruplexes and their molecular interactions in the pathology of neurological diseases is also examined. Outside of cancer, there has been only limited exploration of G-quadruplexes as potential intervention targets to treat disease or injury. We discuss studies that have used small-molecule ligands to manipulate G-quadruplex stability in order to treat disease or direct neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation into therapeutically relevant cell types. Understanding the many roles that G-quadruplexes have in the nervous system not only provides critical insight into fundamental molecular mechanisms that control neurological function, but also provides opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat injury and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Cave
- InVitro Cell Research LLC, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Dianna E Willis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, USA.,Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tassinari M, Richter SN, Gandellini P. Biological relevance and therapeutic potential of G-quadruplex structures in the human noncoding transcriptome. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:3617-3633. [PMID: 33721024 PMCID: PMC8053107 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs are functional transcripts that are not translated into proteins. They represent the largest portion of the human transcriptome and have been shown to regulate gene expression networks in both physiological and pathological cell conditions. Research in this field has made remarkable progress in the comprehension of how aberrations in noncoding RNA drive relevant disease-associated phenotypes; however, the biological role and mechanism of action of several noncoding RNAs still need full understanding. Besides fulfilling its function through sequence-based mechanisms, RNA can form complex secondary and tertiary structures which allow non-canonical interactions with proteins and/or other nucleic acids. In this context, the presence of G-quadruplexes in microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs is increasingly being reported. This evidence suggests a role for RNA G-quadruplexes in controlling microRNA biogenesis and mediating noncoding RNA interaction with biological partners, thus ultimately regulating gene expression. Here, we review the state of the art of G-quadruplexes in the noncoding transcriptome, with their structural and functional characterization. In light of the existence and further possible development of G-quadruplex binders that modulate G-quadruplex conformation and protein interactions, we also discuss the therapeutic potential of G-quadruplexes as targets to interfere with disease-associated noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tassinari
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via G. Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Gandellini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via G. Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
CNBP Binds and Unfolds In Vitro G-Quadruplexes Formed in the SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Genome Strands. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052614. [PMID: 33807682 PMCID: PMC7961906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global health emergency with no effective medical treatment and with incipient vaccines. It is caused by a new positive-sense RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures involved in the control of a variety of biological processes including viral replication. Using several G4 prediction tools, we identified highly putative G4 sequences (PQSs) within the positive-sense (+gRNA) and negative-sense (−gRNA) RNA strands of SARS-CoV-2 conserved in related betacoronaviruses. By using multiple biophysical techniques, we confirmed the formation of two G4s in the +gRNA and provide the first evidence of G4 formation by two PQSs in the −gRNA of SARS-CoV-2. Finally, biophysical and molecular approaches were used to demonstrate for the first time that CNBP, the main human cellular protein bound to SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, binds and promotes the unfolding of G4s formed by both strands of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. Our results suggest that G4s found in SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and its negative-sense replicative intermediates, as well as the cellular proteins that interact with them, are relevant factors for viral genes expression and replication cycle, and may constitute interesting targets for antiviral drugs development.
Collapse
|
17
|
Evaluating the Influence of a G-Quadruplex Prone Sequence on the Transactivation Potential by Wild-Type and/or Mutant P53 Family Proteins through a Yeast-Based Functional Assay. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020277. [PMID: 33672023 PMCID: PMC7919268 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
P53, P63, and P73 proteins belong to the P53 family of transcription factors, sharing a common gene organization that, from the P1 and P2 promoters, produces two groups of mRNAs encoding proteins with different N-terminal regions; moreover, alternative splicing events at C-terminus further contribute to the generation of multiple isoforms. P53 family proteins can influence a plethora of cellular pathways mainly through the direct binding to specific DNA sequences known as response elements (REs), and the transactivation of the corresponding target genes. However, the transcriptional activation by P53 family members can be regulated at multiple levels, including the DNA topology at responsive promoters. Here, by using a yeast-based functional assay, we evaluated the influence that a G-quadruplex (G4) prone sequence adjacent to the p53 RE derived from the apoptotic PUMA target gene can exert on the transactivation potential of full-length and N-terminal truncated P53 family α isoforms (wild-type and mutant). Our results show that the presence of a G4 prone sequence upstream or downstream of the P53 RE leads to significant changes in the relative activity of P53 family proteins, emphasizing the potential role of structural DNA features as modifiers of P53 family functions at target promoter sites.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sanchez-Martin V, Lopez-Pujante C, Soriano-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Salcedo JA. An Updated Focus on Quadruplex Structures as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238900. [PMID: 33255335 PMCID: PMC7734589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical, four-stranded nucleic acids secondary structures are present within regulatory regions in the human genome and transcriptome. To date, these quadruplex structures include both DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes, formed in guanine-rich sequences, and i-Motifs, found in cytosine-rich sequences, as their counterparts. Quadruplexes have been extensively associated with cancer, playing an important role in telomere maintenance and control of genetic expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Therefore, quadruplex structures are considered attractive molecular targets for cancer therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. In this review, we provide a general overview about recent research on the implications of quadruplex structures in cancer, firstly gathering together DNA G-quadruplexes, RNA G-quadruplexes as well as DNA i-Motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanchez-Martin
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Lopez-Pujante
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
| | - Miguel Soriano-Rodriguez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Centre for Intensive Mediterranean Agrosystems and Agri-food Biotechnology (CIAMBITAL), University of Almeria, 04001 Almeria, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Salcedo
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (V.S.-M.); (C.L.-P.)
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.S.-R.); (J.A.G.-S.); Tel.: +34-958715500 (M.S.-R.); +34-958715500 (J.A.G.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Das P, Verma SP. Dual role of G-quadruplex in translocation renal cell carcinoma: Exploring plausible Cancer therapeutic innovation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129719. [PMID: 32882363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the ninth leading cause of death among kidney cancer. Xp11.2 translocation harboring TFE3 fusion proteins, act as an oncogene in translocation cancers that constitute the hallmark of translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC). G-quadruplex (G4), an alternative nucleic acid structure is an emerging and promising factor in cancer. The presence of G4 within the genome plays a pioneering role in cancer as it contributes to genomic aberration as well as inhibition in cell proliferation. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here we discuss the link between G4 and tRCC. We compile the available information of G-quadruplex & propose their dual role in tRCC, suggesting both stabilization and destabilization of G-quadruplex could be considered targets for tRCC. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Our in Silico analysis of TFE3 and their three fusions partner's PRCC, SFPQ, and ASPSCR1 discloses a few putative G4 forming sequences (PQS) in their corresponding fusion gene or fusion transcript. Stabilization of G4 structure within fusion gene/transcript can be of great use towards potential therapeutics targeting fusion protein derived oncogenesis, as G4 is a serious menace for DNA polymerization, transcription & translation. G-quadruplex at intron-2 of the TFE3 has been reported to mediate its translocation also. Both stabilization and destabilization of the G4 structure would be a promising approach in the suppression of cancerous cell proliferation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Pioneering studies discovered the relevance of G4 in cancer therapy and explore our approaches towards therapeutic innovation against oncogenic fusion protein and tRCC. Selectively targeting G4 in oncogenic fusion transcript will emerge as potential druggable structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parimal Das
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Varshney D, Spiegel J, Zyner K, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. The regulation and functions of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:459-474. [PMID: 32313204 PMCID: PMC7115845 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 619] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA and RNA can adopt various secondary structures. Four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) structures form through self-recognition of guanines into stacked tetrads, and considerable biophysical and structural evidence exists for G4 formation in vitro. Computational studies and sequencing methods have revealed the prevalence of G4 sequence motifs at gene regulatory regions in various genomes, including in humans. Experiments using chemical, molecular and cell biology methods have demonstrated that G4s exist in chromatin DNA and in RNA, and have linked G4 formation with key biological processes ranging from transcription and translation to genome instability and cancer. In this Review, we first discuss the identification of G4s and evidence for their formation in cells using chemical biology, imaging and genomic technologies. We then discuss possible functions of DNA G4s and their interacting proteins, particularly in transcription, telomere biology and genome instability. Roles of RNA G4s in RNA biology, especially in translation, are also discussed. Furthermore, we consider the emerging relationships of G4s with chromatin and with RNA modifications. Finally, we discuss the connection between G4 formation and synthetic lethality in cancer cells, and recent progress towards considering G4s as therapeutic targets in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval Varshney
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Zyner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Reina C, Cavalieri V. Epigenetic Modulation of Chromatin States and Gene Expression by G-Quadruplex Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4172. [PMID: 32545267 PMCID: PMC7312119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded helical nucleic acid structures formed by guanine-rich sequences. A considerable number of studies have revealed that these noncanonical structural motifs are widespread throughout the genome and transcriptome of numerous organisms, including humans. In particular, G-quadruplexes occupy strategic locations in genomic DNA and both coding and noncoding RNA molecules, being involved in many essential cellular and organismal functions. In this review, we first outline the fundamental structural features of G-quadruplexes and then focus on the concept that these DNA and RNA structures convey a distinctive layer of epigenetic information that is critical for the complex regulation, either positive or negative, of biological activities in different contexts. In this framework, we summarize and discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying the functions of G-quadruplexes and their interacting factors. Furthermore, we give special emphasis to the interplay between G-quadruplex formation/disruption and other epigenetic marks, including biochemical modifications of DNA bases and histones, nucleosome positioning, and three-dimensional organization of chromatin. Finally, epigenetic roles of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression are also discussed. Undoubtedly, the issues addressed in this review take on particular importance in the field of comparative epigenetics, as well as in translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Reina
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lee DSM, Ghanem LR, Barash Y. Integrative analysis reveals RNA G-quadruplexes in UTRs are selectively constrained and enriched for functional associations. Nat Commun 2020; 11:527. [PMID: 31988292 PMCID: PMC6985247 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14404-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) sequences are abundant in untranslated regions (UTRs) of human messenger RNAs, but their functional importance remains unclear. By integrating multiple sources of genetic and genomic data, we show that putative G-quadruplex forming sequences (pG4) in 5' and 3' UTRs are selectively constrained, and enriched for cis-eQTLs and RNA-binding protein (RBP) interactions. Using over 15,000 whole-genome sequences, we find that negative selection acting on central guanines of UTR pG4s is comparable to that of missense variation in protein-coding sequences. At multiple GWAS-implicated SNPs within pG4 UTR sequences, we find robust allelic imbalance in gene expression across diverse tissue contexts in GTEx, suggesting that variants affecting G-quadruplex formation within UTRs may also contribute to phenotypic variation. Our results establish UTR G4s as important cis-regulatory elements and point to a link between disruption of UTR pG4 and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S M Lee
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Louis R Ghanem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Computer and Information Science, School of Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kharel P, Balaratnam S, Beals N, Basu S. The role of RNA G-quadruplexes in human diseases and therapeutic strategies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1568. [PMID: 31514263 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are four-stranded secondary structures formed by G-rich nucleic acid sequence(s). DNA GQs are present abundantly in the genome and affect a wide range of processes associated with DNA. Recent studies show that RNA GQs are present in different transcripts, including coding and noncoding areas of mRNA, telomeric RNA as well as in other premature and mature noncoding RNAs. When present at specific locations within the RNAs, GQs play important roles in key biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression and telomere homeostasis. RNA GQs regulate pre-mRNA processing, such as splicing and polyadenylation. Evidently, among other processes, RNA GQs also control mRNA translation, miRNA and piRNA biogenesis, and RNA localization. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA GQs mainly involve binding to RNA binding protein that modulate GQ conformation or serve as an entity in recruiting additional protein regulators to act as a block element to the processing machinery. Here we provide an overview of the ever-increasing number of discoveries revealing the role of RNA GQs in biology and their relevance in human diseases and therapeutics. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumirtha Balaratnam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Agarwala P, Pandey S, Ekka MK, Chakraborty D, Maiti S. Combinatorial role of two G-quadruplexes in 5' UTR of transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2). Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129416. [PMID: 31425729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Albeit most studies demonstrate the inhibitory role of G-quadruplex in the 5' Untranslated Region (5' UTR), our previous report depicted its completely contrasting activating role in the 5' UTR of transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2) mRNA. Therefore, we screened the 5' UTR of TGFβ2 manually and identified a second putative G-quadruplex sequence. Our in vitro experiments encompassing CD and UV spectroscopy confirmed the ability of this sequence to form a G-quadruplex and in cellulo studies further indicated its activating role in modulation of TGFβ2 gene expression. Our study suggests that these two 5' UTR G-quadruplexes most probably operate additively to substantially increase gene expression of TGFβ2. Neither of the two G-quadruplex alone is sufficient enough to drastically augment protein production. Both G-quadruplexes are essential for increasing protein output. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first report showcasing the combinatorial role of two G-quadruplexes in the 5' UTR of an mRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Agarwala
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Satyaprakash Pandey
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Mary Krishna Ekka
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Al-Zeer MA, Dutkiewicz M, von Hacht A, Kreuzmann D, Röhrs V, Kurreck J. Alternatively spliced variants of the 5'-UTR of the ARPC2 mRNA regulate translation by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) harboring a guanine-quadruplex motif. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1622-1632. [PMID: 31387452 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1652524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5'-UTR of the actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2 (ARPC2) mRNA exists in two variants. Using a bicistronic reporter construct, the present study demonstrates that the longer variant of the 5'-UTR harbours an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) which is lacking in the shorter one. Multiple control assays confirmed that only this variant promotes cap-independent translation. Furthermore, it includes a guanine-rich region that is capable of forming a guanine-quadruplex (G-quadruplex) structure which was found to contribute to the IRES activity. To investigate the cellular function of the IRES element, we determined the expression level of ARPC2 at various cell densities. At high cell density, the relative ARPC2 protein level increases, supporting the presumed function of IRES elements in driving the expression of certain genes under stressful conditions that compromise cap-dependent translation. Based on chemical probing experiments and computer-based predictions, we propose a structural model of the IRES element, which includes the G-quadruplex motif exposed from the central stem-loop element. Taken together, our study describes the functional relevance of two alternative 5'-UTR splice variants of the ARPC2 mRNA, one of which contains an IRES element with a G-quadruplex as a central motif, promoting translation under stressful cellular conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munir A Al-Zeer
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Mariola Dutkiewicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences , Poznan , Poland
| | | | - Denise Kreuzmann
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lightfoot HL, Hagen T, Tatum NJ, Hall J. The diverse structural landscape of quadruplexes. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:2083-2102. [PMID: 31325371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary structures formed in G-rich sequences in DNA and RNA. Considerable research over the past three decades has led to in-depth insight into these unusual structures in DNA. Since the more recent exploration into RNA G-quadruplexes, such structures have demonstrated their in cellulo existence, function and roles in pathology. In comparison to Watson-Crick-based secondary structures, most G-quadruplexes display highly redundant structural characteristics. However, numerous reports of G-quadruplex motifs/structures with unique features (e.g. bulges, long loops, vacancy) have recently surfaced, expanding the repertoire of G-quadruplex scaffolds. This review addresses G-quadruplex formation and structure, including recent reports of non-canonical G-quadruplex structures. Improved methods of detection will likely further expand this collection of novel structures and ultimately change the face of quadruplex-RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timo Hagen
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan Hall
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Naphthalene Diimides as Multimodal G-Quadruplex-Selective Ligands. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030426. [PMID: 30682828 PMCID: PMC6384834 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are four-stranded nucleic acids structures that can form in guanine-rich sequences. Following the observation that G-quadruplexes are particularly abundant in genomic regions related to cancer, such as telomeres and oncogenes promoters, several G-quadruplex-binding molecules have been developed for therapeutic purposes. Among them, naphthalene diimide derivatives have reported versatility, consistent selectivity and high affinity toward the G-quadruplex structures. In this review, we present the chemical features, synthesis and peculiar optoelectronic properties (absorption, emission, redox) that make naphtalene diimides so versatile for biomedical applications. We present the latest developments on naphthalene diimides as G-quadruplex ligands, focusing on their ability to bind G-quadruplexes at telomeres and oncogene promoters with consequent anticancer activity. Their different binding modes (reversible versus irreversible/covalent) towards G-quadruplexes and their additional use as antimicrobial agents are also presented and discussed.
Collapse
|
28
|
Ghosh A, Ekka MK, Tawani A, Kumar A, Chakraborty D, Maiti S. Restoration of miRNA-149 Expression by TmPyP4 Induced Unfolding of Quadruplex within Its Precursor. Biochemistry 2019; 58:514-525. [PMID: 30585723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs are functional RNA molecules that get transcribed from DNA but are not translated into proteins; yet, they can regulate gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Secondary structures present within these RNAs play a major role in determining their nature of function. In the case of miRNAs, the precursor miRNA have a hairpin stem loop structure which is required for Dicer recognition and further maturation. Alternately, it might assume a G-quadruplex structure. The transition from hairpin to G-quadruplex depends upon the nucleotide sequence as well as the cellular microenvironment, and this might affect the miRNA maturation and other downstream activity. Formation of the G-quadruplex within precursor miRNA-149 has been shown to inhibit Dicer processing activity followed by suppression of miRNA-149 maturation in cancer cells. In this report, we show that suppression of cell proliferation by the upregulated miRNA-149 could be rescued by unfolding the G-quadruplex present in pre-miRNA-149 by TmPyP4 (Porphyrin) treatment. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and isothermal titration calorimetry, we observed that TmPyP4 binds strongly to G-quadruplex and unfolds it, which was further verified by NMR spectroscopy. In cellulo, qRT-PCR measurements of miRNA-149 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed concentration dependent enhancement of mature miRNA-149 upon treatment of TmPyP4. As a consequence of enhanced miRNA-149 activity, we also observe the reduction in miRNA-149 target protein ZBTB2 that eventually leads to reduced cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Ghosh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology , Mathura Road , Delhi 110025 , India
| | - Mary Krishna Ekka
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology , Mathura Road , Delhi 110025 , India
| | - Arpita Tawani
- Centre for Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Indore , Madhya Pradesh , India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Centre for Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology Indore , Indore , Madhya Pradesh , India
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology , Mathura Road , Delhi 110025 , India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology , Mathura Road , Delhi 110025 , India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research , CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus , Sector 19 , Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad , Uttar Pradesh 201 002 , India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jodoin R, Perreault JP. G-quadruplexes formation in the 5'UTRs of mRNAs associated with colorectal cancer pathways. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208363. [PMID: 30507959 PMCID: PMC6277105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4) are stable non-canonical secondary structures composed of G-rich sequences. Many rG4 structures located in the 5'UTRs of mRNAs act as translation repressors due to their high stability which is thought to impede ribosomal scanning. That said, it is not known if these are mRNA-specific examples, or if they are indicative of a global expression regulation mechanism of the mRNAs involved in a common pathway based on structure folding recognition. Gene-ontology analysis of mRNAs bearing a predicted rG4 motif in their 5'UTRs revealed an enrichment for mRNAs associated with the colorectal cancer pathway. Bioinformatic tools for rG4 prediction, and experimental in vitro validations were used to confirm and compare the folding of the predicted rG4s of the mRNAs associated with dysregulated pathways in colorectal cancer. The rG4 folding was confirmed for the first time for 9 mRNAs. A repressive effect of 3 rG4 candidates on the expression of a reporter gene was also measured in colorectal cancer cell lines. This work highlights the fact that rG4 prediction is not yet accurate, and that experimental characterization is still essential in order to identify the precise rG4 folding sequences and the possible common features shared between the rG4 overrepresented in important biological pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jodoin
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zarudnaya MI, Kolomiets IM, Potyahaylo AL, Hovorun DM. Structural transitions in poly(A), poly(C), poly(U), and poly(G) and their possible biological roles. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:2837-2866. [PMID: 30052138 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1503972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The homopolynucleotide (homo-oligonucleotide) tracts function as regulatory elements at various stages of mRNAs life cycle. Numerous cellular proteins specifically bind to these tracts. Among them are the different poly(A)-binding proteins, poly(C)-binding proteins, multifunctional fragile X mental retardation protein which binds specifically both to poly(G) and poly(U) and others. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of gene expression mediated by homopolynucleotide tracts in RNAs are not fully understood and the structural diversity of these tracts can contribute substantially to this regulation. This review summarizes current knowledge on different forms of homoribopolynucleotides, in particular, neutral and acidic forms of poly(A) and poly(C), and also biological relevance of homoribopolynucleotide (homoribo-oligonucleotide) tracts is discussed. Under physiological conditions, the acidic forms of poly(A) and poly(C) can be induced by proton transfer from acidic amino acids of proteins to adenine and cytosine bases. Finally, we present potential mechanisms for the regulation of some biological processes through the formation of intramolecular poly(A) duplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita I Zarudnaya
- a Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics , Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , Kyiv , Ukraine
| | - Iryna M Kolomiets
- a Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics , Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , Kyiv , Ukraine
| | - Andriy L Potyahaylo
- a Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics , Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , Kyiv , Ukraine
| | - Dmytro M Hovorun
- a Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics , Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine , Kyiv , Ukraine.,b Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , Institute of High Technologies, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv , Kyiv , Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zaccaria F, Fonseca Guerra C. RNA versus DNA G-Quadruplex: The Origin of Increased Stability. Chemistry 2018; 24:16315-16322. [PMID: 30215872 PMCID: PMC6282516 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201803530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA quadruplexes have been the subject of investigation because of their biological relevance and because of their potential application in supramolecular chemistry. Similarly, RNA quadruplexes are now gaining increasing attention. Although DNA and RNA quadruplexes are structurally very similar, the latter show higher stability. In this study we report dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT‐D) quantum chemical calculations that were undertaken to understand the difference in stabilities of RNA and DNA quadruplexes. The smallest meaningful model of a stack of quartets, interacting with alkali metal cations, was simulated in an aqueous environment. The energy decomposition analysis allows for in‐depth examination of the interaction energies, emphasising the role of noncovalent interactions and better electrostatics in determining RNA‐GQs higher stabilities, particularly pinpointing the role of the extra 2′‐OH groups. Furthermore, our computations present new insights on why the cation is required for self‐assembly: unexpectedly the cation is not necessary to relieve the repulsion between the oxygen atoms in the central cavity, but it is needed to overcome the entropic penalty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Zaccaria
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and, Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Célia Fonseca Guerra
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and, Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Asekunowo PO, Haque RA, Razali MR, Avicor SW, Wajidi MF. Synthesis and characterization of nitrile functionalized silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: DNA binding, cleavage studies, antibacterial properties and mosquitocidal activity against the dengue vector, Aedes albopictus. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 150:601-615. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
33
|
Serikawa T, Spanos C, von Hacht A, Budisa N, Rappsilber J, Kurreck J. Comprehensive identification of proteins binding to RNA G-quadruplex motifs in the 5' UTR of tumor-associated mRNAs. Biochimie 2017; 144:169-184. [PMID: 29129743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex structures in the 5' UTR of mRNAs are widely considered to suppress translation without affecting transcription. The current study describes the comprehensive analysis of proteins binding to four different G-quadruplex motifs located in mRNAs of the cancer-related genes Bcl-2, NRAS, MMP16, and ARPC2. Following metabolic labeling (Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino acids in Cell culture, SILAC) of proteins in the human cell line HEK293, G-quadruplex binding proteins were enriched by pull-down assays and identified by LC-orbitrap mass spectrometry. We found different patterns of interactions for the G-quadruplex motifs under investigation. While the G-quadruplexes in the mRNAs of NRAS and MMP16 specifically interacted with a small number of proteins, the Bcl-2 and ARPC2 G-quadruplexes exhibited a broad range of proteinaceous interaction partners with 99 and 82 candidate proteins identified in at least two replicates, respectively. The use of a control composed of samples from all G-quadruplex-forming sequences and their mutated controls ensured that the identified proteins are specific for RNA G-quadruplex structures and are not general RNA-binding proteins. Independent validation experiments based on pull-down assays and Western blotting confirmed the MS data. Among the interaction partners were many proteins known to bind to RNA, including multiple heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). Several of the candidate proteins are likely to reflect stalling of the ribosome by RNA G-quadruplex structures. Interestingly, additional proteins were identified that have not previously been described to interact with RNA. Gene ontology analysis of the candidate proteins revealed that many interaction partners are known to be tumor related. The majority of the identified RNA G-quadruplex interacting proteins are thought to be involved in post-transcriptional processes, particularly in splicing. These findings indicate that protein-G-quadruplex interactions are not only important for the fine-tuning of translation but are also relevant to the regulation of mRNA maturation and may play an important role in tumor biology. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005761.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Serikawa
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, TIB 4/3-2, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christos Spanos
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Annekathrin von Hacht
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, TIB 4/3-2, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Biocatalysis, Institute of Chemistry, L 1, Technische Universität Berlin, Müller-Breslau-Straße 10, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK; Department of Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, TIB 4/4-3, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, TIB 4/3-2, Technische Universität Berlin, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Agarwala P, Pal G, Pandey S, Maiti S. Mutagenesis Reveals an Unusual Combination of Guanines in RNA G-Quadruplex Formation. ACS OMEGA 2017; 2:4790-4799. [PMID: 31457759 PMCID: PMC6641730 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.7b00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The classic G-quadruplex motif consists of a continuous array of 3-4 guanine residues with an intermittent loop size of 1-7 nucleotides (G3-4N1-7G3-4N1-7G3-4N1-7G3-4). An RNA G-quadruplex is able to attain only one parallel G-quadruplex topology owing to steric constraints. Investigating the possibilities of the formation of RNA G-quadruplexes with a stretch of sequences deviating from this classic motif will add to the overall conformations of RNA G-quadruplexes, bestowing diversity to this structure. Here, we report unusual combinations of guanine residues involved in RNA G-quadruplex formation in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) mRNA using the mutagenesis approach. Different permutations and combinations of guanine residues form G-quadruplexes. Upon investigation, G-quadruplexes in 5' UTR of VWF mRNA are shown to exhibit an inhibitory function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Agarwala
- Chemical
and Systems Biology, CSIR-Institute of Genomics
and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Gargi Pal
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Satyaprakash Pandey
- Chemical
and Systems Biology, CSIR-Institute of Genomics
and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Chemical
and Systems Biology, CSIR-Institute of Genomics
and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
McAninch DS, Heinaman AM, Lang CN, Moss KR, Bassell GJ, Rita Mihailescu M, Evans TL. Fragile X mental retardation protein recognizes a G quadruplex structure within the survival motor neuron domain containing 1 mRNA 5'-UTR. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 13:1448-1457. [PMID: 28612854 PMCID: PMC5544254 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00070g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
G quadruplex structures have been predicted by bioinformatics to form in the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of several thousand mature mRNAs and are believed to play a role in translation regulation. Elucidation of these roles has primarily been focused on the 3'-UTR, with limited focus on characterizing the G quadruplex structures and functions in the 5'-UTR. Investigation of the affinity and specificity of RNA binding proteins for 5'-UTR G quadruplexes and the resulting regulatory effects have also been limited. Among the mRNAs predicted to form a G quadruplex structure within the 5'-UTR is the survival motor neuron domain containing 1 (SMNDC1) mRNA, encoding a protein that is critical to the spliceosome. Additionally, this mRNA has been identified as a potential target of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), whose loss of expression leads to fragile X syndrome. FMRP is an RNA binding protein involved in translation regulation that has been shown to bind mRNA targets that form G quadruplex structures. In this study we have used biophysical methods to investigate G quadruplex formation in the 5'-UTR of SMNDC1 mRNA and analyzed its interactions with FMRP. Our results show that SMNDC1 mRNA 5'-UTR forms an intramolecular, parallel G quadruplex structure comprised of three G quartet planes, which is bound specifically by FMRP both in vitro and in mouse brain lysates. These findings suggest a model by which FMRP might regulate the translation of a subset of its mRNA targets by recognizing the G quadruplex structure present in their 5'-UTR, and affecting their accessibility by the protein synthesis machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damian S McAninch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, USA.
| | - Ashley M Heinaman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, USA
| | - Cara N Lang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, USA
| | - Kathryn R Moss
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Mihaela Rita Mihailescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, USA.
| | - Timothy L Evans
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, USA. and Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zeraati M, Moye AL, Wong JWH, Perera D, Cowley MJ, Christ DU, Bryan TM, Dinger ME. Cancer-associated noncoding mutations affect RNA G-quadruplex-mediated regulation of gene expression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:708. [PMID: 28386116 PMCID: PMC5429658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial disease driven by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many cancer driver mutations have been characterised in protein-coding regions of the genome. However, mutations in noncoding regions associated with cancer have been less investigated. G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acids are four-stranded secondary structures formed in guanine-rich sequences and prevalent in the regulatory regions. In this study, we used published whole cancer genome sequence data to find mutations in cancer patients that overlap potential RNA G4-forming sequences in 5′ UTRs. Using RNAfold, we assessed the effect of these mutations on the thermodynamic stability of predicted RNA G4s in the context of full-length 5′ UTRs. Of the 217 identified mutations, we found that 33 are predicted to destabilise and 21 predicted to stabilise potential RNA G4s. We experimentally validated the effect of destabilising mutations in the 5′ UTRs of BCL2 and CXCL14 and one stabilising mutation in the 5′ UTR of TAOK2. These mutations resulted in an increase or a decrease in translation of these mRNAs, respectively. These findings suggest that mutations that modulate the G4 stability in the noncoding regions could act as cancer driver mutations, which present an opportunity for early cancer diagnosis using individual sequencing information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Zeraati
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Aaron L Moye
- Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jason W H Wong
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Dilmi Perera
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mark J Cowley
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Daniel U Christ
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tracy M Bryan
- Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia. .,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bhattacharyya D, Morris MJ, Kharel P, Mirihana Arachchilage G, Fedeli KM, Basu S. Engineered domain swapping indicates context dependent functional role of RNA G-quadruplexes. Biochimie 2017; 137:147-150. [PMID: 28322930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA domain swapping typically demonstrates conservation of the native function of the domain in a non-native context. In contrast, we employed RNA engineering to demonstrate deviation of G-quadruplex (GQ) function that is contingent upon its context dependent location, which is opposite to their native functional role. Known translation repressing RNA GQs were engineered into human VEGF IRES A replacing the endogenous GQ domain essential for translation. Alternatively, the translation inhibitory GQ motif within the 5'-UTR of MT3-MMP mRNA was replaced with two known GQ motifs that are essential for translation. The results indicate that the engineered GQ domains can adopt GQ structures in a foreign environment with a functional role reversal to accommodate the need of the endogenous swapped motifs. The observations establish the functionality and context dependent modularity of RNA GQ structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J Morris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Gayan Mirihana Arachchilage
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8103, USA
| | - Katy M Fedeli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dolinnaya NG, Ogloblina AM, Yakubovskaya MG. Structure, Properties, and Biological Relevance of the DNA and RNA G-Quadruplexes: Overview 50 Years after Their Discovery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:1602-1649. [PMID: 28260487 PMCID: PMC7087716 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916130034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), which are known to have important roles in regulation of key biological processes in both normal and pathological cells, are the most actively studied non-canonical structures of nucleic acids. In this review, we summarize the results of studies published in recent years that change significantly scientific views on various aspects of our understanding of quadruplexes. Modern notions on the polymorphism of DNA quadruplexes, on factors affecting thermodynamics and kinetics of G4 folding–unfolding, on structural organization of multiquadruplex systems, and on conformational features of RNA G4s and hybrid DNA–RNA G4s are discussed. Here we report the data on location of G4 sequence motifs in the genomes of eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses, characterize G4-specific small-molecule ligands and proteins, as well as the mechanisms of their interactions with quadruplexes. New information on the structure and stability of G4s in telomeric DNA and oncogene promoters is discussed as well as proof being provided on the occurrence of G-quadruplexes in cells. Prominence is given to novel experimental techniques (single molecule manipulations, optical and magnetic tweezers, original chemical approaches, G4 detection in situ, in-cell NMR spectroscopy) that facilitate breakthroughs in the investigation of the structure and functions of G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G Dolinnaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Azargun M, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Fridgen TD. The intrinsic stabilities and structures of alkali metal cationized guanine quadruplexes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:1281-1287. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cp07301h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The structures and stabilities of self-assembled guanine quadruplexes, M(9eG)8+ (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs; 9eG = 9-ethylguanine), have been studied in the gas phase by blackbody infrared radiative dissociation kinetics to determine the effect the metal cations have on the decomposition energies and reactions of the quadruplex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Azargun
- Department of Chemistry
- Memorial University
- St John's
- Canada
| | | | - T. D. Fridgen
- Department of Chemistry
- Memorial University
- St John's
- Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pandey S, Agarwala P, Maiti S. Targeting RNA G-Quadruplexes for Potential Therapeutic Applications. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2016_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
41
|
Rouleau S, Jodoin R, Garant JM, Perreault JP. RNA G-Quadruplexes as Key Motifs of the Transcriptome. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 170:1-20. [PMID: 28382477 DOI: 10.1007/10_2017_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary structures that can be adopted under physiological conditions by guanine-rich DNA and RNA molecules. They have been reported to occur, and to perform multiple biological functions, in the genomes and transcriptomes of many species, including humans. This chapter focuses specifically on RNA G-quadruplexes and reviews the most recent discoveries in the field, as well as addresses the upcoming challenges researchers studying these structures face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Rouleau
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1E 4K8
| | - Rachel Jodoin
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1E 4K8
| | - Jean-Michel Garant
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1E 4K8
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de médecine des sciences de la santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, 3201 rue Jean-Mignault, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, J1E 4K8.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
G-Quadruplex in the NRF2 mRNA 5' Untranslated Region Regulates De Novo NRF2 Protein Translation under Oxidative Stress. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 37:MCB.00122-16. [PMID: 27736771 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00122-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of protein synthesis serves as a general measure of cellular consequences of chemical stress. A few proteins are translated selectively and influence cell fate. How these proteins can bypass the general control of translation remains unknown. We found that low to mild doses of oxidants induce de novo translation of the NRF2 protein. Here we demonstrate the presence of a G-quadruplex structure in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of NRF2 mRNA, as measured by circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and dimethylsulfate footprinting analyses. Such a structure is important for 5'-UTR activity, since its removal by sequence mutation eliminated H2O2-induced activation of the NRF2 5' UTR. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomics revealed elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1a) as a protein binding to the G-quadruplex sequence. Cells responded to H2O2 treatment by increasing the EF1a protein association with NRF2 mRNA, as measured by RNA-protein interaction assays. The EF1a interaction with small and large subunits of ribosomes did not appear to change due to H2O2 treatment, nor did posttranslational modifications, as measured by two-dimensional (2-D) Western blot analysis. Since NRF2 encodes a transcription factor essential for protection against tissue injury, our data have revealed a novel mechanism of cellular defense involving de novo NRF2 protein translation governed by the EF1a interaction with the G-quadruplex in the NRF2 5' UTR during oxidative stress.
Collapse
|
43
|
Song J, Perreault JP, Topisirovic I, Richard S. RNA G-quadruplexes and their potential regulatory roles in translation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4:e1244031. [PMID: 28090421 PMCID: PMC5173311 DOI: 10.1080/21690731.2016.1244031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA guanine (G)-rich 4-stranded helical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4), have been extensively studied during the last decades. However, emerging evidence reveals that 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions (5′- and 3′-UTRs) as well as open reading frames (ORFs) contain putative RNA G-quadruplexes. These stable secondary structures play key roles in telomere homeostasis and RNA metabolism including pre-mRNA splicing, polyadenylation, mRNA targeting and translation. Interestingly, multiple RNA binding proteins such as nucleolin, FMRP, DHX36, and Aven were identified to bind RNA G-quadruplexes. Moreover, accumulating reports suggest that RNA G-quadruplexes regulate translation in cap-dependent and -independent manner. Herein, we discuss potential roles of RNA G-quadruplexes and associated trans-acting factors in the regulation of mRNA translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Song
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bhattacharyya D, Mirihana Arachchilage G, Basu S. Metal Cations in G-Quadruplex Folding and Stability. Front Chem 2016; 4:38. [PMID: 27668212 PMCID: PMC5016522 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on the structural and physicochemical aspects of metal cation coordination to G-Quadruplexes (GQ) and their effects on GQ stability and conformation. G-quadruplex structures are non-canonical secondary structures formed by both DNA and RNA. G-quadruplexes regulate a wide range of important biochemical processes. Besides the sequence requirements, the coordination of monovalent cations in the GQ is essential for its formation and determines the stability and polymorphism of GQ structures. The nature, location, and dynamics of the cation coordination and their impact on the overall GQ stability are dependent on several factors such as the ionic radii, hydration energy, and the bonding strength to the O6 of guanines. The intracellular monovalent cation concentration and the localized ion concentrations determine the formation of GQs and can potentially dictate their regulatory roles. A wide range of biochemical and biophysical studies on an array of GQ enabling sequences have generated at a minimum the knowledge base that allows us to often predict the stability of GQs in the presence of the physiologically relevant metal ions, however, prediction of conformation of such GQs is still out of the realm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State UniversityKent, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bolduc F, Garant JM, Allard F, Perreault JP. Irregular G-quadruplexes Found in the Untranslated Regions of Human mRNAs Influence Translation. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:21751-21760. [PMID: 27557661 PMCID: PMC5076843 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.744839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structures are composed of coplanar guanines and are found in both DNA and RNA. They are formed by the stacking of two or more G-quartets that are linked together by three loops. The current belief is that RNA G-quadruplexes include loops of l to 7 nucleotides in length, although recent evidence indicates that the central loop (loop 2) can be longer if loops 1 and 3 are limited to a single nucleotide each. With the objective of broadening the definition of irregular RNA G-quadruplexes, a bioinformatic search was performed to find potential G-quadruplexes located in the untranslated regions of human mRNAs (i.e. in the 5′ and 3′-UTRs) that contain either a long loop 1 or 3 of up to 40 nucleotides in length. RNA molecules including the potential sequences were then synthesized and examined in vitro by in-line probing for the formation of G-quadruplex structures. The sequences that adopted a G-quadruplex structure were cloned into a luciferase dual vector and examined for their ability to modulate translation in cellulo. Some irregular G-quadruplexes were observed to either promote or repress translation regardless of the position or the size of the long loop they possessed. Even if the composition of a RNA G-quadruplex is not quite completely understood, the results presented in this report clearly demonstrate that what defines a RNA G-quadruplex is much broader than what we previously believed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Bolduc
- From the RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Garant
- From the RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Félix Allard
- From the RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- From the RNA Group/Groupe ARN, Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée au Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1E 4K8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Oyaghire SN, Cherubim CJ, Telmer CA, Martinez JA, Bruchez MP, Armitage BA. RNA G-Quadruplex Invasion and Translation Inhibition by Antisense γ-Peptide Nucleic Acid Oligomers. Biochemistry 2016; 55:1977-88. [PMID: 26959335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the abilities of three complementary γ-peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) oligomers to invade an RNA G-quadruplex and potently inhibit translation of a luciferase reporter transcript containing the quadruplex-forming sequence (QFS) within its 5'-untranslated region. All three γPNA oligomers bind with low nanomolar affinities to an RNA oligonucleotide containing the QFS. However, while all probes inhibit translation with low to midnanomolar IC50 values, the γPNA designed to hybridize to the first two G-tracts of the QFS and adjacent 5'-overhanging nucleotides was 5-6 times more potent than probes directed to either the 3'-end or internal regions of the target at 37 °C. This position-dependent effect was eliminated after the probes and target were preincubated at an elevated temperature prior to translation, demonstrating that kinetic effects exert significant control over quadruplex invasion and translation inhibition. We also found that antisense γPNAs exhibited similarly potent effects against luciferase reporter transcripts bearing QFS motifs having G2, G3, or G4 tracts. Finally, our results indicate that γPNA oligomers exhibit selectivity and/or potency higher than those of other antisense molecules such as standard PNA and 2'-OMe RNA previously reported to target G-quadruplexes in RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley N Oyaghire
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Collin J Cherubim
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Cheryl A Telmer
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Joe A Martinez
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| | - Bruce A Armitage
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University , 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3890, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are non-canonical secondary structures found in guanine rich regions of DNA and RNA. Reports have indicated the wide occurrence of RNA G-quadruplexes across the transcriptome in various regions of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. RNA G-quadruplexes have been implicated in playing an important role in translational regulation, mRNA processing events and maintenance of chromosomal end integrity. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional aspects of RNA G-quadruplexes with emphasis on recent progress to understand the protein/trans factors binding these motifs. With the revelation of the importance of these secondary structures as regulatory modules in biology, we have also evaluated the various advancements towards targeting these structures and the challenges associated with them. Apart from this, numerous potential applications of this secondary motif have also been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Agarwala
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Quadruplex-forming sequences are widely prevalent in human and other genomes, including bacterial ones. These sequences are over-represented in eukaryotic telomeres, promoters, and 5' untranslated regions. They can form quadruplex structures, which may be transient in many situations in normal cells since they can be effectively resolved by helicase action. Mutated helicases in cancer cells are unable to unwind quadruplexes, which are impediments to transcription, translation, or replication, depending on their location within a particular gene. Small molecules that can stabilize quadruplex structures augment these effects and produce cell and proliferation growth inhibition. This article surveys the chemical biology of quadruplexes. It critically examines the major classes of quadruplex-binding small molecules that have been developed to date and the various approaches to discovering selective agents. The challenges of requiring (and achieving) small-molecule targeted selectivity for a particular quadruplex are discussed in relation to the potential of these small molecules as clinically useful therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Neidle
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London , 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kwok CK, Ding Y, Shahid S, Assmann SM, Bevilacqua PC. A stable RNA G-quadruplex within the 5'-UTR of Arabidopsis thaliana ATR mRNA inhibits translation. Biochem J 2015; 467:91-102. [PMID: 25793418 DOI: 10.1042/bj20141063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplex structures (GQSs) play important roles in the regulation of gene expression and cellular processes. Recent studies provide strong evidence for the formation and function of DNA and RNA GQSs in human cells. However, whether GQSs form and are functional in plants remains essentially unexplored. On the basis of circular dichroism (CD)-detected titration, UV-detected melting, in-line probing (ILP) and reporter gene assay studies, we report the first example of a plant RNA GQS that inhibits translation. This GQS is located within the 5'-UTR of the ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA-MUTATED AND RAD3-RELATED (ATR) mRNA of Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-ear cress). We show that this GQS is highly stable and is thermodynamically favoured over a competing hairpin structure in the 5'-UTR at physiological K⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations. Results from ILP reveal the secondary structure of the RNA and support formation of the GQS in vitro in the context of the complete 5'-UTR. Transient reporter gene assays performed in living plants reveal that the GQS inhibits translation but not transcription, implicating this GQS as a translational repressor in vivo. Our results provide the first complete demonstration of the formation and function of a regulatory RNA GQS in plants and open new avenues to explore potential functional roles of GQS in the plant kingdom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Kit Kwok
- *Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
| | - Yiliang Ding
- *Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
| | - Saima Shahid
- †Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
| | - Sarah M Assmann
- †Center for RNA Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
| | - Philip C Bevilacqua
- *Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bhattacharyya D, Diamond P, Basu S. An Independently folding RNA G-quadruplex domain directly recruits the 40S ribosomal subunit. Biochemistry 2015; 54:1879-85. [PMID: 25730526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report that a 17-nucleotide independently folding RNA G-quadruplex (GQ) domain within the 294-nucleotide human VEGF IRES A interacts with the 40S ribosomal subunit. Footprinting and structure mapping analyses indicate that the RNA GQ forms independently and interacts directly with the 40S ribosomal subunit in the absence of other protein factors. Moreover, a filter binding assay in conjunction with enzymatic footprinting clearly established that the GQ-forming domain singularly dictates the binding affinity and also the function of internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) A. The deletion of the GQ domain abrogates the binding of the 40S ribosomal subunit to the IRES, which impairs cap-independent translation initiation. The findings provide a unique and defined role for a noncanonical RNA structure in cap-independent translation initiation by cellular IRESs. The GQ structure when present in an IRES acts as an essential element in contrast to their generally accepted inhibitory role in translation. The results of this study explain the hitherto unknown mechanistic necessity of the GQ structure in IRES function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paige Diamond
- ‡Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|