1
|
Andreasson M, Donzel M, Abrahamsson A, Berner A, Doimo M, Quiroga A, Eriksson A, Chao YK, Overman J, Pemberton N, Wanrooij S, Chorell E. Exploring the Dispersion and Electrostatic Components in Arene-Arene Interactions between Ligands and G4 DNA to Develop G4-Ligands. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2202-2219. [PMID: 38241609 PMCID: PMC10860144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4) DNA structures are important regulatory elements in central biological processes. Small molecules that selectively bind and stabilize G4 structures have therapeutic potential, and there are currently >1000 known G4 ligands. Despite this, only two G4 ligands ever made it to clinical trials. In this work, we synthesized several heterocyclic G4 ligands and studied their interactions with G4s (e.g., G4s from the c-MYC, c-KIT, and BCL-2 promoters) using biochemical assays. We further studied the effect of selected compounds on cell viability, the effect on the number of G4s in cells, and their pharmacokinetic properties. This identified potent G4 ligands with suitable properties and further revealed that the dispersion component in arene-arene interactions in combination with electron-deficient electrostatics is central for the ligand to bind with the G4 efficiently. The presented design strategy can be applied in the further development of G4-ligands with suitable properties to explore G4s as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Måns Andreasson
- Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maxime Donzel
- Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alva Abrahamsson
- Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Berner
- Departments
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
| | - Mara Doimo
- Departments
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
- Clinical
Genetics Unit, Department of Women and Children’s Health, Padua University, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Quiroga
- Departments
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
| | - Anna Eriksson
- Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Yu-Kai Chao
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Jeroen Overman
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Nils Pemberton
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology
(R&I), Bio Pharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Departments
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Chemical
Biology Consortium Sweden, Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dabral P, Uppal T, Verma SC. G-quadruplexes of KSHV oriLyt play important roles in promoting lytic DNA replication. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0531622. [PMID: 37800915 PMCID: PMC10714766 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05316-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Biological processes originating from the DNA and RNA can be regulated by the secondary structures present in the stretch of nucleic acids, and the G-quadruplexes are shown to regulate transcription, translation, and replication. In this study, we identified the presence of multiple G-quadruplex sites in the region (oriLyt) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA, which is essential for DNA replication during the lytic cycle. We demonstrated the roles of these G-quadruplexes through multiple biochemical and biophysical assays in controlling replication and efficient virus production. We demonstrated that KSHV achieves this by recruiting RecQ1 (helicase) at those G-quadruplex sites for efficient viral DNA replication. Analysis of the replicated DNA through nucleoside labeling and immunostaining showed a reduced initiation of DNA replication in cells with a pharmacologic stabilizer of G-quadruplexes. Overall, this study confirmed the role of the G-quadruplex in regulating viral DNA replication, which can be exploited for controlling viral DNA replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Dabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Timsy Uppal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu TY, Chen XC, Tang GX, Shao W, Li ZC, Chen SB, Huang ZS, Tan JH. Development and Characterization of Benzoselenazole Derivatives as Potent and Selective c-MYC Transcription Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5484-5499. [PMID: 37036951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing c-MYC transcription inhibitors that target the G-quadruplex has generated significant interest; however, few compounds have demonstrated specificity for c-MYC G-quadruplex and cancer cells. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of benzoazole derivatives as potential G-quadruplex ligand-based c-MYC transcription inhibitors. Surprisingly, benzoselenazole derivatives, which are rarely reported as G-quadruplex ligands, demonstrated greater c-MYC G-quadruplex selectivity and cancer cell specificity compared to their benzothiazole and benzoxazole analogues. The most promising compound, benzoselenazole m-Se3, selectively inhibited c-MYC transcription by specifically stabilizing the c-MYC G-quadruplex. This led to selective inhibition of hepatoma cell growth and proliferation by affecting the MYC target gene network, as well as effective tumor growth inhibition in hepatoma xenografts. Collectively, our study demonstrates that m-Se3 holds significant promise as a potent and selective inhibitor of c-MYC transcription for cancer treatment. Furthermore, our findings inspire the development of novel selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds as c-MYC G-quadruplex-specific ligands and transcription inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ying Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gui-Xue Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhang-Chi Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaudhuri R, Prasanth T, Dash J. Expanding the Toolbox of Target Directed Bio-Orthogonal Synthesis: In Situ Direct Macrocyclization by DNA Templates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215245. [PMID: 36437509 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that noncanonical DNA can direct macrocyclization-like challenging reactions to synthesize gene modulators. The planar G-quartets present in DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) provide a size complementary reaction platform for the bio-orthogonal macrocyclization of bifunctional azide and alkyne fragments over oligo- and polymerization. G4s immobilized on gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles have been used as target templates to enable easy identification of a selective peptidomimetic macrocycle. Structurally similar macrocycles have been synthesized to understand their functional role in the modulation of gene function. The innate fluorescence of the in situ formed macrocycle has been utilized to monitor its cellular localization using a G4 antibody and its in cell formation from the corresponding azide and alkyne fragments. The successful execution of in situ macrocyclization in vitro and in cells would open up a new dimension for target-directed therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritapa Chaudhuri
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A and 2B Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700099, India
| | - Thumpati Prasanth
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A and 2B Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700099, India.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, Chunilal Bhawan,168, Maniktala Main Road, P.O. Bengal Chemicals, P.S. Phoolbagan, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A and 2B Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700099, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Z, Liu W, Li G, Wang J, Zhao B, Huang P, Mei W. Ruthenium(II) Complexes Coupled by Erianin via a Flexible Carbon Chain as a Potential Stabilizer of c-myc G-Quadruplex DNA. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041529. [PMID: 36838516 PMCID: PMC9958891 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041529] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, two novel ruthenium(II) complexes coupled by erianin via a flexible carbon chain, [Ru(phen)2(L1-(CH2)4-erianin)](ClO4)2 (L1 = 2-(2-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1-10]phenanthroline (1) and [Ru(phen)2(L2-(CH2)4-eria)](ClO4)2 (L2 = 2-(4-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline (2), have been synthesized and investigated as a potential G-quadruplex(G4) DNA stabilizer. Both complexes, especially 2, can bind to c-myc G4 DNA with high affinity by electronic spectra, and the binding constant calculated for 1 and 2 is about 15.1 and 2.05 × 107 M-1, respectively. This was further confirmed by the increase in fluorescence intensity for both complexes. Moreover, the positive band at 265 nm in the CD spectra of c-myc G4 DNA decreased treated with 2, indicating that 2 may bind to c-myc G4 DNA through extern groove binding mode. Furthermore, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay indicated that the melting point of c-myc G4 DNA treated with 1 and 2 increased 15.5 and 16.5 °C, respectively. Finally, molecular docking showed that 1 can bind to c-myc G4 DNA in the extern groove formed by base pairs G7-G9 and G22-A24, and 2 inserts into the small groove of c-myc G4 DNA formed by base pairs T19-A24. In summary, these ruthenium(II) complexes, especially 2, can be developed as potential c-myc G4 DNA stabilizers and will be exploited as potential anticancer agents in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guohu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Southern Pharmacy, Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese Medical, Jiangmen 510047, China
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (W.M.)
| | - Peishan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-Medical Imaging, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (W.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Deregulation of transcription factors is critical to hallmarks of cancer. Genetic mutations, gene fusions, amplifications or deletions, epigenetic alternations, and aberrant post-transcriptional modification of transcription factors are involved in the regulation of various stages of carcinogenesis, including cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Thus, targeting the dysfunctional transcription factors may lead to new cancer therapeutic strategies. However, transcription factors are conventionally considered as "undruggable." Here, we summarize the recent progresses in understanding the regulation of transcription factors in cancers and strategies to target transcription factors and co-factors for preclinical and clinical drug development, particularly focusing on c-Myc, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin due to their significance and interplays in cancer.
Collapse
|
8
|
Andréasson M, Bhuma N, Pemberton N, Chorell E. Using Macrocyclic G-Quadruplex Ligands to Decipher the Interactions Between Small Molecules and G-Quadruplex DNA. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202202020. [PMID: 35997141 PMCID: PMC9826068 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to deepen the knowledge of the current state of rational G4-ligand design through the design and synthesis of a novel set of compounds based on indoles, quinolines, and benzofurans and their comparisons with well-known G4-ligands. This resulted in novel synthetic methods and G4-ligands that bind and stabilize G4 DNA with high selectivity. Furthermore, the study corroborates previous studies on the design of G4-ligands and adds deeper explanations to why a) macrocycles offer advantages in terms of G4-binding and -selectivity, b) molecular pre-organization is of key importance in the development of strong novel binders, c) an electron-deficient aromatic core is essential to engage in strong arene-arene interactions with the G4-surface, and d) aliphatic amines can strengthen interactions indirectly through changing the arene electrostatic nature of the compound. Finally, fundamental physicochemical properties of selected G4-binders are evaluated, underscoring the complexity of aligning the properties required for efficient G4 binding and stabilization with feasible pharmacokinetic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naresh Bhuma
- Department of ChemistryUmeå University90187UmeåSweden
| | - Nils Pemberton
- AstraZenecaPepparedsleden 1431 50MölndalGothenburgSweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department of ChemistryUmeå University90187UmeåSweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Optimization of Gonyautoxin1/4-Binding G-Quadruplex Aptamers by Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090622. [PMID: 36136560 PMCID: PMC9505997 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids with G-quadruplex (G4) structures play an important role in physiological function, analysis and detection, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and new drug research and development. Aptamers obtained using systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment (SELEX) screening technology do not always have the best affinity or binding specificity to ligands. Therefore, the establishment of a structure-oriented experimental method is of great significance. To study the potential of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in aptamer optimization, marine biotoxin gonyautoxin (GTX)1/4 and its G4 aptamer obtained using SELEX were selected. The binding site and the induced fit of the aptamer to GTX1/4 were confirmed using SERS combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. The intensity of interaction between GTX1/4 and G4 was also quantified by measuring the relative intensity of SERS bands corresponding to intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the interaction between GTX1/4 and optimized aptamers was analyzed. The order of intensity change in the characteristic bands of G4 aptamers was consistent with the order of affinity calculated using microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations. SERS provides a rapid, sensitive, and economical post-SELEX optimization of aptamers. It is also a reference for future research on other nucleic acid sequences containing G4 structures.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu W, Zhu BC, Liu LY, Xia XY, Mao ZW. G-quadruplex structural transition driven by a platinum compound. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7816-7828. [PMID: 35766415 PMCID: PMC9371902 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) transitions play integral roles in regulating biological functions and can be modified by ligands. However, little is known about G4 transitions. Herein, we reveal distinct pathways of a platinum(II) compound Pt-phen converting parallel-stranded MYC G4 to a hybrid-type structure. Three NMR structures, 1:1 5'-end binding, 1:1 3'-end binding and 2:1 Pt-phen-MYC G4 complexes, were determined by NMR. We find that Pt-phen drives G4 transition at a low ratio. Under physiological 100 mM K+ conditions, a significant stable hydrogen-bonded T:T:A triad is formed at 3'-end of hybrid-type Myc1234, and consequently, Pt-phen first binds the 5'-end to form a 1:1 5'-end binding complex and then disrupts the 3' T:T:A triad and binds 3'-end to form a 2:1 complex with more Pt-phen. Remarkably, the G4 transition pathway is different in 5 mM K+ with Pt-phen first binding the 3'-end and then the 5'-end. 'Edgewise-loop and flanking/ligand/G-tetrad' sandwich structure formation and terminal T:T:A triad stabilization play decisive roles in advancing and altering transition pathways. Our work is the first to elucidate the molecular structures of G4 transitions driven by a small molecule. The ligand-driven G4 transition is a dynamic process that includes a quick G4 transition and multiple complexes formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Bo-Chen Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Liu-Yi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Xia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Biver T. Discriminating between Parallel, Anti-Parallel and Hybrid G-Quadruplexes: Mechanistic Details on Their Binding to Small Molecules. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134165. [PMID: 35807410 PMCID: PMC9268745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are now extensively recognised as a peculiar non-canonical DNA geometry that plays a prime importance role in processes of biological relevance whose number is increasing continuously. The same is true for the less-studied RNA G4 counterpart. G4s are stable structures; however, their geometrical parameters may be finely tuned not only by the presence of particular sequences of nucleotides but also by the salt content of the medium or by a small molecule that may act as a peculiar topology inducer. As far as the interest in G4s increases and our knowledge of these species deepens, researchers do not only verify the G4s binding by small molecules and the subsequent G4 stabilisation. The most innovative studies now aim to elucidate the mechanistic details of the interaction and the ability of a target species (drug) to bind only to a peculiar G4 geometry. In this focused review, we survey the advances in the studies of the binding of small molecules of medical interest to G4s, with particular attention to the ability of these species to bind differently (intercalation, lateral binding or sitting atop) to different G4 topologies (parallel, anti-parallel or hybrid structures). Some species, given the very high affinity with some peculiar G4 topology, can first bind to a less favourable geometry and then induce its conversion. This aspect is also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarita Biver
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Swafford K, Acharya B, Xu YZ, Raney T, McCrury M, Saha D, Frett B, Kendrick S. Targeting a Novel G-Quadruplex in the CARD11 Oncogene Promoter with Naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- Requires the Nitro Group. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071144. [PMID: 35885931 PMCID: PMC9321325 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggressive nature of the activated B cell such as (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) is frequently associated with altered B cell Receptor (BCR) signaling through the activation of key components including the scaffolding protein, CARD11. Most inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, target downstream BCR kinases with often modest and temporary responses for DLBCL patients. Here, we pursue an alternative strategy to target the BCR pathway by leveraging a novel DNA secondary structure to repress transcription. We discovered that a highly guanine (G)-rich element within the CARD11 promoter forms a stable G-quadruplex (G4) using circular dichroism and polymerase stop biophysical techniques. We then identified a small molecule, naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- (NSC373981), from a fluorescence-resonance energy transfer-based screen that stabilized CARD11 G4 and inhibited CARD11 transcription in DLBCL cells. In generating and testing analogs of NSC373981, we determined that the nitro group is likely essential for the downregulation of CARD11 and interaction with CARD11 G4, and the removal of the ethanol side chain enhanced this activity. Of note, the expression of BCL2 and MYC, two other key oncogenes in DLBCL pathology with known promoter G4 structures, were often concurrently repressed with NSC373981 and the highly potent R158 analog. Our findings highlight a novel approach to treat aggressive DLBCL by silencing CARD11 gene expression that warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennith Swafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Baku Acharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Ying-Zhi Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Thomas Raney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Mason McCrury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Debasmita Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.F.); (S.K.); Tel.: +1-501-526-0893 (B.F.); +1-501-526-6000 (ext. 25122) (S.K.)
| | - Samantha Kendrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (B.F.); (S.K.); Tel.: +1-501-526-0893 (B.F.); +1-501-526-6000 (ext. 25122) (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vertecchi E, Rizzo A, Salvati E. Telomere Targeting Approaches in Cancer: Beyond Length Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073784. [PMID: 35409143 PMCID: PMC8998427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are crucial structures that preserve genome stability. Their progressive erosion over numerous DNA duplications determines the senescence of cells and organisms. As telomere length homeostasis is critical for cancer development, nowadays, telomere maintenance mechanisms are established targets in cancer treatment. Besides telomere elongation, telomere dysfunction impinges on intracellular signaling pathways, in particular DNA damage signaling and repair, affecting cancer cell survival and proliferation. This review summarizes and discusses recent findings in anticancer drug development targeting different “telosome” components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Vertecchi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes and Their Use as Probes and Photoreactive Agents for G-quadruplexes Labelling. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051541. [PMID: 35268640 PMCID: PMC8912042 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their optical and electrochemical properties, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have been used in a wide array of applications. Since the discovery of the light-switch ON effect of [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ when interacting with DNA, the design of new Ru(II) complexes as light-up probes for specific regions of DNA has been intensively explored. Amongst them, G-quadruplexes (G4s) are of particular interest. These structures formed by guanine-rich parts of DNA and RNA may be associated with a wide range of biological events. However, locating them and understanding their implications in biological pathways has proven challenging. Elegant approaches to tackle this challenge relies on the use of photoprobes capable of marking, reversibly or irreversibly, these G4s. Indeed, Ru(II) complexes containing ancillary π-deficient TAP ligands can create a covalently linked adduct with G4s after a photoinduced electron transfer from a guanine residue to the excited complex. Through careful design of the ligands, high selectivity of interaction with G4 structures can be achieved. This allows the creation of specific Ru(II) light-up probes and photoreactive agents for G4 labelling, which is at the core of this review composed of an introduction dedicated to a brief description of G-quadruplex structures and two main sections. The first one will provide a general picture of ligands and metal complexes interacting with G4s. The second one will focus on an exhaustive and comprehensive overview of the interactions and (photo)reactions of Ru(II) complexes with G4s.
Collapse
|
15
|
Sahoo S, Jana M, Rath H. Tailor-made aromatic porphyrinoids with NIR absorption. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:1834-1859. [PMID: 35028653 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06336g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The highlight of this article is the recent progress in the state-of-the-art synthetic design and isolation of artificial porphyrinoids by swapping pyrrole component(s) with diverse functionalized pyrrolic(heterocyclic)/carbacycle building block(s) to compare the impact on the electronic absorption spectra and aromaticity of the incorporated isomeric/expanded porphyrinoids. Attention has been directed towards five distinct criteria of utilizing functionalized pyrrolic(heterocyclic)/aromatic hydrocarbons as synthons for NIR absorbing aromatic isomeric (N-confusion)/expanded porphyrinoids (with five/six heterocycles): (i) fused or annelated pyrrole (heterocycle), (ii) functionalized bi-pyrrole/bi-thiophene/bi-furan building blocks, (iii) azulene based carbacycle building block, (iv) vinylogous aromatic carbacycle/heterocycle(s) building block and (v) N-confused pyrrole ring(s), and N-confused fused pyrrole ring(s) leading to π-extension. These hybrid porphyrinoids are ideal candidates for basic research into macrocyclic aromaticity and for many potential applications owing to NIR absorption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Sahoo
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A/2B Raja S. C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India.
| | - Manik Jana
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A/2B Raja S. C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India.
| | - Harapriya Rath
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A/2B Raja S. C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Banerjee N, Panda S, Chatterjee S. Frontiers in G-Quadruplex Therapeutics in Cancer: Selection of Small Molecules, Peptides and Aptamers. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:1-31. [PMID: 34148284 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex, a unique secondary structure in nucleic acids found throughout human genome, elicited widespread interest in the field of therapeutic research. Being present in key regulatory regions of oncogenes, RNAs and telomere, G-quadruplex structure regulates transcription, translation, splicing etc. Changes in its structure and stability leads to differential expression of oncogenes causing cancer. Thus, targeting G-Quadruplex structures with small molecules/other biologics has shown elevated research interest. Covering previous reports, in this review we try to enlighten the facts on the structural diversity in G-quadruplex ligands aiming to provide newer insights to design first-in-class drugs for the next generation cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Suman Panda
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Road, Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Verma S, Ravichandiran V, Ranjan N. Beyond amyloid proteins: Thioflavin T in nucleic acid recognition. Biochimie 2021; 190:111-123. [PMID: 34118329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Thioflavin T (ThT) is a commercially available fluorescent dye that is commonly used in biomedical research for over five decades. It was first reported as an extrinsic fluorescent probe for the detection of amyloid fibrils and related processes and it has also been used extensively for assessing protein binding in fluorescence-based assays. Although the nucleic acid binding of ThT was reported half of a century ago in the 1970s, it was not widely explored until the start of this decade. In recent years, Thioflavin T has become a major tool in the recognition of many types of non-canonical nucleic acid conformations including duplexes, triplexes, and G-quadruplexes. The propensity of ThT binding is more towards base aberrations, bulges, and mismatches highlighting its importance in serving as a diagnostic tool in a variety of ailments/disease conditions. In this review, we cover major advancements in nucleic acid detection/binding by ThT to a variety of nucleic acid structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Verma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226002, India; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Kolkata, Maniktala Main Road, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aznauryan M, Noer SL, Pedersen CW, Mergny JL, Teulade-Fichou MP, Birkedal V. Ligand Binding to Dynamically Populated G-Quadruplex DNA. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1811-1817. [PMID: 33450114 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several small-molecule ligands specifically bind and stabilize G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acid structures, which are considered to be promising therapeutic targets. G4s are polymorphic structures of varying stability, and their formation is dynamic. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of ligand binding to dynamically populated human telomere G4 DNA by using the bisquinolinium based ligand Phen-DC3 and a combination of single-molecule FRET microscopy, ensemble FRET and CD spectroscopies. Different cations are used to tune G4 polymorphism and folding dynamics. We find that ligand binding occurs to pre-folded G4 structures and that Phen-DC3 also induces G4 formation in unfolded single strands. Following ligand binding to dynamically populated G4s, the DNA undergoes pronounced conformational redistributions that do not involve direct ligand-induced G4 conformational interconversion. On the contrary, the redistribution is driven by ligand-induced G4 folding and trapping of dynamically populated short-lived conformation states. Thus, ligand-induced stabilization does not necessarily require the initial presence of stably folded G4s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikayel Aznauryan
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Present address: Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS ARNA, U1212, UMR 5320, IECB, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Sofie Louise Noer
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camilla W Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128, Palaiseau Cedex, France.,Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CMBC Laboratory (Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer), Institut Curie, Research Center Orsay, CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Paris-Saclay University, Bât. 110, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Victoria Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Long W, Zheng BX, Huang XH, She MT, Liu AL, Zhang K, Wong WL, Lu YJ. Molecular Recognition and Imaging of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA in Live Cells: A Systematic Advancement of Thiazole Orange Scaffold To Enhance Binding Specificity and Inhibition of Gene Expression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2125-2138. [PMID: 33559473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of fluorescent ligands, which were systematically constructed from thiazole orange scaffold, was investigated for their interactions with G-quadruplex structures and antitumor activity. Among the ligands, compound 3 was identified to exhibit excellent specificity toward telomere G4-DNA over other nucleic acids. The affinity of 3-Htg24 was almost 5 times higher than that of double-stranded DNA and promoter G4-DNA. Interaction studies showed that 3 may bind to both G-tetrad and the lateral loop near the 5'-end. The intracellular colocalization with BG4 and competition studies with BRACO19 reveal that 3 may interact with G4-structures. Moreover, 3 reduces the telomere length and downregulates hTERC and hTERT mRNA expression in HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity of 3 against cancer cells (IC50 = 12.7-16.2 μM) was found to be generally higher than noncancer cells (IC50 = 52.3 μM). The findings may support that the ligand is telomere G4-DNA specific and may provide meaningful insights for anticancer drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Long
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xuan-He Huang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Ting She
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ao-Lu Liu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Engineering Research Academy of High Value Utilization of Green Plants, Meizhou 514779, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chaudhuri R, Bhattacharya S, Dash J, Bhattacharya S. Recent Update on Targeting c-MYC G-Quadruplexes by Small Molecules for Anticancer Therapeutics. J Med Chem 2020; 64:42-70. [PMID: 33355454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences have the propensity to adopt four-stranded tetrahelical G-quadruplex (G4) structures that are overrepresented in gene promoters. The structural polymorphism and physicochemical properties of these non-Watson-Crick G4 structures make them important targets for drug development. The guanine-rich nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 present in the upstream of P1 promoter of c-MYC oncogene has the ability to form an intramolecular parallel G4 structure. The G4 structure that forms transiently in the c-MYC promoter functions as a transcriptional repressor element. The c-MYC oncogene is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers and plays a key role in cancer progression. Till now, a large number of compounds that are capable of interacting and stabilizing thec-MYC G4 have been reported. In this review, we summarize various c-MYC G4 specific molecules and discuss their effects on c-MYC gene expression in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritapa Chaudhuri
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Semantee Bhattacharya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata 700032, India.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zeng L, Wu Q, Wang T, Li LP, Zhao X, Chen K, Qian J, Yuan L, Xu H, Mei WJ. Selective stabilization of multiple promoter G-quadruplex DNA by using 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole-based tanshinone IIA derivatives and their potential suppressing function in the metastatic breast cancer. Bioorg Chem 2020; 106:104433. [PMID: 33213893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex (G4) DNA, which has been developed as a potential anticancer target in drug screening and design, plays a crucial role in the oncogene transcription and translation. Tanshinone IIA derivatives with a planar heterocycle structure may function as G4 stabilizers. We present an innovative case of imidazole-based tanshinone IIA derivatives (1-8) especially compound 4 that improve the selectivity and the binding affinity with G4 DNA and enhance the target tumor inhibition. Cellular and in vivo experiments indicate that the tanshinone IIA derivative 4 inhibits the growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis of triple-negative breast cancer cells possibly through the stabilization of multiple G4 DNAs (e.g., c-myc, K-ras, and VEGF) to induce DNA damage. Further investigation of the intermolecular interaction and the molecular docking indicates that tanshinone IIA derivatives have better selective binding capability to various G4 DNAs than to double-stranded DNA. These findings provide guidance in modifying the molecular structures of tanshinone IIA derivatives and reveal their potential to function as specific G4 stabilizers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- The School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Centre for Molecular Probe & Biomedicine Imaging, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Teng Wang
- The School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Ping Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Xuanhao Zhao
- The School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Jiayi Qian
- The School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- The School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Centre for Molecular Probe & Biomedicine Imaging, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Doxorubicin exhibits strong and selective association with VEGF Pu 22 G-quadruplex. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129720. [PMID: 32860839 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is upregulated in tumor cells and thus became a potential therapeutic target for anti-cancer drugs. Recent reports suggested the use of Doxorubicin (Dox) with VEGF-targeting siRNAs for an enhanced decrease in VEGF expression. Besides, VEGF-B gene therapy was found to suppress the cardiotoxicity effects of Dox. On the other hand, even though Dox is a commonly used anti-cancer agent, its mechanism of actions isn't completely mapped out. Herein, the interactions between a G4 structure formed by the VEGF promoter region Pu22 and Dox were investigated. METHODS The Dox-G4 interactions were examined via competition dialysis, UV-vis Absorption, Circular Dichroism (CD) and Fluorescence spectroscopy. RESULTS The results demonstrated that Dox was stabilizing the VEGF Pu22 G4 structure and the calculated association constant for VEGF Pu22-G4 complex (Ka = 7.50 × 106) was very close to the reported Ka values for Dox-dsDNA complexes. Additionally, the competition dialysis experiments revealed the selectivity of Dox to Pu22 compared to other G4 structures formed in telomeric repeats and promoter regions such as BCL-2 and C-myc. CONCLUSIONS Dox exhibits strong and selective association with VEGF Pu22 G4 structure that was comparable to its well-known association with dsDNA. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The results presented here might be useful in the general area of antitumor drug-DNA interactions. Doxorubicin's significant affinity to VEGF Pu22 G4 might be one of the plausible mechanisms behind its anti-tumor activity.
Collapse
|
23
|
Human MYC G-quadruplex: From discovery to a cancer therapeutic target. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188410. [PMID: 32827579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of the MYC oncogene is a molecular hallmark of both cancer initiation and progression. Targeting MYC is a logical and effective cancer therapeutic strategy. A special DNA secondary structure, the G-quadruplex (G4), is formed within the nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 (NHE III1) region, located upstream of the MYC gene's P1 promoter that drives the majority of its transcription. Targeting such G4 structures has been a focus of anticancer therapies in recent decades. Thus, a comprehensive review of the MYC G4 structure and its role as a potential therapeutic target is timely. In this review, we first outline the discovery of the MYC G4 structure and evidence of its formation in vitro and in cells. Then, we describe the functional role of G4 in regulating MYC gene expression. We also summarize three types of MYC G4-interacting proteins that can promote, stabilize and unwind G4 structures. Finally, we discuss G4-binding molecules and the anticancer activities of G4-stabilizing ligands, including small molecular compounds and peptides, and assess their potential as novel anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu MH, Wu TY, Huang Q, Jin G. New substituted quinoxalines inhibit triple-negative breast cancer by specifically downregulating the c-MYC transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:10529-10542. [PMID: 31584090 PMCID: PMC6846596 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy remains the primary treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the current chemotherapeutic drugs have limited effects on TNBC, and often lead to serious side effects as well as drug resistance. Thus, more effective therapeutic options are sorely needed. As c-MYC oncogene is highly expressed during TNBC pathogenesis, inhibiting c-MYC expression would be an alternative anti-TNBC strategy. In this study, we designed and synthesized a serial of quinoxaline analogs that target c-MYC promoter G-quadruplex (G4), which is believed to be a repressor of c-MYC transcription. Among them, a difluoro-substituted quinoxaline QN-1 was identified as the most promising G4-stabilizing ligand with high selectivity to c-MYC G4 over other G4s, which is distinguished from many other reported ligands. Intracellular studies indicated that QN-1 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, repressed metastasis and inhibited TNBC cell growth, primarily due to the downregulation of c-MYC transcription by a G4-dependent mechanism. Notably, inhibition by QN-1 was significantly greater for c-MYC than other G4-driven genes. Cancer cells with c-MYC overexpression were more sensitive to QN-1, relative to normal cells. Furthermore, QN-1 effectively suppressed tumor growth in a TNBC mouse model. Accordingly, this work provides an alternative strategy for treating TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Tian-Ying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qiong Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Guangyi Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China.,International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Inhibition of Influenza A virus propagation by benzoselenoxanthenes stabilizing TMPRSS2 Gene G-quadruplex and hence down-regulating TMPRSS2 expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7635. [PMID: 32376987 PMCID: PMC7203196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64368-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic cleavage of influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutinin by host proteases is crucial for virus infectivity and spread. The transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 was previously identified as the essential protease that can cleave hemagglutinin of many subtypes of influenza virus and spike protein of coronavirus. Herein, we found that a guanine rich tract, capable of forming intramolecular G-quadruplex in the presence of potassium ions, in the promoter region of human TMPRSS2 gene was quite important for gene transcriptional activity, hence affecting its function. Furthermore, 7 new synthesized benzoselenoxanthene analogues were found to enable stabilizing such G-quadruplex. More importantly, compounds can down-regulate TMPRSS2 gene expression, especially endogenous TMPRSS2 protein levels, and consequently suppress influenza A virus propagation in vitro. Our results provide a new strategy for anti-influenza A virus infection by small molecules targeting the TMPRSS2 gene G-quadruplex and thus inhibiting TMPRSS2 expression, which is valuable for developing small molecule drugs against influenza A virus and also may be a potential candidate as anti- SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV 2) lead molecules.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wu TY, Huang Q, Huang ZS, Hu MH, Tan JH. A drug-like imidazole-benzothiazole conjugate inhibits malignant melanoma by stabilizing the c-MYC G-quadruplex. Bioorg Chem 2020; 99:103866. [PMID: 32330737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of c-MYC oncogene is significantly associated with the occurrence and development of malignant melanoma. Suppression of the c-MYC transcriptional activity accordingly provides a new idea for treating melanoma. Notably, stabilizing the G-quadruplex (G4) structure in the promoter is proved to be effective in downregulating c-MYC transcription. In this work, we developed a drug-like imidazole-benzothiazole conjugate called IZTZ-1, which was confirmed to preferentially stabilize the promoter G4 and thus lower c-MYC expression. Intracellular assays revealed that IZTZ-1 induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. Furthermore, IZTZ-1 was demonstrated to effectively inhibit tumor growth in a melanoma mouse model. Consequently, IZTZ-1 showed good potential in the treatment of melanoma. This study provides an alternative strategy to treat melanoma by targeting the c-MYC G4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ying Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiong Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Chemical biology of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids for therapeutic applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2379-2390. [PMID: 32022004 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc09771f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA forms not only the canonical duplex structure but also non-canonical structures. Most potential sequences that induce the formation of non-canonical structures are present in disease-related genes. Interestingly, biological reactions are inhibited or dysregulated by non-canonical structure formation in disease-related genes. To control biological reactions, methods for inducing the formation of non-canonical structures have been developed using small molecules and oligonucleotides. In this feature article, we review biological reactions such as replication, transcription, and reverse transcription controlled by non-canonical DNA structures formed by disease-related genes. Furthermore, we discuss recent studies aimed at developing methods for regulating these biological reactions using drugs targeting the DNA structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Roy S, Ali A, Kamra M, Muniyappa K, Bhattacharya S. Specific stabilization of promoter G-Quadruplex DNA by 2,6-disubstituted amidoanthracene-9,10-dione based dimeric distamycin analogues and their selective cancer cell cytotoxicity. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 195:112202. [PMID: 32302880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have designed and synthesized anthraquinone containing compounds which have oligopyrrole side chains of varying lengths. These compounds stabilized the G-quadruplex DNA formed in the promoter regions of c-MYC oncogenes selectively over the duplex DNA. These observations were recorded using UV-vis spectroscopic titrations, fluorescence measurements and circular dichroism (CD) spectral titrations. The potency of the compounds to stabilize the G4 DNA has been shown from the thermal denaturation experiments. The compound interacts with c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA through stacking mode as obtained from ethidium bromide displacement assay, cyclic voltammetric titration, and docking experiments. Molecular modeling studies suggested that the stacking of the anthraquinone moiety over the G-tetrad of the G4 structures are responsible for the stability of such quadruplex secondary structure. Furthermore, polymerase stop assay also supported the formation of stable G4 structures in the presence of the above-mentioned compounds. The compounds have shown selective cancer cell (HeLa and HEK293T) cytotoxicity over normal cells (NIH3T3 and HDFa) under in vitro conditions as determined from MTT based cell viability assay. Apoptosis was found to be the mechanistic pathway underlying the cancer cell cytotoxicity as obtained from Annexin V-FITC and PI dual staining assay which was further substantiated by nuclear morphological changes as observed by AO/EB dual staining assay. Cellular morphological changes, as well as nuclear condensation and fragmentation upon treatment with these compounds, were observed under bright field and confocal microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soma Roy
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Asfa Ali
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Mohini Kamra
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Kalappa Muniyappa
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India; School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ma Y, Iida K, Nagasawa K. Topologies of G-quadruplex: Biological functions and regulation by ligands. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 531:3-17. [PMID: 31948752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4) is one of the higher-order structures occurring in guanine-rich sequences of nucleic acids, and plays critical roles in biological processes. The G4-forming sequences can generate three kinds of topologies, i.e., parallel, anti-parallel, and hybrid, and these polymorphic structures have an important influence on G4-related biological functions. In this review, we highlight variety of structures generated by G4s containing various sequences and under diverse conditions. We also discuss the G4 ligands which induce specific topologies and/or conversion between different topologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Iida
- Department of Chemistry, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nagasawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conformational rearrangements of G-quadruplex topology promoted by Cu(II) 12-MC Cu(II)PyrAcHA-4 metallacrown. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 156:1258-1269. [PMID: 31759020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.11.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cu(II) 12-MCCu(II)PyrAcHA-4 metallacrown was studied by several spectroscopic techniques as an interacting ligand with G-quadruplex DNA structures. Investigations were performed on oligonucleotides bearing human telomeric and protooncogenic c-myc sequences in buffered solution mimicking ionic conditions in cellular environment. The planar square-based Cu(II) 12-MC-4 metallacrown interacts with GQ via an end-stacking mode with 1:1 stoichiometry. Circular dichroism (CD) titration revealed capability of this metallacrown to induce transformation of the GQ hybrid topology into the parallel form. Thermal melting experiment indicated higher thermal stability of both antiparallel (ΔTm = +15 °C) and parallel (ΔTm = ≥27 °C) G-quadruplexes in the presence of Cu (II) 12-MC-4. Indirect GQ FID assay let to determine high binding affinity of the Cu(II) 12-MC-4 to antiparallel 22Htel/Na+ GQ (KMC = 3.9 (±0.4) x 106 M-1). Comparing with lower binding constants previously reported for Ln (III) 15-MC-5 and Sm (III) 12-MC-4, one can conclude that the square planar geometry and the positive charge of metallacrown play an important role in MC/GQ interactions.
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang XN, Su XX, Cheng SQ, Sun ZY, Huang ZS, Ou TM. MYC modulators in cancer: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:353-367. [PMID: 31068032 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1612878] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The important role of MYC in tumorigenesis makes it particularly important to design MYC modulators. Over the past decade, researchers have raised a number of strategies for designing MYC modulators, some of which are already in clinical trials. This paper aims to review the patents of MYC modulators. AREAS COVERED The important biological relevance of c-MYC and the regulation pathways related to c-MYC are briefly introduced. Base on that, the MYC modulators reported in published patents and references primarily for cancer treatment are outlined, highlighting the structures and biological activities. EXPERT OPINION There has been a growing awareness of finding and designing MYC modulators as novel anticancer drugs over recent years. Patents involving the discovery, synthesis, and application of MYC modulators are particularly important for further development in this field. Although finding direct MYC inhibitors or binders is challenging, MYC cannot be simply defined as an undruggable target. There is still substantial evidence proving the concept that MYC modulators can benefit to the treatment of both human hematological malignancies and solid tumors. More efforts should be taken to improve the activity and specificity of MYC modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Wang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yang S, Yang C, Huang D, Song L, Chen J, Yang Q. Recent Progress in Fluorescence Signal Design for DNA-Based Logic Circuits. Chemistry 2019; 25:5389-5405. [PMID: 30328639 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201804420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA-based logic circuits, encoding algorithms in DNA and processing information, are pushing the frontiers of molecular computers forward, owing to DNA's advantages of stability, accessibility, manipulability, and especially inherent biological significance and potential medical application. In recent years, numerous logic functions, from arithmetic to nonarithmetic, have been realized based on DNA. However, DNA can barely provide a detectable signal by itself, so that the DNA-based circuits depend on extrinsic signal actuators. The signal strategy of carrying out a response is becoming one of the design focuses in DNA-based logic circuit construction. Although work on sequence and structure design for DNA-based circuits has been well reviewed, the strategy on signal production lacks comprehensive summary. In this review, we focused on the latest designs of fluorescent output for DNA-based logic circuits. Several basic strategies are summarized and a few designs for developing multi-output systems are provided. Finally, some current difficulties and possible opportunities were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunrong Yang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Dan Huang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Lingbo Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianchi Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Qianfan Yang
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Developing Novel G-Quadruplex Ligands: from Interaction with Nucleic Acids to Interfering with Nucleic Acid⁻Protein Interaction. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030396. [PMID: 30678288 PMCID: PMC6384609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex is a special secondary structure of nucleic acids in guanine-rich sequences of genome. G-quadruplexes have been proved to be involved in the regulation of replication, DNA damage repair, and transcription and translation of oncogenes or other cancer-related genes. Therefore, targeting G-quadruplexes has become a novel promising anti-tumor strategy. Different kinds of small molecules targeting the G-quadruplexes have been designed, synthesized, and identified as potential anti-tumor agents, including molecules directly bind to the G-quadruplex and molecules interfering with the binding between the G-quadruplex structures and related binding proteins. This review will explore the feasibility of G-quadruplex ligands acting as anti-tumor drugs, from basis to application. Meanwhile, since helicase is the most well-defined G-quadruplex-related protein, the most extensive research on the relationship between helicase and G-quadruplexes, and its meaning in drug design, is emphasized.
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang SL, Wang ZF, Qin QP, Tan MX, Luo DM, Zou BQ, Liu YC. A 9‑chloro‑5,6,7,8‑tetrahydroacridine Pt(II) complex induces apoptosis of Hep‑G2 cells via inhibiting telomerase activity and disrupting mitochondrial pathway. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
35
|
Carabet LA, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Therapeutic Inhibition of Myc in Cancer. Structural Bases and Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E120. [PMID: 30597997 PMCID: PMC6337544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc (avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) represents one of the most sought after drug targets in cancer. Myc transcription factor is an essential regulator of cell growth, but in most cancers it is overexpressed and associated with treatment-resistance and lethal outcomes. Over 40 years of research and drug development efforts did not yield a clinically useful Myc inhibitor. Drugging the "undruggable" is problematic, as Myc inactivation may negatively impact its physiological functions. Moreover, Myc is a disordered protein that lacks effective binding pockets on its surface. It is well established that the Myc function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner, Max (Myc associated factor X), which together form a functional DNA-binding domain to activate genomic targets. Herein, we provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated to date on Myc regulation and function, its critical role in cancer, and summarize various strategies that are employed to tackle Myc-driven malignant transformation. We focus on important structure-function relationships of Myc with its interactome, elaborating structural determinants of Myc-Max dimer formation and DNA recognition exploited for therapeutic inhibition. Chronological development of small-molecule Myc-Max prototype inhibitors and corresponding binding sites are comprehensively reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on modern computational drug design methods. On the outlook, technological advancements may soon provide the so long-awaited Myc-Max clinical candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kishore MVN, Panda PK. Revisiting the intense NIR active bronzaphyrin, a 26-π aromatic expanded porphyrin: synthesis and structural analysis. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:13135-13138. [PMID: 30402647 DOI: 10.1039/c8cc07752e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dithiabronzaphyrin, with intense absorption and fluorescence in the NIR region, was synthesized as its β-octaethyl analogue via a thiophene bridged terpyrrole. Solid state structural characterization obtained for the first time revealed inversion of the thiophene rings. Studies showed that there is no effect from protonation or temperature on the structural rigidity of the macrocycle. Crystal packing revealed four open dimeric trifluoroacetate [(CF3COO)2H]- moieties binding to the macrocycle in the protonated form via H bonding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M V Nanda Kishore
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500046, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Prado E, Bonnat L, Bonnet H, Lavergne T, Van der Heyden A, Pratviel G, Dejeu J, Defrancq E. Influence of the SPR Experimental Conditions on the G-Quadruplex DNA Recognition by Porphyrin Derivatives. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:13057-13064. [PMID: 30293430 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique to study the interactions of ligands with analytes and therefore a number of biosensor surfaces and injection methods have been developed so far. However, many experimental parameters can affect the interactions and consequently the affinity measurements. In particular, the interactions of positively charged analytes (often used for anionic nucleic acids targets) can be influenced by the sensing surfaces (e.g., negatively charged), leading to significant nonspecific interactions as well as regeneration problems. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of different parameters, including ionic strength, SPR biosensor (i.e., nature of the surfaces), and the injection method on the recognition of porphyrin G-quadruplex ligands. We demonstrate that the injection method does not influence the affinity whereas the ionic strength and the nature of the surface impact the recognition properties of the porphyrin for the G-quadruplex DNA. We also found that self-assembled monolayer coating surface presents many advantages in comparison with carboxymethylated dextran surface for SPR studies of G-quadruplex DNA/ligand interactions: (i) the electrostatic interaction with charged analytes is less important, (ii) its structure/composition is less sensitive to the ionic concentration and less prone to unspecific adsorption, (iii) it is easily homemade, and (iv) the cost is approximately 10 times cheaper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Prado
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - L Bonnat
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - H Bonnet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - T Lavergne
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | | | - G Pratviel
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination , 205 route de Narbonne, BP44099 , F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT , Toulouse , France
| | - J Dejeu
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - E Defrancq
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM , 38000 Grenoble , France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mandal P, Sahoo D, Saha S, Chowdhury J. Sensing of Different Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA Topologies by Natural Alkaloid Allocryptopine Using Spectroscopic Techniques. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:10279-10290. [PMID: 30346761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b07856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulami Mandal
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja S. C. Mallick Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Dibakar Sahoo
- School of Physics, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Odisha 768 019, India
| | - Saumen Saha
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja S. C. Mallick Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| | - Joydeep Chowdhury
- Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja S. C. Mallick Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Qin QP, Zou BQ, Hu FL, Huang GB, Wang SL, Gu YQ, Tan MX. Platinum(ii) complexes with rutaecarpine and tryptanthrin derivatives induce apoptosis by inhibiting telomerase activity and disrupting mitochondrial function. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:1639-1648. [PMID: 30429969 PMCID: PMC6195000 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00247a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Four new platinum(ii) complexes, [Pt(Rut)(DMSO)Cl2] (Rut-Pt), [Pt(Try)(DMSO)Cl2] (Try-Pt), [Pt(ITry)(DMSO)Cl2] (ITry-Pt) and [Pt(BrTry)(DMSO)Cl2] (BrTry-Pt), with rutaecarpine (Rut), tryptanthrin (Try), 8-iodine-tryptanthrin (ITry) and 8-bromo-tryptanthrin (BrTry) as ligands were synthesized and fully characterized. In these complexes, the platinum(ii) adopts a four-coordinated square planar geometry. The inhibitory activity evaluated by the MTT assay showed that BrTry-Pt (IC50 = of 0.21 ± 0.25 μM) could inhibit the growth of T-24 tumor cells (human bladder cancer cell line) more so than the other three complexes. In addition, all of these Pt complexes exhibited low toxicity against non-cancerous HL-7702 cells. BrTry-Pt induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase, leading to the down-regulation of cyclin A and CDK2 proteins. BrTry-Pt acts as a telomerase inhibitor targeting the c-myc promoter. In addition, BrTry-Pt also caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, the in vitro anticancer activity of BrTry-Pt was higher than those of Rut-Pt, Try-Pt and ITry-Pt, and it was more selective for T-24 cells than for non-cancerous HL-7702 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Pin Qin
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Bi-Qun Zou
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- Department of Chemistry , Guilin Normal College , 21 Xinyi Road , Gulin 541001 , PR China
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Fei-Long Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products , Guangxi University for Nationalities , Nanning , 530006 , P. R. China
| | - Guo-Bao Huang
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
| | - Shu-Long Wang
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Yun-Qiong Gu
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Ming-Xiong Tan
- Guangxi Key Lab of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , School of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Flusberg DA, Rizvi NF, Kutilek V, Andrews C, Saradjian P, Chamberlin C, Curran P, Swalm B, Kattar S, Smith GF, Dandliker P, Nickbarg EB, O'Neil J. Identification of G-Quadruplex-Binding Inhibitors of Myc Expression through Affinity Selection-Mass Spectrometry. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 24:142-157. [PMID: 30204533 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218796656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Myc oncogene is overexpressed in many cancers, yet targeting it for cancer therapy has remained elusive. One strategy for inhibition of Myc expression is through stabilization of the G-quadruplex (G4), a G-rich DNA secondary structure found within the Myc promoter; stabilization of G4s has been shown to halt transcription of downstream gene products. Here we used the Automated Ligand Identification System (ALIS), an affinity selection-mass spectrometry method, to identify compounds that bind to the Myc G4 out of a pool of compounds that had previously been shown to inhibit Myc expression in a reporter screen. Using an ALIS-based screen, we identified hits that bound to the Myc G4, a small subset of which bound preferentially relative to G4s from the promoters of five other genes. To determine functionality and specificity of the Myc G4-binding compounds in cell-based assays, we compared inhibition of Myc expression in cells with and without Myc G4 regulation. Several compounds inhibited Myc expression only in the Myc G4-containing line, and one compound was verified to function through Myc G4 binding. Our study demonstrates that ALIS can be used to identify selective nucleic acid-binding compounds from phenotypic screen hits, increasing the pool of drug targets beyond proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sam Kattar
- 3 Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Głuszyńska A, Juskowiak B, Kuta-Siejkowska M, Hoffmann M, Haider S. Carbazole ligands as c-myc G-quadruplex binders. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 114:479-490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
42
|
Choice of a spin singlet or triplet: electronic properties of Bis-Co(II), Bis-Ni(II), Bis-Cu(II) and Bis-Zn(II) oxygen doubly N-confused hexaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1). J Mol Model 2018; 24:185. [PMID: 29961169 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-018-3728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Fused hexaphyrins have many physical and chemical properties and can coordinate transition metal ions. In this study, we investigated the geometric structure, charge decomposition analysis (CDA), spin density, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) compositions and absorption spectra of four oxygen doubly N-confused hexaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1) (ONCP) complexes with the metal ions Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) (designated ONCP-d-Co, ONCP-d-Ni, ONCP-d-Cu and ONCP-d-Zn). Based on their energies, geometric structures, FMO characteristics and comparison to experiments, ONCP-d-Co and ONCP-d-Cu have the mix-states of the triplet state and broken-symmetry state (antiferromagnetic state) rather than the spin singlet of a closed shell as previously reported. Moreover, based on analyses of the spin density and spin population of the spin triplet ONCP-d-Co and ONCP-d-Cu complexes, the charge transfer in ONCP-d-Cu is greater than that in ONCP-d-Co because the spin density in ONCP-d-Cu is concentrated not only on the Cu ion but also on the ONCP ligand. Thus, the CDA value for ONCP-d-Cu is larger. Finally, through comparative analysis of the FMO compositions and absorption spectra, the complexes and ligand are shown to have very similar absorption spectra with characteristics that arise mainly from π → π* transitions both in the B-band and the Q-band, which is due to the FMO compositions being dominated by the highly delocalized conjugated system, rather than by the metal ions. The absorption maxima of the Q-band are ONCP-d-Co (1020 nm) > ONCP-d-Zn (1012 nm) > ONCP-d-Ni (997 nm) > ONCP-d-Cu (988 nm), which is inversely proportional to the energy gap in their FMOs. Graphical Abstract The present work investigates the geometric structure, charge decomposition analysis (CDA), spin density, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) compositions and absorption spectra of four oxygen doubly N-confused hexaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1) (ONCP) complexes with the metal ions Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) (designated ONCP-d-Co, ONCP-d-Ni, ONCP-d-Cu and ONCP-d-Zn). Based on their energies, geometric structures, FMO characteristics and comparison to experiments, ONCP-d-Co and ONCP-d-Cu have the mix-state of the triplet state and broken-symmetry state (antiferromagnetic state) rather than the spin singlet of a close shell as were previously reported. Meanwhile, ONCP-d-Ni and ONCP-d-Zn show spin singlet structure. The calculated CDA shows the following order: ONCP-d-Cu (1.487) > ONCP-d-Ni (1.255) > ONCP-d-Co (1.211) > ONCP-d-Zn (1.201). Through comparisons of spin density and spin populations of ONCP-d-Co and ONCP-d-Cu, charge transfer between Cu and ligand ONCP is greater than that of Co and ONCP, which makes the CDA value of ONCP-d-Cu obviously larger than that of the other complexes.
Collapse
|
43
|
Das T, Panda D, Saha P, Dash J. Small Molecule Driven Stabilization of Promoter G-Quadruplexes and Transcriptional Regulation of c-MYC. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:2636-2645. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Das
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Deepanjan Panda
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Puja Saha
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pont I, González-García J, Inclán M, Reynolds M, Delgado-Pinar E, Albelda MT, Vilar R, García-España E. Aza-Macrocyclic Triphenylamine Ligands for G-Quadruplex Recognition. Chemistry 2018; 24:10850-10858. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201802077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pont
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
- Department of Chemistry; Imperial College London; London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Jorge González-García
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
- Department of Chemistry; Imperial College London; London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Mario Inclán
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry; Imperial College London; London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Estefanía Delgado-Pinar
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
| | - M. Teresa Albelda
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
- GIBI2030, Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Imagen, IIS La Fe; Valencia Spain
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry; Imperial College London; London SW7 2AZ UK
| | - Enrique García-España
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Science; University of Valencia; Catedrático José Beltran 2 46980 Paterna Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Harikrishna S, Kotaru S, Pradeepkumar PI. Ligand-induced conformational preorganization of loops of c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA and its implications in structure-specific drug design. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018. [PMID: 28650023 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00175d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stabilization of a G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structure in the proto-oncogene c-MYC using small molecule ligands has emerged as an attractive strategy for the development of anticancer therapeutics. To understand the subtle structural changes in the G4 structure upon ligand binding, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of c-MYC G4 DNA were carried out in a complex with six different potent ligands: 3AQN, 6AQN, 3APN, 360A, Nap-Et, and Nap-Pr. The results show that the ligands 3AQN, 6AQN, 3APN, and 360A stabilize the G4 structure by making stacking interactions with the top quartet. On the other hand, Nap-Et and Nap-Pr bind at the groove of the G4 structure. These groove binding ligands make crucial H-bond contacts with the guanines and electrostatic interactions with the phosphate backbone. Two-dimensional dynamic correlation maps unraveled the ligand-induced correlated motions between the guanines in the quartet and a di-nucleotide present in the propeller loop-2 of the G4 structure. Cluster analysis and ONIOM calculations revealed the structural dynamics in the loop of the quadruplex upon ligand binding. Overall, the results from the present study suggest that engineering specific contacts with the propeller loop can be an efficient way to design c-MYC G4-specific ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Harikrishna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai - 400076, India.
| | - Saikiran Kotaru
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai - 400076, India.
| | - P I Pradeepkumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai - 400076, India.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hu MH, Wang YQ, Yu ZY, Hu LN, Ou TM, Chen SB, Huang ZS, Tan JH. Discovery of a New Four-Leaf Clover-Like Ligand as a Potent c-MYC Transcription Inhibitor Specifically Targeting the Promoter G-Quadruplex. J Med Chem 2018; 61:2447-2459. [PMID: 29474069 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Downregulating transcription of the oncogene c-MYC is a feasible strategy for cancer therapy. Stabilization of the G-quadruplex structure present in the c-MYC promoter can suppress c-MYC transcription. Thus, far, several ligands targeting this structure have been developed. However, most have shown no selectivity for the c-MYC G-quadruplex over other G-quadruplexes, leading to uncertain side effects. In this study, through structural modification of aryl-substituted imidazole/carbazole conjugates, a brand-new, four-leaf clover-like ligand called IZCZ-3 was found to preferentially bind and stabilize the c-MYC G-quadruplex. Further intracellular studies indicated that IZCZ-3 provoked cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and thus inhibited cell growth, primarily by blocking c-MYC transcription through specific targeting of the promoter G-quadruplex structure. Notably, IZCZ-3 effectively suppressed tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Accordingly, this work provides an encouraging example of a selective small molecule that can target one particular G-quadruplex structure, and the selective ligand might serve as an excellent anticancer agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Shenzhen University Health Science Center , Shenzhen 518060 , China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Ze-Yi Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Lu-Ni Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou 510006 , China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Qin QP, Meng T, Tan MX, Liu YC, Wang SL, Zou BQ, Liang H. Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of six highly cytotoxic ruthenium(ii) complexes with 4'-substituted-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:525-533. [PMID: 30108943 PMCID: PMC6072480 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00532f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, six ruthenium(ii) terpyridine complexes, i.e. [RuCl2(4-EtN-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru1), [RuCl2(4-MeO-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru2), [RuCl2(2-MeO-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru3), [RuCl2(3-MeO-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru4), [RuCl2(1-Bip-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru5), and [RuCl2(1-Pyr-Phtpy)(DMSO)] (Ru6) with 4'-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (4-EtN-Phtpy), 4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (4-MeO-Phtpy), 4'-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (2-MeO-Phtpy), 4'-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (3-MeO-Phtpy), 4'-(1-biphenylene)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (1-Bip-Phtpy), and 4'-(1-pyrene)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (1-Pyr-Phtpy), respectively, were synthesized and fully characterized. The MTT assay demonstrates that the in vitro anticancer activity of Ru1 is higher than that of Ru2-Ru6 and more selective for Hep-G2 cells than for normal HL-7702 cells. In addition, various biological assays show that Ru1 and Ru6, especially the Ru1 complex, are telomerase inhibitors targeting c-myc G4 DNA and also cause apoptosis of Hep-G2 cells. With the same Ru center, the in vitro antitumor activity and cellular uptake ability of the 4-EtN-Phtpy and 1-Bip-Phtpy ligands follow the order 4-EtN-Phtpy > 1-Bip-Phtpy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Pin Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , College of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Ting Meng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , College of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Ming-Xiong Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , College of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Yan-Cheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Shu-Long Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology , College of Chemistry and Food Science , Yulin Normal University , 1303 Jiaoyudong Road , Yulin 537000 , PR China . ; ; ; Tel: +86 775 2623650
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| | - Bi-Qun Zou
- Department of Chemistry , Guilin Normal College , 21 Xinyi Road , Gulin 541001 , PR China .
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources , School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , 15 Yucai Road , Guilin 541004 , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wei ZZ, Qin QP, Meng T, Deng CX, Liang H, Chen ZF. 5-Bromo-oxoisoaporphine platinum(II) complexes exhibit tumor cell cytotoxcicity via inhibition of telomerase activity and disruption of c-myc G-quadruplex DNA and mitochondrial functions. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 145:360-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
49
|
Shi Y, Sun H, Xiang J, Chen H, Zhang S, Guan A, Li Q, Xu S, Tang Y. Reversible regulation of the supramolecular chirality of a cyanine dye by using the G-quadruplex structure as a template. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 52:7302-5. [PMID: 27181338 DOI: 10.1039/c6cc02930b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Multiple cycle regulation of the supramolecular chirality of a cyanine dye has been successfully achieved by using DNA G-quadruplexes as templates, which is easily controllable by repeated addition of Ag(+) and cysteine (Cys). This work provides an easy and controllable strategy for the chiral regulation of supramolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Shi
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. and University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hongxia Sun
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Junfeng Xiang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Hongbo Chen
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Suge Zhang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. and University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Aijiao Guan
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Qian Li
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
| | - Shujuan Xu
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. and University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yalin Tang
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China. and University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Han FS, Ling G, Zhang J, Zhang RZ. A Convenient Synthesis of Indole and 1,4-Dihydropyridine Hybrid Macromolecules by Dimerization of [2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)ethyl]pyridinium Salts. HETEROCYCLES 2018. [DOI: 10.3987/com-17-13822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|