1
|
Bednarz A, Rosendal RT, Lund LM, Birkedal V. Probing G-quadruplex-ligand binding using DNA intrinsic fluorescence. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00145-7. [PMID: 38936685 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.06.009] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are helical four-stranded nucleic acid structures that can form in guanine-rich sequences, which are mostly found in functional cellular regions, such as telomeres, promoters, and DNA replication origins. Great efforts are being made to target these structures towards the development of specific small molecule G4 binders for novel anti-cancer, neurological, and viral therapies. Here, we introduce an optical assay based on quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of DNA G-quadruplexes for assessing and comparing the G4 binding affinity of various small molecule ligands in solutions. We show that the approach allows direct quantification of ligand binding to distinctive G4 topologies. We believe that this method will facilitate quick and reliable evaluation of small molecule G4 ligands and support their development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Bednarz
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Torp Rosendal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Line Mørkholt Lund
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Victoria Birkedal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu W, He X, Zhu Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Li P, Pan J, Wang J, Chu B, Yang G, Zhang M, He Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang C. Identification of a conserved G-quadruplex within the E165R of African swine fever virus (ASFV) as a potential antiviral target. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107453. [PMID: 38852886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107453] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of a conserved G-quadruplex in E165R of ASFVAfrican swine fever virus (ASFV) is a double-stranded DNA arbovirus with high transmissibility and mortality rates. It has caused immense economic losses to the global pig industry. Currently, no effective vaccines or medications are to combat ASFV infection. G-quadruplex (G4) structures have attracted increasing interest because of their regulatory role in vital biological processes. In this study, we identified a conserved G-rich sequence within the E165R gene of ASFV. Subsequently, using various methods, we verified that this sequence could fold into a parallel G4. In addition, the G4-stabilizers pyridostatin and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphin (TMPyP4) can bind and stabilize this G4 structure, thereby inhibiting E165R gene expression, and the inhibitory effect is associated with G4 formation. Moreover, the G4 ligand pyridostatin substantially impeded ASFV proliferation in Vero cells by reducing gene copy number and viral protein expression. These compelling findings suggest that G4 structures may represent a promising and novel antiviral target against ASFV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinglin He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yance Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajia Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beibei Chu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoyu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengjia Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Qigai He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wentao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Turcotte MA, Perreault JP. Pathogenic SNPs Affect Both RNA and DNA G-Quadruplexes' Responses to Ligands. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1045-1050. [PMID: 38688038 PMCID: PMC11106744 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are common genetic variations that are present in over 1% of the population and can significantly modify the structures of both DNA and RNA. G-quadruplex structures (G4) are formed by the superposition of tetrads of guanines. To date, the impact of SNPs on both G4 ligands' binding efficacies and specificities has not been investigated. Here, using a bioinformatically predicted G4 and SNPs found in the α-synuclein gene as a proof-of-concept, it was demonstrated that SNPs can modulate both DNA and RNA G4s' responses to ligands. Specifically, six widely recognized ligands (Phen-DC3, PDS, 360A, RHPS4, BRACO19, and TMPyP4) were shown to differentially affect both the structure and the polymerase stalling of the different SNPs. This work highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate G4 ligand when dealing with an SNP identified in a G-rich gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department
of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée
sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department
of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée
sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lukina MV, Zhdanova PV, Koval VV. Structural and Dynamic Features of the Recognition of 8-oxoguanosine Paired with an 8-oxoG-clamp by Human 8-oxoguanine-DNA Glycosylase. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4119-4132. [PMID: 38785521 PMCID: PMC11120029 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050253] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
8-oxoguanine (oxoG) is formed in DNA by the action of reactive oxygen species. As a highly mutagenic and the most common oxidative DNA lesion, it is an important marker of oxidative stress. Human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) is responsible for its prompt removal in human cells. OGG1 is a bifunctional DNA glycosylase with N-glycosylase and AP lyase activities. Aspects of the detailed mechanism underlying the recognition of 8-oxoguanine among numerous intact bases and its subsequent interaction with the enzyme's active site amino acid residues are still debated. The main objective of our work was to determine the effect (structural and thermodynamic) of introducing an oxoG-clamp in model DNA substrates on the process of 8-oxoG excision by OGG1. Towards that end, we used DNA duplexes modeling OGG1-specific lesions: 8-oxoguanine or an apurinic/apyrimidinic site with either cytidine or the oxoG-clamp in the complementary strand opposite to the lesion. It was revealed that there was neither hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond at oxoG nor cleavage of the sugar-phosphate backbone during the reaction between OGG1 and oxoG-clamp-containing duplexes. Possible structural reasons for the absence of OGG1 enzymatic activity were studied via the stopped-flow kinetic approach and molecular dynamics simulations. The base opposite the damage was found to have a critical effect on the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex and the initiation of DNA cleavage. The oxoG-clamp residue prevented the eversion of the oxoG base into the OGG1 active site pocket and impeded the correct convergence of the apurinic/apyrimidinic site of DNA and the attacking nucleophilic group of the enzyme. An obtained three-dimensional model of the OGG1 complex with DNA containing the oxoG-clamp, together with kinetic data, allowed us to clarify the role of the contact of amino acid residues with DNA in the formation of (and rearrangements in) the enzyme-substrate complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Lukina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICBFM SB RAS), Novosibirsk 630090, Russia;
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Polina V. Zhdanova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICBFM SB RAS), Novosibirsk 630090, Russia;
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir V. Koval
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICBFM SB RAS), Novosibirsk 630090, Russia;
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han X, Xu S, Wang L, Bi Z, Wang D, Bu H, Da J, Liu Y, Tan W. Artificial DNA Framework Channel Modulates Antiapoptotic Behavior in Ischemia-Stressed Cells via Destabilizing Promoter G-Quadruplex. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6147-6161. [PMID: 38372229 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Regulating folding/unfolding of gene promoter G-quadruplexes (G4s) is important for understanding the topological changes in genomic DNAs and the biological effects of such changes on important cellular events. Although many G4-stabilizing ligands have been screened out, effective G4-destabilizing ligands are extremely rare, posing a great challenge for illustrating how G4 destabilization affects gene function in living cells under stress, a long-standing question in neuroscience. Herein, we report a distinct methodology able to destabilize gene promoter G4s in ischemia-stressed neural cells by mitigating the ischemia-induced accumulation of intracellular K+ with an artificial membrane-spanning DNA framework channel (DFC). We also show that ischemia-triggered K+ influx is positively correlated to anomalous stabilization of promoter G4s and downregulation of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic gene with neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury. Intriguingly, the DFC enables rapid transmembrane transport of excessive K+ mediated by the internal G4 filter, leading to the destabilization of endogenous promoter G4 in Bcl-2 and subsequent turnover of gene expression at both transcription and translation levels under ischemia. Consequently, this work enriches our understanding of the biological roles of endogenous G4s and may offer important clues to study the cellular behaviors in response to stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Han
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Shujuan Xu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhengyan Bi
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Huitong Bu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jun Da
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yanlan Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mitteaux J, Raevens S, Wang Z, Pirrotta M, Valverde IE, Hudson RHE, Monchaud D. PhpC modulates G-quadruplex-RNA landscapes in human cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:424-427. [PMID: 38086624 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05155b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Stabilizing DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) using small molecules (ligands) has proven an efficient strategy to decipher G4 biology. Quite paradoxically, this search has also highlighted the need for finding molecules able to disrupt G4s to tackle G4-associated cellular dysfunctions. We report here on both qualitative and quantitative investigations that validate the G4-RNA-destabilizing properties of the leading compound PhpC in human cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Sandy Raevens
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Marc Pirrotta
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Ibai E Valverde
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Robert H E Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kastl M, Hersperger F, Kierdorf K, Paeschke K. Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures in Macrophages. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2713:453-462. [PMID: 37639141 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3437-0_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the canonical B-DNA conformation, DNA can fold into different secondary structures. Among them are G-quadruplex structures (G4s). G4 structures are very stable and can fold in specific guanine-rich regions in DNA and RNA. Different in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo experiments have shown that G4 structures form so far in all tested organisms. There are over 700,000 predicted G4s in higher eukaryotes, but it is so far assumed that not all will form at the same time. Their formation is dynamically regulated by proteins and is cell type-specific and even changes during the cell cycle or during different exogenous or endogenous stimuli (e.g., infection or developmental stages) can alter the G4 level. G4s have been shown to accumulate in cancer cells where they contribute to gene expression changes and the mutagenic burden of the tumor. Specific targeting of G4 structures to impact the expression of oncogenes is currently discussed as an anti-cancer treatment. In a tumor microenvironment, not only the tumor cells will be targeted by G4 stabilization but also immune cells such as macrophages. Although G4s were detected in multiple organisms and different cell types, only little is known about their role in immune cells. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to detect G4 formation in the nucleus of macrophages of vertebrates and invertebrates by microscopic imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kastl
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Hersperger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schult P, Paeschke K. In-gel staining methods of G4 DNA and RNA structures. Methods Enzymol 2023; 695:29-43. [PMID: 38521589 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are functionally important nucleic acid structures, involved in many cellular pathways. They are often dynamically regulated in cells, which makes detecting them in vivo challenging and dependent on sophisticated technical equipment. Therefore, in vitro studies are commonly performed as a first step to confirm a candidate sequence folds into a G4. Several methods have been developed, each with its individual pros and cons. A highly accessible and quick approach, without the need for specialized equipment, is the detection of G4s in native gels using light-up probes. These molecules become fluorescent after specifically binding to G4s. Several different classes have been discovered, emitting light in various colors, and some possess specificity for certain G4 topologies, which makes them highly versatile tools for G4 visualization. Here, we will explore the general procedure using the light-up probe NMM on RNA G4s and discuss advantages and limitations of this method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schult
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lorenzatti A, Piga EJ, Gismondi M, Binolfi A, Margarit E, Calcaterra N, Armas P. Genetic variations in G-quadruplex forming sequences affect the transcription of human disease-related genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12124-12139. [PMID: 37930868 PMCID: PMC10711447 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad948] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA strands can fold into non-canonical four-stranded secondary structures named G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s folded in proximal promoter regions (PPR) are associated either with positive or negative transcriptional regulation. Given that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) affecting G4 folding (G4-Vars) may alter gene transcription, and that SNVs are associated with the human diseases' onset, we undertook a novel comprehensive study of the G4-Vars genome-wide (G4-variome) to find disease-associated G4-Vars located into PPRs. We developed a bioinformatics strategy to find disease-related SNVs located into PPRs simultaneously overlapping with putative G4-forming sequences (PQSs). We studied five G4-Vars disturbing in vitro the folding and stability of the G4s located into PPRs, which had been formerly associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (GRIN2B), a severe familiar coagulopathy (F7), atopic dermatitis (CSF2), myocardial infarction (SIRT1) and deafness (LHFPL5). Results obtained in cultured cells for these five G4-Vars suggest that the changes in the G4s affect the transcription, potentially contributing to the development of the mentioned diseases. Collectively, data reinforce the general idea that G4-Vars may impact on the different susceptibilities to human genetic diseases' onset, and could be novel targets for diagnosis and drug design in precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Lorenzatti
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ernesto J Piga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mauro Gismondi
- Centro de Estudios Fotosintéticos y Bioquímicos (CEFOBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Andrés Binolfi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Plataforma Argentina de Biología Estructural y Metabolómica (PLABEM), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S200EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Margarit
- Centro de Estudios Fotosintéticos y Bioquímicos (CEFOBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nora B Calcaterra
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pablo Armas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bisoi A, Sarkar S, Singh PC. Hydrophobic Interaction-Induced Topology-Independent Destabilization of G-Quadruplex. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3430-3439. [PMID: 37971518 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Since the inception of the G-quadruplex (G4), enormous attention has been devoted to designing small molecules which can stabilize the G-quadruplex. In contrast, the knowledge about the molecules and mechanisms involved in the destabilization of G4 is sparse, although it is well recognized that destabilization of G4 is important in neurobiology and age-related genetic issues. In this study, it has been shown that amphiphilic molecules having a long hydrocarbon chain can destabilize G4, regardless of its topology, using various biophysical and molecular dynamics simulation methods. It has been observed that the hydrophobic interaction induced by the long hydrocarbon chain of amphiphilic molecules is the main contributor in triggering the destabilization of G4, although hydrogen bonding by the polar part of the molecules also cooperates in the destabilization process. The experiment and simulation studies suggest that a long hydrocarbon chain containing amphiphilic molecules gets aggregated, and their hydrocarbon chain as well as the polar group intrude in the quartet region from the 5' side and interact with guanine bases as well as nearby loops through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, which trigger the destabilization of G4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asim Bisoi
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sunipa Sarkar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Prashant Chandra Singh
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Andregic N, Weaver C, Basu S. The binding of a c-MYC promoter G-quadruplex to neurotransmitters: An analysis of G-quadruplex stabilization using DNA melting, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and molecular docking. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130473. [PMID: 37778448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The interactions of several neurotransmitter and neural hormone molecules with the c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA sequence were analyzed using a combination of spectroscopic and computational techniques. The interactions between indole, catecholamine, and amino acid neurotransmitters and DNA sequences could potentially add to the understanding of the role of G-quadruplex structures play in various diseases. Also, the interaction of the DNA sequence derived from the nuclear hypersensitivity element (NHE) III1 region of c-MYC oncogene (Pu22), 5'-TGAGGGTGGGTAGGGTGGGTAA-3', has added significance in that these molecules may promote or inhibit the formation of G-quadruplex DNA which could lead to the development of promising drugs for anticancer therapy. The results showed that these molecules did not disrupt G-quadruplex formation even in the absence of quadruplex-stabilizing cations. There was also evidence of concentration-dependent binding and high binding affinities based on the Stern-Volmer model, and thermodynamically favorable interactions in the form of hydrogen-bonding and interactions involving the π system of the aromatic neurotransmitters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Andregic
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Caitlin Weaver
- Department of Biology, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
| | - Swarna Basu
- Department of Chemistry, Susquehanna University, 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tran VT, Turek-Herman J, Ferreira M, Martin KN, Beseiso D, Williams BR, Rosu F, Gabelica V, Burgmayer SJN, Yatsunyk LA. Interactions of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with human telomeric DNA. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 249:112388. [PMID: 37837940 PMCID: PMC10668861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Eight [Ru(bpy)2L]2+ and three [Ru(phen)2L]2+complexes (where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline are ancillary ligands, and L = a polypyridyl experimental ligand) were investigated for their G-quadruplex binding abilities. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assays were used to screen these complexes for their ability to selectively stabilize human telomeric DNA variant, Tel22. The best G-quadruplex stabilizers were further characterized for their binding properties (binding constant and stoichiometry) using UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The ligands' ability to alter the structure of Tel22 was determined via circular dichroism and PAGE studies. We identified me2allox as the experimental ligand capable of conferring excellent stabilizing ability and good selectivity to polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes. Replacing bpy by phen did not significantly impact interactions with Tel22, suggesting that binding involves mostly the experimental ligand. However, using a particular ancillary ligand can help fine-tune G-quadruplex-binding properties of Ru(II) complexes. Finally, the fluorescence "light switch" behavior of all Ru(II) complexes in the presence of Tel22 G-quadruplex was explored. All Ru(II) complexes displayed "light switch" properties, especially [Ru(bpy)2(diamino)]2+, [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+, and [Ru(bpy)2(aap)]2+. Current work sheds light on how Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes interact with human telomeric DNA with possible application in cancer therapy or G-quadruplex sensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vienna T Tran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| | - Joshua Turek-Herman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| | - Michelle Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| | - Kailey N Martin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| | - Dana Beseiso
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| | | | - Frederic Rosu
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, IECB, UAR3033, US01, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Valérie Gabelica
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, IECB, UAR3033, US01, F-33600 Pessac, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR5320, U1212, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | | | - Liliya A Yatsunyk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Le Sénéchal R, Keruzoré M, Quillévéré A, Loaëc N, Dinh VT, Reznichenko O, Guixens-Gallardo P, Corcos L, Teulade-Fichou MP, Granzhan A, Blondel M. Alternative splicing of BCL-x is controlled by RBM25 binding to a G-quadruplex in BCL-x pre-mRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11239-11257. [PMID: 37811881 PMCID: PMC10639069 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad772] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BCL-x is a master regulator of apoptosis whose pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced into either a long (canonical) anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL isoform, or a short (alternative) pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS isoform. The balance between these two antagonistic isoforms is tightly regulated and overexpression of Bcl-xL has been linked to resistance to chemotherapy in several cancers, whereas overexpression of Bcl-xS is associated to some forms of diabetes and cardiac disorders. The splicing factor RBM25 controls alternative splicing of BCL-x: its overexpression favours the production of Bcl-xS, whereas its downregulation has the opposite effect. Here we show that RBM25 directly and specifically binds to GQ-2, an RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) of BCL-x pre-mRNA that forms at the vicinity of the alternative 5' splice site leading to the alternative Bcl-xS isoform. This RBM25/rG4 interaction is crucial for the production of Bcl-xS and depends on the RE (arginine-glutamate-rich) motif of RBM25, thus defining a new type of rG4-interacting domain. PhenDC3, a benchmark G4 ligand, enhances the binding of RBM25 to the GQ-2 rG4 of BCL-x pre-mRNA, thereby promoting the alternative pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS isoform and triggering apoptosis. Furthermore, the screening of a combinatorial library of 90 putative G4 ligands led to the identification of two original compounds, PhenDH8 and PhenDH9, superior to PhenDC3 in promoting the Bcl-xS isoform and apoptosis. Thus, favouring the interaction between RBM25 and the GQ-2 rG4 of BCL-x pre-mRNA represents a relevant intervention point to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Le Sénéchal
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marc Keruzoré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Alicia Quillévéré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Nadège Loaëc
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Van-Trang Dinh
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Oksana Reznichenko
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Pedro Guixens-Gallardo
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Laurent Corcos
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Anton Granzhan
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Marc Blondel
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
De Magis A, Limmer M, Mudiyam V, Monchaud D, Juranek S, Paeschke K. UV-induced G4 DNA structures recruit ZRF1 which prevents UV-induced senescence. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6705. [PMID: 37872164 PMCID: PMC10593929 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Senescence has two roles in oncology: it is known as a potent tumor-suppressive mechanism, which also supports tissue regeneration and repair, it is also known to contribute to reduced patient resilience, which might lead to cancer recurrence and resistance after therapy. Senescence can be activated in a DNA damage-dependent and -independent manner. It is not clear which type of genomic lesions induces senescence, but it is known that UV irradiation can activate cellular senescence in photoaged skin. Proteins that support the repair of DNA damage are linked to senescence but how they contribute to senescence after UV irradiation is still unknown. Here, we unraveled a mechanism showing that upon UV irradiation multiple G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures accumulate in cell nuclei, which leads to the recruitment of ZRF1 to these G4 sites. ZRF1 binding to G4s ensures genome stability. The absence of ZRF1 triggers an accumulation of G4 structures, improper UV lesion repair, and entry into senescence. On the molecular level loss of ZRF1 as well as high G4 levels lead to the upregulation of DDB2, a protein associated with the UV-damage repair pathway, which drives cells into senescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio De Magis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Limmer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Venkat Mudiyam
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sathyaseelan C, Veerapathiran S, Das U, Ravichandran G, Ajjugal Y, Singh J, Rengan AK, Rathinavelan T, Prabusankar G. Destabilizing Effect of Organo Ru(II) Salts on the Intermolecular Parallel CGG Repeat DNA Quadruplex Associated with Neurodegenerative/Neuromuscular Diseases. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3646-3654. [PMID: 37698929 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The cationic organo ruthenium(II) salts ([Ru(p-cymene)(ipit)(Cl)](Cl) (RuS), 1-isopropyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-imidazol-2-thione (ipit) and [Ru(p-cymene)(ipis)(Cl)](Cl) (RuSe), 1-isopropyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-imidazol-2-selenone (ipis)) are isolated, and their binding efficacy with d(CGG)15 quadruplex is investigated. Circular dichroism (CD) wavelength scan titration experiments of RuS and RuSe compounds with the intermolecular parallel quadruplex formed by d(CGG)15 (associated with neurodegenerative/neuromuscular/neuronal intranuclear inclusion disorders like FXTAS, OPMD, OPDM types 1-4, and OPML as well as FXPOI) and with the control d(CGG)15·d(CCG)15 duplex indicate their specificity toward the former. Electrophoretic mobility shift titration experiments also confirm the binding of the ligands with d(CGG)15. CD thermal denaturation experiments indicate that both RuS and RuSe destabilize the quadruplex, specifically at 10 mM concentration of the ligands. This is further confirmed by 1D 1H NMR experiments. Such a destabilizing effect of these ligands on the d(CGG)15 quadruplex indicates that RuS and RuSe chalcogen complexes can act as a template for the design of novel molecules for the diagnostics and/or therapeutics of CGG repeat expansion-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chakkarai Sathyaseelan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Sabari Veerapathiran
- Organometallics and Materials Chemistry Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Uttam Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Gayathri Ravichandran
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Yogeeshwar Ajjugal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Joginder Singh
- Organometallics and Materials Chemistry Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | - Aravind Kumar Rengan
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| | | | - Ganesan Prabusankar
- Organometallics and Materials Chemistry Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad 502284, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wulfridge P, Yan Q, Rell N, Doherty J, Jacobson S, Offley S, Deliard S, Feng K, Phillips-Cremins JE, Gardini A, Sarma K. G-quadruplexes associated with R-loops promote CTCF binding. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3064-3079.e5. [PMID: 37552993 PMCID: PMC10529333 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
CTCF is a critical regulator of genome architecture and gene expression that binds thousands of sites on chromatin. CTCF genomic localization is controlled by the recognition of a DNA sequence motif and regulated by DNA modifications. However, CTCF does not bind to all its potential sites in all cell types, raising the question of whether the underlying chromatin structure can regulate CTCF occupancy. Here, we report that R-loops facilitate CTCF binding through the formation of associated G-quadruplex (G4) structures. R-loops and G4s co-localize with CTCF at many genomic regions in mouse embryonic stem cells and promote CTCF binding to its cognate DNA motif in vitro. R-loop attenuation reduces CTCF binding in vivo. Deletion of a specific G4-forming motif in a gene reduces CTCF binding and alters gene expression. Conversely, chemical stabilization of G4s results in CTCF gains and accompanying alterations in chromatin organization, suggesting a pivotal role for G4 structures in reinforcing long-range genome interactions through CTCF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Wulfridge
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Qingqing Yan
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nathaniel Rell
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Doherty
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Skye Jacobson
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sarah Offley
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sandra Deliard
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelly Feng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer E Phillips-Cremins
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alessandro Gardini
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kavitha Sarma
- Gene expression and Regulation program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sannapureddi RKR, Mohanty MK, Salmon L, Sathyamoorthy B. Conformational Plasticity of Parallel G-Quadruplex─Implications on Duplex-Quadruplex Motifs. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37428641 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes are essential motifs in molecular biology performing a wide range of functions enabled by their unique and diverse structures. In this study, we focus on the conformational plasticity of the most abundant and biologically relevant parallel G-quadruplex topology. A multipronged approach of structure survey, solution-state NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations unravels subtle yet essential features of the parallel G-quadruplex topology. Stark differences in flexibility are observed for the nucleotides depending upon their positioning in the tetrad planes that are intricately correlated with the conformational sampling of the propeller loop. Importantly, the terminal nucleotides in the 5'-end versus the 3'-end of the parallel quadruplex display differential dynamics that manifests their ability to accommodate a duplex on either end of the G-quadruplex. The conformational plasticity characterized in this study provides essential cues toward biomolecular processes such as small molecular binding, intermolecular quadruplex stacking, and implications on how a duplex influences the structure of a neighboring quadruplex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Loïc Salmon
- Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, UMR 5082 (CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), University of Lyon, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | - Bharathwaj Sathyamoorthy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rota Sperti F, Mitteaux J, Zell J, Pipier A, Valverde IE, Monchaud D. The multivalent G-quadruplex (G4)-ligands MultiTASQs allow for versatile click chemistry-based investigations. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:456-465. [PMID: 37415864 PMCID: PMC10320843 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00009e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical biology hinges on multivalent molecular tools that can specifically interrogate and/or manipulate cellular circuitries from the inside. The success of many of these approaches relies on molecular tools that make it possible to visualize biological targets in cells and then isolate them for identification purposes. To this end, click chemistry has become in just a few years a vital tool in offering practically convenient solutions to address highly complicated biological questions. We report here on two clickable molecular tools, the biomimetic G-quadruplex (G4) ligands MultiTASQ and azMultiTASQ, which benefit from the versatility of two types of bioorthogonal chemistry, CuAAC and SPAAC (the discovery of which was very recently awarded the Nobel Prize of chemistry). These two MultiTASQs are used here to both visualize G4s in and identify G4s from human cells. To this end, we developed click chemo-precipitation of G-quadruplexes (G4-click-CP) and in situ G4 click imaging protocols, which provide unique insights into G4 biology in a straightforward and reliable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Rota Sperti
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| | - Joanna Zell
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| | - Angélique Pipier
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| | - Ibai E Valverde
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| | - David Monchaud
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne 9 Avenue Alain Savary 21078 Dijon France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang JE, Zhou YC, Wu BH, Chen XC, Zhai J, Tan JH, Huang ZS, Chen SB. A rapid and highly sensitive immunosorbent assay to monitor helicases unwinding diverse nucleic acid structures. Analyst 2023; 148:2343-2351. [PMID: 37185609 DOI: 10.1039/d2an01989b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Helicases are crucial enzymes in DNA and RNA metabolism and function by unwinding particular nucleic acid structures. However, most convenient and high-throughput helicase assays are limited to the typical duplex DNA. Herein, we developed an immunosorbent assay to monitor the Werner syndrome (WRN) helicase unwinding a wide range of DNA structures, such as a replication fork, a bubble, Holliday junction, G-quadruplex and hairpin. This assay could sensitively detect the unwinding of DNA structures with detection limits around 0.1 nM, and accurately monitor the substrate-specificity of WRN with a comparatively less time-consuming and high throughput process. Remarkably, we have established that this new assay was compatible in evaluating helicase inhibitors and revealed that the inhibitory effect was substrate-dependent, suggesting that diverse substrate structures other than duplex structures should be considered in discovering new inhibitors. Our study provided a foundational example for using this new assay as a powerful tool to study helicase functions and discover potent inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-En Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Ying-Chen Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bi-Han Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Junqiu Zhai
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510330, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gao C, Deng J, Anwar N, Umer M, Chen J, Wu Q, Dong X, Xu H, He Y, Wang Z. Molecular crowding promotes the aggregation of parallel structured G-quadruplexes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 240:124442. [PMID: 37062387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are widely distributed in cells and are usually essential in mediating biological processes. The intracellular environment is often in a state of molecular crowding, and the current research considerably focuses on the effect of molecular crowding on the conformation of telomeric G-quadruplexes. However, G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides are primarily located in the promoter region of the proto-oncogene and on mRNA inside the cell and are reported to fold into parallel structures. Thus, studying the interaction mechanism between ligands and parallel structured G-quadruplexes under crowding conditions is crucial for the design of drugs targeting G-quadruplexes. In our study, molecular crowding was simulated through polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 (PEG200) to investigate the parallel structure of the canonical G-quadruplexes c-KIT1, c-MYC, and 32KRAS and their interactions with ligands. Circular dichroism (CD) spectral scanning, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis revealed that molecular crowding failed to induce oligonucleotides to form parallel G-quadruplex structures in the explored model sequences while induced telomeric G-rich sequences to form antiparallel G-quadruplexes in solution without K+. Molecular crowding did not induce changes in their parallel structures but promoted the formation of G-quadruplex aggregates. Moreover, to some extent, molecular crowding also induced a looser structure of the monomer G-quadruplexes. Further studies showed that molecular crowding did not alter the binding stoichiometry of the ligand 3,11-difluoro-6,8,13-trimethyl-8H-quino [4,3,2-kl] acridinium methosulfate (RHPS4) to c-KIT1, while it inhibited its interaction with parallel structured G-quadruplexes. This work provides new insights into developing anticancer drugs targeting parallel structured G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Jieya Deng
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Naureen Anwar
- Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Punjab 51600, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer
- Institute for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou and Forestry College, Research Center of Forest Ecology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jixin Chen
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Qiao Wu
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 40074, China
| | - Xingxing Dong
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Hua Xu
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Yi He
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China.
| | - Zhangqian Wang
- National R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China; State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Xu P, Yuan L, Wang K, Pan B, Ye Y, Lu K. Interaction of bifunctional peptide-carbazole complexes with DNA and antimicrobial activity. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 237:124070. [PMID: 36940762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124070] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Two peptide-carbazole conjugates, CTAT and CNLS, were designed and synthesized using carbazole Schiff base to modify the cell membrane penetrating peptide TAT (47-57) and the nuclear localization peptide NLS at the N terminus. The interaction with ctDNA was investigated by multispectral and agarose gel electrophoresis. And the effects of CNLS and CTAT on the G-quadruplex structure were explored by circular dichroism titration experiments. The results show that both CTAT and CNLS interact with ctDNA in a minor groove binding manner. Both conjugates bind more tightly to DNA than the individual substances CIBA, TAT and NLS. In addition, CTAT and CNLS are capable of unfolding parallel G-quadruplex structures and are potential G-quadruplex unfolding agents. Finally, broth microdilution was performed to test the antimicrobial activity of the peptides. The results showed that CTAT and CNLS had a 4-fold increase in antimicrobial activity compared with the parent peptides TAT and NLS. They could exert antimicrobial activity by disrupting the integrity of cell membrane bilayer and binding to DNA, and could be used as novel antimicrobial peptides for the development of novel antimicrobial antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Libo Yuan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Boyuan Pan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yong Ye
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Kui Lu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Food Science, Zhengzhou University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Monchaud D. Template-Assembled Synthetic G-Quartets (TASQs): multiTASQing Molecular Tools for Investigating DNA and RNA G-Quadruplex Biology. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:350-362. [PMID: 36662540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetics is defined as a "practice of making technological design that copies natural processes", with the idea that "nature has already solved the challenges we are trying to solve" (Cambridge Dictionary). The challenge we decided to address several years ago was the selective targeting of G quadruplexes (G4s) by small molecules (G4 ligands). Why? Because G4s, which are four-stranded DNA and RNA structures that fold from guanine (G)-rich sequences, are suspected to play key biological roles in human cells and diseases. Selective G4 ligands can thus be used as small-molecule modulators to gain a deep understanding of cell circuitry where G4s are involved, thus complying with the very definition of chemical biology (Stuart Schreiber) applied here to G4 biology. How? Following a biomimetic approach that hinges on the observation that G4s are stable secondary structures owing to the ability of Gs to self-associate to form G quartets, and then of G quartets to self-stack to form the columnar core of G4s. Therefore, using a synthetic G quartet as a G4 ligand represents a unique example of biomimetic recognition of G4s.We formulated this hypothesis more than a decade ago, stepping on years of research on Gs, G4s, and G4 ligands. Our approach led to the design, synthesis, and use of a broad family of synthetic G quartets, also referred to as TASQs for template-assembled synthetic G quartets (John Sherman). This quest led us across various chemical lands (organic and supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, and genetics), along a route on which every new generation of TASQ was a milestone in the growing portfolio of ever smarter molecular tools to decipher G4 biology. As discussed in this Account, we detail how and why we successively develop the very first prototypes of (i) biomimetic ligands, which interact with G4s according to a bioinspired, like-likes-like interaction between two G quartets, one from the ligand, the other from the G4; (ii) smart ligands, which adopt their active conformation only in the presence of their G4 targets; (iii) twice-as-smart ligands, which act as both smart ligands and smart fluorescent probes, whose fluorescence is triggered (turned on) upon interaction with their G4 targets; and (iv) multivalent ligands, which display additional functionalities enabling the detection, isolation, and identification of G4s both in vitro and in vivo. This quest led us to gather a panel of 14 molecular tools which were used to investigate the biology of G4s at a cellular level, from basic optical imaging to multiomics studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Monchaud
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne, 21078 Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Varghese N, Jose JR, Krishna PM, Philip D, Joy F, Vinod TP, Prathapachandra Kurup MR, Nair Y. In vitro
Analytical Techniques as Screening Tools to investigate the Metal chelate‐DNA interactions. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Varghese
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| | - Joyna Reba Jose
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| | - P. Murali Krishna
- Department of Chemistry Ramaiah institute of technology MSRIT Post, M S Ramaiah Nagar Bengaluru 560054 Karnataka India
| | - Darit Philip
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| | - Francis Joy
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| | - T. P. Vinod
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| | | | - Yamuna Nair
- Department of Chemistry CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Hosur Road Bengaluru 560 029 Karnataka India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Holden L, Gkika KS, Burke CS, Long C, Keyes TE. Selective, Disruptive Luminescent Ru(II) Polypyridyl Probes of G-Quadruplex. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:2213-2227. [PMID: 36703307 PMCID: PMC9906756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sensors capable of transducing G-quadruplex DNA binding are important both in solution and for imaging and interrogation in cellulo. Ru(II)-based light switches incorporating dipyridylphenazine (dppz) ligands are effective probes for recognition and imaging of DNA and its polymorphs including G-quadruplex, although selectivity is a limitation. While the majority of Ru(II)-based light switches reported to date, stabilize the quadruplex, imaging/theranostic probes that can disrupt G4s are of potentially enormous value in study and therapy for a range of disease states. We report here, on a Ru(II) complex (Ru-PDC3) that assembles the light switch capability of a Ru(II) dipyridylphenazine complex with the well-known G4-selective ligand Phen-DC3, into a single structure. The complex shows the anticipated light switch effect and strong affinity for G4 structures. Affinity depended on the G4 topology and sequence, but across all structures bar one, it was roughly an order of magnitude greater than for duplex or single-stranded DNA. Moreover, photophysical and Raman spectral data showed clear discrimination between duplex DNA and G4-bound structures offering the prospect of discrimination in imaging as well as in solution. Crucially, unlike the constituent components of the probe, Ru-PDC3 is a powerful G4 disrupter. From circular dichroism (CD), a reduction of ellipticity of the G4 between 70 and 95% was observed depending on topology and in many cases was accompanied by an induced CD signal for the metal complex. The extent of change in ellipticity is amongst the largest reported for small-molecule ligand G4 binding. While a promising G4 probe, without modification, the complex is fully water-soluble and readily permeable to live cells.
Collapse
|
25
|
Elgar C, Yusoh NA, Tiley PR, Kolozsvári N, Bennett LG, Gamble A, Péan EV, Davies ML, Staples CJ, Ahmad H, Gill MR. Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as FRET Donors: Structure- and Sequence-Selective DNA-Binding and Anticancer Properties. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1236-1246. [PMID: 36607895 PMCID: PMC9853847 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes (RPCs) that emit from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states have been developed as DNA probes and are being examined as potential anticancer agents. Here, we report that MLCT-emissive RPCs that bind DNA undergo Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) with Cy5.5-labeled DNA, forming mega-Stokes shift FRET pairs. Based on this discovery, we developed a simple and rapid FRET binding assay to examine DNA-binding interactions of RPCs with diverse photophysical properties, including non-"light switch" complexes [Ru(dppz)2(5,5'dmb)]2+ and [Ru(PIP)2(5,5'dmb)]2+ (dppz = dipyridophenazine, 5,5'dmb = 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, PIP = 2-phenyl-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline). Binding affinities toward duplex, G-quadruplex, three-way junction, and mismatch DNA were determined, and derived FRET donor-acceptor proximities provide information on potential binding sites. Molecules characterized by this method demonstrate encouraging anticancer properties, including synergy with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib, and mechanistic studies indicate that [Ru(PIP)2(5,5'dmb)]2+ acts to block DNA replication fork progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher
E. Elgar
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - Nur Aininie Yusoh
- UPM-MAKNA
Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Paul R. Tiley
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - Natália Kolozsvári
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - Laura G. Bennett
- North
West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, U.K.
| | - Amelia Gamble
- North
West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, U.K.
| | - Emmanuel V. Péan
- SPECIFIC
IKC, Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Matthew L. Davies
- SPECIFIC
IKC, Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Christopher J. Staples
- North
West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, U.K.
| | - Haslina Ahmad
- UPM-MAKNA
Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia,Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti
Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Martin R. Gill
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chowdhury M, Hudson RHE. Exploring Nucleobase Modifications in Oligonucleotide Analogues for Use as Environmentally Responsive Fluorophores and Beyond. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200218. [PMID: 36344432 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200218] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, it has become abundantly clear that nucleic acid biochemistry, especially with respect to RNA, is more convoluted and complex than previously appreciated. Indeed, the application and exploitation of nucleic acids beyond their predestined role as the medium for storage and transmission of genetic information to the treatment and study of diseases has been achieved. In other areas of endeavor, utilization of nucleic acids as a probe molecule requires that they possess a reporter group. The reporter group of choice is often a luminophore because fluorescence spectroscopy has emerged as an indispensable tool to probe the structural and functional properties of modified nucleic acids. The scope of this review spans research done in the Hudson lab at The University of Western Ontario and is focused on modified pyrimidine nucleobases and their applications as environmentally sensitive fluorophores, base discriminating fluorophores, and in service of antisense applications as well as tantalizing new results as G-quadruplex destabilizing agents. While this review is a focused personal account, particularly influential work of colleagues in the chemistry community will be highlighted. The intention is not to make a comprehensive review, citations to the existing excellent reviews are given, any omission of the wonderful and impactful work being done by others globally is not intentional. Thus, this review will briefly introduce the context of our work, summarize what has been accomplished and finish with the prospects of future developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mria Chowdhury
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B7
| | - Robert H E Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5B7
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Alexander A, Sumohan Pillai A, Sri Varalakshmi G, Ananthi N, Pal H, V. M. V. Enoch I, Sayed M. G-Quadruplex binding affinity variation on molecular encapsulation of ligands by porphyrin-tethered cyclodextrin. J Mol Liq 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
28
|
Onaş AM, Dascălu C, Raicopol MD, Pilan L. Critical Design Factors for Electrochemical Aptasensors Based on Target-Induced Conformational Changes: The Case of Small-Molecule Targets. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:816. [PMID: 36290952 PMCID: PMC9599214 DOI: 10.3390/bios12100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic-acid aptamers consisting in single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides emerged as very promising biorecognition elements for electrochemical biosensors applied in various fields such as medicine, environmental, and food safety. Despite their outstanding features, such as high-binding affinity for a broad range of targets, high stability, low cost and ease of modification, numerous challenges had to be overcome from the aptamer selection process on the design of functioning biosensing devices. Moreover, in the case of small molecules such as metabolites, toxins, drugs, etc., obtaining efficient binding aptamer sequences proved a challenging task given their small molecular surface and limited interactions between their functional groups and aptamer sequences. Thus, establishing consistent evaluation standards for aptamer affinity is crucial for the success of these aptamers in biosensing applications. In this context, this article will give an overview on the thermodynamic and structural aspects of the aptamer-target interaction, its specificity and selectivity, and will also highlight the current methods employed for determining the aptamer-binding affinity and the structural characterization of the aptamer-target complex. The critical aspects regarding the generation of aptamer-modified electrodes suitable for electrochemical sensing, such as appropriate bioreceptor immobilization strategy and experimental conditions which facilitate a convenient anchoring and stability of the aptamer, are also discussed. The review also summarizes some effective small molecule aptasensing platforms from the recent literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andra Mihaela Onaş
- Advanced Polymer Materials Group, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu, District 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constanţa Dascălu
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenţei, District 6, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Matei D. Raicopol
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu, District 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luisa Pilan
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, 1-7 Gheorghe Polizu, District 1, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu Q, Yang M, Chang Y, Peng S, Wang D, Zhou X, Shao Y. Switching G-quadruplex to parallel duplex by molecular rotor clustering. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:10249-10263. [PMID: 36130267 PMCID: PMC9561263 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac811] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Switching of G-quadruplex (G4) structures between variant types of folding has been proved to be a versatile tool for regulation of genomic expression and development of nucleic acid-based constructs. Various specific ligands have been developed to target G4s in K+ solution with therapeutic prospects. Although G4 structures have been reported to be converted by sequence modification or a unimolecular ligand binding event in K+-deficient conditions, switching G4s towards non-G4 folding continues to be a great challenge due to the stability of G4 in physiological K+ conditions. Herein, we first observed the G4 switching towards parallel-stranded duplex (psDNA) by multimolecular ligand binding (namely ligand clustering) to overcome the switching barrier in K+. Purine-rich sequences (e.g. those from the KRAS promoter region) can be converted from G4 structures to dimeric psDNAs using molecular rotors (e.g. thioflavin T and thiazole orange) as initiators. The formed psDNAs provided multiple binding sites for molecular rotor clustering to favor subsequent structures with stability higher than the corresponding G4 folding. Our finding provides a clue to designing ligands with the competency of molecular rotor clustering to implement an efficient G4 switching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuda Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Mujing Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Yun Chang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Shuzhen Peng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Xiaoshun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chowdhury S, Wang J, Nuccio SP, Mao H, Di Antonio M. Short LNA-modified oligonucleotide probes as efficient disruptors of DNA G-quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:7247-7259. [PMID: 35801856 PMCID: PMC9303293 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are well known non-canonical DNA secondary structures that can form in human cells. Most of the tools available to investigate G4-biology rely on small molecule ligands that stabilise these structures. However, the development of probes that disrupt G4s is equally important to study their biology. In this study, we investigated the disruption of G4s using Locked Nucleic Acids (LNA) as invader probes. We demonstrated that strategic positioning of LNA-modifications within short oligonucleotides (10 nts.) can significantly accelerate the rate of G4-disruption. Single-molecule experiments revealed that short LNA-probes can promote disruption of G4s with mechanical stability sufficient to stall polymerases. We corroborated this using a single-step extension assay, revealing that short LNA-probes can relieve replication dependent polymerase-stalling at G4 sites. We further demonstrated the potential of such LNA-based probes to study G4-biology in cells. By using a dual-luciferase assay, we found that short LNA probes can enhance the expression of c-KIT to levels similar to those observed when the c-KIT promoter is mutated to prevent the formation of the c-KIT1 G4. Collectively, our data suggest a potential use of rationally designed LNA-modified oligonucleotides as an accessible chemical-biology tool for disrupting individual G4s and interrogating their biological functions in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Souroprobho Chowdhury
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Sabrina Pia Nuccio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Hanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Santos T, Miranda A, Imbert L, Monchaud D, Salgado GF, Cabrita EJ, Cruz C. Targeting a G-quadruplex from let-7e pre-miRNA with small molecules and nucleolin. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 215:114757. [PMID: 35462282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Let-7e precursor microRNA has the potential to adopt a G-quadruplex (rG4) structure and recently, its roles in oncology have been the focus of much attention, as it is now known that let-7e pre-miRNA is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Therefore, it is crucial to unveil and fully characterize its ability to adopt a rG4 structure, which could be stabilized or destabilized by small molecules and proteins such as nucleolin, a protein that is deeply associated with miRNA biogenesis. Herein, by combining a set of different methods such as circular dichroism (CD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), UV spectroscopy (thermal difference spectra (TDS) and isothermal difference spectra (IDS)) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), we demonstrate the formation of the rG4 structure found in let-7e pre-miRNA sequence in the presence of K+ (5'-GGGCUGAGGUAGGAGG-3'). The ability of eight small molecules (or ligands) to bind to and stabilize this rG4 structure was also fully assessed. The dissociation constants for each RNA G-quadruplex/ligand complex, determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ranged in the 10-6 to 10-9 M range. Lastly, the binding of the rG4 structure to nucleolin in the presence and absence of ligands was evaluated via CD, SPR, PAGE and confocal microscopy. The small molecules 360 A and PDS demonstrated attractive properties to targetthe rG4 structure of let-7e pre-miRNA and control its biology. Our findings also highlighted that the interaction of TMPyP4 with the G-quadruplex of let-7e precursor miRNA could block the formation of the complex between the rG4 and nucleolin. Overall, this study introduces an approach to target the rG4 found in let-7e pre-miRNA which opens up a new opportunity to control the microRNA biogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal
| | - Lionel Imbert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, EMBL Integrated Structural Biology Grenoble (ISBG), Grenoble, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, Dijon 21078, France
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Pessac 33607, France
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica 2819-516, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, Covilhã 6200-506, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Binding Properties of RNA Quadruplex of SARS-CoV-2 to Berberine Compared to Telomeric DNA Quadruplex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105690. [PMID: 35628500 PMCID: PMC9145931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has antiviral potential and is a possible therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV-2. The molecular underpinnings of its action are still unknown. Potential targets include quadruplexes (G4Q) in the viral genome as they play a key role in modulating the biological activity of viruses. While several DNA-G4Q structures and their binding properties have been elucidated, RNA-G4Qs such as RG-1 of the N-gene of SARS-CoV-2 are less explored. Using biophysical techniques, the berberine binding thermodynamics and the associated conformational and hydration changes of RG-1 could be characterized and compared with human telomeric DNA-G4Q 22AG. Berberine can interact with both quadruplexes. Substantial changes were observed in the interaction of berberine with 22AG and RG-1, which adopt different topologies that can also change upon ligand binding. The strength of interaction and the thermodynamic signatures were found to dependent not only on the initial conformation of the quadruplex, but also on the type of salt present in solution. Since berberine has shown promise as a G-quadruplex stabilizer that can modulate viral gene expression, this study may also contribute to the development of optimized ligands that can discriminate between binding to DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes.
Collapse
|
33
|
Shu H, Zhang R, Xiao K, Yang J, Sun X. G-Quadruplex-Binding Proteins: Promising Targets for Drug Design. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050648. [PMID: 35625576 PMCID: PMC9138358 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary nucleic acid structures. Sequences with the potential to form G4s are abundant in regulatory regions of the genome including telomeres, promoters and 5′ non-coding regions, indicating they fulfill important genome regulatory functions. Generally, G4s perform various biological functions by interacting with proteins. In recent years, an increasing number of G-quadruplex-binding proteins have been identified with biochemical experiments. G4-binding proteins are involved in vital cellular processes such as telomere maintenance, DNA replication, gene transcription, mRNA processing. Therefore, G4-binding proteins are also associated with various human diseases. An intensive study of G4-protein interactions provides an attractive approach for potential therapeutics and these proteins can be considered as drug targets for novel medical treatment. In this review, we present biological functions and structural properties of G4-binding proteins, and discuss how to exploit G4-protein interactions to develop new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
34
|
Dong J, Ouyang Y, Wang J, O’Hagan MP, Willner I. Assembly of Dynamic Gated and Cascaded Transient DNAzyme Networks. ACS NANO 2022; 16:6153-6164. [PMID: 35294174 PMCID: PMC9047661 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic transient formation and depletion of G-quadruplexes regulate gene replication and transcription. This process was found to be related to various diseases such as cancer and premature aging. We report on the engineering of nucleic acid modules revealing dynamic, transient assembly and disassembly of G-quadruplex structures and G-quadruplex-based DNAzymes, gated transient processes, and cascaded dynamic transient reactions that involve G-quadruplex and DNAzyme structures. The dynamic transient processes are driven by functional DNA reaction modules activated by a fuel strand and guided toward dissipative operation by a nicking enzyme (Nt.BbvCI). The dynamic networks were further characterized by computational simulation of the experiments using kinetic models, allowing us to predict the dynamic performance of the networks under different auxiliary conditions applied to the systems. The systems reported herein could provide functional DNA machineries for the spatiotemporal control of G-quadruplex structures perturbing gene expression and thus provide a therapeutic means for related emergent diseases.
Collapse
|
35
|
Frasson I, Pirota V, Richter SN, Doria F. Multimeric G-quadruplexes: A review on their biological roles and targeting. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 204:89-102. [PMID: 35124022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In human cells, nucleic acids adopt several non-canonical structures that regulate key cellular processes. Among them, G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable structures that form in guanine-rich regions in vitro and in cells. G4 folded/unfolded state shapes numerous cellular processes, including genome replication, transcription, and translation. Moreover, G4 folding is involved in genomic instability. G4s have been described to multimerize, forming high-order structures in both DNA and/or RNA strands. Multimeric G4s can be formed by adjacent intramolecular G4s joined by stacking interactions or connected by short loops. Multimeric G4s can also originate from the assembly of guanines embedded on independent DNA or RNA strands. Notably, crucial regions of the human genome, such as the 3'-terminal overhang of the telomeric DNA as well as the open reading frame of genes involved in the preservation of neuron viability in the human central and peripheral nervous system are prone to form multimeric G4s. The biological importance of such structures has been recently described, with multimeric G4s playing potentially protective or deleterious effects in the pathogenic cascade of various diseases. Here, we portray the multifaceted scenario of multimeric G4s, in terms of structural properties, biological roles, and targeting strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy; G4-INTERACT, USERN, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, v. le Taramelli 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mendes E, Aljnadi IM, Bahls B, Victor BL, Paulo A. Major Achievements in the Design of Quadruplex-Interactive Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030300. [PMID: 35337098 PMCID: PMC8953082 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic small molecules that can recognize and bind to G-quadruplex and i-Motif nucleic acids have great potential as selective drugs or as tools in drug target discovery programs, or even in the development of nanodevices for medical diagnosis. Hundreds of quadruplex-interactive small molecules have been reported, and the challenges in their design vary with the intended application. Herein, we survey the major achievements on the therapeutic potential of such quadruplex ligands, their mode of binding, effects upon interaction with quadruplexes, and consider the opportunities and challenges for their exploitation in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Israa M. Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Santos T, Miranda A, Imbert L, Jardim A, Caneira CRF, Chu V, Conde JP, Campello MPC, Paulo A, Salgado G, Cabrita EJ, Cruz C. Pre-miRNA-149 G-quadruplex as a molecular agent to capture nucleolin. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 169:106093. [PMID: 34922315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in capturing and detecting biomarkers is the choice of an appropriate biomolecular receptor. Recently, RNA G-quadruplexes emerged as plausible receptors due to their ability to recognize with high-affinity proteins. Herein, we have unveiled and characterized the capability of the precursor microRNA 149 to form a G-quadruplex structure and determined the role that some ligands may have in its folding and binding capacity to nucleolin. The G-quadruplex formation was induced by K+ ions and stabilized by ligands, as demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism experiments. Surface plasmon resonance measurements showed a binding affinity of precursor microRNA 149 towards ligands in the micromolar range (10-5-10-6 M) and a strong binding affinity to nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 (8.38 × 10-10 M). Even in the presence of the ligand PhenDC3, the binding remains almost identical and in the same order of magnitude (4.46 × 10-10 M). The molecular interactions of the RNA G-quadruplex motif found in precursor miRNA 149 (5'-GGGAGGGAGGGACGGG- 3') and nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 were explored by means of molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. The results showed that RNA G-quadruplex binds to a cavity between domains 1 and 2 of the protein. Then, complex formation was also evaluated through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that precursor microRNA 149/ligands and precursor microRNA 149/nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 form stable molecular complexes. The in vitro co-localization of precursor microRNA 149 and nucleolin in PC3 cells was demonstrated using confocal microscopy. Finally, a rapid and straightforward microfluidic strategy was employed to check the ability of precursor microRNA 149 to capture nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2. The results revealed that precursor microRNA 149 can capture nucleolin RNA-binding domains 1 and 2 labeled with Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate in a concentration-dependent manner, but PhenDC3 complexation seems to decrease the ability of precursor microRNA 149 to capture the protein. Overall, our results proved the formation of the G-quadruplex structure in the precursor microRNA 149 and the ability to recognize and detect nucleolin. This proof-of-concept study could open up a new framework for developing new strategies to design improved molecular receptors for capture and detection of nucleolin in complex biological samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lionel Imbert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, EMBL Integrated Structural Biology Grenoble (ISBG), Grenoble, France
| | - Andreia Jardim
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina R F Caneira
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Virgínia Chu
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João P Conde
- Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores - Microsistemas e Nanotecnologias (INESC MN) and IN - Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Cabral Campello
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 1397), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Paulo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 1397), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal; DECN -Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gilmar Salgado
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory INSERM, U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Pessac, France
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Haldar S, Zhang Y, Xia Y, Islam B, Liu S, Gervasio FL, Mulholland AJ, Waller ZAE, Wei D, Haider S. Mechanistic Insights into the Ligand-Induced Unfolding of an RNA G-Quadruplex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:935-950. [PMID: 34989224 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cationic porphyrin TMPyP4 is a well-established DNA G-quadruplex (G4) binding ligand that can stabilize different topologies via multiple binding modes. However, TMPyP4 can have both a stabilizing and destabilizing effect on RNA G4 structures. The structural mechanisms that mediate RNA G4 unfolding remain unknown. Here, we report on the TMPyP4-induced RNA G4 unfolding mechanism studied by well-tempered metadynamics (WT-MetaD) with supporting biophysical experiments. The simulations predict a two-state mechanism of TMPyP4 interaction via a groove-bound and a top-face-bound conformation. The dynamics of TMPyP4 stacking on the top tetrad disrupts Hoogsteen H-bonds between guanine bases, resulting in the consecutive TMPyP4 intercalation from top-to-bottom G-tetrads. The results reveal a striking correlation between computational and experimental approaches and validate WT-MetaD simulations as a powerful tool for studying RNA G4-ligand interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanta Haldar
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, U.K
- D.E. Shaw India Private Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana 500096, India
| | - Yashu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Vetrinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ying Xia
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
| | - Barira Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, U.K
| | - Sisi Liu
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Francesco L Gervasio
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, U.K
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
| | | | - Zoë A E Waller
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Vetrinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shozeb Haider
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
- UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing, University College London, London, WC1H 9RN, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liano D, Monti L, Chowdhury S, Raguseo F, Di Antonio M. Long-range DNA interactions: inter-molecular G-quadruplexes and their potential biological relevance. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:12753-12762. [PMID: 36281554 PMCID: PMC9671097 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc04872h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences are known to fold into secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s), which can form from either individual DNA strands (intra-molecular) or multiple DNA strands (inter-molecular, iG4s). Intra-molecular G4s have been the object of extensive biological investigation due to their enrichment in gene-promoters and telomers. On the other hand, iG4s have never been considered in biological contexts, as the interaction between distal sequences of DNA to form an iG4 in cells was always deemed as highly unlikely. In this feature article, we challenge this dogma by presenting our recent discovery of the first human protein (CSB) displaying astonishing picomolar affinity and binding selectivity for iG4s. These findings suggest potential for iG4 structures to form in cells and highlight the need of further studies to unravel the fundamental biological roles of these inter-molecular DNA structures. Furthermore, we discuss how the potential for formation of iG4s in neuronal cells, triggered by repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene, can lead to the formation of nucleic-acids based pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. Finally, based on our recent work on short LNA-modified probes, we provide a prespective on how the rational design of G4-selective chemical tools can be leveraged to further elucidate the biological relevance of iG4 structures in the context of ageing-related diseases. Intermolecular G-quadruplex structures can form within distal region of genomic DNA, contributing to chromatin looping. Herein, we discuss recent evidence supporting formation of iG4s in living cells and their potential biological function.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Liano
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Ludovica Monti
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT, London, UK
| | - Souroprobho Chowdhury
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Federica Raguseo
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT, London, UK
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mukherjee SK, Knop JM, Winter RHA. Modulation of the Conformational Space of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Quadruplex RG-1 by Cellular Components and the Amyloidogenic Peptides α-Synuclein and hIAPP. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202104182. [PMID: 34882862 PMCID: PMC9015630 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202104182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Given the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which particularly threatens older people with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and dementia, understanding the relationship between Covid-19 and other diseases is an important factor for treatment. Possible targets for medical intervention include G-quadruplexes (G4Qs) and their protein interaction partners. We investigated the stability and conformational space of the RG-1 RNA-G-quadruplex of the SARS-CoV-2 N-gene in the presence of salts, cosolutes, crowders and intrinsically disordered peptides, focusing on α-Synuclein and the human islet amyloid polypeptide, which are involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) and type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), respectively. We found that the conformational dynamics of the RG-1 G4Q is strongly affected by the various solution conditions. Further, the amyloidogenic peptides were found to strongly modulate the conformational equilibrium of the RG-1. Considerable changes are observed with respect to their interaction with human telomeric G4Qs, which adopt different topologies. These results may therefore shed more light on the relationship between PD as well as T2DM and the SARS-CoV-2 disease and their molecular underpinnings. Since dysregulation of G4Q formation by rationally designed targeting compounds affects the control of cellular processes, this study should contribute to the development of specific ligands for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib K Mukherjee
- TU Dortmund University: Technische Universitat Dortmund, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, GERMANY
| | - Jim-Marcel Knop
- TU Dortmund University: Technische Universitat Dortmund, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, GERMANY
| | - Roland Hermann Alfons Winter
- TU Dortmund University, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn Str. 4a, Physical Chemistry I, 44227, Dortmund, GERMANY
| |
Collapse
|