1
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Lu Z, Xie S, Su H, Han S, Huang H, Zhou X. Identification of G-quadruplex-interacting proteins in living cells using an artificial G4-targeting biotin ligase. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e37. [PMID: 38452210 PMCID: PMC11040147 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae126] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures pivotal to cellular processes and disease pathways. Deciphering G4-interacting proteins is imperative for unraveling G4's biological significance. In this study, we developed a G4-targeting biotin ligase named G4PID, meticulously assessing its binding affinity and specificity both in vitro and in vivo. Capitalizing on G4PID, we devised a tailored approach termed G-quadruplex-interacting proteins specific biotin-ligation procedure (PLGPB) to precisely profile G4-interacting proteins. Implementing this innovative strategy in live cells, we unveiled a cohort of 149 potential G4-interacting proteins, which exhibiting multifaceted functionalities. We then substantiate the directly binding affinity of 7 candidate G4-interacting-proteins (SF3B4, FBL, PP1G, BCL7C, NDUV1, ILF3, GAR1) in vitro. Remarkably, we verified that splicing factor 3B subunit 4 (SF3B4) binds preferentially to the G4-rich 3' splice site and the corresponding splicing sites are modulated by the G4 stabilizer PDS, indicating the regulating role of G4s in mRNA splicing procedure. The PLGPB strategy could biotinylate multiple proteins simultaneously, which providing an opportunity to map G4-interacting proteins network in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Lu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
| | - Shengjie Xie
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
| | - Haomiao Su
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 600 West Campus Drive West Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Shaoqing Han
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
- Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P.R. China
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2
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Tanabe K, Miyazaki K, Umeno H, Takemoto M, Nakano S. Basic protein- and peptide-induced stabilization of long-loop DNA G-guadruplexes. Biochimie 2024; 219:110-117. [PMID: 37972915 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.11.005] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The human genome contains many G-quadruplex-forming sequences, including sequences containing long single-stranded loops that are believed to be unfavorable for G-quadruplex formation. The intracellular environment of biological cells is crowded with proteins with charged surfaces. Understanding the effects of protein-rich environments is important for understanding the formation of G-quadruplexes in an intracellular environment. In this study, we investigated the structural stability of DNA G-quadruplexes in the presence of several types of globular proteins (lysozyme, cytochrome c, bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, histone proteins, and serum proteins), unstructured polypeptides (protamine and poly-l-lysine), and oligopeptides (RGG/RG-domain peptides and short repeated peptides). Thermal melting studies of G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides derived from the human telomeric repeat sequence revealed that environments containing high concentrations of proteins and peptides differently affected the G-quadruplex stability according to their loop lengths. We found that weak electrostatic interactions of G-quadruplex loops with basic proteins and peptides improved the stability of long-loop G-quadruplexes and the interactions were strengthened under crowded conditions simulated by dextran. The comparison of the effects of different types of proteins and peptides indicated that excluded volume interactions and structural flexibility of both DNA and polypeptide chains influenced the efficiency of their interactions. This study provides insights into long-loop G-quadruplex stability in a crowded intracellular environment and the recognition of G-quadruplexes by arginine-rich domains of G-quadruplex-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Tanabe
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kouichi Miyazaki
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hikari Umeno
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Marina Takemoto
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - S Nakano
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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3
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Breunig K, Lei X, Montalbano M, Guardia GDA, Ostadrahimi S, Alers V, Kosti A, Chiou J, Klein N, Vinarov C, Wang L, Li M, Song W, Kraus WL, Libich DS, Tiziani S, Weintraub ST, Galante PAF, Penalva LOF. SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and is present in PARylation-dependent protein complexes regulating splicing, cell division, and ribosome biogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586270. [PMID: 38585848 PMCID: PMC10996453 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are present in diverse molecular complexes where they function as dynamic regulators. Their characteristics promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles such as stress granules and nucleoli. IDR-RBPs are particularly relevant in the nervous system and their dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor development. SERBP1 is a unique member of this group, being mostly disordered and lacking canonical RNA-binding domains. Using a proteomics approach followed by functional analysis, we defined SERBP1's interactome. We uncovered novel SERBP1 roles in splicing, cell division, and ribosomal biogenesis and showed its participation in pathological stress granules and Tau aggregates in Alzheimer's disease brains. SERBP1 preferentially interacts with other G-quadruplex (G4) binders, implicated in different stages of gene expression, suggesting that G4 binding is a critical component of SERBP1 function in different settings. Similarly, we identified important associations between SERBP1 and PARP1/polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation). SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and its associated factors and influences PARylation. Moreover, protein complexes in which SERBP1 participates contain mostly PARylated proteins and PAR binders. Based on these results, we propose a feedback regulatory model in which SERBP1 influences PARP1 function and PARylation, while PARylation modulates SERBP1 functions and participation in regulatory complexes.
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4
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Datta S, Patel M, Sathyaseelan C, Ghosh C, Mudgal A, Patel D, Rathinavelan T, Singh U. G-quadruplex landscape and its regulation revealed by a new antibody capture method. Oncotarget 2024; 15:175-198. [PMID: 38484151 PMCID: PMC10939474 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) from in vitro studies has been complemented by genome-wide G4 landscapes from cultured cells. Conventionally, the formation of G4s is accepted to depend on G-repeats such that they form tetrads. However, genome-wide G4s characterized through high-throughput sequencing suggest that these structures form at a large number of regions with no such canonical G4-forming signatures. Many G4-binding proteins have been described with no evidence for any protein that binds to and stabilizes G4s. It remains unknown what fraction of G4s formed in human cells are protein-bound. The G4-chromatin immunoprecipitation (G4-ChIP) method hitherto employed to describe G4 landscapes preferentially reports G4s that get crosslinked to proteins in their proximity. Our current understanding of the G4 landscape is biased against representation of G4s which escape crosslinking as they are not stabilized by protein-binding and presumably transient. We report a protocol that captures G4s from the cells efficiently without any bias as well as eliminates the detection of G4s formed artifactually on crosslinked sheared chromatin post-fixation. We discover that G4s form sparingly at SINEs. An application of this method shows that depletion of a repeat-binding protein CGGBP1 enhances net G4 capture at CGGBP1-dependent CTCF-binding sites and regions of sharp interstrand G/C-skew transitions. Thus, we present an improved method for G4 landscape determination and by applying it we show that sequence property-specific constraints of the nuclear environment mitigate G4 formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhamoy Datta
- HoMeCell Lab, Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Manthan Patel
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Chakkarai Sathyaseelan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi Campus, Telangana 502285, India
| | - Chandrama Ghosh
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold 8A, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Akanksha Mudgal
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20059, Poland
| | - Divyesh Patel
- Research Programs Unit, Applied Tumor Genomics Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | | | - Umashankar Singh
- HoMeCell Lab, Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
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5
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Grasso N, Graziano R, Marzano S, D'Aria F, Merlino F, Grieco P, Randazzo A, Pagano B, Amato J. Unveiling the interaction between DNA G-quadruplexes and RG-rich peptides. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126749. [PMID: 37689293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126749] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are non-canonical DNA secondary structures formed within guanine-rich strands that play important roles in various biological processes, including gene regulation, telomere maintenance and DNA replication. The biological functions and formation of these DNA structures are strictly controlled by several proteins that bind and stabilize or resolve them. Many G-quadruplex-binding proteins feature an arginine and glycine-rich motif known as the RGG or RG-rich motif. Although this motif plays a crucial role in the recognition of such non-canonical structures, their interaction is still poorly understood. Here, we employed a combination of several biophysical techniques to provide valuable insights into the interaction between a peptide containing an RGG motif shared by numerous human G-quadruplex-binding proteins (NIQI) and various biologically relevant G-quadruplex DNA structures with different topologies. We also shed light on the key amino acids involved in the binding process. Our findings contribute to lay the basis for the development of a new class of peptide-based G-quadruplex ligands as an alternative to small molecules. These ligands may serve as valid tools for interfering in DNA-protein interactions, with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Grasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Graziano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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6
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Liu R, Liu Z, Chen M, Xing H, Zhang P, Zhang J. Cooperatively designed aptamer-PROTACs for spatioselective degradation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein for enhanced combinational therapy. Chem Sci 2023; 15:134-145. [PMID: 38131089 PMCID: PMC10732009 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04249a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling proteins (NSPs) have emerged as a promising class of therapeutic targets for many diseases. However, most NSPs-based therapies largely rely on small-molecule inhibitors with limited efficacy and off-target effects. Inspired by proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, we report a new archetype of PROTAC (PS-ApTCs) by introducing a phosphorothioate-modified aptamer to a CRBN ligand, realizing tumor-targeting and spatioselective degradation of NSPs with improved efficacy. Using nucleolin as a model, we demonstrate that PS-ApTCs is capable of effectively degrading nucleolin in the target cell membrane and cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, through the disruption of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Moreover, PS-ApTCs exhibits superior antiproliferation, pro-apoptotic, and cell cycle arrest potencies. Importantly, we demonstrate that a combination of PS-ApTCs-mediated nucleolin degradation with aptamer-drug conjugate-based chemotherapy enables a synergistic effect on tumor inhibition. Collectively, PS-ApTCs could expand the PROTAC toolbox to more targets in subcellular localization and accelerate the discovery of new combinational therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Mohan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Hang Xing
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University Changsha 410082 China
| | - Penghui Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310022 China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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7
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Neupane A, Chariker JH, Rouchka EC. Analysis of Nucleotide Variations in Human G-Quadruplex Forming Regions Associated with Disease States. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2125. [PMID: 38136947 PMCID: PMC10742762 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122125] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
While the role of G quadruplex (G4) structures has been identified in cancers and metabolic disorders, single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and their effect on G4s in disease contexts have not been extensively studied. The COSMIC and CLINVAR databases were used to detect SNVs present in G4s to identify sequence level changes and their effect on the alteration of the G4 secondary structure. A total of 37,515 G4 SNVs in the COSMIC database and 2378 in CLINVAR were identified. Of those, 7236 COSMIC (19.3%) and 457 (19%) of the CLINVAR variants result in G4 loss, while 2728 (COSMIC) and 129 (CLINVAR) SNVs gain a G4 structure. The remaining variants potentially affect the folding energy without affecting the presence of a G4. Analysis of mutational patterns in the G4 structure shows a higher selective pressure (3-fold) in the coding region on the template strand compared to the reverse strand. At the same time, an equal proportion of SNVs were observed among intronic, promoter, and enhancer regions across strands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Neupane
- School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
| | - Julia H. Chariker
- Department of Neuroscience Training, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Eric C. Rouchka
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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8
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Brázda V, Mergny JL. Quadruplexes and aging: G4-binding proteins regulate the presence of miRNA in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Biochimie 2023; 214:69-72. [PMID: 36690199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between proteins and nucleic acids is a core element of life. Many proteins bind nucleic acids via a sequence-specific manner, but there are also many types of proteins that recognize various structural motifs. Researchers have recently found that proteins that can recognize DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are very important for basic cellular processes, particularly in eukaryotes. Some of these proteins are located outside the nucleus and interact with RNA, potentially affecting miRNA functions in intercellular communication, which is facilitated by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Imbalances in the production of sEVs are associated with various pathologies and senescence in humans. The distribution of miRNA into sEVs is regulated by two RNA-binding proteins, Alyref and FUS. Both proteins possess G-rich recognition motifs that are compatible with the formation of RNA parallel G4 structures. This lends credence to the new hypothesis that G4-formation in RNAs and their interaction with G4-binding proteins can affect the fate of miRNAs and control their distribution in sEVs that are associated with senescence and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
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9
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Guzman BB, Son A, Litberg TJ, Huang Z, Dominguez D, Horowitz S. Emerging roles for G-quadruplexes in proteostasis. FEBS J 2023; 290:4614-4625. [PMID: 36017725 PMCID: PMC10071977 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16608] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How nucleic acids interact with proteins, and how they affect protein folding, aggregation, and misfolding is a still-evolving area of research. Considerable effort is now focusing on a particular structure of RNA and DNA, G-quadruplexes, and their role in protein homeostasis and disease. In this state-of-the-art review, we track recent reports on how G-quadruplexes influence protein aggregation, proteolysis, phase separation, and protein misfolding diseases, and pose currently unanswered questions in the advance of this scientific field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan B Guzman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahyun Son
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Theodore J Litberg
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Zijue Huang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Dominguez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott Horowitz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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10
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Sharma T, Kundu N, Kaur S, Shankaraswamy J, Saxena S. Why to target G-quadruplexes using peptides: Next-generation G4-interacting ligands. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3491. [PMID: 37009771 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3491] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich oligonucleotides existing in both DNA and RNA are able to fold into four-stranded DNA secondary structures via Hoogsteen type hydrogen-bonding, where four guanines self-assemble into a square planar arrangement, which, when stacked upon each other, results in the formation of higher-order structures called G-quadruplexes. Their distribution is not random; they are more frequently present at telomeres, proto-oncogenic promoters, introns, 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions, stem cell markers, ribosome binding sites and so forth and are associated with various biological functions, all of which play a pivotal role in various incurable diseases like cancer and cellular ageing. Several studies have suggested that G-quadruplexes could not regulate biological processes by themselves; instead, various proteins take part in this regulation and can be important therapeutic targets. There are certain limitations in using whole G4-protein for therapeutics purpose because of its high manufacturing cost, laborious structure prediction, dynamic nature, unavailability for oral administration due to its degradation in the gut and inefficient penetration to reach the target site because of the large size. Hence, biologically active peptides can be the potential candidates for therapeutic intervention instead of the whole G4-protein complex. In this review, we aimed to clarify the biological roles of G4s, how we can identify them throughout the genome via bioinformatics, the proteins interacting with G4s and how G4-interacting peptide molecules may be the potential next-generation ligands for targeting the G4 motifs located in biologically important regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taniya Sharma
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Nikita Kundu
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Sarvpreet Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Jadala Shankaraswamy
- Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Budwel, Telangana, India
| | - Sarika Saxena
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
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11
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Gao Z, Yuan J, He X, Wang H, Wang Y. Phase Separation Modulates the Formation and Stabilities of DNA Guanine Quadruplex. JACS AU 2023; 3:1650-1657. [PMID: 37388701 PMCID: PMC10301798 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In the presence of monovalent alkali metal ions, G-rich DNA sequences containing four runs of contiguous guanines can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Recent studies showed that these structures are located in critical regions of the human genome and assume important functions in many essential DNA metabolic processes, including replication, transcription, and repair. However, not all potential G4-forming sequences are actually folded into G4 structures in cells, where G4 structures are known to be dynamic and modulated by G4-binding proteins as well as helicases. It remains unclear whether there are other factors influencing the formation and stability of G4 structures in cells. Herein, we showed that DNA G4s can undergo phase separation in vitro. In addition, immunofluorescence microscopy and ChIP-seq experiments with the use of BG4, a G4 structure-specific antibody, revealed that disruption of phase separation could result in global destabilization of G4 structures in cells. Together, our work revealed phase separation as a new determinant in modulating the formation and stability of G4 structures in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Jun Yuan
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United States
| | - Xiaomei He
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Handing Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United States
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12
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Campanile M, Oliva R, Del Vecchio P, Winter R, Petraccone L. The anticancer peptide LL-III binds with nanomolar affinity to human telomeric and cMyc G-quadruplexes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:6179-6182. [PMID: 37114333 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00737e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
LL-III is a natural anticancer peptide able to cross the membrane of cancer cells and to localize in the nucleolus, but its intracellular target is unknown. Here, we show that LL-III is able to bind with nM affinity to specific G-quadruplex structures known to be relevant anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campanile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roland Winter
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn Street 4a, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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Ulum L, Karikome Y, Yagi R, Kawashima T, Ishihara A, Oyoshi T. DNA G-Quadruplex-Binding Protein Developed Using the RGG Domain of Translocated in Liposarcoma/Fused in Sarcoma Inhibits Transcription of bcl-2. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:10459-10465. [PMID: 36969440 PMCID: PMC10035022 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The G-quadruplexes (G4s) in the genome are important drug targets because they regulate gene expression and the genome structure. Several small molecules that bind the G4 have been developed, but few artificial G4 binding proteins have been reported. We previously reported a novel DNA G4 binding protein (RGGF) engineered using the Arg-Gly-Gly repeat (RGG) domain of TLS (translocated in liposarcoma), also known as FUS (fused in sarcoma) protein (TLS/FUS). Here, we show that RGGF recognizes DNA loops in the G4 and preferentially binds DNA G4 with long loops in vitro. Furthermore, RGGF binds to the DNA G4 of the bcl-2 promoter in vitro. RGGF overexpression in HeLa cells represses bcl-2 transcription. On the basis of these findings, G4 binding protein engineered from the RGG domain will be useful for investigating G4 transcriptional function in the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luthfi
Lulul Ulum
- Graduate
School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka
University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Yamato Karikome
- Graduate
School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Ryota Yagi
- Graduate
School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Tomoe Kawashima
- Graduate
School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Akinori Ishihara
- Graduate
School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takanori Oyoshi
- Graduate
School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka
University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Graduate
School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research
Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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14
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Miclot T, Froux A, D'Anna L, Bignon E, Grandemange S, Barone G, Monari A, Terenzi A. Understanding the Interactions of Guanine Quadruplexes with Peptides as Novel Strategies for Diagnosis or Tuning Biological Functions. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200624. [PMID: 36598366 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200624] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structures exhibiting a complex structural behavior and exerting crucial biological functions in both cells and viruses. The specific interactions of peptides with G4s, as well as an understanding of the factors driving the specific recognition are important for the rational design of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In this review, we examine the most important studies dealing with the interactions between G4s and peptides, highlighting the strengths and limitations of current analytic approaches. We also show how the combined use of high-level molecular simulation techniques and experimental spectroscopy is the best avenue to design specifically tuned and selective peptides, thus leading to the control of important biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Miclot
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy.,Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Aurane Froux
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy.,Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7039 CRAN, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Luisa D'Anna
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Bignon
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, 54000, Nancy, France
| | | | - Giampaolo Barone
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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15
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McGregor LA, Zhu B, Goetz AM, Sczepanski JT. Thymine DNA Glycosylase is an RNA-Binding Protein with High Selectivity for G-Rich Sequences. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104590. [PMID: 36889585 PMCID: PMC10124917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104590] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) is a multifaceted enzyme involved in several critical biological pathways, including transcriptional activation, DNA demethylation, and DNA repair. Recent studies have established regulatory relationships between TDG and RNA, but the molecular interactions underlying these relationships is poorly understood. Herein, we now demonstrate that TDG binds directly to RNA with nanomolar affinity. Using synthetic oligonucleotides of defined length and sequence, we show that TDG has a strong preference for binding G-rich sequences in single-stranded RNA but binds weakly to single-stranded DNA and duplex RNA. TDG also binds tightly to endogenous RNA sequences. Studies with truncated proteins indicate that TDG binds RNA primarily through its structured catalytic domain and that its disordered C-terminal domain plays a key role in regulating TDG's affinity and selectivity for RNA. Finally, we show that RNA competes with DNA for binding to TDG, resulting in inhibition of TDG-mediated excision in the presence of RNA. Together, this work provides support for and insights into a mechanism wherein TDG-mediated processes (e.g., DNA demethylation) are regulated through the direct interactions of TDG with RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A McGregor
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Baiyu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Allison M Goetz
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
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16
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G4-interacting proteins endangering genomic stability at G4 DNA-forming sites. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:403-413. [PMID: 36629511 PMCID: PMC10018705 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221018] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In guanine-rich DNA strands, base-base interactions among guanines allow the conformational shift from the B-form DNA to the non-canonical quadruplex or G4 structure. The functional significance of G4 DNA in vivo is largely dependent on the interaction with protein factors, many of which contain the arginine-glycine-glycine or RGG repeat and other consensus G4-binding motifs. These G4-interacting proteins can significantly modulate the effect of G4 DNA structure on genome maintenance, either preventing or aggravating G4-assoicated genome instability. While the role of helicases in resolving G4 DNA structure has been extensively discussed, identification and characterization of protein factors contributing to elevation in G4-associated genome instability has been relatively sparse. In this minireview, we will particularly highlight recent discoveries regarding how interaction between certain G4-binding proteins and G4 DNA could exacerbate genome instability potentiated by G4 DNA-forming sequences.
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17
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Pandith A, Luo Y, Jang Y, Bae J, Kim Y. Self-Assembled Peptidyl Aggregates for the Fluorogenic Recognition of Mitochondrial DNA G-Quadruplexes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215049. [PMID: 36396597 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215049] [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: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The selective monitoring of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in living cells is important to elucidate their functions and reveal their value as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Here we report a fluorogenic probe (CV2) able to selectively light-up parallel G4 DNA over antiparallel topologies. CV2 was constructed by conjugating the excimer-forming CV dye with a peptide sequence (l-Arg-l-Gly-glutaric acid) that specifically recognizes G4s. CV2 forms self-assembled, red excimer-emitting nanoaggregates in aqueous media, but specific binding to G4s triggers its disassembly into rigidified monomeric dyes, leading to a dramatic fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, selective permeation of CV2 stains G4s in mitochondria over the nucleus. CV2 was employed for tracking the folding and unfolding of G4s in living cells, and for monitoring mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. These properties make CV2 appealing to investigate the possible roles of mtDNA G4s in diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Pandith
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.,Current address, International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan (R.O.C
| | - Yongyang Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Yul Jang
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Jeehyeon Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
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18
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Vinayagamurthy S, Bagri S, Mergny JL, Chowdhury S. Telomeres expand sphere of influence: emerging molecular impact of telomeres in non-telomeric functions. Trends Genet 2023; 39:59-73. [PMID: 36404192 PMCID: PMC7614491 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the impact of telomeres on physiology stands well established, a question remains: how do telomeres impact cellular functions at a molecular level? This is because current understanding limits the influence of telomeres to adjacent subtelomeric regions despite the wide-ranging impact of telomeres. Emerging work in two distinct aspects offers opportunities to bridge this gap. First, telomere-binding factors were found with non-telomeric functions. Second, locally induced DNA secondary structures called G-quadruplexes are notably abundant in telomeres, and gene regulatory regions genome wide. Many telomeric factors bind to G-quadruplexes for non-telomeric functions. Here we discuss a more general model of how telomeres impact the non-telomeric genome - through factors that associate at telomeres and genome wide - and influence cell-intrinsic functions, particularly aging, cancer, and pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soujanya Vinayagamurthy
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sulochana Bagri
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i. Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- Integrative and Functional Biology Unit, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; GNR Knowledge Centre for Genome and Informatics, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi 110025, India.
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19
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Jiang XC, Tu FH, Wei LY, Wang BZ, Yuan H, Yuan JM, Rao Y, Huang SL, Li QJ, Ou TM, Wang HG, Tan JH, Chen SB, Huang ZS. Discovery of a Novel G-Quadruplex and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Dual-Targeting Agent for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12346-12366. [PMID: 36053318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly associated with G-quadruplex (G4); thus, targeting G4 is a potential strategy for TNBC therapy. Because concomitant histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibition could amplify the impact of G4-targeting compounds, we designed and synthesized two novel series of G4/HDAC dual-targeting compounds by connecting the zinc-binding pharmacophore of HDAC inhibitors to the G4-targeting isaindigotone scaffold (1). Among the new compounds, a6 with the potent HDAC inhibitory and G4 stabilizing activity could induce more DNA G4 formation than SAHA and 1 in TNBC cells. Remarkably, a6 caused more G4-related DNA damage and G4-related differentially expressed genes, consistent with its effect on disrupting the cell cycle, invasion, and glycolysis. Furthermore, a6 significantly suppresses the proliferation of various TNBC cells and the MDA-MB-231 xenograft model without evident toxicity. Our study suggests a novel strategy for TNBC therapeutics through dual-targeting HDAC and G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Chen Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fang-Hai Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li-Yuan Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bo-Zheng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jing-Mei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shi-Liang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing-Jiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong-Gen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, 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
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- 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
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20
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Interface of G-quadruplex with both stabilizing and destabilizing ligands for targeting various diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:414-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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High-throughput techniques enable advances in the roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:159. [PMID: 35851062 PMCID: PMC9290270 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable structure of DNA is the canonical right-handed double helix termed B DNA. However, certain environments and sequence motifs favor alternative conformations, termed non-canonical secondary structures. The roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional regulation remain incompletely understood. However, advances in high-throughput assays have enabled genome wide characterization of some secondary structures. Here, we describe their regulatory functions in promoters and 3’UTRs, providing insights into key mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression. We discuss their implication in human disease, and how advances in molecular technologies and emerging high-throughput experimental methods could provide additional insights.
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22
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Monteiro AR, Ramos CIV, Lourenço LMO, Fateixa S, Rodrigues J, Neves MGPMS, Trindade T. Interfacial assembly of zinc(II) phthalocyanines on graphene oxide (GO): Stable "turn-off-on" nanoplatforms to detect G-quadruplexes (G4). J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 627:900-912. [PMID: 35901569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.07.075] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The aggregation of phthalocyanines (Pcs) enfeebles their suitability as G-quadruplex (G4) ligands over time. It is hypothesized that the interfacial assembly of Pcs on graphene oxide (GO) influences intermolecular interactions, thereby affecting their physicochemical properties and inducing stabilization of Pcs in solution. Hence, the stacking of Pcs on GO could be tuned to create nanosystems with the ability to detect G4 for longer periods through a slow release of Pcs. EXPERIMENTS Four cationic structurally-related zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc) were non-covalently assembled on GO by ultrasonic exfoliation. A comprehensive characterization of ZnPcs@GO was carried out by spectroscopic techniques and electron microscopy to understand the organization of ZnPcs on GO. The fluorescence of ZnPcs@GO was studied in the presence of G4 (T2G5T)4 and duplex ds26 through spectrofluorimetric titrations and monitored along time. FINDINGS GO induced a re-organization of the ZnPcs mostly to J-aggregates and quenched their original fluorescence up to 98 % ("turn-off"). In general, ZnPcs@GO recovered their fluorescence ("turn-on") after the titrations and showed affinity to G4 (KD up to 1.92 μM). This is the first report that highlights the contribution of GO interfaces to assemble ZnPcs and allow their slow and controlled release to detect G4 over longer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Monteiro
- CICECO, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Catarina I V Ramos
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Leandro M O Lourenço
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sara Fateixa
- CICECO, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana Rodrigues
- I3N, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria G P M S Neves
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Tito Trindade
- CICECO, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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23
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Imanishi M. Mechanisms and Strategies for Determining m 6 A RNA Modification Sites by Natural and Engineered m 6 A Effector Proteins. Chem Asian J 2022; 17:e202200367. [PMID: 35750635 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202200367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N6 -Methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most common internal RNA modification in the consensus sequence of 5'-RRACH-3'. The methyl mark is added by writer proteins (METTL3/METTL14 metyltransferase complex) and removed by eraser proteins (m6 A demethylases; FTO and ALKBH5). Recognition of this methyl mark by m6 A reader proteins leads to changes in RNA metabolism. How the writer and eraser proteins determine their targets is not well-understood, despite the importance of this information in understanding the regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of m6 A. However, approaches for targeted manipulation of the methylation state at specific sites are being developed. In this review, I summarize the recent findings on the mechanisms of target identification of m6 A regulatory proteins, as well as recent approaches for targeted m6 A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
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24
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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.
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25
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Meier-Stephenson V. G4-quadruplex-binding proteins: review and insights into selectivity. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:635-654. [PMID: 35791380 PMCID: PMC9250568 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are over 700,000 putative G4-quadruplexes (G4Qs) in the human genome, found largely in promoter regions, telomeres, and other regions of high regulation. Growing evidence links their presence to functionality in various cellular processes, where cellular proteins interact with them, either stabilizing and/or anchoring upon them, or unwinding them to allow a process to proceed. Interest in understanding and manipulating the plethora of processes regulated by these G4Qs has spawned a new area of small-molecule binder development, with attempts to mimic and block the associated G4-binding protein (G4BP). Despite the growing interest and focus on these G4Qs, there is limited data (in particular, high-resolution structural information), on the nature of these G4Q-G4BP interactions and what makes a G4BP selective to certain G4Qs, if in fact they are at all. This review summarizes the current literature on G4BPs with regards to their interactions with G4Qs, providing groupings for binding mode, drawing conclusions around commonalities and highlighting information on specific interactions where available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Meier-Stephenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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26
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Teng X, Dai Y, Li J. Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G-quadruplexes. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210214. [PMID: 37323879 PMCID: PMC10191030 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS-COV-2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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27
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Long W, Zheng BX, Li Y, Huang XH, Lin DM, Chen CC, Hou JQ, Ou TM, Wong WL, Zhang K, Lu YJ. Rational design of small-molecules to recognize G-quadruplexes of c-MYC promoter and telomere and the evaluation of their in vivo antitumor activity against breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1829-1848. [PMID: 35166828 PMCID: PMC8887543 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G4-structures from human c-MYC promoter and telomere are considered as important drug targets; however, the developing of small-molecule-based fluorescent binding ligands that are highly selective in targeting these G4-structures over other types of nucleic acids is challenging. We herein report a new approach of designing small molecules based on a non-selective thiazole orange scaffold to provide two-directional and multi-site interactions with flanking residues and loops of the G4-motif for better selectivity. The ligands are designed to establish multi-site interactions in the G4-binding pocket. This structural feature may render the molecules higher selectivity toward c-MYC G4s than other structures. The ligand–G4 interaction studied with 1H NMR may suggest a stacking interaction with the terminal G-tetrad. Moreover, the intracellular co-localization study with BG4 and cellular competition experiments with BRACO-19 may suggest that the binding targets of the ligands in cells are most probably G4-structures. Furthermore, the ligands that either preferentially bind to c-MYC promoter or telomeric G4s are able to downregulate markedly the c-MYC and hTERT gene expression in MCF-7 cells, and induce senescence and DNA damage to cancer cells. The in vivo antitumor activity of the ligands in MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice is also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Long
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xuan-He Huang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Dan-Min Lin
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Cui-Cui Chen
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jin-Qiang Hou
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.,Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6V4, Canada
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, P.R. China; International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, 529040, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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28
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Miyashita E, Komatsu KR, Saito H. Large-Scale Analysis of RNA-Protein Interactions for Functional RNA Motif Discovery Using FOREST. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2509:279-290. [PMID: 35796970 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2380-0_17] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA transcripts can form a variety of higher-order structures. We developed a large-scale affinity analysis system, FOREST (Folded RNA Element Profiling with Structure Library), to investigate the function of these RNA structures on transcriptome-wide scale. Here we describe a protocol to analyze RNA-protein interactions using FOREST . Users of the protocol prepare an RNA structure library comprised of diverse species of transcripts and perform high-throughput characterization of the RNA-protein interactions to obtain quantitative and comprehensive information on the binding affinities and specificities. Moreover, we demonstrate how FOREST can be used to analyze a non-canonical structure, the RNA G-quadruplex, without sequencing bias, because the quantification is performed directly on a microarray without sequence amplification. FOREST will contribute to the discovery of RNA structure motifs that determine RNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Miyashita
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- xFOREST Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Hirohide Saito
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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29
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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.![]()
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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
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30
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Yoshida A, Oyoshi T, Suda A, Futaki S, Imanishi M. Recognition of G-quadruplex RNA by a crucial RNA methyltransferase component, METTL14. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 50:449-457. [PMID: 34908152 PMCID: PMC8755082 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important epitranscriptomic chemical modification that is mainly catalyzed by the METTL3/METTL14 RNA methyltransferase heterodimer. Although m6A is found at the consensus sequence of 5′-DRACH-3′ in various transcripts, the mechanism by which METTL3/METTL14 determines its target is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the RNA binding property of METTL3/METTL14. We found that the methyltransferase heterodimer itself has a binding preference for RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures, which are non-canonical four-stranded structures formed by G-rich sequences, via the METTL14 RGG repeats. Additionally, the methyltransferase heterodimer selectively methylated adenosines close to the rG4 sequences. These results suggest a possible process for direct recruitment of METTL3/METTL14 to specific methylation sites, especially near the G4-forming regions. This study is the first to report the RNA binding preference of the m6A writer complex for the rG4 structure and provides insights into the role of rG4 in epitranscriptomic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuhiro Yoshida
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Takanori Oyoshi
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Akiyo Suda
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Shiroh Futaki
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Miki Imanishi
- Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
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31
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Patra S, Claude JB, Naubron JV, Wenger J. Fast interaction dynamics of G-quadruplex and RGG-rich peptides unveiled in zero-mode waveguides. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12348-12357. [PMID: 34791437 PMCID: PMC8643622 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs), a non-canonical form of DNA, are receiving a huge interest as target sites for potential applications in antiviral and anticancer drug treatments. The biological functions of GQs can be controlled by specifically binding proteins known as GQs binding proteins. Some of the GQs binding proteins contain an arginine and glycine-rich sequence known as RGG peptide. Despite the important role of RGG, the GQs-RGG interaction remains poorly understood. By single molecule measurements, the interaction dynamics can be determined in principle. However, the RGG-GQs interaction occurs at micromolar concentrations, making conventional single-molecule experiments impossible with a diffraction-limited confocal microscope. Here, we use a 120 nm zero-mode waveguide (ZMW) nanoaperture to overcome the diffraction limit. The combination of dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) with FRET is used to unveil the interaction dynamics and measure the association and dissociation rates. Our data show that the RGG-GQs interaction is predominantly driven by electrostatics but that a specific affinity between the RGG sequence and the GQs structure is preserved. The single molecule approach at micromolar concentration is the key to improve our understanding of GQs function and develop its therapeutic applications by screening a large library of GQs-targeting peptides and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyajit Patra
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Benoît Claude
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Valère Naubron
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, FSCM – Spectropole, 13013 Marseille, France
| | - Jérome Wenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Institut Fresnel, 13013 Marseille, France
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32
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Alshareedah I, Moosa MM, Pham M, Potoyan DA, Banerjee PR. Programmable viscoelasticity in protein-RNA condensates with disordered sticker-spacer polypeptides. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6620. [PMID: 34785657 PMCID: PMC8595643 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26733-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation of multivalent proteins and RNAs drives the formation of biomolecular condensates that facilitate membrane-free compartmentalization of subcellular processes. With recent advances, it is becoming increasingly clear that biomolecular condensates are network fluids with time-dependent material properties. Here, employing microrheology with optical tweezers, we reveal molecular determinants that govern the viscoelastic behavior of condensates formed by multivalent Arg/Gly-rich sticker-spacer polypeptides and RNA. These condensates behave as Maxwell fluids with an elastically-dominant rheological response at shorter timescales and a liquid-like behavior at longer timescales. The viscous and elastic regimes of these condensates can be tuned by the polypeptide and RNA sequences as well as their mixture compositions. Our results establish a quantitative link between the sequence- and structure-encoded biomolecular interactions at the microscopic scale and the rheological properties of the resulting condensates at the mesoscale, enabling a route to systematically probe and rationally engineer biomolecular condensates with programmable mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew Pham
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Davit A Potoyan
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
| | - Priya R Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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33
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He X, Yuan J, Wang Y. G3BP1 binds to guanine quadruplexes in mRNAs to modulate their stabilities. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11323-11336. [PMID: 34614161 PMCID: PMC8565330 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA guanine quadruplexes (rG4) assume important roles in post-transcriptional regulations of gene expression, which are often modulated by rG4-binding proteins. Hence, understanding the biological functions of rG4s requires the identification and functional characterizations of rG4-recognition proteins. By employing a bioinformatic approach based on the analysis of overlap between peaks obtained from rG4-seq analysis and those detected in >230 eCLIP-seq datasets for RNA-binding proteins generated from the ENCODE project, we identified a large number of candidate rG4-binding proteins. We showed that one of these proteins, G3BP1, is able to bind directly to rG4 structures with high affinity and selectivity, where the binding entails its C-terminal RGG domain and is further enhanced by its RRM domain. Additionally, our seCLIP-Seq data revealed that pyridostatin, a small-molecule rG4 ligand, could displace G3BP1 from mRNA in cells, with the most pronounced effects being observed for the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of mRNAs. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay results showed that G3BP1 positively regulates mRNA stability through its binding with rG4 structures. Together, we identified a number of candidate rG4-binding proteins and validated that G3BP1 can bind directly with rG4 structures and regulate the stabilities of mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei He
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Jun Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
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34
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Baudin A, Xu X, Libich DS. The 1H, 15N and 13C resonance assignments of the C-terminal domain of Serpine mRNA binding protein 1 (SERBP1). BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2021; 15:461-466. [PMID: 34436734 PMCID: PMC9990118 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-021-10046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
SERBP1 is a multifunctional mRNA-binding protein that has been shown to play a regulatory role in a number of biological processes such as thrombosis, DNA damage repair, and the cellular response to nutrient deprivation. Additionally, SERBP1 is upregulated in glioblastoma, leukemia as well as liver, prostrate and ovarian cancers where it has been implicated in metastatic disease and poor patient outcomes. SERBP1 binds target mRNA, stabilizing and regulating the post-translational expression of the transcript. Since SERBP1 lacks canonical RNA-binding motifs such as RRM domains or zinc fingers, its target recognition and binding mechanisms are not well understood. Recent reports suggest that it is capable of recognizing both RNA sequence motifs and structured domains. Here we report the production and purification of the intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of SERBP1, the assignment of the 1H, 13C, 15N backbone resonances of the protein by solution-state NMR, and secondary structure predictions. We show that the protein is not entirely disordered and identify an α-helix that was stable under the experimental conditions. This work is the first step toward understanding the structural basis underpinning the molecular mechanisms of SERBP1 functions, particularly interactions with mRNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Baudin
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - David S Libich
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8403 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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35
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Yan KKP, Obi I, Sabouri N. The RGG domain in the C-terminus of the DEAD box helicases Dbp2 and Ded1 is necessary for G-quadruplex destabilization. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8339-8354. [PMID: 34302476 PMCID: PMC8373067 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of G-quadruplex (G4) binding proteins and insights into their mechanism of action are important for understanding the regulatory functions of G4 structures. Here, we performed an unbiased affinity-purification assay coupled with mass spectrometry and identified 30 putative G4 binding proteins from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Gene ontology analysis of the molecular functions enriched in this pull-down assay included mRNA binding, RNA helicase activity, and translation regulator activity. We focused this study on three of the identified proteins that possessed putative arginine-glycine-glycine (RGG) domains, namely the Stm1 homolog Oga1 and the DEAD box RNA helicases Dbp2 and Ded1. We found that Oga1, Dbp2, and Ded1 bound to both DNA and RNA G4s in vitro. Both Dbp2 and Ded1 bound to G4 structures through the RGG domain located in the C-terminal region of the helicases, and point mutations in this domain weakened the G4 binding properties of the helicases. Dbp2 and Ded1 destabilized less thermostable G4 RNA and DNA structures, and this ability was independent of ATP but dependent on the RGG domain. Our study provides the first evidence that the RGG motifs in DEAD box helicases are necessary for both G4 binding and G4 destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kok-Phen Yan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ikenna Obi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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36
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Honisch C, Ragazzi E, Hussain R, Brazier J, Siligardi G, Ruzza P. Interaction of a Short Peptide with G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences: An SRCD and CD Study. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1104. [PMID: 34452065 PMCID: PMC8401852 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) forming DNA sequences were recently found to play a crucial role in the regulation of genomic processes such as replication, transcription and translation, also related to serious diseases. Therefore, systems capable of controlling DNA and RNA G-quadruplex structures would be useful for the modulation of various cellular events. In particular, peptides represent good candidates for targeting G-quadruplex structures, since they are easily tailored to enhance their functionality. In this work, we analyzed, by circular dichroism and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopies, the interaction of a 25-residue peptide deriving from RHAU helicases (Rhau25) with three G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotide sequences, in both sodium- and potassium-containing buffers, the most relevant monovalent cations in physiological conditions. The peptide displayed greater affinity for the G4 sequences adopting a parallel structure. However, it showed the ability to also interact with antiparallel or hybrid G-quadruplex structures, inducing a conformation conversion to the parallel structure. The stability of the oligonucleotide structure alone or in presence of the Rhau25 peptide was studied by temperature melting and UV denaturation experiments, and the data showed that the interaction with the peptide stabilized the conformation of oligonucleotide sequences when subjected to stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Honisch
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Via F. Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Via F. Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo Meneghetti, 2, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Rohanah Hussain
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK; (R.H.); (G.S.)
| | - John Brazier
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DX, UK;
| | - Giuliano Siligardi
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK; (R.H.); (G.S.)
| | - Paolo Ruzza
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry of CNR, Via F. Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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37
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Lyu K, Chow EYC, Mou X, Chan TF, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s): genomics and biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5426-5450. [PMID: 33772593 PMCID: PMC8191793 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-classical DNA or RNA secondary structures that have been first observed decades ago. Over the years, these four-stranded structural motifs have been demonstrated to have significant regulatory roles in diverse biological processes, but challenges remain in detecting them globally and reliably. Compared to DNA G4s (dG4s), the study of RNA G4s (rG4s) has received less attention until recently. In this review, we will summarize the innovative high-throughput methods recently developed to detect rG4s on a transcriptome-wide scale, highlight the many novel and important functions of rG4 being discovered in vivo across the tree of life, and discuss the key biological questions to be addressed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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38
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Dettori LG, Torrejon D, Chakraborty A, Dutta A, Mohamed M, Papp C, Kuznetsov VA, Sung P, Feng W, Bah A. A Tale of Loops and Tails: The Role of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions in R-Loop Recognition and Phase Separation. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:691694. [PMID: 34179096 PMCID: PMC8222781 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.691694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are non-canonical, three-stranded nucleic acid structures composed of a DNA:RNA hybrid, a displaced single-stranded (ss)DNA, and a trailing ssRNA overhang. R-loops perform critical biological functions under both normal and disease conditions. To elucidate their cellular functions, we need to understand the mechanisms underlying R-loop formation, recognition, signaling, and resolution. Previous high-throughput screens identified multiple proteins that bind R-loops, with many of these proteins containing folded nucleic acid processing and binding domains that prevent (e.g., topoisomerases), resolve (e.g., helicases, nucleases), or recognize (e.g., KH, RRMs) R-loops. However, a significant number of these R-loop interacting Enzyme and Reader proteins also contain long stretches of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). The precise molecular and structural mechanisms by which the folded domains and IDRs synergize to recognize and process R-loops or modulate R-loop-mediated signaling have not been fully explored. While studying one such modular R-loop Reader, the Fragile X Protein (FMRP), we unexpectedly discovered that the C-terminal IDR (C-IDR) of FMRP is the predominant R-loop binding site, with the three N-terminal KH domains recognizing the trailing ssRNA overhang. Interestingly, the C-IDR of FMRP has recently been shown to undergo spontaneous Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) assembly by itself or in complex with another non-canonical nucleic acid structure, RNA G-quadruplex. Furthermore, we have recently shown that FMRP can suppress persistent R-loops that form during transcription, a process that is also enhanced by LLPS via the assembly of membraneless transcription factories. These exciting findings prompted us to explore the role of IDRs in R-loop processing and signaling proteins through a comprehensive bioinformatics and computational biology study. Here, we evaluated IDR prevalence, sequence composition and LLPS propensity for the known R-loop interactome. We observed that, like FMRP, the majority of the R-loop interactome, especially Readers, contains long IDRs that are highly enriched in low complexity sequences with biased amino acid composition, suggesting that these IDRs could directly interact with R-loops, rather than being “mere flexible linkers” connecting the “functional folded enzyme or binding domains”. Furthermore, our analysis shows that several proteins in the R-loop interactome are either predicted to or have been experimentally demonstrated to undergo LLPS or are known to be associated with phase separated membraneless organelles. Thus, our overall results present a thought-provoking hypothesis that IDRs in the R-loop interactome can provide a functional link between R-loop recognition via direct binding and downstream signaling through the assembly of LLPS-mediated membrane-less R-loop foci. The absence or dysregulation of the function of IDR-enriched R-loop interactors can potentially lead to severe genomic defects, such as the widespread R-loop-mediated DNA double strand breaks that we recently observed in Fragile X patient-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo G Dettori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Diego Torrejon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Arijita Chakraborty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Arijit Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Mohamed Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States.,Department of Urology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Department of Urology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States.,Bioinformatics Institute, ASTAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick Sung
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Wenyi Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Alaji Bah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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39
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Brázda V, Bartas M, Bowater RP. Evolution of Diverse Strategies for Promoter Regulation. Trends Genet 2021; 37:730-744. [PMID: 33931265 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA is fundamentally important for all cellular organisms due to its role as a store of hereditary genetic information. The precise and accurate regulation of gene transcription depends primarily on promoters, which vary significantly within and between genomes. Some promoters are rich in specific types of bases, while others have more varied, complex sequence characteristics. However, it is not only base sequence but also epigenetic modifications and altered DNA structure that regulate promoter activity. Significantly, many promoters across all organisms contain sequences that can form intrastrand hairpins (cruciforms) or four-stranded structures (G-quadruplex or i-motif). In this review we integrate recent studies on promoter regulation that highlight the importance of DNA structure in the evolutionary adaptation of promoter sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bartas
- Department of Biology and Ecology/Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Richard P Bowater
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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40
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Long W, Zheng BX, Huang XH, She MT, Liu AL, Zhang K, Wong WL, Lu YJ. Molecular Recognition and Imaging of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex DNA in Live Cells: A Systematic Advancement of Thiazole Orange Scaffold To Enhance Binding Specificity and Inhibition of Gene Expression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2125-2138. [PMID: 33559473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of fluorescent ligands, which were systematically constructed from thiazole orange scaffold, was investigated for their interactions with G-quadruplex structures and antitumor activity. Among the ligands, compound 3 was identified to exhibit excellent specificity toward telomere G4-DNA over other nucleic acids. The affinity of 3-Htg24 was almost 5 times higher than that of double-stranded DNA and promoter G4-DNA. Interaction studies showed that 3 may bind to both G-tetrad and the lateral loop near the 5'-end. The intracellular colocalization with BG4 and competition studies with BRACO19 reveal that 3 may interact with G4-structures. Moreover, 3 reduces the telomere length and downregulates hTERC and hTERT mRNA expression in HeLa cells. The cytotoxicity of 3 against cancer cells (IC50 = 12.7-16.2 μM) was found to be generally higher than noncancer cells (IC50 = 52.3 μM). The findings may support that the ligand is telomere G4-DNA specific and may provide meaningful insights for anticancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Long
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xuan-He Huang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Ting She
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ao-Lu Liu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Engineering Research Academy of High Value Utilization of Green Plants, Meizhou 514779, P. R. China
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41
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Bartas M, Červeň J, Guziurová S, Slychko K, Pečinka P. Amino Acid Composition in Various Types of Nucleic Acid-Binding Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020922. [PMID: 33477647 PMCID: PMC7831508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-binding proteins are traditionally divided into two categories: With the ability to bind DNA or RNA. In the light of new knowledge, such categorizing should be overcome because a large proportion of proteins can bind both DNA and RNA. Another even more important features of nucleic acid-binding proteins are so-called sequence or structure specificities. Proteins able to bind nucleic acids in a sequence-specific manner usually contain one or more of the well-defined structural motifs (zinc-fingers, leucine zipper, helix-turn-helix, or helix-loop-helix). In contrast, many proteins do not recognize nucleic acid sequence but rather local DNA or RNA structures (G-quadruplexes, i-motifs, triplexes, cruciforms, left-handed DNA/RNA form, and others). Finally, there are also proteins recognizing both sequence and local structural properties of nucleic acids (e.g., famous tumor suppressor p53). In this mini-review, we aim to summarize current knowledge about the amino acid composition of various types of nucleic acid-binding proteins with a special focus on significant enrichment and/or depletion in each category.
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42
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Kharel P, Becker G, Tsvetkov V, Ivanov P. Properties and biological impact of RNA G-quadruplexes: from order to turmoil and back. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12534-12555. [PMID: 33264409 PMCID: PMC7736831 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical four-stranded structures that can be formed in guanine (G) rich nucleic acid sequences. A great number of G-rich sequences capable of forming G4 structures have been described based on in vitro analysis, and evidence supporting their formation in live cells continues to accumulate. While formation of DNA G4s (dG4s) within chromatin in vivo has been supported by different chemical, imaging and genomic approaches, formation of RNA G4s (rG4s) in vivo remains a matter of discussion. Recent data support the dynamic nature of G4 formation in the transcriptome. Such dynamic fluctuation of rG4 folding-unfolding underpins the biological significance of these structures in the regulation of RNA metabolism. Moreover, rG4-mediated functions may ultimately be connected to mechanisms underlying disease pathologies and, potentially, provide novel options for therapeutics. In this framework, we will review the landscape of rG4s within the transcriptome, focus on their potential impact on biological processes, and consider an emerging connection of these functions in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gertraud Becker
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- Computational Oncology Group, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia
- A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117912, Russia
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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43
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Turcotte MA, Garant JM, Cossette-Roberge H, Perreault JP. Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 1 (GNL1) binds RNA G-quadruplex structures in genes associated with Parkinson's disease. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1339-1353. [PMID: 33305682 PMCID: PMC8354592 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1847866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNAs are highly regulated at the post-transcriptional level in neurodegenerative diseases and just a few mutations can significantly affect the fate of neuronal cells. To date, the impact of G-quadruplex (G4) regulation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) has not been analysed. In this study, in silico potential G4s located in deregulated genes related to the nervous system were initially identified and were found to be significantly enriched. Several G4 sequences found in the 5ʹ untranslated regions (5ʹUTR) of mRNAs associated with Parkinson’s disease were demonstrated to in fact fold in vitro by biochemical assays. Subcloning of the full-length 5ʹUTRs of these candidates upstream of a luciferase reporter system led to the demonstration that the G4s of both Parkin RBR E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (PRKN) and Vacuolar Protein Sorting-Associated Protein 35 (VPS35) significantly repressed the translation of both genes in SH-SY5Y cells. Subsequently, a strategy of using label-free RNA affinity purification assays with either of these two G4 sequences as bait isolated the Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 1 (GNL1). The latter was shown to have a higher affinity for the G4 sequences than for their mutated version. This study sheds light on new RNA G-quadruplexes located in genes dysregulated in Parkinson disease and a new G4-binding protein, GNL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Garant
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Hélène Cossette-Roberge
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée Sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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44
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RNA structure-wide discovery of functional interactions with multiplexed RNA motif library. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6275. [PMID: 33293523 PMCID: PMC7723054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biochemical assays and computational analyses have discovered RNA structures throughout various transcripts. However, the roles of these structures are mostly unknown. Here we develop folded RNA element profiling with structure library (FOREST), a multiplexed affinity assay system to identify functional interactions from transcriptome-wide RNA structure datasets. We generate an RNA structure library by extracting validated or predicted RNA motifs from gene-annotated RNA regions. The RNA structure library with an affinity enrichment assay allows for the comprehensive identification of target-binding RNA sequences and structures in a high-throughput manner. As a proof-of-concept, FOREST discovers multiple RNA-protein interaction networks with quantitative scores, including translational regulatory elements that function in living cells. Moreover, FOREST reveals different binding landscapes of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures-binding proteins and discovers rG4 structures in the terminal loops of precursor microRNAs. Overall, FOREST serves as a versatile platform to investigate RNA structure-function relationships on a large scale. Structured RNA motifs can be obtained by structure probing, duplex capture, and motif prediction. Here the authors develop a multiplexed affinity assay system to identify functional protein interactors from an RNA structure library with validated or predicted RNA motifs.
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45
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Dumas L, Herviou P, Dassi E, Cammas A, Millevoi S. G-Quadruplexes in RNA Biology: Recent Advances and Future Directions. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 46:270-283. [PMID: 33303320 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) are four-stranded structures known to control gene expression mechanisms, from transcription to protein synthesis, and DNA-related processes. Their potential impact on RNA biology allows these structures to shape cellular processes relevant to disease development, making their targeting for therapeutic purposes an attractive option. We review here the current knowledge on RG4s, focusing on the latest breakthroughs supporting the notion of transient structures that fluctuate dynamically in cellulo, their interplay with RNA modifications, their role in cell compartmentalization, and their deregulation impacting the host immune response. We emphasize RG4-binding proteins as determinants of their transient conformation and effectors of their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Dumas
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Pauline Herviou
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, (TN), Italy
| | - Anne Cammas
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France.
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46
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Lenarčič Živković M, Rozman J, Plavec J. Structure of a DNA G-Quadruplex Related to Osteoporosis with a G-A Bulge Forming a Pseudo-loop. Molecules 2020; 25:E4867. [PMID: 33096904 PMCID: PMC7588008 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone remodeling is a fine-tuned process principally regulated by a cascade triggered by interaction of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL). Excessive activity of the RANKL gene leads to increased bone resorption and can influence the incidence of osteoporosis. Although much has been learned about the intracellular signals activated by RANKL/RANK complex, significantly less is known about the molecular mechanisms of regulation of RANKL expression. Here, we report on the structure of an unprecedented DNA G-quadruplex, well-known secondary structure-mediated gene expression regulator, formed by a G-rich sequence found in the regulatory region of a RANKL gene. Solution-state NMR structural study reveals the formation of a three-layered parallel-type G-quadruplex characterized by an unique features, including a G-A bulge. Although a guanine within a G-tract occupies syn glycosidic conformation, bulge-forming residues arrange in a pseudo-loop conformation to facilitate partial 5/6-ring stacking, typical of G-quadruplex structures with parallel G-tracts orientation. Such distinctive structural features protruding from the core of the structure can represent a novel platform for design of highly specific ligands with anti-osteoporotic function. Additionally, our study suggests that the expression of RANKL gene may be regulated by putative folding of its G-rich region into non-B-DNA structure(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lenarčič Živković
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Rozman
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg OF 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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47
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Umar MI, Kwok CK. Specific suppression of D-RNA G-quadruplex-protein interaction with an L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10125-10141. [PMID: 32976590 PMCID: PMC7544233 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structure motifs that are of significance in chemistry and biology. The function of G4s is often governed by their interaction with G4-binding proteins. Few categories of G4-specific tools have been developed to inhibit G4-protein interactions; however, until now there is no aptamer tool being developed to do so. Herein, we present a novel L-RNA aptamer that can generally bind to D-RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure, and interfere with rG4-protein interaction. Using hTERC rG4 as the target for in vitro selection, we report the shortest L-aptamer being developed so far, with only 25 nucleotides. Notably, this new aptamer, L-Apt.4-1c, adopts a stem-loop structure with the loop folding into an rG4 motif with two G-quartet, demonstrates preferential binding toward rG4s over non-G4s and DNA G-quadruplexes (dG4s), and suppresses hTERC rG4-nucleolin interactions. We also show that inhibition of rG4-protein interaction using L-RNA aptamer L-Apt.4-1c is comparable to or better than G4-specific ligands such as carboxypyridostatin and QUMA-1 respectively, highlighting that our approach and findings expand the current G4 toolbox, and open a new avenue for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak I Umar
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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48
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Pavlova II, Tsvetkov VB, Isaakova EA, Severov VV, Khomyakova EA, Lacis IA, Lazarev VN, Lagarkova MA, Pozmogova GE, Varizhuk AM. Transcription-facilitating histone chaperons interact with genomic and synthetic G4 structures. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 160:1144-1157. [PMID: 32454109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Affinity for G-quadruplex (G4) structures may be a common feature of transcription-facilitating histone chaperons (HCs). This assumption is based on previous unmatched studies of HCs FACT, nucleolin (NCL), BRD3, and ATRX. We verified this assumption and considered its implications for the therapeutic applications of synthetic (exogenous) G4s and the biological significance of genomic G4s. First, we questioned whether exogenous G4s that recognize cell-surface NCL and could trap other HCs in the nucleus are usable as anticancer agents. We performed in vitro binding assays and selected leading multi-targeted G4s. They exhibited minor effects on cell viability. The presumed NCL-regulated intracellular transport of G4s was inefficient or insufficient for tumor-specific G4 delivery. Next, to clarify whether G4s in the human genome could recruit HCs, we compared available HC ChIP-seq data with G4-seq/G4-ChIP-seq data. Several G4s, including the well-known c-Myc quadruplex structure, were found to be colocalized with HC occupancy sites in cancer cell lines. As evidenced by our molecular modeling data, c-Myc G4 might interfere with the HC function of BRD3 but is unlikely to prevent the BRD3-driven assembly of the chromatin remodeling complex. The c-Myc case illustrates the intricate role of genomic G4s in chromatin remodeling, nucleosome remodeling, and transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia I Pavlova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia
| | - Vladimir B Tsvetkov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Computational Oncology Group, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya str, 8/2, Moscow 119146, Russia; A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect str. 29, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Isaakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav V Severov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Khomyakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Ivan A Lacis
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Vassilii N Lazarev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Galina E Pozmogova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Anna M Varizhuk
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia.; Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya str. 1a, Moscow 119435, Russia; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Vavilova str. 32, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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Virgilio A, Esposito V, Tassinari M, Nadai M, Richter SN, Galeone A. Novel monomolecular derivatives of the anti-HIV-1 G-quadruplex-forming Hotoda's aptamer containing inversion of polarity sites. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112786. [PMID: 32911256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we report on the design, preparation and investigation of four analogues of the anti-HIV G-quadruplex-forming Hotoda's aptamer, based on an unprecedented linear topology. In these derivatives, four TGGGAGT tracts have been joined together by exploiting 3'-3' and 5'-5' inversion of polarity sites formed by canonical phosphodiester bonds or a glycerol-based linker. Circular dichroism data suggest that all oligodeoxynucleotides fold in monomolecular G-quadruplex structures characterized by a parallel strand orientation and three side loops connecting 3'- or 5'-ends. The derivative bearing two lipophilic groups, namely HT353LGly, inhibited virus entry into the host cell, with anti-HIV-1 activity in the low nanomolar range; the other derivatives, albeit sharing the same base sequence and similar topology, were inactive. These results highlight that monomolecular Hotoda's aptamers with inversion of polarity sites represent a successful alternative strategy that merges the easiness of synthesis with the maintenance of remarkable activity. They also indicate that two lipophilic groups are necessary and sufficient for biological activity. Our data will inspire the design of further simplified derivatives with improved biophysical and antiviral properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Veronica Esposito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Aldo Galeone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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Wang CX, Zhang ZL, Yin QK, Tu JL, Wang JE, Xu YH, Rao Y, Ou TM, Huang SL, Li D, Wang HG, Li QJ, Tan JH, Chen SB, Huang ZS. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of New Quinazolinone Derivatives that Inhibit Bloom Syndrome Protein (BLM) Helicase, Trigger DNA Damage at the Telomere Region, and Synergize with PARP Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9752-9772. [PMID: 32697083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are crucial for the survival of cancer cells and are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) is a DNA helicase that performs important roles in DDR pathways. Our previous study discovered an effective new BLM inhibitor with a quinazolinone scaffold by a screening assay. Herein, to better understand the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and biological roles of the BLM inhibitor, a series of new derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated based on this scaffold. Among them, compound 9h exhibited nanomolar inhibitory activity and binding affinity for BLM. 9h could effectively disrupt BLM recruitment to DNA in cells. Furthermore, 9h inhibited the proliferation of the colorectal cell line HCT116 by significantly triggering DNA damage in the telomere region and inducing apoptosis, especially in combination with a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. This result suggested a synthetic lethal effect between the BLM and PARP inhibitors in DDR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zi-Lin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qi-Kun Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Li Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-En Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yao-Hao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shi-Liang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ding Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong-Gen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing-Jiang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, 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
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- 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
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