1
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Falanga AP, Lupia A, Tripodi L, Morgillo CM, Moraca F, Roviello GN, Catalanotti B, Amato J, Pastore L, Cerullo V, D'Errico S, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Borbone N. Exploring the DNA 2-PNA heterotriplex formation in targeting the Bcl-2 gene promoter: A structural insight by physico-chemical and microsecond-scale MD investigation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24599. [PMID: 38317891 PMCID: PMC10839560 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) represent a promising tool for gene modulation in anticancer treatment. The uncharged peptidyl backbone and the resistance to chemical and enzymatic degradation make PNAs highly advantageous to form stable hybrid complexes with complementary DNA and RNA strands, providing higher stability than the corresponding natural analogues. Our and other groups' research has successfully shown that tailored PNA sequences can effectively downregulate the expression of human oncogenes using antigene, antisense, or anti-miRNA approaches. Specifically, we identified a seven bases-long PNA sequence, complementary to the longer loop of the main G-quadruplex structure formed by the bcl2midG4 promoter sequence, capable of downregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein and enhancing the anticancer activity of an oncolytic adenovirus. Here, we extended the length of the PNA probe with the aim of including the double-stranded Bcl-2 promoter among the targets of the PNA probe. Our investigation primarily focused on the structural aspects of the resulting DNA2-PNA heterotriplex that were determined by employing conventional and accelerated microsecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations and chemical-physical analysis. Additionally, we conducted preliminary biological experiments using cytotoxicity assays on human A549 and MDA-MB-436 adenocarcinoma cell lines, employing the oncolytic adenovirus delivery strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P. Falanga
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., Naples, 80145, Italy
| | - Carmine M. Morgillo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore S.c.a.r.l., Naples, 80145, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
- ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Drug Research Program (DRP), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, 80131, Italy
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2
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Singh G, Monga V. Peptide Nucleic Acids: Recent Developments in the Synthesis and Backbone Modifications. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106860. [PMID: 37748328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106860] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid represents the ideal drug candidate for protein targets that are hard to target or against which drug development is not easy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthesized by attaching modified peptide backbones generally derived from repetitive N-2-aminoethyl glycine units in place of the regular phosphodiester backbone and represent synthetic impersonator of nucleic acids that offers an exciting research field due to their fascinating spectrum of biotechnological, diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications. The semi-rigid peptide nucleic acid backbone serves as a nearly-perfect template for attaching complimentary base pairs on DNA or RNA in a sequence-dependent manner as described by Watson-Crick models. PNAs and their analogues are endowed with exceptionally high affinity and specificity for receptor sites, essentially due to their polyamide backbone's uncharged and flexible nature. The present review compiled various strategies to modify the polypeptide backbone for improving the target selectivity and stability of the PNAs in the body. The investigated biological activities carried out on PNAs have also been summarized in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India.
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3
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Tamez A, Nilsson L, Mihailescu MR, Evanseck JD. Parameterization of the miniPEG-Modified γPNA Backbone: Toward Induced γPNA Duplex Dissociation. J Chem Theory Comput 2023. [PMID: 37195939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
γ-Modified peptide nucleic acids (γPNAs) serve as potential therapeutic agents against genetic diseases. Miniature poly(ethylene glycol) (miniPEG) has been reported to increase solubility and binding affinity toward genetic targets, yet details of γPNA structure and dynamics are not understood. Within our work, we parameterized missing torsional and electrostatic terms for the miniPEG substituent on the γ-carbon atom of the γPNA backbone in the CHARMM force field. Microsecond timescale molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on six miniPEG-modified γPNA duplexes from NMR structures (PDB ID: 2KVJ). Three NMR models for the γPNA duplex (PDB ID: 2KVJ) were simulated as a reference for structural and dynamic changes captured for the miniPEG-modified γPNA duplex. Principal component analysis performed on the γPNA backbone atoms identified a single isotropic conformational substate (CS) for the NMR simulations, whereas four anisotropic CSs were identified for the ensemble of miniPEG-modified γPNA simulations. The NMR structures were found to have a 23° helical bend toward the major groove, consistent with our simulated CS structure of 19.0°. However, a significant difference between simulated methyl- and miniPEG-modified γPNAs involved the opportunistic invasion of miniPEG through the minor and major groves. Specifically, hydrogen bond fractional analysis showed that the invasion was particularly prone to affect the second G-C base pair, reducing the Watson-Crick base pair hydrogen bond by 60% over the six simulations, whereas the A-T base pairs decreased by only 20%. Ultimately, the invasion led to base stack reshuffling, where the well-ordered base stacking was reduced to segmented nucleobase stacking interactions. Our 6 μs timescale simulations indicate that duplex dissociation suggests the onset toward γPNA single strands, consistent with the experimental observation of decreased aggregation. To complement the insight of miniPEG-modified γPNA structure and dynamics, the new miniPEG force field parameters allow for further exploration of such modified γPNA single strands as potential therapeutic agents against genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Tamez
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Lennart Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Mihaela-Rita Mihailescu
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Evanseck
- Center for Computational Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282, United States
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4
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Kovács L. From Peptide Nucleic Acids to Supramolecular Structures of Nucleic Acid Derivatives. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200203. [PMID: 36251934 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a pivotal role in life processes. The endeavours to shed light on the essential properties of these intriguing building blocks led us to the synthesis of different analogues and the investigation of their properties. First various peptide nucleic acid monomers and oligomers have been synthesized, using an Fmoc/acyl protecting group strategy, and their properties studied. The serendipitous discovery of a side reaction of coupling agents led us to the elaboration of a peptide sequencing method. The capricious behaviour of guanine derivatives spurred the determination of their substitution pattern using 13 C, 15 N NMR, and mass spectrometric methods. The properties of guanines initiated the logical transition to the study of supramolecular systems composed of purine analogues. Thus, xanthine and uracil derivatives have been obtained and their supramolecular self-assembly properties scrutinized in gas, solid, and liquid states and at solid-liquid interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos Kovács
- University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, H-6720, Szeged, Dóm tér 8, Hungary
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5
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Moccia M, Mercurio FA, Langella E, Piacenti V, Leone M, Adamo MFA, Saviano M. Structural Insights on Tiny Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Analogues of miRNA-34a: An in silico and Experimental Integrated Approach. Front Chem 2020; 8:568575. [PMID: 33330358 PMCID: PMC7719796 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.568575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, structural features of the interaction between peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based analogs of the tumor-suppressor microRNA-34a with both its binding sites on MYCN mRNA were investigated. In particular, the region from base 1 to 8 ("seed" region) of miR-34a was reproduced in the form of an 8-mer PNA fragment (tiny PNA), and binding to target 3'UTR MYCN mRNA, was studied by a seldom reported and detailed NMR characterization, providing evidence for the formation of anti-parallel duplexes with a well-organized structural core. The formation of PNA-3'UTR duplexes was also confirmed by Circular Dichroism, and their melting curves were measured by UV spectroscopy. Nevertheless, this study offered a valuable comparison between molecular dynamics predictions and experimental evidence, which showed great correlation. Preliminary uptake assays were carried out in Neuroblastoma Kelly cells, using short peptide conjugates as carriers and FITC fluorescent tag for subcellular localization. Moderate internalization was observed without the use of transfecting agents. The reported results corroborate the interest toward the design and development of chimeric PNA/RNA sequences as effective RNA-targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moccia
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Bari, Italy
| | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Emma Langella
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Piacenti
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro F. A. Adamo
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies, Bari, Italy
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6
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Singh KRB, Sridevi P, Singh RP. Potential applications of peptide nucleic acid in biomedical domain. ENGINEERING REPORTS : OPEN ACCESS 2020; 2:e12238. [PMID: 32838227 PMCID: PMC7404446 DOI: 10.1002/eng2.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) are DNA/RNA synthetic analogs with 2-([2-aminoethyl] amino) acetic acid backbone. They partake unique antisense and antigene properties, just due to its inhibitory effect on transcription and translation; they also undergo complementary binding to RNA/DNA with high affinity and specificity. Hence, to date, many methods utilizing PNA for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases namely cancer, AIDS, human papillomavirus, and so on, have been designed and developed. They are being used widely in polymerase chain reaction modulation/mutation, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, and in microarray as a probe; they are also utilized in many in-vitro and in-vivo assays and for developing micro and nano-sized biosensor/chip/array technologies. Earlier reviews, focused only on PNA properties, structure, and modifications related to diagnostics and therapeutics; our review emphasizes on PNA properties and synthesis along with its potential applications in diagnosis and therapeutics. Furthermore, prospects in biomedical applications of PNAs are being discussed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitij RB Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of ScienceIndira Gandhi National Tribal UniversityAmarkantakMadhya Pradesh484887India
| | - Parikipandla Sridevi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of ScienceIndira Gandhi National Tribal UniversityAmarkantakMadhya Pradesh484887India
| | - Ravindra Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of ScienceIndira Gandhi National Tribal UniversityAmarkantakMadhya Pradesh484887India
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7
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Antibacterial Peptide Nucleic Acids-Facts and Perspectives. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030559. [PMID: 32012929 PMCID: PMC7038079 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an escalating, worldwide problem. Due to excessive use of antibiotics, multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a serious threat and a major global healthcare problem of the 21st century. This fact creates an urgent need for new and effective antimicrobials. The common strategies for antibiotic discovery are based on either modifying existing antibiotics or screening compound libraries, but these strategies have not been successful in recent decades. An alternative approach could be to use gene-specific oligonucleotides, such as peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers, that can specifically target any single pathogen. This approach broadens the range of potential targets to any gene with a known sequence in any bacterium, and could significantly reduce the time required to discover new antimicrobials or their redesign, if resistance arises. We review the potential of PNA as an antibacterial molecule. First, we describe the physicochemical properties of PNA and modifications of the PNA backbone and nucleobases. Second, we review the carriers used to transport PNA to bacterial cells. Furthermore, we discuss the PNA targets in antibacterial studies focusing on antisense PNA targeting bacterial mRNA and rRNA.
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8
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Saadati A, Hassanpour S, Guardia MDL, Mosafer J, Hashemzaei M, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baradaran B. Recent advances on application of peptide nucleic acids as a bioreceptor in biosensors development. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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9
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Jasiński M, Feig M, Trylska J. Improved Force Fields for Peptide Nucleic Acids with Optimized Backbone Torsion Parameters. J Chem Theory Comput 2018; 14:3603-3620. [PMID: 29791152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids are promising nucleic acid analogs for antisense therapies as they can form stable duplex and triplex structures with DNA and RNA. Computational studies of PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes are an important component for guiding their design, yet existing force fields have not been well validated and parametrized with modern computational capabilities. We present updated CHARMM and Amber force fields for PNA that greatly improve the stability of simulated PNA-containing duplexes and triplexes in comparison with experimental structures and allow such systems to be studied on microsecond time scales. The force field modifications focus on reparametrized PNA backbone torsion angles to match high-level quantum mechanics reference energies for a model compound. The microsecond simulations of PNA-PNA, PNA-DNA, PNA-RNA, and PNA-DNA-PNA complexes also allowed a comprehensive analysis of hydration and ion interactions with such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Jasiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States.,Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Michael Feig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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10
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Masoodi HR, Bagheri S, Ghaderi Z. The influence of Cu + binding to hypoxanthine on stabilization of mismatches involving hypoxanthine and DNA bases: a DFT study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:1923-1934. [PMID: 29757083 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1475256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, the influence of Cu+ binding to N3- and N7-positions of hypoxanthine on energetic, geometrical and topological properties of hypoxanthine-guanine, hypoxanthine-adenine, hypoxanthine-cytosine, hypoxanthine-thymine and hypoxanthine-hypoxanthine mismatches is theoretically investigated. The calculations, in gas phase, are performed at B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level of theory. Unlike the other mispairs, Cu+ binding to N3-position of hypoxanthine causes the proton transfer process from enol form of hypoxanthine to imino forms of adenine and cytosine. This process also occurs in all mismatches having enol form of hypoxanthine when Cu+ binds to N7-position of hypoxanthine. The mismatches are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The influence of Cu+ on hydrogen bonds is also examined by atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Masoodi
- a Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry , Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan , Rafsanjan , Iran
| | - Sotoodeh Bagheri
- a Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry , Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan , Rafsanjan , Iran
| | - Zahra Ghaderi
- a Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry , Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan , Rafsanjan , Iran
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11
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Han S. Evaluation of the Amber Force Fields for Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a PNA-DNA Duplex. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.11299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanghwa Han
- Department of Biochemistry; Kangwon National University; Chuncheon 24341 Korea
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12
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Manicardi A, Rozzi A, Korom S, Corradini R. Building on the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) scaffold: a biomolecular engineering approach. Supramol Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10610278.2017.1371720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Manicardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group (OBCR), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences – Ghent University Campus Sterre, Belgium
| | - Andrea Rozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Saša Korom
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Roma, Italy
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13
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Gupta A, Mishra A, Puri N. Peptide nucleic acids: Advanced tools for biomedical applications. J Biotechnol 2017; 259:148-159. [PMID: 28764969 PMCID: PMC7114329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids − DNA/RNA analogues. Different Modifications on PNA backbone and their effects. Neutral backbone − remarkable hybridization properties. PNA based biosensors and their diverse biomedical applications. Potential antigene and antisense agents.
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are the DNA/RNA analogues in which sugar-phosphate backbone is replaced by N-2-aminoethylglycine repeating units. PNA contains neutral backbone hence due to the absence of electrostatic repulsion, its hybridization shows remarkable stability towards complementary oligonucleotides. PNAs are highly resistant to cleavage by chemicals and enzymes due to the substrate specific nature of enzymes and therefore not degraded inside the cells. PNAs are emerging as new tools in the market due to their applications in antisense and antigene therapies by inhibiting translation and transcription respectively. Hence, several methods based on PNAs have been developed for designing various anticancer and antigene drugs, detection of mutations or modulation of PCR reactions. The duplex homopurine sequence of DNA may also be recognized by PNA, forming firm PNA/DNA/PNA triplex through strand invasion with a looped-out DNA strand. PNAs have also been found to replace DNA probes in varied investigative purposes. There are several disadvantages regarding cellular uptake of PNA, so modifications in PNA backbone or covalent coupling with cell penetrating peptides is necessary to improve its delivery inside the cells. In this review, hybridization properties along with potential applications of PNA in the field of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals are elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, U.P., India.
| | - Anuradha Mishra
- School of Vocational Studies & Applied Sciences, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, U.P., India
| | - Nidhi Puri
- Department of Applied Science & Humanities, I.T.S Engineering College, Greater Noida, U.P., India
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14
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Peptide Nucleic Acids as miRNA Target Protectors for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071144. [PMID: 28698463 PMCID: PMC6152032 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life shortening conditions in Caucasians. CF is caused by mutations in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene which result in reduced or altered CFTR functionality. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) downregulate the expression of CFTR, thus causing or exacerbating the symptoms of CF. In this context, the design of anti-miRNA agents represents a valid functional tool, but its translation to the clinic might lead to unpredictable side effects because of the interference with the expression of other genes regulated by the same miRNAs. Herein, for the first time, is proposed the use of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to protect specific sequences in the 3’UTR (untranslated region) of the CFTR messenger RNA (mRNA) by action of miRNAs. Two PNAs (7 and 13 bases long) carrying the tetrapeptide Gly-SerP-SerP-Gly at their C-end, fully complementary to the 3’UTR sequence recognized by miR-509-3p, have been synthesized and the structural features of target PNA/RNA heteroduplexes have been investigated by spectroscopic and molecular dynamics studies. The co-transfection of the pLuc-CFTR-3´UTR vector with different combinations of PNAs, miR-509-3p, and controls in A549 cells demonstrated the ability of the longer PNA to rescue the luciferase activity by up to 70% of the control, thus supporting the use of suitable PNAs to counteract the reduction in the CFTR expression.
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15
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Saarbach J, Masi D, Zambaldo C, Winssinger N. Facile access to modified and functionalized PNAs through Ugi-based solid phase oligomerization. Bioorg Med Chem 2017. [PMID: 28624242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) derivatized with functional molecules are increasingly used in diverse biosupramolecular applications. PNAs have proven to be highly tolerant to modifications and different applications benefit from the use of modified PNAs, in particular modifications at the γ position. Herein we report simple protocols to access modified PNAs from iterative Ugi couplings which allow modular modifications at the α, β or γ position of the PNA backbone from simple starting materials. We demonstrate the utility of the method with the synthesis of several bioactive small molecules (a peptide ligand, a kinase inhibitor and a glycan)-PNA conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Saarbach
- Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Masi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Zambaldo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Faculty of Science, Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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Verona MD, Verdolino V, Palazzesi F, Corradini R. Focus on PNA Flexibility and RNA Binding using Molecular Dynamics and Metadynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42799. [PMID: 28211525 PMCID: PMC5314342 DOI: 10.1038/srep42799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) can efficiently target DNA or RNA acting as chemical tools for gene regulation. Their backbone modification and functionalization is often used to increase the affinity for a particular sequence improving selectivity. The understanding of the trading forces that lead the single strand PNA to bind the DNA or RNA sequence is preparatory for any further rational design, but a clear and unique description of this process is still not complete. In this paper we report further insights into this subject, by a computational investigation aiming at the characterization of the conformations of a single strand PNA and how these can be correlated to its capability in binding DNA/RNA. Employing Metadynamics we were able to better define conformational pre-organizations of the single strand PNA and γ-modified PNA otherwise unrevealed through classical molecular dynamics. Our simulations driven on backbone modified PNAs lead to the conclusion that this γ-functionalization affects the single strand preorganization and targeting properties to the DNA/RNA, in agreement with circular dichroism (CD) spectra obtained for this class of compounds. MD simulations on PNA:RNA dissociation and association mechanisms allowed to reveal the critical role of central bases and preorganization in the binding process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Verdolino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ferruccio Palazzesi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, c/o Università della Svizzera Italiana Campus, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Facoltà di Informatica, Instituto di Scienze Computazionali, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Corradini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, University of Parma, Italy, 43124, Italy
- National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB)-Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
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17
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Karakas E, Taveneau C, Bressanelli S, Marchi M, Robert B, Abel S. Derivation of original RESP atomic partial charges for MD simulations of the LDAO surfactant with AMBER: applications to a model of micelle and a fragment of the lipid kinase PI4KA. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:159-181. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1135822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Karakas
- Maison de la Simulation, USR 3441, CEA – CNRS – INRIA – Univ. Paris-Sud – Univ. de Versailles, 91191, Gif sur Yvette, France
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, DRF/IBITECS/SB2SM/LBMS & CNRS UMR 9198, Saclay, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Cyntia Taveneau
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Stéphane Bressanelli
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Massimo Marchi
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, DRF/IBITECS/SB2SM/LBMS & CNRS UMR 9198, Saclay, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Bruno Robert
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, DRF/IBITECS/SB2SM/LBMS & CNRS UMR 9198, Saclay, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Stéphane Abel
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, DRF/IBITECS/SB2SM/LBMS & CNRS UMR 9198, Saclay, France
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France
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18
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Yurenko YP, Novotný J, Nikolaienko TY, Marek R. Nucleotides containing variously modified sugars: energetics, structure, and mechanical properties. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 18:1615-28. [PMID: 26672740 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp05478h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The influence of various sugar residue modifications on intrinsic energetic, conformational, and mechanical properties of 2'-deoxyribonucleotide-5'-monophosphates (dNs) was comprehensively investigated using modern quantum chemical approaches. In total, fourteen sugar modifications, including double bonds and heteroatoms (S and N) inside the sugar ring, as well as fluorination in various positions, were analyzed. Among hundreds of possible conformational states of dNs, only two - AI and BI, corresponding to the most biologically significant forms of a double-helical DNA, were considered for each dN. It was established that the most of the studied modifications tend to strongly stabilize either AI or BI conformation of dNs both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution (modelled by implicit solvent models). Therefore, some of these modifications can be used as a tool for reducing structural polymorphism of nucleic acids in solution as well as for designing oligonucleotides with specific structural features. The evaluation of relaxed force constants (RFC) for glycosidic bonds suggests that the majority of the studied modifications of the sugar residue yield increased strengths of glycosidic bonds in dNs, and can therefore be used for designing modified nucleic acids with an increased resistance to abasic lesions. The most significant reinforcement of the glycosidic bond occurs in dNs containing the CF2 group instead of the O4' oxygen and the fluorine atom at the 2'-α-position. The calculation of the RFC and vibrational root-mean-square (VRMS) deviations for conformational degrees of freedom revealed a strong dependence between mechanical properties of dNs and their energetic characteristics. In particular, electronic energies of AI and BI conformers of dNs calculated in vacuo are closely connected with the values of relaxed force constants (RFC) for the δ angle: the higher RFC(δ) values correspond to more energetically favorable conformers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgen P Yurenko
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
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19
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Jin YY, Andrade J, Wickstrom E. Non-Specific Blocking of miR-17-5p Guide Strand in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Amplifying Passenger Strand Activity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142574. [PMID: 26629823 PMCID: PMC4667903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional wisdom holds that only one of the two strands in a micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) precursor duplex is selected as the active miRNA guide strand. The complementary miRNA passenger strand, however, is thought to be inactive. High levels of the oncogenic miRNA (oncomiR) guide strand called miR-17-5p is overexpressed in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and can inhibit ribosomal translation of tumor suppressor gene mRNAs, such as programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) or phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). We hypothesized that knocking down the oncogenic microRNA (oncomiR) miR-17-5p might restore the expression levels of PDCD4 and PTEN tumor suppressor proteins, illustrating a route to oligonucleotide therapy of TNBC. Contrary to conventional wisdom, antisense knockdown of oncomiR miR-17-5p guide strand reduced PDCD4 and PTEN proteins by 1.8±0.3 fold in human TNBC cells instead of raising them. Bioinformatics analysis and folding energy calculations revealed that mRNA targets of miR-17-5p guide strand, such as PDCD4 and PTEN, could also be regulated by miR-17-3p passenger strand. Due to high sequence homology between the antisense molecules and miR-17-3p passenger strand, as well as the excess binding sites for the passenger strand on the 3’UTR of PDCD4 and PTEN mRNAs, introducing a miR-17-3p DNA-LNA mimic to knock down miR-17-5p reduced PDCD4 and PTEN protein expression instead of raising them. Our results imply that therapeutic antisense sequences against miRNAs should be designed to target the miRNA strand with the greatest number of putative binding sites in the target mRNAs, while minimizing affinity for the minor strand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Jin
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jade Andrade
- Chemistry, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Eric Wickstrom
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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20
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Barluenga S, Winssinger N. PNA as a Biosupramolecular Tag for Programmable Assemblies and Reactions. Acc Chem Res 2015; 48:1319-31. [PMID: 25947113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.5b00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The programmability of oligonucleotide hybridization offers an attractive platform for the design of assemblies with emergent properties or functions. Developments in DNA nanotechnologies have transformed our thinking about the applications of nucleic acids. Progress from designed assemblies to functional outputs will continue to benefit from functionalities added to the nucleic acids that can participate in reactions or interactions beyond hybridization. In that respect, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are interesting because they combine the hybridization properties of DNA with the modularity of peptides. In fact, PNAs form more stable duplexes with DNA or RNA than the corresponding natural homoduplexes. The high stability achieved with shorter oligomers (an 8-mer is sufficient for a stable duplex at room temperature) typically results in very high sequence fidelity in the hybridization with negligible impact of the ionic strength of the buffer due to the lack of electrostatic repulsion between the duplex strands. The simple peptidic backbone of PNA has been shown to be tolerant of modifications with substitutions that further enhance the duplex stability while providing opportunities for functionalization. Moreover, the metabolic stability of PNAs facilitates their integration into systems that interface with biology. Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in using PNAs as biosupramolecular tags to program assemblies and reactions. A series of robust templated reactions have been developed with functionalized PNA. These reactions can be used to translate DNA templates into functional polymers of unprecedented complexity, fluorescent outputs, or bioactive small molecules. Furthermore, cellular nucleic acids (mRNA or miRNA) have been harnessed to promote assemblies and reactions in live cells. The tolerance of PNA synthesis also lends itself to the encoding of small molecules that can be further assembled on the basis of their nucleic acid sequences. It is now well-established that hybridization-based assemblies displaying two or more ligands can interact synergistically with a target biomolecule. These assemblies have now been shown to be functional in vivo. Similarly, PNA-tagged macromolecules have been used to prepare bioactive assemblies and three-dimensional nanostructures. Several technologies based on DNA-templated synthesis of sequence-defined polymers or DNA-templated display of ligands have been shown to be compatible with reiterative cycles of selection/amplification starting with large libraries of DNA templates, bringing the power of in vitro evolution to synthetic molecules and offering the possibility of exploring uncharted molecular diversity space with unprecedented scope and speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Barluenga
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest Ansermet, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Sonar M, Wampole ME, Jin YY, Chen CP, Thakur ML, Wickstrom E. Fluorescence detection of KRAS2 mRNA hybridization in lung cancer cells with PNA-peptides containing an internal thiazole orange. Bioconjug Chem 2014; 25:1697-708. [PMID: 25180641 PMCID: PMC4166030 DOI: 10.1021/bc500304m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously developed reporter-peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-peptides for sequence-specific radioimaging and fluorescence imaging of particular mRNAs in cells and tumors. However, a direct test for PNA-peptide hybridization with RNA in the cytoplasm would be desirable. Thiazole orange (TO) dye at the 5' end of a hybridization agent shows a strong increase in fluorescence quantum yield when stacked upon a 5' terminal base pair, in solution and in cells. We hypothesized that hybridization agents with an internal TO could distinguish a single base mutation in RNA. Thus, we designed KRAS2 PNA-IGF1 tetrapeptide agents with an internal TO adjacent to the middle base of the 12th codon, a frequent site of cancer-initiating mutations. Our molecular dynamics calculations predicted a disordered bulge with weaker hybridization resulting from a single RNA mismatch. We observed that single-stranded PNA-IGF1 tetrapeptide agents with an internal TO showed low fluorescence, but fluorescence escalated 5-6-fold upon hybridization with KRAS2 RNA. Circular dichroism melting curves showed ∼10 °C higher Tm for fully complementary vs single base mismatch TO-PNA-peptide agent duplexes with KRAS2 RNA. Fluorescence measurements of treated human lung cancer cells similarly showed elevated cytoplasmic fluorescence intensity with fully complementary vs single base mismatch agents. Sequence-specific elevation of internal TO fluorescence is consistent with our hypothesis of detecting cytoplasmic PNA-peptide:RNA hybridization if a mutant agent encounters the corresponding mutant mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh
V. Sonar
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Matthew E. Wampole
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Yuan-Yuan Jin
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Chang-Po Chen
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan
Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Mathew L. Thakur
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
| | - Eric Wickstrom
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Radiology, and Kimmel Cancer
Center Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, United States
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22
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Exploitation of a very small peptide nucleic acid as a new inhibitor of miR-509-3p involved in the regulation of cystic fibrosis disease-gene expression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:610718. [PMID: 24829907 PMCID: PMC4009323 DOI: 10.1155/2014/610718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Computational techniques, and in particular molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, have been successfully used as a complementary technique to predict and analyse the structural behaviour of nucleic acids, including peptide nucleic acid- (PNA-) RNA hybrids. This study shows that a 7-base long PNA complementary to the seed region of miR-509-3p, one of the miRNAs involved in the posttranscriptional regulation of the CFTR disease-gene of Cystic Fibrosis, and bearing suitable functionalization at its N- and C-ends aimed at improving its resistance to nucleases and cellular uptake, is able to revert the expression of the luciferase gene containing the 3′UTR of the gene in A549 human lung cancer cells, in agreement with the MD results that pointed at the formation of a stable RNA/PNA heteroduplex notwithstanding the short sequence of the latter. The here reported results widen the interest towards the use of small PNAs as effective anti-miRNA agents.
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