1
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Gao J, Liu H, Zhuo C, Zeng C, Zhao Y. Predicting Small Molecule Binding Nucleotides in RNA Structures Using RNA Surface Topography. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 39230508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA small molecule interactions play a crucial role in drug discovery and inhibitor design. Identifying RNA small molecule binding nucleotides is essential and requires methods that exhibit a high predictive ability to facilitate drug discovery and inhibitor design. Existing methods can predict the binding nucleotides of simple RNA structures, but it is hard to predict binding nucleotides in complex RNA structures with junctions. To address this limitation, we developed a new deep learning model based on spatial correlation, ZHmolReSTasite, which can accurately predict binding nucleotides of small and large RNA with junctions. We utilize RNA surface topography to consider the spatial correlation, characterizing nucleotides from sequence and tertiary structures to learn a high-level representation. Our method outperforms existing methods for benchmark test sets composed of simple RNA structures, achieving precision values of 72.9% on TE18 and 76.7% on RB9 test sets. For a challenging test set composed of RNA structures with junctions, our method outperforms the second best method by 11.6% in precision. Moreover, ZHmolReSTasite demonstrates robustness regarding the predicted RNA structures. In summary, ZHmolReSTasite successfully incorporates spatial correlation, outperforms previous methods on small and large RNA structures using RNA surface topography, and can provide valuable insights into RNA small molecule prediction and accelerate RNA inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Gao
- Institute of Biophysics and Department of Physics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Haoquan Liu
- Institute of Biophysics and Department of Physics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Chen Zhuo
- Institute of Biophysics and Department of Physics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Chengwei Zeng
- Institute of Biophysics and Department of Physics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yunjie Zhao
- Institute of Biophysics and Department of Physics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
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2
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Tong Y, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Targeting RNA with small molecules, from RNA structures to precision medicines: IUPHAR review: 40. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39224931 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA plays important roles in regulating both health and disease biology in all kingdoms of life. Notably, RNA can form intricate three-dimensional structures, and their biological functions are dependent on these structures. Targeting the structured regions of RNA with small molecules has gained increasing attention over the past decade, because it provides both chemical probes to study fundamental biology processes and lead medicines for diseases with unmet medical needs. Recent advances in RNA structure prediction and determination and RNA biology have accelerated the rational design and development of RNA-targeted small molecules to modulate disease pathology. However, challenges remain in advancing RNA-targeted small molecules towards clinical applications. This review summarizes strategies to study RNA structures, to identify small molecules recognizing these structures, and to augment the functionality of RNA-binding small molecules. We focus on recent advances in developing RNA-targeted small molecules as potential therapeutics in a variety of diseases, encompassing different modes of actions and targeting strategies. Furthermore, we present the current gaps between early-stage discovery of RNA-binding small molecules and their clinical applications, as well as a roadmap to overcome these challenges in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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3
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Kallert E, Almena Rodriguez L, Husmann JÅ, Blatt K, Kersten C. Structure-based virtual screening of unbiased and RNA-focused libraries to identify new ligands for the HCV IRES model system. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1527-1538. [PMID: 38784459 PMCID: PMC11110755 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00696d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting RNA including viral RNAs with small molecules is an emerging field. The hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (HCV IRES) is a potential target for translation inhibitor development to raise drug resistance mutation preparedness. Using RNA-focused and unbiased molecule libraries, a structure-based virtual screening (VS) by molecular docking and pharmacophore analysis was performed against the HCV IRES subdomain IIa. VS hits were validated by a microscale thermophoresis (MST) binding assay and a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay elucidating ligand-induced conformational changes. Ten hit molecules were identified with potencies in the high to medium micromolar range proving the suitability of structure-based virtual screenings against RNA-targets. Hit compounds from a 2-guanidino-quinazoline series, like the strongest binder, compound 8b with an EC50 of 61 μM, show low molecular weight, moderate lipophilicity and reduced basicity compared to previously reported IRES ligands. Therefore, it can be considered as a potential starting point for further optimization by chemical derivatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kallert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Laura Almena Rodriguez
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Jan-Åke Husmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Kathrin Blatt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University BioZentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15 55128 Mainz Germany
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4
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Kaur J, Sharma A, Mundlia P, Sood V, Pandey A, Singh G, Barnwal RP. RNA-Small-Molecule Interaction: Challenging the "Undruggable" Tag. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38498010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA targeting, specifically with small molecules, is a relatively new and rapidly emerging avenue with the promise to expand the target space in the drug discovery field. From being "disregarded" as an "undruggable" messenger molecule to FDA approval of an RNA-targeting small-molecule drug Risdiplam, a radical change in perspective toward RNA has been observed in the past decade. RNAs serve important regulatory functions beyond canonical protein synthesis, and their dysregulation has been reported in many diseases. A deeper understanding of RNA biology reveals that RNA molecules can adopt a variety of structures, carrying defined binding pockets that can accommodate small-molecule drugs. Due to its functional diversity and structural complexity, RNA can be perceived as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention. This perspective highlights the proof of concept of RNA-small-molecule interactions, exemplified by targeting of various transcripts with functional modulators. The advent of RNA-oriented knowledge would help expedite drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaskirat Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Poonam Mundlia
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Vikas Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ankur Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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5
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Ejaz S, Paracha RZ, Ejaz S, Jamal Z. Antibody designing against IIIabc junction (JIIIabc) of HCV IRES through affinity maturation; RNA-Antibody docking and interaction analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291213. [PMID: 37682810 PMCID: PMC10490861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291213] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a single-stranded RNA based virus which can cause chronic HCV and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV genotype 3a has relatively higher rate of fibrosis progression, prevalence of steatosis and incidence of HCC. Despite HCVs variation in genomic sequence, the 5' untranslated region containing internal ribosome entry site (IRES) is highly conserved among all genotypes. It is responsible for translation and initiation of the viral protein. In present study, IRES was targeted by designing variants of reported antigen binding fragment (Fab) through affinity maturation approach. Affinity maturation strategy allowed the rational antibody designing with better biophysical properties and antibody-antigen binding interactions. Complementarity determining regions of reported Fab (wild type) were assessed and docked with IRES. Best generated model of Fab was selected and subjected to alanine scanning Three sets of insilico mutations for variants (V) designing were selected; single (1-71), double (a-j) and triple (I-X). Redocking of IRES-Fab variants consequently enabled the discovery of three variants exhibiting better docking score as compared to the wild type Fab. V1, V39 and V4 exhibited docking scores of -446.51, -446.52 and-446.29 kcal/mol respectively which is better as compared to the wild type Fab that exhibited the docking score of -351.23 kcal/mol. Variants exhibiting better docking score were screened for aggregation propensity by assessing the aggregation prone regions in Fab structure. Total A3D scores of wild type Fab, V1, V4 and V39 were predicted as -315.325, -312.727, -316.967 and -317.545 respectively. It is manifested that solubility of V4 and V39 is comparable to wild type Fab. In future, development and invitro assessment of these promising Fab HCV3 variants is aimed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Ejaz
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Ejaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zunera Jamal
- Department of Virology, National Institutes of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
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6
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Shaldam MA, Hendrychová D, El-Haggar R, Vojáčková V, Majrashi TA, Elkaeed EB, Masurier N, Kryštof V, Tawfik HO, Eldehna WM. 2,4-Diaryl-pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives as novel anticancer agents endowed with potent anti-leukemia activity: Synthesis, biological evaluation and kinase profiling. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115610. [PMID: 37437350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115610] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stands as one of the most aggressive type of human cancer that can develop rapidly and thus requires immediate management. In the current study, the development of novel derivatives of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (5a-p) as potential anti-AML agents is reported. The prepared compounds 5a-p were inspected for their in vitro anti-tumor activity at NCI-DTP and subsequently 5h was selected for full panel five-dose screening to assess its TGI, LC50 and GI50 values. Compound 5h showed effective anti-tumor activity at low micromolar concentration on all tested human cancer cell lines with GI50 range from 0.35 to 9.43 μM with superior sub-micromolar activity towards leukemia. Furthermore, pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles 5e-l were tested on a panel ofhuman acute leukemia cell lines, namely HL60, MOLM-13, MV4-11, CCRF-CEM and THP-1, where 5e-h reached single-digit micromolar GI50 values for all the tested cell lines. All prepared compounds were first tested for inhibitory action against the leukemia-associated mutant FLT3-ITD, as well as against ABL, CDK2, and GSK3 kinases, in order to identify the kinase target for the herein described pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles. However, the examined molecules disclosed non-significant activity against these kinases. Thereafter, a kinase profiling on a panel of 338 human kinases was then used to discover the potential target. Interestingly, pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles 5e and 5h significantly inhibited BMX kinase. Further investigation for the effect on cell cycle of HL60 and MV4-11 cells and caspase 3/7 activity was also performed. In addition, the changes in selected proteins (PARP-1, Mcl-1, pH3-Ser10) associated with cell death and viability were analyzed in HL60 and MV4-11 cells by immunoblotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moataz A Shaldam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Denisa Hendrychová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radwan El-Haggar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, 11795, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Veronika Vojáčková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Taghreed A Majrashi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Asir, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Vladimír Kryštof
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Haytham O Tawfik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
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7
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Chingarande RG, Tian K, Kuang Y, Sarangee A, Hou C, Ma E, Ren J, Hawkins S, Kim J, Adelstein R, Chen S, Gillis KD, Gu LQ. Real-time label-free detection of dynamic aptamer-small molecule interactions using a nanopore nucleic acid conformational sensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2108118120. [PMID: 37276386 PMCID: PMC10268594 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108118120] [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: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids can undergo conformational changes upon binding small molecules. These conformational changes can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies through control of gene expression or triggering of cellular responses and can also be used to develop sensors for small molecules such as neurotransmitters. Many analytical approaches can detect dynamic conformational change of nucleic acids, but they need labeling, are expensive, and have limited time resolution. The nanopore approach can provide a conformational snapshot for each nucleic acid molecule detected, but has not been reported to detect dynamic nucleic acid conformational change in response to small -molecule binding. Here we demonstrate a modular, label-free, nucleic acid-docked nanopore capable of revealing time-resolved, small molecule-induced, single nucleic acid molecule conformational transitions with millisecond resolution. By using the dopamine-, serotonin-, and theophylline-binding aptamers as testbeds, we found that these nucleic acids scaffolds can be noncovalently docked inside the MspA protein pore by a cluster of site-specific charged residues. This docking mechanism enables the ion current through the pore to characteristically vary as the aptamer undergoes conformational changes, resulting in a sequence of current fluctuations that report binding and release of single ligand molecules from the aptamer. This nanopore tool can quantify specific ligands such as neurotransmitters, elucidate nucleic acid-ligand interactions, and pinpoint the nucleic acid motifs for ligand binding, showing the potential for small molecule biosensing, drug discovery assayed via RNA and DNA conformational changes, and the design of artificial riboswitch effectors in synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugare G. Chingarande
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Kai Tian
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Yu Kuang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Aby Sarangee
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Chengrui Hou
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Emily Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Jarett Ren
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Sam Hawkins
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Joshua Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Ray Adelstein
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Sally Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Kevin D. Gillis
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
| | - Li-Qun Gu
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO65211
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8
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Abstract
Although fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has been successfully implemented and well-explored for protein targets, its feasibility for RNA targets is emerging. Despite the challenges associated with the selective targeting of RNA, efforts to integrate known methods of RNA binder discovery with fragment-based approaches have been fruitful, as a few bioactive ligands have been identified. Here, we review various fragment-based approaches implemented for RNA targets and provide insights into experimental design and outcomes to guide future work in the area. Indeed, investigations surrounding the molecular recognition of RNA by fragments address rather important questions such as the limits of molecular weight that confer selective binding and the physicochemical properties favorable for RNA binding and bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessy M. Suresh
- UF Scripps Biomedical Research & The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Amirhossein Taghavi
- UF Scripps Biomedical Research & The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Jessica L. Childs-Disney
- UF Scripps Biomedical Research & The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- UF Scripps Biomedical Research & The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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9
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RPflex: A Coarse-Grained Network Model for RNA Pocket Flexibility Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065497. [PMID: 36982570 PMCID: PMC10058308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA regulates various biological processes, such as gene regulation, RNA splicing, and intracellular signal transduction. RNA’s conformational dynamics play crucial roles in performing its diverse functions. Thus, it is essential to explore the flexibility characteristics of RNA, especially pocket flexibility. Here, we propose a computational approach, RPflex, to analyze pocket flexibility using the coarse-grained network model. We first clustered 3154 pockets into 297 groups by similarity calculation based on the coarse-grained lattice model. Then, we introduced the flexibility score to quantify the flexibility by global pocket features. The results show strong correlations between the flexibility scores and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) values, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.60, 0.76, and 0.53 in Testing Sets I–III. Considering both flexibility score and network calculations, the Pearson correlation coefficient was increased to 0.71 in flexible pockets on Testing Set IV. The network calculations reveal that the long-range interaction changes contributed most to flexibility. In addition, the hydrogen bonds in the base–base interactions greatly stabilize the RNA structure, while backbone interactions determine RNA folding. The computational analysis of pocket flexibility could facilitate RNA engineering for biological or medical applications.
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10
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Pannu J, Glenn JS. Programmable Antivirals and Just-in-Time Vaccines: Biosecurity Implications of Viral RNA Secondary Structure Targeting. Health Secur 2023; 21:81-84. [PMID: 36576394 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2022.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Pannu
- Jaspreet Pannu, MD, is a Resident Physician, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; and a Fellow, Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jeffrey S Glenn
- Jeffrey S. Glenn, MD, PhD, is the Joseph D. Grant Professor, Department of Medicine, and Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; and Director, ViRx@Stanford, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA. He is also a Physician, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
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11
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Abstract
There is growing interest in therapeutic intervention that targets disease-relevant RNAs using small molecules. While there have been some successes in RNA-targeted small-molecule discovery, a deeper understanding of structure-activity relationships in pursuing these targets has remained elusive. One of the best-studied tertiary-structured RNAs is the theophylline aptamer, which binds theophylline with high affinity and selectivity. Although not a drug target, this aptamer has had many applications, especially pertaining to genetic control circuits. Heretofore, no compound has been shown to bind the theophylline aptamer with greater affinity than theophylline itself. However, by carrying out a high-throughput screen of low-molecular-weight compounds, several unique hits were identified that are chemically distinct from theophylline and bind with up to 340-fold greater affinity. Multiple atomic-resolution X-ray crystal structures were determined to investigate the binding mode of theophylline and four of the best hits. These structures reveal both the rigidity of the theophylline aptamer binding pocket and the opportunity for other ligands to bind more tightly in this pocket by forming additional hydrogen-bonding interactions. These results give encouragement that the same approaches to drug discovery that have been applied so successfully to proteins can also be applied to RNAs.
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12
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Ni J, Cheng X, Ni T, Liang J. Identifying SM-miRNA associations based on layer attention graph convolutional network and matrix decomposition. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1009099. [PMID: 36504714 PMCID: PMC9732030 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1009099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate prediction of potential associations between microRNAs (miRNAs) and small molecule (SM) drugs can enhance our knowledge of how SM cures endogenous miRNA-related diseases. Given that traditional methods for predicting SM-miRNA associations are time-consuming and arduous, a number of computational models have been proposed to anticipate the potential SM-miRNA associations. However, several of these strategies failed to eliminate noise from the known SM-miRNA association information or failed to prioritize the most significant known SM-miRNA associations. Therefore, we proposed a model of Graph Convolutional Network with Layer Attention mechanism for SM-MiRNA Association prediction (GCNLASMMA). Firstly, we obtained the new SM-miRNA associations by matrix decomposition. The new SM-miRNA associations, as well as the integrated SM similarity and miRNA similarity were subsequently incorporated into a heterogeneous network. Finally, a graph convolutional network with an attention mechanism was used to compute the reconstructed SM-miRNA association matrix. Furthermore, four types of cross validations and two types of case studies were performed to assess the performance of GCNLASMMA. In cross validation, global Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOOCV), miRNA-fixed LOOCV, SM-fixed LOOCV and 5-fold cross-validation achieved excellent performance. Numerous hypothesized associations in case studies were confirmed by experimental literatures. All of these results confirmed that GCNLASMMA is a trustworthy association inference method.
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13
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Gupta P, Khadake RM, Panja S, Shinde K, Rode AB. Alternative RNA Conformations: Companion or Combatant. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1930. [PMID: 36360167 PMCID: PMC9689429 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules, in one form or another, are involved in almost all aspects of cell physiology, as well as in disease development. The diversity of the functional roles of RNA comes from its intrinsic ability to adopt complex secondary and tertiary structures, rivaling the diversity of proteins. The RNA molecules form dynamic ensembles of many interconverting conformations at a timescale of seconds, which is a key for understanding how they execute their cellular functions. Given the crucial role of RNAs in various cellular processes, we need to understand the RNA molecules from a structural perspective. Central to this review are studies aimed at revealing the regulatory role of conformational equilibria in RNA in humans to understand genetic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses so as to understand the progression of infectious diseases. Furthermore, we also summarize the prior studies on the use of RNA structures as platforms for the rational design of small molecules for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ambadas B. Rode
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad—Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad 121001, India
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14
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Childs-Disney JL, Yang X, Gibaut QMR, Tong Y, Batey RT, Disney MD. Targeting RNA structures with small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:736-762. [PMID: 35941229 PMCID: PMC9360655 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA adopts 3D structures that confer varied functional roles in human biology and dysfunction in disease. Approaches to therapeutically target RNA structures with small molecules are being actively pursued, aided by key advances in the field including the development of computational tools that predict evolutionarily conserved RNA structures, as well as strategies that expand mode of action and facilitate interactions with cellular machinery. Existing RNA-targeted small molecules use a range of mechanisms including directing splicing - by acting as molecular glues with cellular proteins (such as branaplam and the FDA-approved risdiplam), inhibition of translation of undruggable proteins and deactivation of functional structures in noncoding RNAs. Here, we describe strategies to identify, validate and optimize small molecules that target the functional transcriptome, laying out a roadmap to advance these agents into the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | - Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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15
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Martín-Villamil M, Sanmartín I, Moreno Á, Gallego J. Pharmacophore-Based Discovery of Viral RNA Conformational Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060748. [PMID: 35745667 PMCID: PMC9229403 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New RNA-binding small-molecule scaffolds are needed to unleash the pharmacological potential of RNA targets. Here we have applied a pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach, seldom used in the RNA recognition field, to identify novel conformational inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site. The conformational effect of the screening hits was assessed with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, and the affinity, specificity, and binding site of the ligands were determined using a combination of fluorescence intensity and NMR spectroscopy experiments. The results indicate that this strategy can be successfully applied to discover RNA conformational inhibitors bearing substantially less positive charge than the reference ligands. This methodology can potentially be accommodated to other RNA motifs of pharmacological interest, facilitating the discovery of novel RNA-targeted molecules.
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16
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Debnath S, Parveen S, Pradhan P, Das I, Das T. Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- a]pyridines and benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2- a]pyrimidines: recent advancements in synthesis of two diversely important heterocyclic motifs and their derivatives. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj00546h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen heterocycles are some of the most important compounds that are found in nature or synthesized otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syaleena Parveen
- Department of Chemistry, NIT Jamshedpur, Jamshedpur 831014, India
| | | | - Ipsita Das
- Department of Chemistry, NIT Jamshedpur, Jamshedpur 831014, India
| | - Tapas Das
- Department of Chemistry, NIT Jamshedpur, Jamshedpur 831014, India
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17
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Manna S, Sontakke VA, Srivatsan SG. Incorporation and Utility of a Responsive Ribonucleoside Analogue in Probing the Conformation of a Viral RNA Motif by Fluorescence and 19 F NMR Spectroscopy. Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100601. [PMID: 34821449 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100601] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Development of versatile probes that can enable the study of different conformations and recognition properties of therapeutic nucleic acid motifs by complementing biophysical techniques can greatly aid nucleic acid analysis and therapy. Here, we report the design, synthesis and incorporation of an environment-sensitive ribonucleoside analogue, which serves as a two-channel biophysical platform to investigate RNA structure and recognition by fluorescence and 19 F NMR spectroscopy techniques. The nucleoside analogue is based on a 5-fluorobenzofuran-uracil core and its fluorescence and 19 F NMR chemical shifts are highly sensitive to changes in solvent polarity and viscosity. Notably, the modified ribonucleotide and phosphoramidite substrates can be efficiently incorporated into RNA oligonucleotides (ONs) by in vitro transcription and standard solid-phase ON synthesis protocol, respectively. Fluorescence and 19 F readouts of the nucleoside incorporated into model RNA ONs are sensitive to the neighbouring base environment. The responsiveness of the probe was aptly utilized in detecting and quantifying the metal ion-induced conformational change in an internal ribosome entry site RNA motif of hepatitis C virus, which is an important therapeutic target. Taken together, our probe is a good addition to the nucleic acid analysis toolbox with the advantage that it can be used to study nucleic acid conformation and recognition simultaneously by two biophysical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Manna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Vyankat A Sontakke
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
| | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, 411008, India
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18
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Chavali SS, Mali SM, Bonn R, Saseendran A, Bennett RP, Smith HC, Fasan R, Wedekind JE. Cyclic peptides with a distinct arginine-fork motif recognize the HIV trans-activation response RNA in vitro and in cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101390. [PMID: 34767799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA represents a potential target for new antiviral therapies, which are urgently needed to address public health threats such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We showed previously that the interaction between the viral Tat protein and the HIV-1 trans-activation response (TAR) RNA was blocked by the cyclic peptide TB-CP-6.9a. This peptide was derived from a TAR-binding loop that emerged during lab-evolution of a TAR-binding protein (TBP) family. Here we synthesized and characterized a next-generation, cyclic-peptide library based on the TBP scaffold. We sought to identify conserved RNA-binding interactions, and the influence of cyclization linkers on RNA binding and antiviral activity. A diverse group of cyclization linkers, encompassing disulfide bonds to bicyclic aromatic staples, was used to restrain the cyclic peptide geometry. Thermodynamic profiling revealed specific arginine-rich sequences with low to sub-micromolar affinity driven by enthalpic and entropic contributions. The best compounds exhibited no appreciable off-target binding to related molecules, such as BIV TAR and human 7SK RNAs. A specific arginine-to-lysine change in the highest affinity cyclic peptide reduced TAR binding by 10-fold, suggesting that TBP-derived cyclic peptides use an arginine-fork motif to recognize the TAR major-groove while differentiating the mode of binding from other TAR-targeting molecules. Finally, we showed that HIV infectivity in cell culture was reduced in the presence of cyclic peptides constrained by methylene or naphthalene-based linkers. Our findings provide insight into the molecular determinants required for HIV-1 TAR recognition and antiviral activity. These findings are broadly relevant to the development of antivirals that target RNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shashank Chavali
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | - Sachitanand M Mali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester NY 14627, USA
| | - Rachel Bonn
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | | | | | - Harold C Smith
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA; OyaGen, Inc., Rochester NY 14623, USA
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester NY 14627, USA
| | - Joseph E Wedekind
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA.
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19
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Chen S, Xing L, Zhang D, Monferrer A, Hermann T. Nano-sandwich composite by kinetic trapping assembly from protein and nucleic acid. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10098-10105. [PMID: 34500473 PMCID: PMC8464029 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Design and preparation of layered composite materials alternating between nucleic acids and proteins has been elusive due to limitations in occurrence and geometry of interaction sites in natural biomolecules. We report the design and kinetically controlled stepwise synthesis of a nano-sandwich composite by programmed noncovalent association of protein, DNA and RNA modules. A homo-tetramer protein core was introduced to control the self-assembly and precise positioning of two RNA–DNA hybrid nanotriangles in a co-parallel sandwich arrangement. Kinetically favored self-assembly of the circularly closed nanostructures at the protein was driven by the intrinsic fast folding ability of RNA corner modules which were added to precursor complex of DNA bound to the protein. The 3D architecture of this first synthetic protein–RNA–DNA complex was confirmed by fluorescence labeling and cryo-electron microscopy studies. The synthesis strategy for the nano-sandwich composite provides a general blueprint for controlled noncovalent assembly of complex supramolecular architectures from protein, DNA and RNA components, which expand the design repertoire for bottom-up preparation of layered biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Li Xing
- Irvine Materials Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Douglas Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alba Monferrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas Hermann
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 858 534 4467; Fax: +1 858 534 0202;
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20
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Targeting RNA structures in diseases with small molecules. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:955-966. [PMID: 33078198 PMCID: PMC7724634 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA is crucial for gene expression and regulation. Recent advances in understanding of RNA biochemistry, structure and molecular biology have revealed the importance of RNA structure in cellular processes and diseases. Various approaches to discovering drug-like small molecules that target RNA structure have been developed. This review provides a brief introduction to RNA structural biology and how RNA structures function as disease regulators. We summarize approaches to targeting RNA with small molecules and highlight their advantages, shortcomings and therapeutic potential.
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21
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Bush JA, Williams CC, Meyer SM, Tong Y, Haniff HS, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Systematically Studying the Effect of Small Molecules Interacting with RNA in Cellular and Preclinical Models. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1111-1127. [PMID: 34166593 PMCID: PMC8867596 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interrogation and manipulation of biological systems by small molecules is a powerful approach in chemical biology. Ideal compounds selectively engage a target and mediate a downstream phenotypic response. Although historically small molecule drug discovery has focused on proteins and enzymes, targeting RNA is an attractive therapeutic alternative, as many disease-causing or -associated RNAs have been identified through genome-wide association studies. As the field of RNA chemical biology emerges, the systematic evaluation of target validation and modulation of target-associated pathways is of paramount importance. In this Review, through an examination of case studies, we outline the experimental characterization, including methods and tools, to evaluate comprehensively the impact of small molecules that target RNA on cellular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Bush
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Christopher C Williams
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Samantha M Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Yuquan Tong
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Hafeez S Haniff
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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22
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Nanodiagnostics: A review of the medical capabilities of nanopores. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 37:102425. [PMID: 34174420 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Modern diagnostics strive to be accurate, fast, and inexpensive in addition to properly identifying the presence of a disease, infection, or illness. Early diagnosis is key; catching a disease in its early stages can be the difference between fatality and treatment. The challenge with many diseases is that detectability of the disease scales with disease progression. Since single molecule sensors, e.g., nanopores, can sense biomolecules at low concentrations, they have the potential to become clinically relevant in many of today's medical settings. With nanopore-based sensing, lower volumes and concentrations are required for detection, enabling it to be clinically beneficial. Other advantages to using nanopores include that they are tunable to an enormous variety of molecules and boast low costs, and fabrication is scalable for manufacturing. We discuss previous reports and the potential for incorporating nanopores into the medical field for early diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and identifying relapse/recurrence.
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23
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Dziuba D, Didier P, Ciaco S, Barth A, Seidel CAM, Mély Y. Fundamental photophysics of isomorphic and expanded fluorescent nucleoside analogues. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7062-7107. [PMID: 33956014 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00194a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent nucleoside analogues (FNAs) are structurally diverse mimics of the natural essentially non-fluorescent nucleosides which have found numerous applications in probing the structure and dynamics of nucleic acids as well as their interactions with various biomolecules. In order to minimize disturbance in the labelled nucleic acid sequences, the FNA chromophoric groups should resemble the natural nucleobases in size and hydrogen-bonding patterns. Isomorphic and expanded FNAs are the two groups that best meet the criteria of non-perturbing fluorescent labels for DNA and RNA. Significant progress has been made over the past decades in understanding the fundamental photophysics that governs the spectroscopic and environmentally sensitive properties of these FNAs. Herein, we review recent advances in the spectroscopic and computational studies of selected isomorphic and expanded FNAs. We also show how this information can be used as a rational basis to design new FNAs, select appropriate sequences for optimal spectroscopic response and interpret fluorescence data in FNA applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro Dziuba
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France.
| | - Pascal Didier
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France.
| | - Stefano Ciaco
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France. and Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anders Barth
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claus A M Seidel
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Physikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France.
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24
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Unconventional viral gene expression mechanisms as therapeutic targets. Nature 2021; 593:362-371. [PMID: 34012080 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Unlike the human genome that comprises mostly noncoding and regulatory sequences, viruses have evolved under the constraints of maintaining a small genome size while expanding the efficiency of their coding and regulatory sequences. As a result, viruses use strategies of transcription and translation in which one or more of the steps in the conventional gene-protein production line are altered. These alternative strategies of viral gene expression (also known as gene recoding) can be uniquely brought about by dedicated viral enzymes or by co-opting host factors (known as host dependencies). Targeting these unique enzymatic activities and host factors exposes vulnerabilities of a virus and provides a paradigm for the design of novel antiviral therapies. In this Review, we describe the types and mechanisms of unconventional gene and protein expression in viruses, and provide a perspective on how future basic mechanistic work could inform translational efforts that are aimed at viral eradication.
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25
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Thavarajah W, Hertz LM, Bushhouse DZ, Archuleta CM, Lucks JB. RNA Engineering for Public Health: Innovations in RNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:263-286. [PMID: 33900805 PMCID: PMC9714562 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101420-014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA is essential for cellular function: From sensing intra- and extracellular signals to controlling gene expression, RNA mediates a diverse and expansive list of molecular processes. A long-standing goal of synthetic biology has been to develop RNA engineering principles that can be used to harness and reprogram these RNA-mediated processes to engineer biological systems to solve pressing global challenges. Recent advances in the field of RNA engineering are bringing this to fruition, enabling the creation of RNA-based tools to combat some of the most urgent public health crises. Specifically, new diagnostics using engineered RNAs are able to detect both pathogens and chemicals while generating an easily detectable fluorescent signal as an indicator. New classes of vaccines and therapeutics are also using engineered RNAs to target a wide range of genetic and pathogenic diseases. Here, we discuss the recent breakthroughs in RNA engineering enabling these innovations and examine how advances in RNA design promise to accelerate the impact of engineered RNA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Laura M Hertz
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - David Z Bushhouse
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Chloé M Archuleta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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26
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Abdelsattar AS, Mansour Y, Aboul-Ela F. The Perturbed Free-Energy Landscape: Linking Ligand Binding to Biomolecular Folding. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1499-1516. [PMID: 33351206 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of ligand binding on biomolecular conformation are crucial in drug design, enzyme mechanisms, the regulation of gene expression, and other biological processes. Descriptive models such as "lock and key", "induced fit", and "conformation selection" are common ways to interpret such interactions. Another historical model, linked equilibria, proposes that the free-energy landscape (FEL) is perturbed by the addition of ligand binding energy for the bound population of biomolecules. This principle leads to a unified, quantitative theory of ligand-induced conformation change, building upon the FEL concept. We call the map of binding free energy over biomolecular conformational space the "binding affinity landscape" (BAL). The perturbed FEL predicts/explains ligand-induced conformational changes conforming to all common descriptive models. We review recent experimental and computational studies that exemplify the perturbed FEL, with emphasis on RNA. This way of understanding ligand-induced conformation dynamics motivates new experimental and theoretical approaches to ligand design, structural biology and systems biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah S Abdelsattar
- Center for X-Ray Determination of the Structure of Matter, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Ahmed Zewail Road, October Gardens, 12578, Giza, Egypt
| | - Youssef Mansour
- Center for X-Ray Determination of the Structure of Matter, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Ahmed Zewail Road, October Gardens, 12578, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fareed Aboul-Ela
- Center for X-Ray Determination of the Structure of Matter, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Ahmed Zewail Road, October Gardens, 12578, Giza, Egypt
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27
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Huston NC, Wan H, Strine MS, de Cesaris Araujo Tavares R, Wilen CB, Pyle AM. Comprehensive in vivo secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome reveals novel regulatory motifs and mechanisms. Mol Cell 2021; 81:584-598.e5. [PMID: 33444546 PMCID: PMC7775661 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the positive-sense RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The genome of SARS-CoV-2 is unique among viral RNAs in its vast potential to form RNA structures, yet as much as 97% of its 30 kilobases have not been structurally explored. Here, we apply a novel long amplicon strategy to determine the secondary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome at single-nucleotide resolution in infected cells. Our in-depth structural analysis reveals networks of well-folded RNA structures throughout Orf1ab and reveals aspects of SARS-CoV-2 genome architecture that distinguish it from other RNA viruses. Evolutionary analysis shows that several features of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic structure are conserved across β-coronaviruses, and we pinpoint regions of well-folded RNA structure that merit downstream functional analysis. The native, secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 presented here is a roadmap that will facilitate focused studies on the viral life cycle, facilitate primer design, and guide the identification of RNA drug targets against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Huston
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Han Wan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Madison S Strine
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | | | - Craig B Wilen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Anna Marie Pyle
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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28
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Kelly ML, Chu CC, Shi H, Ganser LR, Bogerd HP, Huynh K, Hou Y, Cullen BR, Al-Hashimi HM. Understanding the characteristics of nonspecific binding of drug-like compounds to canonical stem-loop RNAs and their implications for functional cellular assays. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:12-26. [PMID: 33028652 PMCID: PMC7749633 DOI: 10.1261/rna.076257.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Identifying small molecules that selectively bind an RNA target while discriminating against all other cellular RNAs is an important challenge in RNA-targeted drug discovery. Much effort has been directed toward identifying drug-like small molecules that minimize electrostatic and stacking interactions that lead to nonspecific binding of aminoglycosides and intercalators to many stem-loop RNAs. Many such compounds have been reported to bind RNAs and inhibit their cellular activities. However, target engagement and cellular selectivity assays are not routinely performed, and it is often unclear whether functional activity directly results from specific binding to the target RNA. Here, we examined the propensities of three drug-like compounds, previously shown to bind and inhibit the cellular activities of distinct stem-loop RNAs, to bind and inhibit the cellular activities of two unrelated HIV-1 stem-loop RNAs: the transactivation response element (TAR) and the rev response element stem IIB (RREIIB). All compounds bound TAR and RREIIB in vitro, and two inhibited TAR-dependent transactivation and RRE-dependent viral export in cell-based assays while also exhibiting off-target interactions consistent with nonspecific activity. A survey of X-ray and NMR structures of RNA-small molecule complexes revealed that aminoglycosides and drug-like molecules form hydrogen bonds with functional groups commonly accessible in canonical stem-loop RNA motifs, in contrast to ligands that specifically bind riboswitches. Our results demonstrate that drug-like molecules can nonspecifically bind stem-loop RNAs most likely through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions and reinforce the importance of assaying for off-target interactions and RNA selectivity in vitro and in cells when assessing novel RNA-binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Kelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Chia-Chieh Chu
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Honglue Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Laura R Ganser
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Hal P Bogerd
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Kelly Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yuze Hou
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Bryan R Cullen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Hashim M Al-Hashimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Virology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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29
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Shang L, Feng Y, Gao X, Chen Z, Xia Y, Jin W, Liu C. DMAP‐Catalyzed
C—N Bond Formation for Diverse Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐
a
]pyrimidine and Pyrimido[1,2‐
a
]benzimidazole Derivatives. CHINESE J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Le‐Le Shang
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Yun Feng
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Xing‐Lian Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Zi‐Ren Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Yu Xia
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Wei‐Wei Jin
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
| | - Chen‐Jiang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Fine Chemicals, Ministry of Education & Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi Key Laboratory of Green Catalysis and Synthesis Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang University Urumqi Xinjiang 830046 China
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30
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Shinde VS, Lawande PP, Sontakke VA, Khan A. Synthesis of benzimidazole nucleosides and their anticancer activity. Carbohydr Res 2020; 498:108178. [PMID: 33045644 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2020.108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An efficient route for the synthesis of benzimidazole nucleosides 1-8 from readily available d-glucose via 3,5-dihydroxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-ribofuranose and 3-azido-3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-xylofuranose intermediates has been adopted. Ribofuranosyl nucleosides 1-4 with different benzimidazole bases, and 3'-deoxy-3'-azido-ribofuranosyl nucleosides 5-8, as another series, were obtained. All these newly synthesized analogs were evaluated for anticancer activity using MDA-MB-231 cell line. Among the differently substituted derivatives, 3'-azide substituted nucleosides (5-8) are more potent compared to ribofuranosyl analogs 1-4. The C-3'-azido analog 8 having anthryl group at 2-position of nucleobase show almost similar potency as that of standard etoposide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali S Shinde
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly, University of Pune), Pune, 411007, India.
| | - Pravin P Lawande
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly, University of Pune), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Vyankat A Sontakke
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly, University of Pune), Pune, 411007, India
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Formerly, University of Pune), Pune, 411007, India
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31
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Davila-Calderon J, Patwardhan NN, Chiu LY, Sugarman A, Cai Z, Penutmutchu SR, Li ML, Brewer G, Hargrove AE, Tolbert BS. IRES-targeting small molecule inhibits enterovirus 71 replication via allosteric stabilization of a ternary complex. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4775. [PMID: 32963221 PMCID: PMC7508794 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) poses serious threats to human health, particularly in Southeast Asia, and no drugs or vaccines are available. Previous work identified the stem loop II structure of the EV71 internal ribosomal entry site as vital to viral translation and a potential target. After screening an RNA-biased library using a peptide-displacement assay, we identify DMA-135 as a dose-dependent inhibitor of viral translation and replication with no significant toxicity in cell-based studies. Structural, biophysical, and biochemical characterization support an allosteric mechanism in which DMA-135 induces a conformational change in the RNA structure that stabilizes a ternary complex with the AUF1 protein, thus repressing translation. This mechanism is supported by pull-down experiments in cell culture. These detailed studies establish enterovirus RNA structures as promising drug targets while revealing an approach and mechanism of action that should be broadly applicable to functional RNA targeting. Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that promotes translation of viral RNA. Here the authors show that an antiviral small molecule DMA-135 binds to the EV71 IRES RNA, inducing conformational change and stabilizing a ternary complex to repress translation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liang-Yuan Chiu
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrew Sugarman
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zhengguo Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Mei-Ling Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Brewer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Blanton S Tolbert
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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32
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Haniff HS, Knerr L, Chen JL, Disney MD, Lightfoot HL. Target-Directed Approaches for Screening Small Molecules against RNA Targets. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2020; 25:869-894. [PMID: 32419578 PMCID: PMC7442623 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220922802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecules have a variety of cellular functions that can drive disease pathologies. They are without a doubt one of the most intriguing yet controversial small-molecule drug targets. The ability to widely target RNA with small molecules could be revolutionary, once the right tools, assays, and targets are selected, thereby defining which biomolecules are targetable and what constitutes drug-like small molecules. Indeed, approaches developed over the past 5-10 years have changed the face of small molecule-RNA targeting by addressing historic concerns regarding affinity, selectivity, and structural dynamics. Presently, selective RNA-protein complex stabilizing drugs such as branaplam and risdiplam are in clinical trials for the modulation of SMN2 splicing, compounds identified from phenotypic screens with serendipitous outcomes. Fully developing RNA as a druggable target will require a target engagement-driven approach, and evolving chemical collections will be important for the industrial development of this class of target. In this review we discuss target-directed approaches that can be used to identify RNA-binding compounds and the chemical knowledge we have today of small-molecule RNA binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafeez S. Haniff
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Laurent Knerr
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonathan L. Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
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33
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de Wispelaere M, Carocci M, Burri DJ, Neidermyer WJ, Olson CM, Roggenbach I, Liang Y, Wang J, Whelan SPJ, Gray NS, Yang PL. A broad-spectrum antiviral molecule, QL47, selectively inhibits eukaryotic translation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1694-1703. [PMID: 31914414 PMCID: PMC7008383 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of translation are critical tools to study the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. In this study, we sought to characterize how QL47, a host-targeted, small-molecule antiviral agent, inhibits steady-state viral protein expression. We demonstrate that this small molecule broadly inhibits both viral and host protein synthesis and targets a translation step specific to eukaryotic cells. We show that QL47 inhibits protein neosynthesis initiated by both canonical cap-driven and noncanonical initiation strategies, most likely by targeting an early step in translation elongation. Our findings thus establish QL47 as a new small-molecule inhibitor that can be utilized to probe the eukaryotic translation machinery and that can be further developed as a new therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissanne de Wispelaere
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Margot Carocci
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Dominique J Burri
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - William J Neidermyer
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Calla M Olson
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Imme Roggenbach
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Yanke Liang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Sean P J Whelan
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Priscilla L Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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34
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Koirala D, Lewicka A, Koldobskaya Y, Huang H, Piccirilli JA. Synthetic Antibody Binding to a Preorganized RNA Domain of Hepatitis C Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site Inhibits Translation. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:205-216. [PMID: 31765566 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Structured RNA elements within the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome hijack host cell machinery for translation initiation through a cap-independent mechanism. Here, using a phage display selection, we obtained two antibody fragments (Fabs), HCV2 and HCV3, against HCV IRES that bind the RNA with dissociation constants of 32 ± 7 nM and 37 ± 8 nM respectively, specifically recognizing the so-called junction IIIabc (JIIIabc). We used these Fabs as crystallization chaperones and determined the high-resolution crystal structures of JIIIabc-HCV2 and -HCV3 complexes at 1.81 Å and 2.75 Å resolution respectively, revealing an antiparallel four-way junction with the IIIa and IIIc subdomains brought together through tertiary interactions. The RNA conformation observed in the structures supports the structural model for this region derived from cryo-EM data for the HCV IRES-40S ribosome complex, suggesting that the tertiary fold of the RNA preorganizes the domain for interactions with the 40S ribosome. Strikingly, both Fabs and the ribosomal protein eS27 not only interact with a common subset of nucleotides within the JIIIabc but also use physiochemically similar sets of protein residues to do so, suggesting that the RNA surface is well-suited for interactions with proteins, perhaps analogous to the "hot spot" concept elaborated for protein-protein interactions. Using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate-based translation assay with a bicistronic reporter construct, we further demonstrated that Fabs HCV2 and HCV3 specifically inhibit the HCV IRES-directed translation, implicating disruption of the JIIIabc-ribosome interaction as a potential therapeutic strategy against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Koirala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Anna Lewicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Yelena Koldobskaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Joseph A. Piccirilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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35
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Xie Y, Li L, Sun S, Wu Z, Lang M, Jiang D, Wang J. Enantioselective NHC-Catalyzed [3+3] Annulation of α-Bromoenals with 2-Aminobenzimidazoles. Org Lett 2020; 22:391-394. [PMID: 31913042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b04054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A chiral carbene-catalyzed [3+3] annulation of α-bromoenals with 2-aminobenzimidazoles providing pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles has been described. This protocol features a broad scope and good functional group tolerance. Biological studies indicated that the formed pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangxi Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Luoyuan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Shaofa Sun
- College of Chemistry and Biological Sciences , Hubei University of Science and Technology , Hubei 437100 , China
| | - Zijun Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Ming Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Di Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Jian Wang
- College of Chemistry and Biological Sciences , Hubei University of Science and Technology , Hubei 437100 , China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
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36
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Schmit D, Milewicz U, Boerneke MA, Burley S, Walsworth K, Um J, Hecht D, Hermann T, Bergdahl BM. Syntheses and Binding Testing of N1-Alkylamino-Substituted 2-Aminobenzimidazole Analogues Targeting the Hepatitis C Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site. Aust J Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/ch19526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A series of 2-aminobenzimidazole analogues have been synthesised and tested for binding to a previously established RNA target for viral translation inhibitors in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Synthesis of new inhibitor compounds followed a highly convergent strategy which allowed for incorporation of diverse tertiary amino substituents in high overall yields (eight-steps, 4–22%). Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies focussed on the tertiary amine substituent involved in hydrogen bonding with the RNA backbone at the inhibitor binding site. The SAR study was further correlated with in silico docking experiments. Analogous compounds showed promising activities (half maximal effective concentration, EC50: 21–89µM). Structures of the synthesised analogues and a correlation to their mode of binding, provided the opportunity to explore parameters required for selective targeting of the HCV IRES at the subdomain IIa which acts as an RNA conformational switch in HCV translation.
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37
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Chakraborty J, Kanungo A, Mahata T, Kumar K, Sharma G, Pal R, Ahammed KS, Patra D, Majhi B, Chakrabarti S, Das S, Dutta S. Quinoxaline derivatives disrupt the base stacking of hepatitis C virus-internal ribosome entry site RNA: reduce translation and replication. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:14027-14030. [PMID: 31690898 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc06531h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA-biased small molecules with a monoquinoxaline core target the L-shaped structure of subdomain IIa of Hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (IRES) RNA in proximity to the Mg2+ binding site. The binding event leads to the destacking of RNA bases, resulting in the inhibition of IRES-mediated translation and HCV RNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeet Chakraborty
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India.
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38
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Murata A, Nakamori M, Nakatani K. Modulating RNA secondary and tertiary structures by mismatch binding ligands. Methods 2019; 167:78-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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39
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Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Synthetic small-molecule RNA ligands: future prospects as therapeutic agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1242-1255. [PMID: 31534649 PMCID: PMC6748380 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00195f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA is one of the most intriguing and promising biological targets for the discovery of innovative drugs in many pathologies and various biologically relevant RNAs that could serve as drug targets have already been identified. Among the most important ones, one can mention prokaryotic ribosomal RNA which is the target of several marketed antibiotics, viral RNAs or oncogenic microRNAs that are tightly involved in the development and progression of various cancers. Oligonucleotides are efficient and specific RNA targeting agents but suffer from poor pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. For this reason, a number of synthetic small-molecule ligands have been identified and studied upon screening of chemical libraries or focused design of RNA binders. In this review, we report the most relevant examples of synthetic compounds bearing sufficient selectivity to envisage clinical studies and future therapeutic applications with a particular attention for the main strategies that can be undertaken toward the improvement of selectivity and biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
| | - M Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN) , Nice , France .
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40
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Morgan BS, Forte JE, Hargrove AE. Insights into the development of chemical probes for RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:8025-8037. [PMID: 30102391 PMCID: PMC6144806 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the RNA revolution has revealed thousands of non-coding RNAs that are essential for cellular regulation and are misregulated in disease. While the development of methods and tools to study these RNAs has been challenging, the power and promise of small molecule chemical probes is increasingly recognized. To harness existing knowledge, we compiled a list of 116 ligands with reported activity against RNA targets in biological systems (R-BIND). In this survey, we examine the RNA targets, design and discovery strategies, and chemical probe characterization techniques of these ligands. We discuss the applicability of current tools to identify and evaluate RNA-targeted chemical probes, suggest criteria to assess the quality of RNA chemical probes and targets, and propose areas where new tools are particularly needed. We anticipate that this knowledge will expedite the discovery of RNA-targeted ligands and the next phase of the RNA revolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan E Forte
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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41
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Matsumoto S, Caliskan N, Rodnina MV, Murata A, Nakatani K. Small synthetic molecule-stabilized RNA pseudoknot as an activator for -1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:8079-8089. [PMID: 30085309 PMCID: PMC6144811 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed –1 ribosomal frameshifting (−1PRF) is a recoding mechanism to make alternative proteins from a single mRNA transcript. −1PRF is stimulated by cis-acting signals in mRNA, a seven-nucleotide slippery sequence and a downstream secondary structure element, which is often a pseudoknot. In this study we engineered the frameshifting pseudoknot from the mouse mammary tumor virus to respond to a rationally designed small molecule naphthyridine carbamate tetramer (NCTn). We demonstrate that NCTn can stabilize the pseudoknot structure in mRNA and activate –1PRF both in vitro and in human cells. The results illustrate how NCTn-inducible –1PRF may serve as an important component of the synthetic biology toolbox for the precise control of gene expression using small synthetic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Matsumoto
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Neva Caliskan
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Josef-Schneider-Str.2/D15, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marina V Rodnina
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Asako Murata
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakatani
- Department of Regulatory Bioorganic Chemistry, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
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42
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Cheng MSQ, Su MXX, Wang MXN, Sun MZY, Ou TM. Probes and drugs that interfere with protein translation via targeting to the RNAs or RNA-protein interactions. Methods 2019; 167:124-133. [PMID: 31185274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis is critical to cell survival and translation regulation is essential to post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. Disorders of this process, particularly through RNA-binding proteins, is associated with the development and progression of a number of diseases, including cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of protein synthesis are intricate, making it difficult to find a drug that interferes with this process. Chemical probes are useful in elucidating the structures of RNA-protein complex and molecular mechanism of biological events. Moreover, some of these chemical probes show certain therapeutic benefits and can be further developed as leading compounds. Here, we will briefly review the general process and mechanism of protein synthesis, and emphasis on chemical probes in examples of probing the RNA structural changes and RNA-protein interactions. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of these probes is also discussed to give a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miss Sui-Qi Cheng
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Xiao-Xuan Su
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Miss Xiao-Na Wang
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Miss Zhi-Yin Sun
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- Sun Yat-Sen University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou University City, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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43
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Umuhire Juru A, Patwardhan NN, Hargrove AE. Understanding the Contributions of Conformational Changes, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics of RNA-Small Molecule Interactions. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:824-838. [PMID: 31042354 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The implication of RNA in multiple cellular processes beyond protein coding has revitalized interest in the development of small molecules for therapeutically targeting RNA and for further probing its cellular biology. However, the process of rationally designing such small molecule probes is hampered by the paucity of information about fundamental molecular recognition principles of RNA. In this Review, we summarize two important and often underappreciated aspects of RNA-small molecule recognition: RNA conformational dynamics and the biophysical properties of interactions of small molecules with RNA, specifically thermodynamics and kinetics. While conformational flexibility is often said to impede RNA ligand development, the ability of small molecules to influence the RNA conformational landscape can have a significant effect on the cellular functions of RNA. An analysis of the conformational landscape of RNA and the interactions of individual conformations with ligands can thus guide the development of new small molecule probes, which needs to be investigated further. Additionally, while it is common practice to quantify the binding affinities ( Ka or Kd) of small molecules for biomacromolecules as a measure of their activity, further biophysical characterization of their interaction can provide a deeper understanding. Studies that focus on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for interaction between RNA and ligands are next discussed. Finally, this Review provides the reader with a perspective on how such in-depth analysis of biophysical characteristics of the interaction of RNA and small molecules can impact our understanding of these interactions and how they will benefit the future design of small molecule probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Umuhire Juru
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Neeraj N. Patwardhan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Amanda E. Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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44
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Unveiling the druggable RNA targets and small molecule therapeutics. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2149-2165. [PMID: 30981606 PMCID: PMC7126819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The increasing appreciation for the crucial roles of RNAs in infectious and non-infectious human diseases makes them attractive therapeutic targets. Coding and non-coding RNAs frequently fold into complex conformations which, if effectively targeted, offer opportunities to therapeutically modulate numerous cellular processes, including those linked to undruggable protein targets. Despite the considerable skepticism as to whether RNAs can be targeted with small molecule therapeutics, overwhelming evidence suggests the challenges we are currently facing are not outside the realm of possibility. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in molecular techniques that have sparked a revolution in understanding the RNA structure-to-function relationship. We bring attention to the application of these modern techniques to identify druggable RNA targets and to assess small molecule binding specificity. Finally, we discuss novel screening methodologies that support RNA drug discovery and present examples of therapeutically valuable RNA targets.
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Chavali SS, Bonn-Breach R, Wedekind JE. Face-time with TAR: Portraits of an HIV-1 RNA with diverse modes of effector recognition relevant for drug discovery. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9326-9341. [PMID: 31080171 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.006860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules and short peptides that potently and selectively bind RNA are rare, making the molecular structures of these complexes highly exceptional. Accordingly, several recent investigations have provided unprecedented structural insights into how peptides and proteins recognize the HIV-1 transactivation response (TAR) element, a 59-nucleotide-long, noncoding RNA segment in the 5' long terminal repeat region of viral transcripts. Here, we offer an integrated perspective on these advances by describing earlier progress on TAR binding to small molecules, and by drawing parallels to recent successes in the identification of compounds that target the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and the flavin-mononucleotide riboswitch. We relate this work to recent progress that pinpoints specific determinants of TAR recognition by: (i) viral Tat proteins, (ii) an innovative lab-evolved TAR-binding protein, and (iii) an ultrahigh-affinity cyclic peptide. New structural details are used to model the TAR-Tat-super-elongation complex (SEC) that is essential for efficient viral transcription and represents a focal point for antiviral drug design. A key prediction is that the Tat transactivation domain makes modest contacts with the TAR apical loop, whereas its arginine-rich motif spans the entire length of the TAR major groove. This expansive interface has significant implications for drug discovery and design, and it further suggests that future lab-evolved proteins could be deployed to discover steric restriction points that block Tat-mediated recruitment of the host SEC to HIV-1 TAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shashank Chavali
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Rachel Bonn-Breach
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Joseph E Wedekind
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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Monferrer A, Zhang D, Lushnikov AJ, Hermann T. Versatile kit of robust nanoshapes self-assembling from RNA and DNA modules. Nat Commun 2019; 10:608. [PMID: 30723214 PMCID: PMC6363791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA have emerged as a material for nanotechnology applications that take advantage of the nucleic acids' ability to encode folding and programmable self-assembly through mainly base pairing. The two types of nucleic acid have rarely been used in combination to enhance structural diversity or for partitioning of functional and architectural roles. Here, we report a design and screening strategy to integrate combinations of RNA motifs as architectural joints and DNA building blocks as functional modules for programmable self-assembly of a versatile toolkit of polygonal nucleic acid nanoshapes. Clean incorporation of diverse DNA modules with various topologies attest to the extraordinary robustness of the RNA-DNA hybrid framework. The design and screening strategy enables systematic development of RNA-DNA hybrid nanoshapes as programmable platforms for applications in molecular recognition, sensor and catalyst development as well as protein interaction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Monferrer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Douglas Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Thomas Hermann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery Innovation, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Qu J, Chen X, Sun YZ, Zhao Y, Cai SB, Ming Z, You ZH, Li JQ. In Silico Prediction of Small Molecule-miRNA Associations Based on the HeteSim Algorithm. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:274-286. [PMID: 30654189 PMCID: PMC6348698 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) with drug small molecules (SMs) is a new treatment method for many human complex diseases. Unsurprisingly, identification of potential miRNA-SM associations is helpful for pharmaceutical engineering and disease therapy in the field of medical research. In this paper, we developed a novel computational model of HeteSim-based inference for SM-miRNA Association prediction (HSSMMA) by implementing a path-based measurement method of HeteSim on a heterogeneous network combined with known miRNA-SM associations, integrated miRNA similarity, and integrated SM similarity. Through considering paths from an SM to a miRNA in the heterogeneous network, the model can capture the semantics information under each path and predict potential miRNA-SM associations based on all the considered paths. We performed global, miRNA-fixed local and SM-fixed local leave one out cross validation (LOOCV) as well as 5-fold cross validation based on the dataset of known miRNA-SM associations to evaluate the prediction performance of our approach. The results showed that HSSMMA gained the corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUCs) of 0.9913, 0.9902, 0.7989, and 0.9910 ± 0.0004 based on dataset 1 and AUCs of 0.7401, 0.8466, 0.6149, and 0.7451 ± 0.0054 based on dataset 2, respectively. In case studies, 2 of the top 10 and 13 of the top 50 predicted potential miRNA-SM associations were confirmed by published literature. We further implemented case studies to test whether HSSMMA was effective for new SMs without any known related miRNAs. The results from cross validation and case studies showed that HSSMMA could be a useful prediction tool for the identification of potential miRNA-SM associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qu
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Ya-Zhou Sun
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Shu-Bin Cai
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhong Ming
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Zhu-Hong You
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Ürümqi 830011, China.
| | - Jian-Qiang Li
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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Abstract
Although we live in the remnants of an RNA world, the world of drug discovery and chemical probes is firmly protein-centric. Developing highly selective small molecules targeting RNA is often considered to be an insurmountable challenge. Our goal is to demystify the design of such compounds. In this review, we describe various approaches to design small molecules that target RNA from sequence and the application of these compounds in RNA biology, with a focus on inhibition of human RNA-protein complexes. We have developed a library-versus-library screening approach to define selective RNA-small-molecule binding partners and applied them to disease-causing RNAs, in particular noncoding oncogenic RNAs and expanded RNA repeats, to modulate their biology in cells and animals. We also describe the design of new types of small-molecule probes that could broadly decipher the mysteries of RNA in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Brendan G Dwyer
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
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Chavez-Calvillo G, Martin S, Hamm C, Sztuba-Solinska J. The Structure-To-Function Relationships of Gammaherpesvirus-Encoded Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Contributions to Viral Pathogenesis. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:ncrna4040024. [PMID: 30261651 PMCID: PMC6315926 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in next-generation sequencing have facilitated the discovery of a multitude of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with pleiotropic functions in cellular processes, disease, and viral pathogenesis. It came as no surprise when viruses were also revealed to transcribe their own lncRNAs. Among them, gammaherpesviruses, one of the three subfamilies of the Herpesviridae, code their largest number. These structurally and functionally intricate non-coding (nc) transcripts modulate cellular and viral gene expression to maintain viral latency or prompt lytic reactivation. These lncRNAs allow for the virus to escape cytosolic surveillance, sequester, and re-localize essential cellular factors and modulate the cell cycle and proliferation. Some viral lncRNAs act as “messenger molecules”, transferring information about viral infection to neighboring cells. This broad range of lncRNA functions is achieved through lncRNA structure-mediated interactions with effector molecules of viral and host origin, including other RNAs, proteins and DNAs. In this review, we discuss examples of gammaherpesvirus-encoded lncRNAs, emphasize their unique structural attributes, and link them to viral life cycle, pathogenesis, and disease progression. We will address their potential as novel targets for drug discovery and propose future directions to explore lncRNA structure and function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Chavez-Calvillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 120 W. Samford Ave, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Sarah Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 120 W. Samford Ave, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Chad Hamm
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 120 W. Samford Ave, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Joanna Sztuba-Solinska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 120 W. Samford Ave, Rouse Life Sciences Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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Warner KD, Hajdin CE, Weeks KM. Principles for targeting RNA with drug-like small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 17:547-558. [PMID: 29977051 PMCID: PMC6420209 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2018.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 410] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated the potential to develop small-molecule drugs that act on RNA targets, leading to burgeoning interest in the field. This article discusses general principles for discovering small-molecule drugs that target RNA and argues that the overarching challenge is to identify appropriate target structures in disease-causing RNAs that have high information content and, consequently, appropriate ligand-binding pockets. RNA molecules are essential for cellular information transfer and gene regulation, and RNAs have been implicated in many human diseases. Messenger and non-coding RNAs contain highly structured elements, and evidence suggests that many of these structures are important for function. Targeting these RNAs with small molecules offers opportunities to therapeutically modulate numerous cellular processes, including those linked to 'undruggable' protein targets. Despite this promise, there is currently only a single class of human-designed small molecules that target RNA used clinically — the linezolid antibiotics. However, a growing number of small-molecule RNA ligands are being identified, leading to burgeoning interest in the field. Here, we discuss principles for discovering small-molecule drugs that target RNA and argue that the overarching challenge is to identify appropriate target structures — namely, in disease-causing RNAs that have high information content and, consequently, appropriate ligand-binding pockets. If focus is placed on such druggable binding sites in RNA, extensive knowledge of the typical physicochemical properties of drug-like small molecules could then enable small-molecule drug discovery for RNA targets to become (only) roughly as difficult as for protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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