1
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Ciaco S, Aronne R, Fiabane M, Mori M. The Rise of Bacterial G-Quadruplexes in Current Antimicrobial Discovery. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:24163-24180. [PMID: 38882119 PMCID: PMC11170735 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a silent critical issue that poses several challenges to health systems. While the discovery of novel antibiotics is currently stalled and prevalently focused on chemical variations of the scaffolds of available drugs, novel targets and innovative strategies are urgently needed to face this global threat. In this context, bacterial G-quadruplexes (G4s) are emerging as timely and profitable targets for the design and development of antimicrobial agents. Indeed, they are expressed in regulatory regions of bacterial genomes, and their modulation has been observed to provide antimicrobial effects with translational perspectives in the context of AMR. In this work, we review the current knowledge of bacterial G4s as well as their modulation by small molecules, including tools and techniques suitable for these investigations. Finally, we critically analyze the needs and future directions in the field, with a focus on the development of small molecules as bacterial G4s modulators endowed with remarkable drug-likeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciaco
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Aronne
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Martina Fiabane
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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2
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Yakimov B, Rovnyagina N, Hasan A, Zhang J, Wang H, Fadeev V, Urusova L, Khoroshilov E, Sharkov A, Mokrysheva N, Shirshin E. Fluorescence saturation imaging microscopy: molecular fingerprinting with a standard confocal microscope. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:3755-3769. [PMID: 38867799 PMCID: PMC11166444 DOI: 10.1364/boe.512188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Molecular specificity in fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues can be increased by measuring parameters other than intensity. For instance, fluorescence lifetime imaging became a widespread modality for biomedical optics. Previously, we suggested using the fluorescence saturation effect at pulsed laser excitation to map the absorption cross-section as an additional molecular contrast in two-photon microscopy [Opt. Lett.47(17), 4455 (2022).10.1364/OL.465605]. Here, it is shown that, somewhat counterintuitive, fluorescence saturation can be observed under cw excitation in a standard confocal microscopy setup. Mapping the fluorescence saturation parameter allows obtaining additional information about the fluorophores in the system, as demonstrated by the example of peptide hydrogel, stained cells and unstained thyroid gland. The suggested technique does not require additional equipment and can be implemented on confocal systems as is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Yakimov
- Laboratory of Clinical Biophotonics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8, Moscow 119048, Russia
- Vorohobov’s City Clinical Hospital №67 MHD Moscow, 2/44 Salam Adil St., Moscow 123423, Russia
| | - Natalia Rovnyagina
- Laboratory of Clinical Biophotonics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8, Moscow 119048, Russia
| | - Afraa Hasan
- HSE University, Faculty of Physics, Myasnitskaya St., 20, Moscow 101100, Russia
| | - Juntao Zhang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 4300023, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 4300023, China
| | - Victor Fadeev
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liliya Urusova
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny Khoroshilov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 53 Leninsky Pr., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Sharkov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 53 Leninsky Pr., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya Mokrysheva
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny Shirshin
- Faculty of Physics, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-2 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Center, Dmitriya Ulianova Street, 11, 117036 Moscow, Russia
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3
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Zhuk AS, Stepchenkova EI, Zotova IV, Belopolskaya OB, Pavlov YI, Kostroma II, Gritsaev SV, Aksenova AY. G-Quadruplex Forming DNA Sequence Context Is Enriched around Points of Somatic Mutations in a Subset of Multiple Myeloma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5269. [PMID: 38791307 PMCID: PMC11121618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, which remains incurable despite recent advances in treatment strategies. Like other forms of cancer, MM is characterized by genomic instability, caused by defects in DNA repair. Along with mutations in DNA repair genes and genotoxic drugs used to treat MM, non-canonical secondary DNA structures (four-stranded G-quadruplex structures) can affect accumulation of somatic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in the tumor cells of MM patients. Here, we tested the hypothesis that G-quadruplex structures may influence the distribution of somatic mutations in the tumor cells of MM patients. We sequenced exomes of normal and tumor cells of 11 MM patients and analyzed the data for the presence of G4 context around points of somatic mutations. To identify molecular mechanisms that could affect mutational profile of tumors, we also analyzed mutational signatures in tumor cells as well as germline mutations for the presence of specific SNPs in DNA repair genes or in genes regulating G-quadruplex unwinding. In several patients, we found that sites of somatic mutations are frequently located in regions with G4 context. This pattern correlated with specific germline variants found in these patients. We discuss the possible implications of these variants for mutation accumulation and specificity in MM and propose that the extent of G4 context enrichment around somatic mutation sites may be a novel metric characterizing mutational processes in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Zhuk
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
- Institute of Applied Computer Science, ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena I. Stepchenkova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Zotova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Olesya B. Belopolskaya
- Resource Center “Bio-Bank Center”, Research Park of St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- The Laboratory of Genogeography, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Youri I. Pavlov
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Pathology, Genetics Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ivan I. Kostroma
- City Hospital No. 15, 198205 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.I.K.); (S.V.G.)
| | | | - Anna Y. Aksenova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.S.Z.); (I.V.Z.)
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4
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Wang RX, Ou Y, Chen Y, Ren TB, Yuan L, Zhang XB. Rational Design of NIR-II G-Quadruplex Fluorescent Probes for Accurate In Vivo Tumor Metastasis Imaging. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:11669-11678. [PMID: 38644738 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Accurate in vivo imaging of G-quadruplexes (G4) is critical for understanding the emergence and progression of G4-associated diseases like cancer. However, existing in vivo G4 fluorescent probes primarily operate within the near-infrared region (NIR-I), which limits their application accuracy due to the short emission wavelength. The transition to second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescent imaging has been of significant interest, as it offers reduced autofluorescence and deeper tissue penetration, thereby facilitating more accurate in vivo imaging. Nonetheless, the advancement of NIR-II G4 probes has been impeded by the absence of effective probe design strategies. Herein, through a "step-by-step" rational design approach, we have successfully developed NIRG-2, the first small-molecule fluorescent probe with NIR-II emission tailored for in vivo G4 detection. Molecular docking calculations reveal that NIRG-2 forms stable hydrogen bonds and strong π-π interactions with G4 structures, which effectively inhibit twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and, thereby, selectively illuminate G4 structures. Due to its NIR-II emission (940 nm), large Stokes shift (90 nm), and high selectivity, NIRG-2 offers up to 47-fold fluorescence enhancement and a tissue imaging depth of 5 mm for in vivo G4 detection, significantly outperforming existing G4 probes. Utilizing NIRG-2, we have, for the first time, achieved high-contrast visualization of tumor metastasis through lymph nodes and precise tumor resection. Furthermore, NIRG-2 proves to be highly effective and reliable in evaluating surgical and drug treatment efficacy in cancer lymphatic metastasis models. We are optimistic that this study not only provides a crucial molecular tool for an in-depth understanding of G4-related diseases in vivo but also marks a promising strategy for the development of clinical NIR-II G4-activated probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yifeng Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yushi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Tian-Bing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
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5
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Comptdaer T, Tardivel M, Schirmer C, Buée L, Galas MC. Cell redistribution of G quadruplex-structured DNA is associated with morphological changes of nuclei and nucleoli in neurons during tau pathology progression. Brain Pathol 2024:e13262. [PMID: 38649330 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13262] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While the double helical structure has long been its iconic representation, DNA is structurally dynamic and can adopt alternative secondary configurations. Specifically, guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold in guanine quadruplexes (G4) structures. These G4 play pivotal roles as regulators of gene expression and genomic stability, and influence protein homeostasis. Despite their significance, the association of G4 with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been underappreciated. Recent findings have identified DNA sequences predicted to form G4 in sarkosyl-insoluble aggregates from AD brains, questioning the involvement of G4-structured DNA (G4 DNA) in the pathology. Using immunofluorescence coupled to confocal microscopy analysis we investigated the impact of tau pathology, a hallmark of tauopathies including AD, on the distribution of G4 DNA in murine neurons and its relevance to AD brains. In healthy neurons, G4 DNA is detected in nuclei with a notable presence in nucleoli. However, in a transgenic mouse model of tau pathology (THY-Tau22), early stages of the disease exhibit an impairment in the nuclear distribution of G4 DNA. In addition, G4 DNA accumulates in the cytoplasm of neurons exhibiting oligomerized tau and oxidative DNA damage. This altered distribution persists in the later stage of the pathology when larger tau aggregates are present. Still cytoplasmic deposition of G4 DNA does not appear to be a critical factor in the tau aggregation process. Similar patterns are observed in neurons from the AD cortex. Furthermore, the disturbance in G4 DNA distribution is associated with various changes in the size of neuronal nuclei and nucleoli, indicative of responses to stress and the activation of pro-survival mechanisms. Our results shed light on a significant impact of tau pathology on the dynamics of G4 DNA and on nuclear and nucleolar mechanobiology in neurons. These findings reveal new dimensions in the etiopathogenesis of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Comptdaer
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Meryem Tardivel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US41-UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
| | - Claire Schirmer
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Marie-Christine Galas
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
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6
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Sahoo BR, Kocman V, Clark N, Myers N, Deng X, Wong EL, Yang HJ, Kotar A, Guzman BB, Dominguez D, Plavec J, Bardwell JC. Protein G-quadruplex interactions and their effects on phase transitions and protein aggregation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.21.558871. [PMID: 37790366 PMCID: PMC10542165 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.558871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The SERF family of proteins were originally discovered for their ability to accelerate amyloid formation. Znf706 is an uncharacterized protein whose N-terminus is homologous to SERF proteins. We show here that human Znf706 can promote protein aggregation and amyloid formation. Unexpectedly, Znf706 specifically interacts with stable, non-canonical nucleic acid structures known as G-quadruplexes. G-quadruplexes can affect gene regulation and suppress protein aggregation; however, it is unknown if and how these two activities are linked. We find Znf706 binds preferentially to parallel G-quadruplexes with low micromolar affinity, primarily using its N-terminus, and upon interaction, its dynamics are constrained. G-quadruplex binding suppresses Znf706's ability to promote protein aggregation. Znf706 in conjunction with G-quadruplexes therefore may play a role in regulating protein folding. RNAseq analysis shows that Znf706 depletion specifically impacts the mRNA abundance of genes that are predicted to contain high G-quadruplex density. Our studies give insight into how proteins and G-quadruplexes interact, and how these interactions affect both partners and lead to the modulation of protein aggregation and cellular mRNA levels. These observations suggest that the SERF family of proteins, in conjunction with G-quadruplexes, may have a broader role in regulating protein folding and gene expression than previously appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikash R. Sahoo
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vojč Kocman
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nathan Clark
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nikhil Myers
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiexiong Deng
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ee L. Wong
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Harry J. Yang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anita Kotar
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Janez Plavec
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - James C.A. Bardwell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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7
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Wang SY, Qu YC, Shao N, Niu LY, Yang QZ. Reversible Dual Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging of Mitochondrial GSH and Microviscosity: Real-Time Evaluation of Ferroptosis Status. Anal Chem 2024; 96:4570-4579. [PMID: 38441542 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, as a new form of regulated cell death, is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. Developing a single probe for an independent analysis of multiple analytes related to ferroptosis can provide more accurate information and simplify the detection procedures, but it faces great challenges. In this work, we develop a fluorescent probe for the simultaneous detection of GSH through ratiometric fluorescence response and microviscosity via a fluorescence lifetime model. Based on the reversible Michael addition reaction between GSH and unsaturated C═C bond, the probe responds reversibly to GSH with a ratiometric fluorescence variation and a fast response time (t1/2 = 4.7 s). At the same time, the probe is sensitive to environmental viscosity by changing its fluorescence lifetimes. The probe was applied to monitor the drug-induced ferroptosis process through both the classical Xc-/GSH/GPX4- and DHODH-mediated defense mechanisms. We hope that the probe will provide a useful molecular tool for the real-time live-cell imaging of GSH dynamics, which is benefit to unveiling related physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Chen Qu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Na Shao
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ya Niu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Zheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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8
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Figueiredo J, Mergny JL, Cruz C. G-quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy: Progress, challenges, and clinical perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 340:122481. [PMID: 38301873 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122481] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplexes (G4) in living cells, making these structures promising anti-cancer targets. Compounds able to recognize these structures have been investigated as potential anticancer drugs; however, no G4 binder has yet been approved in the clinic. Here, we describe G4 ligands structure-activity relationships, in vivo effects as well as clinical trials. Addressing G4 ligand characteristics, targeting challenges, and structure-activity relationships, this review provides insights into the development of potent and selective G4-targeting molecules for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau cedex, France; Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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9
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Cai X, Li S, Wang W, Lin Y, Zhong W, Yang Y, Kühn FE, Li Y, Zhao Z, Tang BZ. Natural Acceptor of Coumarin-Isomerized Red-Emissive BioAIEgen for Monitoring Cu 2+ Concentration in Live Cells via FLIM. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307078. [PMID: 38102823 PMCID: PMC10916553 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have flourished in bio-applications with the development of synthetic chemistry, which however are plagued by issues like singularity in structures and non-renewability. The unique structures and renewability of biomass moieties can compensate for these drawbacks, but their properties are hard to design and regulate due to their confined structures. Therefore, it appears to be a reasonable approach to derive AIEgens from abundant biomass (BioAIEgens), integrating the bilateral advantages of both synthetic and natural AIEgens. In this work, the blue-violet emissive coumarin with its lactone structure serving as a rare natural acceptor, is utilized to construct donor-π-acceptor typed BioAIE isomers incorporating the propeller-like and electron-donating triphenylamine (TPA) unit. The results show that Cm-p-TPA undergoes charge transfer with its keto form, emitting red light at 600 nm, which can be applied to monitor Cu2+ concentration during mitophagy using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy because of the excellent biocompatibility, photostability, and specific recognition to Cu2+ . This work not only demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing positional isomerization to modulate excited-state evolutions and resultant optical properties, but also provides evidence for the rationality of constructing biologically-active BioAIEgens via a biomass-derivatization concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu‐Min Cai
- Jiangsu Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest ResourcesInternational Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and MaterialsCollege of Chemical EngineeringNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing210037P.R.China
| | - Shouji Li
- Jiangsu Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest ResourcesInternational Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and MaterialsCollege of Chemical EngineeringNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing210037P.R.China
| | - Wen‐Jin Wang
- Clinical Translational Research Center of Aggregation‐Induced EmissionThe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineSchool of Science and EngineeringShenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and TechnologyThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK‐Shenzhen)Guangdong518172P.R.China
| | - Yuting Lin
- Jiangsu Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest ResourcesInternational Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and MaterialsCollege of Chemical EngineeringNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing210037P.R.China
| | - Weiren Zhong
- Jiangsu Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest ResourcesInternational Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and MaterialsCollege of Chemical EngineeringNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing210037P.R.China
| | - Yalan Yang
- Jiangsu Co‐Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest ResourcesInternational Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and MaterialsCollege of Chemical EngineeringNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing210037P.R.China
| | - Fritz E. Kühn
- Molecular CatalysisDepartment of Chemistry & Catalysis Research CenterSchool of Natural SciencesTechnische Universität MünchenD‐85747 MünchenGermany
| | - Ying Li
- Innovation Research Center for AIE Pharmaceutical BiologySchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436P.R.China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Clinical Translational Research Center of Aggregation‐Induced EmissionThe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineSchool of Science and EngineeringShenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and TechnologyThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK‐Shenzhen)Guangdong518172P.R.China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Clinical Translational Research Center of Aggregation‐Induced EmissionThe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineSchool of Science and EngineeringShenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and TechnologyThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK‐Shenzhen)Guangdong518172P.R.China
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10
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Esain-Garcia I, Kirchner A, Melidis L, Tavares RDCA, Dhir S, Simeone A, Yu Z, Madden SK, Hermann R, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. G-quadruplex DNA structure is a positive regulator of MYC transcription. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320240121. [PMID: 38315865 PMCID: PMC10873556 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320240121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA structure can regulate genome function. Four-stranded DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures have been implicated in transcriptional regulation; however, previous studies have not directly addressed the role of an individual G4 within its endogenous cellular context. Using CRISPR to genetically abrogate endogenous G4 structure folding, we directly interrogate the G4 found within the upstream regulatory region of the critical human MYC oncogene. G4 loss leads to suppression of MYC transcription from the P1 promoter that is mediated by the deposition of a de novo nucleosome alongside alterations in RNA polymerase recruitment. We also show that replacement of the endogenous MYC G4 with a different G4 structure from the KRAS oncogene restores G4 folding and MYC transcription. Moreover, we demonstrate that the MYC G4 structure itself, rather than its sequence, recruits transcription factors and histone modifiers. Overall, our work establishes that G4 structures are important features of transcriptional regulation that coordinate recruitment of key chromatin proteins and the transcriptional machinery through interactions with DNA secondary structure, rather than primary sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Esain-Garcia
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Angie Kirchner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Larry Melidis
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | | | - Somdutta Dhir
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Simeone
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Zutao Yu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah K. Madden
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Regina Hermann
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 0SP, United Kingdom
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11
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Paez‐Perez M, Kuimova MK. Molecular Rotors: Fluorescent Sensors for Microviscosity and Conformation of Biomolecules. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202311233. [PMID: 37856157 PMCID: PMC10952837 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The viscosity and crowding of biological environment are considered vital for the correct cellular function, and alterations in these parameters are known to underly a number of pathologies including diabetes, malaria, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, to name a few. Over the last decades, fluorescent molecular probes termed molecular rotors proved extremely useful for exploring viscosity, crowding, and underlying molecular interactions in biologically relevant settings. In this review, we will discuss the basic principles underpinning the functionality of these probes and will review advances in their use as sensors for lipid order, protein crowding and conformation, temperature and non-canonical nucleic acid structures in live cells and other relevant biological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Paez‐Perez
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, MSRHImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, MSRHImperial College LondonWood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
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12
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Metangle S, Ranjan N. Preferential Binding of a Red Emissive Julolidine Derivative to a Promoter G-Quadruplex. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300527. [PMID: 37926689 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of G-quadruplexes has increased significantly with the growing understanding of their functional roles in pathogens apart from human diseases such as cancer. Here, we report the synthesis of three julolidine-based molecules and their binding to nucleic acids. Among the synthesized molecules, compound 1 exhibited red emissive fluorescence with a distinct preference for Pu22 G-quadruplex. The binding of compound 1 to Pu22 G-quadruplex, initially identified through a fluorescence-based screening, was further confirmed by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism-based experiments. Thermal denaturation of compound 1 in the presence of Pu22 G-quadruplex revealed a concentration-dependent stabilization (~10.0 °C at 1 : 3 stoichiometry). Fluorescence-based experiments revealed 1 : 1 stoichiometry of the interaction and an association constant (Ka ) of 5.67×106 M-1 . CD experiments displayed that the parallel conformation of the G-quadruplex was retained on compound 1's binding and signs of higher order binding/complex formation were observed at high compound 1 to DNA ratio. Molecular docking studies revealed the dominance of stacking and van der Waals interactions in the molecular recognition which was aided by some close-distance interactions involving the quinolinium nitrogen atom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Metangle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226002, India
| | - Nihar Ranjan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, New Transit Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226002, India
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13
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Boavida A, Napolitano LM, Santos D, Cortone G, Jegadesan NK, Onesti S, Branzei D, Pisani FM. FANCJ DNA helicase is recruited to the replisome by AND-1 to ensure genome stability. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:876-901. [PMID: 38177925 PMCID: PMC10897178 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
FANCJ, a DNA helicase linked to Fanconi anemia and frequently mutated in cancers, counteracts replication stress by dismantling unconventional DNA secondary structures (such as G-quadruplexes) that occur at the DNA replication fork in certain sequence contexts. However, how FANCJ is recruited to the replisome is unknown. Here, we report that FANCJ directly binds to AND-1 (the vertebrate ortholog of budding yeast Ctf4), a homo-trimeric protein adaptor that connects the CDC45/MCM2-7/GINS replicative DNA helicase with DNA polymerase α and several other factors at DNA replication forks. The interaction between FANCJ and AND-1 requires the integrity of an evolutionarily conserved Ctf4-interacting protein (CIP) box located between the FANCJ helicase motifs IV and V. Disruption of the CIP box significantly reduces FANCJ association with the replisome, causing enhanced DNA damage, decreased replication fork recovery and fork asymmetry in cells unchallenged or treated with Pyridostatin, a G-quadruplex-binder, or Mitomycin C, a DNA inter-strand cross-linking agent. Cancer-relevant FANCJ CIP box variants display reduced AND-1-binding and enhanced DNA damage, a finding that suggests their potential role in cancer predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Boavida
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Diana Santos
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
- Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cortone
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Onesti
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dana Branzei
- IFOM ETS-The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca M Pisani
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy.
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14
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Yang Y, Jiang Q, Zhang F. Nanocrystals for Deep-Tissue In Vivo Luminescence Imaging in the Near-Infrared Region. Chem Rev 2024; 124:554-628. [PMID: 37991799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
In vivo imaging technologies have emerged as a powerful tool for both fundamental research and clinical practice. In particular, luminescence imaging in the tissue-transparent near-infrared (NIR, 700-1700 nm) region offers tremendous potential for visualizing biological architectures and pathophysiological events in living subjects with deep tissue penetration and high imaging contrast owing to the reduced light-tissue interactions of absorption, scattering, and autofluorescence. The distinctive quantum effects of nanocrystals have been harnessed to achieve exceptional photophysical properties, establishing them as a promising category of luminescent probes. In this comprehensive review, the interactions between light and biological tissues, as well as the advantages of NIR light for in vivo luminescence imaging, are initially elaborated. Subsequently, we focus on achieving deep tissue penetration and improved imaging contrast by optimizing the performance of nanocrystal fluorophores. The ingenious design strategies of NIR nanocrystal probes are discussed, along with their respective biomedical applications in versatile in vivo luminescence imaging modalities. Finally, thought-provoking reflections on the challenges and prospects for future clinical translation of nanocrystal-based in vivo luminescence imaging in the NIR region are wisely provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- College of Energy Materials and Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Qunying Jiang
- College of Energy Materials and Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- College of Energy Materials and Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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15
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Robinson J, Stenspil SG, Maleckaite K, Bartlett M, Di Antonio M, Vilar R, Kuimova MK. Cellular Visualization of G-Quadruplex RNA via Fluorescence- Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:1009-1018. [PMID: 38151240 PMCID: PMC10786036 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11908] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, appreciation of the roles of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in cellular regulation and maintenance has rapidly grown, making the establishment of robust methods to visualize G4s increasingly important. Fluorescent probes are commonly used for G4 detection in vitro; however, achieving sufficient selectivity to detect G4s in a dense and structurally diverse cellular environment is challenging. The use of fluorescent probes for G4 detection is further complicated by variations of probe uptake into cells, which may affect fluorescence intensity independently of G4 abundance. In this work, we report an alternative small-molecule approach to visualize G4s that does not rely on fluorescence intensity switch-on and, thus, does not require the use of molecules with exclusive G4 binding selectivity. Specifically, we have developed a novel thiazole orange derivative, TOR-G4, that exhibits a unique fluorescence lifetime when bound to G4s compared to other structures, allowing G4 binding to be sensitively distinguished from non-G4 binding, independent of the local probe concentration. Furthermore, TOR-G4 primarily colocalizes with RNA in the cytoplasm and nucleoli of cells, making it the first lifetime-based probe validated for exploring the emerging roles of RNA G4s in cellulo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Robinson
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Stine G. Stenspil
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Karolina Maleckaite
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Molly Bartlett
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
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16
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Dong Y, Hu MH. Discovery of a minimalistic DIE-based fluorescent probe for detection of parallel G-quadruplex forms. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106879. [PMID: 37748327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are considered to be involved in some key biological processes, leading to the development of a large number of G4 fluorescent probes, which offer possibilities to study G4 dynamics as well as their biological roles. However, the structures of G4s show high polymorphism, which can be classified into parallel, hybrid and antiparallel forms, and the probes targeting a certain topology are limited. In this study, we have developed a minimalistic fluorescent probe by exploiting the disaggregation-induced emission (DIE) principle. The further studies demonstrated that this probe exhibited promising selectivity toward parallel DNA and RNA G4 forms in vitro. Moreover, it was found that this probe could be applied to map the RNA G4s that always form into parallel topologies in live cells, which distinguished it from other reported DIE-based probes that often targeted the mitochondrial or nuclear DNA G4s. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first DIE-based fluorescent probe for mapping cellular RNA G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Dong
- School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519041, China; Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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17
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Muraoka Y, Muramoto J, Yasuhara Y, Kawatake M, Sakamoto T. Near-Infrared Fluorescent Switch-On Probe for Guanine-Quadruplex Imaging with Extremely Large Stokes Shift. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17162-17165. [PMID: 37955574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
To visualize the guanine-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acids in cells or in biological tissues, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes that can respond specifically to G4 nucleic acids are required. Herein, an NIR fluorescence switch-on probe for G4 imaging having higher selectivity and extremely large Stokes shift (ca. 220 nm) was successfully developed by the modification of our original tripodal quinone-cyanine fluorescent dye. The target binding-induced intramolecular stacking interaction of the probe might cause red shifting of the fluorescence emission. The NIR fluorescence switch-on probe developed here might contribute largely to revealing the behaviors of G4 nucleic acids not only in cells but also in biological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Muraoka
- Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Junya Muramoto
- Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Yu Yasuhara
- Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Mayuko Kawatake
- Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakamoto
- Graduate School of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
- Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakaedani, Wakayama 640-8510, Japan
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18
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Aznauryan M, Birkedal V. Dynamics of G-Quadruplex Formation under Molecular Crowding. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:10354-10360. [PMID: 37948600 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) structures assemble from guanine-rich DNA sequences and are believed to regulate several key cellular processes. G4 formation and conformational interconversions are well-established to occur dynamically in vitro. However, a clear understanding of G4 formation dynamics in cells as well as under conditions mimicking the cellular environment is missing. To fill this gap, we have investigated the G4 dynamics in molecularly crowded solutions, thus replicating the effect of the excluded volume present in cells. The results show that the volume exclusion exerted by large crowding agents accelerates the rate of G4 formation by at least an order of magnitude, leading to significant G4 stabilization. Extrapolation from our experimental data predicts crowding-induced G4 stabilization by more than 3 kcal/mol, under crowding levels found in the cellular environment. Such effects are likely to be important for G4-driven regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayel Aznauryan
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Univ. Bordeaux, ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 33607 Pessac, France
| | - Victoria Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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19
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Yan MP, Wee CE, Yen KP, Stevens A, Wai LK. G-quadruplex ligands as therapeutic agents against cancer, neurological disorders and viral infections. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1987-2009. [PMID: 37933551 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) within the human genome have undergone extensive molecular investigation, with a strong focus on telomeres, gene promoters and repetitive regulatory sequences. G4s play central roles in regulating essential biological processes, including telomere maintenance, replication, transcription and translation. Targeting these molecular processes with G4-binding ligands holds substantial therapeutic potential in anticancer treatments and has also shown promise in treating neurological, skeletal and muscular disorders. The presence of G4s in bacterial and viral genomes also suggests that G4-binding ligands could be a critical tool in fighting infections. This review provides an overview of the progress and applications of G4-binding ligands, their proposed mechanisms of action, challenges faced and prospects for their utilization in anticancer treatments, neurological disorders and antiviral activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mock Phooi Yan
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Chua Eng Wee
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Khor Poh Yen
- Faculty Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Royal College of Medicine Perak, 3, Jalan Greentown, Ipoh, Perak, 30450, Malaysia
| | - Aaron Stevens
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Lam Kok Wai
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
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20
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Berrones Reyes J, Sherin PS, Sarkar A, Kuimova MK, Vilar R. Platinum(II)-Based Optical Probes for Imaging Quadruplex DNA Structures via Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310402. [PMID: 37642538 PMCID: PMC10952808 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNA is a non-canonical structure that forms in guanine-rich regions of the genome. There is increasing evidence showing that G-quadruplexes have important biological functions, and therefore molecular tools to visualise these structures are important. Herein we report on a series of new cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes which, upon binding to G-quadruplex DNA, display an increase in their phosphorescence, acting as switch-on probes. More importantly, upon binding to G-quadruplexes they display a selective and distinct lengthening of their emission lifetime. We show that this effect can be used to selectively visualise these structures in cells using Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (PLIM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Berrones Reyes
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Peter S. Sherin
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Amrita Sarkar
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
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21
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Berrones Reyes J, Sherin PS, Sarkar A, Kuimova MK, Vilar R. Platinum(II)-Based Optical Probes for Imaging Quadruplex DNA Structures via Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202310402. [PMID: 38516271 PMCID: PMC10952342 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202310402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNA is a non-canonical structure that forms in guanine-rich regions of the genome. There is increasing evidence showing that G-quadruplexes have important biological functions, and therefore molecular tools to visualise these structures are important. Herein we report on a series of new cyclometallated platinum(II) complexes which, upon binding to G-quadruplex DNA, display an increase in their phosphorescence, acting as switch-on probes. More importantly, upon binding to G-quadruplexes they display a selective and distinct lengthening of their emission lifetime. We show that this effect can be used to selectively visualise these structures in cells using Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (PLIM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Berrones Reyes
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Peter S. Sherin
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Amrita Sarkar
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City Campus82 Wood LaneLondonW12 0BZUK
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22
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Sato K, Knipscheer P. G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103552. [PMID: 37572578 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103552] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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23
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Doimo M, Chaudhari N, Abrahamsson S, L’Hôte V, Nguyen TH, Berner A, Ndi M, Abrahamsson A, Das R, Aasumets K, Goffart S, Pohjoismäki JLO, López MD, Chorell E, Wanrooij S. Enhanced mitochondrial G-quadruplex formation impedes replication fork progression leading to mtDNA loss in human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:7392-7408. [PMID: 37351621 PMCID: PMC10415151 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication stalling is considered an initial step in the formation of mtDNA deletions that associate with genetic inherited disorders and aging. However, the molecular details of how stalled replication forks lead to mtDNA deletions accumulation are still unclear. Mitochondrial DNA deletion breakpoints preferentially occur at sequence motifs predicted to form G-quadruplexes (G4s), four-stranded nucleic acid structures that can fold in guanine-rich regions. Whether mtDNA G4s form in vivo and their potential implication for mtDNA instability is still under debate. In here, we developed new tools to map G4s in the mtDNA of living cells. We engineered a G4-binding protein targeted to the mitochondrial matrix of a human cell line and established the mtG4-ChIP method, enabling the determination of mtDNA G4s under different cellular conditions. Our results are indicative of transient mtDNA G4 formation in human cells. We demonstrate that mtDNA-specific replication stalling increases formation of G4s, particularly in the major arc. Moreover, elevated levels of G4 block the progression of the mtDNA replication fork and cause mtDNA loss. We conclude that stalling of the mtDNA replisome enhances mtDNA G4 occurrence, and that G4s not resolved in a timely manner can have a negative impact on mtDNA integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Doimo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Women and Children Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Namrata Chaudhari
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sanna Abrahamsson
- Bioinformatics and Data Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Valentin L’Hôte
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tran V H Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Berner
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mama Ndi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Koit Aasumets
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Steffi Goffart
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Jaakko L O Pohjoismäki
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Marcela Dávila López
- Bioinformatics and Data Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sjoerd Wanrooij
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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24
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Sannapureddi RKR, Mohanty MK, Salmon L, Sathyamoorthy B. Conformational Plasticity of Parallel G-Quadruplex─Implications on Duplex-Quadruplex Motifs. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37428641 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes are essential motifs in molecular biology performing a wide range of functions enabled by their unique and diverse structures. In this study, we focus on the conformational plasticity of the most abundant and biologically relevant parallel G-quadruplex topology. A multipronged approach of structure survey, solution-state NMR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations unravels subtle yet essential features of the parallel G-quadruplex topology. Stark differences in flexibility are observed for the nucleotides depending upon their positioning in the tetrad planes that are intricately correlated with the conformational sampling of the propeller loop. Importantly, the terminal nucleotides in the 5'-end versus the 3'-end of the parallel quadruplex display differential dynamics that manifests their ability to accommodate a duplex on either end of the G-quadruplex. The conformational plasticity characterized in this study provides essential cues toward biomolecular processes such as small molecular binding, intermolecular quadruplex stacking, and implications on how a duplex influences the structure of a neighboring quadruplex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manish Kumar Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Loïc Salmon
- Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, UMR 5082 (CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1), University of Lyon, Villeurbanne 69100, France
| | - Bharathwaj Sathyamoorthy
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal 462066, India
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25
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He C, Peng J, Li Z, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Luo X, Liu Z, Feng G, Fang J. Engineering a Red Fluorescent Protein Chromophore for Visualization of RNA G-Quadruplexes. Biochemistry 2023. [PMID: 37376793 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic red fluorescent protein (RFP) chromophores have emerged as valuable tools for biological imaging and therapeutic applications, but their application in the visualization of endogenous RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in living cells has been rarely reported so far. Here, by integrating the group of the excellent G4 dye ThT, we modulate RFP chromophores to create a novel fluorescent probe DEBIT with red emission. DEBIT selectively recognizes the G4 structure with the advantage of strong binding affinity, high selectivity, and excellent photostability. Using DEBIT as a fluorescent indicator, the real-time monitoring of RNA G4 in biological systems can be achieved. In summary, our work expands the application of synthetic RFP chromophores and provides an essential dye category to the classical G4 probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang He
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jiasheng Peng
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qinghui Yang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xingyu Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China
| | - Zekai Liu
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Guangfu Feng
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jun Fang
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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26
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Monsen RC. Higher-order G-quadruplexes in promoters are untapped drug targets. Front Chem 2023; 11:1211512. [PMID: 37351517 PMCID: PMC10282141 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1211512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures that form within guanine-rich regions of chromatin. G4 motifs are abundant in the genome, with a sizable proportion (∼40%) existing within gene promoter regions. G4s are proven epigenetic features that decorate the promoter landscape as binding centers for transcription factors. Stabilizing or disrupting promoter G4s can directly influence adjacent gene transcription, making G4s attractive as indirect drug targets for hard-to-target proteins, particularly in cancer. However, no G4 ligands have progressed through clinical trials, mostly owing to off targeting effects. A major hurdle in G4 drug discovery is the lack of distinctiveness of the small monomeric G4 structures currently used as receptors. This mini review describes and contrasts monomeric and higher-order G-quadruplex structure and function and provides a rationale for switching focus to the higher-order forms as selective molecular targets. The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) core promoter G-quadruplex is then used as a case study that highlights the potential for higher-order G4s as selective indirect inhibitors of hard-to-target proteins in cancer.
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27
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Liu J, Tang J, Tong Z, Teng G, Yang D. DNA-guided self-assembly in living cells. iScience 2023; 26:106620. [PMID: 37250313 PMCID: PMC10214402 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly processes exist widely in life systems and play essential roles in maintaining life activities. It is promising to explore the molecular fundamentals and mechanisms of life systems through artificially constructing self-assembly systems in living cells. As an excellent self-assembly construction material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been widely used to achieve the precise construction of self-assembly systems in living cells. This review focuses on the recent progress of DNA-guided intracellular self-assembly. First, the methods of intracellular DNA self-assembly based on the conformational transition of DNA are summarized, including complementary base pairing, the formation of G-quadruplex/i-motif, and the specific recognition of DNA aptamer. Next, The applications of DNA-guided intracellular self-assembly on the detection of intracellular biomolecules and the regulation of cell behaviors are introduced, and the molecular design of DNA in the self-assembly systems is discussed in detail. Ultimately, the challenges and opportunities of DNA-guided intracellular self-assembly are commented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiao Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Jianpu Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobin Tong
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Guangshuai Teng
- Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315200, P.R. China
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28
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Kench T, Rakers V, Bouzada D, Gomez-González J, Robinson J, Kuimova MK, Vázquez López M, Vázquez ME, Vilar R. Dimeric Metal-Salphen Complexes Which Target Multimeric G-Quadruplex DNA. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:911-921. [PMID: 37119235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex DNA structures have attracted increasing attention due to their biological roles and potential as targets for the development of new drugs. While most guanine-rich sequences in the genome have the potential to form monomeric G-quadruplexes, certain sequences have enough guanine-tracks to give rise to multimeric quadruplexes. One of these sequences is the human telomere where tandem repeats of TTAGGG can lead to the formation of two or more adjacent G-quadruplexes. Herein we report on the modular synthesis via click chemistry of dimeric metal-salphen complexes (with NiII and PtII) bridged by either polyether or peptide linkers. We show by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy that they generally have higher selectivity for dimeric vs monomeric G-quadruplexes. The emissive properties of the PtII-salphen dimeric complexes have been used to study their interactions with monomeric and dimeric G-quadruplexes in vitro as well as to study their cellular uptake and localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Kench
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Viktoria Rakers
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Bouzada
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jacobo Gomez-González
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jenna Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marina K Kuimova
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Vázquez López
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - M Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
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29
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Bai D, Shan SW, Zhang X, Li Y, Xie J, Wu WQ. Comprehensive insights into the structures and dynamics of plant telomeric G-quadruplexes. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123281. [PMID: 36657543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres, which are located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, are crucial for genomic maintenance. Most telomeric DNA is composed of tandemly repeated guanine (G)-rich sequences, which form G-quadruplexes (G4s). The structures and dynamics of telomeric G4s are essential for telomere functioning and helpful for G4-based biosensing. However, they are far from being understood, especially for plants. In this contribution, the folding, environment-induced G4 dynamics, and protein-catalyzed unfolding of plant telomeric G4s were comprehensively studied. It was found that diverse plant telomeric sequences from land plants to green algae could fold into G4 structures. In addition, 5'-proximal ssDNA but not 3'-proximal ssDNA drove conversion of anti-parallel G4 structures to parallel structures, and both 5' and 3' ssDNA decreased the stability of G4s in dilute solution. Furthermore, molecular crowding promoted the formation of parallel structures for three-layer but not for two-layer G4s, and increased the stability of all selected G4s. Finally, AtRecQ2 helicase resolved the stable parallel structure of typical plant telomeric G4 in crowded solution, but ssDNA binding protein AtRPA did not. Furthermore, AtRecQ2 unwound the structure more efficiently in the presence of AtRPA. The results may expand our understanding on the structures and dynamics of plant telomeric G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Song-Wang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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30
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Lu S, Dai Z, Cui Y, Kong DM. Recent Development of Advanced Fluorescent Molecular Probes for Organelle-Targeted Cell Imaging. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:360. [PMID: 36979572 PMCID: PMC10046058 DOI: 10.3390/bios13030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent molecular probes are very powerful tools that have been generally applied in cell imaging in the research fields of biology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and medical science. In the last couple of decades, numerous molecular probes endowed with high specificity to particular organelles have been designed to illustrate intracellular images in more detail at the subcellular level. Nowadays, the development of cell biology has enabled the investigation process to go deeply into cells, even at the molecular level. Therefore, probes that can sketch a particular organelle's location while responding to certain parameters to evaluate intracellular bioprocesses are under urgent demand. It is significant to understand the basic ideas of organelle properties, as well as the vital substances related to each unique organelle, for the design of probes with high specificity and efficiency. In this review, we summarize representative multifunctional fluorescent molecular probes developed in the last decade. We focus on probes that can specially target nuclei, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulums, and lysosomes. In each section, we first briefly introduce the significance and properties of different organelles. We then discuss how probes are designed to make them highly organelle-specific. Finally, we also consider how probes are constructed to endow them with additional functions to recognize particular physical/chemical signals of targeted organelles. Moreover, a perspective on the challenges in future applications of highly specific molecular probes in cell imaging is also proposed. We hope that this review can provide researchers with additional conceptual information about developing probes for cell imaging, assisting scientists interested in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry to accelerate their scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhiqi Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunxi Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - De-Ming Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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31
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Ma Y, Zhang D, Lv W, Zhao Q, Wong WY. Water-soluble iridium(III) complexes as multicolor probes for one-photon, two-photon and fluorescence lifetime imaging. J Organomet Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2023.122697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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32
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Deiana M, Chand K, Chorell E, Sabouri N. Parallel G-Quadruplex DNA Structures from Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes Trigger Emission Enhancement in a Nonfluorescent Nano-aggregated Fluorine-Boron-Based Dye. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:1862-1869. [PMID: 36779779 PMCID: PMC9940295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly is a powerful tool for the development of functional nanostructures with adaptive optical properties. However, in aqueous solution, the hydrophobic effects in the monomeric units often afford supramolecular architectures with typical side-by-side π-stacking arrangement with compromised emissive properties. Here, we report on the role of parallel DNA guanine quadruplexes (G4s) as supramolecular disaggregating-capture systems capable of coordinating a zwitterionic fluorine-boron-based dye and promoting activation of its fluorescence signal. The dye's high binding affinity for parallel G4s compared to nonparallel topologies leads to a selective disassembly of the dye's supramolecular state upon contact with parallel G4s. This results in a strong and selective disaggregation-induced emission that signals the presence of parallel G4s observable by the naked eye and inside cells. The molecular recognition strategy reported here will be useful for a multitude of affinity-based applications with potential in sensing and imaging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Deiana
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karam Chand
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Chorell
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nasim Sabouri
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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33
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Zheng BX, Yu J, Long W, Chan KH, Leung ASL, Wong WL. Structurally diverse G-quadruplexes as the noncanonical nucleic acid drug target for live cell imaging and antibacterial study. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:1415-1433. [PMID: 36636928 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05945b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The formation of G-quadruplex structures (G4s) in vitro from guanine (G)-rich nucleic acid sequences of DNA and RNA stabilized with monovalent cations, typically K+ and Na+, under physiological conditions, has been verified experimentally and some of them have high-resolution NMR or X-ray crystal structures; however, the biofunction of these special noncanonical secondary structures of nucleic acids has not been fully understood and their existence in vivo is still controversial at present. It is generally believed that the folding and unfolding of G4s in vivo is a transient process. Accumulating evidence has shown that G4s may play a role in the regulation of certain important cellular functions including telomere maintenance, replication, transcription and translation. Therefore, both DNA and RNA G4s of human cancer hallmark genes are recognized as the potential anticancer drug target for the investigation in cancer biology, chemical biology and drug discovery. The relationship between the sequence, structure and stability of G4s, the interaction of G4s with small molecules, and insights into the rational design of G4-selective binding ligands have been intensively studied over the decade. At present, some G4-ligands have achieved a new milestone and successfully entered the human clinical trials for anticancer therapy. Over the past few decades, numerous efforts have been devoted to anticancer therapy; however, G4s for molecular recognition and live cell imaging and for application as antibacterial agents and antibiofilms against antibiotic resistance have been obviously underexplored. The recent advances in G4-ligands in these areas are thus selected and discussed concentratedly in this article in order to shed light on the emerging role of G4s in chemical biology and therapeutic prospects against bacterial infections. In addition, the recently published molecular scaffolds for designing small ligands selectively targeting G4s in live cell imaging, bacterial biofilm imaging, and antibacterial studies are discussed. Furthermore, a number of underexplored G4-targets from the cytoplasmic membrane-associated DNA, the conserved promoter region of K. pneumoniae genomes, the RNA G4-sites in the transcriptome of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and the mRNA G4-sites in the sequence for coding the vital bacterial FtsZ protein are highlighted to further explore in G4-drug development against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Wei Long
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
| | - Ka Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Alan Siu-Lun Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
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34
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Holden L, Gkika KS, Burke CS, Long C, Keyes TE. Selective, Disruptive Luminescent Ru(II) Polypyridyl Probes of G-Quadruplex. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:2213-2227. [PMID: 36703307 PMCID: PMC9906756 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c03903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sensors capable of transducing G-quadruplex DNA binding are important both in solution and for imaging and interrogation in cellulo. Ru(II)-based light switches incorporating dipyridylphenazine (dppz) ligands are effective probes for recognition and imaging of DNA and its polymorphs including G-quadruplex, although selectivity is a limitation. While the majority of Ru(II)-based light switches reported to date, stabilize the quadruplex, imaging/theranostic probes that can disrupt G4s are of potentially enormous value in study and therapy for a range of disease states. We report here, on a Ru(II) complex (Ru-PDC3) that assembles the light switch capability of a Ru(II) dipyridylphenazine complex with the well-known G4-selective ligand Phen-DC3, into a single structure. The complex shows the anticipated light switch effect and strong affinity for G4 structures. Affinity depended on the G4 topology and sequence, but across all structures bar one, it was roughly an order of magnitude greater than for duplex or single-stranded DNA. Moreover, photophysical and Raman spectral data showed clear discrimination between duplex DNA and G4-bound structures offering the prospect of discrimination in imaging as well as in solution. Crucially, unlike the constituent components of the probe, Ru-PDC3 is a powerful G4 disrupter. From circular dichroism (CD), a reduction of ellipticity of the G4 between 70 and 95% was observed depending on topology and in many cases was accompanied by an induced CD signal for the metal complex. The extent of change in ellipticity is amongst the largest reported for small-molecule ligand G4 binding. While a promising G4 probe, without modification, the complex is fully water-soluble and readily permeable to live cells.
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35
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Gil-Martínez A, López-Molina S, Galiana-Roselló C, Lázaro-Gómez A, Schlüter F, Rizzo F, González-García J. Modulating the G-Quadruplex and Duplex DNA Binding by Controlling the Charge of Fluorescent Molecules. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203094. [PMID: 36318180 PMCID: PMC10107164 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Two fluorescent and non-toxic spirobifluorene molecules bearing either positive (Spiro-NMe3) or negative (Spiro-SO3) charged moieties attached to the same aromatic structure have been investigated as binders for DNA. The novel Spiro-NMe3 containing four alkylammonium substituents interacts with G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures and shows preference for G4s over duplex by means of FRET melting and fluorescence experiments. The interaction is governed by the charged substituents of the ligands as deduced from the lower binding of the sulfonate analogue (Spiro-SO3). On the contrary, Spiro-SO3 exhibits higher binding affinity to duplex DNA structure than to G4. Both molecules show a moderate quenching of the fluorescence upon DNA binding. The confocal microscopy evaluation shows the internalization of both molecules in HeLa cells and their lysosomal accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Gil-Martínez
- Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Valencia Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - Sònia López-Molina
- Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Valencia Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - Cristina Galiana-Roselló
- Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Valencia Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - Andrea Lázaro-Gómez
- Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Valencia Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
| | - Friederike Schlüter
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Fabio Rizzo
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149, Münster, Germany.,Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), via G. Fantoli 16/15, 20138, Milano, Italy
| | - Jorge González-García
- Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Valencia Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Spain
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36
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Pandith A, Luo Y, Jang Y, Bae J, Kim Y. Self-Assembled Peptidyl Aggregates for the Fluorogenic Recognition of Mitochondrial DNA G-Quadruplexes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215049. [PMID: 36396597 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The selective monitoring of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in living cells is important to elucidate their functions and reveal their value as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Here we report a fluorogenic probe (CV2) able to selectively light-up parallel G4 DNA over antiparallel topologies. CV2 was constructed by conjugating the excimer-forming CV dye with a peptide sequence (l-Arg-l-Gly-glutaric acid) that specifically recognizes G4s. CV2 forms self-assembled, red excimer-emitting nanoaggregates in aqueous media, but specific binding to G4s triggers its disassembly into rigidified monomeric dyes, leading to a dramatic fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, selective permeation of CV2 stains G4s in mitochondria over the nucleus. CV2 was employed for tracking the folding and unfolding of G4s in living cells, and for monitoring mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. These properties make CV2 appealing to investigate the possible roles of mtDNA G4s in diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Pandith
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.,Current address, International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering (IPBME), College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan (R.O.C
| | - Yongyang Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Yul Jang
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Jeehyeon Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
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37
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Kharel P, Fay M, Manasova EV, Anderson PJ, Kurkin AV, Guo JU, Ivanov P. Stress promotes RNA G-quadruplex folding in human cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:205. [PMID: 36639366 PMCID: PMC9839774 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine (G)-rich nucleic acids can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures under permissive conditions. Although many RNAs contain sequences that fold into RNA G4s (rG4s) in vitro, their folding and functions in vivo are not well understood. In this report, we showed that the folding of putative rG4s in human cells into rG4 structures is dynamically regulated under stress. By using high-throughput dimethylsulfate (DMS) probing, we identified hundreds of endogenous stress-induced rG4s, and validated them by using an rG4 pull-down approach. Our results demonstrate that stress-induced rG4s are enriched in mRNA 3'-untranslated regions and enhance mRNA stability. Furthermore, stress-induced rG4 folding is readily reversible upon stress removal. In summary, our study revealed the dynamic regulation of rG4 folding in human cells and suggested that widespread rG4 motifs may have a global regulatory impact on mRNA stability and cellular stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marta Fay
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ekaterina V Manasova
- Chemistry Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Paul J Anderson
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alexander V Kurkin
- Chemistry Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Junjie U Guo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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38
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Evans L, Kotar A, Valentini M, Filloux A, Jamshidi S, Plavec J, Rahman KM, Vilar R. Identification and characterisation of G-quadruplex DNA-forming sequences in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:94-100. [PMID: 36685252 PMCID: PMC9811510 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00205a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are becoming resistant to front-line antibiotics. Consequently, there is a pressing need to find alternative bio-molecular targets for the development of new drugs. Since non-canonical DNA structures such as guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) have been implicated in regulating transcription, we were interested in determining whether there are putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in the genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using bioinformatic tools, we screened 36 genes potentially relevant to drug resistance for the presence of PQS and 10 of these were selected for biophysical characterisation (i.e. circular dichroism and thermal difference UV/Vis spectroscopy). These studies showed that three of these G-rich sequences (linked to murE, ftsB and mexC genes) form stable guanine-quadruplexes which were studied by NMR spectroscopy; detailed analysis of one of the sequences (mexC) confirmed that it adopts a two-quartet antiparallel quadruplex structure in the presence of K+ ions. We also show by FRET melting assays that small molecules can stabilise these three new G4 DNA structures under physiological conditions. These initial results could be of future interest in the development of new antibiotics with alternative bio-molecular targets which in turn would help tackle antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Evans
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City CampusLondon W12 OBZUK
| | - Anita Kotar
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 191000 LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Martina Valentini
- Department of Life Sciences, MRC Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Imperial College London, South Kensington CampusLondon SW7 2AZUK
| | - Alain Filloux
- Department of Life Sciences, MRC Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Imperial College London, South Kensington CampusLondon SW7 2AZUK
| | - Shirin Jamshidi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building150 Stamford StreetLondon SE1 9NHUK
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 191000 LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Khondaker Miraz Rahman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building150 Stamford StreetLondon SE1 9NHUK
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City CampusLondon W12 OBZUK
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39
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Schlosser J, Ihmels H. Ligands for Abasic Site-containing DNA and their Use as Fluorescent Probes. Curr Org Synth 2023; 20:96-113. [PMID: 35170411 DOI: 10.2174/1570179419666220216091422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Apurinic and apyrimidinic sites, also referred to as abasic or AP sites, are residues of duplex DNA in which one DNA base is removed from a Watson-Crick base pair. They are formed during the enzymatic repair of DNA and offer binding sites for a variety of guest molecules. Specifically, the AP site may bind an appropriate ligand as a substitute for the missing nucleic base, thus stabilizing the abasic site-containing DNA (AP-DNA). Notably, ligands that bind selectively to abasic sites may be employed for analytical and therapeutical purposes. As a result, there is a search for structural features that establish a strong and selective association of a given ligand with the abasic position in DNA. Against this background, this review provides an overview of the different classes of ligands for abasic site-containing DNA (AP-DNA). This review covers covalently binding substrates, namely amine and oxyamine derivatives, as well as ligands that bind to AP-DNA by noncovalent association, as represented by small heterocyclic aromatic compounds, metal-organic complexes, macrocyclic cyclophanes, and intercalator-nucleobase conjugates. As the systematic development of fluorescent probes for AP-DNA has been somewhat neglected so far, this review article contains a survey of the available reports on the fluorimetric response of the ligand upon binding to the AP-DNA. Based on these data, this compilation shall present a perspective for future developments of fluorescent probes for AP-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julika Schlosser
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
| | - Heiko Ihmels
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57068 Siegen, Germany
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40
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Apostolidi M, Stamatopoulou V. Aberrant splicing in human cancer: An RNA structural code point of view. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1137154. [PMID: 36909167 PMCID: PMC9995731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1137154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing represents an essential process that occurs widely in eukaryotes. In humans, most genes undergo alternative splicing to ensure transcriptome and proteome diversity reflecting their functional complexity. Over the last decade, aberrantly spliced transcripts due to mutations in cis- or trans-acting splicing regulators have been tightly associated with cancer development, largely drawing scientific attention. Although a plethora of single proteins, ribonucleoproteins, complexed RNAs, and short RNA sequences have emerged as nodal contributors to the splicing cascade, the role of RNA secondary structures in warranting splicing fidelity has been underestimated. Recent studies have leveraged the establishment of novel high-throughput methodologies and bioinformatic tools to shed light on an additional layer of splicing regulation in the context of RNA structural elements. This short review focuses on the most recent available data on splicing mechanism regulation on the basis of RNA secondary structure, emphasizing the importance of the complex RNA G-quadruplex structures (rG4s), and other specific RNA motifs identified as splicing silencers or enhancers. Moreover, it intends to provide knowledge on newly established techniques that allow the identification of RNA structural elements and highlight the potential to develop new RNA-oriented therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Apostolidi
- Agilent Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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41
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Lo R, Majid A, Fruhwirth GO, Vilar R. Radiolabelling Pt-based quadruplex DNA binders via click chemistry. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 76:117097. [PMID: 36417789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich sequences of DNA and RNA can fold into intramolecular tetra-helical assemblies known as G-quadruplexes (G4). Their formation in vivo has been associated to a range of biological functions and therefore they have been identified as potential drug targets. Consequently, a broad range of small molecules have been developed to target G4s. Amongst those are metal complexes with Schiff base ligands. Herein, we report the functionalisation of one of these well-established G4 DNA binders (based on a square planar platinum(II)-salphen complex) with two different radiolabelled complexes. An 111In-conjugate was successfully used to assess its in vivo distribution in a mouse tumour model using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. These studies highlighted the accumulation of this Pt-salphen-111In conjugate in the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainbow Lo
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, SE1 1UL London, UK; Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, UK
| | - Aatikah Majid
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, UK
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, SE1 1UL London, UK.
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, UK.
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42
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A redox-activated Pt(IV) pro-probe: From G-quadruplex imaging to cancer therapy. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 237:111988. [PMID: 36108343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111988] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficient uptake to both cytoplasm and nucleus in live cells remains a key obstacle for G-quadruplex targeting fluorophores. We developed a Pt(IV) complex by oxidizing a bisphenanthrolinyl Pt(II) complex, which is our first generation G-quadruplex specific fluorogenic probe.15 The axial lipophilic ligand assists Pt(IV) pro-probe to enter live cells and reach the nucleus rapidly. In situ reduction of Pt(IV) pro-probe restores parental Pt(II) complex, and sequentially lights up both RNA and DNA G-quadruplexes in live cancerous cells simultaneously. Pt(IV) pro-probe shows potent cytotoxicity after long time incubation as a dual-functional theranostic agent.
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43
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Advances in
G
‐quadruplexes‐based fluorescent imaging. Biopolymers 2022; 113:e23528. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.23528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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44
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Dubrovin EV, Barinov NA, Klinov DV. Visualization of G-Quadruplexes, i-Motifs and Their Associates. Acta Naturae 2022; 14:4-18. [DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-canonical structures formed by G- or C-rich DNA regions, such as quadruplexes and i-motifs, as well as their associates, have recently been attracting increasing attention both because of the arguments in favor of their existence in vivo and their potential application in nanobiotechnology. When studying the structure and properties of non-canonical forms of DNA, as well as when controlling the artificially created architectures based on them, visualization plays an important role. This review analyzes the methods used to visualize quadruplexes, i-motifs, and their associates with high spatial resolution: fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The key approaches to preparing specimens for the visualization of this type of structures are presented. Examples of visualization of non-canonical DNA structures having various morphologies, such as G-wires, G-loops, as well as individual quadruplexes, i-motifs and their associates, are considered. The potential for using AFM for visualizing non-canonical DNA structures is demonstrated.
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45
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Zhao L, Ahmed F, Zeng Y, Xu W, Xiong H. Recent Developments in G-Quadruplex Binding Ligands and Specific Beacons on Smart Fluorescent Sensor for Targeting Metal Ions and Biological Analytes. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2833-2856. [PMID: 36112358 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex structure is crucial in several biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, and genomic maintenance. G-quadruplex-based fluorescent probes have recently gained popularity because of their ease of use, low cost, excellent selectivity, and sensitivity. This review summarizes the latest applications of G-quadruplex structures as detectors of genome-wide, enantioselective catalysts, disease therapeutics, promising drug targets, and smart fluorescence probes. In every section, sensing of G-quadruplex and employing G4 for the detection of other analytes were introduced, respectively. Since the discovery of the G-quadruplex structure, several studies have been conducted to investigate its conformations, biological potential, stability, reactivity, selectivity for chemical modification, and optical properties. The formation mechanism and advancements for detecting different metal ions (Na+, K+, Ag+, Tl+, Cu+/Cu2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+) and biomolecules (AMP, ATP, DNA/RNA, microRNA, thrombin, T4 PNK, RNase H, ALP, CEA, lipocalin 1, and UDG) using fluorescent sensors based on G-quadruplex modification, such as dye labels, artificial nucleobase moieties, dye complexes, intercalating dyes, and bioconjugated nanomaterials (AgNCs, GO, QDs, CDs, and MOF) is described herein. To investigate these extremely efficient responsive agents for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine, fluorescence sensors based on G-quadruplexes have also been employed as a quantitative visualization technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China.,College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yating Zeng
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Weiqing Xu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Hai Xiong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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46
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Hassani MA, Murid J, Yan J. Regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 gene and its association with malignancy. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2022; 6:e1735. [PMID: 36253342 PMCID: PMC9875622 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the progression of next-generation sequencing technologies, researchers have identified numerous variants of the regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 (RTEL1) gene that are associated with a broad spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, including malignancies. At the molecular level, RTEL1 is involved in the regulation of the repair, replication, and transcription of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the maintenance of telomere length. RTEL1 can act both as a promotor and inhibitor of tumorigenesis. Here, we review the potential mechanisms implicated in the malignant transformation of tissues under conditions of RTEL1 deficiency or its aberrant overexpression. RECENT FINDINGS A major hemostatic challenge during RTEL1 dysfunction could arise from its unbalanced activity for unwinding guanine-rich quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) structures. In contrast, RTEL1 deficiency leads to alterations in telomeric and genome-wide DNA maintenance mechanisms, ribonucleoprotein metabolism, and the creation of an inflammatory and immune-deficient microenvironment, all promoting malignancy. Additionally, we hypothesize that functionally similar molecules could act to compensate for the deteriorated functions of RTEL1, thereby facilitating the survival of malignant cells. On the contrary, RTEL1 over-expression was directed toward G4-unwinding, by promoting replication fork progression and maintaining intact telomeres, may facilitate malignant transformation and proliferation of various pre-malignant cellular compartments. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, restoring the equilibrium of RTEL1 functions could serve as a therapeutic approach for preventing and treating malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arian Hassani
- Department of Hematology, Liaoning Medical Center for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Translational Medicine, Dalian Key Laboratory of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina,Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Ali Abad Teaching HospitalKabul University of Medical SciencesJamal menaKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jamshid Murid
- Department of Hematology, Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Ali Abad Teaching HospitalKabul University of Medical SciencesJamal menaKabulAfghanistan
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematology, Liaoning Medical Center for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Translational Medicine, Dalian Key Laboratory of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina,Diamond Bay Institute of HematologySecond Hospital of Dalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
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47
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Structural insight into the bulge-containing KRAS oncogene promoter G-quadruplex bound to berberine and coptisine. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6016. [PMID: 36224201 PMCID: PMC9556435 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most highly mutated oncoproteins, which is overexpressed in various human cancers and implicated in poor survival. The G-quadruplex formed in KRAS oncogene promoter (KRAS-G4) is a transcriptional modulator and amenable to small molecule targeting. However, no available KRAS-G4-ligand complex structure has yet been determined, which seriously hinders the structure-based rational design of KRAS-G4 targeting drugs. In this study, we report the NMR solution structures of a bulge-containing KRAS-G4 bound to berberine and coptisine, respectively. The determined complex structure shows a 2:1 binding stoichiometry with each compound recruiting the adjacent flacking adenine residue to form a "quasi-triad plane" that stacks over the two external G-tetrads. The binding involves both π-stacking and electrostatic interactions. Moreover, berberine and coptisine significantly lowered the KRAS mRNA levels in cancer cells. Our study thus provides molecular details of ligand interactions with KRAS-G4 and is beneficial for the design of specific KRAS-G4-interactive drugs.
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48
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Miglietta G, Marinello J, Russo M, Capranico G. Ligands stimulating antitumour immunity as the next G-quadruplex challenge. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:180. [PMID: 36114513 PMCID: PMC9482198 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractG-quadruplex (G4) binders have been investigated to discover new anticancer drugs worldwide in past decades. As these ligands are generally not highly cytotoxic, the discovery rational was mainly based on increasing the cell-killing potency. Nevertheless, no G4 binder has been shown yet to be effective in cancer patients. Here, G4 binder activity at low dosages will be discussed as a critical feature to discover ligands with therapeutic effects in cancer patients. Specific effects of G4 binders al low doses have been reported to occur in cancer and normal cells. Among them, genome instability and the stimulation of cytoplasmic processes related to autophagy and innate immune response open to the use of G4 binders as immune-stimulating agents. Thus, we propose a new rational of drug discovery, which is not based on cytotoxic potency but rather on immune gene activation at non-cytotoxic dosage.
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49
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Chang TR, Long X, Shastry S, Parks JW, Stone MD. Single-Molecule Mechanical Analysis of Strand Invasion in Human Telomere DNA. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1554-1560. [PMID: 35852986 PMCID: PMC9352315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Telomeres are essential
chromosome end capping structures that
safeguard the genome from dangerous DNA processing events. DNA strand
invasion occurs during vital transactions at telomeres, including
telomere length maintenance by the alternative lengthening of telomeres
(ALT) pathway. During telomeric strand invasion, a single-stranded
guanine-rich (G-rich) DNA invades at a complementary duplex telomere
repeat sequence, forming a displacement loop (D-loop) in which the
displaced DNA consists of the same G-rich sequence as the invading
single-stranded DNA. Single-stranded G-rich telomeric DNA readily
folds into stable, compact, structures called G-quadruplexes (GQs)
in vitro and is anticipated to form within the context of a D-loop;
however, evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. Here, we
report a magnetic tweezers assay that permits the controlled formation
of telomeric D-loops (TDLs) within uninterrupted duplex human telomere
DNA molecules of physiologically relevant lengths. Our results are
consistent with a model wherein the displaced single-stranded DNA
of a TDL fold into a GQ. This study provides new insight into telomere
structure and establishes a framework for the development of novel
therapeutics designed to target GQs at telomeres in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terren R. Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Xi Long
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Shankar Shastry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
- 10X Genomics, 6230 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Pleasanton, California 94588, United States
| | - Joseph W. Parks
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
- Invitae, 1400 16th St, San Francisco, California 94103, United States
| | - Michael D. Stone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
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50
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Lu X, Wu X, Kuang S, Lei C, Nie Z. Visualization of Deep Tissue G-quadruplexes with a Novel Large Stokes-Shifted Red Fluorescent Benzothiazole Derivative. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10283-10290. [PMID: 35776781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) is a noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structure that has implications for various physiological and pathological processes and is thus essential to exploring new approaches to G4 detection in live cells. However, the deficiency of molecular imaging tools makes it challenging to visualize the G4 in ex vivo tissue samples. In this study, we established a G4 probe design strategy and presented a red fluorescent benzothiazole derivative, ThT-NA, to detect and image G4 structures in living cells and tissue samples. By enhancing the electron-donating group of thioflavin T (ThT) and optimizing molecular structure, ThT-NA shows excellent photophysical properties, including red emission (610 nm), a large Stokes shift (>100 nm), high sensitivity selectivity toward G4s (1600-fold fluorescence turn-on ratio) and robust two-photon fluorescence emission. Therefore, these features enable ThT-NA to reveal the endogenous RNA G4 distribution in living cells and differentiate the cell cycle by monitoring the changes of RNA G4 folding. Significantly, to the best of our knowledge, ThT-NA is the first benzothiazole-derived G4 probe that has been developed for imaging G4s in ex vivo cancer tissue samples by two-photon microscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianhua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, People's Republic of China
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