1
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De-Paula RB, Bacolla A, Syed A, Tainer JA. Enriched G4 forming repeats in the human genome are associated with robust well-coordinated transcription and reduced cancer transcriptome variation. J Biol Chem 2024:107822. [PMID: 39341500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107822] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 09/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-B DNA G-quadruplex (G4) structures with guanine (G) runs of 2-4 repeats can trigger opposing experimental transcriptional impacts. Here, we employed bioinformatic algorithms to comprehensively assess correlations of steady-state RNA transcript levels with all putative G4 sequence (pG4) locations genome-wide in three mammalian genomes and in normal and tumor human tissues. The human pG4-containing gene set displays higher expression levels than the set without pG4, supporting and extending some prior observations. pG4 enrichment at transcription start sites (TSS) in human, but not chimpanzee and mouse genomes, suggests possible positive selection pressure for pG4 at human TSS, potentially driving genome rewiring and gene expression divergence between human and chimpanzee. Comprehensive bioinformatic analyses revealed lower pG4-containing gene set variability in humans and among different pG4 genes in tumors. As G4 stabilizers are under therapeutic consideration for cancer and pathogens, such distinctions between human normal and tumor G4s along with other species merit attention. Furthermore, in germline and cancer sequences, the most mutagenic pG4 mapped to regions promoting alternative DNA structures. Overall findings establish high pG4 at TSS as a human genome attribute statistically associated with robust well-coordinated transcription and reduced cancer transcriptome variation with implications for biology, model organisms, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth B De-Paula
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aleem Syed
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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2
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Zhang R, Wang Y, Wang C, Sun X, Mergny JL. G-quadruplexes as pivotal components of cis-regulatory elements in the human genome. BMC Biol 2024; 22:177. [PMID: 39183303 PMCID: PMC11346177 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01971-5] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are crucial for regulating gene expression, and G-quadruplexes (G4s), as prototypal non-canonical DNA structures, may play a role in this regulation. However, the relationship between G4s and CREs, especially with non-promoter-like functional elements, requires further systematic investigation. We aimed to investigate the associations between G4s and human cCREs (candidate CREs) inferred from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) data. RESULTS We found that G4s are prominently enriched in most types of cCREs, especially those with promoter-like signatures (PLS). The co-occurrence of CTCF signals with H3K4me3 or H3K27ac signals strengthens the association between cCREs and G4s. Genetic variants in G4s, particularly within their G-runs, exhibit higher regulatory potential and deleterious effects compared to cCREs. The G-runs within G4s near transcriptional start sites (TSSs) are more evolutionarily constrained compared to G-runs in cCREs, while those far from the TSS are relatively less conserved. The presence of G4s is often linked to a more favorable local chromatin environment for the activation and execution of regulatory function of cCREs, potentially attributable to the formation of G4 secondary structures. Finally, we discovered that G4-associated cCREs exhibit widespread activation in a variety of cancers. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that G4s are integral components of human cis-regulatory elements, extending beyond their potential role in promoters. The G4 primary sequences are associated with the localization of CREs, while the G4 structures are linked to the activation of these elements. Therefore, we propose defining G4s as pivotal regulatory elements in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Zhang
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France.
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3
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Peixoto ML, Madan E. Unraveling the complexity: Advanced methods in analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein interactions. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 163:251-302. [PMID: 39271265 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.06.010] [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: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Exploring the intricate interplay within and between nucleic acids, as well as their interactions with proteins, holds pivotal significance in unraveling the molecular complexities steering cancer initiation and progression. To investigate these interactions, a diverse array of highly specific and sensitive molecular techniques has been developed. The selection of a particular technique depends on the specific nature of the interactions. Typically, researchers employ an amalgamation of these different techniques to obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of inter- and intramolecular interactions involving DNA-DNA, RNA-RNA, DNA-RNA, or protein-DNA/RNA. Examining nucleic acid conformation reveals alternative secondary structures beyond conventional ones that have implications for cancer pathways. Mutational hotspots in cancer often lie within sequences prone to adopting these alternative structures, highlighting the importance of investigating intra-genomic and intra-transcriptomic interactions, especially in the context of mutations, to deepen our understanding of oncology. Beyond these intramolecular interactions, the interplay between DNA and RNA leads to formations like DNA:RNA hybrids (known as R-loops) or even DNA:DNA:RNA triplex structures, both influencing biological processes that ultimately impact cancer. Protein-nucleic acid interactions are intrinsic cellular phenomena crucial in both normal and pathological conditions. In particular, genetic mutations or single amino acid variations can alter a protein's structure, function, and binding affinity, thus influencing cancer progression. It is thus, imperative to understand the differences between wild-type (WT) and mutated (MT) genes, transcripts, and proteins. The review aims to summarize the frequently employed methods and techniques for investigating interactions involving nucleic acids and proteins, highlighting recent advancements and diverse adaptations of each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leonor Peixoto
- Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Esha Madan
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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4
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Wulfridge P, Sarma K. Intertwining roles of R-loops and G-quadruplexes in DNA repair, transcription and genome organization. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1025-1036. [PMID: 38914786 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01437-4] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures that are abundant and widespread across the genome and that have important physiological roles in many nuclear processes. Their accumulation is observed in cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have implicated a function for R-loops and G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which can form on the displaced single strand of R-loops, in three-dimensional genome organization in both physiological and pathological contexts. Here we discuss the interconnected functions of DNA:RNA hybrids and G4s within R-loops, their impact on DNA repair and gene regulatory networks, and their emerging roles in genome organization during development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Wulfridge
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kavitha Sarma
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Cheng JC, Swarup N, Morselli M, Huang WL, Aziz M, Caggiano C, Kordi M, Patel A, Chia D, Kim Y, Li F, Wei F, Zaitlen N, Krysan K, Dubinett S, Pellegrini M, Wong DW. Single-stranded pre-methylated 5mC adapters uncover the methylation profile of plasma ultrashort Single-stranded cell-free DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:e50. [PMID: 38797520 PMCID: PMC11194076 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae276] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (BS-Seq) measures cytosine methylation changes at single-base resolution and can be used to profile cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In plasma, ultrashort single-stranded cfDNA (uscfDNA, ∼50 nt) has been identified together with 167 bp double-stranded mononucleosomal cell-free DNA (mncfDNA). However, the methylation profile of uscfDNA has not been described. Conventional BS-Seq workflows may not be helpful because bisulfite conversion degrades larger DNA into smaller fragments, leading to erroneous categorization as uscfDNA. We describe the '5mCAdpBS-Seq' workflow in which pre-methylated 5mC (5-methylcytosine) single-stranded adapters are ligated to heat-denatured cfDNA before bisulfite conversion. This method retains only DNA fragments that are unaltered by bisulfite treatment, resulting in less biased uscfDNA methylation analysis. Using 5mCAdpBS-Seq, uscfDNA had lower levels of DNA methylation (∼15%) compared to mncfDNA and was enriched in promoters and CpG islands. Hypomethylated uscfDNA fragments were enriched in upstream transcription start sites (TSSs), and the intensity of enrichment was correlated with expressed genes of hemopoietic cells. Using tissue-of-origin deconvolution, we inferred that uscfDNA is derived primarily from eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes. As proof-of-principle, we show that characteristics of the methylation profile of uscfDNA can distinguish non-small cell lung carcinoma from non-cancer samples. The 5mCAdpBS-Seq workflow is recommended for any cfDNA methylation-based investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Cheng
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Neeti Swarup
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marco Morselli
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Division, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Wei-Lun Huang
- Center of Applied Nanomedicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mohammad Aziz
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christa Caggiano
- Department of Computational Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Misagh Kordi
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abhijit A Patel
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Chia
- Department of Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yong Kim
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Feng Li
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fang Wei
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Noah Zaitlen
- Department of Computational Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kostyantyn Krysan
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steve Dubinett
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Division, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David T W Wong
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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6
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Brázda V, Šislerová L, Cucchiarini A, Mergny JL. G-quadruplex propensity in H. neanderthalensis, H. sapiens and Denisovans mitochondrial genomes. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqae060. [PMID: 38817800 PMCID: PMC11137754 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Current methods of processing archaeological samples combined with advances in sequencing methods lead to disclosure of a large part of H. neanderthalensis and Denisovans genetic information. It is hardly surprising that the genome variability between modern humans, Denisovans and H. neanderthalensis is relatively limited. Genomic studies may provide insight on the metabolism of extinct human species or lineages. Detailed analysis of G-quadruplex sequences in H. neanderthalensis and Denisovans mitochondrial DNA showed us interesting features. Relatively similar patterns in mitochondrial DNA are found compared to modern humans, with one notable exception for H. neanderthalensis. An interesting difference between H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens corresponds to a motif found in the D-loop region of mtDNA, which is responsible for mitochondrial DNA replication. This area is directly responsible for the number of mitochondria and consequently for the efficient energy metabolism of cell. H. neanderthalensis harbor a long uninterrupted run of guanines in this region, which may cause problems for replication, in contrast with H. sapiens, for which this run is generally shorter and interrupted. One may propose that the predominant H. sapiens motif provided a selective advantage for modern humans regarding mtDNA replication and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Šislerová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences (LOB), Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
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7
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Miranda A, Cucchiarini A, Esnault C, Andrau JC, Oliveira PA, Mergny JL, Cruz C. G-quadruplex forming motifs in the promoter region of the B-MYB proto-oncogene. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132244. [PMID: 38729459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132244] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
To combat cancer, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and behaviors involved in carcinogenesis is crucial, as tumorigenesis is a complex process influenced by various genetic events and disease hallmarks. The B-MYB gene encodes a transcription factor involved in cell cycle regulation, survival, and differentiation in normal cells. B-MYB can be transformed into an oncogene through mutations, and abnormal expression of B-MYB has been identified in various cancers, including lung cancer, and is associated with poor prognosis. Targeting this oncogene is a promising approach for anti-cancer drug design. B-MYB has been deemed undruggable in previous reports, necessitating the search for novel therapeutic options. In this study, we found that the B-MYB gene promoter contains several G/C rich motifs compatible with G-quadruplex (G4) formation. We investigated and validated the existence of G4 structures in the promoter region of B-MYB, first in vitro using a combination of bioinformatics, biophysical, and biochemical methods, then in cell with the recently developed G4access method.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Miranda
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Cyril Esnault
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR, 5535 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Andrau
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR, 5535 Montpellier, France
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France.
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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8
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Galli S, Flint G, Růžičková L, Di Antonio M. Genome-wide mapping of G-quadruplex DNA: a step-by-step guide to select the most effective method. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:426-438. [PMID: 38725910 PMCID: PMC11078208 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of methods that enabled genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplex structures in chromatin has played a critical role in providing evidence to support the formation of these structures in living cells. Over the past decade, a variety of methods aimed at mapping G-quadruplexes have been reported in the literature. In this critical review, we have sought to provide a technical overview on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the genomics approaches currently available, offering step-by-step guidance to assessing experimental needs and selecting the most appropriate method to achieve effective genome-wide mapping of DNA G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galli
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Gem Flint
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Lucie Růžičková
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Chemistry Department, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Science Research Hub 82 Wood Lane London UK
- The Francis Crick Institute 1 Midland Road London UK
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9
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Piguet B, Houseley J. Transcription as source of genetic heterogeneity in budding yeast. Yeast 2024; 41:171-185. [PMID: 38196235 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3926] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription presents challenges to genome stability both directly, by altering genome topology and exposing single-stranded DNA to chemical insults and nucleases, and indirectly by introducing obstacles to the DNA replication machinery. Such obstacles include the RNA polymerase holoenzyme itself, DNA-bound regulatory factors, G-quadruplexes and RNA-DNA hybrid structures known as R-loops. Here, we review the detrimental impacts of transcription on genome stability in budding yeast, as well as the mitigating effects of transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair and of systems that maintain DNA replication fork processivity and integrity. Interactions between DNA replication and transcription have particular potential to induce mutation and structural variation, but we conclude that such interactions must have only minor effects on DNA replication by the replisome with little if any direct mutagenic outcome. However, transcription can significantly impair the fidelity of replication fork rescue mechanisms, particularly Break Induced Replication, which is used to restart collapsed replication forks when other means fail. This leads to de novo mutations, structural variation and extrachromosomal circular DNA formation that contribute to genetic heterogeneity, but only under particular conditions and in particular genetic contexts, ensuring that the bulk of the genome remains extremely stable despite the seemingly frequent interactions between transcription and DNA replication.
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10
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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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11
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Brázda V, Valková N, Dobrovolná M, Mergny JL. Abundance of G-Quadruplex Forming Sequences in the Hepatitis Delta Virus Genomes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:4096-4101. [PMID: 38284014 PMCID: PMC10809645 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a highly unusual RNA satellite virus that depends on the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to be infectious. Its compact and variable single-stranded RNA genome consists of eight major genotypes distributed unevenly across different continents. The significance of noncanonical secondary structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4s) is increasingly recognized at the DNA and RNA levels, particularly for transcription, replication, and translation. G4s are formed from guanine-rich sequences and have been identified in the vast majority of viral, eukaryotic, and prokaryotic genomes. In this study, we analyzed the G4 propensity of HDV genomes by using G4Hunter. Unlike HBV, which has a G4 density similar to that of the human genome, HDV displays a significantly higher number of potential quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS), with a density more than four times greater than that of the human genome. This finding suggests a critical role for G4s in HDV, especially given that the PQS regions are conserved across HDV genotypes. Furthermore, the prevalence of G4-forming sequences may represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions to control HDV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Brázda
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Natália Valková
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Dobrovolná
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, Brno 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute
of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic
- Laboratoire
d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau 91120, France
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12
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Sengupta P, Dutta A, Suseela YV, Roychowdhury T, Banerjee N, Dutta A, Halder S, Jana K, Mukherjee G, Chattopadhyay S, Govindaraju T, Chatterjee S. G-quadruplex structural dynamics at MAPK12 promoter dictates transcriptional switch to determine stemness in breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:33. [PMID: 38214819 PMCID: PMC11073236 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
P38γ (MAPK12) is predominantly expressed in triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) and induces stem cell (CSC) expansion resulting in decreased survival of the patients due to metastasis. Abundance of G-rich sequences at MAPK12 promoter implied the functional probability to reverse tumorigenesis, though the formation of G-Quadruplex (G4) structures at MAPK12 promoter is elusive. Here, we identified two evolutionary consensus adjacent G4 motifs upstream of the MAPK12 promoter, forming parallel G4 structures. They exist in an equilibria between G4 and duplex, regulated by the binding turnover of Sp1 and Nucleolin that bind to these G4 motifs and regulate MAPK12 transcriptional homeostasis. To underscore the gene-regulatory functions of G4 motifs, we employed CRISPR-Cas9 system to eliminate G4s from TNBC cells and synthesized a naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivative (TGS24) which shows high-affinity binding to MAPK12-G4 and inhibits MAPK12 transcription. Deletion of G4 motifs and NDI compound interfere with the recruitment of the transcription factors, inhibiting MAPK12 expression in cancer cells. The molecular basis of NDI-induced G4 transcriptional regulation was analysed by RNA-seq analyses, which revealed that MAPK12-G4 inhibits oncogenic RAS transformation and trans-activation of NANOG. MAPK12-G4 also reduces CD44High/CD24Low population in TNBC cells and downregulates internal stem cell markers, arresting the stemness properties of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Sengupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Anindya Dutta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Y V Suseela
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Tanaya Roychowdhury
- Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, IICB, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Ananya Dutta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Satyajit Halder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Kuladip Jana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India
| | - Gopeswar Mukherjee
- Barasat Cancer Research and Welfare Centre, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Samit Chattopadhyay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, 403726, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India.
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Unified Academic Campus, Bose Institute, EN-80, Sector V, Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700091, India.
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13
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Luo Y, Živković ML, Wang J, Ryneš J, Foldynová-Trantírková S, Trantírek L, Verga D, Mergny JL. A sodium/potassium switch for G4-prone G/C-rich sequences. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:448-461. [PMID: 37986223 PMCID: PMC10783510 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1073] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal ions are essential components for the survival of living organisms. For most species, intracellular and extracellular ionic conditions differ significantly. As G-quadruplexes (G4s) are ion-dependent structures, changes in the [Na+]/[K+] ratio may affect the folding of genomic G4s. More than 11000 putative G4 sequences in the human genome (hg19) contain at least two runs of three continuous cytosines, and these mixed G/C-rich sequences may form a quadruplex or a competing hairpin structure based on G-C base pairing. In this study, we examine how the [Na+]/[K+] ratio influences the structures of G/C-rich sequences. The natural G4 structure with a 9-nt long central loop, CEBwt, was chosen as a model sequence, and the loop bases were gradually replaced by cytosines. The series of CEB mutations revealed that the presence of cytosines in G4 loops does not prevent G4 folding or decrease G4 stability but increases the probability of forming a competing structure, either a hairpin or an intermolecular duplex. Slow conversion to the quadruplex in vitro (in a potassium-rich buffer) and cells was demonstrated by NMR. 'Shape-shifting' sequences may respond to [Na+]/[K+] changes with delayed kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Luo
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Martina Lenarčič Živković
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Slovenian NMR Centre, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Jan Ryneš
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Lukáš Trantírek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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14
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Matos-Rodrigues G, Hisey JA, Nussenzweig A, Mirkin SM. Detection of alternative DNA structures and its implications for human disease. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3622-3641. [PMID: 37863029 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.018] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Around 3% of the genome consists of simple DNA repeats that are prone to forming alternative (non-B) DNA structures, such as hairpins, cruciforms, triplexes (H-DNA), four-stranded guanine quadruplexes (G4-DNA), and others, as well as composite RNA:DNA structures (e.g., R-loops, G-loops, and H-loops). These DNA structures are dynamic and favored by the unwinding of duplex DNA. For many years, the association of alternative DNA structures with genome function was limited by the lack of methods to detect them in vivo. Here, we review the recent advancements in the field and present state-of-the-art technologies and methods to study alternative DNA structures. We discuss the limitations of these methods as well as how they are beginning to provide insights into causal relationships between alternative DNA structures, genome function and stability, and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A Hisey
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - André Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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15
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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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