1
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Thompson M, Byrd A. Untargeted CUT&Tag and BG4 CUT&Tag are both enriched at G-quadruplexes and accessible chromatin. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.26.615263. [PMID: 39386625 PMCID: PMC11463444 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.26.615263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNA structures (G4s) form within single-stranded DNA in nucleosome-free chromatin. As G4s modulate gene expression and genomic stability, genome-wide mapping of G4s has generated strong research interest. Recently, the Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) method was performed with the G4-specific BG4 antibody to target Tn5 transposase to G4s. While this method generated a novel high-resolution map of G4s, we unexpectedly observed a strong correlation between the genome-wide signal distribution of BG4 CUT&Tag and accessible chromatin. To examine whether untargeted Tn5 cutting at accessible chromatin contributes to BG4 CUT&Tag signal, we examined the genome-wide distribution of signal from untargeted (i.e. negative control) CUT&Tag datasets. We observed that untargeted CUT&Tag signal distribution was highly similar to both that of accessible chromatin and of BG4 CUT&Tag. We also observed that BG4 CUT&Tag signal increased at mapped G4s, but this increase was accompanied by a concomitant increase in untargeted CUT&Tag at the same loci. Consequently, enrichment of BG4 CUT&Tag over untargeted CUT&Tag was not increased at mapped G4s. These results imply that either the vast majority of accessible chromatin regions contain mappable G4s or that the presence of G4s within accessible chromatin cannot reliably be determined using BG4 CUT&Tag alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Alicia Byrd
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
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2
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Teng X, Hu D, Dai Y, Jing H, Hu W, Zhang Q, Zhang N, Li J. Discovery of A G-Quadruplex Unwinder That Unleashes the Translation of G-Quadruplex-Containing mRNA without Inducing DNA Damage. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202407353. [PMID: 38953247 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
To explore the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for G-quadruplex (G4) mediated diseases, it is crucial to manipulate and intervene in intracellular G4 structures using small molecular tools. While hundreds of G4 stabilizers have been developed, there is a significant gap in the availability of G4 unwinding agents. Here, we propose a strategy to disrupt G-quadruplexes by forming G-C hydrogen bonds with chemically modified cytidine trimers. We validated a good G4 unwinder, the 2'-F cytidine trimer (2'-F C3). 2'-F C3 does not inhibit cell growth nor cause severe DNA damage at a concentration below 10 μM. Moreover, 2'-F C3 does not affect gene transcription nor RNA splicing, while it significantly enhances the translation of G4-containing mRNA and upregulates RNA splicing, RNA processing and cell cycle pathways. The discovery of this G4 unwinder provides a functional tool for the chemical modulation of G4s in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518054, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Difei Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haitao Jing
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Wenxuan Hu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Na Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518054, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
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3
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Flynn SM, Dhir S, Herka K, Doyle C, Melidis L, Simeone A, Hui WWI, Araujo Tavares RDC, Schoenfelder S, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. Improved simultaneous mapping of epigenetic features and 3D chromatin structure via ViCAR. Genome Biol 2024; 25:237. [PMID: 39227991 PMCID: PMC11370281 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03377-6] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Methods to measure chromatin contacts at genomic regions bound by histone modifications or proteins are important tools to investigate chromatin organization. However, such methods do not capture the possible involvement of other epigenomic features such as G-quadruplex DNA secondary structures (G4s). To bridge this gap, we introduce ViCAR (viewpoint HiCAR), for the direct antibody-based capture of chromatin interactions at folded G4s. Through ViCAR, we showcase the first G4-3D interaction landscape. Using histone marks, we also demonstrate how ViCAR improves on earlier approaches yielding increased signal-to-noise. ViCAR is a practical and powerful tool to explore epigenetic marks and 3D genome interactomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Flynn
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Somdutta Dhir
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Krzysztof Herka
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Colm Doyle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Larry Melidis
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Angela Simeone
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Winnie W I Hui
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | | | | | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
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4
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Lam JC, Aboreden NG, Midla SC, Wang S, Huang A, Keller CA, Giardine B, Henderson KA, Hardison RC, Zhang H, Blobel GA. YY1-controlled regulatory connectivity and transcription are influenced by the cell cycle. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1938-1952. [PMID: 39210046 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01871-y] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Few transcription factors have been examined for their direct roles in physically connecting enhancers and promoters. Here acute degradation of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in erythroid cells revealed its requirement for the maintenance of numerous enhancer-promoter loops, but not compartments or domains. Despite its reported ability to interact with cohesin, the formation of YY1-dependent enhancer-promoter loops does not involve stalling of cohesin-mediated loop extrusion. Integrating mitosis-to-G1-phase dynamics, we observed partial retention of YY1 on mitotic chromatin, predominantly at gene promoters, followed by rapid rebinding during mitotic exit, coinciding with enhancer-promoter loop establishment. YY1 degradation during the mitosis-to-G1-phase interval revealed a set of enhancer-promoter loops that require YY1 for establishment during G1-phase entry but not for maintenance in interphase, suggesting that cell cycle stage influences YY1's architectural function. Thus, as revealed here for YY1, chromatin architectural functions of transcription factors can vary in their interplay with CTCF and cohesin as well as by cell cycle stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Lam
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas G Aboreden
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susannah C Midla
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Siqing Wang
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anran Huang
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cheryl A Keller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Genomics Research Incubator, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Belinda Giardine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kate A Henderson
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ross C Hardison
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Haoyue Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gerd A Blobel
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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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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6
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Roy SS, Bagri S, Vinayagamurthy S, Sengupta A, Then CR, Kumar R, Sridharan S, Chowdhury S. Artificially inserted strong promoter containing multiple G-quadruplexes induces long-range chromatin modification. eLife 2024; 13:RP96216. [PMID: 39158543 PMCID: PMC11333042 DOI: 10.7554/elife.96216] [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] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the role of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures has been suggested in chromosomal looping this was not tested directly. Here, to test causal function, an array of G4s, or control sequence that does not form G4s, were inserted within chromatin in cells. In vivo G4 formation of the inserted G4 sequence array, and not the control sequence, was confirmed using G4-selective antibody. Compared to the control insert, we observed a remarkable increase in the number of 3D chromatin looping interactions from the inserted G4 array. This was evident within the immediate topologically associated domain (TAD) and throughout the genome. Locally, recruitment of enhancer histone marks and the transcriptional coactivator p300/Acetylated-p300 increased in the G4-array, but not in the control insertion. Resulting promoter-enhancer interactions and gene activation were clear up to 5 Mb away from the insertion site. Together, these show the causal role of G4s in enhancer function and long-range chromatin interactions. Mechanisms of 3D topology are primarily based on DNA-bound architectural proteins that induce/stabilize long-range interactions. Involvement of the underlying intrinsic DNA sequence/structure in 3D looping shown here therefore throws new light on how long-range chromosomal interactions might be induced or maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvra Shekhar Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyNew DelhiIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadIndia
| | - Sulochana Bagri
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyNew DelhiIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadIndia
| | - Soujanya Vinayagamurthy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyNew DelhiIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadIndia
| | - Avik Sengupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology HyderabadHyderabadIndia
| | - Claudia Regina Then
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology HyderabadHyderabadIndia
| | - Sriram Sridharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyNew DelhiIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadIndia
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7
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Alam P, Clovis NS, Chand AK, Khan MF, Sen S. Effect of molecular crowders on ligand binding kinetics with G-quadruplex DNA probed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2024; 12:045002. [PMID: 39013401 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ad63f5] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Guanine-rich single-stranded DNA folds into G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures, which play crucial roles in various biological processes. These structures are also promising targets for ligands, potentially inducing antitumor effects. While thermodynamic parameters of ligand/DNA interactions are well-studied, the kinetics of ligand interaction with GqDNA, particularly in cell-like crowded environments, remain less explored. In this study, we investigate the impact of molecular crowding agents (glucose, sucrose, and ficoll 70) at physiologically relevant concentrations (20% w/v) on the association and dissociation rates of the benzophenoxazine-core based ligand, cresyl violet (CV), with human telomeric antiparallel-GqDNA. We utilized fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) along with other techniques. Our findings reveal that crowding agents decrease the binding affinity of CV to GqDNA, with the most significant effect-a nearly three-fold decrease-observed with ficoll 70. FCS measurements indicate that this decrease is primarily due to a viscosity-induced slowdown of ligand association in the crowded environment. Interestingly, dissociation rates remain largely unaffected by smaller crowders, with only small effect observed in presence of ficoll 70 due to direct but weak interaction between the ligand and ficoll. These results along with previously reported data provide valuable insights into ligand/GqDNA interactions in cellular contexts, suggesting a conserved mechanism of saccharide crowder influence, regardless of variations in GqDNA structure and ligand binding mode. This underscores the importance of considering crowding effects in the design and development of GqDNA-targeted drugs for potential cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Alam
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ndege Simisi Clovis
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Chand
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Mohammad Firoz Khan
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sobhan Sen
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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8
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Cui X, Zhang C, Fu C, Hu J, Li T, Li L. YY1 is involved in homologous recombination inhibition at guanine quadruplex sites in human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:7401-7413. [PMID: 38869071 PMCID: PMC11260479 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination (HR) is a key process for repairing DNA double strand breaks and for promoting genetic diversity. However, HR occurs unevenly across the genome, and certain genomic features can influence its activity. One such feature is the presence of guanine quadruplexes (G4s), stable secondary structures widely distributed throughout the genome. These G4s play essential roles in gene transcription and genome stability regulation. Especially, elevated G4 levels in cells deficient in the Bloom syndrome helicase (BLM) significantly enhance HR at G4 sites, potentially threatening genome stability. Here, we investigated the role of G4-binding protein Yin Yang-1 (YY1) in modulating HR at G4 sites in human cells. Our results show that YY1's binding to G4 structures suppresses sister chromatid exchange after BLM knockdown, and YY1's chromatin occupancy negatively correlates with the overall HR rate observed across the genome. By limiting RAD51 homolog 1 (RAD51) access, YY1 preferentially binds to essential genomic regions, shielding them from excessive HR. Our findings unveil a novel role of YY1-G4 interaction, revealing novel insights into cellular mechanisms involved in HR regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cui
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chengwen Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunqing Fu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jinglei Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tengjiao Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lin Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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9
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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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10
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Lu Z, Wang Y, Assumpção ALFV, Liu P, Kopp A, Saka S, Mcilwain SJ, Viny AD, Brand M, Pan X. Yin Yang 1 regulates cohesin complex protein SMC3 in mouse hematopoietic stem cells. Blood Adv 2024; 8:3076-3091. [PMID: 38531064 PMCID: PMC11222949 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011411] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Yin Yang 1 (YY1) and structural maintenance of chromosomes 3 (SMC3) are 2 critical chromatin structural factors that mediate long-distance enhancer-promoter interactions and promote developmentally regulated changes in chromatin architecture in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Although YY1 has critical functions in promoting hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and maintaining HSC quiescence, SMC3 is required for proper myeloid lineage differentiation. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding how YY1 and SMC3 interact with each other and affect hematopoiesis. We found that YY1 physically interacts with SMC3 and cooccupies with SMC3 at a large cohort of promoters genome wide, and YY1 deficiency deregulates the genetic network governing cell metabolism. YY1 occupies the Smc3 promoter and represses SMC3 expression in HSPCs. Although deletion of 1 Smc3 allele partially restores HSC numbers and quiescence in YY1 knockout mice, Yy1-/-Smc3+/- HSCs fail to reconstitute blood after bone marrow transplant. YY1 regulates HSC metabolic pathways and maintains proper intracellular reactive oxygen species levels in HSCs, and this regulation is independent of the YY1-SMC3 axis. Our results establish a distinct YY1-SMC3 axis and its impact on HSC quiescence and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanping Lu
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Yinghua Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Anna L. F. V. Assumpção
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Peng Liu
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Audrey Kopp
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Sahitya Saka
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Sean J. Mcilwain
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Aaron D. Viny
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Marjorie Brand
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Xuan Pan
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Blood Cancer Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
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11
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Chen M, Wu B, Huang Y, Wang W, Zheng Y, Shabbir S, Liu P, Dai Y, Xia M, Hu G, He M. Transcription factor shapes chromosomal conformation and regulates gene expression in bacterial adaptation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:5643-5657. [PMID: 38716861 PMCID: PMC11162768 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae318] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic mutations allow bacteria to adapt rapidly to adverse stress environments. The three-dimensional conformation of the genome may also play an important role in transcriptional regulation and environmental adaptation. Here, using chromosome conformation capture, we investigate the high-order architecture of the Zymomonas mobilis chromosome in response to genomic mutation and ambient stimuli (acetic acid and furfural, derived from lignocellulosic hydrolysate). We find that genomic mutation only influences the local chromosome contacts, whereas stress of acetic acid and furfural restrict the long-range contacts and significantly change the chromosome organization at domain scales. Further deciphering the domain feature unveils the important transcription factors, Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) proteins, which act as nucleoid-associated proteins to promote long-range (>200 kb) chromosomal communications and regulate the expression of genes involved in stress response. Our work suggests that ubiquitous transcription factors in prokaryotes mediate chromosome organization and regulate stress-resistance genes in bacterial adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Chen
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Wu
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Huang
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Weiting Wang
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yudi Zheng
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Samina Shabbir
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Panting Liu
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yonghua Dai
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Mengli Xia
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Guoquan Hu
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Mingxiong He
- Biomass Energy Technology Research Centre, Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Chengdu 610041, PR China
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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Huang J, Wang X, Li N, Fan W, Li X, Zhou Q, Liu J, Li W, Zhang Z, Liu X, Zeng S, Yang H, Tian M, Yang P, Hou S. YY1 Lactylation Aggravates Autoimmune Uveitis by Enhancing Microglial Functions via Inflammatory Genes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308031. [PMID: 38493498 PMCID: PMC11109619 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308031] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Activated microglia in the retina are essential for the development of autoimmune uveitis. Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) is an important transcription factor that participates in multiple inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. Here, an increased YY1 lactylation in retinal microglia within in the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) group is observed. YY1 lactylation contributed to boosting microglial activation and promoting their proliferation and migration abilities. Inhibition of lactylation suppressed microglial activation and attenuated inflammation in EAU. Mechanistically, cleavage under targets & tagmentation (CUT&Tag) analysis revealed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial activation by regulating the transcription of a set of inflammatory genes, including STAT3, CCL5, IRF1, IDO1, and SEMA4D. In addition, p300 is identified as the writer of YY1 lactylation. Inhibition of p300 decreased YY1 lactylation and suppressed microglial inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, the results showed that YY1 lactylation promoted microglial dysfunction in autoimmune uveitis by upregulating inflammatory cytokine secretion and boosting cell migration and proliferation. Therapeutic effects can be achieved by targeting the lactate/p300/YY1 lactylation/inflammatory genes axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xiaotang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Tongren HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100005China
| | - Wei Fan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xingran Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Jiangyi Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Wanqian Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Shuhao Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Hui Yang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing Tongren HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100730China
| | - Meng Tian
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing Tongren HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100730China
| | - Peizeng Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute; Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular DiseasesThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing400016China
| | - Shengping Hou
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing Tongren HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijing100730China
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15
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Luige J, Armaos A, Tartaglia GG, Ørom UAV. Predicting nuclear G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins with roles in transcription and phase separation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2585. [PMID: 38519458 PMCID: PMC10959947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46731-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins are central for many biological processes and their characterization has demonstrated a broad range of functions as well as a wide spectrum of target structures. RNA G-quadruplexes are important regulatory elements occurring in both coding and non-coding transcripts, yet our knowledge of their structure-based interactions is at present limited. Here, using theoretical predictions and experimental approaches, we show that many chromatin-binding proteins bind to RNA G-quadruplexes, and we classify them based on their RNA G-quadruplex-binding potential. Combining experimental identification of nuclear RNA G-quadruplex-binding proteins with computational approaches, we build a prediction tool that assigns probability score for a nuclear protein to bind RNA G-quadruplexes. We show that predicted G-quadruplex RNA-binding proteins exhibit a high degree of protein disorder and hydrophilicity and suggest involvement in both transcription and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles. Finally, we present the G4-Folded/UNfolded Nuclear Interaction Explorer System (G4-FUNNIES) for estimating RNA G4-binding propensities at http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/G4FUNNIES .
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Luige
- RNA Biology and Innovation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexandros Armaos
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Centre for Human Technologies (CHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152, Genova, Italy.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies ICREA Passeig Lluis Companys, 23 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom
- RNA Biology and Innovation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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16
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Chen Y, Simeone A, Melidis L, Cuesta SM, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. An Upstream G-Quadruplex DNA Structure Can Stimulate Gene Transcription. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:736-742. [PMID: 38417105 PMCID: PMC10949190 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00775] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Four-stranded G-quadruplexes (G4s) are DNA secondary structures that can form in the human genome. G4 structures have been detected in gene promoters and are associated with transcriptionally active chromatin and the recruitment of transcription factors and chromatin remodelers. We adopted a controlled, synthetic biology approach to understand how G4s can influence transcription. We stably integrated G4-forming sequences into the promoter of a synthetic reporter gene and inserted these into the genome of human cells. The integrated G4 sequences were shown to fold into a G4 structure within a cellular genomic context. We demonstrate that G4 structure formation within a gene promoter stimulates transcription compared to the corresponding G4-negative control promoter in a way that is not dependent on primary sequence or inherent G-richness. Systematic variation in the stability of folded G4s showed that in this system, transcriptional levels increased with higher stability of the G4 structure. By creating and manipulating a chromosomally integrated synthetic promoter, we have shown that G4 structure formation in a defined gene promoter can cause gene transcription to increase, which aligns with earlier observational correlations reported in the literature linking G4s to active transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Chen
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Angela Simeone
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Larry Melidis
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Sergio Martinez Cuesta
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- School
of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, U.K.
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17
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Wang W, Li D, Xu Q, Cheng J, Yu Z, Li G, Qiao S, Pan J, Wang H, Shi J, Zheng T, Sui G. G-quadruplexes promote the motility in MAZ phase-separated condensates to activate CCND1 expression and contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1045. [PMID: 38316778 PMCID: PMC10844655 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45353-5] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) can recruit transcription factors to activate gene expression, but detailed mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that G4s in the CCND1 promoter propel the motility in MAZ phase-separated condensates and subsequently activate CCND1 transcription. Zinc finger (ZF) 2 of MAZ is a responsible for G4 binding, while ZF3-5, but not a highly disordered region, is critical for MAZ condensation. MAZ nuclear puncta overlaps with signals of G4s and various coactivators including BRD4, MED1, CDK9 and active RNA polymerase II, as well as gene activation histone markers. MAZ mutants lacking either G4 binding or phase separation ability did not form nuclear puncta, and showed deficiencies in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and xenograft tumor formation. Overall, we unveiled that G4s recruit MAZ to the CCND1 promoter and facilitate the motility in MAZ condensates that compartmentalize coactivators to activate CCND1 expression and subsequently exacerbate hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Qingqing Xu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiahui Cheng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shiyao Qiao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiasong Pan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
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18
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Raguseo F, Wang Y, Li J, Petrić Howe M, Balendra R, Huyghebaert A, Vadukul DM, Tanase DA, Maher TE, Malouf L, Rubio-Sánchez R, Aprile FA, Elani Y, Patani R, Di Michele L, Di Antonio M. The ALS/FTD-related C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion forms RNA condensates through multimolecular G-quadruplexes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8272. [PMID: 38092738 PMCID: PMC10719400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43872-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases that exist on a clinico-pathogenetic spectrum, designated ALS/FTD. The most common genetic cause of ALS/FTD is expansion of the intronic hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC)n in C9orf72. Here, we investigate the formation of nucleic acid secondary structures in these expansion repeats, and their role in generating condensates characteristic of ALS/FTD. We observe significant aggregation of the hexanucleotide sequence (GGGGCC)n, which we associate to the formation of multimolecular G-quadruplexes (mG4s) by using a range of biophysical techniques. Exposing the condensates to G4-unfolding conditions leads to prompt disassembly, highlighting the key role of mG4-formation in the condensation process. We further validate the biological relevance of our findings by detecting an increased prevalence of G4-structures in C9orf72 mutant human motor neurons when compared to healthy motor neurons by staining with a G4-selective fluorescent probe, revealing signal in putative condensates. Our findings strongly suggest that RNA G-rich repetitive sequences can form protein-free condensates sustained by multimolecular G-quadruplexes, highlighting their potential relevance as therapeutic targets for C9orf72 mutation-related ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Raguseo
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yiran Wang
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jessica Li
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Marija Petrić Howe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rubika Balendra
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anouk Huyghebaert
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Devkee M Vadukul
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Diana A Tanase
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Thomas E Maher
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Layla Malouf
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemical Engineering, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK.
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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19
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Duy DL, Kim N. Yeast transcription factor Msn2 binds to G4 DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9643-9657. [PMID: 37615577 PMCID: PMC10570036 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad684] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequences capable of forming quadruplex or G4 DNA are prevalent in the promoter regions. The transformation from canonical to non-canonical secondary structure apparently regulates transcription of a number of human genes. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified 37 genes with a G4 motif in the promoters including 20 genes that contain stress response element (STRE) overlapping a G4 motif. STRE is the binding site of stress response regulators Msn2 and Msn4, transcription factors belonging to the C2H2 zinc-finger protein family. We show here that Msn2 binds directly to the G4 DNA structure through its zinc-finger domain with a dissociation constant similar to that of STRE-binding and that, in a stress condition, Msn2 is enriched at G4 DNA-forming loci in the yeast genome. For a large fraction of genes with G4/STRE-containing promoters, treating with G4-ligands led to significant elevations in transcription levels. Such transcriptional elevation was greatly diminished in a msn2Δ msn4Δ background and was partly muted when the G4 motif was disrupted. Taken together, our data suggest that G4 DNA could be an alternative binding site of Msn2 in addition to STRE, and that G4 DNA formation could be an important element of transcriptional regulation in yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong Long Duy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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He X, Yuan J, Gao Z, Wang Y. Promoter R-Loops Recruit U2AF1 to Modulate Its Phase Separation and RNA Splicing. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:21646-21660. [PMID: 37733759 PMCID: PMC10557143 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08204] [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: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
R-loops and guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures of nucleic acids that are ubiquitously present in cells and are enriched in promoter regions of genes. By employing a bioinformatic approach based on overlap analysis of transcription factor chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data sets, we found that many splicing factors, including U2AF1 whose recognition of the 3' splicing site is crucial for pre-mRNA splicing, exhibit pronounced enrichment at endogenous R-loop- and DNA G4-structure loci in promoter regions of human genes. We also revealed that U2AF1 binds directly to R-loops and DNA G4 structures at a low-nM binding affinity. Additionally, we showed the ability of U2AF1 to undergo phase separation, which could be stimulated by binding with R-loops, but not duplex DNA, RNA/DNA hybrid, DNA G4, or single-stranded RNA. We also demonstrated that U2AF1 binds to promoter R-loops in human cells, and this binding competes with U2AF1's interaction with 3' splicing site and leads to augmented distribution of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) to promoters over gene bodies, thereby modulating cotranscriptional pre-mRNA splicing. Together, we uncovered a group of candidate proteins that can bind to both R-loops and DNA G4s, revealed the direct and strong interactions of U2AF1 with these nucleic acid structures, and established a biochemical rationale for U2AF1's occupancy in gene promoters. We also unveiled that interaction with R-loops promotes U2AF1's phase separation, and our work suggests that U2AF1 modulates pre-mRNA splicing by regulating RNAPII's partition in transcription initiation versus elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei He
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Jun Yuan
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Zi Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United
States
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
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21
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Dai Y, Teng X, Zhang Q, Hou H, Li J. Advances and challenges in identifying and characterizing G-quadruplex-protein interactions. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:894-909. [PMID: 37422364 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are peculiar nucleic acid secondary structures formed by DNA or RNA and are considered as fundamental features of the genome. Many proteins can specifically bind to G4 structures. There is increasing evidence that G4-protein interactions involve in the regulation of important cellular processes, such as DNA replication, transcription, RNA splicing, and translation. Additionally, G4-protein interactions have been demonstrated to be potential targets for disease treatment. In order to unravel the detailed regulatory mechanisms of G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), biochemical methods for detecting G4-protein interactions with high specificity and sensitivity are highly demanded. Here, we review recent advances in screening and validation of new G4BPs and highlight both their features and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing 102209, China.
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen 518054, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing 102209, China; Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, Anhui, China.
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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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Yuan J, He X, Wang Y. G-quadruplex DNA contributes to RNA polymerase II-mediated 3D chromatin architecture. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8434-8446. [PMID: 37427784 PMCID: PMC10484665 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
High-order chromatin organization plays an important role in biological processes and disease development. Previous studies revealed a widespread occurrence of guanine quadruplex (G4) structures in the human genome, with enrichment in gene regulatory regions, especially in promoters. However, it remains unclear whether G4 structures contribute to RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-mediated long-range DNA interactions and transcription activity. In this study, we conducted an intuitive overlapping analysis of previously published RNAPII ChIA-PET (chromatin interaction analysis with paired-end tag) and BG4 ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing using a G4 structure-specific antibody) data. We observed a strong positive correlation between RNAPII-linked DNA loops and G4 structures in chromatin. Additionally, our RNAPII HiChIP-seq (in situ Hi-C followed by ChIP-seq) results showed that treatment of HepG2 cells with pyridostatin (PDS), a small-molecule G4-binding ligand, could diminish RNAPII-linked long-range DNA contacts, with more pronounced diminutions being observed for those contacts involving G4 structure loci. RNA sequencing data revealed that PDS treatment modulates the expression of not only genes with G4 structures in their promoters, but also those with promoters being connected with distal G4s through RNAPII-linked long-range DNA interactions. Together, our data substantiate the function of DNA G4s in RNAPII-associated DNA looping and transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yuan
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Xiaomei He
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
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24
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Figiel M, Górka AK, Górecki A. Zinc Ions Modulate YY1 Activity: Relevance in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4338. [PMID: 37686614 PMCID: PMC10487186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174338] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
YY1 is widely recognized as an intrinsically disordered transcription factor that plays a role in development of many cancers. In most cases, its overexpression is correlated with tumor progression and unfavorable patient outcomes. Our latest research focusing on the role of zinc ions in modulating YY1's interaction with DNA demonstrated that zinc enhances the protein's multimeric state and affinity to its operator. In light of these findings, changes in protein concentration appear to be just one element relevant to modulating YY1-dependent processes. Thus, alterations in zinc ion concentration can directly and specifically impact the regulation of gene expression by YY1, in line with reports indicating a correlation between zinc ion levels and advancement of certain tumors. This review concentrates on other potential consequences of YY1 interaction with zinc ions that may act by altering charge distribution, conformational state distribution, or oligomerization to influence its interactions with molecular partners that can disrupt gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrzej Górecki
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; (M.F.); (A.K.G.)
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25
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Gao Z, Yuan J, He X, Wang H, Wang Y. Phase Separation Modulates the Formation and Stabilities of DNA Guanine Quadruplex. JACS AU 2023; 3:1650-1657. [PMID: 37388701 PMCID: PMC10301798 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In the presence of monovalent alkali metal ions, G-rich DNA sequences containing four runs of contiguous guanines can fold into G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Recent studies showed that these structures are located in critical regions of the human genome and assume important functions in many essential DNA metabolic processes, including replication, transcription, and repair. However, not all potential G4-forming sequences are actually folded into G4 structures in cells, where G4 structures are known to be dynamic and modulated by G4-binding proteins as well as helicases. It remains unclear whether there are other factors influencing the formation and stability of G4 structures in cells. Herein, we showed that DNA G4s can undergo phase separation in vitro. In addition, immunofluorescence microscopy and ChIP-seq experiments with the use of BG4, a G4 structure-specific antibody, revealed that disruption of phase separation could result in global destabilization of G4 structures in cells. Together, our work revealed phase separation as a new determinant in modulating the formation and stability of G4 structures in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Jun Yuan
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United States
| | - Xiaomei He
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Handing Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United
States
- Environmental
Toxicology Graduate Program, University
of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521-0403, United States
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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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Guo AD, Yan KN, Hu H, Zhai L, Hu TF, Su H, Chi Y, Zha J, Xu Y, Zhao D, Lu X, Xu YJ, Zhang J, Tan M, Chen XH. Spatiotemporal and global profiling of DNA-protein interactions enables discovery of low-affinity transcription factors. Nat Chem 2023; 15:803-814. [PMID: 37106095 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Precise dissection of DNA-protein interactions is essential for elucidating the recognition basis, dynamics and gene regulation mechanism. However, global profiling of weak and dynamic DNA-protein interactions remains a long-standing challenge. Here, we establish the light-induced lysine (K) enabled crosslinking (LIKE-XL) strategy for spatiotemporal and global profiling of DNA-protein interactions. Harnessing unique abilities to capture weak and transient DNA-protein interactions, we demonstrate that LIKE-XL enables the discovery of low-affinity transcription-factor/DNA interactions via sequence-specific DNA baits, determining the binding sites for transcription factors that have been previously unknown. More importantly, we successfully decipher the dynamics of the transcription factor subproteome in response to drug treatment in a time-resolved manner, and find downstream target transcription factors from drug perturbations, providing insight into their dynamic transcriptional networks. The LIKE-XL strategy offers a complementary method to expand the DNA-protein profiling toolbox and map accurate DNA-protein interactomes that were previously inaccessible via non-covalent strategies, for better understanding of protein function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Di Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke-Nian Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linhui Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng-Fei Hu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haixia Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijia Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyin Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Jiang Xu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjia Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China.
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China.
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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28
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Pavlova I, Iudin M, Surdina A, Severov V, Varizhuk A. G-Quadruplexes in Nuclear Biomolecular Condensates. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051076. [PMID: 37239436 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have long been implicated in the regulation of chromatin packaging and gene expression. These processes require or are accelerated by the separation of related proteins into liquid condensates on DNA/RNA matrices. While cytoplasmic G4s are acknowledged scaffolds of potentially pathogenic condensates, the possible contribution of G4s to phase transitions in the nucleus has only recently come to light. In this review, we summarize the growing evidence for the G4-dependent assembly of biomolecular condensates at telomeres and transcription initiation sites, as well as nucleoli, speckles, and paraspeckles. The limitations of the underlying assays and the remaining open questions are outlined. We also discuss the molecular basis for the apparent permissive role of G4s in the in vitro condensate assembly based on the interactome data. To highlight the prospects and risks of G4-targeting therapies with respect to the phase transitions, we also touch upon the reported effects of G4-stabilizing small molecules on nuclear biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Pavlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail Iudin
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Surdina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vjacheslav Severov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
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29
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Li M, Wei J, Xue C, Zhou X, Chen S, Zheng L, Duan Y, Deng H, Xiong W, Tang F, Li G, Zhou M. Dissecting the roles and clinical potential of YY1 in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1122110. [PMID: 37081988 PMCID: PMC10110844 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1122110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) is a member of the GLI-Kruppel family of zinc finger proteins and plays a vital dual biological role in cancer as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor during tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is identified as the “soil” of tumor that has a critical role in both tumor growth and metastasis. Many studies have found that YY1 is closely related to the remodeling and regulation of the TME. Herein, we reviewed the expression pattern of YY1 in tumors and summarized the function and mechanism of YY1 in regulating tumor angiogenesis, immune and metabolism. In addition, we discussed the potential value of YY1 in tumor diagnosis and treatment and provided a novel molecular strategy for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- MengNa Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - JianXia Wei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - ChangNing Xue
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - XiangTing Zhou
- The First Clinical College of Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - ShiPeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - LeMei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - YuMei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - HongYu Deng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - FaQing Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - GuiYuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, National Health Commission, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Zhou,
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30
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Figiel M, Szubert F, Luchinat E, Bonarek P, Baranowska A, Wajda-Nikiel K, Wilamowski M, Miłek P, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M, Banci L, Górecki A. Zinc controls operator affinity of human transcription factor YY1 by mediating dimerization via its N-terminal region. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194905. [PMID: 36581245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Human protein Yin Yang 1 (YY1) controls the transcription of hundreds of genes both positively and negatively through interactions with a wide range of partner proteins. Results presented here from proteolytic sensitivity, calorimetry, circular dichroism, fluorescence, NMR, size-exclusion chromatography, SELEX, and EMSA show that purified YY1 forms dimers via its disordered N-terminal region with strong zinc-ion concentration dependence. The YY1 dimer is shown to bind tandem repeats of a canonical recognition DNA sequence with high affinity, and analysis of human YY1 regulatory sites shows that many contain repeats of its recognition elements. YY1 dimerization may compete with partner protein interactions, making control by zinc ion concentration a previously unrecognized factor affecting YY1 gene regulation. Indeed, YY1 is known to be important in many pathogenic processes, including neoplasia, in which zinc ion concentrations are altered. The present results incentivize studies in vivo or in vitro that explore the role of zinc ion concentration in YY1-mediated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Figiel
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Filip Szubert
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Enrico Luchinat
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47521 Cesena, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine - CIRMMP, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Piotr Bonarek
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Baranowska
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wajda-Nikiel
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wilamowski
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Miłek
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Lucia Banci
- Magnetic Resonance Center - CERM, University of Florence, 50019, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrzej Górecki
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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31
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Monsen RC, Chua ED, Hopkins J, Chaires J, Trent J. Structure of a 28.5 kDa duplex-embedded G-quadruplex system resolved to 7.4 Å resolution with cryo-EM. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1943-1959. [PMID: 36715343 PMCID: PMC9976903 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic regions with high guanine content can fold into non-B form DNA four-stranded structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s). Extensive in vivo investigations have revealed that promoter G4s are transcriptional regulators. Little structural information exists for these G4s embedded within duplexes, their presumed genomic environment. Here, we report the 7.4 Å resolution structure and dynamics of a 28.5 kDa duplex-G4-duplex (DGD) model system using cryo-EM, molecular dynamics, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. The DGD cryo-EM refined model features a 53° bend induced by a stacked duplex-G4 interaction at the 5' G-tetrad interface with a persistently unstacked 3' duplex. The surrogate complement poly dT loop preferably stacks onto the 3' G-tetrad interface resulting in occlusion of both 5' and 3' tetrad interfaces. Structural analysis shows that the DGD model is quantifiably more druggable than the monomeric G4 structure alone and represents a new structural drug target. Our results illustrate how the integration of cryo-EM, MD, and SAXS can reveal complementary detailed static and dynamic structural information on DNA G4 systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Monsen
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eugene Y D Chua
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training (NCCAT), Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jesse B Hopkins
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jonathan B Chaires
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - John O Trent
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Yang J, Qin G, Niu J, Wei Y, Li X, Zhao C, Wang C, Ren J, Qu X. Targeting G-quadruplexes in an ageing epigenetic regulator promoter for rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:1078-1081. [PMID: 36621881 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05957f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, we provide an out-of-the-box G-quadruplex (G4) targeting-based strategy for rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. We predict and verify the presence of G4s within the promoter of an ageing epigenetic regulator BAZ2B. G4-specific ligands targeting BAZ2B G4s could significantly down-regulate the BAZ2B expression and relieve mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, this work may provide a new way of rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction in AD by targeting G4s in a specific ageing epigenetic regulator promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Geng Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Jingsheng Niu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yue Wei
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xuexia Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
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33
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Roles of G4-DNA and G4-RNA in Class Switch Recombination and Additional Regulations in B-Lymphocytes. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031159. [PMID: 36770824 PMCID: PMC9921937 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mature B cells notably diversify immunoglobulin (Ig) production through class switch recombination (CSR), allowing the junction of distant "switch" (S) regions. CSR is initiated by activation-induced deaminase (AID), which targets cytosines adequately exposed within single-stranded DNA of transcribed targeted S regions, with a specific affinity for WRCY motifs. In mammals, G-rich sequences are additionally present in S regions, forming canonical G-quadruplexes (G4s) DNA structures, which favor CSR. Small molecules interacting with G4-DNA (G4 ligands), proved able to regulate CSR in B lymphocytes, either positively (such as for nucleoside diphosphate kinase isoforms) or negatively (such as for RHPS4). G4-DNA is also implicated in the control of transcription, and due to their impact on both CSR and transcriptional regulation, G4-rich sequences likely play a role in the natural history of B cell malignancies. Since G4-DNA stands at multiple locations in the genome, notably within oncogene promoters, it remains to be clarified how it can more specifically promote legitimate CSR in physiology, rather than pathogenic translocation. The specific regulatory role of G4 structures in transcribed DNA and/or in corresponding transcripts and recombination hereby appears as a major issue for understanding immune responses and lymphomagenesis.
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35
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Liu S, Cao Y, Cui K, Tang Q, Zhao K. Hi-TrAC reveals division of labor of transcription factors in organizing chromatin loops. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6679. [PMID: 36335136 PMCID: PMC9637178 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34276-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional genomic structure plays a critical role in gene expression, cellular differentiation, and pathological conditions. It is pivotal to elucidate fine-scale chromatin architectures, especially interactions of regulatory elements, to understand the temporospatial regulation of gene expression. In this study, we report Hi-TrAC as a proximity ligation-free, robust, and sensitive technique to profile genome-wide chromatin interactions at high-resolution among regulatory elements. Hi-TrAC detects chromatin looping among accessible regions at single nucleosome resolution. With almost half-million identified loops, we reveal a comprehensive interaction network of regulatory elements across the genome. After integrating chromatin binding profiles of transcription factors, we discover that cohesin complex and CTCF are responsible for organizing long-range chromatin loops, related to domain formation; whereas ZNF143 and HCFC1 are involved in structuring short-range chromatin loops between regulatory elements, which directly regulate gene expression. Thus, we introduce a methodology to identify a delicate and comprehensive network of cis-regulatory elements, revealing the complexity and a division of labor of transcription factors in organizing chromatin loops for genome organization and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Yaqiang Cao
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kairong Cui
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Qingsong Tang
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, Systems Biology Center, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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36
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Tang F, Wang Y, Gao Z, Guo S, Wang Y. Polymerase η Recruits DHX9 Helicase to Promote Replication across Guanine Quadruplex Structures. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:14016-14020. [PMID: 35905379 PMCID: PMC9378570 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA polymerase η (Pol η) catalyzes accurate bypass of ultraviolet light-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and it also functions in several other related processes, including bypassing DNA with unusual structures. Here, we performed unbiased proteome-wide profiling of Pol η-interacting proteins by using two independent approaches, i.e., proximity labeling and affinity pull-down followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. We identified several helicases, including DHX9, as novel Pol η-interacting proteins. Additionally, ChIP-Seq analysis showed that Pol η is enriched at guanine quadruplex (G4) structure sites in chromatin. Moreover, Pol η promotes the recruitment of DHX9 to G4 structure loci in chromatin and facilitates DHX9-mediated unwinding of G4 structures. Deficiency in Pol η or DHX9 leads to attenuated replication across G4 regions in genomic DNA. Together, we unveiled the interaction between Pol η and DHX9 and demonstrated that the interaction promotes the replicative bypass of G4 structures in chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Yinan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Zi Gao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Shiyuan Guo
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
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37
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High-throughput techniques enable advances in the roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:159. [PMID: 35851062 PMCID: PMC9290270 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable structure of DNA is the canonical right-handed double helix termed B DNA. However, certain environments and sequence motifs favor alternative conformations, termed non-canonical secondary structures. The roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional regulation remain incompletely understood. However, advances in high-throughput assays have enabled genome wide characterization of some secondary structures. Here, we describe their regulatory functions in promoters and 3’UTRs, providing insights into key mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression. We discuss their implication in human disease, and how advances in molecular technologies and emerging high-throughput experimental methods could provide additional insights.
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38
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Xiang L, Niu K, Peng Y, Zhang X, Li X, Ye R, Yu G, Ye G, Xiang H, Song Q, Feng Q. DNA G-quadruplex structure participates in regulation of lipid metabolism through acyl-CoA binding protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6953-6967. [PMID: 35748856 PMCID: PMC9262599 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac527] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structure (G4) is a type of DNA secondary structure that widely exists in the genomes of many organisms. G4s are believed to participate in multiple biological processes. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), a ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved protein in eukaryotic cells, plays important roles in lipid metabolism by transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters. Here, we report the functional identification of a G4 in the promoter of the ACBP gene in silkworm and human cancer cells. We found that G4 exists as a conserved element in the promoters of ACBP genes in invertebrates and vertebrates. The BmACBP G4 bound with G4-binding protein LARK regulated BmACBP transcription, which was blocked by the G4 stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and G4 antisense oligonucleotides. PDS treatment with fifth instar silkworm larvae decreased the BmACBP expression and triacylglycerides (TAG) level, resulting in reductions in fat body mass, body size and weight and growth and metamorphic rates. PDS treatment and knocking out of the HsACBP G4 in human hepatic adenocarcinoma HepG2 cells inhibited the expression of HsACBP and decreased the TAG level and cell proliferation. Altogether, our findings suggest that G4 of the ACBP genes is involved in regulation of lipid metabolism processes in invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Kangkang Niu. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ruoqi Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guoxing Yu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guojun Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
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Abstract
Gene regulation arises out of dynamic competition between nucleosomes, transcription factors, and other chromatin proteins for the opportunity to bind genomic DNA. The timescales of nucleosome assembly and binding of factors to DNA determine the outcomes of this competition at any given locus. Here, we review how these properties of chromatin proteins and the interplay between the dynamics of different factors are critical for gene regulation. We discuss how molecular structures of large chromatin-associated complexes, kinetic measurements, and high resolution mapping of protein-DNA complexes in vivo set the boundary conditions for chromatin dynamics, leading to models of how the steady state behaviors of regulatory elements arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kami Ahmad
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Steven Henikoff
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Srinivas Ramachandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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40
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Meier-Stephenson V. G4-quadruplex-binding proteins: review and insights into selectivity. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:635-654. [PMID: 35791380 PMCID: PMC9250568 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are over 700,000 putative G4-quadruplexes (G4Qs) in the human genome, found largely in promoter regions, telomeres, and other regions of high regulation. Growing evidence links their presence to functionality in various cellular processes, where cellular proteins interact with them, either stabilizing and/or anchoring upon them, or unwinding them to allow a process to proceed. Interest in understanding and manipulating the plethora of processes regulated by these G4Qs has spawned a new area of small-molecule binder development, with attempts to mimic and block the associated G4-binding protein (G4BP). Despite the growing interest and focus on these G4Qs, there is limited data (in particular, high-resolution structural information), on the nature of these G4Q-G4BP interactions and what makes a G4BP selective to certain G4Qs, if in fact they are at all. This review summarizes the current literature on G4BPs with regards to their interactions with G4Qs, providing groupings for binding mode, drawing conclusions around commonalities and highlighting information on specific interactions where available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Meier-Stephenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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41
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Emerging mechanisms of telomerase reactivation in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:632-641. [PMID: 35568649 PMCID: PMC7614490 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) result in hyperactivation of hTERT. Notably, all mutations are G>A transitions, frequently found in a wide range of cancer types, and causally associated with cancer progression. Initially, the mutations were understood to reactivate hTERT by generating novel E26 transformation-specific (ETS) binding sites. Recent work reveals the role of DNA secondary structure G-quadruplexes, telomere binding factor(s), and chromatin looping in hTERT regulation. Here, we discuss these emerging findings in relation to the clinically significant promoter mutations to provide a broader understanding of the context-dependent outcomes that result in hTERT activation in normal and pathogenic conditions.
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42
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Abak A, Baniahmad A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jamali E, Dinger ME. Interaction between non-coding RNAs, mRNAs and G-quadruplexes. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35488342 PMCID: PMC9052686 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02601-2] [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] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary helical configurations established between guanine-rich nucleic acids. The structure is seen in the promoter regions of numerous genes under certain situations. Predicted G-quadruplex-forming sequences are distributed across the genome in a non-random way. These structures are formed in telomeric regions of the human genome and oncogenic promoter G-rich regions. Identification of mechanisms of regulation of stability of G-quadruplexes has practical significance for understanding the molecular basis of genetic diseases such as cancer. A number of non-coding RNAs such as H19, XIST, FLJ39051 (GSEC), BC200 (BCYRN1), TERRA, pre-miRNA-1229, pre-miRNA-149 and miR-1587 have been found to contain G-quadraplex-forming regions or affect configuration of these structures in target genes. In the current review, we outline the recent research on the interaction between G-quadruplexes and non-coding RNAs, other RNA transcripts and DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefe Abak
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Elena Jamali
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakin Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wang W, Qiao S, Li G, Cheng J, Yang C, Zhong C, Stovall DB, Shi J, Teng C, Li D, Sui G. A histidine cluster determines YY1-compartmentalized coactivators and chromatin elements in phase-separated enhancer clusters. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4917-4937. [PMID: 35390165 PMCID: PMC9122595 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As an oncogenic transcription factor, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) regulates enhancer and promoter connection. However, gaps still exist in understanding how YY1 coordinates coactivators and chromatin enhancer elements to assemble enhancers and super-enhancers. Here, we demonstrate that a histidine cluster in YY1’s transactivation domain is essential for its formation of phase separation condensates, which can be extended to additional proteins. The histidine cluster is also required for YY1-promoted cell proliferation, migration, clonogenicity and tumor growth. YY1-rich nuclear puncta contain coactivators EP300, BRD4, MED1 and active RNA polymerase II, and colocalize with histone markers of gene activation, but not that of repression. Furthermore, YY1 binds to the consensus motifs in the FOXM1 promoter to activate its expression. Wild-type YY1, but not its phase separation defective mutant, connects multiple enhancer elements and the FOXM1 promoter to form an enhancer cluster. Consistently, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assays reveal the colocalization of YY1 puncta with both the FOXM1 gene locus and its nascent RNA transcript. Overall, this study demonstrates that YY1 activates target gene expression through forming liquid-liquid phase separation condensates to compartmentalize both coactivators and enhancer elements, and the histidine cluster of YY1 plays a determinant role in this regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shiyao Qiao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiahui Cheng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Cuicui Yang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chen Zhong
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Daniel B Stovall
- College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chunbo Teng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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44
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Rigo R, Groaz E, Sissi C. Polymorphic and Higher-Order G-Quadruplexes as Possible Transcription Regulators: Novel Perspectives for Future Anticancer Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030373. [PMID: 35337170 PMCID: PMC8950063 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, significant efforts have been put into designing small molecules to target selected genomic sites where DNA conformational rearrangements control gene expression. G-rich sequences at oncogene promoters are considered good points of intervention since, under specific environmental conditions, they can fold into non-canonical tetrahelical structures known as G-quadruplexes. However, emerging evidence points to a frequent lack of correlation between small molecule targeting of G-quadruplexes at gene promoters and the expression of the associated protein, which hampers pharmaceutical applications. The wide genomic localization of G-quadruplexes along with their highly polymorphic behavior may account for this scenario, suggesting the need for more focused drug design strategies. Here, we will summarize the G4 structural features that can be considered to fulfill this goal. In particular, by comparing a telomeric sequence with the well-characterized G-rich domain of the KIT promoter, we will address how multiple secondary structures might cooperate to control genome architecture at a higher level. If this holds true, the link between drug–DNA complex formation and the associated cellular effects will need to be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rigo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- CEITEC—Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence:
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45
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Kim S, Hwang S. G-Quadruplex Matters in Tissue-Specific Tumorigenesis by BRCA1 Deficiency. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13030391. [PMID: 35327946 PMCID: PMC8948836 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
How and why distinct genetic alterations, such as BRCA1 mutation, promote tumorigenesis in certain tissues, but not others, remain an important issue in cancer research. The underlying mechanisms may reveal tissue-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Although the roles of BRCA1, such as DNA damage repair and stalled fork stabilization, obviously contribute to tumor suppression, these ubiquitously important functions cannot explain tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 mutations. Recent advances in our understanding of the cancer genome and fundamental cellular processes on DNA, such as transcription and DNA replication, have provided new insights regarding BRCA1-associated tumorigenesis, suggesting that G-quadruplex (G4) plays a critical role. In this review, we summarize the importance of G4 structures in mutagenesis of the cancer genome and cell type-specific gene regulation, and discuss a recently revealed molecular mechanism of G4/base excision repair (BER)-mediated transcriptional activation. The latter adequately explains the correlation between the accumulation of unresolved transcriptional regulatory G4s and multi-level genomic alterations observed in BRCA1-associated tumors. In summary, tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 deficiency can be explained by cell type-specific levels of transcriptional regulatory G4s and the role of BRCA1 in resolving it. This mechanism would provide an integrated understanding of the initiation and development of BRCA1-associated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Sungnam 13488, Korea;
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Sungnam 13488, Korea;
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Sungnam 13496, Korea
- Correspondence:
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46
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Molecular architecture of enhancer–promoter interaction. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 74:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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47
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Ceschi S, Berselli M, Cozzaglio M, Giantin M, Toppo S, Spolaore B, Sissi C. Vimentin binds to G-quadruplex repeats found at telomeres and gene promoters. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:1370-1381. [PMID: 35100428 PMCID: PMC8860586 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) structures that can form at guanine-rich genomic sites, including telomeres and gene promoters, are actively involved in genome maintenance, replication, and transcription, through finely tuned interactions with protein networks. In the present study, we identified the intermediate filament protein Vimentin as a binder with nanomolar affinity for those G-rich sequences that give rise to at least two adjacent G4 units, named G4 repeats. This interaction is supported by the N-terminal domains of soluble Vimentin tetramers. The selectivity of Vimentin for G4 repeats versus individual G4s provides an unprecedented result. Based on GO enrichment analysis performed on genes having putative G4 repeats within their core promoters, we suggest that Vimentin recruitment at these sites may contribute to the regulation of gene expression during cell development and migration, possibly by reshaping the local higher-order genome topology, as already reported for lamin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ceschi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Michele Berselli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Marta Cozzaglio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Mery Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro 35020, Italy
| | - Stefano Toppo
- CRIBI Biotechnology Center (Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale per le Biotecnologie Innovative), University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Barbara Spolaore
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- CRIBI Biotechnology Center (Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale per le Biotecnologie Innovative), University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- CRIBI Biotechnology Center (Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale per le Biotecnologie Innovative), University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
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48
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Tang F, Yuan J, Yuan BF, Wang Y. DNA-Protein Cross-Linking Sequencing for Genome-Wide Mapping of Thymidine Glycol. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:454-462. [PMID: 34978433 PMCID: PMC8755629 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Thymidine glycol (Tg) is the most prevalent form of oxidatively induced pyrimidine lesions in DNA. Tg can arise from direct oxidation of thymidine in DNA. In addition, 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-mdC) can be oxidized to 5-mdC glycol, and its subsequent deamination also yields Tg. However, Tg's distribution in the human genome remains unknown. Here, we presented a DNA-protein cross-linking sequencing (DPC-Seq) method for genome-wide mapping of Tg in human cells. Our approach capitalizes on the specificity of a bifunctional DNA glycosylase, i.e., NTHL1, for the covalent labeling, as well as DPC pulldown, SDS-PAGE fractionation, and membrane transfer for highly efficient and selective enrichment of Tg-bearing DNA. By employing DPC-Seq, we detected thousands of Tg sites in the human genome, where dual ablation of NTHL1 and NEIL1, the major DNA glycosylases responsible for Tg repair, led to pronounced increases in the number of Tg peaks. In addition, Tg is depleted in genomic regions associated with active transcription but enriched at nucleosome-binding sites, especially at heterochromatin sites marked with H3K9me2. Collectively, we developed a DPC-Seq method for highly efficient enrichment of Tg-containing DNA and for genome-wide mapping of Tg in human cells. Our work offers a robust tool for future functional studies of Tg in DNA, and we envision that the method can also be adapted for mapping other modified nucleosides in genomic DNA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521-0403, United States
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49
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Mou X, Liew SW, Kwok CK. Identification and targeting of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 long non-coding RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:397-410. [PMID: 34904666 PMCID: PMC8754639 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) have functional roles in many cellular processes in diverse organisms. While a number of rG4 examples have been reported in coding messenger RNAs (mRNA), so far only limited works have studied rG4s in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are of emerging interest and significance in biology. Herein, we report that MALAT1 lncRNA contains conserved rG4 motifs, forming thermostable rG4 structures with parallel topology. We also show that rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNA can interact with NONO protein with high specificity and affinity in vitro and in nuclear cell lysate, and we provide cellular data to support that NONO protein recognizes MALAT1 lncRNA via rG4 motifs. Notably, we demonstrate that rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNA can be targeted by the rG4-specific small molecule, peptide, and L-aptamer, leading to the dissociation of MALAT1 rG4-NONO protein interaction. Altogether, this study uncovers new and important rG4s in MALAT1 lncRNAs, reveals their specific interactions with NONO protein, offers multiple strategies for targeting MALAT1 and its RNA-protein complex via its rG4 structure and illustrates the prevalence and significance of rG4s in ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City
University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
SAR, China
| | - Shiau Wei Liew
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City
University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City
University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong,
Shenzhen, China
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50
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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