1
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Scognamiglio PL, Vicidomini C, Roviello GN. Dancing with Nucleobases: Unveiling the Self-Assembly Properties of DNA and RNA Base-Containing Molecules for Gel Formation. Gels 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 38247739 PMCID: PMC10815473 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleobase-containing molecules are compounds essential in biology due to the fundamental role of nucleic acids and, in particular, G-quadruplex DNA and RNA in life. Moreover, some molecules different from nucleic acids isolated from different vegetal sources or microorganisms show nucleobase moieties in their structure. Nucleoamino acids and peptidyl nucleosides belong to this molecular class. Closely related to the above, nucleopeptides, also known as nucleobase-bearing peptides, are chimeric derivatives of synthetic origin and more rarely isolated from plants. Herein, the self-assembly properties of a vast number of structures, belonging to the nucleic acid and nucleoamino acid/nucleopeptide family, are explored in light of the recent scientific literature. Moreover, several technologically relevant properties, such as the hydrogelation ability of some of the nucleobase-containing derivatives, are reviewed in order to make way for future experimental investigations of newly devised nucleobase-driven hydrogels. Nucleobase-containing molecules, such as mononucleosides, DNA, RNA, quadruplex (G4)-forming oligonucleotides, and nucleopeptides are paramount in gel and hydrogel formation owing to their distinctive molecular attributes and ability to self-assemble in biomolecular nanosystems with the most diverse applications in different fields of biomedicine and nanotechnology. In fact, these molecules and their gels present numerous advantages, underscoring their significance and applicability in both material science and biomedicine. Their versatility, capability for molecular recognition, responsiveness to stimuli, biocompatibility, and biodegradability collectively contribute to their prominence in modern nanotechnology and biomedicine. In this review, we emphasize the critical role of nucleobase-containing molecules of different nature in pioneering novel materials with multifaceted applications, highlighting their potential in therapy, diagnostics, and new nanomaterials fabrication as required for addressing numerous current biomedical and nanotechnological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caterina Vicidomini
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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2
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Immel JR, Bloom S. carba-Nucleopeptides (cNPs): A Biopharmaceutical Modality Formed through Aqueous Rhodamine B Photoredox Catalysis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205606. [PMID: 35507689 PMCID: PMC9256812 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exchanging the ribose backbone of an oligonucleotide for a peptide can enhance its physiologic stability and nucleic acid binding affinity. Ordinarily, the eneamino nitrogen atom of a nucleobase is fused to the side chain of a polypeptide through a new C-N bond. The discovery of C-C linked nucleobases in the human transcriptome reveals new opportunities for engineering nucleopeptides that replace the traditional C-N bond with a non-classical C-C bond, liberating a captive nitrogen atom and promoting new hydrogen bonding and π-stacking interactions. We report the first late-stage synthesis of C-C linked carba-nucleopeptides (cNPs) using aqueous Rhodamine B photoredox catalysis. We prepare brand-new cNPs in batch, in parallel, and in flow using three long-wavelength photochemical setups. We detail the mechanism of our reaction by experimental and computational studies and highlight the essential role of diisopropylethylamine as a bifurcated two-electron reductant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Immel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Steven Bloom
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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3
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Immel JR, Bloom S. carba
‐Nucleopeptides (
c
NPs): A Biopharmaceutical Modality Formed through Aqueous Rhodamine B Photoredox Catalysis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R. Immel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Kansas Lawrence KS 66045 USA
| | - Steven Bloom
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Kansas Lawrence KS 66045 USA
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4
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Novel insights on nucleopeptide binding: A spectroscopic and in silico investigation on the interaction of a thymine-bearing tetrapeptide with a homoadenine DNA. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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5
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Contini A, Erba E, Bondavalli V, Barbiroli A, Gelmi ML, Romanelli A. Morpholino-based peptide oligomers: Synthesis and DNA binding properties. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 549:8-13. [PMID: 33652207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The chemical structure of oligonucleotide analogues dictates the conformation of oligonucleotide analogue oligomers, their ability to hybridize complementary DNA and RNA, their stability to degradation and their pharmacokinetic properties. In a study aimed at investigating new analogues featuring a neutral backbone, we explored the ability of oligomers containing a morpholino-peptide backbone to bind oligonucleotides. Circular Dichroism studies revealed the ability of our oligomers to interact with DNA, molecular modelling studies revealed the interaction responsible for complex stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Erba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Bondavalli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Barbiroli
- DeFENS - Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Gelmi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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6
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Frenkel-Pinter M, Samanta M, Ashkenasy G, Leman LJ. Prebiotic Peptides: Molecular Hubs in the Origin of Life. Chem Rev 2020; 120:4707-4765. [PMID: 32101414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The fundamental roles that peptides and proteins play in today's biology makes it almost indisputable that peptides were key players in the origin of life. Insofar as it is appropriate to extrapolate back from extant biology to the prebiotic world, one must acknowledge the critical importance that interconnected molecular networks, likely with peptides as key components, would have played in life's origin. In this review, we summarize chemical processes involving peptides that could have contributed to early chemical evolution, with an emphasis on molecular interactions between peptides and other classes of organic molecules. We first summarize mechanisms by which amino acids and similar building blocks could have been produced and elaborated into proto-peptides. Next, non-covalent interactions of peptides with other peptides as well as with nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, metal ions, and aromatic molecules are discussed in relation to the possible roles of such interactions in chemical evolution of structure and function. Finally, we describe research involving structural alternatives to peptides and covalent adducts between amino acids/peptides and other classes of molecules. We propose that ample future breakthroughs in origin-of-life chemistry will stem from investigations of interconnected chemical systems in which synergistic interactions between different classes of molecules emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Frenkel-Pinter
- NSF/NASA Center for Chemical Evolution, https://centerforchemicalevolution.com/.,School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Mousumi Samanta
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gonen Ashkenasy
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Luke J Leman
- NSF/NASA Center for Chemical Evolution, https://centerforchemicalevolution.com/.,Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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7
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Avitabile C, Diaferia C, Della Ventura B, Mercurio FA, Leone M, Roviello V, Saviano M, Velotta R, Morelli G, Accardo A, Romanelli A. Self-Assembling of Fmoc-GC Peptide Nucleic Acid Dimers into Highly Fluorescent Aggregates. Chemistry 2018; 24:4729-4735. [PMID: 29377290 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The study of molecules that self-assemble through noncovalent interactions is one of the most attractive topics in supramolecular chemistry. The use of short peptides or modified nucleotides as building blocks for the aggregates is particularly intriguing because these are very easy to synthesize; moreover, subtle changes in the chemical structure of such building blocks may drastically affect the properties of the aggregates. The ability of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) to aggregate has been very little explored, despite its practical applications. In this work we investigated the self-assembling properties of a PNA dimer, conjugated at the N-terminus to a fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl group. This PNA dimer forms nano-aggregates at low concentration in CHCl3 /CH3 OH mixtures. The aggregates retain very interesting fluorescent properties (high quantum yield in the visible region with lifetimes on the nanosecond scale), which make them promising materials for applications in optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Avitabile
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Diaferia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Analytical Chemistry for the Environment and CeSMA (Centro Servizi Metrologici Avanzati), University of Naples "Federico II", via N. Protopisani, 80146, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Saviano
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Via Amendola 126/O, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Velotta
- Department of Physics, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Accardo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.,University of Milan, via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
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8
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Abstract
As a novel class of biomaterials, nucleopeptides, via the conjugation of nucleobases and peptides, usually self-assemble to form nanofibres driven mainly by hydrogen bonds. Containing nucleobase(s), nucleopeptides have a unique property-interacting with nucleic acids. Here we report the design and characterization of nucleopeptides that self-assemble in water and are able to interact with single-stranded DNAs (ssDNAs). Containing nucleobases on their side chains, these nucleopeptides bind with the ssDNAs, and the ssDNAs reciprocally affect the self-assembly of nucleopeptides. In addition, the interactions between nucleopeptides and ssDNAs also decrease their proteolytic resistance against proteinase K, which further demonstrates the binding with ssDNAs. The nucleopeptides also interact with plasmid DNA and deliver hairpin DNA into cells. This work illustrates a new and rational approach to create soft biomaterials by the integration of nucleobases and peptides to bind with DNA, which may lead to the development of nucleopeptides for controlling DNA in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Xinming Li
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
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9
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Biswas S, Samui S, Chakraborty A, Biswas S, De D, Ghosh U, Das AK, Naskar J. Insight into the binding of a non-toxic, self-assembling aromatic tripeptide with ct-DNA: Spectroscopic and viscositic studies. Biochem Biophys Rep 2017; 11:112-118. [PMID: 28955776 PMCID: PMC5614701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The report describes the synthesis, self-association and DNA binding studies of an aromatic tripeptide H-Phe-Phe-Phe-OH (FFF). The peptide backbone adopts β-sheet conformation both in solid and solution. In aqueous solution, FFF self-assembles to form nanostructured aggregates. Interactions of this peptide with calf-thymus DNA (ct-DNA) have been studied using various biophysical techniques including ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The value of mean binding constant calculated from UV and fluorescence spectroscopic data is (2.914 ± 0.74) x 103 M-1 which is consistent with an external binding mode. Fluorescence intercalator displacement (FID) assay, iodide quenching study, viscosity measurement and thermal denaturation study of DNA further confirm the groove binding mode of peptide, FFF with ct-DNA. MTT cell survival assay reveals very low cytotoxicity of the peptide toward human lung carcinoma cell line A549.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumi Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
| | - Satyabrata Samui
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
| | - Arpita Chakraborty
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
| | - Sagar Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
| | - Debapriya De
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
| | - Utpal Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
| | - Apurba K. Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, Khandwa Road, Indore 453552, India
| | - Jishu Naskar
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Nadia, WB 741235, India
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10
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Zhou J, Li J, Du X, Xu B. Supramolecular biofunctional materials. Biomaterials 2017; 129:1-27. [PMID: 28319779 PMCID: PMC5470592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses supramolecular biofunctional materials, a novel class of biomaterials formed by small molecules that are held together via noncovalent interactions. The complexity of biology and relevant biomedical problems not only inspire, but also demand effective molecular design for functional materials. Supramolecular biofunctional materials offer (almost) unlimited possibilities and opportunities to address challenging biomedical problems. Rational molecular design of supramolecular biofunctional materials exploit powerful and versatile noncovalent interactions, which offer many advantages, such as responsiveness, reversibility, tunability, biomimicry, modularity, predictability, and, most importantly, adaptiveness. In this review, besides elaborating on the merits of supramolecular biofunctional materials (mainly in the form of hydrogels and/or nanoscale assemblies) resulting from noncovalent interactions, we also discuss the advantages of small peptides as a prevalent molecular platform to generate a wide range of supramolecular biofunctional materials for the applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, immunology, cancer therapy, fluorescent imaging, and stem cell regulation. This review aims to provide a brief synopsis of recent achievements at the intersection of supramolecular chemistry and biomedical science in hope of contributing to the multidisciplinary research on supramolecular biofunctional materials for a wide range of applications. We envision that supramolecular biofunctional materials will contribute to the development of new therapies that will ultimately lead to a paradigm shift for developing next generation biomaterials for medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA.
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11
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Lac-l-TTA, a novel lactose-based amino acid–sugar conjugate for anti-metastatic applications. Amino Acids 2017; 49:1347-1353. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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12
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel Amadori compound. Amino Acids 2016; 49:327-335. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Roviello GN, Vicidomini C, Di Gaetano S, Capasso D, Musumeci D, Roviello V. Solid phase synthesis and RNA-binding activity of an arginine-containing nucleopeptide. RSC Adv 2016; 6:14140-14148. [PMID: 29057071 PMCID: PMC5635565 DOI: 10.1039/c5ra25809j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we report the solid phase synthesis and characterization (LC-ESIMS, CD) of a cationic nucleobase-containing α-peptide, composed of both l-arginine residues and l-lysine-based nucleoamino acids sequentially present in the structure. The binding properties of this novel basic nucleopeptide towards nucleic acids were investigated by CD spectroscopy which revealed the ability of the thymine-containing oligomer to bind both adenine-containing DNA (dA12) and RNA (poly rA) molecules inducing high conformational variations in the nucleic acid structures. Moreover, the artificial oligonucleotide inhibited the enzymatic activity of HIV reverse transcriptase, opening the door to the exploitation of novel antiviral strategies inspired to this molecular tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Roviello
- CNR , Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - (Mezzacannone site and Headquarters) , 80134 Napoli , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39-081-2534585
| | - C Vicidomini
- CNR , Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - (Mezzacannone site and Headquarters) , 80134 Napoli , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39-081-2534585
| | - S Di Gaetano
- CNR , Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - (Mezzacannone site and Headquarters) , 80134 Napoli , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39-081-2534585
| | - D Capasso
- Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Dipartimento di Farmacia , 80134 Napoli , Italy
| | - D Musumeci
- CNR , Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - (Mezzacannone site and Headquarters) , 80134 Napoli , Italy . ; ; Tel: +39-081-2534585
- Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche , 80126 Napoli , Italy
| | - V Roviello
- Università di Napoli "Federico II" , Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica , dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMaPI) , 80125 Napoli , Italy
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14
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Marasco D, Scognamiglio PL. Identification of inhibitors of biological interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:7394-412. [PMID: 25849651 PMCID: PMC4425024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16047394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions involving disordered partners have unique features and represent prominent targets in drug discovery processes. Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) are involved in cellular regulation, signaling and control: they bind to multiple partners and these high-specificity/low-affinity interactions play crucial roles in many human diseases. Disordered regions, terminal tails and flexible linkers are particularly abundant in DNA-binding proteins and play crucial roles in the affinity and specificity of DNA recognizing processes. Protein complexes involving IDPs are short-lived and typically involve short amino acid stretches bearing few "hot spots", thus the identification of molecules able to modulate them can produce important lead compounds: in this scenario peptides and/or peptidomimetics, deriving from structure-based, combinatorial or protein dissection approaches, can play a key role as hit compounds. Here, we propose a panoramic review of the structural features of IDPs and how they regulate molecular recognition mechanisms focusing attention on recently reported drug-design strategies in the field of IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB), University of Naples "Federico II", DFM-Scarl, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB), University of Naples "Federico II", DFM-Scarl, 80134 Naples, Italy.
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15
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Roviello GN, Musumeci D, Roviello V. Cationic peptides as RNA compaction agents: a study on the polyA compaction activity of a linear alpha,epsilon-oligo-L-lysine. Int J Pharm 2015; 485:244-8. [PMID: 25772417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we investigate the compaction activity of a sequential alpha,epsilon-peptide composed of l-lysines towards two RNA targets, in view of its possible pharmaceutical application in RNA-targeting and RNA delivery. The basic oligolysine, object of the present study, proved not only to be efficient in compacting the single-stranded polyA RNA, but also to strongly interact with the polyA·polyU complex, as evidenced by CD-binding and UV-melting experiments. In particular, the marked differences in the CD spectra of the RNA targets upon addition of the peptide, as well as the different UV melting behaviour for the polyA·polyU complex in the presence and absence of the peptide, sustain the hypothesis of a strong RNA compaction capacity of the alpha,epsilon-oligolysine. Finally, by using HPLC analysis, we found a good resistance of the peptide against the lytic action of human serum, an important requirement in view of in vitro/in vivo biological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale(DICMaPI), Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80125 Napoli, Italy
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16
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Thiophenyl-substituted triazolyl-thione l-alanine: asymmetric synthesis, aggregation and biological properties. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2325-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1782-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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17
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Du X, Zhou J, Xu B. Supramolecular hydrogels made of basic biological building blocks. Chem Asian J 2014; 9:1446-72. [PMID: 24623474 PMCID: PMC4024374 DOI: 10.1002/asia.201301693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of the self-assembly of small organic molecules in water, supramolecular hydrogels are evolving from serendipitous events during organic synthesis to become a new type of materials that hold promise for applications in biomedicine. In this Focus Review, we describe recent advances in the use of basic biological building blocks for creating molecules that act as hydrogelators and the potential applications of the corresponding hydrogels. After introducing the concept of supramolecular hydrogels and defining the scope of this review, we briefly describe the methods for making and characterizing supramolecular hydrogels. We then discuss representative hydrogelators according to the categories of their building blocks, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and saccharides, and highlight the applications of the hydrogels when necessary. Finally, we offer our perspective and outlook on this fast-growing field at the interface of organic chemistry, materials, biology, and medicine. By providing a snapshot for chemists, engineers, and medical scientists, we hope that this Focus Review will contribute to the development of multidisciplinary research on supramolecular hydrogels for a wide range of applications in different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA, Fax: (01)781 736 2516
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA, Fax: (01)781 736 2516
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA, Fax: (01)781 736 2516
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Roviello GN, Roviello V, Musumeci D, Pedone C. Synthesis of a novel benzodifuran derivative and its molecular recognition of poly rA RNA. Biol Chem 2014; 394:1235-9. [PMID: 23729622 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this manuscript, we describe a synthetic approach to a novel benzodifuran derivative as well as CD studies regarding its ability to interact with DNA and RNA. After the chemical synthesis and ESI-MS and NMR characterization, this heteroaromatic molecule was investigated by CD spectroscopy in order to evaluate it as a potential nucleic acid binder. Interestingly, the benzodifuran compound was found to be able to induce conformational changes in both DNA and RNA homoadenine molecules forming in the latter case a complex with a 6:1 benzodifuran/nucleobase stoichiometric ratio, as evidenced by CD titration experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Napoli, Italy.
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19
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Binding ability of a thymine-functionalized oligolysine towards nucleic acids. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:997-1002. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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20
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Roviello GN, Roviello G, Musumeci D, Capasso D, Di Gaetano S, Costanzo M, Pedone C. Synthesis and supramolecular assembly of 1,3-bis(1′-uracilyl)-2-propanone. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra03713h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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21
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Roviello GN, Musumeci D, D'Alessandro C, Pedone C. Synthesis of a thymine-functionalized nucleoamino acid for the solid phase assembly of cationic nucleopeptides. Amino Acids 2013; 45:779-84. [PMID: 23722416 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1520-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we report the synthesis of a thymine-functionalized nucleoamino acid suitable for the solid phase synthesis of nucleopeptides. The monomer was obtained in solution starting from commercial compounds and after NMR ((1)H and (13)C) and ESIMS (positive ions) characterization it was used for the assembly of a cationic nucleopeptide obtained by sequentially introducing underivatized L-lysine units and nucleoamino acid monomers. After detachment from the resin, performed in acidic conditions, the oligomer was purified by HPLC and characterized by LC-ESIMS (positive ions) which confirmed the identity of the thymine-based nucleopeptide. The cationic nucleobase-containing peptide, well soluble in water, was studied by CD spectroscopy which allowed us to exclude any helical pre-organization of the nucleopeptide in the experimental conditions used. Furthermore, CD behavior of the oligomer at different temperatures was also studied as described in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy,
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22
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Kramer RA, Bleicher KH, Wennemers H. Design and Synthesis of Nucleoproline Amino Acids for the Straightforward Preparation of Chiral and Conformationally Constrained Nucleopeptides. Helv Chim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.201200557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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23
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Roviello GN, Roviello G, Musumeci D, Bucci EM, Pedone C. Dakin-West reaction on 1-thyminyl acetic acid for the synthesis of 1,3-bis(1-thyminyl)-2-propanone, a heteroaromatic compound with nucleopeptide-binding properties. Amino Acids 2012; 43:1615-23. [PMID: 22349760 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This work deals with the Dakin-West synthesis, starting from the nucleoamino acid 1-thyminyl acetic acid, as well the NMR, ESI MS, and X-ray characterization of a heteroaromatic compound denominated by us T(2)CO, comprising two thymine moieties anchored to a 2-propanonic unit, the spectroscopic properties of which were studied by UV as a function of temperature and ionic strength. Preliminary binding-studies with molecules of biomedical interest such as nucleic acids and proteins, performed on samples containing T(2)CO, suggested that this molecule is able to interact very weakly with double-stranded RNA, whereas it does not seem to bind other nucleic acids or proteins. Moreover, by studies with fresh human serum we found that T(2)CO is resistant to enzymatic degradation till 24 h, whereas UV metal binding-studies, performed using solutions of copper (II) chloride dihydrate and nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate, revealed a certain ability of T(2)CO to bind copper (II) cation. Finally, by CD spectroscopy we investigated the influence of T(2)CO on the already described supramolecular networks based on L-serine-containing nucleopeptides. More particularly, we found that T(2)CO is able to increase the level of structuration of the non-covalent supramolecular assembly of the chiral nucleopeptides, which is a feature of remarkable interest for the development of innovative drug delivery tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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Roviello GN, Mottola A, Musumeci D, Bucci EM, Pedone C. Synthesis and aggregation properties of a novel enzymatically resistant nucleoamino acid. Amino Acids 2012; 43:1465-70. [PMID: 22252739 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we describe the synthesis, evaluation of some biological properties, such as DNA- and RNA-binding ability and in sero stability, as well as the supramolecular assembly of a novel nucleoamino acid based on L-spinacine. More particularly, a thymine-containing L-spinacine derivative was synthesized in liquid phase by a simple peptide-coupling procedure. Subsequently, nucleic acid and Cu(2+)-binding ability, as well as self-assembly properties of the novel nucleoamino acid, were investigated by spectroscopy (CD and UV) and laser light scattering which furnished interesting information on the assembly of supramolecular networks based on the peptidyl nucleoside analog. Finally, nucleoamino acid enzymatic stability was studied and a half life of about 7 days was found in the presence of fresh human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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Li X, Kuang Y, Lin HC, Gao Y, Shi J, Xu B. Supramolecular nanofibers and hydrogels of nucleopeptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011; 50:9365-9. [PMID: 21948432 PMCID: PMC3251214 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201103641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA 02454, USA, Fax: (+) 01-781-736-5201
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Li X, Kuang Y, Lin HC, Gao Y, Shi J, Xu B. Supramolecular Nanofibers and Hydrogels of Nucleopeptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201103641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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27
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Roviello GN, Musumeci D, Bucci EM, Pedone C. Synthesis and characterization of a novel ester-based nucleoamino acid for the assembly of aromatic nucleopeptides for biomedical applications. Int J Pharm 2011; 415:206-10. [PMID: 21689737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we report a technological approach to a novel Fmoc-protected nucleoamino acid, based on l-tyrosine, carrying the DNA nucleobase on the hydroxyl group by means of an ester bond, suitable for the solid-phase synthesis of novel aromatic nucleopeptides of potential interest in biomedicine. After ESI-MS and NMR characterization this building block was used for the assembly of a thymine-functionalized tetrapeptide, composed of nucleobase-containing and underivatized l-tyrosine moieties alternated in the backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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Roviello GN, Ricci A, Bucci EM, Pedone C. Synthesis, biological evaluation and supramolecular assembly of novel analogues of peptidyl nucleosides. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2011; 7:1773-8. [PMID: 21431179 DOI: 10.1039/c1mb05007a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This work concerns the synthesis, the supramolecular assembly and the evaluation of some biological properties, such as DNA and RNA-binding ability and human serum stability, of novel nucleopeptides. These compounds are of potential interest for the well-known properties that similar compounds, such as natural peptidyl nucleosides, possess in biology and medicine and also for the possibility to realize nucleopeptide-based supramolecular systems useful for drug and gene delivery applications. More particularly, all four nucleobase-containing peptides were synthesized by solid phase synthesis, purified by HPLC and characterized by NMR and ESI-MS. Subsequently, nucleopeptide self-assembly as well as DNA and RNA-binding ability were investigated by CD spectroscopy and further information on the formation of molecular networks, based on the peptidyl nucleoside analogues and nucleic acids, was obtained by Laser Light Scattering. Finally, nucleopeptide enzymatic stability was studied and a half life of about 2 hours was found in the presence of 50% fresh human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni N Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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