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Greco F, Marzano M, Falanga AP, Terracciano M, Piccialli G, Roviello GN, D'Errico S, Borbone N, Oliviero G. Cytosine-rich oligonucleotides incorporating a non-nucleotide loop: A further step towards the obtainment of physiologically stable i-motif DNA. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:626-636. [PMID: 35952813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.016] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
i-Motifs, also known as i-tetraplexes, are secondary structures of DNA occurring in cytosine-rich oligonucleotides (CROs) that recall increasing interest in the scientific community for their relevance in various biological processes and DNA nanotechnology. This study reports the design of new structurally modified CROs, named Double-Ended-Linker-CROs (DEL-CROs), capable of forming stable i-motif structures. Here, two C-rich strands having sequences d(AC4A) and d(C6) have been attached, in a parallel fashion, to the two linker's edges by their 3' or 5' ends. The resulting DEL-CROs have been investigated for their capability to form i-motif structures by circular dichroism, poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, HPLC-size-exclusion chromatography, and NMR studies. This investigation established that DEL-CROs could form more stable i-motif structures than the corresponding unmodified CROs. In particular, the i-motif formed by DEL-5'-d(C6)2 resulted stable enough to be detected even at near physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.0). The results open the way to developing pH-switchable nanocarriers and aptamers based on suitably functionalized DEL-CROs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Greco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Marzano
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nicola Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti - Unità di Napoli, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy; ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- ISBE Italy, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Greco F, Falanga AP, Terracciano M, D’Ambrosio C, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Roviello GN, Borbone N. CD, UV, and In Silico Insights on the Effect of 1,3-Bis(1'-uracilyl)-2-propanone on Serum Albumin Structure. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1071. [PMID: 36008965 PMCID: PMC9405946 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
1,3-diaryl-2-propanone derivatives are synthetic compounds used as building blocks for the realization not only of antimicrobial drugs but also of new nanomaterials thanks to their ability to self-assemble in solution and interact with nucleopeptides. However, their ability to interact with proteins is a scarcely investigated theme considering the therapeutic importance that 1,3-diaryl-2-propanones could have in the modulation of protein-driven processes. Within this scope, we investigated the protein binding ability of 1,3-bis(1'-uracilyl)-2-propanone, which was previously synthesized in our laboratory utilizing a Dakin-West reaction and herein indicated as U2O, using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the model protein. Through circular dichroism (CD) and UV spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the compound, but not the similar thymine derivative T2O, was able to alter the secondary structure of the serum albumin leading to significant consequences in terms of BSA structure with respect to the unbound protein (Δβ-turn + Δβ-sheet = +23.6%, Δα = -16.7%) as revealed in our CD binding studies. Moreover, molecular docking studies suggested that U2O is preferentially housed in the domain IIIB of the protein, and its affinity for the albumin is higher than that of the reference ligand HA 14-1 (HDOCK score (top 1-3 poses): -157.11 ± 1.38 (U2O); -129.80 ± 6.92 (HA 14-1); binding energy: -7.6 kcal/mol (U2O); -5.9 kcal/mol (HA 14-1)) and T2O (HDOCK score (top 1-3 poses): -149.93 ± 2.35; binding energy: -7.0 kcal/mol). Overall, the above findings suggest the ability of 1,3-bis(1'-uracilyl)-2-propanone to bind serum albumins and the observed reduction of the α-helix structure with the concomitant increase in the β-structure are consistent with a partial protein destabilization due to the interaction with U2O.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
| | - Monica Terracciano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems “Eduardo Caianiello”, Italian National Council of Research (ISASI-CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlotta D’Ambrosio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nicola 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
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.P.F.); (M.T.); (C.D.); (G.P.); (N.B.)
- Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems “Eduardo Caianiello”, Italian National Council of Research (ISASI-CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- ISBE-IT, University of Naples Federico II, Corso Umberto I, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Scognamiglio PL, Vicidomini C, Fontanella F, De Stefano C, Palumbo R, Roviello GN. Protein Binding of Benzofuran Derivatives: A CD Spectroscopic and In Silico Comparative Study of the Effects of 4-Nitrophenyl Functionalized Benzofurans and Benzodifurans on BSA Protein Structure. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020262. [PMID: 35204762 PMCID: PMC8961527 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzofuran derivatives are synthetic compounds that are finding an increasing interest in the scientific community not only as building blocks for the realization of new materials, but also as potential drugs thanks to their ability to interact with nucleic acids, interfere with the amyloid peptide aggregation and cancer cell cycle. However, their ability to interact with proteins is a theme still in need of investigation for the therapeutic importance that benzofurans could have in the modulation of protein-driven processes and for the possibility of making use of serum albumins as benzofurans delivery systems. To this scope, we investigated the protein binding ability of two 4-nitrophenyl-functionalized benzofurans previously synthesized in our laboratory and herein indicated as BF1 and BDF1, which differed for the number of furan rings (a single moiety in BF1, two in BDF1), using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. By circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy we demonstrated the ability of the two heteroaromatic compounds to alter the secondary structure of the serum albumin leading to different consequences in terms of BSA thermal stability with respect to the unbound protein (ΔTm > 3 °C for BF1, −0.8 °C for BDF1 with respect to unbound BSA, in PBS buffer, pH 7.5) as revealed in our CD melting studies. Moreover, a molecular docking study allowed us to compare the possible ligand binding modes of the mono and difuranic derivatives showing that while BF1 is preferentially housed in the interior of protein structure, BDF1 is predicted to bind the albumin surface with a lower affinity than BF1. Interestingly, the different affinity for the protein target predicted computationally was confirmed also experimentally by fluorescence spectroscopy (kD = 142.4 ± 64.6 nM for BDF1 vs. 28.4 ± 10.1 nM for BF1). Overall, the above findings suggest the ability of benzofurans to bind serum albumins that could act as their carriers in drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caterina Vicidomini
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB-CNR, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, I-80145 Naples, Italy; (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Francesco Fontanella
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering (DIEI), University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Claudio De Stefano
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering (DIEI), University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy; (F.F.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Rosanna Palumbo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB-CNR, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, I-80145 Naples, Italy; (C.V.); (R.P.)
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB-CNR, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, I-80145 Naples, Italy; (C.V.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3491928417
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Serumula W, Fernandez G, Gonzalez VM, Parboosing R. Anti-HIV Aptamers: Challenges and Prospects. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:7-19. [PMID: 34503417 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x19666210908114825] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection continues to be a significant health burden in many countries around the world. Current HIV treatment through a combination of different antiretroviral drugs (cART) effectively suppresses viral replication, but drug resistance and crossresistance are significant challenges. This has prompted the search for novel targets and agents, such as nucleic acid aptamers. Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotides that attach to the target sites with high affinity and specificity. This review provides a target-by-target account of research into anti-HIV aptamers and summarises the challenges and prospects of this therapeutic strategy, specifically in the unique context of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Serumula
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
| | - Geronimo Fernandez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Aptus Biotech SL, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria, 298-28035 Madrid. Spain
| | - Victor M Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, c/o Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, 5th Floor Laboratory Building, 800 Bellair Road, Mayville, Durban 4091, South Africa
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5
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Aptamers in Virology-A Consolidated Review of the Most Recent Advancements in Diagnosis and Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101646. [PMID: 34683938 PMCID: PMC8540715 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of short oligonucleotide or peptide molecules as target-specific aptamers has recently garnered substantial attention in the field of the detection and treatment of viral infections. Based on their high affinity and high specificity to desired targets, their use is on the rise to replace antibodies for the detection of viruses and viral antigens. Furthermore, aptamers inhibit intracellular viral transcription and translation, in addition to restricting viral entry into host cells. This has opened up a plethora of new targets for the research and development of novel vaccines against viruses. Here, we discuss the advances made in aptamer technology for viral diagnosis and therapy in the past decade.
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Riccardi C, Napolitano E, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Dimeric and Multimeric DNA Aptamers for Highly Effective Protein Recognition. Molecules 2020; 25:E5227. [PMID: 33182593 PMCID: PMC7698228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multivalent interactions frequently occur in biological systems and typically provide higher binding affinity and selectivity in target recognition than when only monovalent interactions are operative. Thus, taking inspiration by nature, bivalent or multivalent nucleic acid aptamers recognizing a specific biological target have been extensively studied in the last decades. Indeed, oligonucleotide-based aptamers are suitable building blocks for the development of highly efficient multivalent systems since they can be easily modified and assembled exploiting proper connecting linkers of different nature. Thus, substantial research efforts have been put in the construction of dimeric/multimeric versions of effective aptamers with various degrees of success in target binding affinity or therapeutic activity enhancement. The present review summarizes recent advances in the design and development of dimeric and multimeric DNA-based aptamers, including those forming G-quadruplex (G4) structures, recognizing different key proteins in relevant pathological processes. Most of the designed constructs have shown improved performance in terms of binding affinity or therapeutic activity as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, and anticancer agents and their number is certainly bound to grow in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
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Plant isoquinoline alkaloids as potential neurodrugs: A comparative study of the effects of benzo[c]phenanthridine and berberine-based compounds on β-amyloid aggregation. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 334:109300. [PMID: 33098838 PMCID: PMC7577920 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Herein we present a comparative study of the effects of isoquinoline alkaloids belonging to benzo[c]phenanthridine and berberine families on β-amyloid aggregation. Results obtained using a Thioflavine T (ThT) fluorescence assay and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy suggested that the benzo[c]phenanthridine nucleus, present in both sanguinarine and chelerythrine molecules, was directly involved in an inhibitory effect of Aβ1-42 aggregation. Conversely, coralyne, that contains the isomeric berberine nucleus, significantly increased propensity for Aβ1-42 to aggregate. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments provided quantitative estimation of these interactions: coralyne bound to Aβ1-42 with an affinity (KD = 11.6 μM) higher than benzo[c]phenanthridines. Molecular docking studies confirmed that all three compounds are able to recognize Aβ1-42 in different aggregation forms suggesting their effective capacity to modulate the Aβ1-42 self-recognition mechanism. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that coralyne increased the β-content of Aβ1-42, in early stages of aggregation, consistent with fluorescence-based promotion of the Aβ1-42 self-recognition mechanism by this alkaloid. At the same time, sanguinarine induced Aβ1-42 helical conformation corroborating its ability to delay aggregation as experimentally proved in vitro. The investigated compounds were shown to interfere with aggregation of Aβ1-42 demonstrating their potential as starting leads for the development of therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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8
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Hotoda's Sequence and Anti-HIV Activity: Where Are We Now? Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071417. [PMID: 30974914 PMCID: PMC6479790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological relevance of ODNs forming G-quadruplexes as anti-HIV agents has been extensively reported in the literature over the last few years. Recent detailed studies have elucidated the peculiar arrangement adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. In this review, we have reported the history of a strong anti-HIV agent: the 6-mer d(TGGGAG) sequence, commonly called "Hotoda's sequence". In particular, all findings reported on this sequence and its modified sequences have been discussed considering the following research phases: (i) discovery of the first 5'-modified active d(TGGGAG) sequences; (ii) synthesis of a variety of end-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; (iii) biophysical and NMR investigations of natural and modified Hotoda's sequences; (iv); kinetic studies on the most active 5'-modified d(TGGGAG) sequences; and (v) extensive anti-HIV screening of G-quadruplexes formed by d(TGGGAG) sequences. This review aims to clarify all results obtained over the years on Hotoda's sequence, revealing its potentiality as a strong anti-HIV agent (EC50 = 14 nM).
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Nici F, Oliviero G, Falanga AP, D'Errico S, Marzano M, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D, Noppen S, Pannecouque C, Piccialli G, Borbone N. Anti-HIV activity of new higher order G-quadruplex aptamers obtained from tetra-end-linked oligonucleotides. Org Biomol Chem 2019. [PMID: 29543291 DOI: 10.1039/c7ob02346d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
By combining the ability of short G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing the sequence 5'CGGA3' to form higher order G-quadruplex (G4) complexes with the tetra-end-linked (TEL) concept to produce aptamers targeting the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120), three new TEL-ODNs (1-3) having the sequence 5'CGGAGG3' were synthesized with the aim of studying the effect of G4 dimerization on their anti-HIV activity. Furthermore, in order to investigate the effect of the groups at the 5' position, the 5' ends of 1-3 were left uncapped (1) or capped with either the lipophilic dimethoxytrityl (DMT) (2) or the hydrophilic glucosyl-4-phosphate (3) moieties. The here reported results demonstrate that only the DMT-substituted TEL-ODN 2 is effective in protecting human MT-4 cell cultures from HIV infection (76% max protection), notwithstanding all the three new aptamers proved to be capable of forming stable higher order dimeric G4s when annealed in K+-containing buffer, thus suggesting that the recognition of a hydrophobic pocket on the target glycoprotein by the aptamers represents a main structural feature for triggering their anti-HIV activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Nici
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - G Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - A P Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - S D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - M Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - D Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - D Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - S Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Pannecouque
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
| | - N Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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10
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Marzano M, Falanga AP, D'Errico S, Pinto B, Roviello GN, Piccialli G, Oliviero G, Borbone N. New G-Quadruplex-Forming Oligodeoxynucleotides Incorporating a Bifunctional Double-Ended Linker (DEL): Effects of DEL Size and ODNs Orientation on the Topology, Stability, and Molecularity of DEL-G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030654. [PMID: 30759875 PMCID: PMC6384581 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unusual secondary structures of DNA occurring in guanosine-rich oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) strands that are extensively studied for their relevance to the biological processes in which they are involved. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new kind of G4-forming molecule named double-ended-linker ODN (DEL-ODN), in which two TG₄T strands are attached to the two ends of symmetric, non-nucleotide linkers. Four DEL-ODNs differing for the incorporation of either a short or long linker and the directionality of the TG₄T strands were synthesized, and their ability to form G4 structures and/or multimeric species was investigated by PAGE, HPLC⁻size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC⁻SEC), circular dichroism (CD), and NMR studies in comparison with the previously reported monomeric tetra-ended-linker (TEL) analogues and with the corresponding tetramolecular species (TG₄T)₄. The structural characterization of DEL-ODNs confirmed the formation of stable, bimolecular DEL-G4s for all DEL-ODNs, as well as of additional DEL-G4 multimers with higher molecular weights, thus suggesting a way towards the obtainment of thermally stable DNA nanostructures based on reticulated DEL-G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marzano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Andrea Patrizia Falanga
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Brunella Pinto
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Camillo Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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11
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Piccialli V, Tuzi A, Centore R. Crystal structure of an ep-oxy-sterol: 9α,11α-ep-oxy-5α-cholest-7-ene-3β,5,6α-triol 3,6-di-acetate. Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun 2017; 73:1603-1606. [PMID: 29152333 PMCID: PMC5683473 DOI: 10.1107/s2056989017013391] [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: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The title compound, C31H48O6, is a polyoxygenated ep-oxy steroid obtained by a multi-step synthesis involving oxidation of 7-de-hydro-cholesterol. It crystallizes in the P212121 space group; however, the absolute structure of the molecule in the crystal could not be determined by resonant scattering. The configuration at the C5 and C6 positions is in both cases of the α-type, as is that of the C atoms of the ep-oxy ring. Mol-ecules in the crystal form chains parallel to the b axis by hydrogen bonding between O-H donors and carbonyl O-atom acceptors. Some atoms of the alkyl chain are disordered over two orientations, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.511 (10):0.489 (10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ’Federico II’, Complesso di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Tuzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ’Federico II’, Complesso di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Centore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ’Federico II’, Complesso di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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12
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D'Urso A, Randazzo R, Rizzo V, Gangemi CMA, Romanucci V, Zarrelli A, Tomaselli G, Milardi D, Borbone N, Purrello R, Piccialli G, Di Fabio G, Oliviero G. Stabilization vs. destabilization of G-quadruplex superstructures: the role of the porphyrin derivative having spermine arms. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017. [PMID: 28650039 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp02816d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of the porphyrin derivative H2TCPPSpm4, having spermine pendants in the four meso positions, with the G-quadruplex (GQ) structure formed by the DNA aptamer TGGGAG has been investigated by means of UV, electronic circular dichroism and PAGE studies. The results reported here demonstrate that the porphyrin derivative is capable of stabilizing or destabilizing the higher-ordered structures of parallel GQs, depending on the method used to reach their relative stoichiometry (titration vs. single addition). Noteworthily, when two equivalents of H2TCPPSpm4 were mixed directly with one equivalent of the (TGGGAG)4 GQ to reach a 2 : 1 H2TCPPSpm4 : GQ ratio T1/2 higher than 80 °C was also observed confirming the presence of higher-ordered GQ structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Urso
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, V.le A Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
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13
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Oliviero G, D'Errico S, Pinto B, Nici F, Dardano P, Rea I, De Stefano L, Mayol L, Piccialli G, Borbone N. Self-Assembly of G-Rich Oligonucleotides Incorporating a 3'-3' Inversion of Polarity Site: A New Route Towards G-Wire DNA Nanostructures. ChemistryOpen 2017; 6:599-605. [PMID: 28794955 PMCID: PMC5542749 DOI: 10.1002/open.201700024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Obtaining DNA nanostructures with potential applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and electronics in a simple and affordable way represents one of the hottest topics in nanotechnological and medical sciences. Herein, we report a novel strategy to obtain structurally homogeneous DNA G-wire nanostructures of known length, starting from the short unmodified G-rich oligonucleotide d(5'-CGGT-3'-3'-GGC-5') (1) incorporating a 3'-3' inversion of polarity site. The reported approach allowed us to obtain long G-wire assemblies through 5'-5' π-π stacking interactions in between the tetramolecular G-quadruplex building blocks that form when 1 is annealed in the presence of potassium ions. Our results expand the repertoire of synthetic methodologies to obtain new tailored DNA G-wire nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies Via S. Pansini 5 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Brunella Pinto
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Fabrizia Nici
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Principia Dardano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Ilaria Rea
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Via P. Castellino 111 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Via D. Montesano 49 80131 Napoli Italy
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14
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Platella C, Riccardi C, Montesarchio D, Roviello GN, Musumeci D. G-quadruplex-based aptamers against protein targets in therapy and diagnostics. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:1429-1447. [PMID: 27865995 PMCID: PMC7117017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules identified to recognize with high affinity specific targets including proteins, small molecules, ions, whole cells and even entire organisms, such as viruses or bacteria. They can be identified from combinatorial libraries of DNA or RNA oligonucleotides by SELEX technology, an in vitro iterative selection procedure consisting of binding (capture), partitioning and amplification steps. Remarkably, many of the aptamers selected against biologically relevant protein targets are G-rich sequences that can fold into stable G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Aiming at disseminating novel inspiring ideas within the scientific community in the field of G4-structures, the emphasis of this review is placed on: 1) recent advancements in SELEX technology for the efficient and rapid identification of new candidate aptamers (introduction of microfluidic systems and next generation sequencing); 2) recurrence of G4 structures in aptamers selected by SELEX against biologically relevant protein targets; 3) discovery of several G4-forming motifs in important regulatory regions of the human or viral genome bound by endogenous proteins, which per se can result into potential aptamers; 4) an updated overview of G4-based aptamers with therapeutic potential and 5) a discussion on the most attractive G4-based aptamers for diagnostic applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Napoli, Italy.
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15
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Piccialli V, Borbone N, Oliviero G, Piccialli G, D’Errico S, Centore R. 5-Amino-1-(2',3'- O-iso-propyl-idene-d-ribit-yl)-1 H-imidazole-4-carboxamide: a crystal structure with Z' = 4. Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun 2017; 73:183-187. [PMID: 28217338 PMCID: PMC5290561 DOI: 10.1107/s2056989017000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The title compound, C12H20N4O5, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21, with four crystallographically independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The four mol-ecules have a very similar conformation that is basically determined by the formation of two intra-molecular hydrogen bonds between the amino NH2 donors and the carbonyl and ring O-atom acceptors, forming, respectively, R(6) and R(7) ring motifs.. In the crystal, inter-molecular hydrogen bonding leads to the formation of R22(10) ring patterns, involving one amide CONH2 donor and an imidazole N-atom acceptor. The cluster of the four independent mol-ecules has approximate non-crystallographic C2 point symmetry. The structural analysis also shows that during the synthesis of the title compound, the reductive cleavage of the d-ribose ring of the inosine precursor proceeds stereoselectively, with retention of configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Complesso di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Centore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Complesso di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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16
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González VM, Martín ME, Fernández G, García-Sacristán A. Use of Aptamers as Diagnostics Tools and Antiviral Agents for Human Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9040078. [PMID: 27999271 PMCID: PMC5198053 DOI: 10.3390/ph9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate diagnosis is the key factor for treatment of viral diseases. Time is the most important factor in rapidly developing and epidemiologically dangerous diseases, such as influenza, Ebola and SARS. Chronic viral diseases such as HIV-1 or HCV are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic and the therapeutic success mainly depends on early detection of the infective agent. Over the last years, aptamer technology has been used in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and, concretely, several strategies are currently being explored using aptamers against virus proteins. From a diagnostics point of view, aptamers are being designed as a bio-recognition element in diagnostic systems to detect viral proteins either in the blood (serum or plasma) or into infected cells. Another potential use of aptamers is for therapeutics of viral infections, interfering in the interaction between the virus and the host using aptamers targeting host-cell matrix receptors, or attacking the virus intracellularly, targeting proteins implicated in the viral replication cycle. In this paper, we review how aptamers working against viral proteins are discovered, with a focus on recent advances that improve the aptamers' properties as a real tool for viral infection detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M González
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Elena Martín
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana García-Sacristán
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Pinto B, Rusciano G, D'Errico S, Borbone N, Sasso A, Piccialli V, Mayol L, Oliviero G, Piccialli G. Synthesis and label free characterization of a bimolecular PNA homo quadruplex. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1222-1228. [PMID: 27913190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-quadruplex DNA is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Both clinical and experimental studies on DNA G-quadruplexes are slowed down by their enzymatic instability. In this frame, more stable chemically modified analogs are needed. METHODS The bis-end-linked-(gggt)2 PNA molecule (BEL-PNA) was synthesized using in solution and solid phase synthetic approaches. Quadruplex formation was assessed by circular dichroism (CD) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). RESULTS An unprecedented bimolecular PNA homo quadruplex is here reported. To achieve this goal, we developed a bifunctional linker that once functionalized with gggt PNA strands and annealed in K+ buffer allowed the obtainment of a PNA homo quadruplex. The identification of the strong SERS band at ~1481cm-1, attributable to vibrations involving the quadruplex diagnostic Hoogsteen type hydrogen bonds, confirmed the formation of the PNA homo quadruplex. CONCLUSIONS By tethering two G-rich PNA strands to the two ends of a suitable bifunctional linker it is possible to obtain bimolecular PNA homo quadruplexes after annealing in K+-containing buffers. The formation of such CD-unfriendly complexes can be monitored, even at low concentrations, by using the SERS technique. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Given the importance of DNA G-quadruplexes in medicine and nanotechnology, the obtainment of G-quadruplex analogs provided with enhanced enzymatic stability, and their monitoring by highly sensitive label-free techniques are of the highest importance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brunella Pinto
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Rusciano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Sasso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; CNR, Institute of Protein Biochemistry, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
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18
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Prokofjeva M, Tsvetkov V, Basmanov D, Varizhuk A, Lagarkova M, Smirnov I, Prusakov K, Klinov D, Prassolov V, Pozmogova G, Mikhailov SN. Anti-HIV Activities of Intramolecular G4 and Non-G4 Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 27:56-66. [PMID: 27763826 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2016.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
New natural and chemically modified DNA aptamers that inhibit HIV-1 activity at submicromolar concentrations (presumably via preventing viral entry into target cells) are reported. The new DNA aptamers were developed based on known intramolecular G-quadruplexes (G4s) that were functionally unrelated to HIV inhibition [the thrombin-binding aptamer and the fragment of the human oncogene promoter (Bcl2)]. The majority of previously described DNA inhibitors of HIV infection adopt intermolecular structures, and thus their folding variability represents an obvious disadvantage. Intramolecular architectures refold correctly after denaturation and are generally easier to handle. However, whether the G4 topology or other factors account for the anti-HIV activity of our aptamers is unknown. The impact of chemical modification (thiophosphoryl internucleotide linkages) on aptamer activity is discussed. The exact secondary structures of the active compounds and further elucidation of their mechanisms of action hopefully will be the subjects of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Prokofjeva
- 1 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS , Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia .,3 Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Basmanov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- 1 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS , Moscow, Russia .,2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Lagarkova
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Smirnov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill Prusakov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Klinov
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia .,4 Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University) , Moscow Region, Russia
| | | | - Galina Pozmogova
- 2 Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency , Moscow, Russia
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19
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Oliviero G, Stornaiuolo M, D'Atri V, Nici F, Yousif AM, D'Errico S, Piccialli G, Mayol L, Novellino E, Marinelli L, Grieco P, Carotenuto A, Noppen S, Liekens S, Balzarini J, Borbone N. Screening Platform toward New Anti-HIV Aptamers Set on Molecular Docking and Fluorescence Quenching Techniques. Anal Chem 2016; 88:2327-34. [PMID: 26810800 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b04268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
By using a new rapid screening platform set on molecular docking simulations and fluorescence quenching techniques, three new anti-HIV aptamers targeting the viral surface glycoprotein 120 (gp120) were selected, synthesized, and assayed. The use of the short synthetic fluorescent peptide V35-Fluo mimicking the V3 loop of gp120, as the molecular target for fluorescence-quenching binding affinity studies, allowed one to measure the binding affinities of the new aptamers for the HIV-1 gp120 without the need to obtain and purify the full recombinant gp120 protein. The almost perfect correspondence between the calculated Kd and the experimental EC50 on HIV-infected cells confirmed the reliability of the platform as an alternative to the existing methods for aptamer selection and measuring of aptamer-protein equilibria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Oliviero
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Atri
- University of Bordeaux , IECB, ARNA laboratory, Pessac, 33600, France.,INSERM , U869, ARNA laboratory, Bordeaux, 33000, France
| | - Fabrizia Nici
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Ali Munaim Yousif
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy.,CNR , Institute of Protein Biochemistry, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven , Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Sandra Liekens
- KU Leuven , Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Balzarini
- KU Leuven , Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Nicola Borbone
- University of Naples Federico II , Department of Pharmacy, Napoli, 80131, Italy
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20
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Terracciano M, De Stefano L, Borbone N, Politi J, Oliviero G, Nici F, Casalino M, Piccialli G, Dardano P, Varra M, Rea I. Solid phase synthesis of a thrombin binding aptamer on macroporous silica for label free optical quantification of thrombin. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra18401d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human α-thrombin (TB) is a serine protease with a crucial role in coagulation and hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Terracciano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Luca De Stefano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Jane Politi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Fabrizia Nici
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Maurizio Casalino
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
| | | | - Principia Dardano
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Michela Varra
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Naples Federico II
- Naples
- Italy
| | - Ilaria Rea
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems
- National Council of Research
- Naples
- Italy
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21
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Musumeci D, Riccardi C, Montesarchio D. G-Quadruplex Forming Oligonucleotides as Anti-HIV Agents. Molecules 2015; 20:17511-32. [PMID: 26402662 PMCID: PMC6332060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200917511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a variety of different non-canonical nucleic acids conformations have been recognized, G-quadruplex structures are probably the structural motifs most commonly found within known oligonucleotide-based aptamers. This could be ascribed to several factors, as their large conformational diversity, marked responsiveness of their folding/unfolding processes to external stimuli, high structural compactness and chemo-enzymatic and thermodynamic stability. A number of G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides having relevant in vitro anti-HIV activity have been discovered in the last two decades through either SELEX or rational design approaches. Improved aptamers have been obtained by chemical modifications of natural oligonucleotides, as terminal conjugations with large hydrophobic groups, replacement of phosphodiester linkages with phosphorothioate bonds or other surrogates, insertion of base-modified monomers, etc. In turn, detailed structural studies have elucidated the peculiar architectures adopted by many G-quadruplex-based aptamers and provided insight into their mechanism of action. An overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the relevance of putative G-quadruplex forming sequences within the viral genome and of the most studied G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, selectively targeting HIV proteins, is here presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, Napoli I-80126, Italy.
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22
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Li CJ, Cheng P, Liang MK, Chen YS, Lu Q, Wang JY, Xia ZY, Zhou HD, Cao X, Xie H, Liao EY, Luo XH. MicroRNA-188 regulates age-related switch between osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1509-22. [PMID: 25751060 DOI: 10.1172/jci77716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibit an age-dependent reduction in osteogenesis that is accompanied by an increased propensity toward adipocyte differentiation. This switch increases adipocyte numbers and decreases the number of osteoblasts, contributing to age-related bone loss. Here, we found that the level of microRNA-188 (miR-188) is markedly higher in BMSCs from aged compared with young mice and humans. Compared with control mice, animals lacking miR-188 showed a substantial reduction of age-associated bone loss and fat accumulation in bone marrow. Conversely, mice with transgenic overexpression of miR-188 in osterix+ osteoprogenitors had greater age-associated bone loss and fat accumulation in bone marrow relative to WT mice. Moreover, using an aptamer delivery system, we found that BMSC-specific overexpression of miR-188 in mice reduced bone formation and increased bone marrow fat accumulation. We identified histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) and RPTOR-independent companion of MTOR complex 2 (RICTOR) as the direct targets of miR-188. Notably, BMSC-specific inhibition of miR-188 by intra-bone marrow injection of aptamer-antagomiR-188 increased bone formation and decreased bone marrow fat accumulation in aged mice. Together, our results indicate that miR-188 is a key regulator of the age-related switch between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of BMSCs and may represent a potential therapeutic target for age-related bone loss.
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Romanucci V, Gaglione M, Messere A, Potenza N, Zarrelli A, Noppen S, Liekens S, Balzarini J, Di Fabio G. Hairpin oligonucleotides forming G-quadruplexes: new aptamers with anti-HIV activity. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 89:51-8. [PMID: 25462225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe the facile syntheses of new modified oligonucleotides based on d(TG3AG) that form bimolecular G-quadruplexes and possess a HEG loop as an inversion of polarity site 3'-3' or 5'-5' and aromatic residues conjugated to the 5'-end through phosphodiester bonds. The conjugated hairpin G-quadruplexes exhibited parallel orientation, high thermal stability, elevated resistance in human serum and high or moderate anti-HIV-1 activity with low cytotoxicity. Further, these molecules showed significant binding to HIV envelope glycoproteins gp120, gp41 and HSA, as revealed by SPR assays. As a result, these conjugated hairpins represent the first active anti-HIV-1 bimolecular G-quadruplexes based on the d(TG3AG) sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Gaglione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sam Noppen
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Liekens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Balzarini
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 10 Minderbroedersstraat, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.
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Romanucci V, Milardi D, Campagna T, Gaglione M, Messere A, D'Urso A, Crisafi E, La Rosa C, Zarrelli A, Balzarini J, Di Fabio G. Synthesis, biophysical characterization and anti-HIV activity of d(TG3AG) Quadruplexes bearing hydrophobic tails at the 5'-end. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:960-6. [PMID: 24433967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Novel conjugated G-quadruplex-forming d(TG3AG) oligonucleotides, linked to hydrophobic groups through phosphodiester bonds at 5'-end, have been synthesized as potential anti-HIV aptamers, via a fully automated, online phosphoramidite-based solid-phase strategy. Conjugated quadruplexes showed pronounced anti-HIV activity with some preference for HIV-1, with inhibitory activity invariably in the low micromolar range. The CD and DSC monitored thermal denaturation studies on the resulting quadruplexes, indicated the insertion of lipophilic residue at the 5'-end, conferring always improved stability to the quadruplex complex (20<ΔTm<40°C). The data suggest no direct functional relationship between the thermal stability and anti-HIV activity of the folded conjugated G-quartets. It would appear that the nature of the residue at 5' end of the d(TG3AG) quadruplexes plays an important role in the thermodynamic stabilization but a minor influence on the anti-HIV activity. Moreover, a detailed CD and DSC analyses indicate a monophasic behaviour for sequences I and V, while for ODNs (II-IV) clearly show that these quadruplex structures deviate from simple two-state melting, supporting the hypothesis that intermediate states along the dissociation pathway may exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanucci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Danilo Milardi
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-Catania, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziana Campagna
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-Catania, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Gaglione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università̀ di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro D'Urso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Crisafi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo La Rosa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jan Balzarini
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giovanni Di Fabio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli 'Federico II', Via Cintia 4, I-80126 Napoli, Italy.
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D'Atri V, Borbone N, Amato J, Gabelica V, D'Errico S, Piccialli G, Mayol L, Oliviero G. DNA-based nanostructures: The effect of the base sequence on octamer formation from d(XGGYGGT) tetramolecular G-quadruplexes. Biochimie 2013; 99:119-28. [PMID: 24316277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a previous work we have demonstrated that the DNA sequence CGGTGGT folds into a higher order G-quadruplex structure (2Q), obtained by the 5'-5' stacking of two unusual G(:C):G(:C):G(:C):G(:C) planar octads belonging to two identical tetra-stranded parallel quadruplexes, when annealed in the presence of ammonium or potassium ions. In the present paper, we discuss the role played by the title nucleosides X and Y (where X and Y stand for A, C, G, or T) on the formation and stability of 2Q structures formed by the XGGYGGT oligodeoxynucleotides. We found that the above mentioned dimerization pathway is not peculiar to the CGGTGGT sequence, but is possible for all the remaining CGGYGGT sequences (with Y = A, C, or G). Furthermore, we have found that the TGGAGGT sequence, despite the absence of the 5'-ending C, is also capable of forming a 2Q-like higher order quadruplex by using a slightly different dimerization interface, as characterized by NMR spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first characterization of a quadruplex multimer formed by an oligodeoxynucleotide presenting a thymine at its 5'-end. Examples of such structures were observed previously only in crystals and in the presence of non-physiological cations. Our results expand the repertoire of DNA quadruplex nanostructures of chosen length and add further complexity to the structural polymorphism of G-rich DNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina D'Atri
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Jussara Amato
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valérie Gabelica
- Univ. Bordeaux, IECB, ARNA Laboratory, F-33600 Pessac, France; INSERM, U869, ARNA laboratory, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Piccialli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luciano Mayol
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Virgilio A, Esposito V, Mayol L, Galeone A. More than one non-canonical phosphodiester bond in the G-tract: formation of unusual parallel G-quadruplex structures. Org Biomol Chem 2013; 12:534-40. [PMID: 24287516 DOI: 10.1039/c3ob41712c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we report an investigation, based on NMR and CD spectroscopic and electrophoretic techniques, of 5'TGGGGT3' analogues containing two or three 3'-3' or 5'-5' inversion sites in the G-run, namely 5'TG3'-3'G5'-5'GGT3' (Q350), 5'TG3'-3'GG5'-5'GT3' (Q305), 5'TGG3'-3'G5'-5'GT3' (Q035), 5'TG3'-3'G5'-5'G3'-3'GT5' (Q353) and 3'TG5'-5'G3'-3'G5'-5'GT3' (Q535). Although the sequences investigated contain either no or only one natural 3'-5' linkage in the G-tract, all modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) have been shown to form stable tetramolecular quadruplex structures. The ability of the 3'-3' or 5'-5' inversion sites to affect the glycosidic conformation of guanosines and, consequently, base stacking, has also been investigated. The results of this study allow us to propose some generalizations concerning strand arrangements and the glycosidic conformational preference of residues adjacent to inverted polarity sites. These rules could be of general interest in the design of modified quadruplex structures, in view of their application as G-wires and modified aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Virgilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Mukundan VT, Phan AT. Bulges in G-Quadruplexes: Broadening the Definition of G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:5017-28. [DOI: 10.1021/ja310251r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of
Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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