Harnessing the Photoperformance of N-Methyl-Quinolinone for Gated Photo-Driven Cyclability and Reversible Photoligation

[2π + 2π]-photocycloadditions and their ability to trigger controlled and reversible photoligation through disparate wavelengths provide an attractive platform to unlock advanced functionalities in soft materials. Yet, among the limited amount of functional motifs enabling reversible photoreactions, cyclability is often overlooked due to poor reaction yield and orthogonality. In this study, the advantageous photocharacteristics of the previously underexplored N-methyl-quinolinone photoresponsive motif are leveraged to create a covalent gated system, enabling controlled formation and cleavage of covalent bonds on demand. A systematic evaluation of individual cycloadditions and reversions on the molecular scale, including reaction rates, conversions, and photoproducts, allows identification of the required conditions for generating controlled photoreactions with a remarkable degree of cyclability; while, maintaining high reaction yields. Ultimately, these controlled and cyclable reactions are translated to a macromolecular scale, showcasing a comparable performance in initiating reversible photoligation, as observed at the molecular level. In addition, it is also shown that this progressive methodology can be leveraged to gain a comprehensive understanding of cyclability and clarify the factors contributing to its decreasing yield. Overall, unlocking the potential of quinolinone derivatives through this step-by-step approach lays the foundation for the development of highly controlled and responsive polymer materials with unprecedented potential.

Development of label-free light-controlled gene expression technologies using mid-IR and terahertz light

Gene expression is a fundamental process that regulates diverse biological activities across all life stages. Given its vital role, there is an urgent need to develop innovative methodologies to effectively control gene expression. Light-controlled gene expression is considered a favorable approach because of its ability to provide precise spatiotemporal control. However, current light-controlled technologies rely on photosensitive molecular tags, making their practical use challenging. In this study, we review current technologies for light-controlled gene expression and propose the development of label-free light-controlled technologies using mid-infrared (mid-IR) and terahertz light.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Oligonucleotide-Containing 2'-O-{[(4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen)-4'-ylmethoxy]ethylaminocarb-onyl}adenosine as Photo-crosslinkable Gene Targeting Tools

Several psoralen-conjugated oligonucleotides (Ps-Oligos) have been developed as photo-crosslinkable oligonucleotides targeting DNA or RNA. To avoid potential off-target effects, it is important to investigate the selective photo-crosslinking reactivity of Ps-Oligos to DNA or RNA. However, the selectivity of these Ps-Oligos has not been reported in detail thus far. In this study, we evaluated the photo-crosslinking properties of two Ps-Oligos, 5'-Ps-Oligo and a novel Ps-Oligo containing 2'-O-{[(4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen)-4'-ylmethoxy]ethylaminocarbonyl}adenosine (APs2-Oligo). Notably, 5'-Ps-Oligo preferentially crosslinked with DNA, whereas APs2-Oligo preferentially crosslinked with RNA. These results demonstrate the interesting crosslinking properties of Ps-Oligos, which will provide useful information for the molecular design of novel Ps-Oligos in future studies.

Photochemical modifications for DNA/RNA oligonucleotides

Light-triggered chemical reactions can provide excellent tools to investigate the fundamental mechanisms important in biology. Light is easily applicable and orthogonal to most cellular events, and its dose and locality can be controlled in tissues and cells. Light-induced conversion of photochemical groups installed on small molecules, proteins, and oligonucleotides can alter their functional states and thus the ensuing biological events. Recently, photochemical control of DNA/RNA structure and function has garnered attention thanks to the rapidly expanding photochemistry used in diverse biological applications. Photoconvertible groups can be incorporated in the backbone, ribose, and nucleobase of an oligonucleotide to undergo various irreversible and reversible light-induced reactions such as cleavage, crosslinking, isomerization, and intramolecular cyclization reactions. In this review, we gather a list of photoconvertible groups used in oligonucleotides and summarize their reaction characteristics, impacts on DNA/RNA thermal stability and structure, as well as their biological applications.

The Inhibition Effect of Photo-Cross-Linking between Probes in Photo-Induced Double Duplex Invasion DNA

Double duplex invasion (DDI) DNA is a useful antigene method that inhibits expression of genomic DNA. We succeeded in performing photoinduced-DDI (pDDI) using ultrafast photo-cross-linking. 5-Cyanouracil (^CN U) has been used in pDDI to inhibit photo-cross-linking between probes, but its importance has not been clarified. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of spacer (S) and d-spacer (dS) that exhibit photo-cross-linking ability similar to that of ^CN U. ^CN U exhibited the highest pDDI efficiency, and S, dS, and T were not very different. The photo-cross-linking inhibitory effect was better with S and dS than with thymidine (T). Conversely, the thermal stability was significantly lower with S and dS than with T. The results suggest that the pDDI efficiency is determined by the balance between the photo-cross-linking inhibitory effect and the thermal stability, which is the introduction efficiency for double-stranded DNA. Therefore, ^CN U, which has a photo-cross-linking inhibitory effect and a high T_m value, showed the highest inhibitory efficiency.

Visible-Light-Mediated Modification and Manipulation of Biomacromolecules

Chemically modified biomacromolecules-i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, and lipids-have become crucial tools in chemical biology. They are extensively used not only to elucidate cellular processes but also in industrial applications, particularly in the context of biopharmaceuticals. In order to enable maximum scope for optimization, it is pivotal to have a diverse array of biomacromolecule modification methods at one's disposal. Chemistry has driven many significant advances in this area, and especially recently, numerous novel visible-light-induced photochemical approaches have emerged. In these reactions, light serves as an external source of energy, enabling access to highly reactive intermediates under exceedingly mild conditions and with exquisite spatiotemporal control. While UV-induced transformations on biomacromolecules date back decades, visible light has the unmistakable advantage of being considerably more biocompatible, and a spectrum of visible-light-driven methods is now available, chiefly for proteins and nucleic acids. This review will discuss modifications of native functional groups (FGs), including functionalization, labeling, and cross-linking techniques as well as the utility of oxidative degradation mediated by photochemically generated reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, transformations at non-native, bioorthogonal FGs on biomacromolecules will be addressed, including photoclick chemistry and DNA-encoded library synthesis as well as methods that allow manipulation of the activity of a biomacromolecule.

Photocrosslinking of DNA using 4-methylpyranocarbazole nucleoside with thymine base selectivity

This report describes a novel photocrosslinker, 4-methylpyranocarbazole nucleoside (^MEPK), that can be induced to crosslink using visible light. Previously, we reported a visible light-responsive artificial nucleic acid, pyranocarbazole nucleoside (^PCX). ^MEPK can selectively photocrosslink to thymine bases in a complementary nucleic acid strand. It was synthesized by introducing a methyl group at the 4-position of ^PCX, and it can differentiate between thymine and cytosine. The previously reported visible light-responsive artificial nucleic acid ^PCX has a low synthetic yield. ^MEPK was synthesized by Pechmann condensation which suppressed by-product formation, making the synthesis more efficient, and resulting in a higher yield than that of ^PCX. ^MEPK is expected to have practical applications as a photocrosslinker that can be manipulated with visible light and that selectively targets thymine bases.

Oxidative formation of bis-N-methylquinolinone from anti-head-to-head N-methylquinolinone cyclodimer

The light-driven formation and cleavage of cyclobutane structural motifs resulting from [2 + 2]-pericyclic reactions, as found in thymine and coumarin-type systems, is an important and intensively studied photochemical reaction. Various applications are reported utilizing these systems, among others, in cross-linked polymers, light-triggered drug release, or other technical applications. Herein coumarin is most frequently used as the photoactive group. Quite often, a poor quantum yield for dimerization and cyclobutane-cleavage and a lack of reversibility are described. In this work, we present the identification of a heterogeneous pathway of dimer cleavage found in a rarely studied coumarin analog molecule, the N-methyl-quinolinone (NMQ). The monomer was irradiated in a tube flow-reactor and the reaction process was monitored using online HPLC measurements. We found the formation of a pseudo-equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric NMQ and a continuous rise of a side product via oxidative dimer splitting and proton elimination which was identified as 3,3'-bis-NMQ. Oxidative conversion by singlet oxygen was identified to be the cause of this non-conventional cyclobutane cleavage. The addition of antioxidants suppressing singlet oxygen enables achieving a 100% photochemical conversion from NMQ to the anti-head-to-head-NMQ-dimer. Using dissolved oxygen upon light activation to singlet oxygen limits the reversibility of the photochemical [2 + 2]-cycloaddition and cycloreversion of NMQ and most likely comparable systems. Based on these findings, the development of highly efficient cycloaddition-cycloreversion systems should be enabled.

Photo-reactive oligodeoxynucleotide-embedded nanovesicles (PROsomes) with switchable stability for efficient cellular uptake and gene knockdown

A photo-responsive nanovesicle is fabricated by polyion complex (PIC) formation between poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-block-polypeptides and photo-reactive oligodeoxynucleotides (PROs)/anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The ultraviolet (UV) light triggers reversible crosslinking between PROs and ASOs in the vesicular membrane, providing the nanovesicle with switchable stability under physiological conditions. The resulting nanovesicle allows efficient cellular internalization, leading to significant UV-triggered gene knockdown in cultured cells.

Crosslinker-modified nucleic acid probes for improved target identification and biomarker detection

Understanding the intricate interaction pattern of nucleic acids with other molecules is essential to gain further insight in biological processes and disease mechanisms. To this end, a multitude of hybridization-based assays have been designed that rely on the non-covalent recognition between complementary nucleic acid sequences. However, the ephemeral nature of these interactions complicates straightforward analysis as low efficiency and specificity are rule rather than exception. By covalently locking nucleic acid interactions by means of a crosslinking agent, the overall efficiency, specificity and selectivity of hybridization-based assays could be increased. In this mini-review we highlight methodologies that exploit the use of crosslinker-modified nucleic acid probes for interstrand nucleic acid crosslinking with the objective to study, detect and identify important targets as well as nucleic acid sequences that can be considered relevant biomarkers. We emphasize on the usefulness and advantages of crosslinking agents and elaborate on the chemistry behind the crosslinking reactions they induce.

Controlling gene expression with light: a multidisciplinary endeavour

The expression of a gene to a protein is one of the most vital biological processes. The use of light to control biology offers unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution from an external, orthogonal signal. A variety of methods have been developed that use light to control the steps of transcription and translation of specific genes into proteins, for cell-free to in vivo biotechnology applications. These methods employ techniques ranging from the modification of small molecules, nucleic acids and proteins with photocages, to the engineering of proteins involved in gene expression using naturally light-sensitive proteins. Although the majority of currently available technologies employ ultraviolet light, there has been a recent increase in the use of functionalities that work at longer wavelengths of light, to minimise cellular damage and increase tissue penetration. Here, we discuss the different chemical and biological methods employed to control gene expression, while also highlighting the central themes and the most exciting applications within this diverse field.

Reversible photo-cross-linking of the GCN4 peptide containing 3-cyanovinylcarbazole amino acid to double-stranded DNA

Interaction analysis in vivo greatly promotes the analyses and understanding of biological functions. The interaction between DNA and peptides or proteins is very important in terms of readout and amplifying information from genomic DNA. In this study, we designed and synthesized a photo-cross-linkable amino acid, l-3-cyanovinlycarbazole amino acid (l-CNVA), to double-stranded DNA. Reversible photo-cross-linking between DNA and peptides containing CNVA, having 3-cyanovinylcarbazole moieties capable of photo-cross-linking to nucleic acids, was demonstrated. As a result, it was shown that the GCN4 peptide, containing CNVA, can be photo-cross-linked to DNA, and its adduct was photo-split into the original peptide and DNA with 312 nm-irradiation. This is the first report that reversibly manipulates photo-crosslinking between double stranded DNA and peptides. In addition, this reversible photo-cross-linking, using l-CNVA, is faster and with higher yield than that using diazirine and psoralen.

Strong Inhibitory Effects of Antisense Probes on Gene Expression through Ultrafast RNA Photocrosslinking

We have reported the photochemical regulation of the intracellular antisense effect of antisense probes containing a photo-responsive artificial nucleic acid, 3-cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside (^CNV K). Here we focus on the importance of the photocrosslinking rate on the inhibitory effect on gene expression using photocrosslinkable antisense probes (pcASOs). The inhibitory effect of pcASOs on GFP gene expression was dependent on the photocrosslinking rate of 3-cyanovinylcarbazole with d-threoninol (^CNV D), ^CNV K, or psoralen. The ultrafast RNA photocrosslinking induced the formation of a thermally irreversible covalent bond between pcASOs and the target RNA. These ASOs strongly inhibited gene expression only when the photocrosslinking rate was faster than the random walk of branch migration. In addition, pcASOs containing ^CNV D or ^CNV K targeted the RNAs with secondary structures. These results indicate the regulatory effect of photocrosslinker and photoirradiation energy using pcASOs on the gene expression level.

Identification of miR-29b targets using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole containing mimics

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved ∼22 nt small noncoding RNAs that bind partially complementary sequences in target transcripts. MicroRNAs regulate both translation and transcript stability, and play important roles in development, cellular homeostasis, and disease. There are limited approaches available to agnostically identify microRNA targets transcriptome-wide, and methods using miRNA mimics, which in principle identify direct miRNA:transcript pairs, have low sensitivity and specificity. Here, we describe a novel method to identify microRNA targets using miR-29b mimics containing 3-cyanovinylcarbazole (CNVK), a photolabile nucleoside analog. We demonstrate that biotin-tagged, CNVK-containing miR-29b (CNVK-miR-29b) mimics are nontoxic in cell culture, associate with endogenous mammalian Argonaute2, are sensitive for known targets and recapitulate endogenous transcript destabilization. Partnering CNVK-miR-29b with ultra-low-input RNA sequencing, we recover ∼40% of known miR-29b targets and find conservation of the focal adhesion and apoptotic target pathways in mouse and human. We also identify hundreds of novel targets, including NRAS, HOXA10, and KLF11, with a validation rate of 71% for a subset of 73 novel target transcripts interrogated using a high-throughput luciferase assay. Consistent with previous reports, we show that both endogenous miR-29b and CNVK-miR-29b are trafficked to the nucleus, but find no evidence of nuclear-specific miR-29b transcript binding. This may indicate that miR-29b nuclear sequestration is a regulatory mechanism in itself. We suggest that CNVK-containing small RNA mimics may find applicability in other experimental models.

Multiplexed detection of nucleic acids using 19F NMR chemical shift changes based on DNA photo-cross-linking of 3-vinylcarbazole derivatives

The detection methodology for nucleic acids is a useful tool for the analysis of biological systems and diagnosis of diseases. We demonstrated the feasibility of the detection of any nucleic acids based on large chemical shifts via ultrafast DNA photo-cross-linking and the effects of substitution by 3-vinylcarbazole derivatives. These chemical shifts enable the sequence-specific detection of any strand using hybridization chain reaction.

Double duplex invasion of DNA induced by ultrafast photo-cross-linking using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole for antigene methods

New photoresponsive antigene probes containing^CNVK and^CNU have a high double-duplex invasion capability upon photoirradiation because of the inhibition of photo-cross-linking between the probes.

RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides as photo-cross-linkable probes

Photo-cross-linkable fluorescent oligodeoxyribonucleotides having 3-cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside were applied to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) based 16S rRNA detection in Escherichia coli cells. As the photo-cross-linked probe/rRNA hybrid was stable under the denaturing condition, decrease of the fluorescence signal through the washing process was prevented. The thermally irreversible hybridization property also enabled stable hybridization with the structured region on the target RNA, and facilitated design of the sequence for the FISH probe. Further development of the method might contribute to quantitative and stable FISH staining.

Sequence-Specific DNA Photosplitting of Crosslinked DNAs Containing the 3-Cyanovinylcarbazole Nucleoside by Using DNA Strand Displacement

An oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) containing the ultrafast reversible 3-cyanovinylcarbazole ((CNV) K) photo-crosslinker was photo-crosslinked to a complementary strand upon exposure to 366 nm irradiation and photosplit by use of 312 nm irradiation. In this paper we report that the photoreaction of (CNV) K on irradiation at 366 nm involves a photostationary state and that its reaction can be controlled by temperature. Guided by this new insight, we proposed and have now demonstrated previously unknown photosplitting of (CNV) K aided by DNA strand displacement as an alternative to heating. The photo-crosslinked double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) underwent >80 % photosplitting aided by DNA strand displacement on irradiation at 366 nm without heating. In this photosplitting based on DNA strand displacement, the relative thermal stability of the invader strand with respect to the template strands plays an important role, and an invader strand/template strand system that is more stable than the passenger strand/template strand system induces photosplitting without heating. This new strand-displacement-aided photosplitting occurred in a sequence-specific manner through irradiation at 366 nm in the presence of an invader strand.

Optically controlled release of DNA based on nonradiative relaxation process of quenchers

Optically controlled release of a DNA strand based on a nonradiative relaxation process of black hole quenchers (BHQs), which are a sort of dark quenchers, is presented. BHQs act as efficient energy sources because they relax completely via a nonradiative process, i.e., without fluorescent emission-based energy losses. A DNA strand is modified with BHQs and the release of its complementary strand is controlled by excitation of the BHQs. Experimental results showed that up to 50% of the target strands were released, and these strands were capable of inducing subsequent reactions. The controlled release was localized on a substrate within an area of no more than 5 micrometers in diameter.

Photo-cross-linking using trifluorothymidine and 3-cyanovinylcarbazole induced a large shifted (19)F MR signal

Photo-cross-linking of trifluorothymidine ((TF)T) using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole ((CNV)K) clearly shifted its (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal 8 ppm. This (CNV)K mediated ultrafast photo-cross-linking-induced shift can be utilized for miRNA detection by hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to detect 10 nM of a target in a sequence-specific manner.

Critical Effect of Base Pairing of Target Pyrimidine on the Interstrand Photo-Cross-Linking of DNA via 3-Cyanovinylcarbazole Nucleoside

To evaluate the effect of base pairing of the target pyrimidine on the interstrand photo-cross-linking reaction of DNA via 3-cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside ((CNV)K), a complementary base of target pyrimidine was substituted with noncanonical purine bases or 1,3-propandiol (S). As the decrease of the hydrogen bonds in the base pairing of target C accelerated the photo-cross-linking reaction markedly (3.6- to 7.7-fold), it can be concluded that the number of hydrogen bonds in the base pairing, i.e., the stability of base pairing, of the target pyrimidine plays a critical role in the interstrand photo-cross-linking reaction. In the case of G to S substitution, the highest photoreactivity toward C was observed, whose photoreaction rate constant (k = 2.0 s(-1)) is comparable to that of (CNV)K toward T paired with A (k = 3.5 s(-1)). This is the most reactive photo-cross-linking reaction toward C in the sequence specific interstrand photo-cross-linking. This might facilitate the design of the photo-cross-linkable oligodeoxyribonucleotides for various target sequences.

DNA photo-cross-linking using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole modified oligonucleotide with threoninol linker

3-Cyanovinylcarbazole modified D-threoninol ((CNV)D) was incorporated in oligodeoxyribonucleotide and tested for a photo-cross-linking reaction with complementary oligodeoxyribonucleotide. The photoreactivity was 1.8- to 8-fold greater than that of 3-cyanovinylcarbazole modified deoxyribose ((CNV)K) previously reported. From the results of melting analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy of the duplexes, the relatively flexible structure of (CNV)D compared with (CNV)K might be advantageous for [2 + 2] photocycloaddition between the cyanovinyl group on the (CNV)D and pyrimidine base in the complementary strand.