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Ma S, Howden SA, Keane SC. Use of steric blocking antisense oligonucleotides for the targeted inhibition of junction containing precursor microRNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.08.588531. [PMID: 38645194 PMCID: PMC11030329 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.08.588531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are widely used as therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and virus infections. One class of ASOs functions to enhance protein expression by sequestering the mature microRNA (miRNA) in a double-stranded structure within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). An alternative approach for the targeted control of gene expression is to use ASOs that bind to the pre-elements of miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) and modulate their enzymatic processing. Here, we demonstrate that ASOs can be used to disrupt a specific structural feature, "junction," within pre-miR-31 that is important in directing efficient processing by the Dicer/TRBP complex. Furthermore, we extend and validate this strategy to pre-miR-144, which has a similar junction-dependent structure-function relationship. We found that a significant number of human pre-miRNAs are predicted to contain junctions, and validated our ASO approach on several members of this group. Importantly, we also verified the application of junction-targeting ASOs for the specific inhibition of pre-miRNA processing in cell . Our study reemphasizes the important roles of RNA structure in regulating Dicer/TRBP processing of pre-miRNAs and provides the framework to develop structure-informed ASOs that serve to inhibit miRNA production.
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2
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Ma S, Kotar A, Hall I, Grote S, Rouskin S, Keane SC. Structure of pre-miR-31 reveals an active role in Dicer-TRBP complex processing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300527120. [PMID: 37725636 PMCID: PMC10523476 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300527120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As an essential posttranscriptional regulator of gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) levels must be strictly maintained. The biogenesis of many miRNAs is mediated by trans-acting protein partners through a variety of mechanisms, including remodeling of the RNA structure. miR-31 functions as an oncogene in numerous cancers, and interestingly, its biogenesis is not known to be regulated by protein-binding partners. Therefore, the intrinsic structural properties of the precursor element of miR-31 (pre-miR-31) can provide a mechanism by which its biogenesis is regulated. We determined the solution structure of pre-miR-31 to investigate the role of distinct structural elements in regulating processing by the Dicer-TRBP complex. We found that the presence or absence of mismatches within the helical stem does not strongly influence Dicer-TRBP processing of the pre-miRNAs. However, both the apical loop size and structure at the Dicing site are key elements for discrimination by the Dicer-TRBP complex. Interestingly, our NMR-derived structure reveals the presence of a triplet of base pairs that link the Dicer cleavage site and the apical loop. Mutational analysis in this region suggests that the stability of the junction region strongly influences processing by the Dicer-TRBP complex. Our results enrich our understanding of the active role that RNA structure plays in regulating miRNA biogenesis, which has direct implications for the control of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Ma
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Anita Kotar
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Ian Hall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Scott Grote
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School,Boston, MA02115
| | - Silvi Rouskin
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School,Boston, MA02115
| | - Sarah C. Keane
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
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3
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Li Q, Kang C. Targeting RNA-binding proteins with small molecules: Perspectives, pitfalls and bifunctional molecules. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2031-2047. [PMID: 37519019 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in organisms through binding with RNAs to regulate their functions. Small molecules affecting the function of RBPs have been developed, providing new avenues for drug discovery. Herein, we describe the perspectives on developing small molecule regulators of RBPs. The following types of small molecule modulators are of great interest in drug discovery: small molecules binding to RBPs to affect interactions with RNA molecules, bifunctional molecules binding to RNA or RBP to influence their interactions, and other types of molecules that affect the stability of RNA or RBPs. Moreover, we emphasize that the bifunctional molecules may play important roles in small molecule development to overcome the challenges encountered in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Ma S, Kotar A, Grote S, Rouskin S, Keane SC. Structure of pre-miR-31 reveals an active role in Dicer processing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.519659. [PMID: 36711709 PMCID: PMC9881868 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.519659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
As an essential post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression, microRNA (miR) levels must be strictly maintained. The biogenesis of many, but not all, miRs is mediated by trans-acting protein partners through a variety of mechanisms, including remodeling of the RNA structure. miR-31 functions as an oncogene in numerous cancers and interestingly, its biogenesis is not known to be regulated by protein binding partners. Therefore, the intrinsic structural properties of pre-miR-31 can provide a mechanism by which its biogenesis is regulated. We determined the solution structure of the precursor element of miR-31 (pre-miR-31) to investigate the role of distinct structural elements in regulating Dicer processing. We found that the presence or absence of mismatches within the helical stem do not strongly influence Dicer processing of the pre-miR. However, both the apical loop size and structure at the Dicing site are key elements for discrimination by Dicer. Interestingly, our NMR-derived structure reveals the presence of a triplet of base pairs that link the Dicer cleavage site and the apical loop. Mutational analysis in this region suggests that the stability of the junction region strongly influence both Dicer binding and processing. Our results enrich our understanding of the active role that RNA structure plays in regulating Dicer processing which has direct implications for control of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Ma
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anita Kotar
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Scott Grote
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Silvi Rouskin
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah C. Keane
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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5
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Scinto SL, Reagle TR, Fox JM. Affinity Bioorthogonal Chemistry (ABC) Tags for Site-Selective Conjugation, On-Resin Protein-Protein Coupling, and Purification of Protein Conjugates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207661. [PMID: 36058881 PMCID: PMC10029600 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The site-selective functionalization of proteins has broad application in chemical biology, but can be limited when mixtures result from incomplete conversion or the formation of protein containing side products. It is shown here that when proteins are covalently tagged with pyridyl-tetrazines, the nickel-iminodiacetate (Ni-IDA) resins commonly used for His-tags can be directly used for protein affinity purification. These Affinity Bioorthogonal Chemistry (ABC) tags serve a dual role by enabling affinity-based protein purification while maintaining rapid kinetics in bioorthogonal reactions. ABC-tagging works with a range of site-selective bioconjugation methods with proteins tagged at the C-terminus, N-terminus or at internal positions. ABC-tagged proteins can also be purified from complex mixtures including cell lysate. The combination of site-selective conjugation and clean-up with ABC-tagged proteins also allows for facile on-resin reactions to provide protein-protein conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel L Scinto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Tyler R Reagle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Joseph M Fox
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, Newark, DE 19713, USA
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6
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Rosenblum SL, Garner AL. RiPCA: An Assay for the Detection of RNA-Protein Interactions in Live Cells. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e358. [PMID: 35113480 PMCID: PMC8852372 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing interest in studying and modulating the interactions between RNAs and their RNA-binding proteins has indicated the need for enabling technologies. Existing means of detecting RNA-protein interactions (RPIs) are often limited to biochemical or post-lysis methods or cell-based methods that require the addition of an RNA-based affinity tag, such as the MS2 hairpin, precluding them from use in detecting small or highly processed RNAs. Taking advantage of bioorthogonal chemistry- and split-luciferase-based technologies, we developed an assay for the detection of RPIs in live cells. This article details the protocol and design considerations for RiPCA, or RNA interaction with Protein-mediated Complementation Assay. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda L. Garner
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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7
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Targeting RNA structures in diseases with small molecules. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:955-966. [PMID: 33078198 PMCID: PMC7724634 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA is crucial for gene expression and regulation. Recent advances in understanding of RNA biochemistry, structure and molecular biology have revealed the importance of RNA structure in cellular processes and diseases. Various approaches to discovering drug-like small molecules that target RNA structure have been developed. This review provides a brief introduction to RNA structural biology and how RNA structures function as disease regulators. We summarize approaches to targeting RNA with small molecules and highlight their advantages, shortcomings and therapeutic potential.
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8
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Garner AL, Djuric SW. RNA: Opening New Doors in Medicinal Chemistry, a Special Issue. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:851-853. [PMID: 34141054 PMCID: PMC8201500 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Julio AR, Backus KM. New approaches to target RNA binding proteins. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 62:13-23. [PMID: 33535093 PMCID: PMC8823266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are a large and diverse class of proteins that regulate all aspects of RNA biology. As RBP dysregulation has been implicated in a number of human disorders, including cancers and neurodegenerative disease, small molecule chemical probes that target individual RBPs represent useful tools for deciphering RBP function and guiding the production of new therapeutics. While RBPs are often thought of as tough-to-drug, the discovery of a number of small molecules that target RBPs has spurred considerable recent interest in new strategies for RBP chemical probe discovery. Here we review current and emerging technologies for high throughput RBP-small molecule screening that we expect will help unlock the full therapeutic potential of this exciting protein class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Julio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Keriann M Backus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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10
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Baraniak D, Boryski J. Triazole-Modified Nucleic Acids for the Application in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry. Biomedicines 2021; 9:628. [PMID: 34073038 PMCID: PMC8229351 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review covers studies which exploit triazole-modified nucleic acids in the range of chemistry and biology to medicine. The 1,2,3-triazole unit, which is obtained via click chemistry approach, shows valuable and unique properties. For example, it does not occur in nature, constitutes an additional pharmacophore with attractive properties being resistant to hydrolysis and other reactions at physiological pH, exhibits biological activity (i.e., antibacterial, antitumor, and antiviral), and can be considered as a rigid mimetic of amide linkage. Herein, it is presented a whole area of useful artificial compounds, from the clickable monomers and dimers to modified oligonucleotides, in the field of nucleic acids sciences. Such modifications of internucleotide linkages are designed to increase the hybridization binding affinity toward native DNA or RNA, to enhance resistance to nucleases, and to improve ability to penetrate cell membranes. The insertion of an artificial backbone is used for understanding effects of chemically modified oligonucleotides, and their potential usefulness in therapeutic applications. We describe the state-of-the-art knowledge on their implications for synthetic genes and other large modified DNA and RNA constructs including non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Baraniak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
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11
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Rosenblum SL, Lorenz DA, Garner AL. A live-cell assay for the detection of pre-microRNA-protein interactions. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:241-247. [PMID: 33817642 PMCID: PMC8006716 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00055h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts in genome-wide sequencing and proteomics have revealed the fundamental roles that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play in the life cycle and function of coding and non-coding RNAs. While these methodologies provide a systems-level view of the networking of RNA and proteins, approaches to enable the cellular validation of discovered interactions are lacking. Leveraging the power of bioorthogonal chemistry- and split-luciferase-based assay technologies, we have devised a conceptually new assay for the live-cell detection of RNA-protein interactions (RPIs), RNA interaction with Protein-mediated Complementation Assay, or RiPCA. As proof-of-concept, we utilized the interaction of the pre-microRNA, pre-let-7, with its binding partner, Lin28. Using this system, we have demonstrated the selective detection of the pre-let-7-Lin28 RPI in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, we determined that this technology can be used to discern relative affinities for specific sequences as well as of individual RNA binding domains. Thus, RiPCA has the potential to serve as a useful tool in supporting the investigation of cellular RPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L Rosenblum
- Program in Chemical Biology , University of Michigan , 210 Washtenaw Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , USA .
| | - Daniel A Lorenz
- Program in Chemical Biology , University of Michigan , 210 Washtenaw Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , USA .
| | - Amanda L Garner
- Program in Chemical Biology , University of Michigan , 210 Washtenaw Avenue , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , USA .
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , College of Pharmacy , University of Michigan , 428 Church Street , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , USA
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12
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Chen J, Yan J, Feng Q, Miao X, Dou B, Wang P. Label-free and enzyme-free fluorescence detection of microRNA based on sulfydryl-functionalized carbon dots via target-initiated hemin/G-quadruplex-catalyzed oxidation. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 176:112955. [PMID: 33412427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs)-based biosensors have attracted considerable interest in reliable and sensitive detection of microRNA (miRNA) because of their merits of ultra-small size, excellent biosafety and tunable emission, whereas complicated labeling procedure and expensive bioenzyme associated with current strategies significantly limit their practical application. Herein, we developed a label-free and enzyme-free fluorescence strategy based on strand displaced amplification (SDA) for highly sensitive detection of miRNA using sulfydryl-functionalized CDs (CDs-SH) as probe. CDs-SH displayed excellent response to G-quadruplex DNA against other DNAs based on based on the catalytic oxidation of -SH into -S-S- by hemin/G-quadruplex. Further, CDs-SH were employed to detect miRNA, using miRNA-21 as target model, which triggered the SDA reaction of P1 and P2 to generate hemin/G-quadruplex, subsequently making CDs-SH transform from dot to aggresome along with the quenched fluorescence. Therefore, label-free, enzyme-free, and highly sensitive analysis of miRNA-21 was readily acquired with a limit of detection at 0.03 pM. This proposed biosensor couples the advantages of CDs and label-free/enzyme-free strategy, and thus has a significant potential to be used in early and accurate diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ji Yan
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Qiumei Feng
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Xiangmin Miao
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Baoting Dou
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Po Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
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13
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Abstract
Protein-RNA interactions have crucial roles in various cellular activities, which, when dysregulated, can lead to a range of human diseases. The identification of small molecules that target the interaction between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA is progressing rapidly and represents a novel strategy for the discovery of chemical probes that facilitate understanding of the cellular functions of RBPs and of therapeutic agents with new mechanisms of action. In this Review, I present a current overview of targeting emerging RBPs using small-molecule inhibitors and recent progress in this burgeoning field. Small-molecule inhibitors that were reported for three representative emerging classes of RBPs, the microRNA-binding protein LIN28, the single-stranded or double-stranded RNA-binding Toll-like receptors and the CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, are highlighted from a medicinal-chemistry and chemical-biology perspective. However, although this field is burgeoning, challenges remain in the discovery and characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of RBPs.
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14
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Borsari C, Trader DJ, Tait A, Costi MP. Designing Chimeric Molecules for Drug Discovery by Leveraging Chemical Biology. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1908-1928. [PMID: 32023055 PMCID: PMC7997565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
After the first seed concept introduced in the 18th century, different disciplines have attributed different names to dual-functional molecules depending on their application, including bioconjugates, bifunctional compounds, multitargeting molecules, chimeras, hybrids, engineered compounds. However, these engineered constructs share a general structure: a first component that targets a specific cell and a second component that exerts the pharmacological activity. A stable or cleavable linker connects the two modules of a chimera. Herein, we discuss the recent advances in the rapidly expanding field of chimeric molecules leveraging chemical biology concepts. This Perspective is focused on bifunctional compounds in which one component is a lead compound or a drug. In detail, we discuss chemical features of chimeric molecules and their use for targeted delivery and for target engagement studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Darci J Trader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Annalisa Tait
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria P Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
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15
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Sherman EJ, Lorenz DA, Garner AL. Click Chemistry-Mediated Complementation Assay for RNA-Protein Interactions. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2019; 21:522-527. [PMID: 31181888 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.9b00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Click chemistry-based assays are a growing class of biochemical assay for facilitating the discovery of modulators of important biological processes. To date, most have relied on the use of immobilized biomolecules, which increases the cost of the assay and decreases throughput because of the necessary washing steps. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a click chemistry-mediated complementation assay that retains many of the advantages of the previous technology, including catalytic signal amplification for assay robustness and applicability to full-length biomolecules, but that can be performed in a homogeneous format. As demonstration of this methodology, we have developed a new high-throughput screening method for RNA-protein interactions using the interaction of Lin28 with the pre-microRNA, prelet-7, as a model.
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16
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Garner AL, Lorenz DA, Sandoval J, Gallagher EE, Kerk SA, Kaur T, Menon A. Tetracyclines as Inhibitors of Pre-microRNA Maturation: A Disconnection between RNA Binding and Inhibition. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:816-821. [PMID: 31098005 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In a high-throughput screening campaign, we recently discovered the rRNA-binding tetracyclines, methacycline and meclocycline, as inhibitors of Dicer-mediated processing of microRNAs. Herein, we describe our biophysical and biochemical characterization of these compounds. Interestingly, although direct, albeit weak, binding to the pre-microRNA hairpins was observed, the inhibitory activity of these compounds was not due to RNA binding. Through additional biochemical and chemical studies, we revealed that metal chelation likely plays a principle role in their mechanism of inhibition. By exploring the activity of other known RNA-binding scaffolds, we identified additional disconnections between direct RNA interaction and inhibition of Dicer processing. Thus, the results presented within provide a valuable case study in the complexities of targeting RNA with small molecules, particularly with weak binding and potentially promiscuous scaffolds.
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17
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Garner AL, Lorenz DA, Gallagher EE. A click chemistry assay to identify natural product ligands for pre-microRNAs. Methods Enzymol 2019; 623:85-99. [PMID: 31239059 PMCID: PMC6631307 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great diversity of structure and function and relevance to human health, RNA remains an underexploited area of drug discovery. A major bottleneck toward this goal has been the identification of probes and drug leads that are specific for select RNAs and methods that will facilitate such discovery efforts. Our laboratory has recently developed an innovative approach for assaying RNA-small molecule interactions, catalytic enzyme-linked click chemistry assay or cat-ELCCA, which is a functional assay that takes advantage of the power of catalytic signal amplification combined with the selectivity and bioorthogonality of click chemistry. Importantly, through application of this platform assay technology to the challenging problem of identifying selective inhibitors of pre-microRNA maturation, we identified natural products as a potential source of such compounds. Herein we describe this methodology in addition to the downstream pipeline toward the discovery of natural product ligands for pre-microRNAs. Through cat-ELCCA, our goal is to discover novel ligands to facilitate our investigation of RNA recognition by small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Daniel A Lorenz
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Erin E Gallagher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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18
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Qu J, Chen X, Sun YZ, Zhao Y, Cai SB, Ming Z, You ZH, Li JQ. In Silico Prediction of Small Molecule-miRNA Associations Based on the HeteSim Algorithm. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:274-286. [PMID: 30654189 PMCID: PMC6348698 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) with drug small molecules (SMs) is a new treatment method for many human complex diseases. Unsurprisingly, identification of potential miRNA-SM associations is helpful for pharmaceutical engineering and disease therapy in the field of medical research. In this paper, we developed a novel computational model of HeteSim-based inference for SM-miRNA Association prediction (HSSMMA) by implementing a path-based measurement method of HeteSim on a heterogeneous network combined with known miRNA-SM associations, integrated miRNA similarity, and integrated SM similarity. Through considering paths from an SM to a miRNA in the heterogeneous network, the model can capture the semantics information under each path and predict potential miRNA-SM associations based on all the considered paths. We performed global, miRNA-fixed local and SM-fixed local leave one out cross validation (LOOCV) as well as 5-fold cross validation based on the dataset of known miRNA-SM associations to evaluate the prediction performance of our approach. The results showed that HSSMMA gained the corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUCs) of 0.9913, 0.9902, 0.7989, and 0.9910 ± 0.0004 based on dataset 1 and AUCs of 0.7401, 0.8466, 0.6149, and 0.7451 ± 0.0054 based on dataset 2, respectively. In case studies, 2 of the top 10 and 13 of the top 50 predicted potential miRNA-SM associations were confirmed by published literature. We further implemented case studies to test whether HSSMMA was effective for new SMs without any known related miRNAs. The results from cross validation and case studies showed that HSSMMA could be a useful prediction tool for the identification of potential miRNA-SM associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qu
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Ya-Zhou Sun
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Shu-Bin Cai
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhong Ming
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Zhu-Hong You
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Ürümqi 830011, China.
| | - Jian-Qiang Li
- College of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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19
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Donlic A, Hargrove AE. Targeting RNA in mammalian systems with small molecules. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2018; 9:e1477. [PMID: 29726113 PMCID: PMC6002909 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The recognition of RNA functions beyond canonical protein synthesis has challenged the central dogma of molecular biology. Indeed, RNA is now known to directly regulate many important cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, translation, and epigenetic modifications. The misregulation of these processes in disease has led to an appreciation of RNA as a therapeutic target. This potential was first recognized in bacteria and viruses, but discoveries of new RNA classes following the sequencing of the human genome have invigorated exploration of its disease-related functions in mammals. As stable structure formation is evolving as a hallmark of mammalian RNAs, the prospect of utilizing small molecules to specifically probe the function of RNA structural domains and their interactions is gaining increased recognition. To date, researchers have discovered bioactive small molecules that modulate phenotypes by binding to expanded repeats, microRNAs, G-quadruplex structures, and RNA splice sites in neurological disorders, cancers, and other diseases. The lessons learned from achieving these successes both call for additional studies and encourage exploration of the plethora of mammalian RNAs whose precise mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. Efforts toward understanding fundamental principles of small molecule-RNA recognition combined with advances in methodology development should pave the way toward targeting emerging RNA classes such as long noncoding RNAs. Together, these endeavors can unlock the full potential of small molecule-based probing of RNA-regulated processes and enable us to discover new biology and underexplored avenues for therapeutic intervention in human disease. This article is categorized under: RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Donlic
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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20
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Abstract
Click chemistry has emerged as a powerful tool in our arsenal for unlocking new biology. This includes its utility in both chemical biology and drug discovery. An emerging application of click chemistry is in the development of biochemical assays for high-throughput screening to identify new chemical probes and drug leads. This Feature Article will discuss the advancements in click chemistry that were necessary for the development of a new class of biochemical assay, catalytic enzyme-linked click chemistry assay or cat-ELCCA. Inspired by enzyme immunoassays, cat-ELCCA was designed as a click chemistry-based amplification assay where bioorthogonally-tagged analytes and enzymes are used in place of the enzyme-linked secondary antibodies used in immunoassays. The result is a robust assay format with demonstrated applicability in several important areas of biology and drug discovery, including post-translational modifications, pre-microRNA maturation, and protein-protein and RNA-protein interactions. Through the use of cat-ELCCA and other related click chemistry-based assays, new chemical probes for interrogating promising drug targets have been discovered. These examples will be discussed, in addition to a future outlook on the impact of this approach in probe and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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21
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Lorenz DA, Kaur T, Kerk SA, Gallagher EE, Sandoval J, Garner AL. Expansion of cat-ELCCA for the Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Pre-let-7-Lin28 RNA-Protein Interaction. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:517-521. [PMID: 29937975 PMCID: PMC6004563 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
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Dysregulation of
microRNA (miRNA) expression has been linked to
many human diseases; however, because of the challenges associated
with RNA-targeted drug discovery, additional approaches are needed
for probing miRNA biology. The emerging regulatory role of miRNA-binding
proteins in miRNA maturation presents such an alternative strategy.
Exploiting our laboratory’s click chemistry-based high-throughput
screening (HTS) technology, catalytic enzyme-linked click chemistry
assay or cat-ELCCA, we have designed a modular method by which to
discover new chemical tools for manipulating pre-miRNA–miRNA–binding
protein interactions. Using the pre-let-7d–Lin28 interaction
as proof-of-concept, the results presented demonstrate how HTS using
cat-ELCCA can enable the discovery of small molecules targeting RNA–protein
interactions.
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22
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Song JM, Menon A, Mitchell DC, Johnson OT, Garner AL. High-Throughput Chemical Probing of Full-Length Protein-Protein Interactions. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2017; 19:763-769. [PMID: 29112379 PMCID: PMC5939945 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.7b00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Human biology is regulated by a complex network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs), and disruption of this network has been implicated in many diseases. However, the targeting of PPIs remains a challenging area for chemical probe and drug discovery. Although many methodologies have been put forth to facilitate these efforts, new technologies are still needed. Current biochemical assays for PPIs are typically limited to motif-domain and domain-domain interactions, and assays that will enable the screening of full-length protein systems, which are more biologically relevant, are sparse. To overcome this barrier, we have developed a new assay technology, "PPI catalytic enzyme-linked click chemistry assay" or PPI cat-ELCCA, which utilizes click chemistry to afford catalytic signal amplification. To validate this approach, we have applied PPI cat-ELCCA to the eIF4E-4E-BP1 and eIF4E-eIF4G PPIs, key regulators of cap-dependent mRNA translation. Using these examples, we have demonstrated that PPI cat-ELCCA is amenable to full-length proteins, large (>200 kDa) and small (∼12 kDa), and is readily adaptable to automated high-throughput screening. Thus, PPI cat-ELCCA represents a powerful new tool in the toolbox of assays available to scientists interested in the targeting of disease-relevant PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Song
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Arya Menon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Dylan C. Mitchell
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Oleta T. Johnson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L. Garner
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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23
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Farzan VM, Ulashchik EA, Martynenko-Makaev YV, Kvach MV, Aparin IO, Brylev VA, Prikazchikova TA, Maklakova SY, Majouga AG, Ustinov AV, Shipulin GA, Shmanai VV, Korshun VA, Zatsepin TS. Automated Solid-Phase Click Synthesis of Oligonucleotide Conjugates: From Small Molecules to Diverse N-Acetylgalactosamine Clusters. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 28:2599-2607. [PMID: 28921968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We developed a novel technique for the efficient conjugation of oligonucleotides with various alkyl azides such as fluorescent dyes, biotin, cholesterol, N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), etc. using copper-catalysed alkyne-azide cycloaddition on the solid phase and CuI·P(OEt)3 as a catalyst. Conjugation is carried out in an oligonucleotide synthesizer in fully automated mode and is coupled to oligonucleotide synthesis and on-column deprotection. We also suggest a set of reagents for the construction of diverse conjugates. The sequential double-click procedure using a pentaerythritol-derived tetraazide followed by the addition of a GalNAc or Tris-GalNAc alkyne gives oligonucleotide-GalNAc dendrimer conjugates in good yields with minimal excess of sophisticated alkyne reagents. The approach is suitable for high-throughput synthesis of oligonucleotide conjugates ranging from fluorescent DNA probes to various multi-GalNAc derivatives of 2'-modified siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina M Farzan
- Center of Translational Biomedicine, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology , Skolkovo, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Egor A Ulashchik
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus , Surganova 13, Minsk 220072, Belarus
| | - Yury V Martynenko-Makaev
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus , Surganova 13, Minsk 220072, Belarus
| | - Maksim V Kvach
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus , Surganova 13, Minsk 220072, Belarus
| | - Ilya O Aparin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Brylev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Prikazchikova
- Center of Translational Biomedicine, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology , Skolkovo, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Svetlana Yu Maklakova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Leninskie gory 3, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Alexander G Majouga
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Leninskie gory 3, Moscow 119992, Russia.,National University of Science and Technology "MISiS" , Leninskiy Prospect 4, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey V Ustinov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - German A Shipulin
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology , Novogireevskaya 3a, Moscow 111123, Russia
| | - Vadim V Shmanai
- Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus , Surganova 13, Minsk 220072, Belarus
| | - Vladimir A Korshun
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.,Gause Institute of New Antibiotics , Bolshaya Pirogovskaya 11, Moscow 119021, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Translational Biomedicine, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology , Skolkovo, Moscow 143026, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Leninskie gory 3, Moscow 119992, Russia.,Central Research Institute of Epidemiology , Novogireevskaya 3a, Moscow 111123, Russia
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24
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Lorenz DA, Vander Roest S, Larsen MJ, Garner AL. Development and Implementation of an HTS-Compatible Assay for the Discovery of Selective Small-Molecule Ligands for Pre-microRNAs. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 23:47-54. [PMID: 28686847 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217717944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small gene regulatory RNAs, and their expression has been found to be dysregulated in a number of human diseases. To facilitate the discovery of small molecules capable of selectively modulating the activity of a specific miRNA, we have utilized new high-throughput screening technology targeting Dicer-mediated pre-miRNA maturation. Pilot screening of ~50,000 small molecules and ~33,000 natural product extract libraries against pre-miR-21 processing indicated the potential of our assay for this goal, yielding a campaign Z' factor of 0.52 and an average plate signal-to-background (S/B) ratio of 13. Using two-dimensional screening against a second pre-miRNA, pre-let-7d, we evaluated the selectivity of confirmed hits. The results presented demonstrate how high-throughput screening can be used to identify selective small molecules for a target RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Lorenz
- 1 Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Steve Vander Roest
- 3 Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martha J Larsen
- 3 Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanda L Garner
- 1 Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,2 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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25
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George JT, Srivatsan SG. Vinyluridine as a Versatile Chemoselective Handle for the Post-transcriptional Chemical Functionalization of RNA. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 28:1529-1536. [PMID: 28406614 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of modular and efficient methods to functionalize RNA with biophysical probes is very important in advancing the understanding of the structural and functional relevance of RNA in various cellular events. Herein, we demonstrate a two-step bioorthogonal chemical functionalization approach for the conjugation of multiple probes onto RNA transcripts using a 5-vinyl-modified uridine nucleotide analog (VUTP). VUTP, containing a structurally noninvasive and versatile chemoselective handle, was efficiently incorporated into RNA transcripts by in vitro transcription reactions. Furthermore, we show for the first time the use of a palladium-mediated oxidative Heck reaction in functionalizing RNA with fluorogenic probes by reacting vinyl-labeled RNA transcripts with appropriate boronic acid substrates. The vinyl label also permitted the post-transcriptional functionalization of RNA by a reagent-free inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction in the presence of tetrazine substrates. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the incorporation of VUTP provides newer possibilities for the modular functionalization of RNA with variety of reporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrin Thomas George
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune , Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India
| | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune , Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, India
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26
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Approaches for the Discovery of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting microRNAs. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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