1
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Zareie AR, Dabral P, Verma SC. G-Quadruplexes in the Regulation of Viral Gene Expressions and Their Impacts on Controlling Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38251367 PMCID: PMC10819198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that play significant roles in regulating various biological processes, including replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. Recent studies have identified G4s in the genomes of several viruses, such as herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, and human coronaviruses. These structures are implicated in regulating viral transcription, replication, and virion production, influencing viral infectivity and pathogenesis. G4-stabilizing ligands, like TMPyP4, PhenDC3, and BRACO19, show potential antiviral properties by targeting and stabilizing G4 structures, inhibiting essential viral life-cycle processes. This review delves into the existing literature on G4's involvement in viral regulation, emphasizing specific G4-stabilizing ligands. While progress has been made in understanding how these ligands regulate viruses, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which G4s impact viral processes. More research is necessary to develop G4-stabilizing ligands as novel antiviral agents. The increasing body of literature underscores the importance of G4s in viral biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against viral infections. Despite some ligands' known regulatory effects on viruses, a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted impact of G4s on viral processes is essential. This review advocates for intensified research to unravel the intricate relationship between G4s and viral processes, paving the way for novel antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA; (A.R.Z.); (P.D.)
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2
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Xu Y, Komiyama M. G-Quadruplexes in Human Telomere: Structures, Properties, and Applications. Molecules 2023; 29:174. [PMID: 38202757 PMCID: PMC10780218 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010174] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, intricate four-stranded structures composed of G-tetrads formed by four guanine bases, are prevalent in both DNA and RNA. Notably, these structures play pivotal roles in human telomeres, contributing to essential cellular functions. Additionally, the existence of DNA:RNA hybrid G-quadruplexes adds a layer of complexity to their structural diversity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in unraveling the intricacies of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes within human telomeres. Detailed insights into their structural features are presented, encompassing the latest developments in chemical approaches designed to probe these G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, this review explores the applications of G-quadruplex structures in targeting human telomeres. Finally, the manuscript outlines the imminent challenges in this evolving field, setting the stage for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Makoto Komiyama
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
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3
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Ten Eyck A, Chen YC, Gifford L, Torres-Rivera D, Dyer EL, Melikyan GB. Label-free imaging of nuclear membrane for analysis of nuclear import of viral complexes. J Virol Methods 2023; 322:114834. [PMID: 37875225 PMCID: PMC10841631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 enters the nucleus of non-dividing cells through the nuclear pore complex where it integrates into the host genome. The mechanism of HIV-1 nuclear import remains poorly understood. A powerful means to investigate the docking of HIV-1 at the nuclear pore and nuclear import of viral complexes is through single virus tracking in live cells. This approach necessitates fluorescence labeling of HIV-1 particles and the nuclear envelope, which may be challenging, especially in the context of primary cells. Here, we leveraged a deep neural network model for label-free visualization of the nuclear envelope using transmitted light microscopy. A training image set of cells with fluorescently labeled nuclear Lamin B1 (ground truth), along with the corresponding transmitted light images, was acquired and used to train our model to predict the morphology of the nuclear envelope in fixed cells. This protocol yielded accurate predictions of the nuclear membrane and was used in conjunction with virus infection to examine the nuclear entry of fluorescently labeled HIV-1 complexes. Analyses of HIV-1 nuclear import as a function of virus input yielded identical numbers of fluorescent viral complexes per nucleus using the ground truth and predicted nuclear membrane images. We also demonstrate the utility of predicting the nuclear envelope based on transmitted light images for multicolor fluorescence microscopy of infected cells. Importantly, we show that our model can be adapted to predict the nuclear membrane of live cells imaged at 37 °C, making this approach compatible with single virus tracking. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the utility of deep learning approaches for label-free imaging of cellular structures during early stages of virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ten Eyck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yen-Cheng Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Levi Gifford
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dariana Torres-Rivera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eva L Dyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory B Melikyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology-Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, GA, USA.
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4
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Pathak R. G-Quadruplexes in the Viral Genome: Unlocking Targets for Therapeutic Interventions and Antiviral Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:2216. [PMID: 38005893 PMCID: PMC10674748 DOI: 10.3390/v15112216] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures formed by guanine-rich DNA or RNA sequences. Sequences with the potential to form quadruplex motifs (pG4s) are prevalent throughout the genomes of all organisms, spanning from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and are enriched within regions of biological significance. In the past few years, the identification of pG4s within most of the Baltimore group viruses has attracted increasing attention due to their occurrence in regulatory regions of the genome and the subsequent implications for regulating critical stages of viral life cycles. In this context, the employment of specific G4 ligands has aided in comprehending the intricate G4-mediated regulatory mechanisms in the viral life cycle, showcasing the potential of targeting viral G4s as a novel antiviral strategy. This review offers a thorough update on the literature concerning G4s in viruses, including their identification and functional significance across most of the human-infecting viruses. Furthermore, it delves into potential therapeutic avenues targeting G4s, encompassing various G4-binding ligands, G4-interacting proteins, and oligonucleotide-based strategies. Finally, the article highlights both progress and challenges in the field, providing valuable insights into leveraging this unusual nucleic acid structure for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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5
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Pávová M, Reyes-Gutiérrez PE, Kozák J, Dobiaš J, Yurenko Y, Lepšík M, Teplý F, Weber J. Helquat dyes targeting G-quadruplexes as a new class of anti-HIV-1 inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6096. [PMID: 37055553 PMCID: PMC10102027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The secondary structure of nucleic acids containing quartets of guanines, termed G-quadruplexes, is known to regulate the transcription of many genes. Several G-quadruplexes can be formed in the HIV-1 long terminal repeat promoter region and their stabilization results in the inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Here, we identified helquat-based compounds as a new class of anti-HIV-1 inhibitors that inhibit HIV-1 replication at the stage of reverse transcription and provirus expression. Using Taq polymerase stop and FRET melting assays, we have demonstrated their ability to stabilize G-quadruplexes in the HIV-1 long-terminal repeat sequence. Moreover, these compounds were not binding to the general G-rich region, but rather to G-quadruplex-forming regions. Finally, docking and molecular dynamics calculations indicate that the structure of the helquat core greatly affects the binding mode to the individual G-quadruplexes. Our findings can provide useful information for the further rational design of inhibitors targeting G-quadruplexes in HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Pávová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Eduardo Reyes-Gutiérrez
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kozák
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Juraj Dobiaš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Yevgen Yurenko
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Teplý
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic.
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6
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Teng Y, Zhu M, Chi Y, Li L, Jin Y. Can G-quadruplex become a promising target in HBV therapy? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1091873. [PMID: 36591216 PMCID: PMC9797731 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Current therapies for HBV always suffer from a poor response rate, common side effects, and the need for lifelong treatment. Novel therapeutic targets are expected. Interestingly, non-canonical structures of nucleic acids play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Especially the formation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in G-rich strands has been demonstrated to affect many bioprocesses including replication, transcription, and translation, showing great potential as targets in anticancer and antiviral therapies. In this review, we summarize recent antiviral studies about G4s and discuss the potential roles of G4 structures in antiviral therapy for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Teng
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Chi
- Pharmaceutical Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lijing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
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7
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Amrane S, Jaubert C, Bedrat A, Rundstadler T, Recordon-Pinson P, Aknin C, Guédin A, De Rache A, Bartolucci L, Diene I, Lemoine F, Gascuel O, Pratviel G, Mergny JL, Andreola ML. Deciphering RNA G-quadruplex function during the early steps of HIV-1 infection. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12328-12343. [PMID: 36453997 PMCID: PMC9757044 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures formed by the stacking of G-tetrads. Here we investigated their formation and function during HIV-1 infection. Using bioinformatics and biophysics analyses we first searched for evolutionary conserved G4-forming sequences in HIV-1 genome. We identified 10 G4s with conservation rates higher than those of HIV-1 regulatory sequences such as RRE and TAR. We then used porphyrin-based G4-binders to probe the formation of the G4s during infection of human cells by native HIV-1. The G4-binders efficiently inhibited HIV-1 infectivity, which is attributed to the formation of G4 structures during HIV-1 replication. Using a qRT-PCR approach, we showed that the formation of viral G4s occurs during the first 2 h post-infection and their stabilization by the G4-binders prevents initiation of reverse transcription. We also used a G4-RNA pull-down approach, based on a G4-specific biotinylated probe, to allow the direct detection and identification of viral G4-RNA in infected cells. Most of the detected G4-RNAs contain crucial regulatory elements such as the PPT and cPPT sequences as well as the U3 region. Hence, these G4s would function in the early stages of infection when the viral RNA genome is being processed for the reverse transcription step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Amrane
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel : +33 5 4000 2224;
| | - Chloé Jaubert
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Amina Bedrat
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tiffany Rundstadler
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Toulouse, France,Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS UPR 8241, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Cindy Aknin
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,MFP laboratory, UMR5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore Guédin
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore De Rache
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Bartolucci
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ibra Diene
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Lemoine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité de Bioinformatique Évolutive, F-75015 Paris, France,Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Hub de bioinformatique et biostatistiques, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Gascuel
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unité de Bioinformatique Évolutive, F-75015 Paris, France,Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB, UMR 7205 - CNRS, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, SU, EPHE UA), F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Geneviève Pratviel
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, INPT, Toulouse, France,Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS UPR 8241, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France,Laboratoire d’Optique & Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,MFP laboratory, UMR5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
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8
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Ajoge HO, Kohio HP, Paparisto E, Coleman MD, Wong K, Tom SK, Bain KL, Berry CC, Arts EJ, Barr SD. G-Quadruplex DNA and Other Non-Canonical B-Form DNA Motifs Influence Productive and Latent HIV-1 Integration and Reactivation Potential. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112494. [PMID: 36423103 PMCID: PMC9692945 DOI: 10.3390/v14112494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of the HIV-1 genome into the host genome is an essential step in the life cycle of the virus and it plays a critical role in the expression, long-term persistence, and reactivation of HIV expression. To better understand the local genomic environment surrounding HIV-1 proviruses, we assessed the influence of non-canonical B-form DNA (non-B DNA) on the HIV-1 integration site selection. We showed that productively and latently infected cells exhibit different integration site biases towards non-B DNA motifs. We identified a correlation between the integration sites of the latent proviruses and non-B DNA features known to potently influence gene expression (e.g., cruciform, guanine-quadruplex (G4), triplex, and Z-DNA). The reactivation potential of latent proviruses with latency reversal agents also correlated with their proximity to specific non-B DNA motifs. The perturbation of G4 structures in vitro using G4 structure-destabilizing or -stabilizing ligands resulted in a significant reduction in integration within 100 base pairs of G4 motifs. The stabilization of G4 structures increased the integration within 300-500 base pairs from G4 motifs, increased integration near transcription start sites, and increased the proportion of latently infected cells. Moreover, we showed that host lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF)/p75 and cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6 (CPSF6) influenced the distribution of integration sites near several non-B DNA motifs, especially G4 DNA. Our findings identify non-B DNA motifs as important factors that influence productive and latent HIV-1 integration and the reactivation potential of latent proviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O. Ajoge
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Hinissan P. Kohio
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ermela Paparisto
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Macon D. Coleman
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kemen Wong
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sean K. Tom
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Katie L. Bain
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Charles C. Berry
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eric J. Arts
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Stephen D. Barr
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, Dental Sciences Building Room 3007, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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9
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Interface of G-quadruplex with both stabilizing and destabilizing ligands for targeting various diseases. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:414-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Zhai LY, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Su AM, Xi XG, Hou XM. Targeting the RNA G-Quadruplex and Protein Interactome for Antiviral Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10161-10182. [PMID: 35862260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, G-quadruplexes (G4s), types of noncanonical four-stranded nucleic acid structures, have been identified in many viruses that threaten human health, such as HIV and Epstein-Barr virus. In this context, G4 ligands were designed to target the G4 structures, among which some have shown promising antiviral effects. In this Perspective, we first summarize the diversified roles of RNA G4s in different viruses. Next, we introduce small-molecule ligands developed as G4 modulators and highlight their applications in antiviral studies. In addition to G4s, we comprehensively review the medical intervention of G4-interacting proteins from both the virus (N protein, viral-encoded helicases, severe acute respiratory syndrome-unique domain, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1) and the host (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, RNA helicases, zinc-finger cellular nucelic acid-binding protein, and nucleolin) by inhibitors as an alternative way to disturb the normal functions of G4s. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in G4-based antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China.,Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology, CNRS UMR 8113, IDA FR3242, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
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11
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Xu J, Huang H, Zhou X. G-Quadruplexes in Neurobiology and Virology: Functional Roles and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. JACS AU 2021; 1:2146-2161. [PMID: 34977886 PMCID: PMC8715485 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structure maintained by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds established between four guanines. Experimental studies and bioinformatics predictions support the hypothesis that these structures are involved in different cellular functions associated with both DNA and RNA processes. An increasing number of diseases have been shown to be associated with abnormal G4 regulation. Here, we describe the existence of G4 and then discuss G4-related pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the viral life cycle. Furthermore, we focus on the role of G4s in the design of antiviral therapy and neuropharmacology, including G4 ligands, G4-based aptamers, G4-related proteins, and CRISPR-based sequence editing, along with a discussion of limitations and insights into the prospects of this unusual nucleic acid secondary structure in therapeutics. Finally, we highlight progress and challenges in this field and the potential G4-related research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Xu
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Email to X.Z.:
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12
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Qi T, Xu Y, Zhou T, Gu W. The Evolution of G-quadruplex Structure in mRNA Untranslated Region. Evol Bioinform Online 2021; 17:11769343211035140. [PMID: 34366661 DOI: 10.1177/11769343211035140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) is a kind of non-canonical high-order secondary structure with important biological functions and is enriched in untranslated regions (UTRs) of protein-coding genes. However, how rG4 structures evolve is largely unknown. Here, we systematically investigated the evolution of RNA sequences around UTR rG4 structures in 5 eukaryotic organisms. We found universal selection on UTR sequences, which facilitated rG4 formation in all the organisms that we analyzed. While G-rich sequences were preferred in the rG4 structural region, C-rich sequences were selectively not preferred. The selective pressure acting on rG4 structures in the UTRs of genes with higher G content was significantly smaller. Furthermore, we found that rG4 structures experienced smaller evolutionary selection near the translation initiation region in the 5' UTR, near the polyadenylation signals in the 3' UTR, and in regions flanking the miRNA targets in the 3' UTR. These results suggest universal selection for rG4 formation in the UTRs of eukaryotic genomes and the selection may be related to the biological functions of rG4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Wanjun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Jiangsu Province of Cancer Prevention and Treatment of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Tao Y, Zheng Y, Zhai Q, Wei D. Recent advances in the development of small molecules targeting RNA G-quadruplexes for drug discovery. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104804. [PMID: 33740677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that RNA G-quadruplexes have associated with some important cellular events. Investigation of RNA G-quadruplexes is thus vital to revealing their biofunctions. Several small molecules have been developed to target RNA G-quadruplexes to date. Some of the small molecules showed significantly light-up fluorescence signals upon binding to RNA G-quadruplexes, while some of them regulated the biofunctions of RNA G-quadruplexes. In this mini-review, the small molecules divided into four kinds are expounded which focused mainly on their structural features and biological activities. Moreover, we raised the current challenges and promising prospects. This mini-review might contribute to exploiting more sophisticated small molecules targeting RNA G-quadruplexes with high specificity based on the reported chemical structural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yingge Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qianqian Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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14
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Ruggiero E, Richter SN. Viral G-quadruplexes: New frontiers in virus pathogenesis and antiviral therapy. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2020; 54:101-131. [PMID: 32427223 PMCID: PMC7233243 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant organisms on our planet, affecting all living beings: some of them are responsible for massive epidemics that concern health, national economies and the overall welfare of societies. Although advances in antiviral research have led to successful therapies against several human viruses, still some of them cannot be eradicated from the host and most of them do not have any treatment available. Consequently, innovative antiviral therapies are urgently needed. In the past few years, research on G-quadruplexes (G4s) in viruses has boomed, providing powerful evidence for the regulatory role of G4s in key viral steps. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses have traced putative G4-forming sequences in the genome of almost all human viruses, showing that their distribution is statistically significant and their presence highly conserved. Since the genomes of viruses are remarkably variable, high conservation rates strongly suggest a crucial role of G4s in the viral replication cycle and evolution, emphasizing the possibility of targeting viral G4s as a new pharmacological approach in antiviral therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated the formation and function of G4s in pathogens responsible for serious diseases, such as HIV-1, Hepatitis B and C, Ebola viruses, to cite a few. In this chapter, we present the state of the art on the structural and functional characterization of viral G4s in RNA viruses, DNA viruses and retroviruses. We also present the G4 ligands that provide further details on the viral G4 role and which, showing promising antiviral activity, which could be exploited for the development of innovative antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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15
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Yuan WF, Wan LY, Peng H, Zhong YM, Cai WL, Zhang YQ, Ai WB, Wu JF. The influencing factors and functions of DNA G-quadruplexes. Cell Biochem Funct 2020; 38:524-532. [PMID: 32056246 PMCID: PMC7383576 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
G‐quadruplexes form folded structures because of tandem repeats of guanine sequences in DNA or RNA. They adopt a variety of conformations, depending on many factors, including the type of loops and cations, the nucleotide strand number, and the main strand polarity of the G‐quadruplex. Meanwhile, the different conformations of G‐quadruplexes have certain influences on their biological functions, such as the inhibition of transcription, translation, and DNA replication. In addition, G‐quadruplex binding proteins also affect the structure and function of G‐quadruplexes. Some chemically synthesized G‐quadruplex sequences have been shown to have biological activities. For example, bimolecular G‐quadruplexes of AS1411 act as targets of exogenous drugs that inhibit the proliferation of malignant tumours. G‐quadruplexes are also used as vehicles to deliver nanoparticles. Thus, it is important to identify the factors that influence G‐quadruplex structures and maintain the stability of G‐quadruplexes. Herein, we mainly discuss the factors influencing G‐quadruplexes and the synthetic G‐quadruplex, AS1411. Significance of the study This review summarizes the factors that influence G‐quadruplexes and the functions of the synthetic G‐quadruplex, AS1411. It also discusses the use of G‐quadruplexes for drug delivery in tumour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fang Yuan
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Lin-Yan Wan
- The People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hu Peng
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Surgeon, The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yuan-Mei Zhong
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wen-Li Cai
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Zhang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wen-Bing Ai
- Surgeon, The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,The People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.,Surgeon, The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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16
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Kharel P, Balaratnam S, Beals N, Basu S. The role of RNA G-quadruplexes in human diseases and therapeutic strategies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1568. [PMID: 31514263 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are four-stranded secondary structures formed by G-rich nucleic acid sequence(s). DNA GQs are present abundantly in the genome and affect a wide range of processes associated with DNA. Recent studies show that RNA GQs are present in different transcripts, including coding and noncoding areas of mRNA, telomeric RNA as well as in other premature and mature noncoding RNAs. When present at specific locations within the RNAs, GQs play important roles in key biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression and telomere homeostasis. RNA GQs regulate pre-mRNA processing, such as splicing and polyadenylation. Evidently, among other processes, RNA GQs also control mRNA translation, miRNA and piRNA biogenesis, and RNA localization. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA GQs mainly involve binding to RNA binding protein that modulate GQ conformation or serve as an entity in recruiting additional protein regulators to act as a block element to the processing machinery. Here we provide an overview of the ever-increasing number of discoveries revealing the role of RNA GQs in biology and their relevance in human diseases and therapeutics. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumirtha Balaratnam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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17
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Ruggiero E, Richter SN. G-quadruplexes and G-quadruplex ligands: targets and tools in antiviral therapy. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:3270-3283. [PMID: 29554280 PMCID: PMC5909458 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acids secondary structures that form within guanine-rich strands of regulatory genomic regions. G4s have been extensively described in the human genome, especially in telomeres and oncogene promoters; in recent years the presence of G4s in viruses has attracted increasing interest. Indeed, G4s have been reported in several viruses, including those involved in recent epidemics, such as the Zika and Ebola viruses. Viral G4s are usually located in regulatory regions of the genome and implicated in the control of key viral processes; in some cases, they have been involved also in viral latency. In this context, G4 ligands have been developed and tested both as tools to study the complexity of G4-mediated mechanisms in the viral life cycle, and as therapeutic agents. In general, G4 ligands showed promising antiviral activity, with G4-mediated mechanisms of action both at the genome and transcript level. This review aims to provide an updated close-up of the literature on G4s in viruses. The current state of the art of G4 ligands in antiviral research is also reported, with particular focus on the structural and physicochemical requirements for optimal biological activity. The achievements and the to-dos in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Ruggiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua 35121, Italy
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18
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Puig Lombardi E, Londoño-Vallejo A, Nicolas A. Relationship Between G-Quadruplex Sequence Composition in Viruses and Their Hosts. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101942. [PMID: 31137580 PMCID: PMC6572409 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences has the potential to fold into G-quadruplex (G4) secondary structures, which are functionally important for several biological processes, including genome stability and regulation of gene expression. Putative quadruplex sequences (PQSs) G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+ are widely found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, but the base composition of the N1-7 loops is biased across species. Since the viruses partially hijack their hosts' cellular machinery for proliferation, we examined the PQS motif size, loop length, and nucleotide compositions of 7370 viral genome assemblies and compared viral and host PQS motifs. We studied seven viral taxa infecting five distant eukaryotic hosts and created a resource providing a comprehensive view of the viral quadruplex motifs. Overall, short-looped PQSs are predominant and with a similar composition across viral taxonomic groups, albeit subtle trends emerge upon classification by hosts. Specifically, there is a higher frequency of pyrimidine loops in viruses infecting animals irrespective of the viruses' genome type. This observation is confirmed by an in-depth analysis of the Herpesviridae family of viruses, which showed a distinctive accumulation of thermally stable C-looped quadruplexes in viruses infecting high-order vertebrates. The occurrence of viral C-looped G4s, which carry binding sites for host transcription factors, as well as the high prevalence of viral TTA-looped G4s, which are identical to vertebrate telomeric motifs, provide concrete examples of how PQSs may help viruses impinge upon, and benefit from, host functions. More generally, these observations suggest a co-evolution of virus and host PQSs, thus underscoring the potential functional significance of G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Puig Lombardi
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, UMR3244 CNRS, 75248 Paris CEDEX 05, France.
| | | | - Alain Nicolas
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, UMR3244 CNRS, 75248 Paris CEDEX 05, France.
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19
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Saranathan N, Biswas B, Patra A, Vivekanandan P. G-quadruplexes may determine the landscape of recombination in HSV-1. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:382. [PMID: 31096907 PMCID: PMC6524338 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5731-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several lines of evidence suggest that recombination plays a central role in replication and evolution of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). G-quadruplex (G4)-motifs have been linked to recombination events in human and microbial genomes, but their role in recombination has not been studied in DNA viruses. Results The availability of near full-length sequences from 40 HSV-1 recombinant strains with exact position of the recombination breakpoints provided us with a unique opportunity to investigate the role of G4-motifs in recombination among herpes viruses. We mapped the G4-motifs in the parental and all the 40 recombinant strains. Interestingly, the genome-wide distribution of breakpoints closely mirrors the G4 densities in the HSV-1 genome; regions of the genome with higher G4 densities had higher number of recombination breakpoints. Biophysical characterization of oligonucleotides from a subset of predicted G4-motifs confirmed the formation of G-quadruplex structures. Our analysis also reveals that G4-motifs are enriched in regions flanking the recombination breakpoints. Interestingly, about 11% of breakpoints lie within a G4-motif, making these DNA secondary structures hotspots for recombination in the HSV-1 genome. Breakpoints within G4-motifs predominantly lie within G4-clusters rather than individual G4-motifs. Of note, we identified the terminal guanosine of G4-clusters at the boundaries of the UL (unique long) region on either side of the OriL (origin of replication within UL) represented the commonest breakpoint among the HSV-1 recombinants. Conclusion Our findings suggest a correlation between the HSV-1 recombination landscape and the distribution of G4-motifs and G4-clusters, with possible implications for the evolution of DNA viruses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5731-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandhini Saranathan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Banhi Biswas
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupam Patra
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Endoh T, Sugimoto N. Conformational Dynamics of the RNA G-Quadruplex and its Effect on Translation Efficiency. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24081613. [PMID: 31022854 PMCID: PMC6514569 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During translation, intracellular mRNA folds co-transcriptionally and must refold following the passage of ribosome. The mRNAs can be entrapped in metastable structures during these folding events. In the present study, we evaluated the conformational dynamics of the kinetically favored, metastable, and hairpin-like structure, which disturbs the thermodynamically favored G-quadruplex structure, and its effect on co-transcriptional translation in prokaryotic cells. We found that nascent mRNA forms a metastable hairpin-like structure during co-transcriptional folding instead of the G-quadruplex structure. When the translation progressed co-transcriptionally before the metastable hairpin-like structure transition to the G-quadruplex, function of the G-quadruplex as a roadblock of the ribosome was sequestered. This suggested that kinetically formed RNA structures had a dominant effect on gene expression in prokaryotes. The results of this study indicate that it is critical to consider the conformational dynamics of RNA-folding to understand the contributions of the mRNA structures in controlling gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Endoh
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
- Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
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21
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Saranathan N, Vivekanandan P. G-Quadruplexes: More Than Just a Kink in Microbial Genomes. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:148-163. [PMID: 30224157 PMCID: PMC7127049 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structures formed by guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences. In this review we aim to provide an overview of the biological roles of G4s in microbial genomes with emphasis on recent discoveries. G4s are enriched and conserved in the regulatory regions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Importantly, G4s in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomes modulate genes crucial for virus replication. Recent studies on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) shed light on the role of G4s within the microbial transcripts as cis-acting regulatory signals that modulate translation and facilitate immune evasion. Furthermore, G4s in microbial genomes have been linked to radioresistance, antigenic variation, recombination, and latency. G4s in microbial genomes represent novel therapeutic targets for antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandhini Saranathan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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22
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Lu P, Zhang D, Chai Y, Yu C, Wang X, Tang Y, Ge M, Yao L. Regulatory-sequence mechanical biosensor: A versatile platform for investigation of G-quadruplex/label-free protein interactions and tunable protein detection. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1045:1-9. [PMID: 30454563 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical biosensors can be used to quantitatively explore DNA-protein binding mechanisms by detecting targets at low concentrations or measuring force in single-molecule force spectroscopy. However, restrictions in single-molecule manipulation and labelling protocols have hindered the application for bulk analysis of label-free protein detection. Here, we present the integration of molecular force measurement and finely tunable detection of label-free proteins into one mechanical sensor. Regulatory-sequence force spectroscopy was obtained to investigate the binding force of DNA G-quadruplexes (GQ) and label-free protein. The dual control of regulatory sequences and mechanical forces induces the structure switching from DNA duplex to GQ/protein complex. It exhibits a synergistic effect, enabling the rational fine-tuning of the dynamic range for biosensing protein concentrations over eight orders of magnitude. Furthermore, this method was exploited to estimate the stability of the human telomeric DNA GQ by Ku protein and ligand methylpyridostatin. The results revealed that human telomeric GQ has two different binding sites for Ku protein and ligand. Force spectroscopy integrating label-free force measurement and tunable target detection holds great promise for use in biosensing, drug screening, targeted therapies, DNA nanotechnology, and fields in which GQ are of rapidly increasing importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Lu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yahong Chai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chanchan Yu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiuyu Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yalin Tang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maofa Ge
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Yao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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23
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Pipier A, De Rache A, Modeste C, Amrane S, Mothes-Martin E, Stigliani JL, Calsou P, Mergny JL, Pratviel G, Gomez D. G-Quadruplex binding optimization by gold(iii) insertion into the center of a porphyrin. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:6091-6099. [PMID: 30860519 DOI: 10.1039/c8dt04703k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Porphyrins represent a valuable class of ligands for G-quadruplex nucleic acids. Herein, we evaluate the binding of cationic porphyrins metallated with gold(iii) to G-quadruplex DNA and we compare it with other porphyrin derivatives. The G-quadruplex stabilization capacity and the selectivity of the various porphyrins were evaluated by biophysical and biochemical assays. The porphyrins were also tested as inhibitors of telomerase. It clearly appeared that the insertion of gold(iii) ion in the center of the porphyrin increases the binding affinity of the porphyrin for the G-quadruplex target. Together with modelling studies, it is possible to propose that the insertion of the square planar gold(iii) ion adds an extra positive charge on the complex and decreases the electron density in the porphyrin aromatic macrocycle, both properties being in favour of stronger electrostatic and π-staking interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Pipier
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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24
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Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have become one of the most exciting nucleic acid secondary structures. A noncanonical, four-stranded structure formed in guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences, G-quadruplexes can readily form under physiologically relevant conditions and are globularly folded structures. DNA is widely recognized as a double-helical structure essential in genetic information storage. However, only ~3% of the human genome is expressed in protein; RNA and DNA may form noncanonical secondary structures that are functionally important. G-quadruplexes are one such example which have gained considerable attention for their formation and regulatory roles in biologically significant regions, such as human telomeres, oncogene-promoter regions, replication initiation sites, and 5'- and 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA. They are shown to be a regulatory motif in a number of critical cellular processes including gene transcription, translation, replication, and genomic stability. G-quadruplexes are also found in nonhuman genomes, particularly those of human pathogens. Therefore, G-quadruplexes have emerged as a new class of molecular targets for drug development. In addition, there is considerable interest in the use of G-quadruplexes for biomaterials, biosensors, and biocatalysts. The First International Meeting on Quadruplex DNA was held in 2007, and the G-quadruplex field has been growing dramatically over the last decade. The methods used to study G-quadruplexes have been essential to the rapid progress in our understanding of this exciting nucleic acid secondary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Clement Lin
- Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
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25
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Rajasekhar B, Kumar C, Premkumar G, Riyaz MAB, Lakshmi PTV, Swu T. Computational studies on G-quadruplex DNA-stabilizing property of novel Wittig-based Schiff-Base ligands and their copper(II) complexes. Struct Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-018-1229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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Mikek C, West SJ, Gwin JC, Dayal N, Sintim HO, Lewis EA. Berenil Binds Tightly to Parallel and Mixed Parallel/Antiparallel G-Quadruplex Motifs with Varied Thermodynamic Signatures. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:11582-11591. [PMID: 30320266 PMCID: PMC6173502 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene, DMZ, (or berenil) has been reported as a tight binder of G-quadruplexes. G-Quadruplex structures are often located in the promotor regions of oncogenes and may play a regulatory role in gene expression based on the stability of the folding topology. In this study, attempts have been made to characterize the specificity of DMZ binding toward multiple G-quadruplex topologies or foldamers. Mutant sequences of the G-quadruplex forming promotor regions of several oncogenes were designed to exhibit restricted loop lengths and folding topologies. Circular dichroism was used to confirm the quadruplex topology of mutant BCL2, KRAS, and c-MYC sequences, human telomere (Na+ and K+) G-quadruplexes and their complexes with DMZ and analogs thereof. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to generate a complete thermodynamic profile (ΔG, ΔH, -TΔS) for the formation of DMZ and analog complexes with the target G-quadruplexes. DMZ binds to parallel and/or mixed parallel/antiparallel quadruplex DNA motifs with stoichiometries up to 8:1 and via three binding modes with varying affinities. In the case of the parallel G-quadruplexes, with the exception of the long-looped c-MYC mutant, the highest affinity binding event (mode 1) is driven by enthalpy. DMZ binding to the long-looped c-MYC mutant exhibits a very favorable entropy change in addition to a moderately favorable enthalpy change. Mode 1 binding to the antiparallel and mixed parallel/antiparallel hTel quadruplexes is also driven by favorable enthalpy changes. In all cases, the intermediate DMZ affinity binding (mode 2) is driven almost entirely by entropy, with small or unfavorable enthalpic contributions. The weakest binding event (mode 3) is also entropically driven with small or moderate enthalpic contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton
G. Mikek
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Savannah J. West
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
| | - J. Cole Gwin
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
| | - Neetu Dayal
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Edwin A. Lewis
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
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Abstract
Advances in understanding mechanisms of nucleic acids have revolutionized molecular biology and medicine, but understanding of nontraditional nucleic acid conformations is less developed. The guanine quadruplex (G4) alternative DNA structure was first described in the 1960s, but the existence of G4 structures (G4-S) and their participation in myriads of biological functions are still underappreciated. Despite many tools to study G4s and many examples of roles for G4s in eukaryotic molecular processes and issues with uncontrolled G4-S formation, there is relatively little knowledge about the roles of G4-S in viral or prokaryotic systems. This review summarizes the state of the art with regard to G4-S in eukaryotes and their potential roles in human disease before discussing the evidence that G4-S have equivalent importance in affecting viral and bacterial life.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Steven Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;
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Tokan V, Puterova J, Lexa M, Kejnovsky E. Quadruplex DNA in long terminal repeats in maize LTR retrotransposons inhibits the expression of a reporter gene in yeast. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:184. [PMID: 29510672 PMCID: PMC5838962 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4563-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that guanine-rich DNA sequences form quadruplex structures (G4) in vitro but there is scarce evidence of guanine quadruplexes in vivo. The majority of potential quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) are located in transposable elements (TEs), especially close to promoters within long terminal repeats of plant LTR retrotransposons. RESULTS In order to test the potential effect of G4s on retrotransposon expression, we cloned the long terminal repeats of selected maize LTR retrotransposons upstream of the lacZ reporter gene and measured its transcription and translation in yeast. We found that G4s had an inhibitory effect on translation in vivo since "mutants" (where guanines were replaced by adenines in PQS) showed higher expression levels than wild-types. In parallel, we confirmed by circular dichroism measurements that the selected sequences can indeed adopt G4 conformation in vitro. Analysis of RNA-Seq of polyA RNA in maize seedlings grown in the presence of a G4-stabilizing ligand (NMM) showed both inhibitory as well as stimulatory effects on the transcription of LTR retrotransposons. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that quadruplex DNA located within long terminal repeats of LTR retrotransposons can be formed in vivo and that it plays a regulatory role in the LTR retrotransposon life-cycle, thus also affecting genome dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Tokan
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Janka Puterova
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Lexa
- Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Botanicka 68a, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eduard Kejnovsky
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
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Putative HIV and SIV G-Quadruplex Sequences in Coding and Noncoding Regions Can Form G-Quadruplexes. J Nucleic Acids 2017; 2017:6513720. [PMID: 29464116 PMCID: PMC5804116 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6513720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV virus is one of the most studied viruses in the world. This is especially true in terms of gene sequencing, and to date more than 9 thousand genomic sequences of HIV isolates have been sequenced and analyzed. In this study, a series of DNA sequences, which have the potential to form G-quadruplex structures, is analyzed. Several such sequences were found in various coding and noncoding virus domains, including the U3 LTR, tat, rev, env, and vpx regions. Interestingly, a homological sequence to the already well-known HIV integrase aptamer was identified in the minus-strand. The sequences derived from original isolates were analyzed using standard spectral and electrophoretic methods. In addition, a recently developed methodology is applied which uses induced circular dichroism spectral profiles of G-quadruplex-ligand (Thiazole Orange) complexes to determine if G-rich sequences can adopt G-quadruplex structure. Targeting the G-quadruplexes or peptide domains corresponding to the G-rich coding sequence in HIV offers researchers attractive therapeutic targets which would be of particular use in the development of novel antiviral therapies. The analysis of G-rich regions can provide researchers with a path to find specific targets which could be of interest for specific types of virus.
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Piekna-Przybylska D, Sharma G, Maggirwar SB, Bambara RA. Deficiency in DNA damage response, a new characteristic of cells infected with latent HIV-1. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:968-978. [PMID: 28388353 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1312225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses can interact with host cell molecules responsible for the recognition and repair of DNA lesions, resulting in dysfunctional DNA damage response (DDR). Cells with inefficient DDR are more vulnerable to therapeutic approaches that target DDR, thereby raising DNA damage to a threshold that triggers apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that 2 Jurkat-derived cell lines with incorporated silent HIV-1 provirus show increases in DDR signaling that responds to formation of double strand DNA breaks (DSBs). We found that phosphorylation of histone H2AX on Ser139 (gamma-H2AX), a biomarker of DSBs, and phosphorylation of ATM at Ser1981, Chk2 at Thr68, and p53 at Ser15, part of signaling pathways associated with DSBs, are elevated in these cells. These results indicate a DDR defect even though the virus is latent. DDR-inducing agents, specifically high doses of nucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTIs), caused greater increases in gamma-H2AX levels in latently infected cells. Additionally, latently infected cells are more susceptible to long-term exposure to G-quadruplex stabilizing agents, and this effect is enhanced when the agent is combined with an inhibitor targeting DNA-PK, which is crucial for DSB repair and telomere maintenance. Moreover, exposing these cells to the cancer drug etoposide resulted in formation of DSBs at a higher rate than in un-infected cells. Similar effects of etoposide were also observed in population of primary memory T cells infected with latent HIV-1. Sensitivity to these agents highlights a unique vulnerability of latently infected cells, a new feature that could potentially be used in developing therapies to eliminate HIV-1 reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Piekna-Przybylska
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology , School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- b Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering , University of Rochester , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Sanjay B Maggirwar
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology , School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Robert A Bambara
- a Department of Microbiology and Immunology , School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester , Rochester , NY , USA
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The effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in G-rich regions of high-risk human papillomaviruses on structural diversity of DNA. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1229-1236. [PMID: 27836759 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) can lead to development of cancer of the head and neck and anogenital regions. G-rich sequences found in genomes of high-risk HPVs can fold into non-canonical secondary structures that could serve as 3D motifs distinct from double-stranded DNA and present recognition sites for ligands and opportunity for gene expression modulation. METHODS Combination of UV, CD and NMR spectroscopy and PAGE electrophoresis were used as they offer complementary insights into structural changes of G-rich oligonucleotides. RESULTS G-rich region of HPV16 is shown to preferentially form hairpin structures, while regions of HPV18, HPV52 and HPV58 fold into four-stranded DNA structures called G-quadruplexes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms found in G-rich sequences have been found to promote formation of hairpin structures of HPV16 and have affected number of species formed in G-rich region of HPV52, whereas they have exhibited minimal effect on the formation of HPV18 and HPV58 G-quadruplex structures. These structural changes were reflected in differences in apparent thermal stabilities. CONCLUSIONS Potential of G-rich sequences as drug targets was evaluated based on the results of the current study. HPV16 and HPV18 are considered less appropriate targets due to several single nucleotide polymorphisms and low stability, respectively. On the other hand, HPV52 and HPV58 could be used for small-molecule mediated stabilization. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE G-rich sequences occurring in high-risk HPVs can fold into hairpin and G-quadruplex structures that could be potentially utilized as drug targets. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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32
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Song J, Perreault JP, Topisirovic I, Richard S. RNA G-quadruplexes and their potential regulatory roles in translation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 4:e1244031. [PMID: 28090421 PMCID: PMC5173311 DOI: 10.1080/21690731.2016.1244031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA guanine (G)-rich 4-stranded helical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4), have been extensively studied during the last decades. However, emerging evidence reveals that 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions (5′- and 3′-UTRs) as well as open reading frames (ORFs) contain putative RNA G-quadruplexes. These stable secondary structures play key roles in telomere homeostasis and RNA metabolism including pre-mRNA splicing, polyadenylation, mRNA targeting and translation. Interestingly, multiple RNA binding proteins such as nucleolin, FMRP, DHX36, and Aven were identified to bind RNA G-quadruplexes. Moreover, accumulating reports suggest that RNA G-quadruplexes regulate translation in cap-dependent and -independent manner. Herein, we discuss potential roles of RNA G-quadruplexes and associated trans-acting factors in the regulation of mRNA translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Song
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard
- Terry Fox Molecular Oncology Group and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Bloomfield Center for Research on Aging, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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33
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Abstract
A significant part of eukaryotic genomes is formed by transposable elements (TEs) containing not only genes but also regulatory sequences. Some of the regulatory sequences located within TEs can form secondary structures like hairpins or three-stranded (triplex DNA) and four-stranded (quadruplex DNA) conformations. This review focuses on recent evidence showing that G-quadruplex-forming sequences in particular are often present in specific parts of TEs in plants and humans. We discuss the potential role of these structures in the TE life cycle as well as the impact of G-quadruplexes on replication, transcription, translation, chromatin status, and recombination. The aim of this review is to emphasize that TEs may serve as vehicles for the genomic spread of G-quadruplexes. These non-canonical DNA structures and their conformational switches may constitute another regulatory system that, together with small and long non-coding RNA molecules and proteins, contribute to the complex cellular network resulting in the large diversity of eukaryotes.
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34
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Hároníková L, Coufal J, Kejnovská I, Jagelská EB, Fojta M, Dvořáková P, Muller P, Vojtesek B, Brázda V. IFI16 Preferentially Binds to DNA with Quadruplex Structure and Enhances DNA Quadruplex Formation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157156. [PMID: 27280708 PMCID: PMC4900677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) is a member of the HIN-200 protein family, containing two HIN domains and one PYRIN domain. IFI16 acts as a sensor of viral and bacterial DNA and is important for innate immune responses. IFI16 binds DNA and binding has been described to be DNA length-dependent, but a preference for supercoiled DNA has also been demonstrated. Here we report a specific preference of IFI16 for binding to quadruplex DNA compared to other DNA structures. IFI16 binds to quadruplex DNA with significantly higher affinity than to the same sequence in double stranded DNA. By circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy we also demonstrated the ability of IFI16 to stabilize quadruplex structures with quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides derived from human telomere (HTEL) sequences and the MYC promotor. A novel H/D exchange mass spectrometry approach was developed to assess protein interactions with quadruplex DNA. Quadruplex DNA changed the IFI16 deuteration profile in parts of the PYRIN domain (aa 0–80) and in structurally identical parts of both HIN domains (aa 271–302 and aa 586–617) compared to single stranded or double stranded DNAs, supporting the preferential affinity of IFI16 for structured DNA. Our results reveal the importance of quadruplex DNA structure in IFI16 binding and improve our understanding of how IFI16 senses DNA. IFI16 selectivity for quadruplex structure provides a mechanistic framework for IFI16 in immunity and cellular processes including DNA damage responses and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Hároníková
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Coufal
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Kejnovská
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva B. Jagelská
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Dvořáková
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Muller
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Borivoj Vojtesek
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 612 65, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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35
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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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Rhodes D, Lipps HJ. G-quadruplexes and their regulatory roles in biology. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:8627-37. [PMID: 26350216 PMCID: PMC4605312 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1003] [Impact Index Per Article: 111.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
‘If G-quadruplexes form so readily in vitro, Nature will have found a way of using them in vivo’ (Statement by Aaron Klug over 30 years ago). During the last decade, four-stranded helical structures called G-quadruplex (or G4) have emerged from being a structural curiosity observed in vitro, to being recognized as a possible nucleic acid based mechanism for regulating multiple biological processes in vivo. The sequencing of many genomes has revealed that they are rich in sequence motifs that have the potential to form G-quadruplexes and that their location is non-random, correlating with functionally important genomic regions. In this short review, we summarize recent evidence for the in vivo presence and function of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes in various cellular pathways including DNA replication, gene expression and telomere maintenance. We also highlight remaining open questions that will have to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rhodes
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Proteos, 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673, Singapore Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Proteos, 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673, Singapore Nanyang Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Proteos, 61 Biopolis Drive, 138673, Singapore
| | - Hans J Lipps
- Centre for biomedical education and research (ZBAF), Institute of Cell Biology, University Witten/Herdecke, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
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37
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Abstract
RNAs adopt diverse folded structures that are essential for function and thus play critical roles in cellular biology. A striking example of this is the ribosome, a complex, three-dimensionally folded macromolecular machine that orchestrates protein synthesis. Advances in RNA biochemistry, structural and molecular biology, and bioinformatics have revealed other non-coding RNAs whose functions are dictated by their structure. It is not surprising that aberrantly folded RNA structures contribute to disease. In this Review, we provide a brief introduction into RNA structural biology and then describe how RNA structures function in cells and cause or contribute to neurological disease. Finally, we highlight successful applications of rational design principles to provide chemical probes and lead compounds targeting structured RNAs. Based on several examples of well-characterized RNA-driven neurological disorders, we demonstrate how designed small molecules can facilitate the study of RNA dysfunction, elucidating previously unknown roles for RNA in disease, and provide lead therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viachaslau Bernat
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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38
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Mirihana Arachchilage G, Dassanayake AC, Basu S. A potassium ion-dependent RNA structural switch regulates human pre-miRNA 92b maturation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:262-72. [PMID: 25641166 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an important set of oligonucleotide sequences with a biogenesis that involves Dicer-mediated cleavage as a critical step. Dicer cleaves the precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) stem-loop structure to produce the mature miRNA. Using bioinformatics analysis, we discovered the presence of putative G-quadruplex (GQ)-forming sequences in about 16% of pre-miRNAs. We report the existence of a GQ as an alternative to the canonical stem-loop structure in the clinically important human pre-miRNA 92b. GQ formation led to unwinding of the stem-loop structure imparting resistance to Dicer-mediated cleavage both in vitro and in vivo. A potential K(+) ion-dependent equilibrium between GQ and the stem-loop structure has the ability to regulate the Dicer-mediated maturation of pre-miRNA 92b, which consequently affects target gene silencing. These findings unravel a new mechanism of regulation in pre-miRNA maturation, albeit at the RNA structure level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arosha C Dassanayake
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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Ali A, Bansal M, Bhattacharya S. Ligand 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (TMPyP4) prefers the parallel propeller-type human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA over its other polymorphs. J Phys Chem B 2014; 119:5-14. [PMID: 25526532 DOI: 10.1021/jp505792z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The binding of ligand 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (TMPyP4) with telomeric and genomic G-quadruplex DNA has been extensively studied. However, a comparative study of interactions of TMPyP4 with different conformations of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA, namely, parallel propeller-type (PP), antiparallel basket-type (AB), and mixed hybrid-type (MH) G-quadruplex DNA, has not been done. We considered all the possible binding sites in each of the G-quadruplex DNA structures and docked TMPyP4 to each one of them. The resultant most potent sites for binding were analyzed from the mean binding free energy of the complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations were then carried out, and analysis of the binding free energy of the TMPyP4-G-quadruplex complex showed that the binding of TMPyP4 with parallel propeller-type G-quadruplex DNA is preferred over the other two G-quadruplex DNA conformations. The results obtained from the change in solvent excluded surface area (SESA) and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) also support the more pronounced binding of the ligand with the parallel propeller-type G-quadruplex DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfa Ali
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore 560 012, India
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40
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Lexa M, Steflova P, Martinek T, Vorlickova M, Vyskot B, Kejnovsky E. Guanine quadruplexes are formed by specific regions of human transposable elements. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1032. [PMID: 25431265 PMCID: PMC4407331 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transposable elements form a significant proportion of eukaryotic genomes. Recently, Lexa et al. (Nucleic Acids Res 42:968-978, 2014) reported that plant long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons often contain potential quadruplex sequences (PQSs) in their LTRs and experimentally confirmed their ability to adopt four-stranded DNA conformations. Results Here, we searched for PQSs in human retrotransposons and found that PQSs are specifically localized in the 3’-UTR of LINE-1 elements, in LTRs of HERV elements and are strongly accumulated in specific regions of SVA elements. Circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed that most PQSs had adopted monomolecular or bimolecular guanine quadruplex structures. Evolutionarily young SVA elements contained more PQSs than older elements and their propensity to form quadruplex DNA was higher. Full-length L1 elements contained more PQSs than truncated elements; the highest proportion of PQSs was found inside transpositionally active L1 elements (PA2 and HS families). Conclusions Conservation of quadruplexes at specific positions of transposable elements implies their importance in their life cycle. The increasing quadruplex presence in evolutionarily young LINE-1 and SVA families makes these elements important contributors toward present genome-wide quadruplex distribution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1032) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eduard Kejnovsky
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Métifiot M, Amrane S, Litvak S, Andreola ML. G-quadruplexes in viruses: function and potential therapeutic applications. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:12352-66. [PMID: 25332402 PMCID: PMC4227801 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G-rich nucleic acids can form non-canonical G-quadruplex structures (G4s) in which four guanines fold in a planar arrangement through Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. Although many biochemical and structural studies have focused on DNA sequences containing successive, adjacent guanines that spontaneously fold into G4s, evidence for their in vivo relevance has recently begun to accumulate. Complete sequencing of the human genome highlighted the presence of ∼300,000 sequences that can potentially form G4s. Likewise, the presence of putative G4-sequences has been reported in various viruses genomes [e.g., Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), papillomavirus (HPV)]. Many studies have focused on telomeric G4s and how their dynamics are regulated to enable telomere synthesis. Moreover, a role for G4s has been proposed in cellular and viral replication, recombination and gene expression control. In parallel, DNA aptamers that form G4s have been described as inhibitors and diagnostic tools to detect viruses [e.g., hepatitis A virus (HAV), EBV, cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS), simian virus 40 (SV40)]. Here, special emphasis will be given to the possible role of these structures in a virus life cycle as well as the use of G4-forming oligonucleotides as potential antiviral agents and innovative tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Métifiot
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Samir Amrane
- INSERM, U869, IECB, ARNA laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Simon Litvak
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- CNRS UMR-5234, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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Mirihana Arachchilage G, Morris MJ, Basu S. A library screening approach identifies naturally occurring RNA sequences for a G-quadruplex binding ligand. Chem Commun (Camb) 2014; 50:1250-2. [PMID: 24336356 DOI: 10.1039/c3cc47381c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An RNA G-quadruplex library was synthesised and screened against kanamycin A as the ligand. Naturally occurring G-quadruplex forming sequences that differentially bind to kanamycin A were identified and characterized. This provides a simple and effective strategy for identification of potential intracellular G-quadruplex targets for a ligand.
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Perrone R, Butovskaya E, Daelemans D, Palù G, Pannecouque C, Richter SN. Anti-HIV-1 activity of the G-quadruplex ligand BRACO-19. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 69:3248-58. [PMID: 25103489 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dku280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A dynamic G-quadruplex region has been previously shown to form in the long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter of the HIV-1 integrated DNA genome. Inhibition of promoter activity and antiviral effects have been observed when this region was stabilized by BRACO-19, a trisubstituted acridine derivative that binds G-quadruplexes. Here, we aimed at characterizing the antiviral mechanism of action of BRACO-19 by analysing its activity towards a broad range of HIV-1 strains, host cells and infection modes. METHODS The antiviral activity of BRACO-19 in cell lines and primary cells infected or persistently infected by HIV-1 strains was evaluated at different times post-infection. Virucidal, viral binding, time-dependent and drug-dependent assays were performed to identify the viral target step. Circular dichroism, UV spectroscopy and a reverse transcriptase (RT) stop assay were used to assess RNA G-quadruplex folding and inhibition of RT processing. RESULTS Thorough virological assays demonstrated that BRACO-19 acts both at the reverse transcription and the post-integration level during the virus life cycle. This behaviour was rationalized by the observation that a G-quadruplex-forming sequence identical to that of the LTR DNA is present at the 3'-end of the virus RNA genome. Biophysics and biomolecular testing showed that this region has the ability to fold into very stable G-quadruplex structures that are even more stabilized by BRACO-19, therefore inhibiting the reverse transcription process at the template level. CONCLUSIONS Our findings strongly support the activity of BRACO-19 at the viral G-quadruplex level and therefore strengthen the use of viral G-quadruplexes as new anti-HIV-1 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Perrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Butovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Piekna-Przybylska D, Sullivan MA, Sharma G, Bambara RA. U3 region in the HIV-1 genome adopts a G-quadruplex structure in its RNA and DNA sequence. Biochemistry 2014; 53:2581-93. [PMID: 24735378 PMCID: PMC4007979 DOI: 10.1021/bi4016692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Genomic regions rich in G residues
are prone to adopt G-quadruplex
structure. Multiple Sp1-binding motifs arranged in tandem have been
suggested to form this structure in promoters of cancer-related genes.
Here, we demonstrate that the G-rich proviral DNA sequence of the
HIV-1 U3 region, which serves as a promoter of viral transcription,
adopts a G-quadruplex structure. The sequence contains three binding
elements for transcription factor Sp1, which is involved in the regulation
of HIV-1 latency, reactivation, and high-level virus expression. We
show that the three Sp1 binding motifs can adopt different forms of
G-quadruplex structure and that the Sp1 protein can recognize and
bind to its site folded into a G-quadruplex. In addition, a c-kit2
specific antibody, designated hf2, binds to two different G-quadruplexes
formed in Sp1 sites. Since U3 is encoded at both viral genomic ends,
the G-rich sequence is also present in the RNA genome. We demonstrate
that the RNA sequence of U3 forms dimers with characteristics known
for intermolecular G-quadruplexes. Together with previous reports
showing G-quadruplex dimers in the gag and cPPT regions,
these results suggest that integrity of the two viral genomes is maintained
through numerous intermolecular G-quadruplexes formed in different
RNA genome locations. Reconstituted reverse transcription shows that
the potassium-dependent structure formed in U3 RNA facilitates RT
template switching, suggesting that the G-quadruplex contributes to
recombination in U3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Piekna-Przybylska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester , Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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Kuzembayeva M, Dilley K, Sardo L, Hu WS. Life of psi: how full-length HIV-1 RNAs become packaged genomes in the viral particles. Virology 2014; 454-455:362-70. [PMID: 24530126 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As a member of the retrovirus family, HIV-1 packages its RNA genome into particles and replicates through a DNA intermediate that integrates into the host cellular genome. The multiple genes encoded by HIV-1 are expressed from the same promoter and their expression is regulated by splicing and ribosomal frameshift. The full-length HIV-1 RNA plays a central role in viral replication as it serves as the genome in the progeny virus and is used as the template for Gag and GagPol translation. In this review, we summarize findings that contribute to our current understanding of how full-length RNA is expressed and transported, cis- and trans-acting elements important for RNA packaging, the locations and timing of RNA:RNA and RNA:Gag interactions, and the processes required for this RNA to be packaged into viral particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malika Kuzembayeva
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Drug Resistance Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kari Dilley
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Drug Resistance Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Luca Sardo
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Drug Resistance Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Wei-Shau Hu
- Viral Recombination Section, HIV Drug Resistance Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Huang Y, Mrázek J. Assessing diversity of DNA structure-related sequence features in prokaryotic genomes. DNA Res 2014; 21:285-97. [PMID: 24408877 PMCID: PMC4060949 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dst057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotic genomes are diverse in terms of their nucleotide and oligonucleotide composition as well as presence of various sequence features that can affect physical properties of the DNA molecule. We present a survey of local sequence patterns which have a potential to promote non-canonical DNA conformations (i.e. different from standard B-DNA double helix) and interpret the results in terms of relationships with organisms' habitats, phylogenetic classifications, and other characteristics. Our present work differs from earlier similar surveys not only by investigating a wider range of sequence patterns in a large number of genomes but also by using a more realistic null model to assess significant deviations. Our results show that simple sequence repeats and Z-DNA-promoting patterns are generally suppressed in prokaryotic genomes, whereas palindromes and inverted repeats are over-represented. Representation of patterns that promote Z-DNA and intrinsic DNA curvature increases with increasing optimal growth temperature (OGT), and decreases with increasing oxygen requirement. Additionally, representations of close direct repeats, palindromes and inverted repeats exhibit clear negative trends with increasing OGT. The observed relationships with environmental characteristics, particularly OGT, suggest possible evolutionary scenarios of structural adaptation of DNA to particular environmental niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Huang
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jan Mrázek
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Zhou J, Le V, Kalia D, Nakayama S, Mikek C, Lewis EA, Sintim HO. Diminazene or berenil, a classic duplex minor groove binder, binds to G-quadruplexes with low nanomolar dissociation constants and the amidine groups are also critical for G-quadruplex binding. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:2724-34. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00359d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene or berenil is known to be an AT-rich DNA minor groove binder with micromolar dissociation constant. Here, we show that DMZ binds to G-quadruplexes withKdas low as 1 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Vu Le
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Dimpy Kalia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Shizuka Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Clinton Mikek
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Edwin A. Lewis
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
- Program in Oncology
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center
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48
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Lexa M, Kejnovský E, Steflová P, Konvalinová H, Vorlícková M, Vyskot B. Quadruplex-forming sequences occupy discrete regions inside plant LTR retrotransposons. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:968-78. [PMID: 24106085 PMCID: PMC3902901 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposons with long terminal repeats (LTR) form a significant proportion of eukaryotic genomes, especially in plants. They have gag and pol genes and several regulatory regions necessary for transcription and reverse transcription. We searched for potential quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) and potential triplex-forming sequences (PTSs) in 18 377 full-length LTR retrotransposons collected from 21 plant species. We found that PQSs were often located in LTRs, both upstream and downstream of promoters from which the whole retrotransposon is transcribed. Upstream-located guanine PQSs were dominant in the minus DNA strand, whereas downstream-located guanine PQSs prevailed in the plus strand, indicating their role both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Our circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements confirmed that these PQSs readily adopted guanine quadruplex structures-some of them were paralell-stranded, while others were anti-parallel-stranded. The PQS often formed doublets at a mutual distance of up to 400 bp. PTSs were most abundant in 3'UTR (but were also present in 5'UTR). We discuss the potential role of quadruplexes and triplexes as the regulators of various processes participating in LTR retrotransposon life cycle and as potential recombination sites during post-insertional retrotransposon-based genome rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Lexa
- Department of Information Technologies, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Botanicka 68a, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic, Laboratory of Genome Dynamics, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Zerotinovo nam 9, 60177 Brno, Czech Republic, Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics ASCR, Kralovopolska 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic, Laboratory of CD Spectroscopy, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Zerotinovo nam 9, 60177 Brno, Czech Republic and Department of CD Spectroscopy of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Biophysics ASCR, Kralovopolska 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
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Perrone R, Nadai M, Poe JA, Frasson I, Palumbo M, Palù G, Smithgall TE, Richter SN. Formation of a unique cluster of G-quadruplex structures in the HIV-1 Nef coding region: implications for antiviral activity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73121. [PMID: 24015290 PMCID: PMC3754912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are tetraplex structures of nucleic acids that can form in G-rich sequences. Their presence and functional role have been established in telomeres, oncogene promoters and coding regions of the human chromosome. In particular, they have been proposed to be directly involved in gene regulation at the level of transcription. Because the HIV-1 Nef protein is a fundamental factor for efficient viral replication, infectivity and pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo, we investigated G-quadruplex formation in the HIV-1 nef gene to assess the potential for viral inhibition through G-quadruplex stabilization. A comprehensive computational analysis of the nef coding region of available strains showed the presence of three conserved sequences that were uniquely clustered. Biophysical testing proved that G-quadruplex conformations were efficiently stabilized or induced by G-quadruplex ligands in all three sequences. Upon incubation with a G-quadruplex ligand, Nef expression was reduced in a reporter gene assay and Nef-dependent enhancement of HIV-1 infectivity was significantly repressed in an antiviral assay. These data constitute the first evidence of the possibility to regulate HIV-1 gene expression and infectivity through G-quadruplex targeting and therefore open a new avenue for viral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Perrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jerrod A. Poe
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Manlio Palumbo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Thomas E. Smithgall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- * E-mail:
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50
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Perrone R, Nadai M, Frasson I, Poe JA, Butovskaya E, Smithgall TE, Palumbo M, Palù G, Richter SN. A dynamic G-quadruplex region regulates the HIV-1 long terminal repeat promoter. J Med Chem 2013; 56:6521-30. [PMID: 23865750 DOI: 10.1021/jm400914r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes, noncanonical nucleic acid structures, act as silencers in the promoter regions of human genes; putative G-quadruplex forming sequences are also present in promoters of other mammals, yeasts, and prokaryotes. Here we show that also the HIV-1 LTR promoter exploits G-quadruplex-mediated transcriptional regulation with striking similarities to eukaryotic promoters and that treatment with a G-quadruplex ligand inhibits HIV-1 infectivity. Computational analysis on 953 HIV-1 strains substantiated a highly conserved G-rich sequence corresponding to Sp1 and NF-κB binding sites. Biophysical/biochemical analysis proved that two mutually exclusive parallel-like intramolecular G-quadruplexes, stabilized by small molecule ligands, primarily fold in this region. Mutations disrupting G-quadruplex formation enhanced HIV promoter activity in cells, whereas treatment with a G-quadruplex ligand impaired promoter activity and displayed antiviral effects. These findings disclose the possibility of inhibiting the HIV-1 LTR promoter by G-quadruplex-interacting small molecules, providing a new pathway to development of anti-HIV-1 drugs with unprecedented mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Perrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Italy
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