1
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Michel HM, Lemkul JA. Base pair dynamics, electrostatics, and thermodynamics at the LTR-III quadruplex:duplex junction. Biophys J 2024; 123:1129-1138. [PMID: 38576161 PMCID: PMC11079942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) play key regulatory roles within the human genome and have also been identified to play similar roles in other eukaryotes, bacteria, archaea, and viruses. Human immunodeficiency virus 1, the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, can form two GQs in its long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter region, each of which act to regulate viral gene expression in opposing manners. The major LTR GQ, called LTR-III, is a distinct hybrid GQ containing a 12-nucleotide duplex loop attached to the quadruplex motif. The resulting quadruplex:duplex junction (QDJ) has been hypothesized to serve as a selective drug targeting site. To better understand the dynamics of this QDJ, we performed conventional and enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics simulations using the Drude-2017 force field. We observed unbiased and reversible formation of additional base pairs in the QDJ, between Ade4:Thy14 and Gua3:Thy14. Both base pairs were electrostatically favored, but geometric constraints within the junction may drive the formation of, and preference for, the Ade4:Thy14 base pair. Finally, we demonstrated that the base pairs are separated only by small energy barriers that may enable transitions between both base-paired states. Together, these simulations provide new insights into the dynamics, electrostatics, and thermodynamics of the LTR-III QDJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Michel
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Justin A Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
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2
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Juribašić Kulcsár M, Gabelica V, Plavec J. Solution-State Structure of a Long-Loop G-Quadruplex Formed Within Promoters of Plasmodium falciparum B var Genes. Chemistry 2024:e202401190. [PMID: 38647110 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401190] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
We report the high-resolution NMR solution-state structure of an intramolecular G-quadruplex with a diagonal loop of ten nucleotides. The G-quadruplex is formed by a 34-nt DNA sequence, d[CAG3T2A2G3TATA2CT3AG4T2AG3T2], named UpsB-Q-1. This sequence is found within promoters of the var genes of Plasmodium falciparum, which play a key role in malaria pathogenesis and evasion of the immune system. The [3+1]-hybrid G-quadruplex formed under physiologically relevant conditions exhibits a unique equilibrium between two structures, both stabilized by base stacking and non-canonical hydrogen bonding. Unique equilibrium of the two closely related 3D structures originates from a North-South repuckering of deoxyribose moiety of residue T27 in the lateral loop. Besides the 12 guanines involved in three G-quartets, most residues in loop regions are involved in interactions at both G-quartet-loop interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Juribašić Kulcsár
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valérie Gabelica
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg OF 13, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Vianney YM, Dierks D, Weisz K. Structural Differences at Quadruplex-Duplex Interfaces Enable Ligand-Induced Topological Transitions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309891. [PMID: 38477454 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Quadruplex-duplex (QD) junctions, which represent unique structural motifs of both biological and technological significance, have been shown to constitute high-affinity binding sites for various ligands. A QD hybrid construct based on a human telomeric sequence, which harbors a duplex stem-loop in place of a short lateral loop, is structurally characterized by NMR. It folds into two major species with a (3+1) hybrid and a chair-type (2+2) antiparallel quadruplex domain coexisting in a K+ buffer solution. The antiparallel species is stabilized by an unusual capping structure involving a thymine and protonated adenine base AH+ of the lateral loop facing the hairpin duplex to form a T·AH+ ·G·C quartet with the interfacial G·C base pair at neutral pH. Addition and binding of Phen-DC3 to the QD hybrid mixture by its partial intercalation at corresponding QD junctions leads to a topological transition with exclusive formation of the (3+1) hybrid fold. In agreement with the available experimental data, such an unprecedented discrimination of QD junctions by a ligand can be rationalized following an induced fit mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanes Maria Vianney
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dorothea Dierks
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus Weisz
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
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4
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Monsen RC, Chua ED, Hopkins J, Chaires J, Trent J. Structure of a 28.5 kDa duplex-embedded G-quadruplex system resolved to 7.4 Å resolution with cryo-EM. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1943-1959. [PMID: 36715343 PMCID: PMC9976903 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic regions with high guanine content can fold into non-B form DNA four-stranded structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s). Extensive in vivo investigations have revealed that promoter G4s are transcriptional regulators. Little structural information exists for these G4s embedded within duplexes, their presumed genomic environment. Here, we report the 7.4 Å resolution structure and dynamics of a 28.5 kDa duplex-G4-duplex (DGD) model system using cryo-EM, molecular dynamics, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. The DGD cryo-EM refined model features a 53° bend induced by a stacked duplex-G4 interaction at the 5' G-tetrad interface with a persistently unstacked 3' duplex. The surrogate complement poly dT loop preferably stacks onto the 3' G-tetrad interface resulting in occlusion of both 5' and 3' tetrad interfaces. Structural analysis shows that the DGD model is quantifiably more druggable than the monomeric G4 structure alone and represents a new structural drug target. Our results illustrate how the integration of cryo-EM, MD, and SAXS can reveal complementary detailed static and dynamic structural information on DNA G4 systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Monsen
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Eugene Y D Chua
- National Center for CryoEM Access and Training (NCCAT), Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jesse B Hopkins
- The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT), Department of Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
| | - Jonathan B Chaires
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - John O Trent
- UofL Health Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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5
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Roy S, Bhattacharya S. Chemical Information and Computational Modeling of Targeting Hybrid Nucleic Acid Structures of PIM1 Sequences by Synthetic Pyrrole-Imidazole Carboxamide Drugs. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6411-6422. [PMID: 35687766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA can adopt various distinct structural motifs, such as quadruplex, duplex, i-motifs, etc. which have multifarious applications in biomedical therapeutics. Quadruplex-duplex hybrids (QDHs) consist of the juxtaposed quadruplex and duplex motifs and are thermally stable and biologically relevant. Selective binding toward these secondary structures plays an important role in the evaluation of the structure-specific ligands. Herein, several small molecules containing anthraquinone conjugated oligopyrrole, oligoimidazole, and pyrrole-imidazole derivatives have been screened for the binding of the quadruplex-duplex nucleic acid hybrids formed in PIM1 sequences through docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The binding interaction of the anthraquinone polypyrrole ligands has also been checked by performing different biophysical experiments. PIM1, being a coactivator of the MYC oncogene, can be targeted by these small molecules to control MYC expression which is overexpressed in the majority of human cancer cells. Accordingly, these cancer cell-specific and blood-compatible anthraquinone conjugated oligopyrrole ligands can be employed for anticancer therapeutic applications. Thus, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the screened ligands manifested prudent structural information for designing PIM1 QDHs targeting small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Roy
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata 700032, India.,Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Vianney YM, Weisz K. High-affinity binding at quadruplex-duplex junctions: rather the rule than the exception. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11948-11964. [PMID: 36416262 PMCID: PMC9723630 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Quadruplex-duplex (Q-D) junctions constitute unique structural motifs in genomic sequences. Through comprehensive calorimetric as well as high-resolution NMR structural studies, Q-D junctions with a hairpin-type snapback loop coaxially stacked onto an outer G-tetrad were identified to be most effective binding sites for various polycyclic quadruplex ligands. The Q-D interface is readily recognized by intercalation of the ligand aromatic core structure between G-tetrad and the neighboring base pair. Based on the thermodynamic and structural data, guidelines for the design of ligands with enhanced selectivity towards a Q-D interface emerge. Whereas intercalation at Q-D junctions mostly outcompete stacking at the quadruplex free outer tetrad or intercalation between duplex base pairs to varying degrees, ligand side chains considerably contribute to the selectivity for a Q-D target over other binding sites. In contrast to common perceptions, an appended side chain that additionally interacts within the duplex minor groove may confer only poor selectivity. Rather, the Q-D selectivity is suggested to benefit from an extension of the side chain towards the exposed part of the G-tetrad at the junction. The presented results will support the design of selective high-affinity binding ligands for targeting Q-D interfaces in medicinal but also technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanes Maria Vianney
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus Weisz
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 3834 420 4426; Fax: +49 3834 420 4427;
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7
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Non-G Base Tetrads. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165287. [PMID: 36014524 PMCID: PMC9414646 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tetrads (or quartets) are arrangements of four nucleobases commonly involved in the stability of four-stranded nucleic acids structures. Four-stranded or quadruplex structures have attracted enormous attention in the last few years, being the most extensively studied guanine quadruplex (G-quadruplex). Consequently, the G-tetrad is the most common and well-known tetrad. However, this is not the only possible arrangement of four nucleobases. A number of tetrads formed by the different nucleobases have been observed in experimental structures. In most cases, these tetrads occur in the context of G-quadruplex structures, either inserted between G-quartets, or as capping elements at the sides of the G-quadruplex core. In other cases, however, non-G tetrads are found in more unusual four stranded structures, such as i-motifs, or different types of peculiar fold-back structures. In this report, we review the diversity of these non-canonical tetrads, and the structural context in which they have been found.
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Abak A, Baniahmad A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jamali E, Dinger ME. Interaction between non-coding RNAs, mRNAs and G-quadruplexes. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35488342 PMCID: PMC9052686 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary helical configurations established between guanine-rich nucleic acids. The structure is seen in the promoter regions of numerous genes under certain situations. Predicted G-quadruplex-forming sequences are distributed across the genome in a non-random way. These structures are formed in telomeric regions of the human genome and oncogenic promoter G-rich regions. Identification of mechanisms of regulation of stability of G-quadruplexes has practical significance for understanding the molecular basis of genetic diseases such as cancer. A number of non-coding RNAs such as H19, XIST, FLJ39051 (GSEC), BC200 (BCYRN1), TERRA, pre-miRNA-1229, pre-miRNA-149 and miR-1587 have been found to contain G-quadraplex-forming regions or affect configuration of these structures in target genes. In the current review, we outline the recent research on the interaction between G-quadruplexes and non-coding RNAs, other RNA transcripts and DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefe Abak
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Elena Jamali
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakin Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Scott L, Chalikian TV. Stabilization of G-Quadruplex-Duplex Hybrid Structures Induced by Minor Groove-Binding Drugs. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040597. [PMID: 35455088 PMCID: PMC9030760 DOI: 10.3390/life12040597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Once it had been realized that G-quadruplexes exist in the cell and are involved in regulation of genomic processes, the quest for ligands recognizing these noncanonical structures was underway. Many organic compounds that tightly associate with G-quadruplexes have been identified. However, the specificity of G-quadruplex-binding ligands towards individual structures remains problematic, as the common recognition element of these ligands is the G-tetrad. In this paper, we focus on G-quadruplex-duplex hybrids (QDH) containing a hairpin duplex incorporated as a stem-loop into the G-quadruplex core. The presence of a stem-loop renders QDH amenable to sequence-specific recognition by duplex-binding drugs. Should the thermodynamic crosstalk between the stem-loop and the tetraplex core be sufficiently strong, the drug binding to the loop would lead to the stabilization of the entire structure. We studied the stabilizing influence of the minor groove-binders netropsin and Hoechst 33258 on a family of QDH structures, as well as a G-quadruplex and a hairpin modeling the G-quadruplex core and the stem-loop of the QDH’s. We found that the binding of either drug results in an enhancement of the thermal stability of all DNA structures, as expressed by increases in the melting temperature, TM. Analysis of the hierarchical order of increases in TM revealed that the drug-induced stabilization arises from drug binding to the G-quadruplex domain of a QDH and the stem-loop, if the latter contains an all-AT binding site. This result attests to the thermodynamic crosstalk between the stem-loop and the tetraplex core of a QDH. Given the existing library of minor groove-binding drugs recognizing mixed A·T and G·C DNA sequences, our results point to an untapped avenue for sequence-specific recognition of QDH structures in vitro and, possibly, in vivo; thereby, opening the way for selective stabilization of four-stranded DNA structures at predetermined genomic loci, with implications for the control of genomic events.
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Zhao Y, Aziz AUR, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Li N, Liu B. A systematic review on active sites and functions of PIM-1 protein. Hum Cell 2022; 35:427-440. [PMID: 35000143 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Proviral Integration of Molony murine leukemia virus (PIM)-1 protein contributes to the solid cancers and hematologic malignancies, cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and other life activities. Many studies have related these functions to its molecular structure, subcellular localization and expression level. However, recognition of specific active sites and their effects on the activity of this constitutively active kinase is still a challenge. Based on the close relationship between its molecular structure and functional activity, this review covers the specific residues involved in the binding of ATP and different substrates in its catalytic domain. This review then elaborates on the relevant changes in protein conformation and cell functions after PIM-1 binds to different substrates. Therefore, this intensive study can improve the understanding of PIM-1-regulated signaling pathways by facilitating the discovery of its potential phosphorylation substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyi Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Liaoning Key Lab of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Aziz Ur Rehman Aziz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Liaoning Key Lab of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Hangyu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Liaoning Key Lab of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Zhengyao Zhang
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjin Campus of Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Liaoning Key Lab of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Liaoning Key Lab of Integrated Circuit and Biomedical Electronic System, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
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Vianney YM, Weisz K. Indoloquinoline Ligands Favor Intercalation at Quadruplex-Duplex Interfaces. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202103718. [PMID: 34905232 PMCID: PMC9303235 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Quadruplex‐duplex (Q‐D) junctions are increasingly considered promising targets for medicinal and technological applications. Here, a Q‐D hybrid with a hairpin‐type snapback loop coaxially stacked onto the quadruplex 3’‐outer tetrad was designed and employed as a target structure for the indoloquinoline ligand SYUIQ‐5. NMR spectral analysis demonstrated high‐affinity binding of the ligand at the quadruplex‐duplex interface with association constants determined by isothermal titration calorimetry of about 107 M−1 and large exothermicities ΔH° of −14 kcal/mol in a 120 mM K+ buffer at 40 °C. Determination of the ligand‐bound hybrid structure revealed intercalation of SYUIQ‐5 between 3’‐outer tetrad and the neighboring CG base pair, maximizing π–π stacking as well as electrostatic interactions with guanine carbonyl groups in close vicinity to the positively charged protonated quinoline nitrogen of the tetracyclic indoloquinoline. Exhibiting considerable flexibility, the SYUIQ‐5 sidechain resides in the duplex minor groove. Based on comparative binding studies with the non‐substituted N5‐methylated indoloquinoline cryptolepine, the sidechain is suggested to confer additional affinity and to fix the alignment of the intercalated indoloquinoline aromatic core. However, selectivity for the Q‐D junction mostly relies on the geometry and charge distribution of the indoloquinoline ring system. The presented results are expected to provide valuable guidelines for the design of ligands specifically targeting Q‐D interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanes Maria Vianney
- Universität Greifswald Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät: Universitat Greifswald Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultat, Institut für Biochemie, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17489, Greifswald, GERMANY
| | - Klaus Weisz
- Universität Greifswald, Institut für Biochemie, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17487, Greifswald, GERMANY
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Teng FY, Jiang ZZ, Guo M, Tan XZ, Chen F, Xi XG, Xu Y. G-quadruplex DNA: a novel target for drug design. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6557-6583. [PMID: 34459951 PMCID: PMC11072987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Emerging evidence in recent years authenticated that G4 DNA structures exist both in cell-free and cellular systems, and function in different diseases, especially in various cancers, aging, neurological diseases, and have been considered novel promising targets for drug design. In this review, we summarize the detection method and the structure of G4, highlighting some non-canonical G4 DNA structures, such as G4 with a bulge, a vacancy, or a hairpin. Subsequently, the functions of G4 DNA in physiological processes are discussed, especially their regulation of DNA replication, transcription of disease-related genes (c-MYC, BCL-2, KRAS, c-KIT et al.), telomere maintenance, and epigenetic regulation. Typical G4 ligands that target promoters and telomeres for drug design are also reviewed, including ellipticine derivatives, quinoxaline analogs, telomestatin analogs, berberine derivatives, and CX-5461, which is currently in advanced phase I/II clinical trials for patients with hematologic cancer and BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. Furthermore, since the long-term stable existence of G4 DNA structures could result in genomic instability, we summarized the G4 unfolding mechanisms emerged recently by multiple G4-specific DNA helicases, such as Pif1, RecQ family helicases, FANCJ, and DHX36. This review aims to present a general overview of the field of G-quadruplex DNA that has progressed in recent years and provides potential strategies for drug design and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Teng
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zong-Zhe Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Tan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- LBPA, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 61, Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France.
| | - Yong Xu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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Liu L, Wang K, Liu W, Zeng Y, Hou M, Yang J, Mao Z. Spatial Matching Selectivity and Solution Structure of Organic–Metal Hybrid to Quadruplex–Duplex Hybrid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202106256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liu‐Yi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Kang‐Nan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Wenting Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - You‐Liang Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Ming‐Xuan Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Zong‐Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
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Gudanis D, Zielińska K, Baranowski D, Kierzek R, Kozłowski P, Gdaniec Z. Impact of a Single Nucleotide Change or Non-Nucleoside Modifications in G-Rich Region on the Quadruplex-Duplex Hybrid Formation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081236. [PMID: 34439902 PMCID: PMC8392043 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a method to discriminate between two target RNA sequences that differ by one nucleotide only is presented. The method relies on the formation of alternative structures, i.e., quadruplex–duplex hybrid (QDH) and duplex with dangling ends (Dss), after hybridization of DNA or RNA G-rich oligonucleotides with target sequences containing 5′–GGGCUGG–3′ or 5′–GGGCGGG–3′ fragments. Using biophysical methods, we studied the effect of oligonucleotide types (DNA, RNA), non-nucleotide modifications (aliphatic linkers or abasic), and covalently attached G4 ligand on the ability of G-rich oligonucleotides to assemble a G-quadruplex motif. We demonstrated that all examined non-nucleotide modifications could mimic the external loops in the G-quadruplex domain of QDH structures without affecting their stability. Additionally, some modifications, in particular the presence of two abasic residues in the G-rich oligonucleotide, can induce the formation of non-canonical QDH instead of the Dss structure upon hybridization to a target sequence containing the GGGCUGG motif. Our results offer new insight into the sequential requirements for the formation of G-quadruplexes and provide important data on the effects of non-nucleotide modifications on G-quadruplex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Gudanis
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (Z.G.); Tel.: +48-61-852-85-03 (ext. 1286) (D.G.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zofia Gdaniec
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (Z.G.); Tel.: +48-61-852-85-03 (ext. 1286) (D.G.)
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15
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Yang M, Carter S, Parmar S, Bume DD, Calabrese DR, Liang X, Yazdani K, Xu M, Liu Z, Thiele CJ, Schneekloth JS. Targeting a noncanonical, hairpin-containing G-quadruplex structure from the MYCN gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7856-7869. [PMID: 34289065 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYCN gene encodes the transcription factor N-Myc, a driver of neuroblastoma (NB). Targeting G-quadruplexes (G4s) with small molecules is attractive strategy to control the expression of undruggable proteins such as N-Myc. However, selective binders to G4s are challenging to identify due to the structural similarity of many G4s. Here, we report the discovery of a small molecule ligand (4) that targets the noncanonical, hairpin containing G4 structure found in the MYCN gene using small molecule microarrays (SMMs). Unlike many G4 binders, the compound was found to bind to a pocket at the base of the hairpin region of the MYCN G4. This compound stabilizes the G4 and has affinity of 3.5 ± 1.6 μM. Moreover, an improved analog, MY-8, suppressed levels of both MYCN and MYCNOS (a lncRNA embedded within the MYCN gene) in NBEB neuroblastoma cells. This work indicates that the approach of targeting complex, hybrid G4 structures that exist throughout the human genome may be an applicable strategy to achieve selectivity for targeting disease-relevant genes including protein coding (MYCN) as well as non-coding (MYCNOS) gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Yang
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Sakereh Carter
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1928, USA
| | - Shaifaly Parmar
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Desta D Bume
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - David R Calabrese
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Xiao Liang
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Kamyar Yazdani
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Man Xu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1928, USA
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1928, USA
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892-1928, USA
| | - John S Schneekloth
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
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Liu LY, Wang KN, Liu W, Zeng YL, Hou MX, Yang J, Mao ZW. Spatial Matching Selectivity and Solution Structure of Organic-Metal Hybrid to Quadruplex-Duplex Hybrid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:20833-20839. [PMID: 34288320 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202106256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The sequence-dependent DNA secondary structures possess structure polymorphism. To date, studies on regulated ligands mainly focus on individual DNA secondary topologies, while lack focus on quadruplex-duplex hybrids (QDHs). Here, we design an organic-metal hybrid ligand L1 Pt(dien), which matches and selectively binds one type of QDHs with lateral duplex stem-loop (QLDH) with high affinity, while shows poor affinity for other QDHs and individual G4 or duplex DNA. The solution structure of QLDH MYT1L-L1 Pt(dien) complex was determined by NMR. The structure reveals that L1 Pt(dien) presents a chair-type conformation, whose large aromatic "chair surface" intercalates into the G-quadruplex-duplex interface via π-π stacking and "backrest" platinum unit interacts with duplex region through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, showing a highly matched lock-key binding mode. Our work provided guidance for spatial matching design of selectively targeting ligands to QDH structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Yi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Kang-Nan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - You-Liang Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Xuan Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
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17
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Vianney YM, Weisz K. First Tandem Repeat of a Potassium Channel KCNN4 Minisatellite Folds into a V-Loop G-Quadruplex Structure. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1337-1346. [PMID: 33844501 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The KCNN4 gene encoding a potassium channel protein whose expression has been correlated with tumor progression was found to comprise a guanine-rich minisatellite region with the ability to form a putative G-quadruplex (G4). Given the suggested regulatory role of G4s in gene expression, G-quadruplex formation for the polymorphic first repeat of the minisatellite was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A stable G-quadruplex of a truncated mutant sequence was shown to represent one of several coexisting species of the wild-type sequence. The high-resolution structure features a noncanonical G4 with a broken G-column and a V-shaped loop. The presence of a 3'-flanking thymidine interacting with the lateral loop preceding the V loop seems to be critical for the formation of this G4 topology. On the contrary, an additional 5'-flanking residue disfavored but still allowed folding into the V-loop structure. The latter may therefore serve as a putative therapeutic target in strategies for G4-based modulation of KCNN4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoanes Maria Vianney
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Strasse 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus Weisz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Strasse 4, D-17487 Greifswald, Germany
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Díaz-Casado L, Serrano-Chacón I, Montalvillo-Jiménez L, Corzana F, Bastida A, Santana AG, González C, Asensio JL. De Novo Design of Selective Quadruplex-Duplex Junction Ligands and Structural Characterisation of Their Binding Mode: Targeting the G4 Hot-Spot. Chemistry 2021; 27:6204-6212. [PMID: 33368678 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202005026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the interface between DNA quadruplex and duplex regions by small molecules holds significant promise in both therapeutics and nanotechnology. Herein, a new pharmacophore is reported, which selectively binds with high affinity to quadruplex-duplex junctions, while presenting a poorer affinity for G-quadruplex or duplex DNA alone. Ligands complying with the reported pharmacophore exhibit a significant affinity and selectivity for quadruplex-duplex junctions, including the one observed in the HIV-1 LTR-III sequence. The structure of the complex between a quadruplex-duplex junction with a ligand of this family has been determined by NMR methods. According to these data, the remarkable selectivity of this structural motif for quadruplex-duplex junctions is achieved through an unprecedented interaction mode so far unexploited in medicinal and biological chemistry: the insertion of a benzylic ammonium moiety into the centre of the partially exposed G-tetrad at the interface with the duplex. Further decoration of the described scaffolds with additional fragments opens up the road to the development of selective ligands for G-quadruplex-forming regions of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Díaz-Casado
- Glycochemistry and Molecular Recognition group-Dpt. Bio-Organic Chemistry, Instituto de Química Orgánica General (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Serrano-Chacón
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano (IQFR-CSIC), Serrano 119., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Montalvillo-Jiménez
- Glycochemistry and Molecular Recognition group-Dpt. Bio-Organic Chemistry, Instituto de Química Orgánica General (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Corzana
- Department of Chemistry, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química, Universidad de La Rioja, Madre de Dios, 53., 26006, Logroño, Spain
| | - Agatha Bastida
- Glycochemistry and Molecular Recognition group-Dpt. Bio-Organic Chemistry, Instituto de Química Orgánica General (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés G Santana
- Glycochemistry and Molecular Recognition group-Dpt. Bio-Organic Chemistry, Instituto de Química Orgánica General (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos González
- Instituto de Química-Física Rocasolano (IQFR-CSIC), Serrano 119., 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Asensio
- Glycochemistry and Molecular Recognition group-Dpt. Bio-Organic Chemistry, Instituto de Química Orgánica General (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3., 28006, Madrid, Spain
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