1
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Tao S, Run Y, Monchaud D, Zhang W. i-Motif DNA: identification, formation, and cellular functions. Trends Genet 2024:S0168-9525(24)00133-1. [PMID: 38902139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
An i-motif (iM) is a four-stranded (quadruplex) DNA structure that folds from cytosine (C)-rich sequences. iMs can fold under many different conditions in vitro, which paves the way for their formation in living cells. iMs are thought to play key roles in various DNA transactions, notably in the regulation of genome stability, gene transcription, mRNA translation, DNA replication, telomere and centromere functions, and human diseases. We summarize the different techniques used to assess the folding of iMs in vitro and provide an overview of the internal and external factors that affect their formation and stability in vivo. We describe the possible biological relevance of iMs and propose directions towards their use as target in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shentong Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Yonghang Run
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 6302, Université Bourgogne Franche Comté (UBFC), Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production (CIC-MCP), Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.
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2
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Laigre E, Bonnet H, Beauvineau C, Lavergne T, Verga D, Defrancq E, Dejeu J, Teulade-Fichou MP. Systematic Evaluation of Benchmark G4 Probes and G4 Clinical Drugs using three Biophysical Methods: A Guideline to Evaluate Rapidly G4-Binding Affinity. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400210. [PMID: 38619969 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400210] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNA structures (G4) are proven to interfere with most genetic and epigenetic processes. Small molecules binding these structures (G4 ligands) are invaluable tools to probe G4-biology and address G4-druggability in various diseases (cancer, viral infections). However, the large number of reported G4 ligands (>1000) could lead to confusion while selecting one for a given application. Herein we conducted a systematic affinity ranking of 11 popular G4 ligands vs 5 classical G4 sequences using FRET-melting, G4-FID assays and SPR. Interestingly SPR data globally align with the rankings obtained from the two semi-quantitative assays despite discrepancies due to limits and characteristics of each assay. In the whole, PhenDC3 emerges as the most potent binder irrespective of the G4 sequence. Immediately below PDS, PDC-360A, BRACO19, TMPyP4 and RHPS4 feature strong to medium binding again with poor G4 topology discrimination. More strikingly, the G4 drugs Quarfloxin, CX5461 and c-PDS exhibit weak affinity with all G4s studied. Finally, NMM and Cu-ttpy showed heterogeneous behaviors due, in part, to their physicochemical particularities poorly compatible with screening conditions. The remarkable properties of PhenDC3 led us to propose its use for benchmarking FRET-melting and G4-FID assays for rapid G4-affinity evaluation of newly developed ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Laigre
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - H Bonnet
- DCM, UMR 5250, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 Rue de la Chimie, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - C Beauvineau
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - T Lavergne
- DCM, UMR 5250, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 Rue de la Chimie, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - D Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - E Defrancq
- DCM, UMR 5250, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 Rue de la Chimie, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - J Dejeu
- DCM, UMR 5250, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 570 Rue de la Chimie, 38000, Grenoble, France
- SUPMICROTECH, Université Franche-Comté, CNRS, Institut FEMTO-ST, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - M-P Teulade-Fichou
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
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3
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Liu W, He X, Zhu Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Li P, Pan J, Wang J, Chu B, Yang G, Zhang M, He Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang C. Identification of a conserved G-quadruplex within the E165R of African swine fever virus (ASFV) as a potential antiviral target. J Biol Chem 2024:107453. [PMID: 38852886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a double-stranded DNA arbovirus with high transmissibility and mortality rates. It has caused immense economic losses to the global pig industry. Currently, no effective vaccines or medications are to combat ASFV infection. G-quadruplex (G4) structures have attracted increasing interest because of their regulatory role in vital biological processes. In this study, we identified a conserved G-rich sequence within the E165R gene of ASFV. Subsequently, using various methods, we verified that this sequence could fold into a parallel G-quadruplex (G4). In addition, the G4-stabilizers pyridostatin (PDS) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphin (TMPyP4) can bind and stabilize this G4 structure, thereby inhibiting E165R gene expression, and the inhibitory effect is associated with G4 formation. Moreover, the G4 ligand PDS substantially impeded ASFV proliferation in Vero cells by reducing gene copy number and viral protein expression. These compelling findings suggest that G4 structures may represent a promising and novel antiviral target against ASFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xinglin He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Yance Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Jiajia Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Beibei Chu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guoyu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Mengjia Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Qigai He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Wentao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan430070, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Growth and Development of Henan Province, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Troisi R, Sica F. Structural overview of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes in their interaction with proteins. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102846. [PMID: 38848656 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Since the discovery of G-quadruplex (G4) participation in vital cellular processes, the regulation of the interaction of naturally occurring G4s with the relative target proteins has emerged as a promising approach for therapeutic development. Additionally, a synthetic strategy has produced several oligonucleotide aptamers, embodying a G4 module, which exhibit relevant biological activity by binding selectively to a target protein. In this context, the G4-protein structures available in the Protein Data Bank represent a valuable molecular view of the different G4 topologies involved in protein interaction. Interestingly, recent results have showed the co-existence of G4s with other structural domains such as duplexes. Overall, these findings allow a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate intricate biological functions and suggest new design for innovative medical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Troisi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy. https://twitter.com/TroRom
| | - Filomena Sica
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant'Angelo, via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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Cammas A, Desprairies A, Dassi E, Millevoi S. The shaping of mRNA translation plasticity by RNA G-quadruplexes in cancer progression and therapy resistance. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae025. [PMID: 38828391 PMCID: PMC11140630 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational reprogramming in response to oncogenic signaling or microenvironmental stress factors shapes the proteome of cancer cells, enabling adaptation and phenotypic changes underlying cell plasticity, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy. Among the mechanisms regulating translation are RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s), non-canonical four-stranded structures whose conformational modulation by small molecule ligands and RNA-binding proteins affects the expression of cancer proteins. Here, we discuss the role of RG4s in the regulation of mRNA translation by focusing on paradigmatic examples showing their contribution to adaptive mechanisms of mRNA translation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cammas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Desprairies
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
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6
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Lee YW, Weissbein U, Blum R, Lee JT. G-quadruplex folding in Xist RNA antagonizes PRC2 activity for stepwise regulation of X chromosome inactivation. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1870-1885.e9. [PMID: 38759625 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.04.015] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
How Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is regulated by RNA remains an unsolved problem. Although PRC2 binds G-tracts with the potential to form RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), whether rG4s fold extensively in vivo and whether PRC2 binds folded or unfolded rG4 are unknown. Using the X-inactivation model in mouse embryonic stem cells, here we identify multiple folded rG4s in Xist RNA and demonstrate that PRC2 preferentially binds folded rG4s. High-affinity rG4 binding inhibits PRC2's histone methyltransferase activity, and stabilizing rG4 in vivo antagonizes H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) enrichment on the inactive X chromosome. Surprisingly, mutagenizing the rG4 does not affect PRC2 recruitment but promotes its release and catalytic activation on chromatin. H3K27me3 marks are misplaced, however, and gene silencing is compromised. Xist-PRC2 complexes become entrapped in the S1 chromosome compartment, precluding the required translocation into the S2 compartment. Thus, Xist rG4 folding controls PRC2 activity, H3K27me3 enrichment, and the stepwise regulation of chromosome-wide gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Woo Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Uri Weissbein
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Roy Blum
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeannie T Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Kallweit L, Hamlett ED, Saternos H, Gilmore A, Granholm AC, Horowitz S. A New Role for RNA G-quadruplexes in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.02.560545. [PMID: 37873355 PMCID: PMC10592952 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the world population ages, new molecular targets in aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are needed to combat the expected influx of new AD cases. Until now, the role of RNA structure in aging and neurodegeneration has largely remained unexplored. METHODS In this study, we examined human hippocampal postmortem tissue for the formation of RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) in aging and AD. RESULTS We found that rG4 immunostaining strongly increased in the hippocampus with both age and with AD severity. We further found that neurons with accumulation of phospho-tau immunostaining contained rG4s, that rG4 structure can drive tau aggregation, and that rG4 staining density depended on APOE genotype in the human tissue examined. DISCUSSION Combined with previous studies showing the dependence of rG4 structure on stress and the extreme power of rG4s at oligomerizing proteins, we propose a model of neurodegeneration in which chronic rG4 formation drives proteostasis collapse. We propose that further investigation of RNA structure in neurodegeneration is a critical avenue for future treatments and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kallweit
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, 2155 E Wesley Ave, Denver, CO 80208, USA
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
| | - Hannah Saternos
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, P15-5112, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Anah Gilmore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, P15-5112, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, P15-5112, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Scott Horowitz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, 2155 E Wesley Ave, Denver, CO 80208, USA
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8
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Chen J, Liu Z, Fang H, Su Q, Fan Y, Song L, He S. Therapeutic efficacy of a novel self-assembled immunostimulatory siRNA combining apoptosis promotion with RIG-I activation in gliomas. J Transl Med 2024; 22:395. [PMID: 38685028 PMCID: PMC11057130 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05151-5] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current cancer therapies often fall short in addressing the complexities of malignancies, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. RNA interference technology, which specifically suppresses gene expression, offers a promising new approach in the fight against tumors. Recent studies have identified a novel immunostimulatory small-interfering RNA (siRNA) with a unique sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) capable of activating the RIG-I/IRF3 signaling pathway. This activation induces the release of type I and III interferons, leading to an effective antiviral immune response. However, this class of immunostimulatory siRNA has not yet been explored in cancer therapy. METHODS IsiBCL-2, an innovative immunostimulatory siRNA designed to suppress the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), contains a distinctive motif (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG). Glioblastoma cells were subjected to 100 nM isiBCL-2 treatment in vitro for 48 h. Morphological changes, cell viability (CCK-8 assay), proliferation (colony formation assay), migration/invasion (scratch test and Transwell assay), apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess RIG-I and MHC-I molecule levels, and ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of cytokines (IFN-β and CXCL10). In vivo heterogeneous tumor models were established, and the anti-tumor effect of isiBCL-2 was confirmed through intratumoral injection. RESULTS IsiBCL-2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on glioblastoma cell growth and induced apoptosis. BCL-2 mRNA levels were significantly decreased by 67.52%. IsiBCL-2 treatment resulted in an apoptotic rate of approximately 51.96%, accompanied by a 71.76% reduction in MMP and a 41.87% increase in ROS accumulation. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated increased levels of RIG-I, MAVS, and MHC-I following isiBCL-2 treatment. ELISA tests indicated a significant increase in IFN-β and CXCL10 levels. In vivo studies using nude mice confirmed that isiBCL-2 effectively impeded the growth and progression of glioblastoma tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study introduces an innovative method to induce innate signaling by incorporating an immunostimulatory sequence (sense strand, 5'-C; antisense strand, 3'-GGG) into siRNA, resulting in the formation of RNA dimers through Hoogsteen base-pairing. This activation triggers the RIG-I signaling pathway in tumor cells, causing further damage and inducing a potent immune response. This inventive design and application of immunostimulatory siRNA offer a novel perspective on tumor immunotherapy, holding significant implications for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiting Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiqi Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Luyao Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Davodabadi F, Farasati Far B, Sargazi S, Fatemeh Sajjadi S, Fathi-Karkan S, Mirinejad S, Ghotekar S, Sargazi S, Rahman MM. Nanomaterials-Based Targeting of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer: A Cutting-Edge Review of Current Trends. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300528. [PMID: 38267373 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300528] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
This review article spotlights the burgeoning potential of using nanotherapeutic strategies to target long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer cells. This updated discourse underlines the prominent role of lncRNAs in instigating cancer, facilitating its progression, and metastasis, validating lncRNAs' potential for being effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The manuscript offers an in-depth examination of different strategies presently employed to modulate lncRNA expression and function for therapeutic purposes. Among these strategies, Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA interference (RNAi) technologies, and the innovative clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing tools garner noteworthy mention. A significant section of the review is dedicated to nanocarriers and their crucial role in drug delivery. These nanocarriers' efficiency in targeting lncRNAs in varied types of cancers is elaborated upon, validating the importance of targeted therapy. The manuscript culminates by reaffirming the promising prospects of targeting lncRNAs to enhance the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and improve treatment efficacy. Consequently, new paths are opened to more research and innovation in employing nanotherapeutic approaches against lncRNAs in cancer cells. Thus, this comprehensive manuscript serves as a valuable resource that underscores the vital role of lncRNAs and the various nano-strategies for targeting them in cancer treatment. Future research should also focus on unraveling the complex regulatory networks involving lncRNAs and identifying fundamental functional interactions to refine therapeutic strategies targeting lncRNAs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davodabadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Farasati Far
- Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Fatemeh Sajjadi
- School of Biological Science, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sonia Fathi-Karkan
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, 9453155166, Iran
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Medicine, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, 9414974877, Iran
| | - Shekoufeh Mirinejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Suresh Ghotekar
- Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sara Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammed M Rahman
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR) & Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Chery M, Berrissou C, Humbert N, Hummel G, Mely Y, Salinas-Giegé T, Drouard L. The Arabidopsis tDR Ala forms G-quadruplex structures that can be unwound by the DExH1 DEA(D/H)-box RNA helicase. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:124-140. [PMID: 38113339 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
As in many other organisms, tRNA-derived RNAs (tDRs) exist in plants and likely have multiple functions. We previously showed that tDRs are present in Arabidopsis under normal growth conditions, and that the ones originating from alanine tRNAs are the most abundant in leaves. We also showed that tDRs Ala of 20 nt produced from mature tRNAAla (AGC) can block in vitro protein translation. Here, we report that first, these tDRs Ala (AGC) can be found within peculiar foci in the cell that are neither P-bodies nor stress granules and, second, that they assemble into intermolecular RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures. Such tDR Ala rG4 structures can specifically interact with an Arabidopsis DEA(D/H) RNA helicase, the DExH1 protein, and unwind them. The rG4-DExH1 protein interaction relies on a glycine-arginine domain with RGG/RG/GR/GRR motifs present at the N-terminal extremity of the protein. Mutations on the four guanine residues located at the 5' extremity of the tDR Ala abolish its rG4 structure assembly, association with the DExH1 protein, and foci formation, but they do not prevent protein translation inhibition in vitro. Our data suggest that the sequestration of tDRs Ala into rG4 complexes might represent a way to modulate accessible and functional tDRs for translation inhibition within the plant cell via the activity of a specific RNA helicase, DExH1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Chery
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes - CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du général Zimmer, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christina Berrissou
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes - CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du général Zimmer, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Humbert
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - CNRS, UMR 7021, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Guillaume Hummel
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes - CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du général Zimmer, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Mely
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - CNRS, UMR 7021, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Thalia Salinas-Giegé
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes - CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du général Zimmer, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Drouard
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes - CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue du général Zimmer, F-67084, Strasbourg, France
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11
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Breunig K, Lei X, Montalbano M, Guardia GDA, Ostadrahimi S, Alers V, Kosti A, Chiou J, Klein N, Vinarov C, Wang L, Li M, Song W, Kraus WL, Libich DS, Tiziani S, Weintraub ST, Galante PAF, Penalva LOF. SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and is present in PARylation-dependent protein complexes regulating splicing, cell division, and ribosome biogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586270. [PMID: 38585848 PMCID: PMC10996453 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are present in diverse molecular complexes where they function as dynamic regulators. Their characteristics promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles such as stress granules and nucleoli. IDR-RBPs are particularly relevant in the nervous system and their dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor development. SERBP1 is a unique member of this group, being mostly disordered and lacking canonical RNA-binding domains. Using a proteomics approach followed by functional analysis, we defined SERBP1's interactome. We uncovered novel SERBP1 roles in splicing, cell division, and ribosomal biogenesis and showed its participation in pathological stress granules and Tau aggregates in Alzheimer's disease brains. SERBP1 preferentially interacts with other G-quadruplex (G4) binders, implicated in different stages of gene expression, suggesting that G4 binding is a critical component of SERBP1 function in different settings. Similarly, we identified important associations between SERBP1 and PARP1/polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation). SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and its associated factors and influences PARylation. Moreover, protein complexes in which SERBP1 participates contain mostly PARylated proteins and PAR binders. Based on these results, we propose a feedback regulatory model in which SERBP1 influences PARP1 function and PARylation, while PARylation modulates SERBP1 functions and participation in regulatory complexes.
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12
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Bhatt U, Cucchiarini A, Luo Y, Evans CW, Mergny JL, Iyer KS, Smith NM. Preferential formation of Z-RNA over intercalated motifs in long noncoding RNA. Genome Res 2024; 34:217-230. [PMID: 38355305 PMCID: PMC10984386 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278236.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Secondary structure is a principal determinant of lncRNA function, predominantly regarding scaffold formation and interfaces with target molecules. Noncanonical secondary structures that form in nucleic acids have known roles in regulating gene expression and include G-quadruplexes (G4s), intercalated motifs (iMs), and R-loops (RLs). In this paper, we used the computational tools G4-iM Grinder and QmRLFS-finder to predict the formation of each of these structures throughout the lncRNA transcriptome in comparison to protein-coding transcripts. The importance of the predicted structures in lncRNAs in biological contexts was assessed by combining our results with publicly available lncRNA tissue expression data followed by pathway analysis. The formation of predicted G4 (pG4) and iM (piM) structures in select lncRNA sequences was confirmed in vitro using biophysical experiments under near-physiological conditions. We find that the majority of the tested pG4s form highly stable G4 structures, and identify many previously unreported G4s in biologically important lncRNAs. In contrast, none of the piM sequences are able to form iM structures, consistent with the idea that RNA is unable to form stable iMs. Unexpectedly, these C-rich sequences instead form Z-RNA structures, which have not been previously observed in regions containing cytosine repeats and represent an interesting and underexplored target for protein-RNA interactions. Our results highlight the prevalence and potential structure-associated functions of noncanonical secondary structures in lncRNAs, and show G4 and Z-RNA structure formation in many lncRNA sequences for the first time, furthering the understanding of the structure-function relationship in lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uditi Bhatt
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Yu Luo
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia;
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13
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Zhang K, Nie Q, Chi-Kong Lau T, Kit Kwok C. Rational Design of L-RNA Aptamer-Peptide Conjugate for Efficient Cell Uptake and G-quadruplex-Mediated Gene Control. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202310798. [PMID: 38156978 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310798] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (D-rG4s) are prevalent in the transcriptome and play crucial regulatory roles in various biological processes. Recently, L-RNA aptamers have been reported to recognize functional rG4s with a strong binding affinity and specificity. However, owing to the poor cell penetration capacity of L-RNA aptamers, their biological applications are currently limited. Herein, we rationally design an L-RNA aptamer-peptide conjugate, Tamra_Ahx_R8_L-Apt.4-1c, which can efficiently translocate into the cytosol and target the rG4 of interest. Notably, we demonstrate diverse regulatory roles of Tamra_Ahx_R8_L-Apt.4-1c on rG4 motif present in different regions of mRNAs and further expand the application in different cell lines. Our novel and biocompatible conjugate enhances the cellular uptake of the L-RNA aptamer, and our robust strategy enables non-canonical RNA structures to be targeted by L-RNA aptamers for gene control in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Qichang Nie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Terrence Chi-Kong Lau
- Shenzhen Research Institute of, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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14
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Kharel P, Ivanov P. RNA G-quadruplexes and stress: emerging mechanisms and functions. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00005-9. [PMID: 38341346 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.01.005] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are noncanonical secondary structures formed by guanine-rich sequences that are found in different regions of RNA molecules. These structures have been implicated in diverse biological processes, including translation, splicing, and RNA stability. Recent studies have suggested that rG4s play a role in the cellular response to stress. This review summarizes the current knowledge on rG4s under stress, focusing on their formation, regulation, and potential functions in stress response pathways. We discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation of rG4 under different stress conditions and the impact of these structures on RNA metabolism, gene expression, and cell survival. Finally, we highlight the potential therapeutic implications of targeting rG4s for the treatment of stress-related diseases through modulating cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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15
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Singha Roy A, Majumder S, Saha P. Stable RNA G-Quadruplex in the 5'-UTR of Human cIAP1 mRNA Promotes Translation in an IRES-Independent Manner. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38334276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures can influence the fate and functions of mRNAs, especially the translation process. The presence of rG4 structures in 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) of mRNAs generally represses translation. However, rG4 structures can also promote internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation as one of its determinants. Here, we report the identification of an evolutionary conserved rG4-forming sequence motif at the extreme 5'-end of the unusually long 5'-UTR (1.7 kb) in the transcript of human cIAP1 gene encoding the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 that promotes cell survival by suppressing apoptosis and is overexpressed in various cancer cells. Expectedly, NMR study, CD spectroscopy, and UV melting assay confirm the formation of a potassium ion-dependent intramolecular and parallel rG4 structure at the sequence stretch. Moreover, the G4-RNA-specific precipitation using biotin-linked biomimetic BioCyTASQ validates the formation of the rG4 structure in the cIAP1 5'-UTR in cells. Interestingly, disruption of the rG4 structure in the cIAP1 5'-UTR results in a dramatic reduction in translation of the downstream luciferase reporter in cells, suggesting a translation-promoting effect of the rG4 structure, contrary to many earlier reports. Furthermore, enhancement of translation by the cIAP1 rG4 structure occurs in an IRES-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Singha Roy
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Subhabrata Majumder
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
- Biophysics and Structural Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Partha Saha
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Biophysical Sciences Group, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
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16
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Sahayasheela VJ, Sugiyama H. RNA G-quadruplex in functional regulation of noncoding RNA: Challenges and emerging opportunities. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:53-70. [PMID: 37909035 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.08.010] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable, noncanonical structures formed in guanine (G)-rich sequences of DNA/RNA. G4 structures are reported to play a regulatory role in various cellular processes and, recently, a considerable number of studies have attributed new biological functions to these structures, especially in RNA. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA), which does not translate into a functional protein, is widely expressed and has been shown to play a key role in shaping cellular activity. There has been growing evidence of G4 formation in several ncRNA classes, and it has been identified as a key part for diverse biological functions and physio-pathological contexts in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review discusses RNA G4s (rG4s) in ncRNA, focusing on the molecular mechanism underlying its function. This review also aims to highlight potential and emerging opportunities to identify and target the rG4s in ncRNA to understand its function and, ultimately, treat many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh J Sahayasheela
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomaecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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17
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De Rache A, Marquevielle J, Bouaziz S, Vialet B, Andreola ML, Mergny JL, Amrane S. Structure of a DNA G-quadruplex that Modulates SP1 Binding Sites Architecture in HIV-1 Promoter. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168359. [PMID: 37952768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168359] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid sequences containing guanine tracts are able to form non-canonical DNA or RNA structures known as G-quadruplexes (or G4s). These structures, based on the stacking of G-tetrads, are involved in various biological processes such as gene expression regulation. Here, we investigated a G4 forming sequence, HIVpro2, derived from the HIV-1 promoter. This motif is located 60 nucleotides upstream of the proviral Transcription Starting Site (TSS) and overlaps with two SP1 transcription factor binding sites. Using NMR spectroscopy, we determined that HIVpro2 forms a hybrid type G4 structure with a core that is interrupted by a single nucleotide bulge. An additional reverse-Hoogsteen AT base pair is stacked on top of the tetrad. SP1 transcription factor is known to regulate transcription activity of many genes through the recognition of Guanine-rich duplex motifs. Here, the formation of HIVpro2 G4 may modulate SP1 binding sites architecture by competing with the formation of the canonical duplex structure. Such DNA structural switch potentially participates to the regulation of viral transcription and may also interfere with HIV-1 reactivation or viral latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore De Rache
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France; Department of Chemistry, U. Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, B5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Julien Marquevielle
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Brune Vialet
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Line Andreola
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; MFP Laboratory, UMR5234, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique & Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Samir Amrane
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, IECB, Bordeaux, France.
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18
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Sale JE, Stoddard BL. Fifty years of Nucleic Acids Research. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1-3. [PMID: 38178306 PMCID: PMC10783492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julian E Sale
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Barry L Stoddard
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle WA 98109, USA
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19
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Robinson J, Stenspil SG, Maleckaite K, Bartlett M, Di Antonio M, Vilar R, Kuimova MK. Cellular Visualization of G-Quadruplex RNA via Fluorescence- Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:1009-1018. [PMID: 38151240 PMCID: PMC10786036 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, appreciation of the roles of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in cellular regulation and maintenance has rapidly grown, making the establishment of robust methods to visualize G4s increasingly important. Fluorescent probes are commonly used for G4 detection in vitro; however, achieving sufficient selectivity to detect G4s in a dense and structurally diverse cellular environment is challenging. The use of fluorescent probes for G4 detection is further complicated by variations of probe uptake into cells, which may affect fluorescence intensity independently of G4 abundance. In this work, we report an alternative small-molecule approach to visualize G4s that does not rely on fluorescence intensity switch-on and, thus, does not require the use of molecules with exclusive G4 binding selectivity. Specifically, we have developed a novel thiazole orange derivative, TOR-G4, that exhibits a unique fluorescence lifetime when bound to G4s compared to other structures, allowing G4 binding to be sensitively distinguished from non-G4 binding, independent of the local probe concentration. Furthermore, TOR-G4 primarily colocalizes with RNA in the cytoplasm and nucleoli of cells, making it the first lifetime-based probe validated for exploring the emerging roles of RNA G4s in cellulo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Robinson
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Stine G. Stenspil
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Karolina Maleckaite
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Molly Bartlett
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Ramon Vilar
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Marina K. Kuimova
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Science Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
- Molecular
Science Research Hub, Institute of Chemical
Biology, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
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20
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Mitteaux J, Raevens S, Wang Z, Pirrotta M, Valverde IE, Hudson RHE, Monchaud D. PhpC modulates G-quadruplex-RNA landscapes in human cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:424-427. [PMID: 38086624 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05155b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Stabilizing DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) using small molecules (ligands) has proven an efficient strategy to decipher G4 biology. Quite paradoxically, this search has also highlighted the need for finding molecules able to disrupt G4s to tackle G4-associated cellular dysfunctions. We report here on both qualitative and quantitative investigations that validate the G4-RNA-destabilizing properties of the leading compound PhpC in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Sandy Raevens
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Marc Pirrotta
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Ibai E Valverde
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
| | - Robert H E Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, 9, avenue Alain Savary, Dijon 21078, France.
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21
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Kharel P, Ivanov P. Identification of bona fide RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins. Methods Enzymol 2023; 695:255-274. [PMID: 38521588 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
RNAs often accomplish their diverse functions through direct interactions with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in a sequence- and/or structure-dependent manner. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are unique secondary structures formed by guanine-rich RNA sequences which impact RNA function independently and in combination with RBPs. Efforts from several labs have identified dozens of rG4 specific RBPs (rG4BPs), although the research is still in the growing phase. Here we present methods for the systematic identification of rG4BPs using a pull-down approach that takes advantage of the chemical modification of guanine bases. This allows abolishing the rG4 structures while still maintaining the base composition intact, and hence helps in recognizing true rG4BPS (in contrast to G-rich motif binders). In combination with other biochemical assays, such an approach can be efficiently used for the identification and characterization of bona fide rG4BPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
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22
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Raguseo F, Wang Y, Li J, Petrić Howe M, Balendra R, Huyghebaert A, Vadukul DM, Tanase DA, Maher TE, Malouf L, Rubio-Sánchez R, Aprile FA, Elani Y, Patani R, Di Michele L, Di Antonio M. The ALS/FTD-related C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion forms RNA condensates through multimolecular G-quadruplexes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8272. [PMID: 38092738 PMCID: PMC10719400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43872-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are neurodegenerative diseases that exist on a clinico-pathogenetic spectrum, designated ALS/FTD. The most common genetic cause of ALS/FTD is expansion of the intronic hexanucleotide repeat (GGGGCC)n in C9orf72. Here, we investigate the formation of nucleic acid secondary structures in these expansion repeats, and their role in generating condensates characteristic of ALS/FTD. We observe significant aggregation of the hexanucleotide sequence (GGGGCC)n, which we associate to the formation of multimolecular G-quadruplexes (mG4s) by using a range of biophysical techniques. Exposing the condensates to G4-unfolding conditions leads to prompt disassembly, highlighting the key role of mG4-formation in the condensation process. We further validate the biological relevance of our findings by detecting an increased prevalence of G4-structures in C9orf72 mutant human motor neurons when compared to healthy motor neurons by staining with a G4-selective fluorescent probe, revealing signal in putative condensates. Our findings strongly suggest that RNA G-rich repetitive sequences can form protein-free condensates sustained by multimolecular G-quadruplexes, highlighting their potential relevance as therapeutic targets for C9orf72 mutation-related ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Raguseo
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yiran Wang
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jessica Li
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Marija Petrić Howe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rubika Balendra
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anouk Huyghebaert
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Devkee M Vadukul
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Diana A Tanase
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Thomas E Maher
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Layla Malouf
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Yuval Elani
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemical Engineering, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK.
| | - Marco Di Antonio
- Imperial College London, Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- Imperial College London, Institute of Chemical Biology, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 82 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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23
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Dong Y, Hu MH. Discovery of a minimalistic DIE-based fluorescent probe for detection of parallel G-quadruplex forms. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106879. [PMID: 37748327 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106879] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are considered to be involved in some key biological processes, leading to the development of a large number of G4 fluorescent probes, which offer possibilities to study G4 dynamics as well as their biological roles. However, the structures of G4s show high polymorphism, which can be classified into parallel, hybrid and antiparallel forms, and the probes targeting a certain topology are limited. In this study, we have developed a minimalistic fluorescent probe by exploiting the disaggregation-induced emission (DIE) principle. The further studies demonstrated that this probe exhibited promising selectivity toward parallel DNA and RNA G4 forms in vitro. Moreover, it was found that this probe could be applied to map the RNA G4s that always form into parallel topologies in live cells, which distinguished it from other reported DIE-based probes that often targeted the mitochondrial or nuclear DNA G4s. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first DIE-based fluorescent probe for mapping cellular RNA G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Dong
- School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519041, China; Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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24
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Xie C, Zhang X, Pei W, Sun J, Shang H, Huang Z, Wang M, Wang D, Wang G, Gui Z, Liu S, Li F, Wei D. G-quadruplex in the TMV Genome Regulates Viral Proliferation and Acts as Antiviral Target of Photodynamic Therapy. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011796. [PMID: 38060599 PMCID: PMC10760922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011796] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant viruses seriously disrupt crop growth and development, and classic protein-targeted antiviral drugs could not provide complete protection against them. It is urgent to develop antiviral compounds with novel targets. Photodynamic therapy shows potential in controlling agricultural pests, but nonselective damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) unexpectedly affects healthy tissues. A G-quadruplex (G4)-forming sequence in the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) genome was identified to interfere the RNA replication in vitro, and affect the proliferation of TMV in tobacco. N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX stabilizing the G4 structure exhibited inhibition against viral proliferation, which was comparable to the inhibition effect of ribavirin. This indicated that G4 could work as an antiviral target. The large conjugate planes shared by G4 ligands and photosensitizers (PSs) remind us that the PSs could work as antiviral agents by targeting G4 in the genome of TMV. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) was identified to stabilize the G4 structure in the dark and selectively cleave the G4 sequence by producing ROS upon LED-light irradiation, leading to 92.2% inhibition against TMV in vivo, which is higher than that of commercial ningnanmycin. The inhibition of Ce6 was lost against the mutant variants lacking the G4-forming sequence. These findings indicated that the G-quadruplex in the TMV genome worked as an important structural element regulating viral proliferation, and could act as the antiviral target of photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congbao Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and National Safety Laboratory of Veterinary Drug (HZAU), MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianpeng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenyue Pei
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ju Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and National Safety Laboratory of Veterinary Drug (HZAU), MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongqi Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyuan Huang
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengxi Wang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Daozhong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and National Safety Laboratory of Veterinary Drug (HZAU), MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guiqian Wang
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhikun Gui
- College of Chemistry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- College of Chemistry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Li
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dengguo Wei
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and National Safety Laboratory of Veterinary Drug (HZAU), MOA Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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25
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Ji D, Yuan JH, Chen SB, Tan JH, Kwok C. Selective targeting of parallel G-quadruplex structure using L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11439-11452. [PMID: 37870474 PMCID: PMC10681708 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are special nucleic acid structures with diverse conformational polymorphisms. Selective targeting of G-quadruplex conformations and regulating their biological functions provide promising therapeutic intervention. Despite the large repertoire of G4-binding tools, only a limited number of them can specifically target a particular G4 conformation. Here, we introduce a novel method, G4-SELEX-Seq and report the development of the first L-RNA aptamer, L-Apt12-6, with high binding selectivity to parallel G4 over other nucleic acid structures. Using parallel dG4 c-kit 1 as an example, we demonstrate the strong binding affinity between L-Apt12-6 and c-kit 1 dG4 in vitro and in cells, and notably report the applications of L-Apt12-6 in controlling DNA replication and gene expression. Our results suggest that L-Apt12-6 is a valuable tool for targeting parallel G-quadruplex conformation and regulating G4-mediated biological processes. Furthermore, G4-SELEX-Seq can be used as a general platform for G4-targeting L-RNA aptamers selection and should be applicable to other nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Hao Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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26
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Turcotte MA, Bolduc F, Vannutelli A, Mitteaux J, Monchaud D, Perreault JP. Development of a highly optimized procedure for the discovery of RNA G-quadruplexes by combining several strategies. Biochimie 2023; 214:24-32. [PMID: 37479077 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.014] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical secondary structures that are formed by the self-association of guanine quartets and that are stabilized by monovalent cations (e.g. potassium). rG4s are key elements in several post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, including both messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA processing, mRNA transport and translation, to name but a few examples. Over the past few years, multiple high-throughput approaches have been developed in order to identify rG4s, including bioinformatic prediction, in vitro assays and affinity capture experiments coupled to RNA sequencing. Each individual approach had its limits, and thus yielded only a fraction of the potential rG4 that are further confirmed (i.e., there is a significant level of false positive). This report aims to benefit from the strengths of several existing approaches to identify rG4s with a high potential of being folded in cells. Briefly, rG4s were pulled-down from cell lysates using the biotinylated biomimetic G4 ligand BioTASQ and the sequences thus isolated were then identified by RNA sequencing. Then, a novel bioinformatic pipeline that included DESeq2 to identify rG4 enriched transcripts, MACS2 to identify rG4 peaks, rG4-seq to increase rG4 formation probability and G4RNA Screener to detect putative rG4s was performed. This workflow uncovers new rG4 candidates whose rG4-folding was then confirmed in vitro using an array of established biophysical methods. Clearly, this workflow led to the identification of novel rG4s in a highly specific and reliable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Turcotte
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - François Bolduc
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Anaïs Vannutelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jérémie Mitteaux
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, CNRS, UMR 6302, Dijon, 21078, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Perreault
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Pavillon de Recherche Appliquée sur le Cancer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1E 4K8, Canada.
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27
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Zarudnaya MI, Potyahaylo AL, Kolomiets IM, Gorb LG. Structural diversity of the region encompassing DIS, SD and Psi hairpins in HIV and SIV genomes. Virus Res 2023; 336:199197. [PMID: 37574135 PMCID: PMC10483063 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated in silico the secondary structure of the region encompassing DIS, SD and Psi hairpins in HIV-1 genomes of rare groups N, O and P, HIV-2 genomes and SIV genomes from chimpanzees, gorillas and monkeys. We found that the structure of this region in SIVcpzptt genomes of the 1st and the 2nd clusters is similar to that in HIV-1 genomes of groups M and N, respectively. Further, the structure of the region encompassing DIS, SD and Psi hairpins is similar in HIV-1 genomes of groups O and P and SIVgor genomes. Here we report that the DIS hairpin and truncated Psi hairpin are conserved in all HIV-1 and SIVcpz/gor genomes studied, while only the sequence of the splice donor site, but not the architecture of the SD hairpin involving this signal is conserved in HIV-1N/O/P and SIVcpz/gor genomes. A study on the 5' leader structure in genomes of 28 different SIV lineages infecting monkeys showed that the domain closed by U5-AUG duplex can form in all these genomes. This domain mainly consists of 2 subdomains, one of which includes the signal PBS (PBS subdomain) and another contains a putative DIS hairpin (DIS subdomain). DIS subdomains contain 1-8 hairpins. None of them is similar to those in HIV-1 or SIVcpz/gor genomes. The palindrome GUGCAC was found only in SIVdrl/mnd-2, the GACGC-GCGUC duplex (Sakuragi et al., 2012) - only in SIVrcm/drl/mnd-2 and a putative 5' G-quadruplex - in SIVdeb/drl/rcm/stm genomes. In genomes of eight SIV lineages, DIS hairpin has palindrome UGCGCA. Studies on the 5' leader in 64 HIV-2 genomes of different subtypes showed, in particular, that this region has sequences of a putative 5' G-quadruplex and a putative duplex similar to the GACGC-GCGUC duplex. The secondary structures of the region encompassing DIS, SD and Psi hairpins in HIV-2 genomes of subtype B and recombinant 01_AB are similar and differ from that in genomes of subtype A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Zarudnaya
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Akademika Zabolotnoho Str., Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
| | - A L Potyahaylo
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Akademika Zabolotnoho Str., Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
| | - I M Kolomiets
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Akademika Zabolotnoho Str., Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
| | - L G Gorb
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150, Akademika Zabolotnoho Str., Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine.
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28
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Chan KH, Wang Y, Zheng BX, Long W, Feng X, Wong WL. RNA-Selective Small-Molecule Ligands: Recent Advances in Live-Cell Imaging and Drug Discovery. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300271. [PMID: 37649155 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300271] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA structures, including those formed from coding and noncoding RNAs, alternative to protein-based drug targets, could be a promising target of small molecules for drug discovery against various human diseases, particularly in anticancer, antibacterial and antivirus development. The normal cellular activity of cells is critically dependent on the function of various RNA molecules generated from DNA transcription. Moreover, many studies support that mRNA-targeting small molecules may regulate the synthesis of disease-related proteins via the non-covalent mRNA-ligand interactions that do not involve gene modification. RNA-ligand interaction is thus an attractive approach to address the challenge of "undruggable" proteins in drug discovery because the intracellular activity of these proteins is hard to be suppressed with small molecule ligands. We selectively surveyed a specific area of RNA structure-selective small molecule ligands in fluorescence live cell imaging and drug discovery because the area was currently underexplored. This state-of-the-art review thus mainly focuses on the research published within the past three years and aims to provide the most recent information on this research area; hopefully, it could be complementary to the previously reported reviews and give new insights into the future development on RNA-specific small molecule ligands for live cell imaging and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Hin Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yakun Wang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chem-/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P. R. China
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
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29
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Sato K, Knipscheer P. G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103552. [PMID: 37572578 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103552] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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30
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Erdem M, Cicek M, Erson-Bensan AE. Versatile RNA: overlooked gems of the transcriptome. FEBS J 2023; 290:4843-4851. [PMID: 36719259 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16742] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The critical role of RNA, its use and targetability concerning different aspects of human health are gaining more attention because our understanding of the versatility of RNA has dramatically evolved over the last decades. We now appreciate that RNA is far more critical than a messenger molecule and possesses many complicated functions. As a multifunctional molecule with its sequence, flexible structures and enzymatic abilities, RNA is genuinely powerful. Mammalian transcriptomes consist of a dynamically regulated plethora of coding and noncoding RNA types. However, some aspects of RNA metabolism remain to be explored. In this Viewpoint, we focus on the transcriptome's unconventional and possibly overlooked aspects to emphasize the importance of RNA in mammalian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Erdem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Cicek
- Department of Biology, Kamil Ozdag Faculty of Science, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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31
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Zarnack K, Eyras E. 'Artificial intelligence and machine learning in RNA biology'. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad415. [PMID: 37965807 PMCID: PMC10646484 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- The Centre for Computational Biomedical Sciences, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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32
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Mou X, Kwok CK. Peptides Selected by G4-mRNA Display-Seq Enable RNA G-Quadruplex Recognition and Gene Regulation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18693-18697. [PMID: 37582058 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical secondary structures that play critical roles in both chemistry and biology. Although several approaches have been developed for G4 targeting, such as chemicals and antibodies, there is currently no general and efficient platform for G4-specific peptides. In this study, we developed a new platform, G4-mRNA display-Seq, for selecting peptides that specifically recognize the G4 target of interest. By using an RNA G4 (rG4) found in human telomerase RNA (hTERC) as the target, we have identified a novel short peptide, namely, peptide 11 (pep11), which displays high affinity and selectivity to hTERC rG4. Furthermore, we designed tandem and cyclic versions of pep11 and found that both modified versions exhibit stronger binding affinity with preferential rG4 selectivity. Notably, we have demonstrated that these peptides can negatively regulate gene expression by targeting rG4. Our results provide a universal platform for the discovery of G4-targeting peptides and demonstrate the ability of these peptides to regulate G4-mediated gene functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Lyu K, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure detection using RTS and SHALiPE assays. Methods Enzymol 2023; 691:63-80. [PMID: 37914452 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.06.003] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical RNA secondary structures that were first reported several decades ago. Latest studies have suggested that they are widespread in the transcriptomes of diverse species, and they have been demonstrated to have key roles in various fundamental cellular processes. Among the RNA secondary structure probing assays developed recently, Reverse transcriptase stalling (RTS) and selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by lithium ion-based primer extension (SHALiPE) enabled the identification and characterization of distinct structural features of an rG4 structure of interest. Herein, we present an experimental protocol describing in detail the procedures involved in the preparation of in vitro transcribed RNAs, buffers, and reagents for RTS and SHALiPE assays, as well as performing RTS and SHALiPE assays, to examine the formation of rG4 and reveal the rG4 structural conformation at nucleotide resolution in vitro. RTS and SHALiPE assays can be performed by an experienced molecular biologist or chemical biologist with a basic understanding of nucleic acids. The duration for the preparation of in vitro transcription and RNA preparation is around 2 days, and the duration for RTS and SHALiPE assays is approximately 5 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China; Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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34
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Feng Y, He Z, Luo Z, Sperti FR, Valverde IE, Zhang W, Monchaud D. Side-by-side comparison of G-quadruplex (G4) capture efficiency of the antibody BG4 versus the small-molecule ligands TASQs. iScience 2023; 26:106846. [PMID: 37250775 PMCID: PMC10212998 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for G-quadruplex (G4)-forming sequences across the genome is motivated by their involvement in key cellular processes and their putative roles in dysregulations underlying human genetic diseases. Sequencing-based methods have been developed to assess the prevalence of DNA G4s genome wide, including G4-seq to detect G4s in purified DNA (in vitro) using the G4 stabilizer PDS, and G4 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (G4 ChIP-seq) to detect G4s in in situ fixed chromatin (in vivo) using the G4-specific antibody BG4. We recently reported on G4-RNA precipitation and sequencing (G4RP-seq) to assess the in vivo prevalence of RNA G4 landscapes transcriptome wide using the small molecule BioTASQ. Here, we apply this technique for mapping DNA G4s in plants (rice) and compare the efficiency of this new technique, G4-DNA precipitation and sequencing, G4DP-seq, to that of BG4-DNA-IP-seq that we developed for mapping of DNA G4s in rice using BG4. By doing so, we compare the G4 capture ability of small-sized ligands (BioTASQ and BioCyTASQ) versus the antibody BG4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zexue He
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Ibai E. Valverde
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
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Li F, Zhou J. G-quadruplexes from non-coding RNAs. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00109-023-02314-7. [PMID: 37069370 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are significant regulators of gene expression in a wide range of biological processes, such as transcription, RNA maturation, or translation. ncRNAs interplay with proteins or other RNAs through not only classical sequence-based mechanisms but also unique higher-order structures such as RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s). rG4s are predictably formed in guanine-rich sequences and are closely related to various human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and infections. This review focuses on the vital role of rG4s in ncRNAs, particularly lncRNAs and miRNAs. We outline the dynamic balance between rG4s and RNA stem-loop/hairpin structures and the interplay between ncRNAs and interactors, thereby modulating gene expression and disease progression. A complete understanding of the biological regulatory role and mechanism of rG4s in ncRNAs affirms the critical importance of folding into the appropriate three-dimensional structure in maintaining or modulating the functions of ncRNAs. It makes them novel therapeutic targets for adjusting potential-G4-containing-ncRNAs-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Li
- Department Medical Research Central, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Biobank, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Instrumentation Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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36
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Wu TY, Chen XC, Tang GX, Shao W, Li ZC, Chen SB, Huang ZS, Tan JH. Development and Characterization of Benzoselenazole Derivatives as Potent and Selective c-MYC Transcription Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5484-5499. [PMID: 37036951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing c-MYC transcription inhibitors that target the G-quadruplex has generated significant interest; however, few compounds have demonstrated specificity for c-MYC G-quadruplex and cancer cells. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of benzoazole derivatives as potential G-quadruplex ligand-based c-MYC transcription inhibitors. Surprisingly, benzoselenazole derivatives, which are rarely reported as G-quadruplex ligands, demonstrated greater c-MYC G-quadruplex selectivity and cancer cell specificity compared to their benzothiazole and benzoxazole analogues. The most promising compound, benzoselenazole m-Se3, selectively inhibited c-MYC transcription by specifically stabilizing the c-MYC G-quadruplex. This led to selective inhibition of hepatoma cell growth and proliferation by affecting the MYC target gene network, as well as effective tumor growth inhibition in hepatoma xenografts. Collectively, our study demonstrates that m-Se3 holds significant promise as a potent and selective inhibitor of c-MYC transcription for cancer treatment. Furthermore, our findings inspire the development of novel selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds as c-MYC G-quadruplex-specific ligands and transcription inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ying Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiu-Cai Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gui-Xue Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhang-Chi Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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37
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Kitamura A, Tornmalm J, Demirbay B, Piguet J, Kinjo M, Widengren J. Trans-cis isomerization kinetics of cyanine dyes reports on the folding states of exogeneous RNA G-quadruplexes in live cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e27. [PMID: 36651281 PMCID: PMC10018373 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1255] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine (G)-rich nucleic acids are prone to assemble into four-stranded structures, so-called G-quadruplexes. Abnormal GGGGCC repeat elongations, and in particular their folding states, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Due to methodological constraints however, most studies of G quadruplex structures are restricted to in vitro conditions. Evidence of how GGGGCC repeats form into G-quadruplexes in vivo is sparse. We devised a readout strategy, exploiting the sensitivity of trans-cis isomerization of cyanine dyes to local viscosity and sterical constraints. Thereby, folding states of cyanine-labeled RNA, and in particular G-quadruplexes, can be identified in a sensitive manner. The isomerization kinetics, monitored via fluorescence blinking generated upon transitions between a fluorescent trans isomer and a non-fluorescent cis isomer, was first characterized for RNA with GGGGCC repeats in aqueous solution using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and transient state (TRAST) monitoring. With TRAST, monitoring the isomerization kinetics from how the average fluorescence intensity varies with laser excitation modulation characteristics, we could then detect folding states of fluorescently tagged RNA introduced into live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Baris Demirbay
- Experimental Biomolecular Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joachim Piguet
- Experimental Biomolecular Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masataka Kinjo
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Dynamics, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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38
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Roy SS, Sharma S, Rizvi ZA, Sinha D, Gupta D, Rophina M, Sehgal P, Sadhu S, Tripathy MR, Samal S, Maiti S, Scaria V, Sivasubbu S, Awasthi A, Harshan KH, Jain S, Chowdhury S. G4-binding drugs, chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine, repurposed against COVID-19 infection in hamsters. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1133123. [PMID: 37006620 PMCID: PMC10061221 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1133123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide. Limited treatment options and the threat from emerging variants underline the need for novel and widely accessible therapeutics. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures known to affect many cellular processes including viral replication and transcription. We identified heretofore not reported G4s with remarkably low mutation frequency across >5 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The G4 structure was targeted using FDA-approved drugs that can bind G4s - Chlorpromazine (CPZ) and Prochlorperazine (PCZ). We found significant inhibition in lung pathology and lung viral load of SARS-CoV-2 challenged hamsters when treated with CPZ or PCZ that was comparable to the widely used antiviral drug Remdesivir. In support, in vitro G4 binding, inhibition of reverse transcription from RNA isolated from COVID-infected humans, and attenuated viral replication and infectivity in Vero cell cultures were clear in case of both CPZ and PCZ. Apart from the wide accessibility of CPZ/PCZ, targeting relatively invariant nucleic acid structures poses an attractive strategy against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which spread fast and accumulate mutations quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvra Shekhar Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Shalu Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Zaigham Abbas Rizvi
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Dipanjali Sinha
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Divya Gupta
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Mercy Rophina
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Paras Sehgal
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Srikanth Sadhu
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Tripathy
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sweety Samal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 411008, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 121001, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sridhar Sivasubbu
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Krishnan H. Harshan
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- *Correspondence: Shantanu Chowdhury,
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G-Quadruplexes Regulate miRNA Biogenesis in Live Zebrafish Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054828. [PMID: 36902262 PMCID: PMC10002522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA guanine quadruplexes (G4s) regulate RNA functions, metabolism, and processing. G4s formed within precursors of microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) may impair pre-miRNAs maturation by Dicer, thus repressing mature miRNA biogenesis. As miRNAs are essential for proper embryonic development, we studied the role of G4s on miRNA biogenesis in vivo during zebrafish embryogenesis. We performed a computational analysis on zebrafish pre-miRNAs to find putative G4 forming sequences (PQSs). The precursor of the miRNA 150 (pre-miR-150) was found to contain an evolutionarily conserved PQS formed by three G-tetrads and able to fold in vitro as G4. MiR-150 controls the expression of myb, which shows a well-defined knock-down phenotype in zebrafish developing embryos. We microinjected zebrafish embryos with in vitro transcribed pre-miR-150 synthesized using either GTP (G-pre-miR-150) or 7-Deaza-GTP, a GTP analogue unable to form G4s (7DG-pre-miR-150). Compared to embryos injected with G-pre-miR-150, embryos injected with 7DG-pre-miR-150 showed higher levels of miRNA 150 (miR-150) and lower levels of myb mRNA and stronger phenotypes associated with myb knock-down. The incubation of pre-miR-150 prior to the injection with the G4 stabilizing ligand pyridostatin (PDS) reverted gene expression variations and rescued the phenotypes related to myb knock-down. Overall, results suggest that the G4 formed in pre-miR-150 functions in vivo as a conserved regulatory structure competing with the stem-loop structure necessary for miRNA biogenesis.
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40
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Monchaud D. Template-Assembled Synthetic G-Quartets (TASQs): multiTASQing Molecular Tools for Investigating DNA and RNA G-Quadruplex Biology. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:350-362. [PMID: 36662540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetics is defined as a "practice of making technological design that copies natural processes", with the idea that "nature has already solved the challenges we are trying to solve" (Cambridge Dictionary). The challenge we decided to address several years ago was the selective targeting of G quadruplexes (G4s) by small molecules (G4 ligands). Why? Because G4s, which are four-stranded DNA and RNA structures that fold from guanine (G)-rich sequences, are suspected to play key biological roles in human cells and diseases. Selective G4 ligands can thus be used as small-molecule modulators to gain a deep understanding of cell circuitry where G4s are involved, thus complying with the very definition of chemical biology (Stuart Schreiber) applied here to G4 biology. How? Following a biomimetic approach that hinges on the observation that G4s are stable secondary structures owing to the ability of Gs to self-associate to form G quartets, and then of G quartets to self-stack to form the columnar core of G4s. Therefore, using a synthetic G quartet as a G4 ligand represents a unique example of biomimetic recognition of G4s.We formulated this hypothesis more than a decade ago, stepping on years of research on Gs, G4s, and G4 ligands. Our approach led to the design, synthesis, and use of a broad family of synthetic G quartets, also referred to as TASQs for template-assembled synthetic G quartets (John Sherman). This quest led us across various chemical lands (organic and supramolecular chemistry, chemical biology, and genetics), along a route on which every new generation of TASQ was a milestone in the growing portfolio of ever smarter molecular tools to decipher G4 biology. As discussed in this Account, we detail how and why we successively develop the very first prototypes of (i) biomimetic ligands, which interact with G4s according to a bioinspired, like-likes-like interaction between two G quartets, one from the ligand, the other from the G4; (ii) smart ligands, which adopt their active conformation only in the presence of their G4 targets; (iii) twice-as-smart ligands, which act as both smart ligands and smart fluorescent probes, whose fluorescence is triggered (turned on) upon interaction with their G4 targets; and (iv) multivalent ligands, which display additional functionalities enabling the detection, isolation, and identification of G4s both in vitro and in vivo. This quest led us to gather a panel of 14 molecular tools which were used to investigate the biology of G4s at a cellular level, from basic optical imaging to multiomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Monchaud
- ICMUB, CNRS UMR6302, Université de Bourgogne, 21078 Dijon, France
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41
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Monchaud D. Why does the pUG tail curl? Mol Cell 2023; 83:330-331. [PMID: 36736307 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Roschdi et al.1 report on a new, higher-order RNA structure folding from an alternating uridine (U)/guanosine (G) repeated sequence-the pUG tail-into a peculiar G-quadruplex structure-the pUG fold-found to orchestrate the gene-silencing activity of pUGylated RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC, Dijon, France.
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42
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Makova KD, Weissensteiner MH. Noncanonical DNA structures are drivers of genome evolution. Trends Genet 2023; 39:109-124. [PMID: 36604282 PMCID: PMC9877202 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the canonical right-handed double helix, other DNA structures, termed 'non-B DNA', can form in the genomes across the tree of life. Non-B DNA regulates multiple cellular processes, including replication and transcription, yet its presence is associated with elevated mutagenicity and genome instability. These discordant cellular roles fuel the enormous potential of non-B DNA to drive genomic and phenotypic evolution. Here we discuss recent studies establishing non-B DNA structures as novel functional elements subject to natural selection, affecting evolution of transposable elements (TEs), and specifying centromeres. By highlighting the contributions of non-B DNA to repeated evolution and adaptation to changing environments, we conclude that evolutionary analyses should include a perspective of not only DNA sequence, but also its structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna D Makova
- Department of Biology, Penn State University, 310 Wartik Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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43
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Ma Y, Yang Y, Xin J, He L, Hu Z, Gao T, Pan F, Guo Z. RNA G-Quadruplex within the 5'-UTR of FEN1 Regulates mRNA Stability under Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020276. [PMID: 36829835 PMCID: PMC9952066 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020276] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly oxidative molecules that induce DNA damage, affecting DNA damage response (DDR) and gene expression. It is now recognized that DNA base excision repair (BER) is one of the important pathways responsible for sensing oxidative stress to eliminate DNA damage, in which FEN1 plays an important role in this process. However, the regulation of FEN1 under oxidative stress is still unclear. Here, we identified a novel RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) sequence in the 5'untranslated region (5'UTR) of FEN1 mRNA. Under oxidative stress, the G bases in the G4-forming sequence can be oxidized by ROS, resulting in structural disruption of the G-quadruplex. ROS or TMPyP4, a G4-structural ligand, disrupted the formation of G4 structure and affected the expression of FEN1. Furthermore, pull-down experiments identified a novel FEN1 rG4-binding protein, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1), and cellular studies have shown that hnRNPA1 plays an important role in regulating FEN1 expression. This work demonstrates that rG4 acts as a ROS sensor in the 5'UTR of FEN1 mRNA. Taken together, these results suggest a novel role for rG4 in translational control under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jingyu Xin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lingfeng He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tao Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feiyan Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (Z.G.)
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (Z.G.)
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44
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Targeting RNA G-quadruplex with repurposed drugs blocks SARS-CoV-2 entry. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011131. [PMID: 36701392 PMCID: PMC9904497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, the complexity of infection, and the functional redundancy of host factors, underscore an urgent need for broad-spectrum antivirals against the continuous COVID-19 pandemic, with drug repurposing as a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we report the potential of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4)-targeting therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical approaches, we characterize the existence of RG4s in several SARS-CoV-2 host factors. In silico screening followed by experimental validation identify Topotecan (TPT) and Berbamine (BBM), two clinical approved drugs, as RG4-stabilizing agents with repurposing potential for COVID-19. Both TPT and BBM can reduce the protein level of RG4-containing host factors, including ACE2, AXL, FURIN, and TMPRSS2. Intriguingly, TPT and BBM block SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry into target cells in vitro and murine tissues in vivo. These findings emphasize the significance of RG4 in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and provide a potential broad-spectrum antiviral strategy for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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45
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Apostolidi M, Stamatopoulou V. Aberrant splicing in human cancer: An RNA structural code point of view. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1137154. [PMID: 36909167 PMCID: PMC9995731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1137154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing represents an essential process that occurs widely in eukaryotes. In humans, most genes undergo alternative splicing to ensure transcriptome and proteome diversity reflecting their functional complexity. Over the last decade, aberrantly spliced transcripts due to mutations in cis- or trans-acting splicing regulators have been tightly associated with cancer development, largely drawing scientific attention. Although a plethora of single proteins, ribonucleoproteins, complexed RNAs, and short RNA sequences have emerged as nodal contributors to the splicing cascade, the role of RNA secondary structures in warranting splicing fidelity has been underestimated. Recent studies have leveraged the establishment of novel high-throughput methodologies and bioinformatic tools to shed light on an additional layer of splicing regulation in the context of RNA structural elements. This short review focuses on the most recent available data on splicing mechanism regulation on the basis of RNA secondary structure, emphasizing the importance of the complex RNA G-quadruplex structures (rG4s), and other specific RNA motifs identified as splicing silencers or enhancers. Moreover, it intends to provide knowledge on newly established techniques that allow the identification of RNA structural elements and highlight the potential to develop new RNA-oriented therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Apostolidi
- Agilent Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, United States
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46
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Sahayasheela VJ, Yu Z, Hidaka T, Pandian GN, Sugiyama H. Mitochondria and G-quadruplex evolution: an intertwined relationship. Trends Genet 2023; 39:15-30. [PMID: 36414480 PMCID: PMC9772288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical structures formed in guanine (G)-rich sequences through stacked G tetrads by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. Several studies have demonstrated the existence of G4s in the genome of various organisms, including humans, and have proposed that G4s have a regulatory role in various cellular functions. However, little is known regarding the dissemination of G4s in mitochondria. In this review, we report the observation that the number of potential G4-forming sequences in the mitochondrial genome increases with the evolutionary complexity of different species, suggesting that G4s have a beneficial role in higher-order organisms. We also discuss the possible function of G4s in mitochondrial (mt)DNA and long noncoding (lnc)RNA and their role in various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh J Sahayasheela
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Zutao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takuya Hidaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sugiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Science (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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47
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Lyu K, Chen SB, Chow EYC, Zhao H, Yuan JH, Cai M, Shi J, Chan TF, Tan JH, Kwok CK. An RNA G-Quadruplex Structure within the ADAR 5'UTR Interacts with DHX36 Helicase to Regulate Translation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203553. [PMID: 36300875 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) play crucial roles in fundamental cellular processes. ADAR is an important enzyme that binds to double-strand RNA and accounts for the conversion of Adenosine to Inosine in RNA editing. However, so far there is no report on the formation and regulatory role of rG4 on ADAR expression. Here, we identify and characterize a thermostable rG4 structure within the 5'UTR of the ADAR1 mRNA and demonstrate its formation and inhibitory role on translation in reporter gene and native gene constructs. We reveal rG4-specific helicase DHX36 interacts with this rG4 in vitro and in cells under knockdown and knockout conditions by GTFH (G-quadruplex-triggered fluorogenic hybridization) probes and modulates translation in an rG4-dependent manner. Our results further substantiate the rG4 structure-DHX36 protein interaction in cells and highlight rG4 to be a key player in controlling ADAR1 translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haizhou Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Hao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Meng Cai
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, Tung Biomedical Sciences Center, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programmes, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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48
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Zhao J, Chow EYC, Yeung PY, Zhang QC, Chan TF, Kwok CK. Enhanced transcriptome-wide RNA G-quadruplex sequencing for low RNA input samples with rG4-seq 2.0. BMC Biol 2022; 20:257. [PMID: 36372875 PMCID: PMC9661767 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01448-3] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) are non-canonical structural motifs that have diverse functional and regulatory roles, for instance in transcription termination, alternative splicing, mRNA localization and stabilization, and translational process. We recently developed the RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing (rG4-seq) technique and described rG4s in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcriptomes. However, rG4-seq suffers from a complicated gel purification step and limited PCR product yield, thus requiring a high amount of RNA input, which limits its applicability in more physiologically or clinically relevant studies often characterized by the limited availability of biological material and low RNA abundance. Here, we redesign and enhance the workflow of rG4-seq to address this issue. Results We developed rG4-seq 2.0 by introducing a new ssDNA adapter containing deoxyuridine during library preparation to enhance library quality with no gel purification step, less PCR amplification cycles and higher yield of PCR products. We demonstrate that rG4-seq 2.0 produces high-quality cDNA libraries that support reliable and reproducible rG4 identification at varying RNA inputs, including RNA mounts as low as 10 ng. rG4-seq 2.0 also improved the rG4-seq calling outcome and nucleotide bias in rG4 detection persistent in rG4-seq 1.0. We further provide in vitro mapping of rG4 in the HEK293T cell line, and recommendations for assessing RNA input and sequencing depth for individual rG4 studies based on transcript abundance. Conclusions rG4-seq 2.0 can improve the identification and study of rG4s in low abundance transcripts, and our findings can provide insights to optimize cDNA library preparation in other related methods. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01448-3.
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Zarudnaya MI, Potyahaylo AL, Kolomiets IM, Gorb LG. Genome sequence analysis suggests coevolution of the DIS, SD, and Psi hairpins in HIV-1 genomes. Virus Res 2022; 321:198910. [PMID: 36070810 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 RNA dimerization is a critical step in viral life cycle. It is a prerequisite for genome packaging and plays an important role in reverse transcription and recombination. Dimerization is promoted by the DIS (dimerization initiation site) hairpin located in the 5' leader of HIV-1 genome. Despite the high genetic diversity in HIV-1 group M, only five apical loops (AAGCGCGCA, AAGUGCGCA, AAGUGCACA, AGGUGCACA and AGUGCAC) are commonly found in DIS hairpins. We refer to the parent DISes with these apical loops as DISLai, DISTrans, DISF, DISMal, and DISC, respectively. Based on identity or similarity of DIS hairpins to parent DISes, we distributed HIV-1 M genomes into five dimerization groups. Comparison of the primary and secondary structures of DIS, SD and Psi hairpins in about 3000 HIV-1 M genomes showed that the mutation frequencies at particular nucleotide positions of these hairpins differ among the dimerization groups, and DISF may be an origin of other parent DISes. We found that DIS, SD and Psi hairpins have hundreds of variants, only some of them occurring rather frequently. The lower part of DIS hairpin with G x AGG internal loop is highly conserved in both HIV-1 and SIV genomes. We supposed that the G-quadruplex, located 56 nts downstream of the Gag start codon, may participate in switching of HIV-1 leader RNA from BMH (branched multiple hairpins) to LDI (long distance interaction) conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita I Zarudnaya
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Akademika Zabolotnoho Str, Kyiv 03143, Ukraine
| | - Andriy L Potyahaylo
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Akademika Zabolotnoho Str, Kyiv 03143, Ukraine
| | - Iryna M Kolomiets
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Akademika Zabolotnoho Str, Kyiv 03143, Ukraine
| | - Leonid G Gorb
- Department of Molecular and Quantum Biophysics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Akademika Zabolotnoho Str, Kyiv 03143, Ukraine.
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50
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Liu X, Cui S, Qi Q, Lei H, Zhang Y, Shen W, Fu F, Tian T, Zhou X. G-quadruplex-guided RNA engineering to modulate CRISPR-based genomic regulation. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11387-11400. [PMID: 36263801 PMCID: PMC9638906 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to develop small moelcule-based methods to modulate gene editing and expression in human cells. The roles of the G-quadruplex (G4) in biological systems have been widely studied. Here, G4-guided RNA engineering is performed to generate guide RNA with G4-forming units (G4-gRNA). We further demonstrate that chemical targeting of G4-gRNAs holds promise as a general approach for modulating gene editing and expression in human cells. The rich structural diversity of RNAs offers a reservoir of targets for small molecules to bind, thus creating the potential to modulate RNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shuangyu Cui
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Qianqian Qi
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Huajun Lei
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Fang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
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