1
|
Alam P, Clovis NS, Chand AK, Khan MF, Sen S. Effect of molecular crowders on ligand binding kinetics with G-quadruplex DNA probed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2024; 12:045002. [PMID: 39013401 DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ad63f5] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Guanine-rich single-stranded DNA folds into G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures, which play crucial roles in various biological processes. These structures are also promising targets for ligands, potentially inducing antitumor effects. While thermodynamic parameters of ligand/DNA interactions are well-studied, the kinetics of ligand interaction with GqDNA, particularly in cell-like crowded environments, remain less explored. In this study, we investigate the impact of molecular crowding agents (glucose, sucrose, and ficoll 70) at physiologically relevant concentrations (20% w/v) on the association and dissociation rates of the benzophenoxazine-core based ligand, cresyl violet (CV), with human telomeric antiparallel-GqDNA. We utilized fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) along with other techniques. Our findings reveal that crowding agents decrease the binding affinity of CV to GqDNA, with the most significant effect-a nearly three-fold decrease-observed with ficoll 70. FCS measurements indicate that this decrease is primarily due to a viscosity-induced slowdown of ligand association in the crowded environment. Interestingly, dissociation rates remain largely unaffected by smaller crowders, with only small effect observed in presence of ficoll 70 due to direct but weak interaction between the ligand and ficoll. These results along with previously reported data provide valuable insights into ligand/GqDNA interactions in cellular contexts, suggesting a conserved mechanism of saccharide crowder influence, regardless of variations in GqDNA structure and ligand binding mode. This underscores the importance of considering crowding effects in the design and development of GqDNA-targeted drugs for potential cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Alam
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ndege Simisi Clovis
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Chand
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Mohammad Firoz Khan
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sobhan Sen
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Teng X, Hu D, Dai Y, Jing H, Hu W, Zhang Q, Zhang N, Li J. Discovery of A G-Quadruplex Unwinder That Unleashes the Translation of G-Quadruplex-Containing mRNA without Inducing DNA Damage. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202407353. [PMID: 38953247 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407353] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
To explore the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for G-quadruplex (G4) mediated diseases, it is crucial to manipulate and intervene in intracellular G4 structures using small molecular tools. While hundreds of G4 stabilizers have been developed, there is a significant gap in the availability of G4 unwinding agents. Here, we propose a strategy to disrupt G-quadruplexes by forming G-C hydrogen bonds with chemically modified cytidine trimers. We validated a good G4 unwinder, the 2'-F cytidine trimer (2'-F C3). 2'-F C3 does not inhibit cell growth nor cause severe DNA damage at a concentration below 10 μM. Moreover, 2'-F C3 does not affect gene transcription nor RNA splicing, while it significantly enhances the translation of G4-containing mRNA and upregulates RNA splicing, RNA processing and cell cycle pathways. The discovery of this G4 unwinder provides a functional tool for the chemical modulation of G4s in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518054, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Difei Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haitao Jing
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Wenxuan Hu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Qiushuang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Na Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518054, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China
- Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cui Y, Liu H, Ming Y, Zhang Z, Liu L, Liu R. Prediction of strand-specific and cell-type-specific G-quadruplexes based on high-resolution CUT&Tag data. Brief Funct Genomics 2024; 23:265-275. [PMID: 37357985 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elad024] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4), a non-classical deoxyribonucleic acid structure, is widely distributed in the genome and involved in various biological processes. In vivo, high-throughput sequencing has indicated that G4s are significantly enriched at functional regions in a cell-type-specific manner. Therefore, the prediction of G4s based on computational methods is necessary instead of the time-consuming and laborious experimental methods. Recently, G4 CUT&Tag has been developed to generate higher-resolution sequencing data than ChIP-seq, which provides more accurate training samples for model construction. In this paper, we present a new dataset construction method based on G4 CUT&Tag sequencing data and an XGBoost prediction model based on the machine learning boost method. The results show that our model performs well within and across cell types. Furthermore, sequence analysis indicates that the formation of G4 structure is greatly affected by the flanking sequences, and the GC content of the G4 flanking sequences is higher than non-G4. Moreover, we also identified G4 motifs in the high-resolution dataset, among which we found several motifs for known transcription factors (TFs), such as SP2 and BPC. These TFs may directly or indirectly affect the formation of the G4 structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Cui
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, 324003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongzhi Liu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yutong Ming
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, 36830, Alabama, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, 324003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruijun Liu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gil Rosas M, Centola C, Torres M, Mouguelar VS, David AP, Piga EJ, Gomez D, Calcaterra NB, Armas P, Coux G. The transcription of the main gene associated with Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCOF1) is regulated by G-quadruplexes and cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP). Sci Rep 2024; 14:7472. [PMID: 38553547 PMCID: PMC10980799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58255-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1 (TCOF1) is responsible for about 80% of mandibular dysostosis (MD) cases. We have formerly identified a correlation between TCOF1 and CNBP (CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein) expression in human mesenchymal cells. Given the established role of CNBP in gene regulation during rostral development, we explored the potential for CNBP to modulate TCOF1 transcription. Computational analysis for CNBP binding sites (CNBP-BSs) in the TCOF1 promoter revealed several putative binding sites, two of which (Hs791 and Hs2160) overlap with putative G-quadruplex (G4) sequences (PQSs). We validated the folding of these PQSs measuring circular dichroism and fluorescence of appropriate synthetic oligonucleotides. In vitro studies confirmed binding of purified CNBP to the target PQSs (both folded as G4 and unfolded) with Kd values in the nM range. ChIP assays conducted in HeLa cells chromatin detected the CNBP binding to TCOF1 promoter. Transient transfections of HEK293 cells revealed that Hs2160 cloned upstream SV40 promoter increased transcription of downstream firefly luciferase reporter gene. We also detected a CNBP-BS and PQS (Dr2393) in the zebrafish TCOF1 orthologue promoter (nolc1). Disrupting this G4 in zebrafish embryos by microinjecting DNA antisense oligonucleotides complementary to Dr2393 reduced the transcription of nolc1 and recapitulated the craniofacial anomalies characteristic of Treacher Collins Syndrome. Both cnbp overexpression and Morpholino-mediated knockdown in zebrafish induced nolc1 transcription. These results suggest that CNBP modulates the transcriptional expression of TCOF1 through a mechanism involving G-quadruplex folding/unfolding, and that this regulation is active in vertebrates as distantly related as bony fish and humans. These findings may have implications for understanding and treating MD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauco Gil Rosas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cielo Centola
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Torres
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Valeria S Mouguelar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Aldana P David
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ernesto J Piga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Dennis Gomez
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, UMR5089 CNRS-Universite de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer 2018, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Nora B Calcaterra
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Armas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Coux
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda (S2000EZP), Rosario, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Datta S, Patel M, Sathyaseelan C, Ghosh C, Mudgal A, Patel D, Rathinavelan T, Singh U. G-quadruplex landscape and its regulation revealed by a new antibody capture method. Oncotarget 2024; 15:175-198. [PMID: 38484151 PMCID: PMC10939474 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) from in vitro studies has been complemented by genome-wide G4 landscapes from cultured cells. Conventionally, the formation of G4s is accepted to depend on G-repeats such that they form tetrads. However, genome-wide G4s characterized through high-throughput sequencing suggest that these structures form at a large number of regions with no such canonical G4-forming signatures. Many G4-binding proteins have been described with no evidence for any protein that binds to and stabilizes G4s. It remains unknown what fraction of G4s formed in human cells are protein-bound. The G4-chromatin immunoprecipitation (G4-ChIP) method hitherto employed to describe G4 landscapes preferentially reports G4s that get crosslinked to proteins in their proximity. Our current understanding of the G4 landscape is biased against representation of G4s which escape crosslinking as they are not stabilized by protein-binding and presumably transient. We report a protocol that captures G4s from the cells efficiently without any bias as well as eliminates the detection of G4s formed artifactually on crosslinked sheared chromatin post-fixation. We discover that G4s form sparingly at SINEs. An application of this method shows that depletion of a repeat-binding protein CGGBP1 enhances net G4 capture at CGGBP1-dependent CTCF-binding sites and regions of sharp interstrand G/C-skew transitions. Thus, we present an improved method for G4 landscape determination and by applying it we show that sequence property-specific constraints of the nuclear environment mitigate G4 formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhamoy Datta
- HoMeCell Lab, Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Manthan Patel
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Chakkarai Sathyaseelan
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi Campus, Telangana 502285, India
| | - Chandrama Ghosh
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold 8A, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Akanksha Mudgal
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20059, Poland
| | - Divyesh Patel
- Research Programs Unit, Applied Tumor Genomics Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Biomedicum, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | | | - Umashankar Singh
- HoMeCell Lab, Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Li J, Niu K, Peng Y, Song Q, Feng Q. G-quadruplex is involved in the regulation of BmSGF1 expression in the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38439572 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Advanced DNA structures, such as the G-quadruplex (G4) and the i-motif, are widely but not randomly present in the genomes of many organisms. A G4 structure was identified in the promoter of the silk gland factor-1 gene (SGF1), which is the main regulatory gene for silk production in Bombyx mori. In this study, a BmSGF1 G4-/- homozygous mutant was generated with the G4 sequence knocked out. The promoter activity of BmSGF1 was lowered in the BmSGF1 G4-/- mutant. Pyridostatin (PDS) stabilized the G4 structure and increased the promoter activity of BmSGF1, whereas anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) complementary to the G4 sequence suppressed the promoter activity of BmSGF1. Compared with wild-type larvae, the deletion of the BmSGF1 G4 structure decreased both the expression of BmSGF1 and the fibroin heavy chain gene BmFib-H in the posterior silk gland and the weight of the cocoons. Overall, these results suggest that the promoter G4 structure of BmSGF1 participates in the transcription regulation of the BmSGF1 gene in the silkworm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Chen
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Science & Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lorenzatti A, Piga EJ, Gismondi M, Binolfi A, Margarit E, Calcaterra N, Armas P. Genetic variations in G-quadruplex forming sequences affect the transcription of human disease-related genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12124-12139. [PMID: 37930868 PMCID: PMC10711447 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad948] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA strands can fold into non-canonical four-stranded secondary structures named G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s folded in proximal promoter regions (PPR) are associated either with positive or negative transcriptional regulation. Given that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) affecting G4 folding (G4-Vars) may alter gene transcription, and that SNVs are associated with the human diseases' onset, we undertook a novel comprehensive study of the G4-Vars genome-wide (G4-variome) to find disease-associated G4-Vars located into PPRs. We developed a bioinformatics strategy to find disease-related SNVs located into PPRs simultaneously overlapping with putative G4-forming sequences (PQSs). We studied five G4-Vars disturbing in vitro the folding and stability of the G4s located into PPRs, which had been formerly associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (GRIN2B), a severe familiar coagulopathy (F7), atopic dermatitis (CSF2), myocardial infarction (SIRT1) and deafness (LHFPL5). Results obtained in cultured cells for these five G4-Vars suggest that the changes in the G4s affect the transcription, potentially contributing to the development of the mentioned diseases. Collectively, data reinforce the general idea that G4-Vars may impact on the different susceptibilities to human genetic diseases' onset, and could be novel targets for diagnosis and drug design in precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Lorenzatti
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ernesto J Piga
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mauro Gismondi
- Centro de Estudios Fotosintéticos y Bioquímicos (CEFOBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Andrés Binolfi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Plataforma Argentina de Biología Estructural y Metabolómica (PLABEM), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S200EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Margarit
- Centro de Estudios Fotosintéticos y Bioquímicos (CEFOBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nora B Calcaterra
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pablo Armas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, Rosario S2000EZP, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Craven HM, Nettesheim G, Cicuta P, Blagborough AM, Merrick CJ. Effects of the G-quadruplex-binding drugs quarfloxin and CX-5461 on the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:106-119. [PMID: 38041930 PMCID: PMC10711401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest causative agent of human malaria. This parasite has historically developed resistance to most drugs, including the current frontline treatments, so new therapeutic targets are needed. Our previous work on guanine quadruplexes (G4s) in the parasite's DNA and RNA has highlighted their influence on parasite biology, and revealed G4 stabilising compounds as promising candidates for repositioning. In particular, quarfloxin, a former anticancer agent, kills blood-stage parasites at all developmental stages, with fast rates of kill and nanomolar potency. Here we explored the molecular mechanism of quarfloxin and its related derivative CX-5461. In vitro, both compounds bound to P. falciparum-encoded G4 sequences. In cellulo, quarfloxin was more potent than CX-5461, and could prevent establishment of blood-stage malaria in vivo in a murine model. CX-5461 showed clear DNA damaging activity, as reported in human cells, while quarfloxin caused weaker signatures of DNA damage. Both compounds caused transcriptional dysregulation in the parasite, but the affected genes were largely different, again suggesting different modes of action. Therefore, CX-5461 may act primarily as a DNA damaging agent in both Plasmodium parasites and mammalian cells, whereas the complete antimalarial mode of action of quarfloxin may be parasite-specific and remains somewhat elusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly M Craven
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Guilherme Nettesheim
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Andrew M Blagborough
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Catherine J Merrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Neupane A, Chariker JH, Rouchka EC. Analysis of Nucleotide Variations in Human G-Quadruplex Forming Regions Associated with Disease States. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2125. [PMID: 38136947 PMCID: PMC10742762 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122125] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
While the role of G quadruplex (G4) structures has been identified in cancers and metabolic disorders, single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and their effect on G4s in disease contexts have not been extensively studied. The COSMIC and CLINVAR databases were used to detect SNVs present in G4s to identify sequence level changes and their effect on the alteration of the G4 secondary structure. A total of 37,515 G4 SNVs in the COSMIC database and 2378 in CLINVAR were identified. Of those, 7236 COSMIC (19.3%) and 457 (19%) of the CLINVAR variants result in G4 loss, while 2728 (COSMIC) and 129 (CLINVAR) SNVs gain a G4 structure. The remaining variants potentially affect the folding energy without affecting the presence of a G4. Analysis of mutational patterns in the G4 structure shows a higher selective pressure (3-fold) in the coding region on the template strand compared to the reverse strand. At the same time, an equal proportion of SNVs were observed among intronic, promoter, and enhancer regions across strands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Neupane
- School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
| | - Julia H. Chariker
- Department of Neuroscience Training, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Eric C. Rouchka
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duardo RC, Guerra F, Pepe S, Capranico G. Non-B DNA structures as a booster of genome instability. Biochimie 2023; 214:176-192. [PMID: 37429410 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-canonical secondary structures (NCSs) are alternative nucleic acid structures that differ from the canonical B-DNA conformation. NCSs often occur in repetitive DNA sequences and can adopt different conformations depending on the sequence. The majority of these structures form in the context of physiological processes, such as transcription-associated R-loops, G4s, as well as hairpins and slipped-strand DNA, whose formation can be dependent on DNA replication. It is therefore not surprising that NCSs play important roles in the regulation of key biological processes. In the last years, increasing published data have supported their biological role thanks to genome-wide studies and the development of bioinformatic prediction tools. Data have also highlighted the pathological role of these secondary structures. Indeed, the alteration or stabilization of NCSs can cause the impairment of transcription and DNA replication, modification in chromatin structure and DNA damage. These events lead to a wide range of recombination events, deletions, mutations and chromosomal aberrations, well-known hallmarks of genome instability which are strongly associated with human diseases. In this review, we summarize molecular processes through which NCSs trigger genome instability, with a focus on G-quadruplex, i-motif, R-loop, Z-DNA, hairpin, cruciform and multi-stranded structures known as triplexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renée C Duardo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Guerra
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Pepe
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Korsakova A, Phan AT. Prediction of G4 formation in live cells with epigenetic data: a deep learning approach. NAR Genom Bioinform 2023; 5:lqad071. [PMID: 37636021 PMCID: PMC10448861 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad071] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures abundant in DNA that may play regulatory roles in cells. Despite the ubiquity of the putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) in the human genome, only a small fraction forms G4 structures in cells. Folded G4, histone methylation and chromatin accessibility are all parts of the complex cis regulatory landscape. We propose an approach for prediction of G4 formation in cells that incorporates epigenetic and chromatin accessibility data. The novel approach termed epiG4NN efficiently predicts cell-specific G4 formation in live cells based on a local epigenomic snapshot. Our results confirm the close relationship between H3K4me3 histone methylation, chromatin accessibility and G4 structure formation. Trained on A549 cell data, epiG4NN was then able to predict G4 formation in HEK293T and K562 cell lines. We observe the dependency of model performance with different epigenetic features on the underlying experimental condition of G4 detection. We expect that this approach will contribute to the systematic understanding of correlations between structural and epigenomic feature landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Korsakova
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637371, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, 636921, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu S, Li X, Huang G, Guo J, Zhang X, Liao L, Zhi W, Li K, Wang Y, Chu Z, Shang L, Yu X, Yu K, Xu W. Dissecting Sperm Mitochondrial G-Quadruplex Structures Using a Fluorescent Probe Biomarker to Monitor and Regulate Fertilization Capability. ACS Sens 2023; 8:2186-2196. [PMID: 37224082 PMCID: PMC10295354 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00068] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To monitor the levels of mitochondrial DNA G-quadruplexes (mtDNA G4s) in spermatozoa and to explore the possibility using mtDNA G4s as a reliable marker in patients with multiple clinical insemination failures, a novel chemical TPE-mTO probe engineered in our previous work was used on both samples from the mice sperm and from patients with fertilization failure. Expression of valosin-containing protein and the zona-free hamster egg assay were used to evaluate mitophagy and human sperm penetration. RNA-sequencing was used to explore expression changes of key genes affected by mtDNA G4s. Results showed that the probe can track mtDNA G4s in spermatozoa easily and quickly with fewer backgrounds. Significantly increased mtDNA G4s were also found in patients with fertilization failure, using the flow-cytometry-based TPE-mTO probe detection method. A sperm-hamster egg penetration experiment showed that abnormal fertilization caused by increased mtDNA G4s can be effectively restored by a mitophagy inducer. This study provides a novel method for monitoring etiological biomarkers in patients with clinical infertility and treatment for patients with abnormal fertilization caused by mtDNA G4 dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sixian Wu
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
- Reproduction
Medical Centre, West China Second University
Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gelin Huang
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Liao
- Puhua
Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Sichuan
Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Kun Li
- Key
Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education),
College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction
Medical Centre, West China Second University
Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiwen Chu
- West
China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of
Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8DB, U.K.
| | - Xiaoqi Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education),
College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education),
College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Key
Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Technology (Ministry of Education),
College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint
Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric,
Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry
of Education, West China Second University
Hospital, Med-X Centre for Manufacturing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neupane A, Chariker JH, Rouchka EC. Structural and Functional Classification of G-Quadruplex Families within the Human Genome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030645. [PMID: 36980918 PMCID: PMC10048163 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are short secondary DNA structures located throughout genomic DNA and transcribed RNA. Although G4 structures have been shown to form in vivo, no current search tools that examine these structures based on previously identified G-quadruplexes and filter them based on similar sequence, structure, and thermodynamic properties are known to exist. We present a framework for clustering G-quadruplex sequences into families using the CD-HIT, MeShClust, and DNACLUST methods along with a combination of Starcode and BLAST. Utilizing this framework to filter and annotate clusters, 95 families of G-quadruplex sequences were identified within the human genome. Profiles for each family were created using hidden Markov models to allow for the identification of additional family members and generate homology probability scores. The thermodynamic folding energy properties, functional annotation of genes associated with the sequences, scores from different prediction algorithms, and transcription factor binding motifs within a family were used to annotate and compare the diversity within and across clusters. The resulting set of G-quadruplex families can be used to further understand how different regions of the genome are regulated by factors targeting specific structures common to members of a specific cluster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryan Neupane
- School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Julia H. Chariker
- Department of Neuroscience Training, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Eric C. Rouchka
- Kentucky IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(502)-852-3060
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
|
15
|
Deng Z, Ren Y, Guo L, Xie X, Wang L, Li X. Genome-wide analysis of G-quadruplex in Spodoptera frugiperda. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:840-852. [PMID: 36481335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.018] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a globally distributed lepidopteran crop pest that has developed resistance to most insecticides. The G-quadruplex (G4) is a secondary structure in the genome enriched in the promoters for regulating gene expression. However, little is known about G4 in S. frugiperda, especially whether G4 is involved in insecticide resistance and pest control. In this study, 387,875 G4 motifs in the whole genome of S. frugiperda were identified by bioinformatics prediction. We found that 66.90 % of theseG4 structures were located in genic regions and highly enriched in the upstream regions of start codons. Functional and pathway analyses showed that the genes with G4 enriched in promoter regions participate in several metabolic processes. Further analyses showed that G4 structures occurred more frequently in the promoters of P450 and CarE gene families. It was also investigated that G4 ligand N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) decreased P450 protein activity in larval midgut tissue. Cytotoxicity and bioassay results revealed that NMM and pesticides had synergistic effects on toxicity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that G4 motif could be a new potential target for pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Deng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Yudong Ren
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Lina Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xingcheng Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lixiang Wang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xianchun Li
- Department of Entomology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leung AOW, Yiu TC, Liu L, Tam HY, Gu S, Tu J, Pei D, Cheung HH. Targeting G-quadruplex for rescuing impaired chondrogenesis in WRN-deficient stem cells. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:212. [PMID: 36587229 PMCID: PMC9805690 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00939-8] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic mutations in WRN are a cause of premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). Besides accelerated aging phenotypes and cancer predisposition, patients with WS also display underdevelopment in the skeletal system, characterized by short stature, light body weight and unusually thin extremities. The reasons for these developmental defects are not completely understood and the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. RESULTS In this study, WRN was found to modulate transcription of short stature homeobox gene SHOX. Loss of WRN resulted in insufficient expression of SHOX, the gene dose of which is critical for driving chondrocyte differentiation. WRN could bind the G-quadruplex (G4) structures in the SHOX promoter and stimulate transcription. Aberrant formation of G4 structures in WRN-deficient cells impeded normal transcription of SHOX, thus resulting in impaired chondrogenesis. Chondrogenesis could be rescued by overexpression of WRN helicase or SHOX, suggesting that SHOX is a downstream target of WRN. Gene editing of the G4 structures in the SHOX promoter could increase SHOX expression, therefore rescuing the impaired chondrogenesis in WRN-deficient cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that dysgenesis of the developing bone in WS might be caused by SHOX insufficiency. Aberrant formation of G4 structures in SHOX promoter suppresses SHOX expression and impairs chondrogenesis. Targeted mutagenesis in the G4 structures enhances SHOX expression and thus providing an opportunity to rescue the chondrogenic defect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian On-Wah Leung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz-Ching Yiu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lingxiao Liu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hei-Yin Tam
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shen Gu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XInstitute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China ,grid.494629.40000 0004 8008 9315Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 310024 Hangzhou, China
| | - Hoi-Hung Cheung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Simisi Clovis N, Alam P, Kumar Chand A, Sardana D, Firoz Khan M, Sen S. Molecular Crowders Modulate Ligand Binding Affinity to G-Quadruplex DNA by Decelerating Ligand Association. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
18
|
Song T, Wang X, Yao D, Liang H, Lu Y. Identifying and Differentiating Topological G-Quadruplex Structures with DNA-Encoded Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202204201. [PMID: 35894268 PMCID: PMC9489634 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202204201] [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: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified as critical elements in modulating genomic functions and many other biological processes. Their functions are highly dependent on the primary nucleotides and secondary folding structures. Therefore, to understand their functions, methods to identify and differentiate structures of G4 with speed and accuracy are required but limited. In this report, we have applied a synthetic G4 DNA-encoded nanoparticle approach to identify and differentiate G4 DNA molecules with different topologies and nucleotide residues. We found that the resulting plasmonic properties of the gold nanoparticles, monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy, are quite sensitive to different G4 structures, including stacking layers, loop sequences, capping bases on G4s, and topological structures. Through these systematic investigations, we demonstrate that this G4-encoded gold nanoparticle approach can be used to profile the G4 structures and distinguish G4s from human telomeres. Such a method may have wide applications in G4 research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingjie Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Dongbao Yao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Haojun Liang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
WRN promotes bone development and growth by unwinding SHOX-G-quadruplexes via its helicase activity in Werner Syndrome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5456. [PMID: 36114168 PMCID: PMC9481537 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWerner Syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging due to mutations of the WRN gene. A classical sign in WS patients is short stature, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report that WRN is indispensable for chondrogenesis, which is the engine driving the elongation of bones and determines height. Zebrafish lacking wrn exhibit impairment of bone growth and have shorter body stature. We pinpoint the function of WRN to its helicase domain. We identify short-stature homeobox (SHOX) as a crucial and direct target of WRN and find that the WRN helicase core regulates the transcriptional expression of SHOX via unwinding G-quadruplexes. Consistent with this, shox−/− zebrafish exhibit impaired bone growth, while genetic overexpression of SHOX or shox expression rescues the bone developmental deficiency induced in WRN/wrn-null mutants both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, we have identified a previously unknown function of WRN in regulating bone development and growth through the transcriptional regulation of SHOX via the WRN helicase domain, thus illuminating a possible approach for new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
20
|
Clovis NS, Sen S. G-Tetrad-Selective Ligand Binding Kinetics in G-Quadruplex DNA Probed with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:6007-6015. [PMID: 35939531 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Probing the kinetics of ligand binding to biomolecules is of paramount interest in biology and pharmacology. Measurements of such kinetic processes provide information on the rate-determining steps that control the binding affinity of ligands to biomolecules, thereby predicting the mechanism of the molecular interaction. In this context, ligand binding to G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures has attracted tremendous attention primarily because of their use in possible anticancer therapy. Although a large number of G-quadruplex-specific ligands have been proposed, probing the kinetics of G-tetrad-selective binding of (multiple) ligands within a G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structure remains challenging. Most of the earlier studies focused on the thermodynamics of ligand binding; however, the kinetics of ligand association and dissociation with GqDNA, particularly binding of multiple ligands within a GqDNA structure, have not been explored. Here, we propose a simple fluorescence correlation spectroscopy-based method that measures the G-tetrad-selective association and dissociation rates of ligands within a GqDNA structure by correlating the fluorescence fluctuations of a site-specific (5' or 3' end-labeled) fluorophore (Cy3) in GqDNA due to quenching of Cy3 fluorescence, induced by the ligand binding to the G-tetrads. We show that well-known GqDNA ligands, BRACO19, TMPyP4, Hoechst 33258, and Hoechst 33342, have G-tetrad-selective association and dissociation rates, which suggest site-dependent variation of free energy barriers for binding/unbinding of the ligands with GqDNA. We also show that the measured kinetic rates depend not only on the G-tetrad site (5' vs 3' end) but also on the ligand and GqDNA structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ndege Simisi Clovis
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sobhan Sen
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Song T, Wang X, Yao D, Liang H, Lu Y. Identifying and Differentiating Topological G‐Quadruplex Structures with DNA‐encoded Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202204201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tingjie Song
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chemistry A429 CLSL,600 South Mathews Avenue 61801 Urbana UNITED STATES
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chemistry 600 South Mathews Avenue 61801 Urbana UNITED STATES
| | - Dongbao Yao
- University of Science and Technology of China Polymer Science and Engineering jinzhai Road, NO.96 230026 hefei CHINA
| | - Haojun Liang
- University of Science and Technology of China Polymer Science and Engineering jinzhai Road, NO.96 230026 hefei CHINA
| | - Yi Lu
- University of Illinois Chemistry 600 South Mathews Ave. 61801 Urbana UNITED STATES
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
High-throughput techniques enable advances in the roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Genome Biol 2022; 23:159. [PMID: 35851062 PMCID: PMC9290270 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable structure of DNA is the canonical right-handed double helix termed B DNA. However, certain environments and sequence motifs favor alternative conformations, termed non-canonical secondary structures. The roles of DNA and RNA secondary structures in transcriptional regulation remain incompletely understood. However, advances in high-throughput assays have enabled genome wide characterization of some secondary structures. Here, we describe their regulatory functions in promoters and 3’UTRs, providing insights into key mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression. We discuss their implication in human disease, and how advances in molecular technologies and emerging high-throughput experimental methods could provide additional insights.
Collapse
|
23
|
Swafford K, Acharya B, Xu YZ, Raney T, McCrury M, Saha D, Frett B, Kendrick S. Targeting a Novel G-Quadruplex in the CARD11 Oncogene Promoter with Naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- Requires the Nitro Group. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071144. [PMID: 35885931 PMCID: PMC9321325 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aggressive nature of the activated B cell such as (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) is frequently associated with altered B cell Receptor (BCR) signaling through the activation of key components including the scaffolding protein, CARD11. Most inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, target downstream BCR kinases with often modest and temporary responses for DLBCL patients. Here, we pursue an alternative strategy to target the BCR pathway by leveraging a novel DNA secondary structure to repress transcription. We discovered that a highly guanine (G)-rich element within the CARD11 promoter forms a stable G-quadruplex (G4) using circular dichroism and polymerase stop biophysical techniques. We then identified a small molecule, naptho(2,1-b)furan-1-ethanol,2-nitro- (NSC373981), from a fluorescence-resonance energy transfer-based screen that stabilized CARD11 G4 and inhibited CARD11 transcription in DLBCL cells. In generating and testing analogs of NSC373981, we determined that the nitro group is likely essential for the downregulation of CARD11 and interaction with CARD11 G4, and the removal of the ethanol side chain enhanced this activity. Of note, the expression of BCL2 and MYC, two other key oncogenes in DLBCL pathology with known promoter G4 structures, were often concurrently repressed with NSC373981 and the highly potent R158 analog. Our findings highlight a novel approach to treat aggressive DLBCL by silencing CARD11 gene expression that warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennith Swafford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Baku Acharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Ying-Zhi Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Thomas Raney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Mason McCrury
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Debasmita Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (B.A.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.F.); (S.K.); Tel.: +1-501-526-0893 (B.F.); +1-501-526-6000 (ext. 25122) (S.K.)
| | - Samantha Kendrick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (K.S.); (Y.-Z.X.); (T.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (B.F.); (S.K.); Tel.: +1-501-526-0893 (B.F.); +1-501-526-6000 (ext. 25122) (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xiang L, Niu K, Peng Y, Zhang X, Li X, Ye R, Yu G, Ye G, Xiang H, Song Q, Feng Q. DNA G-quadruplex structure participates in regulation of lipid metabolism through acyl-CoA binding protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6953-6967. [PMID: 35748856 PMCID: PMC9262599 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex structure (G4) is a type of DNA secondary structure that widely exists in the genomes of many organisms. G4s are believed to participate in multiple biological processes. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), a ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved protein in eukaryotic cells, plays important roles in lipid metabolism by transporting and protecting acyl-CoA esters. Here, we report the functional identification of a G4 in the promoter of the ACBP gene in silkworm and human cancer cells. We found that G4 exists as a conserved element in the promoters of ACBP genes in invertebrates and vertebrates. The BmACBP G4 bound with G4-binding protein LARK regulated BmACBP transcription, which was blocked by the G4 stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and G4 antisense oligonucleotides. PDS treatment with fifth instar silkworm larvae decreased the BmACBP expression and triacylglycerides (TAG) level, resulting in reductions in fat body mass, body size and weight and growth and metamorphic rates. PDS treatment and knocking out of the HsACBP G4 in human hepatic adenocarcinoma HepG2 cells inhibited the expression of HsACBP and decreased the TAG level and cell proliferation. Altogether, our findings suggest that G4 of the ACBP genes is involved in regulation of lipid metabolism processes in invertebrates and vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Kangkang Niu. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ruoqi Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guoxing Yu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Guojun Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 20 85215291; Fax: +86 20 85215291;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cagirici HB, Budak H, Sen TZ. G4Boost: a machine learning-based tool for quadruplex identification and stability prediction. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:240. [PMID: 35717172 PMCID: PMC9206279 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background G-quadruplexes (G4s), formed within guanine-rich nucleic acids, are secondary structures involved in important biological processes. Although every G4 motif has the potential to form a stable G4 structure, not every G4 motif would, and accurate energy-based methods are needed to assess their structural stability. Here, we present a decision tree-based prediction tool, G4Boost, to identify G4 motifs and predict their secondary structure folding probability and thermodynamic stability based on their sequences, nucleotide compositions, and estimated structural topologies.
Results G4Boost predicted the quadruplex folding state with an accuracy greater then 93% and an F1-score of 0.96, and the folding energy with an RMSE of 4.28 and R2 of 0.95 only by the means of sequence intrinsic feature. G4Boost was successfully applied and validated to predict the stability of experimentally-determined G4 structures, including for plants and humans. Conclusion G4Boost outperformed the three machine-learning based prediction tools, DeepG4, Quadron, and G4RNA Screener, in terms of both accuracy and F1-score, and can be highly useful for G4 prediction to understand gene regulation across species including plants and humans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04782-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Busra Cagirici
- US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Crop Improvement Genetics Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan St, Albany, CA, 94710, USA
| | | | - Taner Z Sen
- US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Crop Improvement Genetics Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, 800 Buchanan St, Albany, CA, 94710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen Y, Niu K, Song Q, Feng Q. Effect of G-quadruplex loop mutations on the G-quadruplex formation, protein binding and transcription of BmPOUM2 in Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 110:e21876. [PMID: 35220618 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) was identified in the promoter of transcription factor BmPOUM2 in Bombyx mori. This G4 structure contains three loops and is bound by transcription factor BmLARK, facilitating the transcription of BmPOUM2. However, the relationship between the structure and function of the BmPOUM2 G4 remains to be clarified. In this study, loop mutants of the BmPOUM2 G4 structure were generated to study the function of the structure in transcription regulation. The results revealed that mutations of Loops A and B could not completely suppress G4 formation, but affected the binding of the G4 structure with BmLARK and the promoter activity. The mutation (C-to-T) of the one-nucleotide-loop, Loop C, enhanced the G4 formation, its binding with BmLARK and the transcription activity of the BmPOUM2 promoter. It is speculated that the binding site of BmLARK probably is on the G-quartet planes, rather than on the loops, which may assist the maintenance and modification of the G4 structure and its protein binding activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Teng X, Dai Y, Li J. Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G-quadruplexes. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 2:20210214. [PMID: 37323879 PMCID: PMC10191030 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS-COV-2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Teng
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yicong Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical BiologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Feng Y, Tao S, Zhang P, Sperti FR, Liu G, Cheng X, Zhang T, Yu H, Wang XE, Chen C, Monchaud D, Zhang W. Epigenomic features of DNA G-quadruplexes and their roles in regulating rice gene transcription. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1632-1648. [PMID: 34893906 PMCID: PMC8896617 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A DNA G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid structure involved in many biological processes in mammals. The current knowledge on plant DNA G4s, however, is limited; whether and how DNA G4s impact gene expression in plants is still largely unknown. Here, we applied a protocol referred to as BG4-DNA-IP-seq followed by a comprehensive characterization of DNA G4s in rice (Oryza sativa L.); we next integrated dG4s (experimentally detectable G4s) with existing omics data and found that dG4s exhibited differential DNA methylation between transposable element (TE) and non-TE genes. dG4 regions displayed genic-dependent enrichment of epigenomic signatures; finally, we showed that these sites displayed a positive association with expression of DNA G4-containing genes when located at promoters, and a negative association when located in the gene body, suggesting localization-dependent promotional/repressive roles of DNA G4s in regulating gene transcription. This study reveals interrelations between DNA G4s and epigenomic signatures, as well as implicates DNA G4s in modulating gene transcription in rice. Our study provides valuable resources for the functional characterization or bioengineering of some of key DNA G4s in rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Shentong Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Pengyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Guanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Agricultural College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hengxiu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiu-e Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Caiyan Chen
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moleculaire, ICMUB, CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon, 21078 Dijon, France
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, JCIC-MCP, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yadav K, Sardana D, Shweta H, Clovis NS, Sen S. Molecular Picture of the Effect of Cosolvent Crowding on Ligand Binding and Dispersed Solvation Dynamics in G-Quadruplex DNA. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:1668-1681. [PMID: 35170968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c09349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding molecular interactions and dynamics of proteins and DNA in a cell-like crowded environment is crucial for predicting their functions within the cell. Noncanonical G-quadruplex DNA (GqDNA) structures adopt various topologies that were shown to be strongly affected by molecular crowding. However, it is unknown how such crowding affects the solvation dynamics in GqDNA. Here, we study the effect of cosolvent (acetonitrile) crowding on ligand (DAPI) solvation dynamics within human telomeric antiparallel GqDNA through direct comparison of time-resolved fluorescence Stokes shift (TRFSS) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results. We show that ligand binding affinity to GqDNA is drastically affected by acetonitrile (ACN). Solvation dynamics probed by DAPI in GqDNA groove show dispersed dynamics from ∼100 fs to 10 ns in the absence and presence of 20% and 40% (v/v) ACN. The nature of dynamics remain similar in buffer and 20% ACN, although in 40% ACN, distinct dynamics is observed in <100 ps. MD simulations performed on GqDNA/DAPI complex reveal preferential solvation of ligand by ACN, particularly in 40% ACN. Simulated solvation time-correlation functions calculated from MD trajectories compare very well to the overall solvation dynamics of DAPI in GqDNA, observed in experiments. Linear response decomposition of simulated solvation correlation functions unfolds the origin of dispersed dynamics, showing that the slower dynamics is dominated by DNA-motion in the presence of ACN (and also by the ACN dynamics at higher concentration). However, water-DNA coupled motion controls the slow dynamics in the absence of ACN. Our data, thus, unravel a detailed molecular picture showing that though ACN crowding affect ligand binding affinity to GqDNA significantly, the overall dispersed solvation dynamics in GqDNA remain similar in the absence and the presence of 20% ACN, albeit with a small effect on the dynamics in the presence of 40% ACN due to preferential solvation of ligand by ACN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Yadav
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Deepika Sardana
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Him Shweta
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ndege Simisi Clovis
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sobhan Sen
- Spectroscopy Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zyner KG, Simeone A, Flynn SM, Doyle C, Marsico G, Adhikari S, Portella G, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. G-quadruplex DNA structures in human stem cells and differentiation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:142. [PMID: 35013231 PMCID: PMC8748810 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27719-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of cell identity during embryonic development involves the activation of specific gene expression programmes and is underpinned by epigenetic factors including DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. G-quadruplexes are four-stranded DNA secondary structures (G4s) that have been implicated in transcriptional regulation and cancer. Here, we show that G4s are key genomic structural features linked to cellular differentiation. We find that G4s are highly abundant in human embryonic stem cells and are lost during lineage specification. G4s are prevalent in enhancers and promoters. G4s that are found in common between embryonic and downstream lineages are tightly linked to transcriptional stabilisation of genes involved in essential cellular functions as well as transitions in the histone post-translational modification landscape. Furthermore, the application of small molecules that stabilise G4s causes a delay in stem cell differentiation, keeping cells in a more pluripotent-like state. Collectively, our data highlight G4s as important epigenetic features that are coupled to stem cell pluripotency and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Zyner
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Angela Simeone
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Sean M Flynn
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Colm Doyle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Giovanni Marsico
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Santosh Adhikari
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Guillem Portella
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
MeCP2 duplication causes hyperandrogenism by upregulating LHCGR and downregulating RORα. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:999. [PMID: 34697294 PMCID: PMC8545957 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Duplication of MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) gene causes a serious neurological and developmental disorder called MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), which is usually found in males. A previous clinical study reported that MDS patient has precocious puberty with hyperandrogenism, suggesting increased MeCP2 may cause male hyperandrogenism. Here we use an MDS mouse model and confirm that MECP2 duplication significantly upregulates androgen levels. We show for the first time that MeCP2 is highly expressed in the Leydig cells of testis, where androgen is synthesized. Mechanistically, MECP2 duplication increases androgen synthesis and decreases androgen to estrogen conversion through either the upregulation of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) in testis, as a result of MeCP2 binds to G-quadruplex structure of Lhcgr promoter and recruits the transcription activator CREB1 or the downregulation of the expression of aromatase in testis by binding the CpG island of Rorα, an upstream regulator of aromatase. Taken together, we demonstrate that MeCP2 plays an important role in androgen synthesis, supporting a novel non-CNS function of MeCP2 in the process of sex hormone synthesis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Pavlova AV, Kubareva EA, Monakhova MV, Zvereva MI, Dolinnaya NG. Impact of G-Quadruplexes on the Regulation of Genome Integrity, DNA Damage and Repair. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1284. [PMID: 34572497 PMCID: PMC8472537 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are known to be an integral part of the complex regulatory systems in both normal and pathological cells. At the same time, the ability of G4s to impede DNA replication plays a critical role in genome integrity. This review summarizes the results of recent studies of G4-mediated genomic and epigenomic instability, together with associated DNA damage and repair processes. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, it is known that, among the proteins that recognize G4 structures, many are linked to DNA repair. We analyzed the possible role of G4s in promoting double-strand DNA breaks, one of the most deleterious DNA lesions, and their repair via error-prone mechanisms. The patterns of G4 damage, with a focus on the introduction of oxidative guanine lesions, as well as their removal from G4 structures by canonical repair pathways, were also discussed together with the effects of G4s on the repair machinery. According to recent findings, there must be a delicate balance between G4-induced genome instability and G4-promoted repair processes. A broad overview of the factors that modulate the stability of G4 structures in vitro and in vivo is also provided here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anzhela V. Pavlova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.I.Z.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Elena A. Kubareva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.K.); (M.V.M.)
| | - Mayya V. Monakhova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.K.); (M.V.M.)
| | - Maria I. Zvereva
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.I.Z.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Nina G. Dolinnaya
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (M.I.Z.); (N.G.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang E, Thombre R, Shah Y, Latanich R, Wang J. G-Quadruplexes as pathogenic drivers in neurodegenerative disorders. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4816-4830. [PMID: 33784396 PMCID: PMC8136783 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), higher-order DNA and RNA secondary structures featuring guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences with various conformations, are widely distributed in the human genome. These structural motifs are known to participate in basic cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, and translation, and their functions related to health and disease are becoming increasingly recognized. In this review, we summarize the landscape of G4s involved in major neurodegenerative disorders, describing the genes that contain G4-forming sequences and proteins that have high affinity for G4-containing elements. The functions of G4s are diverse, with potentially protective or deleterious effects in the pathogenic cascades of various neurological diseases. While the studies of the functions of G4s in vivo, including those involved in pathophysiology, are still in their early stages, we will nevertheless discuss the evidence pointing to their biological relevance. A better understanding of this unique structural element in the biological context is important for unveiling its potential roles in the pathogenesis of diseases such as neurodegeneration and for designing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ravi Thombre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yajas Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rachel Latanich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiou Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lago S, Nadai M, Cernilogar FM, Kazerani M, Domíniguez Moreno H, Schotta G, Richter SN. Promoter G-quadruplexes and transcription factors cooperate to shape the cell type-specific transcriptome. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3885. [PMID: 34162892 PMCID: PMC8222265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell identity is maintained by activation of cell-specific gene programs, regulated by epigenetic marks, transcription factors and chromatin organization. DNA G-quadruplex (G4)-folded regions in cells were reported to be associated with either increased or decreased transcriptional activity. By G4-ChIP-seq/RNA-seq analysis on liposarcoma cells we confirmed that G4s in promoters are invariably associated with high transcription levels in open chromatin. Comparing G4 presence, location and transcript levels in liposarcoma cells to available data on keratinocytes, we showed that the same promoter sequences of the same genes in the two cell lines had different G4-folding state: high transcript levels consistently associated with G4-folding. Transcription factors AP-1 and SP1, whose binding sites were the most significantly represented in G4-folded sequences, coimmunoprecipitated with their G4-folded promoters. Thus, G4s and their associated transcription factors cooperate to determine cell-specific transcriptional programs, making G4s to strongly emerge as new epigenetic regulators of the transcription machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo M Cernilogar
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maryam Kazerani
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Helena Domíniguez Moreno
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Salsbury AM, Lemkul JA. Cation competition and recruitment around the c-kit1 G-quadruplex using polarizable simulations. Biophys J 2021; 120:2249-2261. [PMID: 33794153 PMCID: PMC8390831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-ion interactions are fundamentally important to the physical, energetic, and conformational properties of DNA and RNA. These interactions help fold and stabilize highly ordered secondary and tertiary structures, such as G-quadruplexes (GQs), which are functionally relevant in telomeres, replication initiation sites, and promoter sequences. The c-kit proto-oncogene encodes for a receptor tyrosine kinase and is linked to gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mast cell disease, and leukemia. This gene contains three unique GQ-forming sequences that have proposed antagonistic effects on gene expression. The dominant GQ, denoted c-kit1, has been shown to decrease expression of c-kit transcripts, making the c-kit1 GQ a promising drug target. Toward disease intervention, more information is needed regarding its conformational dynamics and ion binding properties. Therefore, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the c-kit1 GQ with K+, Na+, Li+, and mixed salt solutions using the Drude-2017 polarizable force field. We evaluated GQ structure, ion sampling, core energetics, ion dehydration and binding, and ion competition and found that each analysis supported the known GQ-ion specificity trend (K+ > Na+ > Li+). We also found that K+ ions coordinate in the tetrad core antiprismatically, whereas Na+ and Li+ align coplanar to guanine tetrads, partially because of their attraction to surrounding water. Further, we showed that K+ occupancy is higher around the c-kit1 GQ and its nucleobases than Na+ and Li+, which tend to interact with backbone and sugar moieties. Finally, we showed that K+ binding to the c-kit1 GQ is faster and more frequent than Na+ and Li+. Such descriptions of GQ-ion dynamics suggest the rate of dehydration as the dominant factor for preference of K+ by DNA GQs and provide insight into noncanonical nucleic acids for which little experimental data exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin A Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
CNBP Binds and Unfolds In Vitro G-Quadruplexes Formed in the SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Genome Strands. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052614. [PMID: 33807682 PMCID: PMC7961906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global health emergency with no effective medical treatment and with incipient vaccines. It is caused by a new positive-sense RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures involved in the control of a variety of biological processes including viral replication. Using several G4 prediction tools, we identified highly putative G4 sequences (PQSs) within the positive-sense (+gRNA) and negative-sense (−gRNA) RNA strands of SARS-CoV-2 conserved in related betacoronaviruses. By using multiple biophysical techniques, we confirmed the formation of two G4s in the +gRNA and provide the first evidence of G4 formation by two PQSs in the −gRNA of SARS-CoV-2. Finally, biophysical and molecular approaches were used to demonstrate for the first time that CNBP, the main human cellular protein bound to SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, binds and promotes the unfolding of G4s formed by both strands of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. Our results suggest that G4s found in SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and its negative-sense replicative intermediates, as well as the cellular proteins that interact with them, are relevant factors for viral genes expression and replication cycle, and may constitute interesting targets for antiviral drugs development.
Collapse
|
37
|
Craven HM, Bonsignore R, Lenis V, Santi N, Berrar D, Swain M, Whiteland H, Casini A, Hoffmann KF. Identifying and validating the presence of Guanine-Quadruplexes (G4) within the blood fluke parasite Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008770. [PMID: 33600427 PMCID: PMC7924807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that currently affects over 250 million individuals worldwide. In the absence of an immunoprophylactic vaccine and the recognition that mono-chemotherapeutic control of schistosomiasis by praziquantel has limitations, new strategies for managing disease burden are urgently needed. A better understanding of schistosome biology could identify previously undocumented areas suitable for the development of novel interventions. Here, for the first time, we detail the presence of G-quadruplexes (G4) and putative quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) within the Schistosoma mansoni genome. We find that G4 are present in both intragenic and intergenic regions of the seven autosomes as well as the sex-defining allosome pair. Amongst intragenic regions, G4 are particularly enriched in 3´ UTR regions. Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis evidenced significant G4 enrichment in the wnt signalling pathway (p<0.05) and PQS oligonucleotides synthetically derived from wnt-related genes resolve into parallel and anti-parallel G4 motifs as elucidated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Finally, utilising a single chain anti-G4 antibody called BG4, we confirm the in situ presence of G4 within both adult female and male worm nuclei. These results collectively suggest that G4-targeted compounds could be tested as novel anthelmintic agents and highlights the possibility that G4-stabilizing molecules could be progressed as candidates for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly M. Craven
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vasilis Lenis
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolo Santi
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Berrar
- Data Science Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Martin Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Casini
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kuznetsova AA, Fedorova OS, Kuznetsov NA. Lesion Recognition and Cleavage of Damage-Containing Quadruplexes and Bulged Structures by DNA Glycosylases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:595687. [PMID: 33330484 PMCID: PMC7734321 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.595687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human telomeres as well as more than 40% of human genes near the promoter regions have been found to contain the sequence that may form a G-quadruplex structure. Other non-canonical DNA structures comprising bulges, hairpins, or bubbles may have a functionally important role during transcription, replication, or recombination. The guanine-rich regions of DNA are hotspots of oxidation that forms 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine, thymine glycol, and abasic sites: the lesions that are handled by the base excision repair pathway. Nonetheless, the features of DNA repair processes in non-canonical DNA structures are still poorly understood. Therefore, in this work, a comparative analysis of the efficiency of the removal of a damaged nucleotide from various G-quadruplexes and bulged structures was performed using endonuclease VIII-like 1 (NEIL1), human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1), endonuclease III (NTH1), and prokaryotic formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg), and endonuclease VIII (Nei). All the tested enzymes were able to cleave damage-containing bulged DNA structures, indicating their important role in the repair process when single-stranded DNA and intermediate non–B-form structures such as bubbles and bulges are formed. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the ability to cleave damaged quadruplexes is an intrinsic feature of members of the H2tH structural family, suggesting that these enzymes can participate in the modulation of processes controlled by the formation of quadruplex structures in genomic DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga S Fedorova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nikita A Kuznetsov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Evans TA, Erwin JA. Retroelement-derived RNA and its role in the brain. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 114:68-80. [PMID: 33229216 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Comprising ~40% of the human genome, retroelements are mobile genetic elements which are transcribed into RNA, then reverse-transcribed into DNA and inserted into a new site in the genome. Retroelements are referred to as "genetic parasites", residing among host genes and relying on host machinery for transcription and evolutionary propagation. The healthy brain has the highest expression of retroelement-derived sequences compared to other somatic tissue, which leads to the question: how does retroelement-derived RNA influence human traits and cellular states? While the functional importance of upregulating retroelement expression in the brain is an active area of research, RNA species derived from retroelements influence both self- and host gene expression by contributing to chromatin remodeling, alternative splicing, somatic mosaicism and translational repression. Here, we review the emerging evidence that the functional importance of RNA derived from retroelements is multifaceted. Retroelements can influence organismal states through the seeding of epigenetic states in chromatin, the production of structured RNA and even catalytically active ribozymes, the generation of cytoplasmic ssDNA and RNA/DNA hybrids, the production of viral-like proteins, and the generation of somatic mutations. Comparative sequencing suggests that retroelements can contribute to intraspecies variation through these mechanisms to alter transcript identity and abundance. In humans, an increasing number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions are associated with dysregulated retroelements, including Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS), Rett syndrome (RTT), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), schizophrenia (SZ), and aging. Taken together, these concepts suggest a larger functional role for RNA derived from retroelements. This review aims to define retroelement-derived RNA, discuss how it impacts the mammalian genome, as well as summarize data supporting phenotypic consequences of this unique RNA subset in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Evans
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Ann Erwin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mestizo PD, Narváez DM, Pinzón-Ulloa JA, Di Bello DT, Franco-Ulloa S, Macías MA, Groot H, Miscione GP, Suescun L, Hurtado JJ. Novel complexes with ONNO tetradentate coumarin schiff-base donor ligands: x-ray structures, DFT calculations, molecular dynamics and potential anticarcinogenic activity. Biometals 2020; 34:119-140. [PMID: 33185808 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-020-00268-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of eight novel Zn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pt(II) complexes (2-9) derived from the ONNO tetradentate coumarin Schiff-Base donor ligands, L1 and the novel L2, was performed. All compounds were characterized by analytical, spectrometry and spectroscopy techniques. Complexes 2-4 were also characterized by DFT calculations and the structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A cytotoxicity study was carried out through an MTT assay in the carcinogenic cell line HeLa and the noncarcinogenic cell lines HFF-1 and HaCaT. The results indicated that among all the evaluated compounds, 2 and 6 presented the best anticarcinogenic potential against HeLa cells with an IC50 of 3.5 and 4.1 µM, respectively. In addition, classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the synthesized coordination compounds bound to G4 DNA architectures in the scope of shedding light on their inhibition mode and the most conserved interactions that may lead to the biological activity of the compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Daniela Mestizo
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana M Narváez
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Daniela Torres Di Bello
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sebastian Franco-Ulloa
- COBO Computational Bio-Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario A Macías
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Helena Groot
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gian Pietro Miscione
- COBO Computational Bio-Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Department, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Leopoldo Suescun
- Cryssmat-Lab/Cátedra de Física/DETEMA, Facultad de Química, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - John J Hurtado
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 No. 18A-12, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ciszewski L, Lu-Nguyen N, Slater A, Brennan A, Williams HEL, Dickson G, Searle MS, Popplewell L. G-quadruplex ligands mediate downregulation of DUX4 expression. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4179-4194. [PMID: 32182342 PMCID: PMC7192601 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal DUX4 expression in skeletal muscles plays a key role in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) pathogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms regulating DUX4 expression are not fully defined. Using bioinformatic analysis of the genomic DUX4 locus, we have identified a number of putative G-quadruplexes (GQs) forming sequences. Their presence was confirmed in synthetic oligonucleotiode sequences derived from the enhancer, promoter and transcript of DUX4 through circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. We further examined the binding affinity of a naturally occurring GQ stabilizing compound, berberine, to these non-canonical genetic structures using UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Subsequent in vitro study in FSHD patient myoblasts indicated that berberine treatment reduced DUX4 expression and also expression of genes normally switched on by DUX4. Further investigation in a mouse model overexpressing exogenous DUX4 confirmed the therapeutic effects of berberine in downregulating DUX4 protein expression, inhibiting muscle fibrosis, and consequently rescuing muscle function. Our data demonstrate for the first time that GQs are present in the DUX4 locus and that the GQ interactive ligand reduces DUX4 expression suggesting potential role of GQs in FSHD pathogenesis. Our work provides the basis of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of FSHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Ciszewski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Alex Slater
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Andrew Brennan
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Huw E L Williams
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Mark S Searle
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Genome-Wide Discovery of G-Quadruplexes in Wheat: Distribution and Putative Functional Roles. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:2021-2032. [PMID: 32295768 PMCID: PMC7263691 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are nucleic acid secondary structures formed by a stack of square planar G-quartets. G-quadruplexes were implicated in many biological functions including telomere maintenance, replication, transcription, and translation, in many species including humans and plants. For wheat, however, though it is one of the world's most important staple food, no G-quadruplex studies have been reported to date. Here, we computationally identify putative G4 structures (G4s) in wheat genome for the first time and compare its distribution across the genome against five other genomes (human, maize, Arabidopsis, rice, and sorghum). We identified close to 1 million G4 motifs with a density of 76 G4s/Mb across the whole genome and 93 G4s/Mb over genic regions. Remarkably, G4s were enriched around three regions, two located on the antisense and one on the sense strand at the following positions: 1) the transcription start site (TSS) (antisense), 2) the first coding domain sequence (CDS) (antisense), and 3) the start codon (sense). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the gene models containing G4 motifs within these peaks were associated with specific gene ontology (GO) terms, such as developmental process, localization, and cellular component organization or biogenesis. We investigated genes encoding MADS-box transcription factors and showed examples of G4 motifs within critical regulatory regions in the VRN-1 genes in wheat. Furthermore, comparison with other plants showed that monocots share a similar distribution of G4s, but Arabidopsis shows a unique G4 distribution. Our study shows for the first time the prevalence and possible functional roles of G4s in wheat.
Collapse
|
43
|
Salsbury AM, Dean TJ, Lemkul JA. Polarizable Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Two c-kit Oncogene Promoter G-Quadruplexes: Effect of Primary and Secondary Structure on Loop and Ion Sampling. J Chem Theory Comput 2020; 16:3430-3444. [PMID: 32307997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.0c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are highly ordered nucleic acid structures that play fundamental roles in regulating gene expression and maintaining genomic stability. GQs are topologically diverse and enriched in promoter sequences of growth regulatory genes and proto-oncogenes, suggesting that they may serve as attractive targets for drug design at the level of transcription rather than inhibiting the activity of the protein products of these genes. The c-kit promoter contains three adjacent GQ-forming sequences that have proposed antagonistic effects on gene expression and thus are promising drug targets for diseases such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mast cell disease, and leukemia. Because GQ stability is influenced by primary structure, secondary structure, and ion interactions, a greater understanding of GQ structure, dynamics, and ion binding properties is needed to develop novel, GQ-targeting therapeutics. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to systematically study the c-kit2 and c-kit* GQs, evaluating nonpolarizable and polarizable force fields (FFs) and examining the effects of base substitutions and cation type (K+, Na+, and Li+) on the dynamics of their isolated and linked structures. We found that the Drude polarizable FF outperformed the additive CHARMM36 FF in two- and three-tetrad GQs and solutions of KCl, NaCl, and LiCl. Drude simulations with different cations agreed with the known GQ stabilization preference (K+ > Na+ > Li+) and illustrated that tetrad core-ion coordination differs as a function of cation type. Finally, we showed that differences in primary and secondary structure influence loop sampling, ion binding, and core-ion energetics of GQs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexa M Salsbury
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Tanner J Dean
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Justin A Lemkul
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Moruno-Manchon JF, Lejault P, Wang Y, McCauley B, Honarpisheh P, Morales Scheihing DA, Singh S, Dang W, Kim N, Urayama A, Zhu L, Monchaud D, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. Small-molecule G-quadruplex stabilizers reveal a novel pathway of autophagy regulation in neurons. eLife 2020; 9:e52283. [PMID: 32043463 PMCID: PMC7012600 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4-DNA) structures. G4-DNA regulates replication and transcription, at least in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that, in neurons, pharmacologically stabilizing G4-DNA with G4 ligands strongly downregulates the Atg7 gene. Atg7 is a critical gene for the initiation of autophagy that exhibits decreased transcription with aging. Using an in vitro assay, we show that a putative G-quadruplex-forming sequence (PQFS) in the first intron of the Atg7 gene folds into a G4. An antibody specific to G4-DNA and the G4-DNA-binding protein PC4 bind to the Atg7 PQFS. Mice treated with a G4 stabilizer develop memory deficits. Brain samples from aged mice contain G4-DNA structures that are absent in brain samples from young mice. Overexpressing the G4-DNA helicase Pif1 in neurons exposed to the G4 stabilizer improves phenotypes associated with G4-DNA stabilization. Our findings indicate that G4-DNA is a novel pathway for regulating autophagy in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose F Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Pauline Lejault
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB), UBFC Dijon, CNRS UMR6302DijonFrance
| | - Yaoxuan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Brenna McCauley
- Huffington Center on AgingBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Pedram Honarpisheh
- Department of NeurologyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHoustonUnited States
| | - Diego A Morales Scheihing
- Department of NeurologyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Shivani Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Weiwei Dang
- Huffington Center on AgingBaylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of NeurologyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHoustonUnited States
| | - Liang Zhu
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Design Core Center for Clinical and Translational SciencesThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB), UBFC Dijon, CNRS UMR6302DijonFrance
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of NeurologyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHoustonUnited States
| | - Andrey S Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHoustonUnited States
- UTHealth Consortium on AgingThe University of Texas McGovern Medical School at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Puig Lombardi E, Londoño-Vallejo A. A guide to computational methods for G-quadruplex prediction. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:1-15. [PMID: 31754698 PMCID: PMC6943126 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich nucleic acids can fold into the non-B DNA or RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4). Recent methodological developments have allowed the characterization of specific G-quadruplex structures in vitro as well as in vivo, and at a much higher throughput, in silico, which has greatly expanded our understanding of G4-associated functions. Typically, the consensus motif G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+N1-7G3+ has been used to identify potential G-quadruplexes from primary sequence. Since, various algorithms have been developed to predict the potential formation of quadruplexes directly from DNA or RNA sequences and the number of studies reporting genome-wide G4 exploration across species has rapidly increased. More recently, new methodologies have also appeared, proposing other estimates which consider non-canonical sequences and/or structure propensity and stability. The present review aims at providing an updated overview of the current open-source G-quadruplex prediction algorithms and straightforward examples of their implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Puig Lombardi
- Telomeres and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Arturo Londoño-Vallejo
- Telomeres and Cancer Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, CNRS UMR3244, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
David AP, Pipier A, Pascutti F, Binolfi A, Weiner AMJ, Challier E, Heckel S, Calsou P, Gomez D, Calcaterra NB, Armas P. CNBP controls transcription by unfolding DNA G-quadruplex structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:7901-7913. [PMID: 31219592 PMCID: PMC6735679 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA strands can fold into non-canonical four-stranded secondary structures named G-quadruplexes (G4). Experimental evidences suggest that G4-DNA surrounding transcription start sites act as cis-regulatory elements by either stimulating or inhibiting gene transcription. Therefore, proteins able to target and regulate specific G4 formation/unfolding are crucial for G4-mediated transcriptional control. Here we present data revealing that CNBP acts in vitro as a G4-unfolding protein over a tetramolecular G4 formed by the TG4T oligonucleotide, as well as over the G4 folded in the promoters of several oncogenes. CNBP depletion in cellulo led to a reduction in the transcription of endogenous KRAS, suggesting a regulatory role of CNBP in relieving the transcriptional abrogation due to G4 formation. CNBP activity was also assayed over the evolutionary conserved G4 enhancing the transcription of NOGGIN (NOG) developmental gene. CNBP unfolded in vitro NOG G4 and experiments performed in cellulo and in vivo in developing zebrafish showed a repressive role of CNBP on the transcription of this gene by G4 unwinding. Our results shed light on the mechanisms underlying CNBP way of action, as well as reinforce the notion about the existence and function of G4s in whole living organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldana P David
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Angélique Pipier
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, UMR5089 CNRS-Université de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer 2018, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Federico Pascutti
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrés Binolfi
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andrea M J Weiner
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Emilse Challier
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Sofía Heckel
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Patrick Calsou
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, UMR5089 CNRS-Université de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer 2018, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Dennis Gomez
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, UMR5089 CNRS-Université de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer 2018, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Nora B Calcaterra
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Armas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Ocampo y Esmeralda, S2000EZP, Rosario, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Niu K, Xiang L, Jin Y, Peng Y, Wu F, Tang W, Zhang X, Deng H, Xiang H, Li S, Wang J, Song Q, Feng Q. Identification of LARK as a novel and conserved G-quadruplex binding protein in invertebrates and vertebrates. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:7306-7320. [PMID: 31165881 PMCID: PMC6698653 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded DNAs are usually present in the form of linear B-form double-helix with the base pairs of adenine (A) and thymine (T) or cytosine (C) and guanine (G), but G-rich DNA can form four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) structures, which plays important roles in transcription, replication, translation and protection of telomeres. In this study, a RNA recognition motif (RRM)-containing protein, BmLARK, was identified and demonstrated to bind G4 structures in the promoters of a transcription factor BmPOUM2 and other three unidentified genes of Bombyx mori, as well as three well-defined G4 structures in the human genes. Homologous LARKs from Bombyx mori, Drosophila melanogaster, Mus musculus and Homo sapiens bound G4 structures in BmPOUM2 and other genes in B. mori and H. sapiens. Upon binding, LARK facilitated the formation and stability of the G4 structure, enhancing the transcription of target genes. The G4 structure was visualized in vivo in cells and testis from invertebrate B. mori and vertebrate Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The results of this study strongly suggest that LARK is a novel and conserved G4-binding protein and that the G4 structure may have developed into an elaborate epigenetic mechanism of gene transcription regulation during evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lijun Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Wenhuan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Huimin Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Fleming AM, Zhu J, Ding Y, Burrows CJ. Location dependence of the transcriptional response of a potential G-quadruplex in gene promoters under oxidative stress. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:5049-5060. [PMID: 30916339 PMCID: PMC6547423 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidation of the guanine (G) heterocycle to 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG) in mammalian gene promoters was demonstrated to induce transcription. Potential G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQSs) in promoters have a high density of G nucleotides rendering them highly susceptible to oxidation and possible gene activation. The VEGF PQS with OG or an abasic site were synthesized at key locations in the SV40 or HSV-TK model promoters to determine the location dependency in the gene expression profile in human cells. The PQS location with respect to the transcription start site (TSS) and strand of occupancy (coding versus non-coding strand) are key parameters that determine the magnitude and direction in which gene expression changes with the chemically modified VEGF PQS. The greatest impact observed for OG or F in the PQS context in these promoters was within ∼200 bp of the TSS. Established PQSs found to occur naturally in a similar location relative to the TSS for possible oxidation-induced gene activation include c-MYC, KRAS, c-KIT, HIF-1α, PDGF-A and hTERT. The studies provide experimental constraints that were used to probe bioinformatic data regarding PQSs in the human genome for those that have the possibility to be redox switches for gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Fleming
- 315 South 1400 East, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| | - Judy Zhu
- 315 South 1400 East, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| | - Yun Ding
- 315 South 1400 East, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| | - Cynthia J Burrows
- 315 South 1400 East, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Čutová M, Manta J, Porubiaková O, Kaura P, Šťastný J, Jagelská EB, Goswami P, Bartas M, Brázda V. Divergent distributions of inverted repeats and G-quadruplex forming sequences in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genomics 2019; 112:1897-1901. [PMID: 31706022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The importance of DNA structure in the regulation of basic cellular processes is an emerging field of research. Among local non-B DNA structures, inverted repeat (IR) sequences that form cruciforms and G-rich sequences that form G-quadruplexes (G4) are found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and are targets for regulatory proteins. We analyzed IRs and G4 sequences in the genome of the most important biotechnology microorganism, S. cerevisiae. IR and G4-prone sequences are enriched in specific genomic locations and differ markedly between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. While G4s are overrepresented in telomeres and regions surrounding tRNAs, IRs are most enriched in centromeres, rDNA, replication origins and surrounding tRNAs. Mitochondrial DNA is enriched in both IR and G4-prone sequences relative to the nuclear genome. This extensive analysis of local DNA structures adds to the emerging picture of their importance in genome maintenance, DNA replication and transcription of subsets of genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Čutová
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jacinta Manta
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Otília Porubiaková
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Patrik Kaura
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 2896/2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Šťastný
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 2896/2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic; Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva B Jagelská
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pratik Goswami
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Bartas
- Department of Biology and Ecology/Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava 710 00, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Brázda
- Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kim N. The Interplay between G-quadruplex and Transcription. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2898-2917. [PMID: 29284393 PMCID: PMC6026074 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171229132619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
G4 DNA is a non-canonical DNA structure consisting of a stacked array of Gquartets held together by base pairing between guanine bases. The formation of G4 DNA requires a cluster of guanine-runs within a strand of DNA. Even though the chemistry of this remarkable DNA structure has been under investigation for decades, evidence supporting the biological relevance of G4 DNA has only begun to emerge and point to very important and conserved biological functions. This review will specifically focus on the interplay between transcription and G4 DNA and discuss two alternative but interconnected perspectives. The first part of the review will describe the evidence substantiating the intriguing idea that a shift in DNA structural conformation could be another layer of non-genetic or epigenetic regulator of gene expression and thereby an important determinant of cell fate. The second part will describe the recent genetic studies showing that those genomic loci containing G4 DNA-forming guanine-rich sequences are potential hotspots of genome instability and that the level and orientation of transcription is critical in the materialization of genome instability associated with these sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|