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Libera V, Fasolato C, Ripanti F, Catalini S, Bertini L, Petrillo C, Schirò G, D'Amico F, Rossi B, Paciaroni A, Comez L. Molecular mechanisms behind BRACO19 and human telomeric G-quadruplex interaction. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 322:124684. [PMID: 38981290 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Human telomeres (HTs) can form DNA G-quadruplex (G4), an attractive target for anticancer and antiviral drugs. HT-G4s exhibit inherent structural polymorphism, posing challenges for understanding their specific recognition by ligands. Here, we aim to explore the impact of different topologies within a small segment of the HT (Tel22) on its interaction with BRACO19, a rationally designed G4 ligand with high quadruplex affinity, already employed in in-vivo treatments. Our multi-technique approach is based on the combined use of a set of contactless spectroscopic tools. Circular dichroism and UV resonance Raman spectroscopy probe ligand-induced conformational changes in the G4 sequence, while UV-visible absorption, coupled with steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, provides further insights into the electronic features of the complex, exploiting the photoresponsive properties of BRACO19. Overall, we find that modifying the topology of the unbound Tel22 through cations (K+ or Na+), serves as a critical determinant for ligand interactions and binding modes, thus influencing the HT-G4's assembly capabilities. Furthermore, we show how fluorescence serves as a valuable probe for recognizing cation-driven multimeric structures, which may be present in living organisms, giving rise to pathological forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Libera
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Fasolato
- Institute for Complex System, National Research Council (ISC-CNR), Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Ripanti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Catalini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; National Research Council-National Institute of Optics (CNR-INO), Largo Fermi 6, 50125, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Bertini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38044, Grenoble, France
| | - Francesco D'Amico
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, s.s. 14 km 163, 500 in Area Science Park, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucia Comez
- CNR-IOM - Istituto Officina dei Materiali, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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Ji J, Sharma A, Pokhrel P, Karna D, Pandey S, Zheng YR, Mao H. Dynamic Structures and Fast Transition Kinetics of Oxidized G-Quadruplexes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400485. [PMID: 38678502 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
8-oxoguanines (8-oxoG) in cells form compromised G-quadruplexes (GQs), which may vary GQ mediated gene regulations. By mimicking molecularly crowded cellular environment using 40% DMSO or sucrose, here it is found that oxidized human telomeric GQs have stabilities close to the wild-type (WT) GQs. Surprisingly, while WT GQs show negative formation cooperativity between a Pt(II) binder and molecularly crowded environment, positive cooperativity is observed for oxidized GQ formation. Single-molecule mechanical unfolding reveals that 8-oxoG sequence formed more diverse and flexible structures with faster folding/unfolding transition kinetics, which facilitates the Pt(II) ligand to bind the best-fit structures with positive cooperativity. These findings offer new understanding on structures and properties of oxidized G-rich species in crowded environments. They also provide insights into the design of better ligands to target oxidized G-rich structures formed under oxidative cell stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Ji
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Arpit Sharma
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Pravin Pokhrel
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Deepak Karna
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Shankar Pandey
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Yao-Rong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Hanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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3
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Fadaei F, Tortora M, Gessini A, Masciovecchio C, Vigna J, Mancini I, Mele A, Vacek J, Minofar B, Rossi B. Local and cooperative structural transitions of double-stranded DNA in choline-based deep eutectic solvents. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128443. [PMID: 38035952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as co-solvents for stabilizing and preserving the native structure of DNA provides an attractive opportunity in the field of DNA biotechnology. The rationale of this work is a systematic investigation of the effect of hydrated choline-based DES on the structural stability of a 30-base-pair double-stranded DNA model via a combination of spectroscopic experiments and MD simulations. UV absorption and CD experiments provide evidence of a significant contribution of DESs to the stabilization of the double-stranded canonical (B-form) DNA structure. Multi-wavelength synchrotron UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) measurements indicate that the hydration shell of adenine-thymine pairs is strongly perturbed in the presence of DESs and that the preferential interaction between H-bond sites of guanine residues and DESs is significantly involved in the stabilization of the dsDNA. Finally, MD calculations show that the minor groove of DNA is significantly selective for the choline part of the investigated DESs compared to the major groove. This finding is likely to have a significant impact not only in terms of thermal stability but also in the modulation of ligand-DNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Fadaei
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mariagrazia Tortora
- Area Science Park, Padriciano, 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gessini
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Vigna
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 14, 38123 Povo Trento, Italy
| | - Ines Mancini
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 14, 38123 Povo Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Mele
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Jan Vacek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Babak Minofar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive, 14, 38123 Povo Trento, Italy.
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Szeltner Z, Ferenc G, Juhász T, Kupihár Z, Váradi Z, Szüts D, Kovács L. Probing telomeric-like G4 structures with full or partial 2'-deoxy-5-hydroxyuridine substitutions. Biochimie 2023; 214:33-44. [PMID: 36707016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are stable four-stranded secondary DNA structures held together by noncanonical G-G base tetrads. We synthesised the nucleoside analogue 2'-deoxy-5-hydroxyuridine (H) and inserted its phosphoramidite into telomeric repeat-type model oligonucleotides. Full and partial substitutions were made, replacing all guanines in all the three tetrads of a three-tier G4 structure, or only in the putative upper, central, or lower tetrads. We characterised these modified structures using CD, UV absorbance spectroscopy, native gel studies, and a capture oligo-based G4 disruption kinetic assay. The strand separation activity of BLM helicase on these substituted structures was also investigated. Two of the partially H-substituted constructs adopted G4-like structures, but displayed lower thermal stabilities compared to unsubstituted G4. The construct modified in its central tetrad remained mostly denatured, but the possibility of a special structure for the fully replaced variant remained open. H substitutions did not interfere with the G4-resolving activity of BLM helicase, but its efficiency was highly influenced by construct topology and even more by the G4 ligand PhenDC3. Our results suggest that the H modification can be incorporated into G quadruplexes, but only at certain positions to maintain G4 stability. The destabilizing effect observed for 2'-deoxy-5-hydroxyuridine indicates that the cytosine deamination product 5-hydroxyuracil and its nucleoside counterpart in RNA (5-hydroxyuridine), might also be destabilizing in cellular DNA and RNA quadruplexes. The kinetic assay employed in this study can be generally employed for a fast comparison of the stabilities of various G4s either in their free or ligand-bound states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szeltner
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Ferenc
- Nucleic Acid Synthesis Laboratory, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Temesvári Krt. 62, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tünde Juhász
- Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kupihár
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dom Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Váradi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dom Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dávid Szüts
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Lajos Kovács
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dom Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary.
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Barta N, Ördög N, Pantazi V, Berzsenyi I, Borsos BN, Majoros H, Páhi ZG, Ujfaludi Z, Pankotai T. Identifying Suitable Reference Gene Candidates for Quantification of DNA Damage-Induced Cellular Responses in Human U2OS Cell Culture System. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1523. [PMID: 37892205 PMCID: PMC10605043 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA repair pathways trigger robust downstream responses, making it challenging to select suitable reference genes for comparative studies. In this study, our goal was to identify the most suitable housekeeping genes to perform comparable molecular analyses for DNA damage-related studies. Choosing the most applicable reference genes is important in any kind of target gene expression-related quantitative study, since using the housekeeping genes improperly may result in false data interpretation and inaccurate conclusions. We evaluated the expressional changes of eight well-known housekeeping genes (i.e., 18S rRNA, B2M, eEF1α1, GAPDH, GUSB, HPRT1, PPIA, and TBP) following treatment with the DNA-damaging agents that are most frequently used: ultraviolet B (UVB) non-ionizing irradiation, neocarzinostatin (NCS), and actinomycin D (ActD). To reveal the significant changes in the expression of each gene and to determine which appear to be the most acceptable ones for normalization of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data, comparative and statistical algorithms (such as absolute quantification, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, and independent samples T-test) were conducted. Our findings clearly demonstrate that the genes commonly employed as reference candidates exhibit substantial expression variability, and therefore, careful consideration must be taken when designing the experimental setup for an accurate and reproducible normalization of RT-qPCR data. We used the U2OS cell line since it is generally accepted and used in the field of DNA repair to study DNA damage-induced cellular responses. Based on our current data in U2OS cells, we suggest using 18S rRNA, eEF1α1, GAPDH, GUSB, and HPRT1 genes for UVB-induced DNA damage-related studies. B2M, HPRT1, and TBP genes are recommended for NCS treatment, while 18S rRNA, B2M, and PPIA genes can be used as suitable internal controls in RT-qPCR experiments for ActD treatment. In summary, this is the first systematic study using a U2OS cell culture system that offers convincing evidence for housekeeping gene selection following treatment with various DNA-damaging agents. Here, we unravel an indispensable issue for performing and assessing trustworthy DNA damage-related differential gene expressional analyses, and we create a "zero set" of potential reference gene candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Barta
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nóra Ördög
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pantazi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ivett Berzsenyi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Barbara N. Borsos
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
| | - Hajnalka Majoros
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán G. Páhi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), University of Szeged, Budapesti út 9, H-6728 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Ujfaludi
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tibor Pankotai
- Department of Pathology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Állomás utca 1, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.B.); (N.Ö.); (V.P.); (I.B.); (B.N.B.); (H.M.); (Z.G.P.)
- Competence Centre of the Life Sciences Cluster of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation, University of Szeged, Dugonics tér 13, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), University of Szeged, Budapesti út 9, H-6728 Szeged, Hungary
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Vacek J, Zatloukalova M, Bartheldyova E, Reha D, Minofar B, Bednarova K, Renciuk D, Coufal J, Fojta M, Zadny J, Gessini A, Rossi B, Storch J, Kabelac M. Hexahelicene DNA-binding: Minor groove selectivity, semi-intercalation and chiral recognition. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 250:125905. [PMID: 37487990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125905] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
In this contribution, we focused on a fundamental study targeting the interaction of water-soluble [6]helicene derivative 1 (1-butyl-3-(2-methyl[6]helicenyl)-imidazolium bromide) with double-stranded (ds) DNA. A synthetic 30-base pair duplex, plasmid, chromosomal calf thymus and salmon DNA were investigated using electrochemistry, electrophoresis and spectroscopic tools supported by molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical approaches. Both experimental and theoretical work revealed the minor groove binding of 1 to the dsDNA. Both the positively charged imidazole ring and hydrophobic part of the side chain contributed to the accommodation of 1 into the dsDNA structure. Neither intercalation into the duplex DNA nor the stable binding of 1 to single-stranded DNA were found in topoisomerase relaxation experiments with structural components of 1, i.e. [6]helicene (2) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (3), nor by theoretical calculations. Finally, the binding of optically pure enantiomers (P)-1 and (M)-1 was studied using circular dichroism spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) methods. Using MD and quantum mechanical methods, minor groove and semi-intercalation were proposed for compound 1 as the predominant binding modes. From the UVRR findings, we also can conclude that 1 tends to preferentially interact with adenine and guanine residues in the structure of dsDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vacek
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Martina Zatloukalova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - David Reha
- IT4Innovations, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Babak Minofar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Bednarova
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Renciuk
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Coufal
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Zadny
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the AS CR, v.v.i., Rozvojova 135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Alessandro Gessini
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., S.S. 14 - Km 163.5, Basovizza, Trieste I-34149, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., S.S. 14 - Km 163.5, Basovizza, Trieste I-34149, Italy
| | - Jan Storch
- Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the AS CR, v.v.i., Rozvojova 135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kabelac
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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7
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Libera V, Ripanti F, Petrillo C, Sacchetti F, Ramos-Soriano J, Galan MC, Schirò G, Paciaroni A, Comez L. Stability of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes Complexed with Photosensitive Ligands and Irradiated with Visible Light. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109090. [PMID: 37240437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109090] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into non-canonical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). These nanostructures have strong implications in many fields, from medical science to bottom-up nanotechnologies. As a result, ligands interacting with G4s have attracted great attention as candidates in medical therapies, molecular probe applications, and biosensing. In recent years, the use of G4-ligand complexes as photopharmacological targets has shown significant promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies and nanodevices. Here, we studied the possibility of manipulating the secondary structure of a human telomeric G4 sequence through the interaction with two photosensitive ligands, DTE and TMPyP4, whose response to visible light is different. The effect of these two ligands on G4 thermal unfolding was also considered, revealing the occurrence of peculiar multi-step melting pathways and the different attitudes of the two molecules on the quadruplex stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Libera
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ripanti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Sacchetti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Javier Ramos-Soriano
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Maria Carmen Galan
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- CNRS, CEA, IBS, c/o University Grenoble Alpes, 38400 Grenoble, France
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucia Comez
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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8
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Bertini L, Libera V, Ripanti F, Natali F, Paolantoni M, Orecchini A, Nucara A, Petrillo C, Comez L, Paciaroni A. Polymorphism and Ligand Binding Modulate Fast Dynamics of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054280. [PMID: 36901712 PMCID: PMC10001961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054280] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric G-quadruplexes (G4s) are promising targets in the design and development of anticancer drugs. Their actual topology depends on several factors, resulting in structural polymorphism. In this study, we investigate how the fast dynamics of the telomeric sequence AG3(TTAG3)3 (Tel22) depends on the conformation. By using Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, we show that, in the hydrated powder state, Tel22 adopts parallel and mixed antiparallel/parallel topologies in the presence of K+ and Na+ ions, respectively. These conformational differences are reflected in the reduced mobility of Tel22 in Na+ environment in the sub-nanosecond timescale, as probed by elastic incoherent neutron scattering. These findings are consistent with the G4 antiparallel conformation being more stable than the parallel one, possibly due to the presence of ordered hydration water networks. In addition, we study the effect of Tel22 complexation with BRACO19 ligand. Despite the quite similar conformation in the complexed and uncomplexed state, the fast dynamics of Tel22-BRACO19 is enhanced compared to that of Tel22 alone, independently of the ions. We ascribe this effect to the preferential binding of water molecules to Tel22 against the ligand. The present results suggest that the effect of polymorphism and complexation on the G4 fast dynamics is mediated by hydration water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bertini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valeria Libera
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- CNR-IOM c/o Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ripanti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Francesca Natali
- CNR-IOM and INSIDE@ILL c/o OGG, 71 avenue des Martyrs, CEDEX 9, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Paolantoni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 6, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Orecchini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- CNR-IOM c/o Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Nucara
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucia Comez
- CNR-IOM c/o Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (L.C.)
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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9
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Bertini L, Libera V, Ripanti F, Seydel T, Paolantoni M, Orecchini A, Petrillo C, Comez L, Paciaroni A. Role of fast dynamics in the complexation of G-quadruplexes with small molecules. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:29232-29240. [PMID: 36445842 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp03602a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) formed by the human telomeric sequence AG3 (TTAG3)3 (Tel22) play a key role in cancer and aging. We combined elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS) and quasielastic incoherent neutron scattering (QENS) to characterize the internal dynamics of Tel22 G4s and to assess how it is affected by complexation with two standard ligands, Berberine and BRACO19. We show that the interaction with the two ligands induces an increase of the overall mobility of Tel22 as quantified by the mean squared displacements (MSD) of hydrogen atoms. At the same time, the complexes display a lower stiffness than G4 alone. Two different types of motion characterize the G4 nanosecond timescale dynamics. Upon complexation, an increasing fraction of G4 atomic groups participate in this fast dynamics, along with an increase in the relevant characteristic length scales. We suggest that the entropic contribution to the conformational free energy of these motions might be crucial for the complexation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bertini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Libera
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy. .,Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ripanti
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Tilo Seydel
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin (ILL) 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Marco Paolantoni
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto, 6, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Orecchini
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Lucia Comez
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali-IOM, National Research Council-CNR, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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10
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Fletcher M, Zhu J, Rubio-Sánchez R, Sandler SE, Nahas KA, Michele LD, Keyser UF, Tivony R. DNA-Based Optical Quantification of Ion Transport across Giant Vesicles. ACS NANO 2022; 16:17128-17138. [PMID: 36222833 PMCID: PMC9620405 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Accurate measurements of ion permeability through cellular membranes remains challenging due to the lack of suitable ion-selective probes. Here we use giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as membrane models for the direct visualization of mass translocation at the single-vesicle level. Ion transport is indicated with a fluorescently adjustable DNA-based sensor that accurately detects sub-millimolar variations in K+ concentration. In combination with microfluidics, we employed our DNA-based K+ sensor for extraction of the permeation coefficient of potassium ions. We measured K+ permeability coefficients at least 1 order of magnitude larger than previously reported values from bulk experiments and show that permeation rates across the lipid bilayer increase in the presence of octanol. In addition, an analysis of the K+ flux in different concentration gradients allows us to estimate the complementary H+ flux that dissipates the charge imbalance across the GUV membrane. Subsequently, we show that our sensor can quantify the K+ transport across prototypical cation-selective ion channels, gramicidin A and OmpF, revealing their relative H+/K+ selectivity. Our results show that gramicidin A is much more selective to protons than OmpF with a H+/K+ permeability ratio of ∼104.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Fletcher
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Jinbo Zhu
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Roger Rubio-Sánchez
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
- fabriCELL,
Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial
College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sarah E Sandler
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Kareem Al Nahas
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Lorenzo Di Michele
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
- fabriCELL,
Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial
College London, LondonW12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
| | - Ran Tivony
- Cavendish
Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CambridgeCB3 0HE, U.K.
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11
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Exploring the Parallel G-Quadruplex Nucleic Acid World: A Spectroscopic and Computational Investigation on the Binding of the c-myc Oncogene NHE III1 Region by the Phytochemical Polydatin. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092997. [PMID: 35566347 PMCID: PMC9099682 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Trans-polydatin (tPD), the 3-β-D-glucoside of the well-known nutraceutical trans-resveratrol, is a natural polyphenol with documented anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and immunoregulatory effects. Considering the anticancer activity of tPD, in this work, we aimed to explore the binding properties of this natural compound with the G-quadruplex (G4) structure formed by the Pu22 [d(TGAGGGTGGGTAGGGTGGGTAA)] DNA sequence by exploiting CD spectroscopy and molecular docking simulations. Pu22 is a mutated and shorter analog of the G4-forming sequence known as Pu27 located in the promoter of the c-myc oncogene, whose overexpression triggers the metabolic changes responsible for cancer cells transformation. The binding of tPD with the parallel Pu22 G4 was confirmed by CD spectroscopy, which showed significant changes in the CD spectrum of the DNA and a slight thermal stabilization of the G4 structure. To gain a deeper insight into the structural features of the tPD-Pu22 complex, we performed an in silico molecular docking study, which indicated that the interaction of tPD with Pu22 G4 may involve partial end-stacking to the terminal G-quartet and H-bonding interactions between the sugar moiety of the ligand and deoxynucleotides not included in the G-tetrads. Finally, we compared the experimental CD profiles of Pu22 G4 with the corresponding theoretical output obtained using DichroCalc, a web-based server normally used for the prediction of proteins’ CD spectra starting from their “.pdb” file. The results indicated a good agreement between the predicted and the experimental CD spectra in terms of the spectral bands’ profile even if with a slight bathochromic shift in the positive band, suggesting the utility of this predictive tool for G4 DNA CD investigations.
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12
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Libera V, Bianchi F, Rossi B, D’Amico F, Masciovecchio C, Petrillo C, Sacchetti F, Paciaroni A, Comez L. Solvent Vibrations as a Proxy of the Telomere G-Quadruplex Rearrangements across Thermal Unfolding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095123. [PMID: 35563512 PMCID: PMC9100830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical forms of DNA involved in many key genome functions. Here, we exploited UV Resonance Raman scattering to simultaneously explore the vibrational behavior of a human telomeric G4 (Tel22) and its aqueous solvent as the biomolecule underwent thermal melting. We found that the OH stretching band, related to the local hydrogen-bonded network of a water molecule, was in strict relation with the vibrational features of the G4 structure as a function of temperature. In particular, the modifications to the tetrahedral ordering of the water network were strongly coupled to the DNA rearrangements, showing changes in temperature that mirrored the multi-step melting process of Tel22. The comparison between circular dichroism and Raman results supported this view. The present findings provide novel insights into the impact of the molecular environment on G4 conformation. Improving current knowledge on the solvent structural properties will also contribute to a better understanding of the role played by water arrangement in the complexation of G4s with ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Libera
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (V.L.); (F.B.); (C.P.); (F.S.)
- IOM-CNR c/o Department of Physics and Geology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Bianchi
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (V.L.); (F.B.); (C.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy; (B.R.); (F.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco D’Amico
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy; (B.R.); (F.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Claudio Masciovecchio
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy; (B.R.); (F.D.); (C.M.)
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (V.L.); (F.B.); (C.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Sacchetti
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (V.L.); (F.B.); (C.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (V.L.); (F.B.); (C.P.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (L.C.)
| | - Lucia Comez
- IOM-CNR c/o Department of Physics and Geology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (L.C.)
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13
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Amato J, Iaccarino N, D'Aria F, D'Amico F, Randazzo A, Giancola C, Cesàro A, Di Fonzo S, Pagano B. Conformational plasticity of DNA secondary structures: probing the conversion between i-motif and hairpin species by circular dichroism and ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopies. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:7028-7044. [PMID: 35258065 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp00058j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The promoter regions of important oncogenes such as BCL2 and KRAS contain GC-rich sequences that can form distinctive noncanonical DNA structures involved in the regulation of transcription: G-quadruplexes on the G-rich strand and i-motifs on the C-rich strand. Interestingly, BCL2 and KRAS promoter i-motifs are highly dynamic in nature and exist in a pH-dependent equilibrium with hairpin and even with hybrid i-motif/hairpin species. Herein, the effects of pH and presence of cell-mimicking molecular crowding conditions on conformational equilibria of the BCL2 and KRAS i-motif-forming sequences were investigated by ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. Multivariate analysis of CD data was essential to model the presence and identity of the species involved. Analysis of UVRR spectra measured as a function of pH, performed also by the two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) technique, showed the role of several functional groups in the DNA conformational transitions, and provided structural and dynamic information. Thus, the UVRR investigation of intramolecular interactions and of local and environmental dynamics in promoting the different species induced by the solution conditions provided valuable insights into i-motif conformational transitions. The combined use of the two spectroscopic tools is emphasized by the relevant possibility of working in the same DNA concentration range and by the heterospectral UVRR/CD 2D-COS analysis. The results of this study shed light on the factors that can influence at the molecular level the equilibrium between the different conformational species putatively involved in the oncogene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Francesco D'Amico
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Attilio Cesàro
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - Silvia Di Fonzo
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
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14
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Fadaei F, Tortora M, Gessini A, Masciovecchio C, Catalini S, Vigna J, Mancini I, Mele A, Vacek J, Reha D, Minofar B, Rossi B. Structural specificity of groove binding mechanism between imidazolium-based ionic liquids and DNA revealed by synchrotron-UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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16
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Libera V, Andreeva EA, Martel A, Thureau A, Longo M, Petrillo C, Paciaroni A, Schirò G, Comez L. Porphyrin Binding and Irradiation Promote G-Quadruplex DNA Dimeric Structure. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:8096-8102. [PMID: 34406777 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid sequences rich in guanines can organize into noncanonical DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) of variable size. The design of small molecules stabilizing the structure of G4s is a rapidly growing area for the development of novel anticancer therapeutic strategies and bottom-up nanotechnologies. Among a multitude of binders, porphyrins are very attractive due to their light activation that can make them valuable conformational regulators of G4s. Here, a structure-based strategy, integrating complementary probes, is employed to study the interaction between TMPyP4 porphyrin and a 22-base human telomeric sequence (Tel22) before and after irradiation with blue light. Porphyrin binding is discovered to promote Tel22 dimerization, while light irradiation of the Tel22-TMPyP4 complex controls dimer fraction. Such a change in quaternary structure is found to be strictly correlated with modifications at the secondary structure level, thus providing an unprecedented link between the degree of dimerization and the underlying conformational changes in G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Libera
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- CNR-IOM c/o Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena A Andreeva
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Martel
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Aurelien Thureau
- Swing Beamline, Synchrotron SOLEIL, 91192 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Marialucia Longo
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, Lichtenbergstraße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Caterina Petrillo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Schirò
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lucia Comez
- CNR-IOM c/o Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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17
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Rossi B, Tortora M, Catalini S, Vigna J, Mancini I, Gessini A, Masciovecchio C, Mele A. Insight into the thermal stability of DNA in hydrated ionic liquids from multi-wavelength UV resonance Raman experiments. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:15980-15988. [PMID: 34313275 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01970h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The utility of ionic liquids (ILs) as alternative solvents for stabilizing and preserving the native structure of DNA over the long term may be envisaged for biotechnological and biomedical applications in the near future. The delicate balance between the stabilizing and destabilizing effects of IL-mediated interactions with the structure of DNA is complex and is still not well understood. This work reports a fundamental study dealing with the effect exerted by cations and anions in imidazolium-based ILs on the thermal structural stability of large nucleic acid molecules. Multi-wavelength UV resonance Raman spectroscopy is used for selectively detecting heat-induced structural transitions of DNA localized on specific base tracts. Our study reveals the establishment of preferential interactions between the imidazolium cations of ILs and the guanine bases in the DNA groove that lead to more effective stacking between the guanine bases even at high temperatures. Interestingly, we observe that this trend for ILs sharing the same chloride anion is further enhanced as the alkyl chain on the imidazolium cation gets shorter. The results from the present investigation lead to a more comprehensive view of the IL-mediated interactions with A-T and G-C base pairs during thermal unfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S. S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
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18
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Bottari C, Catalini S, Foggi P, Mancini I, Mele A, Perinelli DR, Paciaroni A, Gessini A, Masciovecchio C, Rossi B. Base-specific pre-melting and melting transitions of DNA in presence of ionic liquids probed by synchrotron-based UV resonance Raman scattering. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Aznauryan M, Noer SL, Pedersen CW, Mergny JL, Teulade-Fichou MP, Birkedal V. Ligand Binding to Dynamically Populated G-Quadruplex DNA. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1811-1817. [PMID: 33450114 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several small-molecule ligands specifically bind and stabilize G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acid structures, which are considered to be promising therapeutic targets. G4s are polymorphic structures of varying stability, and their formation is dynamic. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of ligand binding to dynamically populated human telomere G4 DNA by using the bisquinolinium based ligand Phen-DC3 and a combination of single-molecule FRET microscopy, ensemble FRET and CD spectroscopies. Different cations are used to tune G4 polymorphism and folding dynamics. We find that ligand binding occurs to pre-folded G4 structures and that Phen-DC3 also induces G4 formation in unfolded single strands. Following ligand binding to dynamically populated G4s, the DNA undergoes pronounced conformational redistributions that do not involve direct ligand-induced G4 conformational interconversion. On the contrary, the redistribution is driven by ligand-induced G4 folding and trapping of dynamically populated short-lived conformation states. Thus, ligand-induced stabilization does not necessarily require the initial presence of stably folded G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayel Aznauryan
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.,Present address: Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, CNRS ARNA, U1212, UMR 5320, IECB, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Sofie Louise Noer
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Camilla W Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB), CNRS UMR7645, INSERM U1182, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128, Palaiseau Cedex, France.,Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CMBC Laboratory (Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer), Institut Curie, Research Center Orsay, CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Paris-Saclay University, Bât. 110, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Victoria Birkedal
- Department of Chemistry and iNANO center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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20
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Gratal PB, Quero JG, Pérez-Redondo A, Gándara Z, Gude L. PhenQE8, a Novel Ligand of the Human Telomeric Quadruplex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E749. [PMID: 33451070 PMCID: PMC7828518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel quadruplex ligand based on 1,10-phenanthroline and incorporating two guanyl hydrazone functionalities, PhenQE8, is reported herein. Synthetic access was gained in a two-step procedure with an overall yield of 61%. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that PhenQE8 can adopt an extended conformation that may be optimal to favor recognition of quadruplex DNA. DNA interactions with polymorphic G-quadruplex telomeric structures were studied by different techniques, such as Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) DNA melting assays, circular dichroism and equilibrium dialysis. Our results reveal that the novel ligand PhenQE8 can efficiently recognize the hybrid quadruplex structures of the human telomeric DNA, with high binding affinity and quadruplex/duplex selectivity. Moreover, the compound shows significant cytotoxic activity against a selected panel of cultured tumor cells (PC-3, HeLa and MCF-7), whereas its cytotoxicity is considerably lower in healthy human cells (HFF-1 and RPWE-1).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zoila Gándara
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; (P.B.G.); (J.G.Q.); (A.P.-R.)
| | - Lourdes Gude
- Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; (P.B.G.); (J.G.Q.); (A.P.-R.)
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21
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Gao C, Liu Z, Hou H, Ding J, Chen X, Xie C, Song Z, Hu Z, Feng M, Mohamed HI, Xu S, Parkinson GN, Haider S, Wei D. BMPQ-1 binds selectively to (3+1) hybrid topologies in human telomeric G-quadruplex multimers. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11259-11269. [PMID: 33080032 PMCID: PMC7672424 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A single G-quadruplex forming sequence from the human telomere can adopt six distinct topologies that are inter-convertible under physiological conditions. This presents challenges to design ligands that show selectivity and specificity towards a particular conformation. Additional complexity is introduced in differentiating multimeric G-quadruplexes over monomeric species, which would be able to form in the single-stranded 3′ ends of telomeres. A few ligands have been reported that bind to dimeric quadruplexes, but their preclinical pharmacological evaluation is limited. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we identified a novel quinoline core ligand, BMPQ-1, which bound to human telomeric G-quadruplex multimers over monomeric G-quadruplexes with high selectivity, and induced the formation of G-quadruplex DNA along with the related DNA damage response at the telomere. BMPQ-1 reduced tumor cell proliferation with an IC50 of ∼1.0 μM and decreased tumor growth rate in mouse by half. Biophysical analysis using smFRET identified a mixture of multiple conformations coexisting for dimeric G-quadruplexes in solution. Here, we showed that the titration of BMPQ-1 shifted the conformational ensemble of multimeric G-quadruplexes towards (3+1) hybrid-2 topology, which became more pronounced as further G-quadruplex units are added.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong AgriculturalUniversity, Wuhan, 430070, China.,College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhu Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Haitao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jieqin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Congbao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zibing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hany I Mohamed
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Shengzhen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gary N Parkinson
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Shozeb Haider
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.,National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong AgriculturalUniversity, Wuhan, 430070, China
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22
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Platform- and label-free detection of lead ions in environmental and laboratory samples using G-quadraplex probes by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20461. [PMID: 33235290 PMCID: PMC7686487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich quadruplex (G-QD) are formed by conversion of nucleotides with specific sequences by stabilization of positively charged K+ or Na+. These G-QD structures differentially absorb two-directional (right- and left-handed) circularly polarized light, which can discriminate the parallel or anti-parallel structures of G-QDs. In this study, G-QDs stabilized by Pb2+ were analyzed by a circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to determine Pb2+ concentration in water samples. Thrombin aptamer (TBA), PS2.M, human telomeric DNA (HTG), AGRO 100, and telomeric related sequence (T2) were studied to verify their applicability as probes for platform- and label-free detection of Pb2+ in environmental as well as laboratory samples. Among these nucleotides, TBA and PS2.M exhibited higher binding constants for Pb2+, 1.20-2.04 × 106/M at and 4.58 × 104-1.09 × 105/M at 100 micromolar and 100 mM K+ concentration, respectively. They also exhibited excellent selectivity for Pb2+ than for Al3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, Co2+, and Cr2+. When Pb2+ was spiked into an effluent sample from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), its existence was detected by CD spectroscopy following a simple addition of TBA or PS2.M. By the addition of TBA and PS2.M, the Pb2+ signals were observed in effluent samples over 0.5 micromolar (100 ppb) concentration. Furthermore, PS2.M caused a Pb2+-specific absorption band in the effluent sample without spiking of Pb2+, and could be induced to G-QD structure by the background Pb2+ concentration in the effluent, 0.159 micromolar concentration (3.30 ppb). Taken together, we propose that TBA and PS2.M are applicable as platform- and label-free detection probes for monitoring Pb2+ in environmental samples such as discharged effluent from local WWTPs, using CD spectroscopy.
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23
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Peng Y, Wang Y, Wang X. Exploring the Thermodynamics of 7-Amino Actinomycin D-Induced Single-Stranded DNA Hairpin by Spectroscopic Techniques and Computational Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:10007-10013. [PMID: 33136398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c05593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
NMR studies have indicated that the anti-tumor therapeutic agent actinomycin D (ACTD) can induce seemingly single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligomer 5'-CCGTT3GTGG-3' to form a hairpin structure with tandem GT mismatches at the stem region next to a loop of three stacked thymine bases. In an effort to uncover the preference of binding sequence and to elucidate the thermodynamics properties of the binding, a combination of spectroscopic techniques and computational simulation studies was performed with d(CCGTTnGTGG) and d(CCGAAnGAGG) (denoted as GTTn and GAAn, respectively; n = 3, 5, and 7) sequences. In the presence of 7-amino actinomycin D (7AACTD), all the six oligomers formed stable hairpin structures. The GTT5-7AACTD/GAA5-7AACTD hairpin structure was more stable than the corresponding GTTn-7AACTD and GAAn-7AACTD (n = 3, 7). No significant ΔG difference was observed between GTTn-7AACTD and GAAn-7AACTD complexes with the same loop length. In agreement with the 7AACTD-induced hairpin stability results, the binding affinity of GTTn and GAAn with 7AACTD increased from n = 3 to n = 5 and then decreased when n is 7. Moreover, GTTn and GAAn with the same loop length showed comparable binding affinities to 7AACTD. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations found that van der Waals interactions between GTTn/GAAn and 7AACTD were the primary attractive forces for 7AACTD binding, and the electrostatic interactions between the carbonyl groups of 7AACTD and bases in the hairpin were the major unfavorable forces. These findings furthered our understanding that 7AACTD is sensitive to the loop size and sequence as well as tandem GT/GA mismatches of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) targets. A deep understanding of the thermodynamics and the molecular recognition mechanism of 7AACTD with ssDNAs would further the development of ACTD-like antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Peng
- Key Laboratory of Special Animal Molecular Biology of Jilin Province, Specialty Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China.,Department of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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25
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Comez L, Bianchi F, Libera V, Longo M, Petrillo C, Sacchetti F, Sebastiani F, D'Amico F, Rossi B, Gessini A, Masciovecchio C, Amenitsch H, Sissi C, Paciaroni A. Polymorphism of human telomeric quadruplexes with drugs: a multi-technique biophysical study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:11583-11592. [PMID: 32400802 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01483d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The human telomeric G-quadruplex structural motif of DNA has come to be known as a new and stimulating target for anticancer drug discovery. Small molecules that interact with G-quadruplex structures in a selective way have gained impressive interest in recent years as they may serve as potential therapeutic agents. Here, we show how circular dichroism, UV resonance Raman and small angle X-ray scattering spectroscopies can be effectively combined to provide insights into structural and molecular aspects of the interaction between human telomeric quadruplexes and ligands. This study focuses on the ability of berberine and palmatine to bind with human telomeric quadruplexes and provides analysis of the conformational landscape visited by the relevant complexes upon thermal unfolding. With increasing temperature, both free and bound G-quadruplexes undergo melting through a multi-state process, populating different intermediate states. Despite the structural similarity of the two ligands, valuable distinctive features characterising their interaction with the G-quadruplex emerged from our multi-technique approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Comez
- IOM-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - F Bianchi
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - V Libera
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - M Longo
- JCNS Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - C Petrillo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - F Sacchetti
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - F Sebastiani
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff", Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy
| | - F D'Amico
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy
| | - B Rossi
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy
| | - A Gessini
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy
| | - C Masciovecchio
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy
| | - H Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - C Sissi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy and Interdepartmental Research Center for Innovative Biotechnologies (CRIBI), University of Padova, University of Padova, Italy
| | - A Paciaroni
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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26
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Di Fonzo S, Amato J, D'Aria F, Caterino M, D'Amico F, Gessini A, Brady JW, Cesàro A, Pagano B, Giancola C. Ligand binding to G-quadruplex DNA: new insights from ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:8128-8140. [PMID: 32246758 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01022g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures involved in the regulation of several biological processes of many organisms. The rational design of G4-targeting molecules developed as potential anticancer and antiviral therapeutics is a complex problem intrinsically due to the structural polymorphism of these peculiar DNA structures. The aim of the present work is to show how Ultraviolet Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy can complement other techniques in providing valuable information about ligand/G4 interactions in solution. Here, the binding of BRACO-19 and Pyridostatin - two of the most potent ligands - to selected biologically relevant G4s was investigated by polarized UVRR scattering at 266 nm. The results give new insights into the binding mode of these ligands to G4s having different sequences and topologies by performing an accurate analysis of peaks assigned to specific groups and their changes upon binding. Indeed, the UVRR data not only show that BRACO-19 and Pyridostatin interact with different G4 sites, but also shed light on the ligand and G4 chemical groups really involved in the interaction. In addition, UVRR results complemented by circular dichroism data clearly indicate that the binding mode of a ligand can also depend on the conformation(s) of the target G4. Overall, these findings demonstrate the utility of using UVRR spectroscopy in the investigation of G4s and G4-ligand interactions in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Di Fonzo
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Federica D'Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Marco Caterino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Francesco D'Amico
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Gessini
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy.
| | - John W Brady
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, NY 14853, USA
| | - Attilio Cesàro
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S. C. p. A., Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy. and Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, I-80131, Italy.
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