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Deb A, Nagpal S, Yadav RK, Thakur H, Nair D, Krishnan V, Vrati S. Japanese encephalitis virus NS5 protein interacts with nucleolin to enhance the virus replication. J Virol 2024; 98:e0085824. [PMID: 39078257 PMCID: PMC11334521 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00858-24] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an arthropod-borne, plus-strand flavivirus causing viral encephalitis in humans with a high case fatality rate. The JEV non-structural protein 5 (NS5) with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity interacts with the viral and host proteins to constitute the replication complex. We have identified the multifunctional protein Nucleolin (NCL) as one of the several NS5-interacting host proteins. We demonstrate the interaction and colocalization of JEV NS5 with NCL in the virus-infected HeLa cells. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of NCL indicated that it was required for efficient viral replication. Importantly, JEV grew to higher titers in cells over-expressing exogenous NCL, demonstrating its pro-viral role. We demonstrated that NS5 interacted with the RRM and GAR domains of NCL. We show that the NCL-binding aptamer AS1411 containing the G-quadruplex (GQ) structure and the GQ ligand BRACO-19 caused significant inhibition of JEV replication. The antiviral effect of AS1411 and BRACO-19 could be overcome in HeLa cells by the overexpression of exogenous NCL. We demonstrated that the synthetic RNAs derived from the 3'-NCR of JEV genomic RNA containing the GQ sequence could bind NCL in vitro. The replication complex binding to the 3'-NCR is required for the viral RNA synthesis. It is likely that NCL present in the replication complex destabilizes the GQ structures in the genomic RNA, thus facilitating the movement of the replication complex resulting in efficient virus replication.IMPORTANCEJapanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is endemic in most parts of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific region, causing epidemics of encephalitis with a high case fatality rate. While a tissue culture-derived JEV vaccine is available, no antiviral therapy exists. The JEV NS5 protein has RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity. Together with several host and viral proteins, it constitutes the replication complex necessary for virus replication. Understanding the interaction of NS5 with the host proteins could help design novel antivirals. We identified Nucleolin (NCL) as a crucial host protein interactor of JEV NS5 having a pro-viral role in virus replication. The NS5-interacting NCL binds to the G-quadruplex (GQ) structure sequence in the 3'-NCR of JEV RNA. This may smoothen the movement of the replication complex along the genomic RNA, thereby facilitating the virus replication. This study is the first report on how NCL, a host protein, helps in JEV replication through GQ-binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Deb
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Shilpi Nagpal
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Rajnesh Kumari Yadav
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Harsh Thakur
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Deepak Nair
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Vengadesan Krishnan
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Sudhanshu Vrati
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
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Qin G, Liu Z, Yang J, Liao X, Zhao C, Ren J, Qu X. Targeting specific DNA G-quadruplexes with CRISPR-guided G-quadruplex-binding proteins and ligands. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:1212-1224. [PMID: 38961283 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01448-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the demonstrated importance of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in health and disease, technologies to readily manipulate specific G4 folding for functional analysis and therapeutic purposes are lacking. Here we employ G4-stabilizing protein/ligand in conjunction with CRISPR to selectively facilitate single or multiple targeted G4 folding within specific genomic loci. We demonstrate that fusion of nucleolin with a catalytically inactive Cas9 can specifically stabilize G4s in the promoter of oncogene MYC and muscle-associated gene Itga7 as well as telomere G4s, leading to cell proliferation arrest, inhibition of myoblast differentiation and cell senescence, respectively. Furthermore, CRISPR can confer intra-G4 selectivity to G4-binding compounds pyridodicarboxamide and pyridostatin. Compared with traditional G4 ligands, CRISPR-guided biotin-conjugated pyridodicarboxamide enables a more precise investigation into the biological functionality of de novo G4s. Our study provides insights that will enhance understanding of G4 functions and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Zhenqi Liu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Liao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, P. R. China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
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Hernández-Guzmán J, Arias CF, López S, Sandoval-Jaime C. Nucleolin-RNA interaction modulates rotavirus replication. J Virol 2024; 98:e0167723. [PMID: 38240590 PMCID: PMC10878083 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01677-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus infection is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children worldwide; the genome of this virus is composed of 11 segments of dsRNA packed in a triple-layered protein capsid. Here, we investigated the role of nucleolin, a protein with diverse RNA-binding domains, in rotavirus infection. Knocking down the expression of nucleolin in MA104 cells by RNA interference resulted in a remarkable 6.3-fold increase in the production of infectious rhesus rotavirus (RRV) progeny, accompanied by an elevated synthesis of viral mRNA and genome copies. Further analysis unveiled an interaction between rotavirus segment 10 (S10) and nucleolin, potentially mediated by G-quadruplex domains on the viral genome. To determine whether the nucleolin-RNA interaction regulates RRV replication, MA104 cells were transfected with AGRO100, a compound that forms G4 structures and selectively inhibits nucleolin-RNA interactions by blocking the RNA-binding domains. Under these conditions, viral production increased by 1.5-fold, indicating the inhibitory role of nucleolin on the yield of infectious viral particles. Furthermore, G4 sequences were identified in all 11 RRV dsRNA segments, and transfection of oligonucleotides representing G4 sequences in RRV S10 induced a significant increase in viral production. These findings show that rotavirus replication is negatively regulated by nucleolin through the direct interaction with the viral RNAs by sequences forming G4 structures.IMPORTANCEViruses rely on cellular proteins to carry out their replicative cycle. In the case of rotavirus, the involvement of cellular RNA-binding proteins during the replicative cycle is a poorly studied field. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the interaction between nucleolin and viral RNA of rotavirus RRV. Nucleolin is a cellular protein that has a role in the metabolism of ribosomal rRNA and ribosome biogenesis, which seems to have regulatory effects on the quantity of viral particles and viral RNA copies of rotavirus RRV. Our study adds a new component to the current model of rotavirus replication, where cellular proteins can have a negative regulation on rotavirus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jey Hernández-Guzmán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Carlos F. Arias
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Susana López
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Carlos Sandoval-Jaime
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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Pan Q, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Guo X, Wang J, Liu M, Zhang XL. EGFR core fucosylation, induced by hepatitis C virus, promotes TRIM40-mediated-RIG-I ubiquitination and suppresses interferon-I antiviral defenses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:652. [PMID: 38253527 PMCID: PMC10803816 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44960-6] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant N-glycosylation has been implicated in viral diseases. Alpha-(1,6)-fucosyltransferase (FUT8) is the sole enzyme responsible for core fucosylation of N-glycans during glycoprotein biosynthesis. Here we find that multiple viral envelope proteins, including Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-E2, Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-Spike and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-gp120, enhance FUT8 expression and core fucosylation. HCV-E2 manipulates host transcription factor SNAIL to induce FUT8 expression through EGFR-AKT-SNAIL activation. The aberrant increased-FUT8 expression promotes TRIM40-mediated RIG-I K48-ubiquitination and suppresses the antiviral interferon (IFN)-I response through core fucosylated-EGFR-JAK1-STAT3-RIG-I signaling. FUT8 inhibitor 2FF, N-glycosylation site-specific mutation (Q352AT) of EGFR, and tissue-targeted Fut8 silencing significantly increase antiviral IFN-I responses and suppress RNA viral replication, suggesting that core fucosylation mediated by FUT8 is critical for antiviral innate immunity. These findings reveal an immune evasion mechanism in which virus-induced FUT8 suppresses endogenous RIG-I-mediated antiviral defenses by enhancing core fucosylated EGFR-mediated activation.
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Grants
- This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82230078, 22077097, 91740120, 82272978, 21572173 and 21721005), National Outstanding Youth Foundation of China (81025008), National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1303500, 2018YFA0507603), Medical Science Advancement Program (Basical Medical Sciences) of Wuhan University (TFJC 2018002.), Key R&D Program of Hubei Province (2020BCB020), the Hubei Province’s Outstanding Medical Academic Leader Program (523-276003), the Innovative Group Project of Hubei Health Committee (WJ2021C002), the Foundational Research Funds for the Central University of China (2042022dx0003, 2042023kf1011) and Natural Science Foundation Project of Hubei Province (2021CFB484), Natural Science Foundation Project of Hubei Province (2021CFB484 to M.L).
- This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (2021CFB484), National Natural Science Foundation of China 82272978
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xinqi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Zareie AR, Dabral P, Verma SC. G-Quadruplexes in the Regulation of Viral Gene Expressions and Their Impacts on Controlling Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38251367 PMCID: PMC10819198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that play significant roles in regulating various biological processes, including replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. Recent studies have identified G4s in the genomes of several viruses, such as herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, and human coronaviruses. These structures are implicated in regulating viral transcription, replication, and virion production, influencing viral infectivity and pathogenesis. G4-stabilizing ligands, like TMPyP4, PhenDC3, and BRACO19, show potential antiviral properties by targeting and stabilizing G4 structures, inhibiting essential viral life-cycle processes. This review delves into the existing literature on G4's involvement in viral regulation, emphasizing specific G4-stabilizing ligands. While progress has been made in understanding how these ligands regulate viruses, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which G4s impact viral processes. More research is necessary to develop G4-stabilizing ligands as novel antiviral agents. The increasing body of literature underscores the importance of G4s in viral biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against viral infections. Despite some ligands' known regulatory effects on viruses, a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted impact of G4s on viral processes is essential. This review advocates for intensified research to unravel the intricate relationship between G4s and viral processes, paving the way for novel antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA; (A.R.Z.); (P.D.)
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Chen Y, Wu Z, Wang L, Lin M, Jiang P, Wen J, Li J, Hong Y, Zheng X, Yang X, Zheng J, Gale RP, Yang T, Hu J. Targeting nucleolin improves sensitivity to chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:1709-1724. [PMID: 37486460 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00837-2] [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] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are treated with chemotherapy as primary care. Although the treatment response is usually positive, resistance and relapse often occur via unknown mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with chemotherapy resistance in ALL. Here, we present clinical and experimental evidence that overexpression of nucleolin (NCL), a multifunctional nucleolar protein, is linked to drug resistance in ALL. METHODS NCL mRNA and protein levels were compared between cell lines and patient samples using qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. NCL mRNA levels were compared between patients of different disease stages from our clinic patients' specimens and publicly available ALL patient datasets. Cells and patient-derived xenograft mouse experiments were performed to assess the effect of NCL inhibition on ALL chemotherapy effectiveness. RESULTS Analysis of patient specimens, and publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets revealed a strong correlation between the abundance of NCL and disease relapse or poor survival in B-ALL. Altering NCL expression results in changes in drug sensitivity in ALL cell lines. High levels of NCL upregulated components of the ATP-binding cassette transporters via activation of the ERK pathway, resulting in a decrease in drug accumulation inside the cells. Targeting NCL with AS1411, an NCL-binding oligonucleotide aptamer, significantly increased the sensitivity of ALL cell lines and cells/patient-derived ALL xenograft mice to chemotherapeutic drugs and prolonged mouse survival. CONCLUSION Our results highlight NCL as a prognostic marker in B-ALL and a potential therapeutic target to combat chemotherapy resistance in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Zhengjun Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Minhui Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Peifang Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jingjing Wen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jiazheng Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yunda Hong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Xiaozhu Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial college London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ting Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
| | - Jianda Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
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Pathak R. G-Quadruplexes in the Viral Genome: Unlocking Targets for Therapeutic Interventions and Antiviral Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:2216. [PMID: 38005893 PMCID: PMC10674748 DOI: 10.3390/v15112216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures formed by guanine-rich DNA or RNA sequences. Sequences with the potential to form quadruplex motifs (pG4s) are prevalent throughout the genomes of all organisms, spanning from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and are enriched within regions of biological significance. In the past few years, the identification of pG4s within most of the Baltimore group viruses has attracted increasing attention due to their occurrence in regulatory regions of the genome and the subsequent implications for regulating critical stages of viral life cycles. In this context, the employment of specific G4 ligands has aided in comprehending the intricate G4-mediated regulatory mechanisms in the viral life cycle, showcasing the potential of targeting viral G4s as a novel antiviral strategy. This review offers a thorough update on the literature concerning G4s in viruses, including their identification and functional significance across most of the human-infecting viruses. Furthermore, it delves into potential therapeutic avenues targeting G4s, encompassing various G4-binding ligands, G4-interacting proteins, and oligonucleotide-based strategies. Finally, the article highlights both progress and challenges in the field, providing valuable insights into leveraging this unusual nucleic acid structure for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Dinh VT, Loaëc N, Quillévéré A, Le Sénéchal R, Keruzoré M, Martins RP, Granzhan A, Blondel M. The hide-and-seek game of the oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus-encoded EBNA1 protein with the immune system: An RNA G-quadruplex tale. Biochimie 2023; 214:57-68. [PMID: 37473831 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the first oncogenic virus described in human. EBV infects more than 90% of the human population worldwide, but most EBV infections are asymptomatic. After the primary infection, the virus persists lifelong in the memory B cells of the infected individuals. Under certain conditions the virus can cause several human cancers, that include lymphoproliferative disorders such as Burkitt and Hodgkin lymphomas and non-lymphoid malignancies such as 100% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 10% of gastric cancers. Each year, about 200,000 EBV-related cancers emerge, hence accounting for at least 1% of worldwide cancers. Like all gammaherpesviruses, EBV has evolved a strategy to escape the host immune system. This strategy is mainly based on the tight control of the expression of its Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) protein, the EBV-encoded genome maintenance protein. Indeed, EBNA1 is essential for viral genome replication and maintenance but, at the same time, is also highly antigenic and T cells raised against EBNA1 exist in infected individuals. For this reason, EBNA1 is considered as the Achilles heel of EBV and the virus has seemingly evolved a strategy that employs the binding of nucleolin, a host cell factor, to RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) within EBNA1 mRNA to limit its expression to the minimal level required for function while minimizing immune recognition. This review recapitulates in a historical way the knowledge accumulated on EBNA1 immune evasion and discusses how this rG4-dependent mechanism can be exploited as an intervention point to unveil EBV-related cancers to the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Trang Dinh
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France.
| | - Nadège Loaëc
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Alicia Quillévéré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Ronan Le Sénéchal
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marc Keruzoré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | | | - Anton Granzhan
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Marc Blondel
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français Du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 Avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France.
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Yan MP, Wee CE, Yen KP, Stevens A, Wai LK. G-quadruplex ligands as therapeutic agents against cancer, neurological disorders and viral infections. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1987-2009. [PMID: 37933551 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) within the human genome have undergone extensive molecular investigation, with a strong focus on telomeres, gene promoters and repetitive regulatory sequences. G4s play central roles in regulating essential biological processes, including telomere maintenance, replication, transcription and translation. Targeting these molecular processes with G4-binding ligands holds substantial therapeutic potential in anticancer treatments and has also shown promise in treating neurological, skeletal and muscular disorders. The presence of G4s in bacterial and viral genomes also suggests that G4-binding ligands could be a critical tool in fighting infections. This review provides an overview of the progress and applications of G4-binding ligands, their proposed mechanisms of action, challenges faced and prospects for their utilization in anticancer treatments, neurological disorders and antiviral activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mock Phooi Yan
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Chua Eng Wee
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Khor Poh Yen
- Faculty Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Royal College of Medicine Perak, 3, Jalan Greentown, Ipoh, Perak, 30450, Malaysia
| | - Aaron Stevens
- Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
| | - Lam Kok Wai
- Centre for Drug & Herbal Development, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
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10
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Ghosh A, Pandey S, Joshi D, Rana P, Ansari A, Sundar J, Singh P, Khan Y, Ekka M, Chakraborty D, Maiti S. Identification of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 lncRNA that interact with nucleolin and nucleophosmin. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:9415-9431. [PMID: 37558241 PMCID: PMC11314421 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear-retained long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) including MALAT1 have emerged as critical regulators of many molecular processes including transcription, alternative splicing and chromatin organization. Here, we report the presence of three conserved and thermodynamically stable RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) located in the 3' region of MALAT1. Using rG4 domain-specific RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that the MALAT1 rG4 structures are specifically bound by two nucleolar proteins, Nucleolin (NCL) and Nucleophosmin (NPM). Using imaging, we found that the MALAT1 rG4s facilitate the localization of both NCL and NPM to nuclear speckles, and specific G-to-A mutations that disrupt the rG4 structures compromised the localization of both NCL and NPM in speckles. In vitro biophysical studies established that a truncated version of NCL (ΔNCL) binds tightly to all three rG4s. Overall, our study revealed new rG4s within MALAT1, established that they are specifically recognized by NCL and NPM, and showed that disrupting the rG4s abolished localization of these proteins to nuclear speckles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Ghosh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Satya Prakash Pandey
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Dheeraj Chandra Joshi
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Priya Rana
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Asgar Hussain Ansari
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | | | - Praveen Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Yasmeen Khan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Mary Krishna Ekka
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura
Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR),
Ghaziabad 201 002, India
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune
411 008, India
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11
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Han ZQ, Wen LN. Application of G-quadruplex targets in gastrointestinal cancers: Advancements, challenges and prospects. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1149-1173. [PMID: 37546556 PMCID: PMC10401460 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i7.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and inflammation are considered to be two enabling characteristics that support cancer development and progression. G-quadruplex structure is a key element that contributes to genomic instability and inflammation. G-quadruplexes were once regarded as simply an obstacle that can block the transcription of oncogenes. A ligand targeting G-quadruplexes was found to have anticancer activity, making G-quadruplexes potential anticancer targets. However, further investigation has revealed that G-quadruplexes are widely distributed throughout the human genome and have many functions, such as regulating DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, translation, epigenetics, and inflammatory response. G-quadruplexes play double regulatory roles in transcription and translation. In this review, we focus on G-quadruplexes as novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. We summarize the application basis of G-quadruplexes in gastrointestinal cancers, including their distribution sites, structural characteristics, and physiological functions. We describe the current status of applications for the treatment of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as the associated challenges. Finally, we review the prospective clinical applications of G-quadruplex targets, providing references for targeted treatment strategies in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Qiang Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing 102211, China
| | - Li-Na Wen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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12
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Li Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Feng Y, Li D, Li S, Qin P, Yang X, Chen L, Zhao J, Zhang C, Li Y. Characterization of RNA G-quadruplexes in porcine epidemic diarrhea virus genome and the antiviral activity of G-quadruplex ligands. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123282. [PMID: 36657537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), an enteropathogenic coronavirus, has catastrophic impacts on the global pig industry. However, there are still no anti-PEDV drugs with accurate targets. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich regions of DNA or RNA, and have attracted great attention as potential targets for antiviral strategy. In this study, we reported two putative G4-forming sequences (PQS) in S and Nsp5 genes of PEDV genome based on bioinformatic analysis, and identified that S-PQS and Nsp5-PQS were enabled to fold into G4 structure by using circular dichroism spectroscopy and fluorescence turn-on assay. Furthermore, we verified that both S-PQS and Nsp5-PQS PQS could form G4 structure in live cells by immunofluorescence microscopy. In addition, G4-specific compounds, such as TMPyP4 and PDS, could significantly inhibit transcription, translation and proliferation of PEDV in vitro. Importantly, these compounds exert antiviral activity at the post-entry step of PEDV infection cycle, by inhibiting viral genome replication and protein expression. Lastly, we demonstrated that TMPyP4 can inhibit reporter gene expression by targeting G4 structure in Nsp5. Taken together, these findings not only reinforce the presence of viral G-quadruplex sequences in PEDV genome but also provide new insights into developing novel antiviral drugs targeting PEDV RNA G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yance Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yi Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dongliang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Panpan Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xia Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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13
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Lv L, Zhang L. G-quadruplexes in the monkeypox virus are potential antiviral targets. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28299. [PMID: 36366981 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a member of Orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family, causing a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The number of cases and geographic range has increased significantly in 2022. Identification of MPXV-specific therapeutic targets is urgent. G-quadruplex (GQ) secondary structures attract great attention as potential targets for antiviral strategy. Whether GQs are present in the MPXV genome remains inconclusive. In this study, we aim to characterize the GQs encoded by MPXV. Through a series of biophysical experiments, we characterized the formation potential of MPXV-encoded GQs and evaluated the binding and stabilization abilities of GQ ligands including BRACO-19, pyridostatin, and TMPyP4 to GQs encoded by MPXV. Moreover, GQ ligands suppressed the gene transcription of MPXV sequences containing GQ. BRACO-19 and TMPyP4 were able to inhibit vaccinia virus replication. We demonstrated the existence of MPXV GQ and reinforced the idea that GQs could be novel antiviral targets. Targeting these GQ sequences with GQ-binding molecules may represent a new approach for MPXV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lv
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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14
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Teng Y, Zhu M, Chi Y, Li L, Jin Y. Can G-quadruplex become a promising target in HBV therapy? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1091873. [PMID: 36591216 PMCID: PMC9797731 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Current therapies for HBV always suffer from a poor response rate, common side effects, and the need for lifelong treatment. Novel therapeutic targets are expected. Interestingly, non-canonical structures of nucleic acids play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Especially the formation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in G-rich strands has been demonstrated to affect many bioprocesses including replication, transcription, and translation, showing great potential as targets in anticancer and antiviral therapies. In this review, we summarize recent antiviral studies about G4s and discuss the potential roles of G4 structures in antiviral therapy for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Teng
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Chi
- Pharmaceutical Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lijing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
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15
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Kabbara A, Vialet B, Marquevielle J, Bonnafous P, Mackereth CD, Amrane S. RNA G-quadruplex forming regions from SARS-2, SARS-1 and MERS coronoviruses. Front Chem 2022; 10:1014663. [PMID: 36479439 PMCID: PMC9719988 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1014663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) are infectious diseases each caused by coronavirus outbreaks. Small molecules and other therapeutics are rapidly being developed to treat these diseases, but the threat of new variants and outbreaks argue for the identification of additional viral targets. Here we identify regions in each of the three coronavirus genomes that are able to form G-quadruplex (G4) structures. G4s are structures formed by DNA or RNA with a core of two or more stacked planes of guanosine tetrads. In recent years, numerous DNA and RNA G4s have emerged as promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of cancer and viral infection. We use a combination of bioinformatics and biophysical approaches to identify conserved RNA G4 regions from the ORF1A and S sequences of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Although a general depletion of G4-forming regions is observed in coronaviridae, the preservation of these selected G4 sequences support a significance in viral replication. Targeting these RNA structures may represent a new antiviral strategy against these viruses distinct from current approaches that target viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Samir Amrane
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, ARNA Laboratory, IECB, Bordeaux, France
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16
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Angrand G, Quillévéré A, Loaëc N, Dinh VT, Le Sénéchal R, Chennoufi R, Duchambon P, Keruzoré M, Martins R, Teulade-Fichou MP, Fåhraeus R, Blondel M. Type I arginine methyltransferases are intervention points to unveil the oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus to the immune system. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11799-11819. [PMID: 36350639 PMCID: PMC9723642 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) evades the immune system but has an Achilles heel: its genome maintenance protein EBNA1. Indeed, EBNA1 is essential for viral genome maintenance but is also highly antigenic. Hence, EBV seemingly evolved a system in which the glycine-alanine repeat (GAr) of EBNA1 limits the translation of its own mRNA to the minimal level to ensure its essential function, thereby, at the same time, minimizing immune recognition. Therefore, defining intervention points at which to interfere with GAr-based inhibition of translation is an important step to trigger an immune response against EBV-carrying cancers. The host protein nucleolin (NCL) plays a critical role in this process via a direct interaction with G-quadruplexes (G4) formed in the GAr-encoding sequence of the viral EBNA1 mRNA. Here we show that the C-terminal arginine-glycine-rich (RGG) motif of NCL is crucial for its role in GAr-based inhibition of translation by mediating interaction of NCL with G4 of EBNA1 mRNA. We also show that this interaction depends on the type I arginine methyltransferase family, notably PRMT1 and PRMT3: drugs or small interfering RNA that target these enzymes prevent efficient binding of NCL on G4 of EBNA1 mRNA and relieve GAr-based inhibition of translation and of antigen presentation. Hence, this work defines type I arginine methyltransferases as therapeutic targets to interfere with EBNA1 and EBV immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Van-Trang Dinh
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1078; Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Ronan Le Sénéchal
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1078; Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Rahima Chennoufi
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer, CNRS UMR9187 - Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, Campus universitaire, Bat. 110, F-91405, France
| | - Patricia Duchambon
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer, CNRS UMR9187 - Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, Campus universitaire, Bat. 110, F-91405, France
| | - Marc Keruzoré
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1078; Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | | | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer, CNRS UMR9187 - Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, Campus universitaire, Bat. 110, F-91405, France
| | - Robin Fåhraeus
- Cibles Thérapeutiques, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1162, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Université Paris 7, Hôpital St. Louis, 27 rue Juliette Dodu, F-75010 Paris, France,RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 65653 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marc Blondel
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +33 2 98 01 83 88;
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17
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Zhai LY, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Su AM, Xi XG, Hou XM. Targeting the RNA G-Quadruplex and Protein Interactome for Antiviral Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10161-10182. [PMID: 35862260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, G-quadruplexes (G4s), types of noncanonical four-stranded nucleic acid structures, have been identified in many viruses that threaten human health, such as HIV and Epstein-Barr virus. In this context, G4 ligands were designed to target the G4 structures, among which some have shown promising antiviral effects. In this Perspective, we first summarize the diversified roles of RNA G4s in different viruses. Next, we introduce small-molecule ligands developed as G4 modulators and highlight their applications in antiviral studies. In addition to G4s, we comprehensively review the medical intervention of G4-interacting proteins from both the virus (N protein, viral-encoded helicases, severe acute respiratory syndrome-unique domain, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1) and the host (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, RNA helicases, zinc-finger cellular nucelic acid-binding protein, and nucleolin) by inhibitors as an alternative way to disturb the normal functions of G4s. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in G4-based antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China.,Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology, CNRS UMR 8113, IDA FR3242, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
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18
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Santos T, Salgado GF, Cabrita EJ, Cruz C. Nucleolin: a binding partner of G-quadruplex structures. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:561-564. [PMID: 35410819 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleolin protein is involved in a plethora of cellular pathways across the nucleolus, nucleus, and cytoplasm. The association of its RNA-binding domain (RBD) and its RGG (arginine-glycine-glycine-rich) domain allows it to interact with G-quadruplex structures in nucleic acids. We highlight evidence that the nucleolin/G-quadruplex partnership is of extensive relevance to neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS), Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gilmar F Salgado
- Université Bordeaux, Acides Nucléiques: Régulations Naturelles et Artificielles (ARNA) Laboratory, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 5320, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB), 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Eurico J Cabrita
- Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas (UCIBIO), Rede de Química e Tecnologia (REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy (i4HB), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carla Cruz
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS), Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI), Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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19
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Zhang A, Sun Y, Jing H, Liu J, Duan E, Ke W, Tao R, Li Y, Wang J, Cao S, Zhao P, Wang H, Zhang Y. Interaction of HnRNP F with the guanine-rich segments in viral antigenomic RNA enhances porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-2 replication. Virol J 2022; 19:82. [PMID: 35570267 PMCID: PMC9107676 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (HnRNP) F is a member of HnRNP family proteins that participate in splicing of cellular newly synthesized mRNAs by specifically recognizing tandem guanine-tracts (G-tracts) RNA sequences. Whether HnRNP F could recognize viral-derived tandem G-tracts and affect virus replication remain poorly defined. Methods The effect of HnRNP F on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) propagation was evaluated by real-time PCR, western blotting, and plaque-forming unit assay. The association between HnRNP F and PRRSV guanine-rich segments (GRS) were analyzed by RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation. The expression pattern of HnRNP F was investigated by western blotting and nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation. Results Knockdown of endogenous HnRNP F effectively blocks the synthesis of viral RNA and nucleocapsid (N) protein. Conversely, overexpression of porcine HnRNP F has the opposite effect. Moreover, RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation assays reveal that the qRMM1 and qRRM2 domains of HnRNP F recognize the GRS in PRRSV antigenomic RNA. Finally, HnRNP F is redistributed into the cytoplasm and forms a complex with guanine-quadruplex (G4) helicase DHX36 during PRRSV infection. Conclusions These findings elucidate the potential functions of HnRNP F in regulating the proliferation of PRRSV and contribute to a better molecular understanding of host-PRRSV interactions.
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20
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Ruggiero E, Frasson I, Tosoni E, Scalabrin M, Perrone R, Marušič M, Plavec J, Richter SN. Fused in Liposarcoma Protein, a New Player in the Regulation of HIV-1 Transcription, Binds to Known and Newly Identified LTR G-Quadruplexes. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:958-968. [PMID: 35502456 PMCID: PMC9112328 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 integrated long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activity is modulated by folding of its G-rich region into non-canonical nucleic acids structures, such as G-quadruplexes (G4s), and their interaction with cellular proteins. Here, by a combined pull-down/mass spectrometry/Western-blot approach, we identified the fused in liposarcoma (FUS) protein and found it to preferentially bind and stabilize the least stable and bulged LTR G4, especially in the cell environment. The outcome of this interaction is the down-regulation of viral transcription, as assessed in a reporter assay with LTR G4 mutants in FUS-silencing conditions. These data indicate that the complexity and dynamics of HIV-1 LTR G4s are much greater than previously envisaged. The G-rich LTR region, with its diverse G4 landscape and multiple cell protein interactions, stands out as prime sensing center for the fine regulation of viral transcription. This region thus represents a rational antiviral target for inhibiting both the actively transcribing and latent viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Ruggiero
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Elena Tosoni
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Matteo Scalabrin
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
| | - Rosalba Perrone
- Buck
Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, California 94945, United States
| | - Maja Marušič
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian
NMR Center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, Padua 35121, Italy
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21
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Characterization of G-Quadruplexes in Enterovirus A71 Genome and Their Interaction with G-Quadruplex Ligands. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0046022. [PMID: 35446122 PMCID: PMC9241713 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00460-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human enteroviruses cause many diseases; however, there is no specific therapeutic drug. G-quadruplex is an atypical secondary structure formed in the guanine rich region of DNA or RNA, which can exist in the viral genome. The different positions of G-quadruplex play an important role in the regulation of virus replication and infection. Whether G-quadruplexes are present in human enteroviruses is unknown. In current study, we analyzed the potential quadruplex forming sequences of human enteroviruses, especially EV-A71 virus, which causes hand, foot, and mouth disease. The results showed that there were a certain number of potential quadruplex-forming sequences in human enteroviruses. Through a variety of experimental methods, we evaluated the formation potential of EV-A71 encoded G-quadruplex and analyzed the binding ability of G-quadruplex ligands, including BRACO-19, pyridostatin and TMPyP4 to virus encoded G-quadruplexes. G-quadruplex ligands BRACO-19, PDS and TMPyP4 could inhibit the transcription of constructs containing EV-A71 G-quadruplex sequences. Moreover, we found that BRACO-19 was able to inhibit the replication of EV-A71, suggesting that targeting G-quadruplexes in EV-A71 genome by G-quadruplex ligands could be a novel antiviral way against EV-A71. Our finding not only uncovered the G-quadruplexes in human enteroviruses, but also would provide a new strategy for human enteroviruses therapy. IMPORTANCE G-quadruplex is a stable nucleic acid secondary structure formed by the folding of guanine rich nucleic acid. The important regulatory function of G-quadruplex makes it an attractive target of antiviral effect. Human enteroviruses cause a variety of human diseases, including common cold, nervous system diseases, cardiovascular damage, and diabetes. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is one of pathogens causing hand, foot, and mouth disease; however, whether G-quadruplexes are present in the genomes of human enteroviruses is unknown. The function of G-quadruplexes in the EV-A71 genomes is not clear. We predicted and characterized G-quadruplex sequences in EV-A71. G-quadruplex ligands were identified to stabilize EV-A71 G-quadruplexes with high affinities. We also demonstrated G-quadruplex ligand BRACO-19 inhibited EV-A71 replication. Our studies provide a framework for targeting G-quadruplexes in the enteroviruses genome, which will be a new way to develop antiviral agents against human enteroviruses.
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22
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Holoubek J, Bednářová K, Haviernik J, Huvarová I, Dvořáková Z, Černý J, Outlá M, Salát J, Konkol'ová E, Boura E, Růžek D, Vorlíčková M, Eyer L, Renčiuk D. Guanine quadruplexes in the RNA genome of the tick-borne encephalitis virus: their role as a new antiviral target and in virus biology. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4574-4600. [PMID: 35420134 PMCID: PMC9071444 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac225] [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: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified seven putative guanine quadruplexes (G4) in the RNA genome of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus causing thousands of human infections and numerous deaths every year. The formation of G4s was confirmed by biophysical methods on synthetic oligonucleotides derived from the predicted TBEV sequences. TBEV-5, located at the NS4b/NS5 boundary and conserved among all known flaviviruses, was tested along with its mutated variants for interactions with a panel of known G4 ligands, for the ability to affect RNA synthesis by the flaviviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and for effects on TBEV replication fitness in cells. G4-stabilizing TBEV-5 mutations strongly inhibited RdRp RNA synthesis and exhibited substantially reduced replication fitness, different plaque morphology and increased sensitivity to G4-binding ligands in cell-based systems. In contrast, strongly destabilizing TBEV-5 G4 mutations caused rapid reversion to the wild-type genotype. Our results suggest that there is a threshold of stability for G4 sequences in the TBEV genome, with any deviation resulting in either dramatic changes in viral phenotype or a rapid return to this optimal level of G4 stability. The data indicate that G4s are critical elements for efficient TBEV replication and are suitable targets to tackle TBEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Holoubek
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Bednářová
- Department of Biophysics of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Haviernik
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Huvarová
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Dvořáková
- Department of Biophysics of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Černý
- Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, CZ-16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Outlá
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61200, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Salát
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Konkol'ová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy ofSciences, CZ-16000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy ofSciences, CZ-16000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Vorlíčková
- Department of Biophysics of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61200, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Eyer
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno CZ-62100, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Renčiuk
- Department of Biophysics of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno CZ-61200, Czech Republic
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23
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Lin XC, Chen F, Zhang K, Li J, Jiang JH, Yu RQ. Single Molecule-Level Detection via Liposome-Based Signal Amplification Mass Spectrometry Counting Assay. Anal Chem 2022; 94:6120-6129. [PMID: 35412803 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04984] [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
Because of the low atomization and/or ionization efficiencies of many biological macromolecules, the application of mass spectrometry to the direct quantitative detection of low-abundance proteins and nucleic acids remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report mass spectrum tags (MS-tags) based upon gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-templated phosphatidylcholine phospholipid (DSPC) liposomes, which exhibit high and reliable signals via electrospray ionization (ESI). Using these MS-tags, we constructed a liposome signal amplification-based mass spectrometric (LSAMS) "digital" counting assay to enable ultrasensitive detection of target nucleic acids. The LSAMS system consists of liposomes modified with a gold nanoparticle core and surface-anchored photocleavable DNA. In the presence of target nucleic acids, the modified liposome and a magnetic bead simultaneously hybridize with the target nucleic acid. After magnetic separation and photolysis, the MS-tag is released and can be analyzed by ESI-MS. At very low target concentrations, one liposome particle corresponds to one target molecule; thus, the concentration of the target can be estimated by counting the number of liposomes. With this assay, hepatitis C (HCV) virus RNA was successfully analyzed in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Cheng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Fei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jishan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Ru-Qin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
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24
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to have devastating consequences worldwide. Recently, great efforts have been made to identify SARS-CoV-2 host factors, but the regulatory mechanisms of these host molecules, as well as the virus per se, remain elusive. Here we report a role of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical assays, we demonstrate the presence of RG4s in both SARS-CoV-2 genome and host factors. The biological and pathological importance of these RG4s is then exemplified by a canonical 3-quartet RG4 within Tmprss2, which can inhibit Tmprss2 translation and prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry. Intriguingly, G-quadruplex (G4)-specific stabilizers attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection in pseudovirus cell systems and mouse models. Consistently, the protein level of TMPRSS2 is increased in lungs of COVID-19 patients. Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest RG4 as a potential target for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to control the pandemic. Here the authors show the biological and pathological role of RNA G-quadruplex structure in both SARS-CoV-2 genome and host factors, particularly TMPRSS2.
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25
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Lv L, Cui H, Chen Z, Zhou Y, Zhang L. G‐quadruplex ligands inhibit chikungunya virus replication. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2519-2527. [PMID: 35075669 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory MedicineThe First Affifiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanShandongChina
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation CenterShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
| | - Haoran Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory MedicineThe First Affifiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanShandongChina
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation CenterShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
| | - Yixuan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory MedicineThe First Affifiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanShandongChina
- Department of Pathogen BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation CenterShandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesJinanShandongChina
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26
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Ghosh A, Pandey SP, Ansari AH, Sundar J, Singh P, Khan Y, Ekka MK, Chakraborty D, Maiti S. Alternative splicing modulation mediated by G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 lncRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:378-396. [PMID: 34761272 PMCID: PMC8754661 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MALAT1, an abundant lncRNA specifically localized to nuclear speckles, regulates alternative-splicing (AS). The molecular basis of its role in AS remains poorly understood. Here, we report three conserved, thermodynamically stable, parallel RNA-G-quadruplexes (rG4s) present in the 3' region of MALAT1 which regulates this function. Using rG4 domain-specific RNA-pull-down followed by mass-spectrometry, RNA-immuno-precipitation, and imaging, we demonstrate the rG4 dependent localization of Nucleolin (NCL) and Nucleophosmin (NPM) to nuclear speckles. Specific G-to-A mutations that abolish rG4 structures, result in the localization loss of both the proteins from speckles. Functionally, disruption of rG4 in MALAT1 phenocopies NCL knockdown resulting in altered pre-mRNA splicing of endogenous genes. These results reveal a central role of rG4s within the 3' region of MALAT1 orchestrating AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Ghosh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Satya Prakash Pandey
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Asgar Hussain Ansari
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Praveen Singh
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yasmeen Khan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mary Krishna Ekka
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Debojyoti Chakraborty
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, Mathura Road, Delhi 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, CSIR- Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
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27
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Xu J, Huang H, Zhou X. G-Quadruplexes in Neurobiology and Virology: Functional Roles and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. JACS AU 2021; 1:2146-2161. [PMID: 34977886 PMCID: PMC8715485 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structure maintained by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds established between four guanines. Experimental studies and bioinformatics predictions support the hypothesis that these structures are involved in different cellular functions associated with both DNA and RNA processes. An increasing number of diseases have been shown to be associated with abnormal G4 regulation. Here, we describe the existence of G4 and then discuss G4-related pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the viral life cycle. Furthermore, we focus on the role of G4s in the design of antiviral therapy and neuropharmacology, including G4 ligands, G4-based aptamers, G4-related proteins, and CRISPR-based sequence editing, along with a discussion of limitations and insights into the prospects of this unusual nucleic acid secondary structure in therapeutics. Finally, we highlight progress and challenges in this field and the potential G4-related research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Xu
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Email to X.Z.:
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28
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He X, Yuan J, Wang Y. G3BP1 binds to guanine quadruplexes in mRNAs to modulate their stabilities. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:11323-11336. [PMID: 34614161 PMCID: PMC8565330 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA guanine quadruplexes (rG4) assume important roles in post-transcriptional regulations of gene expression, which are often modulated by rG4-binding proteins. Hence, understanding the biological functions of rG4s requires the identification and functional characterizations of rG4-recognition proteins. By employing a bioinformatic approach based on the analysis of overlap between peaks obtained from rG4-seq analysis and those detected in >230 eCLIP-seq datasets for RNA-binding proteins generated from the ENCODE project, we identified a large number of candidate rG4-binding proteins. We showed that one of these proteins, G3BP1, is able to bind directly to rG4 structures with high affinity and selectivity, where the binding entails its C-terminal RGG domain and is further enhanced by its RRM domain. Additionally, our seCLIP-Seq data revealed that pyridostatin, a small-molecule rG4 ligand, could displace G3BP1 from mRNA in cells, with the most pronounced effects being observed for the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of mRNAs. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay results showed that G3BP1 positively regulates mRNA stability through its binding with rG4 structures. Together, we identified a number of candidate rG4-binding proteins and validated that G3BP1 can bind directly with rG4 structures and regulate the stabilities of mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei He
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Jun Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0403, USA
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29
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Marilovtseva EV, Studitsky VM. Guanine Quadruplexes in Cell Nucleus Metabolism. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040075] [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]
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30
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Ruggiero E, Zanin I, Terreri M, Richter SN. G-Quadruplex Targeting in the Fight against Viruses: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010984. [PMID: 34681641 PMCID: PMC8538215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures involved in the regulation of key cellular processes, such as transcription and replication. Since their discovery, G4s have been mainly investigated for their role in cancer and as targets in anticancer therapy. More recently, exploration of the presence and role of G4s in viral genomes has led to the discovery of G4-regulated key viral pathways. In this context, employment of selective G4 ligands has helped to understand the complexity of G4-mediated mechanisms in the viral life cycle, and highlighted the possibility to target viral G4s as an emerging antiviral approach. Research in this field is growing at a fast pace, providing increasing evidence of the antiviral activity of old and new G4 ligands. This review aims to provide a punctual update on the literature on G4 ligands exploited in virology. Different classes of G4 binders are described, with emphasis on possible antiviral applications in emerging diseases, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Strengths and weaknesses of G4 targeting in viruses are discussed.
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31
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Li Z, Qian SH, Wang F, Mohamed HI, Yang G, Chen ZX, Wei D. G-quadruplexes in genomes of viruses infecting eukaryotes or prokaryotes are under different selection pressures from hosts. J Genet Genomics 2021; 49:20-29. [PMID: 34601118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes in viral genomes can be applied as the targets of antiviral therapies, which has attracted wide interest. However, it is still not clear whether the pervasive number of such elements in the viral world is the result of natural selection for functionality. In this study, we identified putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) across the known viral genomes and analyzed the abundance, structural stability, and conservation of viral PQSs. A Viral Putative G-quadruplex Database (ViPGD,http://jsjds.hzau.edu.cn/MBPC/ViPGD/index.php/home/index) was constructed to collect the details of each viral PQS, which provides guidance for selecting the desirable PQS. The PQS with two putative G-tetrads (G2-PQS) was significantly enriched in both eukaryotic viruses and prokaryotic viruses, while the PQSs with three putative G-tetrads (G3-PQS) were only enriched in eukaryotic viruses and depleted in prokaryotic viruses. The structural stability of PQSs in prokaryotic viruses was significantly lower than that in eukaryotic viruses. Conservation analysis showed that the G2-PQS, instead of G3-PQS, was highly conserved within the genus. This suggested that the G2-quadruplex might play an important role in viral biology, and the difference in the occurrence of G-quadruplex between eukaryotic viruses and prokaryotic viruses may result from the different selection pressures from hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sheng Hu Qian
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; International joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Hany I Mohamed
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Guangfu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; International joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Zhen-Xia Chen
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen 518124, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China.
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, 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 Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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32
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Fortuna TR, Kour S, Anderson EN, Ward C, Rajasundaram D, Donnelly CJ, Hermann A, Wyne H, Shewmaker F, Pandey UB. DDX17 is involved in DNA damage repair and modifies FUS toxicity in an RGG-domain dependent manner. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:515-536. [PMID: 34061233 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the RNA binding protein, Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most frequent form of motor neuron disease. Cytoplasmic aggregation and defective DNA repair machinery are etiologically linked to mutant FUS-associated ALS. Although FUS is involved in numerous aspects of RNA processing, little is understood about the pathophysiological mechanisms of mutant FUS. Here, we employed RNA-sequencing technology in Drosophila brains expressing FUS to identify significantly altered genes and pathways involved in FUS-mediated neurodegeneration. We observed the expression levels of DEAD-Box Helicase 17 (DDX17) to be significantly downregulated in response to mutant FUS in Drosophila and human cell lines. Mutant FUS recruits nuclear DDX17 into cytoplasmic stress granules and physically interacts with DDX17 through the RGG1 domain of FUS. Ectopic expression of DDX17 reduces cytoplasmic mislocalization and sequestration of mutant FUS into cytoplasmic stress granules. We identified DDX17 as a novel regulator of the DNA damage response pathway whose upregulation repairs defective DNA damage repair machinery caused by mutant neuronal FUS ALS. In addition, we show DDX17 is a novel modifier of FUS-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. Our findings indicate DDX17 is downregulated in response to mutant FUS, and restoration of DDX17 levels suppresses FUS-mediated neuropathogenesis and toxicity in vivo.
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Lavigne M, Helynck O, Rigolet P, Boudria-Souilah R, Nowakowski M, Baron B, Brülé S, Hoos S, Raynal B, Guittat L, Beauvineau C, Petres S, Granzhan A, Guillon J, Pratviel G, Teulade-Fichou MP, England P, Mergny JL, Munier-Lehmann H. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 unique domain SUD interacts with guanine quadruplexes and G4-ligands inhibit this interaction. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7695-7712. [PMID: 34232992 PMCID: PMC8287907 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The multidomain non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3) is the largest protein encoded by coronavirus (CoV) genomes and several regions of this protein are essential for viral replication. Of note, SARS-CoV Nsp3 contains a SARS-Unique Domain (SUD), which can bind Guanine-rich non-canonical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4) and is essential for SARS-CoV replication. We show herein that the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp3 protein also contains a SUD domain that interacts with G4s. Indeed, interactions between SUD proteins and both DNA and RNA G4s were evidenced by G4 pull-down, Surface Plasmon Resonance and Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence. These interactions can be disrupted by mutations that prevent oligonucleotides from folding into G4 structures and, interestingly, by molecules known as specific ligands of these G4s. Structural models for these interactions are proposed and reveal significant differences with the crystallographic and modeled 3D structures of the SARS-CoV SUD-NM/G4 interaction. Altogether, our results pave the way for further studies on the role of SUD/G4 interactions during SARS-CoV-2 replication and the use of inhibitors of these interactions as potential antiviral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Lavigne
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Virologie. CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Helynck
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse. CNRS UMR 3523, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Rigolet
- Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196, Orsay, France
| | | | - Mireille Nowakowski
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Production et Purification de Protéines Recombinantes, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Baron
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Brülé
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Sylviane Hoos
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Raynal
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Guittat
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U978, Labex Inflamex, F-93017 Bobigny, France
- Laboratoire d’optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, Inserm U1182, CNRS UMR7645, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Claire Beauvineau
- Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196, Orsay, France
| | - Stéphane Petres
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Production et Purification de Protéines Recombinantes, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Anton Granzhan
- Institut Curie, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196, Orsay, France
| | - Jean Guillon
- Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, Laboratoire ARNA, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Geneviève Pratviel
- CNRS UPR 8241, Université Paul Sabatier, Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Patrick England
- Institut Pasteur, Plateforme de Biophysique Moléculaire, C2RT, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d’optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, Inserm U1182, CNRS UMR7645, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
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Mishra S, Kota S, Chaudhary R, Misra HS. Guanine quadruplexes and their roles in molecular processes. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:482-499. [PMID: 34162300 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1926417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The role of guanine quadruplexes (G4) in fundamental biological processes like DNA replication, transcription, translation and telomere maintenance is recognized. G4 structure dynamics is regulated by G4 structure binding proteins and is thought to be crucial for the maintenance of genome integrity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Growing research over the last decade has expanded the existing knowledge of the functional diversity of G4 (DNA and RNA) structures across the working models. The control of G4 structure dynamics using G4 binding drugs has been suggested as the putative targets in the control of cancer and bacterial pathogenesis. This review has brought forth the collections of recent information that indicate G4 (mostly G4 DNA) roles in microbial pathogenesis, DNA damaging stress response in bacteria and mammalian cells. Studies in mitochondrial gene function regulation by G4s have also been underscored. Finally, the interdependence of G4s and epigenetic modifications and their speculated medical implications through G4 interacting proteins has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Mishra
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Swathi Kota
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Reema Chaudhary
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - H S Misra
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
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Abiri A, Lavigne M, Rezaei M, Nikzad S, Zare P, Mergny JL, Rahimi HR. Unlocking G-Quadruplexes as Antiviral Targets. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:897-923. [PMID: 34045305 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences can fold into noncanonical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). Since the discovery that these structures may act as scaffolds for the binding of specific ligands, G4s aroused the attention of a growing number of scientists. The versatile roles of G4 structures in viral replication, transcription, and translation suggest direct applications in therapy or diagnostics. G4-interacting molecules (proteins or small molecules) may also affect the balance between latent and lytic phases, and increasing evidence reveals that G4s are implicated in generally suppressing viral processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, or reverse transcription. In this review, we focus on the discovery of G4s in viruses and the role of G4 ligands in the antiviral drug discovery process. After assessing the role of viral G4s, we argue that host G4s participate in immune modulation, viral tumorigenesis, cellular pathways involved in virus maturation, and DNA integration of viral genomes, which can be potentially employed for antiviral therapeutics. Furthermore, we scrutinize the impediments and shortcomings in the process of studying G4 ligands and drug discovery. Finally, some unanswered questions regarding viral G4s are highlighted for prospective future projects. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that have gained increasing recognition during the last few decades. First identified as relevant targets in oncology, their importance in virology is now increasingly clear. A number of G-quadruplex ligands are known: viral transcription and replication are the main targets of these ligands. Both viral and cellular G4s may be targeted; this review embraces the different aspects of G-quadruplexes in both host and viral contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardavan Abiri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Marc Lavigne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Masoud Rezaei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Sanaz Nikzad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Peyman Zare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
| | - Hamid-Reza Rahimi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (A.A., S.N.); Institut Pasteur, Department of Virology, UMR 3569 CNRS, Paris, France (M.L.); Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (M.R.); Dioscuri Center of Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland (P.Z.); Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau cedex, France (J.-L.M.); Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran (H.-R.R.)
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36
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Bohálová N, Cantara A, Bartas M, Kaura P, Šťastný J, Pečinka P, Fojta M, Mergny JL, Brázda V. Analyses of viral genomes for G-quadruplex forming sequences reveal their correlation with the type of infection. Biochimie 2021; 186:13-27. [PMID: 33839192 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes contribute to the regulation of key molecular processes. Their utilization for antiviral therapy is an emerging field of contemporary research. Here we present comprehensive analyses of the presence and localization of putative G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) in all viral genomes currently available in the NCBI database (including subviral agents). The G4Hunter algorithm was applied to a pool of 11,000 accessible viral genomes representing 350 Mbp in total. PQS frequencies differ across evolutionary groups of viruses, and are enriched in repeats, replication origins, 5'UTRs and 3'UTRs. Importantly, PQS presence and localization is connected to viral lifecycles and corresponds to the type of viral infection rather than to nucleic acid type; while viruses routinely causing persistent infections in Metazoa hosts are enriched for PQS, viruses causing acute infections are significantly depleted for PQS. The unique localization of PQS identifies the importance of G-quadruplex-based regulation of viral replication and life cycle, providing a tool for potential therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Bohálová
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alessio Cantara
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500, 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
| | - 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; Department of Informatics, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 613 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Pečinka
- Department of Biology and Ecology/Institute of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, 710 00, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic; Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, Brno, 612 65, Czech Republic.
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Dumas L, Herviou P, Dassi E, Cammas A, Millevoi S. G-Quadruplexes in RNA Biology: Recent Advances and Future Directions. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 46:270-283. [PMID: 33303320 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) are four-stranded structures known to control gene expression mechanisms, from transcription to protein synthesis, and DNA-related processes. Their potential impact on RNA biology allows these structures to shape cellular processes relevant to disease development, making their targeting for therapeutic purposes an attractive option. We review here the current knowledge on RG4s, focusing on the latest breakthroughs supporting the notion of transient structures that fluctuate dynamically in cellulo, their interplay with RNA modifications, their role in cell compartmentalization, and their deregulation impacting the host immune response. We emphasize RG4-binding proteins as determinants of their transient conformation and effectors of their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Dumas
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Pauline Herviou
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, (TN), Italy
| | - Anne Cammas
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France.
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38
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Cui H, Zhang L. G-Quadruplexes Are Present in Human Coronaviruses Including SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:567317. [PMID: 33193156 PMCID: PMC7644843 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.567317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is one of seven human coronaviruses. G-quadruplexes are intrinsic obstacles to genome replication. Whether G-quadruplexes are present in human coronaviruses is unknown. In the current study, we have predicted that all seven human coronaviruses harbor G-quadruplex sequences. Conserved G-quadruplex sequences in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed and verified by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. Similar to SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 encodes an nsP3 protein, which is predicted to associate with G-quadruplexes. Targeting G-quadruplex sequences in the SARS-CoV-2 genome by G-quadruplex ligands could be a new way to conquer COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Cui
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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39
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Umar MI, Kwok CK. Specific suppression of D-RNA G-quadruplex-protein interaction with an L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:10125-10141. [PMID: 32976590 PMCID: PMC7544233 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structure motifs that are of significance in chemistry and biology. The function of G4s is often governed by their interaction with G4-binding proteins. Few categories of G4-specific tools have been developed to inhibit G4-protein interactions; however, until now there is no aptamer tool being developed to do so. Herein, we present a novel L-RNA aptamer that can generally bind to D-RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure, and interfere with rG4-protein interaction. Using hTERC rG4 as the target for in vitro selection, we report the shortest L-aptamer being developed so far, with only 25 nucleotides. Notably, this new aptamer, L-Apt.4-1c, adopts a stem-loop structure with the loop folding into an rG4 motif with two G-quartet, demonstrates preferential binding toward rG4s over non-G4s and DNA G-quadruplexes (dG4s), and suppresses hTERC rG4-nucleolin interactions. We also show that inhibition of rG4-protein interaction using L-RNA aptamer L-Apt.4-1c is comparable to or better than G4-specific ligands such as carboxypyridostatin and QUMA-1 respectively, highlighting that our approach and findings expand the current G4 toolbox, and open a new avenue for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak I Umar
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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40
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Razin SV, Gavrilov AA, Iarovaia OV. Modification of Nuclear Compartments and the 3D Genome in the Course of a Viral Infection. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:34-46. [PMID: 33456976 PMCID: PMC7800604 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The review addresses the question of how the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cell nucleus and the 3D organization of the cellular genome are modified during the infection of cells with various viruses. Particular attention is paid to the role of the introduced changes in the implementation of the viral strategy to evade the antiviral defense systems and provide conditions for viral replication. The discussion focuses on viruses replicating in the cell nucleus. Cytoplasmic viruses are mentioned in cases when a significant reorganization of the nuclear compartments or the 3D genome structure occurs during an infection with these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences
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41
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Kumar S, Choudhary D, Patra A, Bhavesh NS, Vivekanandan P. Analysis of G-quadruplexes upstream of herpesvirus miRNAs: evidence of G-quadruplex mediated regulation of KSHV miR-K12-1-9,11 cluster and HCMV miR-US33. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:67. [PMID: 32972365 PMCID: PMC7513282 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00306-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-quadruplexes regulate gene expression, recombination, packaging and latency in herpesviruses. Herpesvirus-encoded miRNAs have been linked to important biological functions. The presence and the biological role of G-quadruplexes have not been studied in the regulatory regions of virus miRNA. We hypothesized that herpesvirus-encoded miRNAs are regulated by G-quadruplexes in their promoters. RESULTS We analyzed the 1 kb regulatory regions of all herpesvirus-encoded miRNAs for the presence of putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS). Over two-third (67%) of the regulatory regions of herpesvirus miRNAs had atleast 1 PQS. The 200 bp region of the promoter proximal to herpesvirus miRNA is particularly enriched for PQS. We chose to study the G-quadruplex motifs in the promoters of miR-K12 cluster in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV miR-K12-1-9,11) and the miR-US33 encoded by Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV miR-US33). Biophysical characterization indicates that the G-quadruplex motifs in the promoters of the KSHV miR-K12 cluster and the HCMV miR-US33 form stable intramolecular G-quadruplexes in vitro. Mutations disrupting the G-quadruplex motif in the promoter of the KSHV miR-K12 cluster significantly inhibits promoter activity, while those disrupting the motif in the promoter of HCMV miR-US33 significantly enhance the promoter activity as compared to that of the respective wild-type promoter. Similarly, the addition of G-quadruplex binding ligands resulted in the modulation of promoter activity of the wild-type promoters (with intact G-quadruplex) but not the mutant promoters (containing quadruplex-disrupting mutations). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight previously unknown mechanisms of regulation of virus-encoded miRNA and also shed light on new roles for G-quadruplexes in herpesvirus biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Choudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupam Patra
- Transcription Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Neel Sarovar Bhavesh
- Transcription Regulation Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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42
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Liu G, Du W, Xu H, Sun Q, Tang D, Zou S, Zhang Y, Ma M, Zhang G, Du X, Ju S, Cheng W, Tian Y, Fu X. RNA G-quadruplex regulates microRNA-26a biogenesis and function. J Hepatol 2020; 73:371-382. [PMID: 32165252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) appear to be important in post-transcriptional gene regulation, but their pathophysiological functions remain unknown. MicroRNA-26a (miR-26a) is emerging as a therapeutic target for various human diseases, however the mechanisms underlying endogenous miR-26a regulation are poorly understood. Herein, we study the role of RG4 in miR-26a expression and function in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Putative RG4s within liver-enriched miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatic analysis, and the presence of an RG4 structure in the miR-26a-1 precursor (pre-miR-26a-1) was further analyzed by biophysical and biochemical methods. RG4 stabilizers, pre-miR-26a-1 overexpression plasmids, and luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the effect of RG4 on pre-miR-26a-1 maturation. Both miR-26a knock-in and knockout mouse models were employed to investigate the influence of this RG4 on miR-26a expression and function. Moreover, the interaction between RG4 in pre-miR-26a-1 and DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36) was determined by biophysical and molecular methods. Finally, miR-26a processing and DHX36 expression were quantified in the livers of obese mice. RESULTS We identify a guanine-rich sequence in pre-miR-26a-1 that can fold into an RG4 structure. This RG4 impairs pre-miR-26a-1 maturation, resulting in a decrease in miR-26a expression and subsequently an increase in miR-26a cognate targets. In line with known miR-26a functions, this RG4 can regulate hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we reveal that DHX36 can bind and unwind this RG4 structure, thereby enhancing miR-26a maturation. Intriguingly, there is a concordant decrease of miR-26a maturation and DHX36 expression in obese mouse livers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings define a dynamic DHX36/RG4/miR-26a regulatory axis during obesity, highlighting an important role of RG4 in physiology and pathology. LAY SUMMARY Specific RNA sequences called G-quadruplexes (or RG4) appear to be important in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Obesity leads to the formation of these RG4 structures in pre-miR-26a-1 molecules, impairing the maturation and function of miR-26a, which has emerged as a therapeutic target in several diseases. This contributes to hepatic insulin resistance and the dysregulation of liver metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenya Du
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Haixia Xu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongmei Tang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Sailan Zou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Meilin Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guixiang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of General Surgery, Yaan People's Hospital, Yaan 625000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenggen Ju
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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43
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Ruggiero E, Richter SN. Viral G-quadruplexes: New frontiers in virus pathogenesis and antiviral therapy. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2020; 54:101-131. [PMID: 32427223 PMCID: PMC7233243 DOI: 10.1016/bs.armc.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant organisms on our planet, affecting all living beings: some of them are responsible for massive epidemics that concern health, national economies and the overall welfare of societies. Although advances in antiviral research have led to successful therapies against several human viruses, still some of them cannot be eradicated from the host and most of them do not have any treatment available. Consequently, innovative antiviral therapies are urgently needed. In the past few years, research on G-quadruplexes (G4s) in viruses has boomed, providing powerful evidence for the regulatory role of G4s in key viral steps. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses have traced putative G4-forming sequences in the genome of almost all human viruses, showing that their distribution is statistically significant and their presence highly conserved. Since the genomes of viruses are remarkably variable, high conservation rates strongly suggest a crucial role of G4s in the viral replication cycle and evolution, emphasizing the possibility of targeting viral G4s as a new pharmacological approach in antiviral therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated the formation and function of G4s in pathogens responsible for serious diseases, such as HIV-1, Hepatitis B and C, Ebola viruses, to cite a few. In this chapter, we present the state of the art on the structural and functional characterization of viral G4s in RNA viruses, DNA viruses and retroviruses. We also present the G4 ligands that provide further details on the viral G4 role and which, showing promising antiviral activity, which could be exploited for the development of innovative antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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44
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Liu M, Chen HY, Luo L, Wang Y, Zhang D, Song N, Wang FB, Li Q, Zhang XL, Pan Q. Neutralization of IL-10 produced by B cells promotes protective immunity during persistent HCV infection in humanized mice. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1350-1361. [PMID: 32339264 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection can lead to cirrhosis and is associated with increased mortality. Interleukin (IL)-10-producing B cells (B10 cells) are regulatory cells that suppress cellular immune responses. Here, we aimed to determine whether HCV induces B10 cells and assess the roles of the B10 cells during HCV infection. HCV-induced B10 cells were enriched in CD19hi and CD1dhi CD5+ cell populations. HCV predominantly triggered the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways to drive IL-10 production by B cells. In a humanized murine model of persistent HCV infection, to neutralize IL-10 produced by B10 cells, mice were treated with pcCD19scFv-IL-10R, which contains the genes coding the anti-CD19 single-chain variable fragment (CD19scFv) and the extracellular domain of IL-10 receptor alpha chain (sIL-10Ra). This treatment resulted in significant reduction of B10 cells in spleen and liver, increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses against HCV, and low viral loads in infected humanized mice. Our results indicate that targeting B10 cells via neutralization of IL-10 may offer a novel strategy to enhance anti-HCV immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Han-Yu Chen
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongli Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Neng Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu-Bing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Pan
- Department of Immunology, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Virology and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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45
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Masuzawa T, Oyoshi T. Roles of the RGG Domain and RNA Recognition Motif of Nucleolin in G-Quadruplex Stabilization. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:5202-5208. [PMID: 32201808 PMCID: PMC7081427 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes have important biologic functions that are regulated by G-quadruplex-binding proteins. In particular, G-quadruplex structures are folded or unfolded by their binding proteins and affect transcription and other biologic functions. Here, we investigated the effect of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) and arginine-glycine-glycine repeat (RGG) domain of nucleolin on G-quadruplex formation. Our findings indicate that Phe in the RGG domain of nucleolin is responsible for G-quadruplex binding and folding. Moreover, the RRM of nucleolin potentially binds to a guanine-rich single strand and folds the G-quadruplex with a 5'-terminal and 3'-terminal single strand containing guanine. Our findings contribute to our understanding of how the RRM and RGG domains contribute to G-quadruplex folding and unfolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Masuzawa
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Takanori Oyoshi
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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46
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Dong D, Zhu S, Miao Q, Zhu J, Tang A, Qi R, Liu T, Yin D, Liu G. Nucleolin (NCL) inhibits the growth of peste des petits ruminants virus. J Gen Virol 2020; 101:33-43. [PMID: 31794379 PMCID: PMC7414435 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants that is caused by peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). To date, the molecular mechanism of PPRV infection is still unclear. It is well known that host proteins might be involved in the pathogenesis process for many viruses. In this study, we first proved that nucleolin (NCL), a highly conserved host factor, interacts with the core domain of PPRV N protein through its C terminus and co-locates with the N protein in the nucleus of cells. To investigate the role of NCL in PPRV infection, the expression level of NCL was inhibited with small interfering RNAs of NCL, and the results showed that PPRV growth was improved. However, the proliferation of PPRV was inhibited when the expression level of NCL was improved. Further analysis indicated that the inhibitory effect of NCL on the PPRV was caused by stimulating the interferon (IFN) pathways in host cells. In summary, our results will help us to understand the mechanism of PPRV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Dong
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Shiqiang Zhu
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Qiuhong Miao
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Aoxing Tang
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Ruibin Qi
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Teng Liu
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Dongdong Yin
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Guangqing Liu
- Innovation Team of Small Animal Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
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47
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Butovskaya E, Soldà P, Scalabrin M, Nadai M, Richter SN. HIV-1 Nucleocapsid Protein Unfolds Stable RNA G-Quadruplexes in the Viral Genome and Is Inhibited by G-Quadruplex Ligands. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:2127-2135. [PMID: 31646863 PMCID: PMC6909241 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The G-quadruplexes that form in the
HIV-1 RNA genome hinder progression
of reverse transcriptase
in vitro, but not in infected cells. We investigated the possibility
that the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein NCp7, which remains associated
with the viral RNA during reverse transcription, modulated HIV-1 RNA
G-quadruplex stability. By electrophoresis, circular dichroism, mass
spectrometry, and reverse transcriptase stop assays, we demonstrated
that NCp7 binds and unfolds the HIV-1 RNA G-quadruplexes and promotes
DNA/RNA duplex formation, allowing reverse transcription to proceed.
The G-quadruplex ligand BRACO-19 was able to partially counteract
this effect. These results indicate NCp7 as the first known viral
protein able to unfold RNA G-quadruplexes, and they explain how the
extra-stable HIV-1 RNA G-quadruplexes are processed; they also point
out that the reverse transcription process is hindered by G-quadruplex
ligands at both reverse transcriptase and NCp7 level. This information
can lead to the development of more effective anti-HIV-1 drugs with
a new mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Butovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Soldà
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Scalabrin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N. Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Aristide Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
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48
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Kharel P, Balaratnam S, Beals N, Basu S. The role of RNA G-quadruplexes in human diseases and therapeutic strategies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2019; 11:e1568. [PMID: 31514263 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (GQs) are four-stranded secondary structures formed by G-rich nucleic acid sequence(s). DNA GQs are present abundantly in the genome and affect a wide range of processes associated with DNA. Recent studies show that RNA GQs are present in different transcripts, including coding and noncoding areas of mRNA, telomeric RNA as well as in other premature and mature noncoding RNAs. When present at specific locations within the RNAs, GQs play important roles in key biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression and telomere homeostasis. RNA GQs regulate pre-mRNA processing, such as splicing and polyadenylation. Evidently, among other processes, RNA GQs also control mRNA translation, miRNA and piRNA biogenesis, and RNA localization. The regulatory mechanisms controlled by RNA GQs mainly involve binding to RNA binding protein that modulate GQ conformation or serve as an entity in recruiting additional protein regulators to act as a block element to the processing machinery. Here we provide an overview of the ever-increasing number of discoveries revealing the role of RNA GQs in biology and their relevance in human diseases and therapeutics. This article is categorized under: RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumirtha Balaratnam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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49
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Fleming AM, Nguyen NLB, Burrows CJ. Colocalization of m 6A and G-Quadruplex-Forming Sequences in Viral RNA (HIV, Zika, Hepatitis B, and SV40) Suggests Topological Control of Adenosine N 6-Methylation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:218-228. [PMID: 30834310 PMCID: PMC6396389 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This Outlook calls attention to two seemingly disparate and emerging fields regarding viral genomics that may be correlated in a way previously overlooked. First, we describe identification of conserved potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) in viral genomes relevant to human health. Studies have demonstrated that PQSs are highly conserved and can fold to G-quadruplexes (G4s) to regulate viral processes. Key examples include G4s as a countermeasure to the host's immune system or G4-guided regulation of replication or transcription. Second, emerging data are discussed concerning the epitranscriptomic modification N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) in viral RNA installed by host proteins in a consensus sequence favoring 5'-GG(m6A)C-3'. The proposed pathways by which m6A is written, read, and erased in viral RNA genomes and the impact this has on viral replication are described. The structural reason why certain sites are selected for modification while others are not is still mysterious. Finally, we discuss our new observations regarding these previous sequencing data that identify m6A installation within the loops of two-tetrad PQSs in the RNA genomes of the Zika, HIV, hepatitis B, and SV40 viruses. We hypothesize that conserved viral PQSs can provide a framework (sequence and/or structural) for m6A installation. We also discuss literature sources suggesting that PQSs as sites of RNA modification could be a general phenomenon. We anticipate our observations will provide ample opportunities for exciting discoveries regarding the interplay between G4 structures and epitranscriptomic modifications of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Fleming
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Ngoc L. B. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Cynthia J. Burrows
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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