1
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Moura NMM, Guedes S, Salvador D, Oliveira H, Alves MQ, Paradis N, Wu C, Neves MGPMS, Ramos CIV. Oncogenic and telomeric G-quadruplexes: Targets for porphyrin-triphenylphosphonium conjugates. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134126. [PMID: 39097044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA chains with sequential guanine (G) repeats can lead to the formation of G-quadruplexes (G4), which are found in functional DNA and RNA regions like telomeres and oncogene promoters. The development of molecules with adequate structural features to selectively stabilize G4 structures can counteract cell immortality, highly described for cancer cells, and also downregulate transcription events underlying cell apoptosis and/or senescence processes. We describe here, the efficiency of four highly charged porphyrins-phosphonium conjugates to act as G4 stabilizing agents. The spectrophotometric results allowed to select the conjugates P2-PPh3 and P3-PPh3 as the most promising ones to stabilize selectively G4 structures. Molecular dynamics simulation experiments were performed and support the preferential binding of P2-PPh3 namely to MYC and of P3-PPh3 to KRAS. The ability of both ligands to block the activity of Taq polymerase was confirmed and also their higher cytotoxicity against the two melanoma cell lines A375 and SK-MEL-28 than to immortalized skin keratinocytes. Both ligands present efficient cellular uptake, nuclear co-localization and high ability to generate 1O2 namely when interacting with G4 structure. The obtained data points the synthesized porphyrins as promising ligands to be used in a dual approach that can combine G4 stabilization and Photodynamic therapy (PDT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno M M Moura
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Guedes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diana Salvador
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; CICECO, Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Q Alves
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nicholas Paradis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - Chun Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States of America
| | - M Graça P M S Neves
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina I V Ramos
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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2
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Kretzer B, Herényi L, Csík G, Supala E, Orosz Á, Tordai H, Kiss B, Kellermayer M. TMPyP binding evokes a complex, tunable nanomechanical response in DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8399-8418. [PMID: 38943349 PMCID: PMC11317170 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
TMPyP is a porphyrin capable of DNA binding and used in photodynamic therapy and G-quadruplex stabilization. Despite its broad applications, TMPyP's effect on DNA nanomechanics is unknown. Here we investigated, by manipulating λ-phage DNA with optical tweezers combined with microfluidics in equilibrium and perturbation kinetic experiments, how TMPyP influences DNA nanomechanics across wide ranges of TMPyP concentration (5-5120 nM), mechanical force (0-100 pN), NaCl concentration (0.01-1 M) and pulling rate (0.2-20 μm/s). Complex responses were recorded, for the analysis of which we introduced a simple mathematical model. TMPyP binding, which is a highly dynamic process, leads to dsDNA lengthening and softening. dsDNA stability increased at low (<10 nM) TMPyP concentrations, then decreased progressively upon increasing TMPyP concentration. Overstretch cooperativity decreased, due most likely to mechanical roadblocks of ssDNA-bound TMPyP. TMPyP binding increased ssDNA's contour length. The addition of NaCl at high (1 M) concentration competed with the TMPyP-evoked nanomechanical changes. Because the largest amplitude of the changes is induced by the pharmacologically relevant TMPyP concentration range, this porphyrin derivative may be used to tune DNA's structure and properties, hence control the wide array of biomolecular DNA-dependent processes including replication, transcription, condensation and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Kretzer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
- HUNREN-SE Biophysical Virology Group, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Herényi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Csík
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Supala
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Orosz
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hedvig Tordai
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kiss
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
- HUNREN-SE Biophysical Virology Group, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
- HUNREN-SE Biophysical Virology Group, Tűzoltó Str. 37-47, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Prestwood PR, Yang M, Lewis GV, Balaratnam S, Yazdani K, Schneekloth JS. Competitive Microarray Screening Reveals Functional Ligands for the DHX15 RNA G-Quadruplex. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:814-821. [PMID: 38894923 PMCID: PMC11181508 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00574] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
RNAs are increasingly considered valuable therapeutic targets, and the development of methods to identify and validate both RNA targets and ligands is more important than ever. Here, we utilized a bioinformatic approach to identify a hairpin-containing RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of DHX15 mRNA. By using a novel competitive small molecule microarray (SMM) approach, we identified a compound that specifically binds to the DHX15 rG4 (K D = 12.6 ± 1.0 μM). This rG4 directly impacts translation of a DHX15 reporter mRNA in vitro, and binding of our compound (F1) to the structure inhibits translation up to 57% (IC50 = 22.9 ± 3.8 μM). This methodology allowed us to identify and target the mRNA of a cancer-relevant helicase with no known inhibitors. Our target identification method and the novelty of our screening approach make our work informative for future development of novel small molecule cancer therapeutics for RNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peri R. Prestwood
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Mo Yang
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Grace V. Lewis
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Sumirtha Balaratnam
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Kamyar Yazdani
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - John S. Schneekloth
- Chemical Biology Laboratory,
Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer
Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
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4
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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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5
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Lu Y, Lee J, Li J, Allu SR, Wang J, Kim H, Bullaughey KL, Fisher SA, Nordgren CE, Rosario JG, Anderson SA, Ulyanova AV, Brem S, Chen HI, Wolf JA, Grady MS, Vinogradov SA, Kim J, Eberwine J. CHEX-seq detects single-cell genomic single-stranded DNA with catalytical potential. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7346. [PMID: 37963886 PMCID: PMC10645931 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43158-6] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA (gDNA) undergoes structural interconversion between single- and double-stranded states during transcription, DNA repair and replication, which is critical for cellular homeostasis. We describe "CHEX-seq" which identifies the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in situ in individual cells. CHEX-seq uses 3'-terminal blocked, light-activatable probes to prime the copying of ssDNA into complementary DNA that is sequenced, thereby reporting the genome-wide single-stranded chromatin landscape. CHEX-seq is benchmarked in human K562 cells, and its utilities are demonstrated in cultures of mouse and human brain cells as well as immunostained spatially localized neurons in brain sections. The amount of ssDNA is dynamically regulated in response to perturbation. CHEX-seq also identifies single-stranded regions of mitochondrial DNA in single cells. Surprisingly, CHEX-seq identifies single-stranded loci in mouse and human gDNA that catalyze porphyrin metalation in vitro, suggesting a catalytic activity for genomic ssDNA. We posit that endogenous DNA enzymatic activity is a function of genomic ssDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youtao Lu
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jaehee Lee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jifen Li
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - HyunBum Kim
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kevin L Bullaughey
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Stephen A Fisher
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - C Erik Nordgren
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jean G Rosario
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Stewart A Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, ARC 517, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra V Ulyanova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Steven Brem
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - H Isaac Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John A Wolf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - M Sean Grady
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sergei A Vinogradov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James Eberwine
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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6
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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7
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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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8
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Roy L, Roy A, Bose D, Banerjee N, Chatterjee S. Unraveling the structural aspects of the G-quadruplex in SMO promoter and elucidating its contribution in transcriptional regulation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37878583 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2268200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
We located a 25 nt G-rich sequence in the promoter region of SMO oncogene. We performed an array of biophysical and biochemical assays and confirmed the formation of a parallel G quadruplex (SMO1-GQ) by the identified sequence. SMO1-GQ is highly conserved in primates. For a comprehensive characterization of the SMO quadruplex structure, we have performed spectroscopic and in silico analysis with established GQ binder small molecules TMPyP4 and BRACO-19. We observed comparatively higher stable interaction of BRACO-19 with SMO1-GQ. Structure-based, rational drug design against SMO1-GQ to target SMO oncogene requires a detailed molecular anatomy of the G-quadruplex. We structurally characterised the SMO1-GQ using DMS footprinting assay and molecular modelling, docking, and MD simulation to identify the probable atomic regions that interact with either of the small molecules. We further investigated SMO1-GQ in vivo by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. ChIP data revealed that this gene element functions as a scaffold for a number of transcription factors: specificity protein (Sp1), nucleolin (NCL), non-metastatic cell 2 (NM23-H2), cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP), and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) which reflects the SMO1-P1 G-quadruplex to be the master regulator of SMO1 transcriptional activity. The strong binding interaction detected between SMO1-GQ and BRACO-19 contemplates the potential of the G quadruplex as a promising anti-cancer druggable target to downregulate SMO1 oncogene driven cancers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laboni Roy
- Department of Biological Science, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ananya Roy
- Department of Biological Science, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biological Science, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Banerjee
- Department of Biological Science, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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9
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Wu S, Jiang L, Lei L, Fu C, Huang J, Hu Y, Dong Y, Chen J, Zeng Q. Crosstalk between G-quadruplex and ROS. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 36653351 PMCID: PMC9849334 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to single nucleic acid base damage, DNA strand breakage, inter- and intra-strand cross-linking of nucleic acids, and protein-DNA cross-linking involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. G-quadruplex (G4) is a stacked nucleic acid structure that is ubiquitous across regulatory regions of multiple genes. Abnormal formation and destruction of G4s due to multiple factors, including cations, helicases, transcription factors (TFs), G4-binding proteins, and epigenetic modifications, affect gene replication, transcription, translation, and epigenetic regulation. Due to the lower redox potential of G-rich sequences and unique structural characteristics, G4s are highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Additionally, the formation, stability, and biological regulatory role of G4s are affected by ROS. G4s are involved in regulating gene transcription, translation, and telomere length maintenance, and are therefore key players in age-related degeneration. Furthermore, G4s also mediate the antioxidant process by forming stress granules and activating Nrf2, which is suggestive of their involvement in developing ROS-related diseases. In this review, we have summarized the crosstalk between ROS and G4s, and the possible regulatory mechanisms through which G4s play roles in aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ling Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chuhan Fu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yumeng Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
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10
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Pandya N, Singh M, Rani R, Kumar V, Kumar A. G-quadruplex-mediated specific recognition, stabilization and transcriptional repression of bcl-2 by small molecule. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 734:109483. [PMID: 36513132 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the G-quadruplex (G4) structure in the promoter region of the human bcl-2 oncogenes makes it a promising target for developing anti-cancer therapeutics. Bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis, and its frequent overexpression in cancer cells contributes to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. Small molecules that can specifically bind to bcl-2 G4 with high affinity and selectivity are remaining elusive. Here, we report that small molecule 1,3-bis-) furane-2yl-methylidene-amino) guanidine (BiGh) binds to bcl-2 G4 DNA structure with very high affinity and selectivity over other genomic G4 DNA structures and duplex DNA. BiGh stabilizes folded parallel conformation of bcl-2 G4 via non-covalent and electrostatic interactions and increases the thermal stabilization up to 15 °C. The ligand significantly suppresses the bcl-2 transcription in HeLa cells by a G4-dependent mechanism and induces cell cycle arrest which promotes apoptosis. The in silico ADME profiling confirms the potential 'drug-likeness' of BiGh. Our results showed that BiGh stabilizes the bcl-2 G-quadruplex motif, downregulates the bcl-2 gene transcription as well as translation process in cervical cancer cells, and exhibits potential anti-cancer activity. This work provides a potential platform for the development of lead compound(s) as G4 stabilizers with drug-like properties of BiGh for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India
| | - Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Reshma Rani
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, 453552, India.
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11
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Effects of G-Quadruplex-Binding Plant Secondary Metabolites on c-MYC Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169209. [PMID: 36012470 PMCID: PMC9409388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169209] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences tending to adopt noncanonical G-quadruplex (G4) structures are over-represented in promoter regions of oncogenes. Ligands recognizing G4 were shown to stabilize these DNA structures and drive their formation regulating expression of corresponding genes. We studied the interaction of several plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) with G4s and their effects on gene expression in a cellular context. The binding of PSMs with G4s formed by the sequences of well-studied oncogene promoters and telomeric repeats was evaluated using a fluorescent indicator displacement assay. c-MYC G4 folding topology and thermal stability, as well as the PMS influence on these parameters, were demonstrated by UV-spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The effects of promising PSMs on c-MYC expression were assessed using luciferase reporter assay and qPR-PCR in cancer and immortalized cultured cells. The ability of PMS to multi-targeting cell signaling pathways was analyzed by the pathway-focused gene expression profiling with qRT-PCR. The multi-target activity of a number of PSMs was demonstrated by their interaction with a set of G4s mimicking those formed in the human genome. We have shown a direct G4-mediated down regulation of c-MYC expression by sanguinarine, quercetin, kaempferol, and thymoquinone; these effects being modulated by PSM’s indirect influence via cell signaling pathways.
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Singh M, Gupta R, Comez L, Paciaroni A, Rani R, Kumar V. BCL2 G quadruplex-binding small molecules: Current status and prospects for the development of next-generation anticancer therapeutics. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2551-2561. [PMID: 35709931 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) overexpression in a range of human tumors is often related to chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis. GC-rich regions upstream of the P1 promoter in human BCL2 can form G-quadruplex (G4) structures through the stacking of four Hoogsteen-paired guanine bases. Stabilizing the G4 fold implies the inhibition of BCL2 expression and, thus, small molecules that selectively bind to the G4 are promising anticancer candidates. In this review, we discuss the structural aspects, binding affinity, selectivity, and biological activity of well-characterized BCL2 G4 binding ligands in vitro and in vivo. We also explore future directions in the research and development of G4-based anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Rajat Gupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India
| | - Lucia Comez
- IOM-CNR National Research Council, Via Pascoli, Perugia I-06123, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paciaroni
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, via Pascoli, 06123, Italy
| | - Reshma Rani
- Drug Discovery Unit, Jubilant Biosys Ltd, Sector 58, Noida, UP 201301, India.
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, UP, 201303, India.
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Liu L, Zhang W, Zhong MQ, Jia MH, Jiang F, Zhang Y, Xiao CD, Xiao X, Shen XC. Tetraphenylethene derivative that discriminates parallel G-quadruplexes. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14765-14775. [PMID: 35702216 PMCID: PMC9109478 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01433e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (G4), as a non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structure, has been proved to be prevalent in genomes and plays important roles in many biological processes. Ligands targeting G4, especially small-molecular fluorescent light-up probes with selectivity for special conformations, are essential for studying the relationship between G4 folding and the cellular response. However, their development still remains challenging but is attracting massive attention. Here, we synthesized a new tetraphenylethene derivative, namely TPE-B, as a parallel G4 probe. Fluorescence experiments showed that TPE-B could give out a strong fluorescence response to the G4 structure. Moreover, it gave a much higher fluorescence intensity response to parallel G4s than anti-parallel ones, which indicated that TPE-B could serve as a special tool for probing parallel G4s. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra and melting curves showed that TPE-B could selectively bind and stabilize parallel G4s without changing their topology. ESI-MS studies showed that TPE-B could bind to parallel G4 with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. The gel staining results showed that TPE-B was a good candidate for probing parallel G4s. Altogether, the TPE-B molecule may serve as a promising new probe that can discriminate parallel G4s. A tetraphenylethene derivative: 1,1′,1′′,1′′′-(((ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayltetrakis(benzene-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(oxy)) tetrakis(butane-4,1-diyl)) tetrakis(4-(dimethylamino) pyridin-1-ium) bromide (TPE-B) has been designed as a fluorescent light-up probe with high selectivity for parallel G-quadruplexes![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Fei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University Guiyang Guizhou 550001 P. R. China
| | - Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University Guiyang 550025 P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China .,The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, Guizhou Medical University, University Town Guian New District Guizhou 550025 P. R. China
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Haldar S, Zhang Y, Xia Y, Islam B, Liu S, Gervasio FL, Mulholland AJ, Waller ZAE, Wei D, Haider S. Mechanistic Insights into the Ligand-Induced Unfolding of an RNA G-Quadruplex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:935-950. [PMID: 34989224 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cationic porphyrin TMPyP4 is a well-established DNA G-quadruplex (G4) binding ligand that can stabilize different topologies via multiple binding modes. However, TMPyP4 can have both a stabilizing and destabilizing effect on RNA G4 structures. The structural mechanisms that mediate RNA G4 unfolding remain unknown. Here, we report on the TMPyP4-induced RNA G4 unfolding mechanism studied by well-tempered metadynamics (WT-MetaD) with supporting biophysical experiments. The simulations predict a two-state mechanism of TMPyP4 interaction via a groove-bound and a top-face-bound conformation. The dynamics of TMPyP4 stacking on the top tetrad disrupts Hoogsteen H-bonds between guanine bases, resulting in the consecutive TMPyP4 intercalation from top-to-bottom G-tetrads. The results reveal a striking correlation between computational and experimental approaches and validate WT-MetaD simulations as a powerful tool for studying RNA G4-ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanta Haldar
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, U.K
- D.E. Shaw India Private Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana 500096, India
| | - Yashu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Vetrinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ying Xia
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
| | - Barira Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, U.K
| | - Sisi Liu
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Francesco L Gervasio
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1H 0AJ, U.K
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
| | | | - Zoë A E Waller
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Vetrinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shozeb Haider
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, U.K
- UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing, University College London, London, WC1H 9RN, U.K
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Joshi S, Singh A, Kukreti S. Porphyrin induced structural destabilization of a parallel DNA G-quadruplex in human MRP1 gene promoter. J Mol Recognit 2022; 35:e2950. [PMID: 34990028 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Porphyrins are among the first ligands that have been tested for their quadruplex binding and stabilization potential. We report the differential interaction of the positional cationic porphyrin isomers TMPyP3 and TMPyP4 with a parallel G-quadruplex (GQ) formed by 33-mer (TP) regulatory sequence present in the promoter region of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) transporter gene. This GQ element encompasses the three evolutionary conserved SP1 transcription factor binding sites. Taking into account that SP1 binds to a non-canonical GQ motif with higher affinity than to a canonical duplex DNA consensus motif, it is suggestive that GQ distortion by cationic porphyrin will have important implications in the regulation of MRP1 expression. Herein, we employed biophysical analysis using circular dichroism, visible absorption, UV-thermal melting and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, reporting destabilization of MRP1 GQ by cationic porphyrins. Results suggest that TMPyP4 and TMPyP3 interact with GQ with a binding affinity of 106 to 107 M-1 . Thermodynamic analysis indicated a significant decrease in melting temperature of GQ (ΔTm of 15.5°C-23.5°C), in the presence of 2 times excess of porphyrins. This study provides the biophysical evidence indicating the destabilisation of a parallel DNA G-quadruplex by cationic porphyrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Joshi
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, India
| | - Anju Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shrikant Kukreti
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, India
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Piperine analogs arrest c-myc gene leading to downregulation of transcription for targeting cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22909. [PMID: 34824301 PMCID: PMC8617303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) structures are considered a promising therapeutic target in cancer. Since Ayurveda, Piperine has been known for its medicinal properties. Piperine shows anticancer properties by stabilizing the G4 motif present upstream of the c-myc gene. This gene belongs to a group of proto-oncogenes, and its aberrant transcription drives tumorigenesis. The transcriptional regulation of the c-myc gene is an interesting approach for anticancer drug design. The present study employed a chemical similarity approach to identify Piperine similar compounds and analyzed their interaction with cancer-associated G-quadruplex motifs. Among all Piperine analogs, PIP-2 exhibited strong selectivity, specificity, and affinity towards c-myc G4 DNA as elaborated through biophysical studies such as fluorescence emission, isothermal calorimetry, and circular dichroism. Moreover, our biophysical observations are supported by molecular dynamics analysis and cellular-based studies. Our study showed that PIP-2 showed higher toxicity against the A549 lung cancer cell line but lower toxicity towards normal HEK 293 cells, indicating increased efficacy of the drug at the cellular level. Biological evaluation assays such as TFP reporter assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT- PCR), and western blotting suggest that the Piperine analog-2 (PIP-2) stabilizes the G-quadruplex motif located at the promoter site of c-myc oncogene and downregulates its expression. In conclusion, Piperine analog PIP-2 may be used as anticancer therapeutics as it affects the c-myc oncogene expression via G-quadruplex mediated mechanism.
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Sanchez-Martin V, Soriano M, Garcia-Salcedo JA. Quadruplex Ligands in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3156. [PMID: 34202648 PMCID: PMC8267697 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids can adopt alternative secondary conformations including four-stranded structures known as quadruplexes. To date, quadruplexes have been demonstrated to exist both in human chromatin DNA and RNA. In particular, quadruplexes are found in guanine-rich sequences constituting G-quadruplexes, and in cytosine-rich sequences forming i-Motifs as a counterpart. Quadruplexes are associated with key biological processes ranging from transcription and translation of several oncogenes and tumor suppressors to telomeres maintenance and genome instability. In this context, quadruplexes have prompted investigations on their possible role in cancer biology and the evaluation of small-molecule ligands as potential therapeutic agents. This review aims to provide an updated close-up view of the literature on quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy, by grouping together ligands for DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes and DNA i-Motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanchez-Martin
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Microbiology Unit, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Soriano
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Centre for Intensive Mediterranean Agrosystems and Agri-Food Biotechnology (CIAMBITAL), University of Almeria, 04001 Almeria, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Garcia-Salcedo
- Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Microbiology Unit, Biosanitary Research Institute IBS, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, 18014 Granada, Spain
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Promoter G-quadruplex favours epigenetic reprogramming-induced atypical expression of ZEB1 in cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129899. [PMID: 33930476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of Zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), which remains repressed in normal cells, is frequently associated with cancer aggressiveness. However, transcriptional mechanism underlying such atypical ZEB1 expression in cancer is not yet well-understood. METHODS ZEB1 promoter G-quadruplexes were studied and modeled extensively using circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, ITC and DMS protection assay. Luciferase assay, qPCR, FAIRE, ChIP, western blotting, confocal microscopy was used to access the regulation of ZEB1 transcription. RESULTS Our study unravels the occupancy of nucleolin to ZEB1 promoter as a crucial determinant which facilitates the binding of SP1 transcription factor to chromatin, by locally remodelling the region. SP1, subsequently, recruits P300 acetyl transferase leading to enriched acetyl-histone H3 at promoter and activates ZEB1 transcription. ZEB1 promoter analysis identifies presence of four putative G-quadruplex (G4) forming motifs within 700 bp of TSS; each quadruplex is characterized structurally in details with an array of biophysical techniques. Surprisingly, stabilization of G4 with cationic porphyrin TMPyP4 represses its transcription and eventually impedes cell invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS TMPyP4 binding to a selected G4 motif (5' -534/-511-3' from TSS), where nucleolin/SP1/P300 co-occupies, prevents the association of nucleolin which consequently hinders SP1 binding, leading to chromatin compactness and transcriptional repression. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate an epigenetic mechanism of ZEB1 reactivation where dynamic occupancy of transcription regulators encompassing a G4 motif is crucial and thus, small molecule induced G-quadruplex stabilization may act as a potential molecular switch to turn-off gene expression.
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Interactions of porphyrins with DNA: A review focusing recent advances in chemical modifications on porphyrins as artificial nucleases. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 219:111434. [PMID: 33819802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The advance of porphyrins as artificial nucleases along the years have developed a class of compounds having potential therapeutic applications. Being an extrovert of chemistry, a variety of chemical modifications have been done on porphyrin macrocycle in order to improve the spectroscopic properties and to adapt as artificial receptors that can recognize molecules. The last twenty years has witnessed broad research in the arena of porphyrin- DNA interactions and their evolution from simple to more complex entities. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the porphyrin-based structural modifications, with a specific emphasis on various effects of porphyrin on DNA cleavage potency. We particularly detailed the nuclease activity of cationic and anionic porphyrins, porphyrin dimers and conjugates as well as heme proteins till the third generation porphyrins as artificial nucleases.
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Antiviral Activity of the G-Quadruplex Ligand TMPyP4 against Herpes Simplex Virus-1. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020196. [PMID: 33525505 PMCID: PMC7911665 DOI: 10.3390/v13020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) genome is extremely rich in guanine tracts that fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), nucleic acid secondary structures implicated in key biological functions. Viral G4s were visualized in HSV-1 infected cells, with massive virus cycle-dependent G4-formation peaking during viral DNA replication. Small molecules that specifically interact with G4s have been shown to inhibit HSV-1 DNA replication. We here investigated the antiviral activity of TMPyP4, a porphyrin known to interact with G4s. The analogue TMPyP2, with lower G4 affinity, was used as control. We showed by biophysical analysis that TMPyP4 interacts with HSV-1 G4s, and inhibits polymerase progression in vitro; in infected cells, it displayed good antiviral activity which, however, was independent of inhibition of virus DNA replication or entry. At low TMPyP4 concentration, the virus released by the cells was almost null, while inside the cell virus amounts were at control levels. TEM analysis showed that virus particles were trapped inside cytoplasmatic vesicles, which could not be ascribed to autophagy, as proven by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. Our data indicate a unique mechanism of action of TMPyP4 against HSV-1, and suggest the unprecedented involvement of currently unknown G4s in viral or antiviral cellular defense pathways.
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Stanojević A, Milovanović B, Stanković I, Etinski M, Petković M. The significance of the metal cation in guanine-quartet – metalloporphyrin complexes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:574-584. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05798c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The distinct positions of the divalent metal ions with respect to the porphyrin ring are responsible for different interaction energies between metalloporphyrins and the guanine quartet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Stanojević
- University of Belgrade – Faculty of Physical Chemistry
- 11 158 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | | | - Ivana Stanković
- Institute of Chemistry
- Technology and Metallurgy
- 11 000 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Mihajlo Etinski
- University of Belgrade – Faculty of Physical Chemistry
- 11 158 Belgrade
- Serbia
| | - Milena Petković
- University of Belgrade – Faculty of Physical Chemistry
- 11 158 Belgrade
- Serbia
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22
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Pandya N, Khan E, Jain N, Satham L, Singh R, Makde RD, Mishra A, Kumar A. Curcumin analogs exhibit anti-cancer activity by selectively targeting G-quadruplex forming c-myc promoter sequence. Biochimie 2020; 180:205-221. [PMID: 33188859 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin exhibits a broad spectrum of beneficial health properties that include anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities. The down-regulation of c-myc transcription via stabilizing the G-quadruplex structure formed at the promoter region of the human c-myc gene allows the repression in cancer growth. Small molecules can bind and stabilize this structure to provide an exciting and promising strategy for anti-cancer therapeutics. Herein, we investigated the interaction of Curcumin and its synthetic analogs with G-quadruplex DNA formed at the c-myc promoter by using various biophysical and biochemical assays. Further, its cytotoxic effect and mechanistic insights were explored in various cancer cell lines as well as in multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) model. The MCTS possesses almost similar microenvironment as avascular tumors, and micro-metastases can be used as a suitable model for the small molecule-based therapeutics development. Our study provides an expanded overview of the anti-cancer effect of a new Curcumin analog via targeting G-quadruplex structures formed at the promoter region of the human c-myc gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Eshan Khan
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Lakshminarayana Satham
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul Singh
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Ravindra D Makde
- High Pressure and Synchrotron Radiation Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342011, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India.
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Singh A, Joshi S, Kukreti S. Cationic porphyrins as destabilizer of a G-quadruplex located at the promoter of human MYH7 β gene. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4801-4816. [PMID: 31809672 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1689850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (GQ) architecture is adopted by guanine rich sequences, present throughout the eukaryotic genome including promoter locations and telomeric ends. The in vivo presence indicates their involvement and role in various biological processes. Various small ligands have been developed to interact and stabilize/destabilize G-quadruplex structures. Cationic porphyrins are among the most studied ligands, reported to bind and stabilize G-quadruplexes. Herein, we report the recognition and destabilization of a parallel G-quadruplex by porphyrins (TMPyP3 and TMPyP4). This G-quadruplex forming 23-nt G-rich sequence is in the promoter region of Human Myosin Heavy Chain β gene (MYH7β). Presence of various putative regulatory sequence elements (TATA Box, CCAAT, SP-1) located in the vicinity of this quadruplex motif, highlight its regulatory implications. Biophysical methods as Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy, UV-Absorption Spectroscopy, UV-Thermal Denaturation and Fluorescence Spectroscopy (steady as well as Time Resolved) have been used for studying the interaction and binding parameters. It is proposed that porphyrins have a destabilizing effect on the G-quadruplexes with parallel topology and a stronger binding specifically via intercalation mode is needed to cause destabilization. The study deals with better understanding and insights of DNA-Drug interactions in biological systems.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Singh
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, India
| | - Savita Joshi
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, India
| | - Shrikant Kukreti
- Nucleic Acids Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi, India
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Basavalingappa V, Bera S, Xue B, Azuri I, Tang Y, Tao K, Shimon LJW, Sawaya MR, Kolusheva S, Eisenberg DS, Kronik L, Cao Y, Wei G, Gazit E. Mechanically rigid supramolecular assemblies formed from an Fmoc-guanine conjugated peptide nucleic acid. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5256. [PMID: 31748568 PMCID: PMC6868146 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The variety and complexity of DNA-based structures make them attractive candidates for nanotechnology, yet insufficient stability and mechanical rigidity, compared to polyamide-based molecules, limit their application. Here, we combine the advantages of polyamide materials and the structural patterns inspired by nucleic-acids to generate a mechanically rigid fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-guanine peptide nucleic acid (PNA) conjugate with diverse morphology and photoluminescent properties. The assembly possesses a unique atomic structure, with each guanine head of one molecule hydrogen bonded to the Fmoc carbonyl tail of another molecule, generating a non-planar cyclic quartet arrangement. This structure exhibits an average stiffness of 69.6 ± 6.8 N m-1 and Young's modulus of 17.8 ± 2.5 GPa, higher than any previously reported nucleic acid derived structure. This data suggests that the unique cation-free "basket" formed by the Fmoc-G-PNA conjugate can serve as an attractive component for the design of new materials based on PNA self-assembly for nanotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Basavalingappa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Santu Bera
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ido Azuri
- Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovoth, Israel
| | - Yiming Tang
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), Fudan University, 200433, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Tao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Linda J W Shimon
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovoth, Israel
| | - Michael R Sawaya
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA-DOE Institute, Departments of Biological Chemistry and Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sofiya Kolusheva
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanotechnology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - David S Eisenberg
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA-DOE Institute, Departments of Biological Chemistry and Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Leeor Kronik
- Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovoth, Israel
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), Fudan University, 200433, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Ravichandran S, Ahn JH, Kim KK. Unraveling the Regulatory G-Quadruplex Puzzle: Lessons From Genome and Transcriptome-Wide Studies. Front Genet 2019; 10:1002. [PMID: 31681431 PMCID: PMC6813735 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are among the best-characterized DNA secondary structures and are enriched in regulatory regions, especially promoters, of several prokaryote and eukaryote genomes, indicating a possible role in cis regulation of genes. Many studies have focused on evaluating the impact of specific G4-forming sequences in the promoter regions of genes. However, the lack of correlation between the presence of G4s and the functional impact on cis gene regulation, evidenced by the variable expression fold change in the presence of G4 stabilizers, shows that not all G4s affect transcription in the same manner. This indicates that the regulatory effect of the G4 is significantly influenced by its position, the surrounding DNA topology, and other environmental factors within the cell. In this review, we compare individual gene studies with high-throughput differential expression studies to highlight the importance of formulating a combined approach that can be applied in humans, bacteria, and viruses to better understand the effect of G4-mediated gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniyam Ravichandran
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.,Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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26
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Todorov G, Cunha C. Hypothesis: Regulation of neuroplasticity may involve I-motif and G-quadruplex DNA formation modulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Med Hypotheses 2019; 127:129-135. [PMID: 31088636 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated the existence in vivo of various functional DNA structures that differ from the double helix. The G-quadruplex (G4) and intercalated motif (I-motif or IM) DNA structures are formed as knots where, correspondingly, guanines or cytosines on the same strand of DNA bind to each other. There are grounds to believe that G4 and IM sequences play a significant role in regulating gene expression considering their tendency to be found in or near regulatory sites (such as promoters, enhancers, and telomeres) as well as the correlation between the prevalence of G4 or IM conformations and specific phases of cell cycle. Notably, G4 and IM capable sequences tend to be found on the opposite strands of the same DNA site with at most one of the two structures formed at any given time. The recent evidence that K+, Mg2+ concentrations directly affect IM formation (and likely G4 formation indirectly) lead us to believe that these structures may play a major role in synaptic plasticity of neurons, and, therefore, in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) functions including memory, learning, habitual behaviors, pain perception and others. Furthermore, epigenetic mechanisms, which have an important role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation, were also shown to influence formation and stability of G4s and IMs. Our hypothesis is that non-canonical DNA and RNA structures could be an integral part of neuroplasticity control via gene expression regulation at the level of transcription, translation and splicing. We propose that the regulatory activity of DNA IM and G4 structures is modulated by DNA methylation/demethylation of the IM and/or G4 sequences, which facilitates the switch between canonical and non-canonical conformation. Other neuronal mechanisms interacting with the formation and regulatory activity of non-canonical DNA and RNA structures, particularly G4, IM and triplexes, may involve microRNAs as well as ion and proton fluxes. We are proposing experiments in acute brain slices and in vivo to test our hypothesis. The proposed studies would provide new insights into fundamental neuronal mechanisms in health and disease and potentially open new avenues for treating mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- German Todorov
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Catarina Cunha
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA.
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27
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Developing Novel G-Quadruplex Ligands: from Interaction with Nucleic Acids to Interfering with Nucleic Acid⁻Protein Interaction. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030396. [PMID: 30678288 PMCID: PMC6384609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex is a special secondary structure of nucleic acids in guanine-rich sequences of genome. G-quadruplexes have been proved to be involved in the regulation of replication, DNA damage repair, and transcription and translation of oncogenes or other cancer-related genes. Therefore, targeting G-quadruplexes has become a novel promising anti-tumor strategy. Different kinds of small molecules targeting the G-quadruplexes have been designed, synthesized, and identified as potential anti-tumor agents, including molecules directly bind to the G-quadruplex and molecules interfering with the binding between the G-quadruplex structures and related binding proteins. This review will explore the feasibility of G-quadruplex ligands acting as anti-tumor drugs, from basis to application. Meanwhile, since helicase is the most well-defined G-quadruplex-related protein, the most extensive research on the relationship between helicase and G-quadruplexes, and its meaning in drug design, is emphasized.
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28
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Interactions Between Spermine-Derivatized Tentacle Porphyrins and The Human Telomeric DNA G-Quadruplex. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113686. [PMID: 30469358 PMCID: PMC6274827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
G-rich DNA sequences have the potential to fold into non-canonical G-Quadruplex (GQ) structures implicated in aging and human diseases, notably cancers. Because stabilization of GQs at telomeres and oncogene promoters may prevent cancer, there is an interest in developing small molecules that selectively target GQs. Herein, we investigate the interactions of meso-tetrakis-(4-carboxysperminephenyl)porphyrin (TCPPSpm4) and its Zn(II) derivative (ZnTCPPSpm4) with human telomeric DNA (Tel22) via UV-Vis, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopies, resonance light scattering (RLS), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays. UV-Vis titrations reveal binding constants of 4.7 × 106 and 1.4 × 107 M−1 and binding stoichiometry of 2–4:1 and 10–12:1 for TCPPSpm4 and ZnTCPPSpm4, respectively. High stoichiometry is supported by the Job plot data, CD titrations, and RLS data. FRET melting indicates that TCPPSpm4 stabilizes Tel22 by 36 ± 2 °C at 7.5 eq., and that ZnTCPPSpm4 stabilizes Tel22 by 33 ± 2 °C at ~20 eq.; at least 8 eq. of ZnTCPPSpm4 are required to achieve significant stabilization of Tel22, in agreement with its high binding stoichiometry. FRET competition studies show that both porphyrins are mildly selective for human telomeric GQ vs duplex DNA. Spectroscopic studies, combined, point to end-stacking and porphyrin self-association as major binding modes. This work advances our understanding of ligand interactions with GQ DNA.
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29
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Fu H, Yang P, Hai J, Li H. Utilization of circular dichroism and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to understand the formation and conversion of G-quadruplex DNA at the human c-myb proto-oncogene. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 203:70-76. [PMID: 29860170 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex DNAs are involved in a number of key biological processes, including gene expression, transcription, and apoptosis. The c-myb oncogene contains a number of GGA repeats in its promoter which forms G-quadruplex, thus it could be used as a target in cancer therapeutics. Several in-vitro studies have used Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy or electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to demonstrate formation and stability of G-quadruplex DNA structure in the promoter region of human c-myb oncogene. The factors affecting the c-myb G-quadruplex structures were investigated, such as cations (i.e. K+, NH4+ and Na+) and co-solutes (methanol and polyethylene glycol). The results indicated that the presence of cations and co-solutes could change the G-quadruplex structural population and promote its thermodynamic stabilization as indicated by CD melting curves. It indicated that the co-solutes preferentially stabilize the c-myb G-quadruplex structure containing both homo- and hetero-stacking. In addition, protopine was demonstrated as a binder of c-myb G-quadruplex as screened from a library of natural alkaloids using ESI-MS method. CD spectra showed that it could selectively stabilize the c-myb G-quadruplex structure compared to other six G-quadruplexes from tumor-related G-rich sequences and the duplex DNAs (both long and short-chain ones). The binding of protopine could induce the change in the G-quadruplex structural populations. Therefore, protopine with its high binding specificity could be considered as a precursor for the design of drugs to target and regulate c-myb oncogene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengqing Fu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jinhui Hai
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Huihui Li
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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30
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Mikek C, West SJ, Gwin JC, Dayal N, Sintim HO, Lewis EA. Berenil Binds Tightly to Parallel and Mixed Parallel/Antiparallel G-Quadruplex Motifs with Varied Thermodynamic Signatures. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:11582-11591. [PMID: 30320266 PMCID: PMC6173502 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene, DMZ, (or berenil) has been reported as a tight binder of G-quadruplexes. G-Quadruplex structures are often located in the promotor regions of oncogenes and may play a regulatory role in gene expression based on the stability of the folding topology. In this study, attempts have been made to characterize the specificity of DMZ binding toward multiple G-quadruplex topologies or foldamers. Mutant sequences of the G-quadruplex forming promotor regions of several oncogenes were designed to exhibit restricted loop lengths and folding topologies. Circular dichroism was used to confirm the quadruplex topology of mutant BCL2, KRAS, and c-MYC sequences, human telomere (Na+ and K+) G-quadruplexes and their complexes with DMZ and analogs thereof. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to generate a complete thermodynamic profile (ΔG, ΔH, -TΔS) for the formation of DMZ and analog complexes with the target G-quadruplexes. DMZ binds to parallel and/or mixed parallel/antiparallel quadruplex DNA motifs with stoichiometries up to 8:1 and via three binding modes with varying affinities. In the case of the parallel G-quadruplexes, with the exception of the long-looped c-MYC mutant, the highest affinity binding event (mode 1) is driven by enthalpy. DMZ binding to the long-looped c-MYC mutant exhibits a very favorable entropy change in addition to a moderately favorable enthalpy change. Mode 1 binding to the antiparallel and mixed parallel/antiparallel hTel quadruplexes is also driven by favorable enthalpy changes. In all cases, the intermediate DMZ affinity binding (mode 2) is driven almost entirely by entropy, with small or unfavorable enthalpic contributions. The weakest binding event (mode 3) is also entropically driven with small or moderate enthalpic contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton
G. Mikek
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Savannah J. West
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
| | - J. Cole Gwin
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
| | - Neetu Dayal
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Edwin A. Lewis
- Department
of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, 310 President’s Circle, Mississippi, Mississippi State 39762, United States
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31
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Genome-wide analysis of regulatory G-quadruplexes affecting gene expression in human cytomegalovirus. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007334. [PMID: 30265731 PMCID: PMC6179306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4), formed by repetitive guanosine-rich sequences, is known to play various key regulatory roles in cells. Herpesviruses containing a large double-stranded DNA genome show relatively higher density of G4-forming sequences in their genomes compared to human and mouse. However, it remains poorly understood whether all of these sequences form G4 and how they play a role in the virus life cycle. In this study, we performed genome-wide analyses of G4s present in the putative promoter or gene regulatory regions of a 235-kb human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome and investigated their roles in viral gene expression. We evaluated 36 putative G4-forming sequences associated with 20 genes for their ability to form G4 and for the stability of G4s in the presence or absence of G4-stabilizing ligands, by circular dichroism and melting temperature analyses. Most identified sequences formed a stable G4; 28 sequences formed parallel G4s, one formed an antiparallel G4, and four showed mixed conformations. However, when we assessed the effect of G4 on viral promoters by cloning the 20 putative viral promoter regions containing 36 G4-forming sequences into the luciferase reporter and monitoring the expression of luciferase reporter gene in the presence of G4-stabilizing chemicals, we found that only 9 genes were affected by G4 formation. These results revealed promoter context-dependent gene suppression by G4 formation. Mutational analysis of two potential regulatory G4s also demonstrated gene suppression by the sequence-specific G4 formation. Furthermore, the analysis of a mutant virus incapable of G4 formation in the UL35 promoter confirmed promoter regulation by G4 in the context of virus infection. Our analyses provide a platform for assessing G4 functions at the genomic level and demonstrate the properties of the HCMV G4s and their regulatory roles in viral gene expression.
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32
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Lebedeva NS, Yurina ES, Gubarev YA, Syrbu SA. Interactions of tetracationic porphyrins with DNA and their effects on DNA cleavage. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 199:235-241. [PMID: 29625380 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of tetracationic porphyrins with DNA was studied using UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and viscometry, and the particle sizes were determined. Аs cationic porphyrins, two isomer porphyrins, 3,3',3″,3‴-(5,10,15,20-Porphyrintetrayl)tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium) (TMPyP3) and 4,4',4″,4‴-(5,10,15,20-Porphyrintetrayl)tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium) (TMPyP4), were studied. They differ in the position of NCH3+ group in phenyl ring of the porphyrins and hence, in degree of freedom of rotation of the phenyl rings about the central macrocycle. It was found that intercalated complexes are formed at DNA/porphyrin molar ratios (R) of 2.2 and 3.9 for TMPyP3 и TMPyP4, respectively. Decreasing R up to 0.4 and 0.8 for TMPyP3 и TMPyP4, respectively, leads mainly to formation of outside complexes due to π-π stacking between the porphyrin chromophores interacting electrostatically with phosphate framework of DNA. Each type of the obtained complexes was characterized using Scatchard approach. It was ascertained that the affinity of TMPyP4 to DNA is stronger than TMPyP3, meanwhile the wedge effect of the latter is higher. The differences between the porphyrin isomers become more evident at irradiation of their complexes with DNA. It was established that irradiation of the intercalated complexes results in DNA fragmentation. In the case of TMPyP4, DNA fragments of different size are formed. The irradiation of the outside DNA/porphyrin complexes leads to cleavage of DNA (TMPyP3 and TMPyP4) and partial destruction of the complex due to photolysis of the porphyrin (TMPyP3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Sh Lebedeva
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya, 1, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Elena S Yurina
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya, 1, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
| | - Yury A Gubarev
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya, 1, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia.
| | - Sergey A Syrbu
- G.A. Krestov Institute of Solution Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Akademicheskaya, 1, 153045 Ivanovo, Russia
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33
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Qian C, Fu H, Kovalchik KA, Li H, Chen DDY. Specific Binding Constant and Stoichiometry Determination in Free Solution by Mass Spectrometry and Capillary Electrophoresis Frontal Analysis. Anal Chem 2017; 89:9483-9490. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- National
and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hengqing Fu
- National
and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Kevin A. Kovalchik
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Huihui Li
- National
and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - David Da Yong Chen
- National
and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional
Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
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34
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Sun XY, Zhao P, Jin SF, Liu MC, Wang XH, Huang YM, Cheng ZF, Yan SQ, Li YY, Chen YQ, Zhong YM. Shedding lights on the flexible-armed porphyrins: Human telomeric G4 DNA interaction and cell photocytotoxicity research. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 173:606-617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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35
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G-Quadruplex surveillance in BCL-2 gene: a promising therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:1165-1186. [PMID: 28506718 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, therapeutic implications of BCL-2 quadruplex invigorated the field of clinical oncology. This Keynote review discusses how a BCL-2 quadruplex-selective approach circumvents the limitations of existing therapeutics; and which improvisations might ameliorate the recent trends of quadruplex-based treatment.
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36
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Takahashi S, Bhowmik S, Sugimoto N. Volumetric analysis of formation of the complex of G-quadruplex DNA with hemin using high pressure. J Inorg Biochem 2017; 166:199-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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37
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Porru M, Zizza P, Franceschin M, Leonetti C, Biroccio A. EMICORON: A multi-targeting G4 ligand with a promising preclinical profile. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1362-1370. [PMID: 27838395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, guanine G-rich sequences folding into G-quadruplex (G4) structures have received a lot of attention and their biological role is now a matter of large debate. Rising amounts of experimental evidence have validated several G-rich motifs as molecular targets in cancer treatment. Despite that an increasing number of small molecules has been reported to possess excellent G4 stabilizing properties, none of them has progressed through the drug-development pipeline due to their poor drug-like properties. In this context, the identification of G4 ligands with more favorable pharmacological properties and with a well-defined target activity could be fruitful for anticancer therapy application. SCOPE OF REVIEW This manuscript outlines the current state of knowledge regarding EMICORON, a G4-interactive molecule structurally and biologically similar, on the one side, to coronene and, on the other side, to a bay-monosubstituted perylene. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Overall this work evidences that EMICORON, a new promising G4 ligand, possesses a marked antitumoral activity both standing alone and in combination with chemotherapeutics. Moreover, EMICORON represents a good example of multimodal class of antitumoral drug, able to simultaneously affect multiple targets participating in several distinct signaling pathways, thus simplifying the treatment modalities and improving the selectivity against cancer cells. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Due to the importance of G4 forming sequences in crucial biological processes participating in tumor progression, their successful targeting with small molecules could represent a very important innovation in the development of effective therapeutic strategies against cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Porru
- SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Zizza
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Italy.
| | - Marco Franceschin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Leonetti
- SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Biroccio
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Italy.
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Sheu SY, Huang CH, Zhou JK, Yang DY. Relative stability of G-quadruplex structures: Interactions between the human Bcl2 promoter region and derivatives of carbazole and diphenylamine. Biopolymers 2016; 101:1038-50. [PMID: 24723333 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The bcl2 promoter region forms a G-quadruplex structure, which is a crucial target for anticancer drug development. In this study, we provide theoretical predictions of the stability of different G-quadruplex folds of the 23-mer bcl2 promoter region and G-quadruplex ligand. We take into account the whole G-quadruplex structure, including bound-cations and solvent effects, in order to compute the ligand binding free energy using molecular dynamics simulation. Two series of the carbazole and diphenylamine derivatives are used to screen for the most potent drug in terms of stabilization. The energy analysis identifies the predominant energy components affecting the stability of the various different G-quadruplex folds. The energy associated with the stability of the G-quadruplex-K(+) structures obtained displays good correlation with experimental Tm measurements. We found that loop orientation has an intrinsic influence on G-quadruplex stability and that the basket structure is the most stable. Furthermore, parallel loops are the most effective drug binding site. Our studies also demonstrate that rigidity and planarity are the key structural elements of a drug that stabilizes the G-quadruplex structure. BMVC-4 is the most potential G-quadruplex ligand. This approach demonstrates significant promise and should benefit drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheh-Yi Sheu
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical informatics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
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Abstract
Cationic porphyrins (Prs) and phthalocyanines (Pcs) are strong photosensitizers that have drawn much attention for their potential in photodynamic therapy. These compounds have the interesting property of binding to nucleic acids, in particular G-rich quadruplex-forming sequences in DNA and RNA. In this review, we highlight their potential as anticancer drugs.
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Zhu LN, Shi S, Yang L, Zhang M, Liu KK, Zhang LN. Water soluble cationic porphyrin TMPipEOPP-induced G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA photocleavage and cell phototoxicity. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra24964c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A water soluble cationic porphyrin derivative TMPipEOPP can preferentially photocleave G-quadruplex in the presence of double-stranded DNA, thus might be used as a human telomere-targeted photosensitizer for tumor photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Zhu
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
| | - Shan Shi
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
| | - Ke-Ke Liu
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- Department of Chemistry
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin
- China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin)
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DuPont JI, Henderson KL, Metz A, Le VH, Emerson JP, Lewis EA. Calorimetric and spectroscopic investigations of the binding of metallated porphyrins to G-quadruplex DNA. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1860:902-909. [PMID: 26363462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human telomere contains tandem repeat of (TTAGG) capable of forming a higher order DNA structure known as G-quadruplex. Porphyrin molecules such as TMPyP4 bind and stabilize G-quadruplex structure. METHODS Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD), and mass spectroscopy (ESI/MS), were used to investigate the interactions between TMPyP4 and the Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of TMPyP4 (e.g. Co(III)-TMPyP4) and a model human telomere G-quadruplex (hTel22) at or near physiologic ionic strength ([Na(+)] or [K(+)]≈0.15M). RESULTS The apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4 all formed complexes having a saturation stoichiometry of 4:1, moles of ligand per mole of DNA. Binding of apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4 is described by a "four-independent-sites model". The two highest-affinity sites exhibit a K in the range of 10(8) to 10(10)M(-1) with the two lower-affinity sites exhibiting a K in the range of 10(4) to 10(5)M(-1). Binding of Co(III)-TMPyP4, and Zn(II)-TMPyP4, is best described by a "two-independent-sites model" in which only the end-stacking binding mode is observed with a K in the range of 10(4) to 10(5)M(-1). CONCLUSIONS In the case of apo-TMPyP4, Ni(II)-TMPyP4, and Cu(II)-TMPyP4, the thermodynamic signatures for the two binding modes are consistent with an "end stacking" mechanism for the higher affinity binding mode and an "intercalation" mechanism for the lower affinity binding mode. In the case of Co(III)-TMPyP4 and Zn(II)-TMPyP4, both the lower affinity for the "end-stacking" mode and the loss of the intercalative mode for forming the 2:1 complexes with hTel22 are attributed to the preferred metal coordination geometry and the presence of axial ligands. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The preferred coordination geometry around the metal center strongly influences the energetics of the interactions between the metallated-TMPyP4 and the model human telomeric G-quadruplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse I DuPont
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
| | - Kate L Henderson
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
| | - Amanda Metz
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
| | - Vu H Le
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
| | - Joseph P Emerson
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
| | - Edwin A Lewis
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States
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Artusi S, Nadai M, Perrone R, Biasolo MA, Palù G, Flamand L, Calistri A, Richter SN. The Herpes Simplex Virus-1 genome contains multiple clusters of repeated G-quadruplex: Implications for the antiviral activity of a G-quadruplex ligand. Antiviral Res 2015; 118:123-31. [PMID: 25843424 PMCID: PMC7113899 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Guanine-rich nucleic acids can fold into G-quadruplexes, secondary structures implicated in important regulatory functions at the genomic level in humans, prokaryotes and viruses. The remarkably high guanine content of the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) genome prompted us to investigate both the presence of G-quadruplex forming sequences in the viral genome and the possibility to target them with G-quadruplex ligands to obtain anti-HSV-1 effects with a novel mechanism of action. Using biophysical, molecular biology and antiviral assays, we showed that the HSV-1 genome displays multiple clusters of repeated sequences that form very stable G-quadruplexes. These sequences are mainly located in the inverted repeats of the HSV-1 genome. Treatment of HSV-1 infected cells with the G-quadruplex ligand BRACO-19 induced inhibition of virus production. BRACO-19 was able to inhibit Taq polymerase processing at G-quadruplex forming sequences in the HSV-1 genome, and decreased intracellular viral DNA in infected cells. The last step targeted by BRACO-19 was viral DNA replication, while no effect on virus entry in the cells was observed. This work, presents the first evidence of extended G-quadruplex sites in key regions of the HSV-1 genome, indicates the possibility to block viral DNA replication by G-quadruplex-ligand and therefore provides a proof of concept for the use of G-quadruplex ligands as new anti-herpetic therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Artusi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Rosalba Perrone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Biasolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Louis Flamand
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via Gabelli, 63, 35121 Padua, Italy.
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Chou CC, Salunke SB, Kulp SK, Chen CS. Prospects on strategies for therapeutically targeting oncogenic regulatory factors by small-molecule agents. J Cell Biochem 2014; 115:611-24. [PMID: 24166934 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the Human Genome Project has raised much hope for the identification of druggable genetic targets for cancer and other diseases, this genetic target-based approach has not improved productivity in drug discovery over the traditional approach. Analyses of known human target proteins of currently marketed drugs reveal that these drugs target only a limited number of proteins as compared to the whole proteome. In contrast to genome-based targets, mechanistic targets are derived from empirical research, at cellular or molecular levels, in disease models and/or in patients, thereby enabling the exploration of a greater number of druggable targets beyond the genome and epigenome. The paradigm shift has made a tremendous headway in developing new therapeutic agents targeting different clinically relevant mechanisms/pathways in cancer cells. In this Prospects article, we provide an overview of potential drug targets related to the following four emerging areas: (1) tumor metabolism (the Warburg effect), (2) dysregulated protein turnover (E3 ubiquitin ligases), (3) protein-protein interactions, and (4) unique DNA high-order structures and protein-DNA interactions. Nonetheless, considering the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities that characterize cancer cells, the development of drug resistance in cancer cells by adapting signaling circuitry to take advantage of redundant pathways or feedback/crosstalk systems is possible. This "phenotypic adaptation" underlies the rationale of using therapeutic combinations of these targeted agents with cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chien Chou
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Kovaleva OA, Tsvetkov VB, Mamaeva OK, Ol’shevskaya VA, Makarenkov AV, Dezhenkova LG, Semeikin AS, Borisova OF, Shtil AA, Shchyolkina AK, Kaluzhny DN. Preferential DNA photocleavage potency of Zn(II) over Ni(II) derivatives of carboxymethyl tetracationic porphyrin: the role of the mode of binding to DNA. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2014; 43:545-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-014-0984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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45
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He Q, Zeng P, Tan JH, Ou TM, Gu LQ, Huang ZS, Li D. G-quadruplex-mediated regulation of telomere binding protein POT1 gene expression. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:2222-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Laguerre A, Desbois N, Stefan L, Richard P, Gros CP, Monchaud D. Porphyrin-based design of bioinspired multitarget quadruplex ligands. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2035-9. [PMID: 24678052 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Secondary nucleic acid structures, such as DNA and RNA quadruplexes, are potential targets for cancer therapies. Ligands that interact with these targets could thus find application as anticancer agents. Synthetic G-quartets have recently found numerous applications, including use as bioinspired G-quadruplex ligands. Herein, the design, synthesis and preliminary biophysical evaluation of a new prototype multitarget G-quadruplex ligand, (PNA)PorphySQ, are reported, where peptidic nucleic acid guanine ((PNA)G) was incorporated in the porphyrin-templated synthetic G-quartet (PorphySQ). Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-melting experiments, PorphySQ was shown to possess enhanced quadruplex-interacting properties thanks to the presence of four positively charged (PNA)G residues that improve its electrostatic interactions with the binding site of both DNA and RNA quadruplexes (i.e., their negatively charged and accessible G-quartets), thereby making (PNA)PorphySQ an interesting prototype of a multitarget ligand. Both the chemical stability and water solubility of (PNA)PorphySQ are improved over the non-PNA derivative (PorphySQ), which are desirable properties for drug development, and while improvements remain to be made, this ligand is a promising lead for the further development of multitarget G-quadruplex ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Laguerre
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire, Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR6302, Dijon (France)
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Zhou J, Le V, Kalia D, Nakayama S, Mikek C, Lewis EA, Sintim HO. Diminazene or berenil, a classic duplex minor groove binder, binds to G-quadruplexes with low nanomolar dissociation constants and the amidine groups are also critical for G-quadruplex binding. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:2724-34. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00359d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene or berenil is known to be an AT-rich DNA minor groove binder with micromolar dissociation constant. Here, we show that DMZ binds to G-quadruplexes withKdas low as 1 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Vu Le
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Dimpy Kalia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Shizuka Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
| | - Clinton Mikek
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Edwin A. Lewis
- Department of Chemistry
- Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, USA
| | - Herman O. Sintim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Maryland
- College Park, USA
- Program in Oncology
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center
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48
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The effect of pyridyl substituents on the thermodynamics of porphyrin binding to G-quadruplex DNA. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:7515-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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