1
|
Papp C, Mukundan VT, Jenjaroenpun P, Winnerdy FR, Ow GS, Phan AT, Kuznetsov VA. Stable bulged G-quadruplexes in the human genome: identification, experimental validation and functionalization. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4148-4177. [PMID: 37094040 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA sequence composition determines the topology and stability of G-quadruplexes (G4s). Bulged G-quadruplex structures (G4-Bs) are a subset of G4s characterized by 3D conformations with bulges. Current search algorithms fail to capture stable G4-B, making their genome-wide study infeasible. Here, we introduced a large family of computationally defined and experimentally verified potential G4-B forming sequences (pG4-BS). We found 478 263 pG4-BS regions that do not overlap 'canonical' G4-forming sequences in the human genome and are preferentially localized in transcription regulatory regions including R-loops and open chromatin. Over 90% of protein-coding genes contain pG4-BS in their promoter or gene body. We observed generally higher pG4-BS content in R-loops and their flanks, longer genes that are associated with brain tissue, immune and developmental processes. Also, the presence of pG4-BS on both template and non-template strands in promoters is associated with oncogenesis, cardiovascular disease and stemness. Our G4-BS models predicted G4-forming ability in vitro with 91.5% accuracy. Analysis of G4-seq and CUT&Tag data strongly supports the existence of G4-BS conformations genome-wide. We reconstructed a novel G4-B 3D structure located in the E2F8 promoter. This study defines a large family of G4-like sequences, offering new insights into the essential biological functions and potential future therapeutic uses of G4-B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Papp
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Vineeth T Mukundan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Piroon Jenjaroenpun
- Division of Bioinformatics and Data Management for Research, Research Group and Research Network Division, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fernaldo Richtia Winnerdy
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
| | - Ghim Siong Ow
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anh Tuân Phan
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637371, Singapore
- NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vladimir A Kuznetsov
- Department of Urology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR Biomedical Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zou T, Sato Y, Kaneyoshi S, Mano K, Yasukawa R, Nakano Y, Fujii S, Sato S, Takenaka S. Naphthalene Diimides Carrying Two β-Cyclodextrins Prefer Telomere RNA G-Quadruplex Recognition. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134053. [PMID: 35807292 PMCID: PMC9268153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly synthesized naphthalene diimide carrying two β-cyclodextrins (NDI-β-CyDs) showed improved specificity for the parallel G-quadruplex structure alongside the hybrid G-quadruplex structure. Specifically, the highest binding affinity of NDI-β-CyDs for the telomere RNA G-quadruplex was observed. The binding simulation indicated that β-cyclodextrins might be available for loop nucleobase inclusion under its complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zou
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yuka Sato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Shuma Kaneyoshi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Kota Mano
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Rui Yasukawa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yoshifumi Nakano
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
| | - Satoshi Fujii
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan;
| | - Shinobu Sato
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shigeori Takenaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Fukuoka 804-8550, Japan; (T.Z.); (Y.S.); (S.K.); (K.M.); (R.Y.); (Y.N.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lago S, Nadai M, Cernilogar FM, Kazerani M, Domíniguez Moreno H, Schotta G, Richter SN. Promoter G-quadruplexes and transcription factors cooperate to shape the cell type-specific transcriptome. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3885. [PMID: 34162892 PMCID: PMC8222265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell identity is maintained by activation of cell-specific gene programs, regulated by epigenetic marks, transcription factors and chromatin organization. DNA G-quadruplex (G4)-folded regions in cells were reported to be associated with either increased or decreased transcriptional activity. By G4-ChIP-seq/RNA-seq analysis on liposarcoma cells we confirmed that G4s in promoters are invariably associated with high transcription levels in open chromatin. Comparing G4 presence, location and transcript levels in liposarcoma cells to available data on keratinocytes, we showed that the same promoter sequences of the same genes in the two cell lines had different G4-folding state: high transcript levels consistently associated with G4-folding. Transcription factors AP-1 and SP1, whose binding sites were the most significantly represented in G4-folded sequences, coimmunoprecipitated with their G4-folded promoters. Thus, G4s and their associated transcription factors cooperate to determine cell-specific transcriptional programs, making G4s to strongly emerge as new epigenetic regulators of the transcription machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo M Cernilogar
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maryam Kazerani
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Helena Domíniguez Moreno
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
On the Road to Fight Cancer: The Potential of G-quadruplex Ligands as Novel Therapeutic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115947. [PMID: 34073075 PMCID: PMC8198608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid sequences able to adopt a G-quadruplex conformation are overrepresented within the human genome. This evidence strongly suggests that these genomic regions have been evolutionary selected to play a pivotal role in several aspects of cell biology. In the present review article, we provide an overview on the biological impact of targeting G-quadruplexes in cancer. A variety of small molecules showing good G-quadruplex stabilizing properties has been reported to exert an antitumor activity in several preclinical models of human cancers. Moreover, promiscuous binders and multiple targeting G-quadruplex ligands, cancer cell defense responses and synthetic lethal interactions of G-quadruplex targeting have been also highlighted. Overall, evidence gathered thus far indicates that targeting G-quadruplex may represent an innovative and fascinating therapeutic approach for cancer. The continued methodological improvements, the development of specific tools and a careful consideration of the experimental settings in living systems will be useful to deepen our knowledge of G-quadruplex biology in cancer, to better define their role as therapeutic targets and to help design and develop novel and reliable G-quadruplex-based anticancer strategies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sheng Y, Cao B, Ou M, Wang Y, Yuan S, Zhang N, Zou T, Liu Y. Nucleocapsid protein preferentially binds the stem-loop of duplex/quadruplex hybrid that unfolds the quadruplex structure. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:5298-5301. [PMID: 33942834 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01767e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NCp7 protein binds the duplex/quadruplex hybrid structure, which decreases the thermal stability of DNA and unfolds the G-quadruplex structure. Interestingly, the duplex in the stem-loop region is the more favorable binding site of NCp7. The NCp7 binding twists the top G-tetrad, weakens hydrogen bonding and causes K+ ejection, hence disrupting the G4 structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sheng
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Bei Cao
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology and General Education Division, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, P. R. China
| | - Mingxi Ou
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Siming Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Na Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Taotao Zou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Platella C, Napolitano E, Riccardi C, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Disentangling the Structure-Activity Relationships of Naphthalene Diimides as Anticancer G-Quadruplex-Targeting Drugs. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3578-3603. [PMID: 33751881 PMCID: PMC8041303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
![]()
In the context of
developing efficient anticancer therapies aimed
at eradicating any sort of tumors, G-quadruplexes represent excellent
targets. Small molecules able to interact with G-quadruplexes can
interfere with cell pathways specific of tumors and common to all
cancers. Naphthalene diimides
(NDIs) are among the most promising, putative anticancer G-quadruplex-targeting
drugs, due to their ability to simultaneously target multiple G-quadruplexes
and their strong, selective in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity.
Here, all the available biophysical, biological, and structural data
concerning NDIs targeting G-quadruplexes were systematically analyzed.
Structure–activity correlations were obtained by analyzing
biophysical data of their interactions with G-quadruplex targets and
control duplex structures, in parallel to biological data concerning
the antiproliferative activity of NDIs on cancer and normal cells.
In addition, NDI binding modes to G-quadruplexes were discussed in
consideration of the structures and properties of NDIs by in-depth
analysis of the available structural models of G-quadruplex/NDI complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kosiol N, Juranek S, Brossart P, Heine A, Paeschke K. G-quadruplexes: a promising target for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:40. [PMID: 33632214 PMCID: PMC7905668 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA can fold into a variety of alternative conformations. In recent years, a particular nucleic acid structure was discussed to play a role in malignant transformation and cancer development. This structure is called a G-quadruplex (G4). G4 structure formation can drive genome instability by creating mutations, deletions and stimulating recombination events. The importance of G4 structures in the characterization of malignant cells was currently demonstrated in breast cancer samples. In this analysis a correlation between G4 structure formation and an increased intratumor heterogeneity was identified. This suggests that G4 structures might allow breast cancer stratification and supports the identification of new personalized treatment options. Because of the stability of G4 structures and their presence within most human oncogenic promoters and at telomeres, G4 structures are currently tested as a therapeutic target to downregulate transcription or to block telomere elongation in cancer cells. To date, different chemical molecules (G4 ligands) have been developed that aim to target G4 structures. In this review we discuss and compare G4 function and relevance for therapeutic approaches and their impact on cancer development for three cancer entities, which differ significantly in their amount and type of mutations: pancreatic cancer, leukemia and malignant melanoma. G4 structures might present a promising new strategy to individually target tumor cells and could support personalized treatment approaches in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Kosiol
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immune-Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lago S, Nadai M, Ruggiero E, Tassinari M, Marušič M, Tosoni B, Frasson I, Cernilogar FM, Pirota V, Doria F, Plavec J, Schotta G, Richter SN. The MDM2 inducible promoter folds into four-tetrad antiparallel G-quadruplexes targetable to fight malignant liposarcoma. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:847-863. [PMID: 33410915 PMCID: PMC7826256 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) is a malignant neoplasia hard to diagnose and treat. Its main molecular signature is amplification of the MDM2-containing genomic region. The MDM2 oncogene is the master regulator of p53: its overexpression enhances p53 degradation and inhibits apoptosis, leading to the tumoral phenotype. Here, we show that the MDM2 inducible promoter G-rich region folds into stable G-quadruplexes both in vitro and in vivo and it is specifically recognized by cellular helicases. Cell treatment with G-quadruplex-ligands reduces MDM2 expression and p53 degradation, thus stimulating cancer cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Structural characterization of the MDM2 G-quadruplex revealed an extraordinarily stable, unique four-tetrad antiparallel dynamic conformation, amenable to selective targeting. These data indicate the feasibility of an out-of-the-box G-quadruplex-targeting approach to defeat WDLPS and all tumours where restoration of wild-type p53 is sought. They also point to G-quadruplex-dependent genomic instability as possible cause of MDM2 expansion and WDLPS tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ruggiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Tassinari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Maja Marušič
- Slovenian NMR center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Beatrice Tosoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frasson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo M Cernilogar
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Valentina Pirota
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V. le Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Doria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, V. le Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Janez Plavec
- Slovenian NMR center, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova, 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Sara N Richter
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmed AA, Marchetti C, Ohnmacht SA, Neidle S. A G-quadruplex-binding compound shows potent activity in human gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12192. [PMID: 32699225 PMCID: PMC7376204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68944-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is a drug of choice in the treatment of human pancreatic cancer. Chemo-resistance to this drug is common and has been attributed to a variety of distinct mechanisms, involving > 100 genes. A recently developed small-molecule G-quadruplex ligand, the trisubstituted naphthalene diimide compound CM03, has previously been shown to have equivalent potency to gemcitabine in the pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa-2. We report here on cell lines of increased resistance to gemcitabine that have been generated from this line, with the most resistant having 1,000-fold reduced sensitivity to gemcitabine. These resistant lines retain nM sensitivity to CM03. The molecular basis for the retention of potency by this G-quadruplex ligand has been examined using whole transcriptome data analysis with RNA-seq. This has revealed that the pattern of pathways down regulated by CM03 in the parental MIA PaCa-2 cell line is largely unaffected in the gemcitabine-resistant line. The analysis has also shown that the expression patterns of numerous genes involved in gemcitabine sensitivity are down regulated in the resistant line upon CM03 treatment. These results are supportive of the concept that G-quadruplex small molecules such as CM03 have potential for clinical use in the treatment of gemcitabine-resistant human pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Chiara Marchetti
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Stephan A Ohnmacht
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Stephen Neidle
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|