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Katkevics M, MacKay JA, Rozners E. Triplex-forming peptide nucleic acids as emerging ligands to modulate structure and function of complex RNAs. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:1999-2008. [PMID: 38259187 PMCID: PMC10922694 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05409h] [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] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, our view of RNA has changed from a simple intermediate supporting protein synthesis to a major regulator of biological processes. In the expanding area of RNA research, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is emerging as a promising ligand for triple-helical recognition of complex RNAs. As discussed in this feature article, the key advantages of PNAs are high sequence specificity and affinity for RNA (>10 fold higher than for DNA) that are difficult to achieve with small molecule ligands. Emerging studies demonstrate that triple-helical binding of PNAs can modulate biological function and control dynamic conformational equilibria of complex folded RNAs. These results suggest that PNA has a unique potential as a research tool and therapeutic compound targeting RNA. The remaining problems hampering advances in these directions are limitations of sequences that can be recognized by Hoogsteen triplexes (typically purine rich tracts), poor cellular uptake and bioavailability of PNA, and potential off-target effects in biological systems. Recent exciting studies are discussed that illustrate how synthetic nucleic acid chemistry provides innovative solutions for these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martins Katkevics
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
| | - James A MacKay
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, USA
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
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2
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Singh G, Monga V. Peptide Nucleic Acids: Recent Developments in the Synthesis and Backbone Modifications. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106860. [PMID: 37748328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106860] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid represents the ideal drug candidate for protein targets that are hard to target or against which drug development is not easy. Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthesized by attaching modified peptide backbones generally derived from repetitive N-2-aminoethyl glycine units in place of the regular phosphodiester backbone and represent synthetic impersonator of nucleic acids that offers an exciting research field due to their fascinating spectrum of biotechnological, diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications. The semi-rigid peptide nucleic acid backbone serves as a nearly-perfect template for attaching complimentary base pairs on DNA or RNA in a sequence-dependent manner as described by Watson-Crick models. PNAs and their analogues are endowed with exceptionally high affinity and specificity for receptor sites, essentially due to their polyamide backbone's uncharged and flexible nature. The present review compiled various strategies to modify the polypeptide backbone for improving the target selectivity and stability of the PNAs in the body. The investigated biological activities carried out on PNAs have also been summarized in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurpreet Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, GT Road, Ghal Kalan, Moga 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Vikramdeep Monga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India.
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3
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Ivanov GS, Tribulovich VG, Pestov NB, David TI, Amoah AS, Korneenko TV, Barlev NA. Artificial genetic polymers against human pathologies. Biol Direct 2022; 17:39. [PMID: 36474260 PMCID: PMC9727881 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Originally discovered by Nielsen in 1991, peptide nucleic acids and other artificial genetic polymers have gained a lot of interest from the scientific community. Due to their unique biophysical features these artificial hybrid polymers are now being employed in various areas of theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). The current review provides an overview of their structure, principles of rational design, and biophysical features as well as highlights the areas of their successful implementation in biology and biomedicine. Finally, the review discusses the areas of improvement that would allow their use as a new class of therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb S Ivanov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Vyacheslav G Tribulovich
- St. Petersburg State Technological Institute (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, 190013
| | - Nikolay B Pestov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow, Russia, 108819
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б
| | - Temitope I David
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Abdul-Saleem Amoah
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141701
| | - Tatyana V Korneenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Nikolai A Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky Ave 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 194064.
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia, 119121б.
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan.
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4
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Suparpprom C, Vilaivan T. Perspectives on conformationally constrained peptide nucleic acid (PNA): insights into the structural design, properties and applications. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:648-697. [PMID: 35755191 PMCID: PMC9175113 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00017b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid or PNA is a synthetic DNA mimic that contains a sequence of nucleobases attached to a peptide-like backbone derived from N-2-aminoethylglycine. The semi-rigid PNA backbone acts as a scaffold that arranges the nucleobases in a proper orientation and spacing so that they can pair with their complementary bases on another DNA, RNA, or even PNA strand perfectly well through the standard Watson-Crick base-pairing. The electrostatically neutral backbone of PNA contributes to its many unique properties that make PNA an outstanding member of the xeno-nucleic acid family. Not only PNA can recognize its complementary nucleic acid strand with high affinity, but it does so with excellent specificity that surpasses the specificity of natural nucleic acids and their analogs. Nevertheless, there is still room for further improvements of the original PNA in terms of stability and specificity of base-pairing, direction of binding, and selectivity for different types of nucleic acids, among others. This review focuses on attempts towards the rational design of new generation PNAs with superior performance by introducing conformational constraints such as a ring or a chiral substituent in the PNA backbone. A large collection of conformationally rigid PNAs developed during the past three decades are analyzed and compared in terms of molecular design and properties in relation to structural data if available. Applications of selected modified PNA in various areas such as targeting of structured nucleic acid targets, supramolecular scaffold, biosensing and bioimaging, and gene regulation will be highlighted to demonstrate how the conformation constraint can improve the performance of the PNA. Challenges and future of the research in the area of constrained PNA will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaturong Suparpprom
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Tah-Poe District, Muang Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand
- Organic Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Phayathai Road Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Tirayut Vilaivan
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Tah-Poe District, Muang Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand
- Organic Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Phayathai Road Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
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Sato Y, Miura H, Tanabe T, Okeke CU, Kikuchi A, Nishizawa S. Fluorescence Sensing of the Panhandle Structure of the Influenza A Virus RNA Promoter by Thiazole Orange Base Surrogate-Carrying Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugated with Small Molecule. Anal Chem 2022; 94:7814-7822. [PMID: 35604144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a new class of triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based fluorogenic probes for sensing of the panhandle structure of the influenza A virus (IAV) RNA promoter region. Here, a small molecule (DPQ) capable of selectively binding to the internal loop structure was conjugated with triplex-forming forced intercalation of the thiazole orange (tFIT) probe with natural PNA nucleobases. The resulting conjugate, tFIT-DPQ, showed a significant light-up response (83-fold) upon strong (Kd = 107 nM) and structure-selective binding to the IAV RNA promoter region under physiological conditions (pH 7.0, 100 mM NaCl). We demonstrated the conjugation of these two units through the suitable spacer was key to show useful binding and fluorogenic signaling functions. tFIT-DPQ facilitated the sensitive and selective detection of IAV RNA based on its binding to the promoter region. Furthermore, we found that tFIT-DPQ could work as a sensitive indicator for screening of test compounds targeting the IAV RNA promoter region in the fluorescence indicator displacement assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Miura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takaaki Tanabe
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Chioma Uche Okeke
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Akiko Kikuchi
- Department of Kampo and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nishizawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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NISHIZAWA S, SATO T, LEE ETT, SAKAMOTO N, CHIBA T, TANABE T, YOSHINO Y, TAKAHASHI Y, SATO Y. Triplex-Forming Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes Having Cyanine Base Surrogates for Fluorogenic Sensing of Double-Stranded RNA. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2022. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.71.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seiichi NISHIZAWA
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Takaya SATO
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | | | - Naonari SAKAMOTO
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Toshiki CHIBA
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Takaaki TANABE
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Yukina YOSHINO
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Yuki TAKAHASHI
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
| | - Yusuke SATO
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University
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Kumar V, Rozners E. Fluorobenzene Nucleobase Analogues for Triplex-Forming Peptide Nucleic Acids. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100560. [PMID: 34889020 PMCID: PMC8935525 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
2,4-Difluorotoluene is a nonpolar isostere of thymidine that has been used as a powerful mechanistic probe to study the role of hydrogen bonding in nucleic acid recognition and interactions with polymerases. In the present study, we evaluated five fluorinated benzenes as nucleobase analogues in peptide nucleic acids designed for triple helical recognition of double helical RNA. We found that analogues having para and ortho fluorine substitution patterns (as in 2,4-difluorotoluene) selectively stabilized Hoogsteen triplets with U-A base pairs. The results were consistent with attractive electrostatic interactions akin to non-canonical F to H-N and C-H to N hydrogen bonding. The fluorinated nucleobases were not able to stabilize Hoogsteen-like triplets with pyrimidines in either G-C or A-U base pairs. Our results illustrate the ability of fluorine to engage in non-canonical base pairing and provide insights into triple helical recognition of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, 13902, USA
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8
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Zhan X, Deng L, Chen G. Mechanisms and applications of peptide nucleic acids selectively binding to double-stranded RNA. Biopolymers 2021; 113:e23476. [PMID: 34581432 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNAs form secondary structures containing double-stranded base paired regions and single-stranded regions. Probing, detecting and modulating RNA structures and dynamics requires the development of molecular sensors that can differentiate the sequence and structure of RNAs present in viruses and cells, as well as in extracellular space. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on the development of chemically modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) for the selective recognition of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sequences over both single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sequences. We also briefly discuss the applications of sequence-specific dsRNA-binding PNAs in sensing and stabilizing dsRNA structures and inhibiting dsRNA-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Deng
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Sato T, Sato Y, Nishizawa S. Spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of selective triplex formation by peptide nucleic acid with double-stranded RNA over its DNA counterpart. Biopolymers 2021; 113:e23474. [PMID: 34478151 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Unlike conventional triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO), triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid (PNA) can tightly bind with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) than double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Here, we performed spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic experiments for triplex formation by PNA to examine different binding behaviors between PNA - dsRNA and PNA - dsDNA triplexes. We found 9-mer PNA (cytosine content of 66%) formed the thermally stable triplex with dsRNA compared to dsDNA over a wide range of pH (5.5-8.0), salt concentration (50-500 mM NaCl). Both the calorimetric binding constant and the association rate constant for dsRNA were larger than those for dsDNA, indicating the favorable association process for the PNA - dsRNA triplex formation. Comparison with the DNA/RNA heteroduplexes revealed that the DNA strand was detrimental to the triplex stability for PNA, a contrasting result for conventional TFO. The keys underlying the difference in the triplex formation of PNA with different duplexes appear to be the conformational adoptability and the geometric compatibility of PNA to fit the deep, narrow major groove of dsRNA and the helical rigidity difference of the duplexes. Our results emphasize the importance of both the sugar puckering of the duplex and the appropriate conformational flexibility of PNA for the triplex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nishizawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Brodyagin N, Katkevics M, Kotikam V, Ryan CA, Rozners E. Chemical approaches to discover the full potential of peptide nucleic acids in biomedical applications. Beilstein J Org Chem 2021; 17:1641-1688. [PMID: 34367346 PMCID: PMC8313981 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is arguably one of the most successful DNA mimics, despite a most dramatic departure from the native structure of DNA. The present review summarizes 30 years of research on PNA's chemistry, optimization of structure and function, applications as probes and diagnostics, and attempts to develop new PNA therapeutics. The discussion starts with a brief review of PNA's binding modes and structural features, followed by the most impactful chemical modifications, PNA enabled assays and diagnostics, and discussion of the current state of development of PNA therapeutics. While many modifications have improved on PNA's binding affinity and specificity, solubility and other biophysical properties, the original PNA is still most frequently used in diagnostic and other in vitro applications. Development of therapeutics and other in vivo applications of PNA has notably lagged behind and is still limited by insufficient bioavailability and difficulties with tissue specific delivery. Relatively high doses are required to overcome poor cellular uptake and endosomal entrapment, which increases the risk of toxicity. These limitations remain unsolved problems waiting for innovative chemistry and biology to unlock the full potential of PNA in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Brodyagin
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Martins Katkevics
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Venubabu Kotikam
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Christopher A Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Eriks Rozners
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
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