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Hwang J, Palmer B, Myong S. Single-molecule observation of G-quadruplex and R-loop formation induced by transcription. Methods Enzymol 2024; 695:71-88. [PMID: 38521591 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.01.001] [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: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Potential G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) are enriched in cancer-related genes and immunoglobulin class-switch recombination. They are prevalent in the 5'UTR of transcriptionally active genes, thereby contributing to the regulation of gene expression. We and others previously demonstrated that the PQS located in the non-template strand leads to an R-loop formation followed by a G-quadruplex (G4) formation during transcription. These structural changes increase mRNA production. Here, we present how single-molecule technique was used to observe cotranscriptional G4 and R-loop formation and to examine the impact on transcription, particularly for the initiation and elongation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Hwang
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bradleigh Palmer
- Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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2
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Pavlova AV, Dolinnaya NG, Zvereva MI, Kubareva EA, Monakhova MV. New DNA Plasmid Model for Studying DNA Mismatch Repair Response to the G4 Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021061. [PMID: 36674575 PMCID: PMC9863064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), the most widely studied alternative DNA structures, are implicated in the regulation of the key cellular processes. In recent years, their involvement in DNA repair machinery has become the subject of intense research. Here, we evaluated the effect of G4 on the prokaryotic DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway from two bacterial sources with different mismatch repair mechanisms. The G4 folding, which competes with the maintenance of double-stranded DNA, is known to be controlled by numerous opposing factors. To overcome the kinetic barrier of G4 formation, we stabilized a parallel G4 formed by the d(GGGT)4 sequence in a DNA plasmid lacking a fragment complementary to the G4 motif. Unlike commonly used isolated G4 structures, our plasmid with an embedded stable G4 structure contained elements, such as a MutH cleavage site, required to initiate the repair process. G4 formation in the designed construct was confirmed by Taq polymerase stop assay and dimethyl sulfate probing. The G4-carrying plasmid, together with control ones (lacking a looped area or containing unstructured d(GT)8 insert instead of the G4 motif), were used as new type models to answer the question of whether G4 formation interferes with DNA cleavage as a basic function of MMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhela V. Pavlova
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Nina G. Dolinnaya
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maria I. Zvereva
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Elena A. Kubareva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(495)-939-54-11
| | - Mayya V. Monakhova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory 1, Moscow 119991, Russia
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3
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Spiridonova VA, Naumova YO, Nikolaeva PA, Novikova TM, Kolomijtseva GY. Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Unfolding of Antiparallel G-Quadruplexes in Anti-Thrombin Aptamers. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1292-1300. [PMID: 36509716 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922110086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The process of unfolding of G-quadruplex structure in the RE31 DNA-aptamer and in its complex with thrombin under the action of the fluorescently labeled complementary oligonucleotides of varying length with formation of double-helix structures has been studied. It has been suggested that G-quadruplex unfolding involves formation of an intermediate complex with an oligonucleotide. Thermodynamic parameters and kinetics of unfolding of the free aptamer and its complex with thrombin differ. Extension of the oligonucleotide sequence complementary to G-quadruplex by two nucleotides to cover the so-called "hinge region" had little impact on the conformational transition of G-quadruplex of the free aptamer. However, a pronounced effect has been observed for the aptamer-protein complex. Most likely these differences could be explained by the thrombin-induced conformational transition of the aptamer involving the hinge region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A Spiridonova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Yulia O Naumova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Polina A Nikolaeva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Tatiana M Novikova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Galina Ya Kolomijtseva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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4
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Tsao L, Shepardson-Fungairiño S, Murayama H, Cecere A, Wren E, Núñez M. Assessing the Potential for DNA Quadruplex Formation in the Predatory Bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus. Biochemistry 2022; 61:2073-2087. [PMID: 36193632 PMCID: PMC9536305 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00443] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During its life cycle, the predatory bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus switches between an attack and a growth phase, each of which is characterized by a distinct pattern of gene expression. Twenty-one potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQFS) have been identified in the Bdellovibrio genome. These G-rich sequences are prevalent within open reading frames and nearly evenly distributed between the template and the coding strand, suggesting that they could play a role in gene expression and life cycle switching. Published transcriptomic data show that the genes nearest these sequences are not (de)activated together during the same phases of the life cycle. We explored the biophysical properties of three identified PQFS using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis and demonstrated that all three sequences fold into stable unimolecular quadruplexes with distinct topologies. In the presence of their complementary strands, each forms an equilibrium mixture of duplex and quadruplex in which quadruplex formation is favored at higher temperatures. Once the quadruplexes are folded, they are slow to form a duplex when the complementary strand is added, with one sequence requiring the equivalent of many Bdellovibrio lifetimes to do so. Using a variety of cosolutes, we showed that molecular crowding mimicking cellular conditions stabilizes the quadruplex structures and induces structural transitions to the parallel topology regardless of the original topology. Taken together, these experiments suggest that Bdellovibrio PQFS are capable of forming quadruplexes in vivo and thereby playing a role in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille
H. Tsao
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Sally Shepardson-Fungairiño
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Hikari Murayama
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Amelia Cecere
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Elizabeth Wren
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Megan Núñez
- Department of Chemistry and
Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
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5
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Modulation of Aptamer-Ligand-Binding by Complementary Oligonucleotides: A G-Quadruplex Anti-Ochratoxin A Aptamer Case Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094876. [PMID: 35563267 PMCID: PMC9103105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Short oligonucleotides are widely used for the construction of aptamer-based sensors and logical bioelements to modulate aptamer-ligand binding. However, relationships between the parameters (length, location of the complementary region) of oligonucleotides and their influence on aptamer-ligand interactions remain unclear. Here, we addressed this task by comparing the effects of short complementary oligonucleotides (ssDNAs) on the structure and ligand-binding ability of an aptamer and identifying ssDNAs' features that determine these effects. Within this, the interactions between the OTA-specific G-quadruplex aptamer 1.12.2 (5'-GATCGGGTGTGGGTGGCGTAAAGGGA GCATCGGACA-3') and 21 single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotides complementary to different regions of the aptamer were studied. Two sets of aptamer-ssDNA dissociation constants were obtained in the absence and in the presence of OTA by isothermal calorimetry and fluorescence anisotropy, respectively. In both sets, the binding constants depend on the number of hydrogen bonds formed in the aptamer-ssDNA complex. The ssDNAs' having more than 23 hydrogen bonds with the aptamer have a lower aptamer dissociation constant than for aptamer-OTA interactions. The ssDNAs' having less than 18 hydrogen bonds did not affect the aptamer-OTA affinity. The location of ssDNA's complementary site in the aptamer affeced the kinetics of the interaction and retention of OTA-binding in aptamer-ssDNA complexes. The location of the ssDNA site in the aptamer G-quadruplex led to its unfolding. In the presence of OTA, the unfolding process was longer and takes from 20 to 70 min. The refolding in the presence of OTA was possible and depends on the length and location of the ssDNA's complementary site. The location of the ssDNA site in the tail region led to its rapid displacement and wasn't affecting the G-qaudruplex's integrity. It makes the tail region more perspective for the development of ssDNA-based tools using this aptamer.
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6
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Characterization of G-Quadruplexes Folding/Unfolding Dynamics and Interactions with Proteins from Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11111579. [PMID: 34827577 PMCID: PMC8615981 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are stable secondary nucleic acid structures that play crucial roles in many fundamental biological processes. The folding/unfolding dynamics of G4 structures are associated with the replication and transcription regulation functions of G4s. However, many DNA G4 sequences can adopt a variety of topologies and have complex folding/unfolding dynamics. Determining the dynamics of G4s and their regulation by proteins remains challenging due to the coexistence of multiple structures in a heterogeneous sample. Here, in this mini-review, we introduce the application of single-molecule force-spectroscopy methods, such as magnetic tweezers, optical tweezers, and atomic force microscopy, to characterize the polymorphism and folding/unfolding dynamics of G4s. We also briefly introduce recent studies using single-molecule force spectroscopy to study the molecular mechanisms of G4-interacting proteins.
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Sengupta P, Bose D, Chatterjee S. The Molecular Tête-à-Tête between G-Quadruplexes and the i-motif in the Human Genome. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1517-1537. [PMID: 33355980 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
G-Quadruplex (GQ) and i-motif structures are the paradigmatic examples of nonclassical tetrastranded nucleic acids having multifarious biological functions and widespread applications in therapeutics and material science. Recently, tetraplexes emerged as promising anticancer targets due to their structural robustness, gene-regulatory roles, and predominant distribution at specific loci of oncogenes. However, it is arguable whether the i-motif evolves in the complementary single-stranded region after GQ formation in its opposite strand and vice versa. In this review, we address the prerequisites and significance of the simultaneous and/or mutually exclusive formation of GQ and i-motif structures at complementary and sequential positions in duplexes in the cellular milieu. We discussed how their dynamic interplay Sets up cellular homeostasis and exacerbates carcinogenesis. The review gives insights into the spatiotemporal formation of GQ and i-motifs that could be harnessed to design different types of reporter systems and diagnostic platforms for potential bioanalytical and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Sengupta
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VIIM, Kankurgachi, Kolkata, 700054, West Bengal, India
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8
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Miglietta G, Russo M, Capranico G. G-quadruplex-R-loop interactions and the mechanism of anticancer G-quadruplex binders. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:11942-11957. [PMID: 33137181 PMCID: PMC7708042 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA and cellular RNAs can form a variety of non-B secondary structures, including G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loops. G4s are constituted by stacked guanine tetrads held together by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and can form at key regulatory sites of eukaryote genomes and transcripts, including gene promoters, untranslated exon regions and telomeres. R-loops are 3-stranded structures wherein the two strands of a DNA duplex are melted and one of them is annealed to an RNA. Specific G4 binders are intensively investigated to discover new effective anticancer drugs based on a common rationale, i.e.: the selective inhibition of oncogene expression or specific impairment of telomere maintenance. However, despite the high number of known G4 binders, such a selective molecular activity has not been fully established and several published data point to a different mode of action. We will review published data that address the close structural interplay between G4s and R-loops in vitro and in vivo, and how these interactions can have functional consequences in relation to G4 binder activity. We propose that R-loops can play a previously-underestimated role in G4 binder action, in relation to DNA damage induction, telomere maintenance, genome and epigenome instability and alterations of gene expression programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Miglietta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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9
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Responses of DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins to a Stable G-Quadruplex Embedded into a DNA Duplex Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228773. [PMID: 33233554 PMCID: PMC7699706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genomic stability. The main MMR protein, MutS, was recently shown to recognize the G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures, which, along with regulatory functions, have a negative impact on genome integrity. Here, we studied the effect of G4 on the DNA-binding activity of MutS from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (methyl-independent MMR) in comparison with MutS from Escherichia coli (methyl-directed MMR) and evaluated the influence of a G4 on the functioning of other proteins involved in the initial steps of MMR. For this purpose, a new DNA construct was designed containing a biologically relevant intramolecular stable G4 structure flanked by double-stranded regions with the set of DNA sites required for MMR initiation. The secondary structure of this model was examined using NMR spectroscopy, chemical probing, fluorescent indicators, circular dichroism, and UV spectroscopy. The results unambiguously showed that the d(GGGT)4 motif, when embedded in a double-stranded context, adopts a G4 structure of a parallel topology. Despite strong binding affinities of MutS and MutL for a G4, the latter is not recognized by E. coli MMR as a signal for repair, but does not prevent MMR processing when a G4 and G/T mismatch are in close proximity.
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10
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Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Gong Z, Zhang X, Li Y, Shi X, Pei Y, You H. High Mechanical Stability and Slow Unfolding Rates Are Prevalent in Parallel-Stranded DNA G-Quadruplexes. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:7966-7971. [PMID: 32885976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich repeat sequences are known to adopt diverse G-quadruplex (G4) topologies. Determining the unfolding rates of individual G4 species is challenging due to the coexistence of multiple G4 conformations in a solution. Here, using single-molecule magnetic tweezers, we systematically measured the unfolding force distributions of 4 oncogene promoter G4s, 12 model sequences with two 1-nucleotide (nt) thymine loops that predominantly adopt parallel-stranded G4 structures, and 6 sequences forming multiple G4 structures. All parallel-stranded G4s reveal an unfolding force peak at 40-60 pN, which is associated with extremely slow unfolding rates on the order of 10-5-10-7 s-1. In contrast, nonparallel G4s and partially folded intermediate states reveal an unfolding force peak <40 pN. These results suggest a strong correlation between the parallel-stranded G4s folding topology and the slow unfolding rates and provide important insights into the mechanism that govern the stability and the transition kinetics of G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Yashuo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance at Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 430071 Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghua Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, the Institute for Advanced Studies, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Wuhan University, 430072 Wuhan, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangqian Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Yufeng Pei
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Huijuan You
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
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11
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Chalikian TV, Liu L, Macgregor RB. Duplex-tetraplex equilibria in guanine- and cytosine-rich DNA. Biophys Chem 2020; 267:106473. [PMID: 33031980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Noncanonical four-stranded DNA structures, including G-quadruplexes and i-motifs, have been discovered in the cell and are implicated in a variety of genomic regulatory functions. The tendency of a specific guanine- and cytosine-rich region of genomic DNA to adopt a four-stranded conformation depends on its ability to overcome the constraints of duplex base-pairing by undergoing consecutive duplex-to-coil and coil-to-tetraplex transitions. The latter ability is determined by the balance between the free energies of participating ordered and disordered structures. In this review, we present an overview of the literature on the stability of G-quadruplex and i-motif structures and discuss the extent of duplex-tetraplex competition as a function of the sequence context of the DNA and environmental conditions including temperature, pH, salt, molecular crowding, and the presence of G-quadruplex-binding ligands. We outline how the results of in vitro studies can be expanded to understanding duplex-tetraplex equilibria in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigran V Chalikian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Lutan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
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12
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Abstract
DNA has played an early and powerful role in the development of bottom-up nanotechnologies, not least because of DNA's precise, predictable, and controllable properties of assembly on the nanometer scale. Watson-Crick complementarity has been used to build complex 2D and 3D architectures and design a number of nanometer-scale systems for molecular computing, transport, motors, and biosensing applications. Most of such devices are built with classical B-DNA helices and involve classical A-T/U and G-C base pairs. However, in addition to the above components underlying the iconic double helix, a number of alternative pairing schemes of nucleobases are known. This review focuses on two of these noncanonical classes of DNA helices: G-quadruplexes and the i-motif. The unique properties of these two classes of DNA helix have been utilized toward some remarkable constructions and applications: G-wires; nanostructures such as DNA origami; reconfigurable structures and nanodevices; the formation and utilization of hemin-utilizing DNAzymes, capable of generating varied outputs from biosensing nanostructures; composite nanostructures made up of DNA as well as inorganic materials; and the construction of nanocarriers that show promise for the therapeutics of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Mergny
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China.,ARNA Laboratory , Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U 1212, CNRS UMR5320, IECB , Pessac 33600 , France.,Institute of Biophysics of the CAS , v.v.i., Královopolská 135 , 612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Dipankar Sen
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , British Columbia V5A 1S6 , Canada.,Department of Chemistry , Simon Fraser University , Burnaby , British Columbia V5A 1S6 , Canada
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13
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Zhou Y, Yu Y, Gao L, Fei Y, Ye T, Li Q, Zhou X, Gan N, Shao Y. Structuring polarity-inverted TBA to G-quadruplex for selective recognition of planarity of natural isoquinoline alkaloids. Analyst 2018; 143:4907-4914. [PMID: 30238092 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01561a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Efficient structuring of DNA by small molecules is very crucial in developing DNA-based novel switches with an ideal performance. In this work, we found that inverting only the polarity of the 3' terminal guanine of the thrombin-binding aptamer (3iTBA) totally eradicates the original TBA G-quadruplex (G4) structure in K+. The unstructured 3iTBA can be further refolded upon specifically interacting with small molecules of natural isoquinoline alkaloids (IAs) due to their fruitful binding patterns with variant nucleic acid structures. We identified that 3iTBA can serve as a topology selector for planar IAs. Nitidine (NIT), owing to the planar aromatic ring and coplanar substituents, is the most efficient to restructure the 3iTBA random coil toward the anti-parallel G4 conformation. However, common metal ions can't realize this structuring. The topology selector competency of 3iTBA toward IAs' planarity can be visualized using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the chromogenic readout. Our work expands the G4 repertoire by exploring the polarity inversion regulation and provides a new approach to switch nucleic acid structures toward a small molecule structure-sensitive sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Zhou
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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Fadock KL, Manderville RA, Sharma P, Wetmore SD. Optimization of fluorescent 8-heteroaryl-guanine probes for monitoring protein-mediated duplex → G-quadruplex exchange. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:4409-19. [PMID: 27040462 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00474a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we describe the thermal and optical properties of the thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) that has been modified at syn-G-tetrad positions with fluorescent 8-heteroaryl-2'-deoxyguanosine derivatives consisting of pyrrolyl ((Pyr)dG), furyl ((Fur)dG), thienyl ((Th)dG), benzofuryl ((Bfur)dG), indolyl ((Ind)dG) and benzothienyl ((Bth)dG). Insertion of the modified base into the syn-G5 position of TBA decreases duplex stability, but enhances stability of the antiparallel G-quadruplex (GQ) structure produced by TBA in the presence of K(+) ion and its molecular target, thrombin. The resulting modified TBA (mTBA) oligonucleotides have been employed in duplex → GQ exchange to monitor thrombin binding affinity and rates of GQ formation driven by thrombin binding. Our studies demonstrate that 8-heteroaryl-dG bases can be inserted into syn-G-tetrad positions of TBA without perturbing thrombin binding affinity and that the 8-thienyl-dG ((Th)dG) analog is particularly useful as an emissive probe for monitoring duplex → GQ exchange due to its heightened emissive sensitivity to change in DNA topology compared to the other 8-heteroaryl-dG analogs. The positional impact of a single (Th)dG probe versus multiple (Th)dG incorporation at syn-G sites of TBA highlight an advantage for di-substituted mTBA oligonucleotides for increased emission intensity and rates of duplex → GQ exchange that can be vital for diagnostics through aptamer detection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaila L Fadock
- Department of Chemistry & Toxicology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | - Richard A Manderville
- Department of Chemistry & Toxicology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | - Purshotam Sharma
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K 3M4.
| | - Stacey D Wetmore
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K 3M4.
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Sekibo DAT, Fox KR. The effects of DNA supercoiling on G-quadruplex formation. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:12069-12079. [PMID: 29036619 PMCID: PMC5716088 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNAs can fold into four-stranded structures that contain stacks of G-quartets. Bioinformatics studies have revealed that G-rich sequences with the potential to adopt these structures are unevenly distributed throughout genomes, and are especially found in gene promoter regions. With the exception of the single-stranded telomeric DNA, all genomic G-rich sequences will always be present along with their C-rich complements, and quadruplex formation will be in competition with the corresponding Watson–Crick duplex. Quadruplex formation must therefore first require local dissociation (melting) of the duplex strands. Since negative supercoiling is known to facilitate the formation of alternative DNA structures, we have investigated G-quadruplex formation within negatively supercoiled DNA plasmids. Plasmids containing multiple copies of (G3T)n and (G3T4)n repeats, were probed with dimethylsulphate, potassium permanganate and S1 nuclease. While dimethylsulphate footprinting revealed some evidence for G-quadruplex formation in (G3T)n sequences, this was not affected by supercoiling, and permanganate failed to detect exposed thymines in the loop regions. (G3T4)n sequences were not protected from DMS and showed no reaction with permanganate. Similarly, both S1 nuclease and 2D gel electrophoresis of DNA topoisomers did not detect any supercoil-dependent structural transitions. These results suggest that negative supercoiling alone is not sufficient to drive G-quadruplex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen A T Sekibo
- Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building 85, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Keith R Fox
- Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building 85, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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Dolinnaya NG, Ogloblina AM, Yakubovskaya MG. Structure, Properties, and Biological Relevance of the DNA and RNA G-Quadruplexes: Overview 50 Years after Their Discovery. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 81:1602-1649. [PMID: 28260487 PMCID: PMC7087716 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297916130034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s), which are known to have important roles in regulation of key biological processes in both normal and pathological cells, are the most actively studied non-canonical structures of nucleic acids. In this review, we summarize the results of studies published in recent years that change significantly scientific views on various aspects of our understanding of quadruplexes. Modern notions on the polymorphism of DNA quadruplexes, on factors affecting thermodynamics and kinetics of G4 folding–unfolding, on structural organization of multiquadruplex systems, and on conformational features of RNA G4s and hybrid DNA–RNA G4s are discussed. Here we report the data on location of G4 sequence motifs in the genomes of eukaryotes, bacteria, and viruses, characterize G4-specific small-molecule ligands and proteins, as well as the mechanisms of their interactions with quadruplexes. New information on the structure and stability of G4s in telomeric DNA and oncogene promoters is discussed as well as proof being provided on the occurrence of G-quadruplexes in cells. Prominence is given to novel experimental techniques (single molecule manipulations, optical and magnetic tweezers, original chemical approaches, G4 detection in situ, in-cell NMR spectroscopy) that facilitate breakthroughs in the investigation of the structure and functions of G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Dolinnaya
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Rigo R, Palumbo M, Sissi C. G-quadruplexes in human promoters: A challenge for therapeutic applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:1399-1413. [PMID: 28025083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-rich sequences undergo unique structural equilibria to form G-quadruplexes (G4) both in vitro and in cell systems. Several pathologies emerged to be directly related to G4 occurrence at defined genomic portions. Additionally, G-rich sequences are significantly represented around transcription start sites (TSS) thus leading to the hypothesis of a gene regulatory function for G4. Thus, the tuning of G4 formation has been proposed as a new powerful tool to regulate gene expression to treat related pathologies. However, up-to date this approach did not provide any new really efficient treatment. SCOPE OF REVIEW Here, we summarize the most recent advances on the correlation between the structural features of G4 in human promoters and the role these systems physiologically exert. In particular we focus on the effect of G4 localization among cell compartments and along the promoters in correlation with protein interaction networks and epigenetic state. Finally the intrinsic structural features of G4 at promoters are discussed to unveil the contribution of different G4 structural modules in this complex architecture. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS It emerges that G4s play several roles in the intriguing and complex mechanism of gene expression, being able to produce opposite effects on the same target. This reflects the occurrence of a highly variegate network of several components working simultaneously. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The resulting picture is still fuzzy but some points of strength are definitely emerging, which prompts all of us to strengthen our efforts in view of a selective control of gene expression through G4 modulation. 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)
- Riccardo Rigo
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Manlio Palumbo
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, v. Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Mendoza O, Elezgaray J, Mergny JL. Spectroscopic data for the G-quadruplex DNA to duplex DNA reaction. Data Brief 2015; 5:822-8. [PMID: 26693518 PMCID: PMC4660241 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2015.10.039] [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: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes additional data related to a research article entitled “Kinetics of Quadruplex to Duplex Conversion” (Mendoza et al. 2015 [1]). We followed the opening reaction of a series of intramolecular G-quadruplex structures by the addition of their corresponding complementary strand. Fluorolabeled complementary strands allowed to monitor the reaction in real-time. An adapted kinetic model was then applied in order to obtain the kinetic parameters of this reaction. We present a series of kinetic traces providing raw data of the G4 opening reaction and the fitting model applied in every case. In addition CD spectra and UV melting data is also provided to confirm the stability of all the DNA structures considered (G-quadruplex and duplex DNA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Mendoza
- University of Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France ; INSERM, ARNA Laboratory, U869, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Juan Elezgaray
- University of Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France ; CBMN, CNRS UMR-5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- University of Bordeaux, 33600 Bordeaux, France ; INSERM, ARNA Laboratory, U869, IECB, F-33600 Pessac, France
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