1
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Veenbaas SD, Koehn JT, Irving PS, Lama NN, Weeks KM. Ligand-binding pockets in RNA and where to find them. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2422346122. [PMID: 40261926 PMCID: PMC12054788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2422346122] [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: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
RNAs are critical regulators of gene expression, and their functions are often mediated by complex secondary and tertiary structures. Structured regions in RNA can selectively interact with small molecules-via well-defined ligand-binding pockets-to modulate the regulatory repertoire of an RNA. The broad potential to modulate biological function intentionally via RNA-ligand interactions remains unrealized, however, due to challenges in identifying compact RNA motifs with the ability to bind ligands with good physicochemical properties (often termed drug-like). Here, we devise fpocketR, a computational strategy that accurately detects pockets capable of binding drug-like ligands in RNA structures. Remarkably few, roughly 50, of such pockets have ever been visualized. We experimentally confirmed the ligandability of novel pockets detected with fpocketR using a fragment-based approach introduced here, Frag-MaP, that detects ligand-binding sites in cells. Analysis of pockets detected by fpocketR and validated by Frag-MaP reveals dozens of sites able to bind drug-like ligands, supports a model for RNA secondary structural motifs able to bind quality ligands, and creates a broad framework for understanding the RNA ligand-ome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D. Veenbaas
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3290
| | - Jordan T. Koehn
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3290
| | - Patrick S. Irving
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3290
| | - Nicole N. Lama
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3290
| | - Kevin M. Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC27599-3290
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2
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Shah R, Yan W, Rigal J, Mullin S, Fan L, McGregor L, Krueger A, Renaud N, Byrnes A, Thomas JR. Photoaffinity enabled transcriptome-wide identification of splice modulating small molecule-RNA binding events in native cells. RSC Chem Biol 2025:d4cb00266k. [PMID: 40226337 PMCID: PMC11986670 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00266k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Splice modulating small molecules have been developed to promote the U1 snRNP to engage with pre-mRNAs with strong and altered sequence preference. Transcriptomic profiling of bulk RNA from compound treated cells enables detection of RNAs impacted; however, it is difficult to delineate whether transcriptional changes are a consequence of direct compound treatment or trans-acting effects. To identify RNA targets that bind directly with splice modulating compounds, we deployed a photoaffinity labeling (PAL)-based Chem-CLIP approach. Through this workflow, we identify the telomerase lncRNA (TERC) as a previously unknown target of this class of clinically relevant small molecules. Using cellular ΔSHAPE-MaP, we orthogonally validate and further define the compound binding site as likely to be the conserved CR4/5 domain. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the PAL-based Chem-CLIP data reveals that considering competed RNAs, irrespective of magnitude of enrichment, adds a rich dimension of hit calling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven Shah
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Wanlin Yan
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Joyce Rigal
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Steve Mullin
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Lin Fan
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Lynn McGregor
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Andrew Krueger
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Nicole Renaud
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Andrea Byrnes
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
| | - Jason R Thomas
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences Cambridge MA USA
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3
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Yang X, Wang J, Springer N, Zanon PA, Jia Y, Su X, Disney M. Mapping small molecule-RNA binding sites via Chem-CLIP synergized with capillary electrophoresis and nanopore sequencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2025; 53:gkaf231. [PMID: 40156856 PMCID: PMC11952968 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Target validation and identification of binding sites are keys to the development of bioactive small molecules that target RNA. Herein, we describe optimized protocols to profile small molecule-RNA interactions and to define binding sites of the small molecules in RNAs using covalent chemistry. Various reactive modules appended to an RNA-binding small molecule were studied for cross-linking to the RNA target. Electrophilic modules, whether N-chloroethyl aniline or diazirine, have reactive profiles consistent with induced proximity; however, probes with N-chloroethyl aniline were more reactive and more specific than those with a diazirine cross-linking moiety. Depending upon the identity of the cross-linking module, covalent adducts with different nucleotides that are proximal to a small molecule's binding site were formed. The nucleotides where cross-linking occurred were elucidated by using two different platforms: (i) automated capillary electrophoresis that identified a binding site by impeding reverse transcriptase, or "RT stops"; and (ii) nanopore sequencing where the cross-link produces mutations in the corresponding complementary DNA formed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification of the cross-linked RNA. These approaches are broadly applicable to aid in the advancement of chemical probes targeting RNA, including identifying binding sites and using covalent chemistry to screen for RNA-binding molecules in a high throughput format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Jielei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Noah A Springer
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Patrick R A Zanon
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Yilin Jia
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Xiaoxuan Su
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, United States
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4
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Veenbaas SD, Koehn JT, Irving PS, Lama NN, Weeks KM. Ligand-binding pockets in RNA, and where to find them. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.03.13.643147. [PMID: 40161846 PMCID: PMC11952572 DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.13.643147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
RNAs are critical regulators of gene expression, and their functions are often mediated by complex secondary and tertiary structures. Structured regions in RNA can selectively interact with small molecules - via well-defined ligand binding pockets - to modulate the regulatory repertoire of an RNA. The broad potential to modulate biological function intentionally via RNA-ligand interactions remains unrealized, however, due to challenges in identifying compact RNA motifs with the ability to bind ligands with good physicochemical properties (often termed drug-like). Here, we devise fpocketR, a computational strategy that accurately detects pockets capable of binding drug-like ligands in RNA structures. Remarkably few, roughly 50, of such pockets have ever been visualized. We experimentally confirmed the ligandability of novel pockets detected with fpocketR using a fragment-based approach introduced here, Frag-MaP, that detects ligand-binding sites in cells. Analysis of pockets detected by fpocketR and validated by Frag-MaP reveals dozens of newly identified sites able to bind drug-like ligands, supports a model for RNA secondary structural motifs able to bind quality ligands, and creates a broad framework for understanding the RNA ligand-ome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D. Veenbaas
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290
| | - Jordan T. Koehn
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290
| | - Patrick S. Irving
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290
| | - Nicole N. Lama
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290
| | - Kevin M. Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290
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5
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Crielaard S, Peters CFM, Slivkov A, van den Homberg DAL, Velema WA. Chemotranscriptomic profiling with a thiamine monophosphate photoaffinity probe. Chem Sci 2025; 16:4725-4731. [PMID: 39968280 PMCID: PMC11831223 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc06189f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
RNA is a multifaceted biomolecule with numerous biological functions and can interact with small molecule metabolites as exemplified by riboswitches. Here, we profile the Escherichia coli transcriptome on interactions with the metabolite Thiamine Monophosphate (TMP). We designed and synthesized a photoaffinity probe based on the scaffold of TMP and applied it to chemotranscriptomic profiling. Using next-generation RNA sequencing, several potential interactions between bacterial transcripts and the probe were identified. A remarkable interaction between the TMP probe and the well-characterized Flavin Mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch was validated by RT-qPCR, and further verified with competition assays. Localization of the photocrosslinked nucleotides using reverse transcription and docking predictions of the probe suggested binding to the riboswitch aptamer. After examining binding of unmodified TMP to the riboswitch using SHAPE, we found selective yet moderate binding interactions, potentially mediated by the phosphate group of TMP. Lastly, TMP appeared to enhance gene expression of a reporter gene that is under riboswitch control, while the natural ligand FMN displayed an inhibitory effect, hinting at a potential biological role of TMP. This work showcases the possibility of chemotranscriptomic profiling to identify new RNA-small molecule interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Crielaard
- Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen 6525 AJ The Netherlands
| | - Casper F M Peters
- Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen 6525 AJ The Netherlands
| | - Alexandar Slivkov
- Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen 6525 AJ The Netherlands
| | - Daphne A L van den Homberg
- Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen 6525 AJ The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Velema
- Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen 6525 AJ The Netherlands
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6
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Tang Z, Hegde S, Hao S, Selvaraju M, Qiu J, Wang J. Chemical-guided SHAPE sequencing (cgSHAPE-seq) informs the binding site of RNA-degrading chimeras targeting SARS-CoV-2 5' untranslated region. Nat Commun 2025; 16:483. [PMID: 39779694 PMCID: PMC11711761 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55608-w] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of RNA viruses is highly structured untranslated regions (UTRs) which are often essential for viral replication, transcription, or translation. In this report, we discovered a series of coumarin derivatives that bind to a four-way RNA helix called SL5 in the 5' UTR of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. To locate the binding site, we developed a sequencing-based method namely cgSHAPE-seq, in which an acylating probe was directed to crosslink with the 2'-OH group of ribose at the binding site to create read-through mutations during reverse transcription. cgSHAPE-seq unambiguously determined a bulged G in SL5 as the primary binding site, which was validated through mutagenesis and in vitro binding experiments. The coumarin derivatives were further used as a warhead in designing RNA-degrading chimeras to reduce viral RNA expression levels. The optimized RNA-degrading chimera C64 inhibited live virus replication in lung epithelial carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Shalakha Hegde
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Siyuan Hao
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | | | - Jianming Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - Jingxin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA.
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
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7
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Mikutis S, Bernardes GJL. Technologies for Targeted RNA Degradation and Induced RNA Decay. Chem Rev 2024; 124:13301-13330. [PMID: 39499674 PMCID: PMC11638902 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/07/2024]
Abstract
The vast majority of the human genome codes for RNA, but RNA-targeting therapeutics account for a small fraction of approved drugs. As such, there is great incentive to improve old and develop new approaches to RNA targeting. For many RNA targeting modalities, just binding is not sufficient to exert a therapeutic effect; thus, targeted RNA degradation and induced decay emerged as powerful approaches with a pronounced biological effect. This review covers the origins and advanced use cases of targeted RNA degrader technologies grouped by the nature of the targeting modality as well as by the mode of degradation. It covers both well-established methods and clinically successful platforms such as RNA interference, as well as emerging approaches such as recruitment of RNA quality control machinery, CRISPR, and direct targeted RNA degradation. We also share our thoughts on the biggest hurdles in this field, as well as possible ways to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigitas Mikutis
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Yusuf Hamied Department of
Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
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8
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Tong Y, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Targeting RNA with small molecules, from RNA structures to precision medicines: IUPHAR review: 40. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:4152-4173. [PMID: 39224931 DOI: 10.1111/bph.17308] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA plays important roles in regulating both health and disease biology in all kingdoms of life. Notably, RNA can form intricate three-dimensional structures, and their biological functions are dependent on these structures. Targeting the structured regions of RNA with small molecules has gained increasing attention over the past decade, because it provides both chemical probes to study fundamental biology processes and lead medicines for diseases with unmet medical needs. Recent advances in RNA structure prediction and determination and RNA biology have accelerated the rational design and development of RNA-targeted small molecules to modulate disease pathology. However, challenges remain in advancing RNA-targeted small molecules towards clinical applications. This review summarizes strategies to study RNA structures, to identify small molecules recognizing these structures, and to augment the functionality of RNA-binding small molecules. We focus on recent advances in developing RNA-targeted small molecules as potential therapeutics in a variety of diseases, encompassing different modes of actions and targeting strategies. Furthermore, we present the current gaps between early-stage discovery of RNA-binding small molecules and their clinical applications, as well as a roadmap to overcome these challenges in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, Florida, USA
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9
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Tong Y, Zanon PRA, Yang X, Su X, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Protocol for transcriptome-wide mapping of small-molecule RNA-binding sites in live cells. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103271. [PMID: 39167492 PMCID: PMC11381869 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103271] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecules targeting RNA can be valuable chemical probes and potential therapeutics. The interactions between small molecules, particularly fragments, and RNA, however, can be difficult to detect due to their modest affinities and short residence times. Here, we present a protocol for mapping the molecular fingerprints of small molecules in vitro and throughout the human transcriptome in live cells. We describe steps for compound treatment, cross-linking, RNA extraction, fragmentation, and pull-down. We then detail procedures for RNA sequencing and data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tong et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Patrick R A Zanon
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Xueyi Yang
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Su
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew D Disney
- The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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10
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Moon MH, Vock IW, Streit AD, Connor LJ, Senkina J, Ellman JA, Simon MD. Disulfide Tethering to Map Small Molecule Binding Sites Transcriptome-wide. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:2081-2086. [PMID: 39192734 PMCID: PMC11683664 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00538] [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: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
We report the development of Tether-seq, a transcriptome-wide screen to probe RNA-small molecule interactions using disulfide tethering. This technique uses s4U metabolic labeling to provide sites for reversible and covalent attachment of small molecule disulfides to the transcriptome. By screening under reducing conditions, we identify interactions that are stabilized by binding over those driven by the reactivity of the RNA sites. When applied to cellular RNA, Tether-seq with a disulfide analogue of risdiplam, an FDA-approved drug that targets RNA to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), revealed a number of potential binding sites, most prominently at a site within the cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COX1) transcript. Structure probing by SHAPE-MaP revealed a structured motif and confirmed binding to the lead molecule. This work demonstrates that these screens have the power to identify binding sites throughout the transcriptome and provide invaluable insight into the thermodynamic properties that define small molecule binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H Moon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Institute of Biomolecular Design & Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Isaac W Vock
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Institute of Biomolecular Design & Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Andrew D Streit
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Leah J Connor
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Institute of Biomolecular Design & Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Julia Senkina
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jonathan A Ellman
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Institute of Biomolecular Design & Discovery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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11
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Song Y, Cui J, Zhu J, Kim B, Kuo ML, Potts PR. RNATACs: Multispecific small molecules targeting RNA by induced proximity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1101-1117. [PMID: 38876100 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA-targeting small molecules (rSMs) have become an attractive modality to tackle traditionally undruggable proteins and expand the druggable space. Among many innovative concepts, RNA-targeting chimeras (RNATACs) represent a new class of multispecific, induced proximity small molecules that act by chemically bringing RNA targets into proximity with an endogenous RNA effector, such as a ribonuclease (RNase). Depending on the RNA effector, RNATACs can alter the stability, localization, translation, or splicing of the target RNA. Although still in its infancy, this new modality has the potential for broad applications in the future to treat diseases with high unmet need. In this review, we discuss potential advantages of RNATACs, recent progress in the field, and challenges to this cutting-edge technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Song
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
| | - Jia Cui
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Jiaqiang Zhu
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Boseon Kim
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Mei-Ling Kuo
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen Research, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
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12
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Tong Y, Zanon PRA, Yang X, Su X, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Transcriptome-wide mapping of small-molecule RNA-binding sites in live cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596700. [PMID: 38853865 PMCID: PMC11160777 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Small molecules targeting RNA can be valuable chemical probes and potential therapeutics. The interactions between small molecules, particularly fragments, and RNA, however, can be difficult to detect due to their modest affinities and short residence times. Here, we describe the procedures for mapping the molecular fingerprints of small molecules in vitro and throughout the human transcriptome in live cells, identifying both the targets bound by the small molecule and the sites of binding therein. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to 1.
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13
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Nagasawa R, Onizuka K, Komatsu KR, Miyashita E, Murase H, Ojima K, Ishikawa S, Ozawa M, Saito H, Nagatsugi F. Large-scale analysis of small molecule-RNA interactions using multiplexed RNA structure libraries. Commun Chem 2024; 7:98. [PMID: 38693284 PMCID: PMC11865577 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01181-8] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The large-scale analysis of small-molecule binding to diverse RNA structures is key to understanding the required interaction properties and selectivity for developing RNA-binding molecules toward RNA-targeted therapies. Here, we report a new system for performing the large-scale analysis of small molecule-RNA interactions using a multiplexed pull-down assay with RNA structure libraries. The system profiled the RNA-binding landscapes of G-clamp and thiazole orange derivatives, which recognizes an unpaired guanine base and are good probes for fluorescent indicator displacement (FID) assays, respectively. We discuss the binding preferences of these molecules based on their large-scale affinity profiles. In addition, we selected combinations of fluorescent indicators and different ranks of RNA based on the information and screened for RNA-binding molecules using FID. RNAs with high- and intermediate-rank RNA provided reliable results. Our system provides fundamental information about small molecule-RNA interactions and facilitates the discovery of novel RNA-binding molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Nagasawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan.
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
| | - Kaoru R Komatsu
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Emi Miyashita
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Murase
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Kanna Ojima
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Shunya Ishikawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ozawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hirohide Saito
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan.
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan.
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14
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Tang Z, Hegde S, Hao S, Selvaraju M, Qiu J, Wang J. Chemical-guided SHAPE sequencing (cgSHAPE-seq) informs the binding site of RNA-degrading chimeras targeting SARS-CoV-2 5' untranslated region. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535453. [PMID: 37066172 PMCID: PMC10103992 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of RNA viruses is highly structured untranslated regions (UTRs) in their genomes. These conserved RNA structures are often essential for viral replication, transcription, or translation. In this report, we discovered and optimized a new type of coumarin derivatives, such as C30 and C34, which bind to a four-way RNA helix called SL5 in the 5' UTR of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. To locate the binding site, we developed a novel sequencing-based method namely cgSHAPE-seq, in which the acylating chemical probe was directed to crosslink with the 2'-OH groups of ribose at the ligand binding site. This crosslinked RNA could then create read-through mutations during reverse transcription (i.e., primer extension) at single-nucleotide resolution to uncover the acylation locations. cgSHAPE-seq unambiguously determined that a bulged G in SL5 was the primary binding site of C30 in the SARS-CoV-2 5' UTR, which was validated through mutagenesis and in vitro binding experiments. C30 was further used as a warhead in RNA-degrading chimeras to reduce viral RNA expression levels. We demonstrated that replacing the acylating moiety in the cgSHAPE probe with ribonuclease L recruiter (RLR) moieties yielded RNA degraders active in the in vitro RNase L degradation assay and SARS-CoV-2 5' UTR expressing cells. We further explored another RLR conjugation site on the E ring of C30/C34 and discovered improved RNA degradation activities in vitro and in cells. The optimized RNA-degrading chimera C64 inhibited live virus replication in lung epithelial carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Shalakha Hegde
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Siyuan Hao
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Jianming Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jingxin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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15
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Fang L, Velema WA, Lee Y, Xiao L, Mohsen MG, Kietrys AM, Kool ET. Pervasive transcriptome interactions of protein-targeted drugs. Nat Chem 2023; 15:1374-1383. [PMID: 37653232 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The off-target toxicity of drugs targeted to proteins imparts substantial health and economic costs. Proteome interaction studies can reveal off-target effects with unintended proteins; however, little attention has been paid to intracellular RNAs as potential off-targets that may contribute to toxicity. To begin to assess this, we developed a reactivity-based RNA profiling methodology and applied it to uncover transcriptome interactions of a set of Food and Drug Administration-approved small-molecule drugs in vivo. We show that these protein-targeted drugs pervasively interact with the human transcriptome and can exert unintended biological effects on RNA functions. In addition, we show that many off-target interactions occur at RNA loci associated with protein binding and structural changes, allowing us to generate hypotheses to infer the biological consequences of RNA off-target binding. The results suggest that rigorous characterization of drugs' transcriptome interactions may help assess target specificity and potentially avoid toxicity and clinical failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglan Fang
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Willem A Velema
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yujeong Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lu Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Anna M Kietrys
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric T Kool
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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16
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Koehn JT, Felder S, Weeks KM. Innovations in targeting RNA by fragment-based ligand discovery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 79:102550. [PMID: 36863268 PMCID: PMC10023403 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
A subset of functional regions within large RNAs fold into complex structures able to bind small-molecule ligands with high affinity and specificity. Fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) offers notable opportunities for discovery and design of potent small molecules that bind pockets in RNA. Here we share an integrated analysis of recent innovations in FBLD, emphasizing opportunities resulting from fragment elaboration via both linking and growing. Analysis of elaborated fragments emphasizes that high-quality interactions form with complex tertiary structures in RNA. FBLD-inspired small molecules have been shown to modulate RNA functions by competitively inhibiting protein binding and by selectively stabilizing dynamic RNA states. FBLD is creating a foundation to interrogate the relatively unknown structural space for RNA ligands and for discovery of RNA-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Koehn
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290, USA
| | - Simon Felder
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290, USA
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC 27599-3290, USA.
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17
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Garner AL. Contemporary Progress and Opportunities in RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:251-259. [PMID: 36923915 PMCID: PMC10009794 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The surprising discovery that RNAs are the predominant gene products to emerge from the human genome catalyzed a renaissance in RNA biology. It is now well-understood that RNAs act as more than just a messenger and comprise a large and diverse family of ribonucleic acids of differing sizes, structures, and functions. RNAs play expansive roles in the cell, contributing to the regulation and fine-tuning of nearly all aspects of gene expression and genome architecture. In line with the significance of these functions, we have witnessed an explosion in discoveries connecting RNAs with a variety of human diseases. Consequently, the targeting of RNAs, and more broadly RNA biology, has emerged as an untapped area of drug discovery, making the search for RNA-targeted therapeutics of great interest. In this Microperspective, I highlight contemporary learnings in the field and present my views on how to catapult us toward the systematic discovery of RNA-targeted medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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18
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Morishita EC. Discovery of RNA-targeted small molecules through the merging of experimental and computational technologies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:207-226. [PMID: 36322542 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2134852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The field of RNA-targeted small molecules is rapidly evolving, owing to the advances in experimental and computational technologies. With the identification of several bioactive small molecules that target RNA, including the FDA-approved risdiplam, the biopharmaceutical industry is gaining confidence in the field. This review, based on the literature obtained from PubMed, aims to disseminate information about the various technologies developed for targeting RNA with small molecules and propose areas for improvement to develop drugs more efficiently, particularly those linked to diseases with unmet medical needs. AREAS COVERED The technologies for the identification of RNA targets, screening of chemical libraries against RNA, assessing the bioactivity and target engagement of the hit compounds, structure determination, and hit-to-lead optimization are reviewed. Along with the description of the technologies, their strengths, limitations, and examples of how they can impact drug discovery are provided. EXPERT OPINION Many existing technologies employed for protein targets have been repurposed for use in the discovery of RNA-targeted small molecules. In addition, technologies tailored for RNA targets have been developed. Nevertheless, more improvements are necessary, such as artificial intelligence to dissect important RNA structures and RNA-small-molecule interactions and more powerful chemical probing and structure prediction techniques.
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19
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Morgan KJ, Doggett K, Geng F, Mieruszynski S, Whitehead L, Smith KA, Hogan BM, Simons C, Baillie GJ, Molania R, Papenfuss AT, Hall TE, Ober EA, Stainier DYR, Gong Z, Heath JK. ahctf1 and kras mutations combine to amplify oncogenic stress and restrict liver overgrowth in a zebrafish model of hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2023; 12:73407. [PMID: 36648336 PMCID: PMC9897728 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleoporin (NUP) ELYS, encoded by AHCTF1, is a large multifunctional protein with essential roles in nuclear pore assembly and mitosis. Using both larval and adult zebrafish models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which the expression of an inducible mutant kras transgene (krasG12V) drives hepatocyte-specific hyperplasia and liver enlargement, we show that reducing ahctf1 gene dosage by 50% markedly decreases liver volume, while non-hyperplastic tissues are unaffected. We demonstrate that in the context of cancer, ahctf1 heterozygosity impairs nuclear pore formation, mitotic spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation, leading to DNA damage and activation of a Tp53-dependent transcriptional programme that induces cell death and cell cycle arrest. Heterozygous expression of both ahctf1 and ranbp2 (encoding a second nucleoporin), or treatment of heterozygous ahctf1 larvae with the nucleocytoplasmic transport inhibitor, Selinexor, completely blocks krasG12V-driven hepatocyte hyperplasia. Gene expression analysis of patient samples in the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas shows that high expression of one or more of the transcripts encoding the 10 components of the NUP107-160 subcomplex, which includes AHCTF1, is positively correlated with worse overall survival. These results provide a strong and feasible rationale for the development of novel cancer therapeutics that target ELYS function and suggest potential avenues for effective combinatorial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Morgan
- Epigenetics and Development Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Karen Doggett
- Epigenetics and Development Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Fansuo Geng
- Epigenetics and Development Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Stephen Mieruszynski
- Epigenetics and Development Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Lachlan Whitehead
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Centre for Dynamic Imaging, Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Kelly A Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneAustralia
| | - Cas Simons
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
- Murdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleAustralia
| | - Gregory J Baillie
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
| | - Ramyar Molania
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Thomas E Hall
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of QueenslandQueenslandAustralia
| | - Elke A Ober
- Danish Stem Cell Center, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Didier YR Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung ResearchBad NauheimGermany
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Biological Science, National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Joan K Heath
- Epigenetics and Development Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
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20
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Lightfoot HL, Smith GF. Targeting RNA with small molecules-A safety perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36631428 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA is a major player in cellular function, and consequently can drive a number of disease pathologies. Over the past several years, small molecule-RNA targeting (smRNA targeting) has developed into a promising drug discovery approach. Numerous techniques, tools, and assays have been developed to support this field, and significant investments have been made by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. To date, the focus has been on identifying disease validated primary targets for smRNA drug development, yet RNA as a secondary (off) target for all small molecule drug programs largely has been unexplored. In this perspective, we discuss structure, target, and mechanism-driven safety aspects of smRNAs and highlight how these parameters can be evaluated in drug discovery programs to produce potentially safer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Lightfoot
- Safety and Mechanistic Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham F Smith
- Data Science and AI, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Chen Y, Onizuka K, Hazemi ME, Nagatsugi F. Reactivity Modulation of Reactive OFF–ON Type G-Quadruplex Alkylating Agents. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:2097-2102. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Chen
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazumitsu Onizuka
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Madoka E. Hazemi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Fumi Nagatsugi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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22
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Kognole AA, Hazel A, MacKerell AD. SILCS-RNA: Toward a Structure-Based Drug Design Approach for Targeting RNAs with Small Molecules. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:5672-5691. [PMID: 35913731 PMCID: PMC9474704 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecules can act as potential drug targets in different diseases, as their dysregulated expression or misfolding can alter various cellular processes. Noncoding RNAs account for ∼70% of the human genome, and these molecules can have complex tertiary structures that present a great opportunity for targeting by small molecules. In the present study, the site identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) computational approach is extended to target RNA, termed SILCS-RNA. Extensions to the method include an enhanced oscillating excess chemical potential protocol for the grand canonical Monte Carlo calculations and individual simulations of the neutral and charged solutes from which the SILCS functional group affinity maps (FragMaps) are calculated for subsequent binding site identification and docking calculations. The method is developed and evaluated against seven RNA targets and their reported small molecule ligands. SILCS-RNA provides a detailed characterization of the functional group affinity pattern in the small molecule binding sites, recapitulating the types of functional groups present in the ligands. The developed method is also shown to be useful for identification of new potential binding sites and identifying ligand moieties that contribute to binding, granular information that can facilitate ligand design. However, limitations in the method are evident including the ability to map the regions of binding sites occupied by ligand phosphate moieties and to fully account for the wide range of conformational heterogeneity in RNA associated with binding of different small molecules, emphasizing inherent challenges associated with applying computer-aided drug design methods to RNA. While limitations are present, the current study indicates how the SILCS-RNA approach may enhance drug discovery efforts targeting RNAs with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek A Kognole
- Computer Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Anthony Hazel
- Computer Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Alexander D MacKerell
- Computer Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
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23
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Falco N, Garfio CM, Spitalny L, Spitale RC. A Fluorescent Reverse-Transcription Assay to Detect Chemical Adducts on RNA. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1665-1668. [PMID: 35876726 PMCID: PMC10010264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we detail a novel reverse-transcription (RT) assay to directly detect chemical adducts on RNA. We optimize a fluorescence quenching assay to detect RT polymerization and employ our approach to detect N1-alkylation of inosine, an important post-transcriptional modification, using a phenylacrylamide as a model compound. We anticipate our approach can be expanded to identify novel reagents that form adducts with RNA and further explored to understand the relationship between RT processivity and natural post-transcriptional modifications in RNA.
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24
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Sexton AN, Vandivier LE, Petter JC, Mukherjee H, Craig Blain J. Determination of RNA-ligand interactions with the photoaffinity platform PEARL-seq. Methods 2022; 205:83-88. [PMID: 35764246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.06.009] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the development of therapeutics, it is important to establish engagement of a compound to its intended target and identify other targets it binds to. Methods for demonstrating target engagement in the growing field of RNA-targeted therapeutics are therefore needed. We present a detailed protocol for Photoaffinity Evaluation of RNA Ligation-Sequencing (PEARL-seq), a platform for determining interactions between small molecule ligands and their target RNA(s). PEARL-seq allows detection of binding and crosslinking events with single nucleotide resolution and allows measurement of enrichment of the target RNA relative to all other RNAs. PEARL-seq is a valuable tool in the effort to verify bona fide RNA-ligand interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec N Sexton
- Arrakis Therapeutics, 828 Winter Street, Waltham MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - J Craig Blain
- Arrakis Therapeutics, 828 Winter Street, Waltham MA, USA
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25
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Tong Y, Gibaut QMR, Rouse W, Childs-Disney JL, Suresh BM, Abegg D, Choudhary S, Akahori Y, Adibekian A, Moss WN, Disney MD. Transcriptome-Wide Mapping of Small-Molecule RNA-Binding Sites in Cells Informs an Isoform-Specific Degrader of QSOX1 mRNA. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:11620-11625. [PMID: 35737519 PMCID: PMC9594100 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The interactions between cellular RNAs in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells and a panel of small molecules appended with a diazirine cross-linking moiety and an alkyne tag were probed transcriptome-wide in live cells. The alkyne tag allows for facile pull-down of cellular RNAs bound by each small molecule, and the enrichment of each RNA target defines the compound's molecular footprint. Among the 34 chemically diverse small molecules studied, six bound and enriched cellular RNAs. The most highly enriched interaction occurs between the novel RNA-binding compound F1 and a structured region in the 5' untranslated region of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 isoform a (QSOX1-a), not present in isoform b. Additional studies show that F1 specifically bound RNA over DNA and protein; that is, we studied the entire DNA, RNA, and protein interactome. This interaction was used to design a ribonuclease targeting chimera (RIBOTAC) to locally recruit Ribonuclease L to degrade QSOX1 mRNA in an isoform-specific manner, as QSOX1-a, but not QSOX1-b, mRNA and protein levels were reduced. The RIBOTAC alleviated QSOX1-mediated phenotypes in cancer cells. This approach can be broadly applied to discover ligands that bind RNA in cells, which could be bioactive themselves or augmented with functionality such as targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Quentin M R Gibaut
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Warren Rouse
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Blessy M Suresh
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Daniel Abegg
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Shruti Choudhary
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Yoshihiro Akahori
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Alexander Adibekian
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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26
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Crielaard S, Maassen R, Vosman T, Rempkens I, Velema WA. Affinity-Based Profiling of the Flavin Mononucleotide Riboswitch. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:10462-10470. [PMID: 35666649 PMCID: PMC9204756 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Riboswitches are
structural RNA elements that control gene expression.
These naturally occurring RNA sensors are of continued interest as
antibiotic targets, molecular sensors, and functional elements of
synthetic circuits. Here, we describe affinity-based profiling of
the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch to characterize ligand
binding and structural folding. We designed and synthesized photoreactive
ligands and used them for photoaffinity labeling. We showed selective
labeling of the FMN riboswitch and used this covalent interaction
to quantitatively measure ligand binding, which we demonstrate with
the naturally occurring antibiotic roseoflavin. We measured conditional
riboswitch folding as a function of temperature and cation concentration.
Furthermore, combining photoaffinity labeling with reverse transcription
revealed ligand binding sites within the aptamer domain with single-nucleotide
resolution. The photoaffinity probe was applied to cellular extracts
of Bacillus subtilis to demonstrate conditional folding
of the endogenous low-abundant ribD FMN riboswitch
in biologically derived samples using quantitative PCR. Lastly, binding
of the riboswitch-targeting antibiotic roseoflavin to the FMN riboswitch
was measured in live bacteria using the photoaffinity probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Crielaard
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Maassen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tess Vosman
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ivy Rempkens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Velema
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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27
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Zhang D, Liu L, Jin S, Tota E, Li Z, Piao X, Zhang X, Fu XD, Devaraj NK. Site-Specific and Enzymatic Cross-Linking of sgRNA Enables Wavelength-Selectable Photoactivated Control of CRISPR Gene Editing. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4487-4495. [PMID: 35257575 PMCID: PMC9469474 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemical cross-linking enables rapid identification of RNA-protein and RNA-nucleic acid inter- and intramolecular interactions. However, no method exists to site-specifically and covalently cross-link two user-defined sites within an RNA. Here, we develop RNA-CLAMP, which enables site-specific and enzymatic cross-linking (clamping) of two selected guanine residues within an RNA. Intramolecular clamping can disrupt normal RNA function, whereas subsequent photocleavage of the cross-linker restores activity. We used RNA-CLAMP to clamp two stem loops within the single-guide RNA (sgRNA) of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system via a photocleavable cross-linker, completely inhibiting gene editing. Visible light irradiation cleaved the cross-linker and restored gene editing with high spatiotemporal resolution. Design of two photocleavable linkers responsive to different wavelengths of light allowed multiplexed photoactivation of gene editing in mammalian cells. This photoactivated CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing platform benefits from undetectable background activity, provides a choice of activation wavelengths, and has multiplexing capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Luping Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Shuaijiang Jin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Ember Tota
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zijie Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Xijun Piao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Neal K Devaraj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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28
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Chen Q, Li Y, Lin C, Chen L, Luo H, Xia S, Liu C, Cheng X, Liu C, Li J, Dou D. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e67. [PMID: 35288754 PMCID: PMC9262588 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is a powerful tool for small molecule identification in drug discovery, yet the reported DEL selection strategies were applied primarily on protein targets in either purified form or in cellular context. To expand the application of this technology, we employed DEL selection on an RNA target HIV-1 TAR (trans-acting responsive region), but found that the majority of signals were resulted from false positive DNA–RNA binding. We thus developed an optimized selection strategy utilizing RNA patches and competitive elution to minimize unwanted DNA binding, followed by k-mer analysis and motif search to differentiate false positive signal. This optimized strategy resulted in a very clean background in a DEL selection against Escherichia coli FMN Riboswitch, and the enriched compounds were determined with double digit nanomolar binding affinity, as well as similar potency in functional FMN competition assay. These results demonstrated the feasibility of small molecule identification against RNA targets using DEL selection. The developed experimental and computational strategy provided a promising opportunity for RNA ligand screening and expanded the application of DEL selection to a much wider context in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liu Chen
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Luo
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | | | | | - Jin Li
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Dengfeng Dou
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 28 85197385 8700;
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29
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Balaratnam S, Rhodes C, Bume DD, Connelly C, Lai CC, Kelley JA, Yazdani K, Homan PJ, Incarnato D, Numata T, Schneekloth Jr JS. A chemical probe based on the PreQ 1 metabolite enables transcriptome-wide mapping of binding sites. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5856. [PMID: 34615874 PMCID: PMC8494917 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of metabolite-responsive riboswitches in regulating gene expression in bacteria is well known and makes them useful systems for the study of RNA-small molecule interactions. Here, we study the PreQ1 riboswitch system, assessing sixteen diverse PreQ1-derived probes for their ability to selectively modify the class-I PreQ1 riboswitch aptamer covalently. For the most active probe (11), a diazirine-based photocrosslinking analog of PreQ1, X-ray crystallography and gel-based competition assays demonstrated the mode of binding of the ligand to the aptamer, and functional assays demonstrated that the probe retains activity against the full riboswitch. Transcriptome-wide mapping using Chem-CLIP revealed a highly selective interaction between the bacterial aptamer and the probe. In addition, a small number of RNA targets in endogenous human transcripts were found to bind specifically to 11, providing evidence for candidate PreQ1 aptamers in human RNA. This work demonstrates a stark influence of linker chemistry and structure on the ability of molecules to crosslink RNA, reveals that the PreQ1 aptamer/ligand pair are broadly useful for chemical biology applications, and provides insights into how PreQ1, which is similar in structure to guanine, interacts with human RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumirtha Balaratnam
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Curran Rhodes
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Desta Doro Bume
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Colleen Connelly
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Christopher C. Lai
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - James A. Kelley
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Kamyar Yazdani
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Philip J. Homan
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA ,grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Danny Incarnato
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tomoyuki Numata
- grid.177174.30000 0001 2242 4849Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan ,grid.208504.b0000 0001 2230 7538Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8566 Japan
| | - John S. Schneekloth Jr
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
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30
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Anokhina VS, Miller BL. Targeting Ribosomal Frameshifting as an Antiviral Strategy: From HIV-1 to SARS-CoV-2. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3349-3361. [PMID: 34403258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of HIV-1 has largely involved targeting viral enzymes using a cocktail of inhibitors. However, resistance to these inhibitors and toxicity in the long term have pushed the field to identify new therapeutic targets. To that end, -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) has gained attention as a potential node for therapeutic intervention. In this process, a ribosome moves one nucleotide backward in the course of translating a mRNA, revealing a new reading frame for protein synthesis. In HIV-1, -1 PRF allows the virus to regulate the ratios of enzymatic and structural proteins as needed for correct viral particle assembly. Two RNA structural elements are central to -1 PRF in HIV: a slippery sequence and a highly conserved stable hairpin called the HIV-1 frameshifting stimulatory signal (FSS). Dysregulation of -1 PRF is deleterious for the virus. Thus, -1 PRF is an attractive target for new antiviral development. It is important to note that HIV-1 is not the only virus exploiting -1 PRF for regulating production of its proteins. Coronaviruses, including the COVID-19 pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2, also rely on -1 PRF. In SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, -1 PRF is required for synthesis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and several other nonstructural proteins. Coronaviruses employ a more complex RNA structural element for regulating -1 PRF called a pseudoknot. The purpose of this Account is primarily to review the development of molecules targeting HIV-1 -1 PRF. These approaches are case studies illustrating how the entire pipeline from screening to the generation of high-affinity leads might be implemented. We consider both target-based and function-based screening, with a particular focus on our group's approach beginning with a resin-bound dynamic combinatorial library (RBDCL) screen. We then used rational design approaches to optimize binding affinity, selectivity, and cellular bioavailability. Our tactic is, to the best of our knowledge, the only study resulting in compounds that bind specifically to the HIV-1 FSS RNA and reduce infectivity of laboratory and drug-resistant strains of HIV-1 in human cells. Lessons learned from strategies targeting -1 PRF HIV-1 might provide solutions in the development of antivirals in areas of unmet medical need. This includes the development of new frameshift-altering therapies for SARS-CoV-2, approaches to which are very recently beginning to appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya S. Anokhina
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Benjamin L. Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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31
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Bush JA, Williams CC, Meyer SM, Tong Y, Haniff HS, Childs-Disney JL, Disney MD. Systematically Studying the Effect of Small Molecules Interacting with RNA in Cellular and Preclinical Models. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1111-1127. [PMID: 34166593 PMCID: PMC8867596 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The interrogation and manipulation of biological systems by small molecules is a powerful approach in chemical biology. Ideal compounds selectively engage a target and mediate a downstream phenotypic response. Although historically small molecule drug discovery has focused on proteins and enzymes, targeting RNA is an attractive therapeutic alternative, as many disease-causing or -associated RNAs have been identified through genome-wide association studies. As the field of RNA chemical biology emerges, the systematic evaluation of target validation and modulation of target-associated pathways is of paramount importance. In this Review, through an examination of case studies, we outline the experimental characterization, including methods and tools, to evaluate comprehensively the impact of small molecules that target RNA on cellular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Bush
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Christopher C Williams
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Samantha M Meyer
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Yuquan Tong
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Hafeez S Haniff
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Jessica L Childs-Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Matthew D Disney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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32
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Thavarajah W, Hertz LM, Bushhouse DZ, Archuleta CM, Lucks JB. RNA Engineering for Public Health: Innovations in RNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2021; 12:263-286. [PMID: 33900805 PMCID: PMC9714562 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101420-014055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA is essential for cellular function: From sensing intra- and extracellular signals to controlling gene expression, RNA mediates a diverse and expansive list of molecular processes. A long-standing goal of synthetic biology has been to develop RNA engineering principles that can be used to harness and reprogram these RNA-mediated processes to engineer biological systems to solve pressing global challenges. Recent advances in the field of RNA engineering are bringing this to fruition, enabling the creation of RNA-based tools to combat some of the most urgent public health crises. Specifically, new diagnostics using engineered RNAs are able to detect both pathogens and chemicals while generating an easily detectable fluorescent signal as an indicator. New classes of vaccines and therapeutics are also using engineered RNAs to target a wide range of genetic and pathogenic diseases. Here, we discuss the recent breakthroughs in RNA engineering enabling these innovations and examine how advances in RNA design promise to accelerate the impact of engineered RNA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Thavarajah
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Laura M Hertz
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - David Z Bushhouse
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Chloé M Archuleta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA; .,Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.,Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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33
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Decoding the Roles of Long Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063137. [PMID: 33808647 PMCID: PMC8003515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. HCC is associated with several etiological factors, including HBV/HCV infections, cirrhosis, and fatty liver diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying HCC development remains largely elusive. The advent of high-throughput sequencing has unveiled an unprecedented discovery of a plethora of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Despite the lack of coding capacity, lncRNAs have key roles in gene regulation through interacting with various biomolecules. It is increasingly evident that the dysregulation of lncRNAs is inextricably linked to HCC cancer phenotypes, suggesting that lncRNAs are potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. In light of the emerging research in the study of the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in HCC, we discuss the association of lncRNAs with HCC. We link the biological processes influenced by lncRNAs to cancer hallmarks in HCC and describe the associated functional mechanisms. This review sheds light on future research directions, including the potential therapeutic applications of lncRNAs.
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34
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Pasquer QTL, Tsakoumagkos IA, Hoogendoorn S. From Phenotypic Hit to Chemical Probe: Chemical Biology Approaches to Elucidate Small Molecule Action in Complex Biological Systems. Molecules 2020; 25:E5702. [PMID: 33287212 PMCID: PMC7730769 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologically active small molecules have a central role in drug development, and as chemical probes and tool compounds to perturb and elucidate biological processes. Small molecules can be rationally designed for a given target, or a library of molecules can be screened against a target or phenotype of interest. Especially in the case of phenotypic screening approaches, a major challenge is to translate the compound-induced phenotype into a well-defined cellular target and mode of action of the hit compound. There is no "one size fits all" approach, and recent years have seen an increase in available target deconvolution strategies, rooted in organic chemistry, proteomics, and genetics. This review provides an overview of advances in target identification and mechanism of action studies, describes the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches, and illustrates the need for chemical biologists to integrate and expand the existing tools to increase the probability of evolving screen hits to robust chemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sascha Hoogendoorn
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211 Genève, Switzerland; (Q.T.L.P.); (I.A.T.)
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