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Cammas A, Desprairies A, Dassi E, Millevoi S. The shaping of mRNA translation plasticity by RNA G-quadruplexes in cancer progression and therapy resistance. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae025. [PMID: 38828391 PMCID: PMC11140630 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational reprogramming in response to oncogenic signaling or microenvironmental stress factors shapes the proteome of cancer cells, enabling adaptation and phenotypic changes underlying cell plasticity, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy. Among the mechanisms regulating translation are RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s), non-canonical four-stranded structures whose conformational modulation by small molecule ligands and RNA-binding proteins affects the expression of cancer proteins. Here, we discuss the role of RG4s in the regulation of mRNA translation by focusing on paradigmatic examples showing their contribution to adaptive mechanisms of mRNA translation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cammas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Desprairies
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
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2
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Kuang K, Li C, Maksut F, Ghosh D, Vinck R, Wang M, Poupon J, Xiang R, Li W, Li F, Wang Z, Du J, Teulade-Fichou MP, Gasser G, Bombard S, Jia T. A G-quadruplex-binding platinum complex induces cancer mitochondrial dysfunction through dual-targeting mitochondrial and nuclear G4 enriched genome. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:50. [PMID: 38741159 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-quadruplex DNA (G4) is a non-canonical structure forming in guanine-rich regions, which play a vital role in cancer biology and are now being acknowledged in both nuclear and mitochondrial (mt) genome. However, the impact of G4-based targeted therapy on both nuclear and mt genome, affecting mt function and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. METHODS The mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of a G4-binding platinum(II) complex, Pt-ttpy, on mitochondria were conducted through a comprehensive approaches with in vitro and in vivo models, including ICP-MS for platinum measurement, PCR-based genetic analysis, western blotting (WB), confocal microscope for mt morphology study, extracellular flux analyzer, JC1 and Annexin V apoptosis assay, flow cytometry and high content microscope screening with single-cell quantification of both ROS and mt specific ROS, as well as click-chemistry for IF study of mt translation. Decipher Pt-ttpy effects on nuclear-encoded mt related genes expression were undertaken via RNA-seq, Chip-seq and CUT-RUN assays. RESULTS Pt-ttpy, shows a highest accumulation in the mitochondria of A2780 cancer cells as compared with two other platinum(II) complexes with no/weak G4-binding properties, Pt-tpy and cisplatin. Pt-ttpy induces mtDNA deletion, copy reduction and transcription inhibition, hindering mt protein translation. Functional analysis reveals potent mt dysfunction without reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. Mechanistic study provided first evidence that most of mt ribosome genes are highly enriched in G4 structures in their promoter regions, notably, Pt-ttpy impairs most nuclear-encoded mt ribosome genes' transcription through dampening the recruiting of transcription initiation and elongation factors of NELFB and TAF1 to their promoter with G4-enriched sequences. In vivo studies show Pt-ttpy's efficient anti-tumor effects, disrupting mt genome function with fewer side effects than cisplatin. CONCLUSION This study underscores Pt-ttpy as a G4-binding platinum(II) complex, effectively targeting cancer mitochondria through dual action on mt and nuclear G4-enriched genomes without inducing ROS, offering promise for safer and effective platinum-based G4-targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Fatlinda Maksut
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, PSL-Research University, 91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Deepanjan Ghosh
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, PSL-Research University, 91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Robin Vinck
- Chimie ParisTech, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, PSL University, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Maolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Joël Poupon
- Hôpital Lariboisière (AP-HP), Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, 2 rue Ambroise Paré, 75475, Paris, France
| | - Run Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Junrong Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, PSL-Research University, 91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Gilles Gasser
- Chimie ParisTech, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, PSL University, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Bombard
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, PSL-Research University, 91405, Orsay, France.
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France.
| | - Tao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, PSL-Research University, 91405, Orsay, France.
- CNRS-UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris Saclay, 91405, Orsay, France.
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Majocha MR, Jackson DE, Ha NH, Amin R, Pangrácová M, Ross CR, Yang HH, Lee MP, Hunter KW. Resf1 is a compound G4 quadruplex-associated tumor suppressor for triple negative breast cancer. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011236. [PMID: 38722825 PMCID: PMC11081379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with ER-negative breast cancer have the worst prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes, often experiencing rapid recurrence or progression to metastatic disease shortly after diagnosis. Given that metastasis is the primary cause of mortality in most solid tumors, understanding metastatic biology is crucial for effective intervention. Using a mouse systems genetics approach, we previously identified 12 genes associated with metastatic susceptibility. Here, we extend those studies to identify Resf1, a poorly characterized gene, as a novel metastasis susceptibility gene in ER- breast cancer. Resf1 is a large, unstructured protein with an evolutionarily conserved intron-exon structure, but with poor amino acid conservation. CRISPR or gene trap mouse models crossed to the Polyoma Middle-T antigen genetically engineered mouse model (MMTV-PyMT) demonstrated that reduction of Resf1 resulted in a significant increase in tumor growth, a shortened overall survival time, and increased incidence and number of lung metastases, consistent with patient data. Furthermore, an analysis of matched tail and primary tissues revealed loss of the wildtype copy in tumor tissue, consistent with Resf1 being a tumor suppressor. Mechanistic analysis revealed a potential role of Resf1 in transcriptional control through association with compound G4 quadruplexes in expressed sequences, particularly those associated with ribosomal biogenesis. These results suggest that loss of Resf1 enhances tumor progression in ER- breast cancer through multiple alterations in both transcriptional and translational control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R. Majocha
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Devin E. Jackson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Ngoc-Han Ha
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ruhul Amin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marie Pangrácová
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christina R. Ross
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Howard H. Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Maxwell P. Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kent W. Hunter
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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4
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Fu L, Wu Q, Fu J. Exploring the biological roles of DHX36, a DNA/RNA G-quadruplex helicase, highlights functions in male infertility: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131811. [PMID: 38677694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
It is estimated that 15 % of couples at reproductive age worldwide suffer from infertility, approximately 50 % of cases are caused by male factors. Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility through assisted reproductive technology and molecular genetics methods. However, there is still inadequate research on the underlying mechanisms of gene regulation in the process of spermatogenesis. Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are a class of non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acid commonly found in genomes and RNAs that play important roles in various biological processes. Interestingly, the DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36) displays high specificity for the G4s which can unwind both DNA G4s and RNA G4s enzymatically and is highly expressed in testis, thereby regulating multiple cellular functions including transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, translation, telomere maintenance, genomic stability, and RNA metabolism in development and male infertility. This review provides an overview of the roles of G4s and DHX36 in reproduction and development. We mainly focus on the potential role of DHX36 in male infertility. We also discuss possible future research directions regarding the mechanism of spermatogenesis mediated by DHX36 through G4s in spermatogenesis-related genes and provide new targets for gene therapy of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Junjiang Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China; Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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5
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Breunig K, Lei X, Montalbano M, Guardia GDA, Ostadrahimi S, Alers V, Kosti A, Chiou J, Klein N, Vinarov C, Wang L, Li M, Song W, Kraus WL, Libich DS, Tiziani S, Weintraub ST, Galante PAF, Penalva LOF. SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and is present in PARylation-dependent protein complexes regulating splicing, cell division, and ribosome biogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586270. [PMID: 38585848 PMCID: PMC10996453 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are present in diverse molecular complexes where they function as dynamic regulators. Their characteristics promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles such as stress granules and nucleoli. IDR-RBPs are particularly relevant in the nervous system and their dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor development. SERBP1 is a unique member of this group, being mostly disordered and lacking canonical RNA-binding domains. Using a proteomics approach followed by functional analysis, we defined SERBP1's interactome. We uncovered novel SERBP1 roles in splicing, cell division, and ribosomal biogenesis and showed its participation in pathological stress granules and Tau aggregates in Alzheimer's disease brains. SERBP1 preferentially interacts with other G-quadruplex (G4) binders, implicated in different stages of gene expression, suggesting that G4 binding is a critical component of SERBP1 function in different settings. Similarly, we identified important associations between SERBP1 and PARP1/polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation). SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and its associated factors and influences PARylation. Moreover, protein complexes in which SERBP1 participates contain mostly PARylated proteins and PAR binders. Based on these results, we propose a feedback regulatory model in which SERBP1 influences PARP1 function and PARylation, while PARylation modulates SERBP1 functions and participation in regulatory complexes.
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6
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Bhatt U, Cucchiarini A, Luo Y, Evans CW, Mergny JL, Iyer KS, Smith NM. Preferential formation of Z-RNA over intercalated motifs in long noncoding RNA. Genome Res 2024; 34:217-230. [PMID: 38355305 PMCID: PMC10984386 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278236.123] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Secondary structure is a principal determinant of lncRNA function, predominantly regarding scaffold formation and interfaces with target molecules. Noncanonical secondary structures that form in nucleic acids have known roles in regulating gene expression and include G-quadruplexes (G4s), intercalated motifs (iMs), and R-loops (RLs). In this paper, we used the computational tools G4-iM Grinder and QmRLFS-finder to predict the formation of each of these structures throughout the lncRNA transcriptome in comparison to protein-coding transcripts. The importance of the predicted structures in lncRNAs in biological contexts was assessed by combining our results with publicly available lncRNA tissue expression data followed by pathway analysis. The formation of predicted G4 (pG4) and iM (piM) structures in select lncRNA sequences was confirmed in vitro using biophysical experiments under near-physiological conditions. We find that the majority of the tested pG4s form highly stable G4 structures, and identify many previously unreported G4s in biologically important lncRNAs. In contrast, none of the piM sequences are able to form iM structures, consistent with the idea that RNA is unable to form stable iMs. Unexpectedly, these C-rich sequences instead form Z-RNA structures, which have not been previously observed in regions containing cytosine repeats and represent an interesting and underexplored target for protein-RNA interactions. Our results highlight the prevalence and potential structure-associated functions of noncanonical secondary structures in lncRNAs, and show G4 and Z-RNA structure formation in many lncRNA sequences for the first time, furthering the understanding of the structure-function relationship in lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uditi Bhatt
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Yu Luo
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, École Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia;
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7
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Gemmill DL, Nelson CR, Badmalia MD, Pereira HS, Kerr L, Wolfinger MT, Patel TR. The 3' terminal region of Zika virus RNA contains a conserved G-quadruplex and is unfolded by human DDX17. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:96-105. [PMID: 37774422 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0036] [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: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection remains a worldwide concern, and currently no effective treatments or vaccines are available. Novel therapeutics are an avenue of interest that could probe viral RNA-human protein communication to stop viral replication. One specific RNA structure, G-quadruplexes (G4s), possess various roles in viruses and all domains of life, including transcription and translation regulation and genome stability, and serves as nucleation points for RNA liquid-liquid phase separation. Previous G4 studies on ZIKV using a quadruplex forming G-rich sequences Mapper located a potential G-quadruplex sequence in the 3' terminal region (TR) and was validated structurally using a 25-mer oligo. It is currently unknown if this structure is conserved and maintained in a large ZIKV RNA transcript and its specific roles in viral replication. Using bioinformatic analysis and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that the ZIKV 3' TR G4 is conserved across all ZIKV isolates and maintains its structure in a 3' TR full-length transcript. We further established the G4 formation using pyridostatin and the BG4 G4-recognizing antibody binding assays. Our study also demonstrates that the human DEAD-box helicases, DDX3X132-607 and DDX17135-555, bind to the 3' TR and that DDX17135-555 unfolds the G4 present in the 3' TR. These findings provide a path forward in potential therapeutic targeting of DDX3X or DDX17's binding to the 3' TR G4 region for novel treatments against ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dannielle L Gemmill
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Corey R Nelson
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Maulik D Badmalia
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Higor S Pereira
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Liam Kerr
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Michael T Wolfinger
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 29, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Strasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- RNA Forecast e.U., 1140 Vienna, Austria
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Discovery Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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8
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Matos-Rodrigues G, Hisey JA, Nussenzweig A, Mirkin SM. Detection of alternative DNA structures and its implications for human disease. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3622-3641. [PMID: 37863029 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.08.018] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Around 3% of the genome consists of simple DNA repeats that are prone to forming alternative (non-B) DNA structures, such as hairpins, cruciforms, triplexes (H-DNA), four-stranded guanine quadruplexes (G4-DNA), and others, as well as composite RNA:DNA structures (e.g., R-loops, G-loops, and H-loops). These DNA structures are dynamic and favored by the unwinding of duplex DNA. For many years, the association of alternative DNA structures with genome function was limited by the lack of methods to detect them in vivo. Here, we review the recent advancements in the field and present state-of-the-art technologies and methods to study alternative DNA structures. We discuss the limitations of these methods as well as how they are beginning to provide insights into causal relationships between alternative DNA structures, genome function and stability, and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A Hisey
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - André Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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9
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Guzman BB, Son A, Litberg TJ, Huang Z, Dominguez D, Horowitz S. Emerging roles for G-quadruplexes in proteostasis. FEBS J 2023; 290:4614-4625. [PMID: 36017725 PMCID: PMC10071977 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16608] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How nucleic acids interact with proteins, and how they affect protein folding, aggregation, and misfolding is a still-evolving area of research. Considerable effort is now focusing on a particular structure of RNA and DNA, G-quadruplexes, and their role in protein homeostasis and disease. In this state-of-the-art review, we track recent reports on how G-quadruplexes influence protein aggregation, proteolysis, phase separation, and protein misfolding diseases, and pose currently unanswered questions in the advance of this scientific field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan B Guzman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahyun Son
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Theodore J Litberg
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Zijue Huang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Daniel Dominguez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott Horowitz
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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Lo R, Gonçalves-Carneiro D. Sensing nucleotide composition in virus RNA. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230372. [PMID: 37606964 PMCID: PMC10500230 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide composition plays a crucial role in the structure, function and recognition of RNA molecules. During infection, virus RNA is exposed to multiple endogenous proteins that detect local or global compositional biases and interfere with virus replication. Recent advancements in RNA:protein mapping technologies have enabled the identification of general RNA-binding preferences in the human proteome at basal level and in the context of virus infection. In this review, we explore how cellular proteins recognise nucleotide composition in virus RNA and the impact these interactions have on virus replication. Protein-binding G-rich and C-rich sequences are common examples of how host factors detect and limit infection, and, in contrast, viruses may have evolved to purge their genomes from such motifs. We also give examples of how human RNA-binding proteins inhibit virus replication, not only by destabilising virus RNA, but also by interfering with viral protein translation and genome encapsidation. Understanding the interplay between cellular proteins and virus RNA composition can provide insights into host-virus interactions and uncover potential targets for antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymon Lo
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, U.K
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11
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Gaur P, Bain FE, Honda M, Granger SL, Spies M. Single-Molecule Analysis of the Improved Variants of the G-Quadruplex Recognition Protein G4P. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10274. [PMID: 37373425 PMCID: PMC10299155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210274] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As many as 700,000 unique sequences in the human genome are predicted to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical structures formed by Hoogsteen guanine-guanine pairing within G-rich nucleic acids. G4s play both physiological and pathological roles in many vital cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA transcription. Several reagents have been developed to visualize G4s in vitro and in cells. Recently, Zhen et al. synthesized a small protein G4P based on the G4 recognition motif from RHAU (DHX36) helicase (RHAU specific motif, RSM). G4P was reported to bind the G4 structures in cells and in vitro, and to display better selectivity toward G4s than the previously published BG4 antibody. To get insight into G4P- G4 interaction kinetics and selectivity, we purified G4P and its expanded variants, and analyzed their G4 binding using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and mass photometry. We found that G4P binds to various G4s with affinities defined mostly by the association rate. Doubling the number of the RSM units in the G4P increases the protein's affinity for telomeric G4s and its ability to interact with sequences folding into multiple G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maria Spies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA (M.H.)
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Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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13
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Gaur P, Bain FE, Honda M, Granger SL, Spies M. Single-molecule analysis of the improved variants of the G-quadruplex recognition protein G4P. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539902. [PMID: 37214990 PMCID: PMC10197523 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
As many as 700,000 unique sequences in the human genome are predicted to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical structures formed by Hoogsteen guanine-guanine pairing within G-rich nucleic acids. G4s play both physiological and pathological roles in many vital cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA transcription. Several reagents have been developed to visualize G4s in vitro and in cells. Recently, Zhen et al . synthesized a small protein G4P based on the G4 recognition motif from RHAU (DHX36) helicase (RHAU specific motif, RSM). G4P was reported to bind the G4 structures in cells and in vitro , and to display better selectivity towards G4s than the previously published BG4 antibody. To get insight into the G4P-G4 interaction kinetics and selectivity, we purified G4P and its expanded variants, and analyzed their G4 binding using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and mass photometry. We found that G4P binds to various G4s with affinities defined mostly by the association rate. Doubling the number of the RSM units in the G4P increases the protein's affinity for telomeric G4s and its ability to interact with sequences folding into multiple G4s.
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14
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Miclot T, Froux A, D'Anna L, Bignon E, Grandemange S, Barone G, Monari A, Terenzi A. Understanding the Interactions of Guanine Quadruplexes with Peptides as Novel Strategies for Diagnosis or Tuning Biological Functions. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200624. [PMID: 36598366 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200624] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Guanine quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structures exhibiting a complex structural behavior and exerting crucial biological functions in both cells and viruses. The specific interactions of peptides with G4s, as well as an understanding of the factors driving the specific recognition are important for the rational design of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In this review, we examine the most important studies dealing with the interactions between G4s and peptides, highlighting the strengths and limitations of current analytic approaches. We also show how the combined use of high-level molecular simulation techniques and experimental spectroscopy is the best avenue to design specifically tuned and selective peptides, thus leading to the control of important biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Miclot
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy.,Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Aurane Froux
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy.,Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7039 CRAN, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Luisa D'Anna
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Bignon
- Université de Lorraine and CNRS, UMR 7019 LPCT, 54000, Nancy, France
| | | | - Giampaolo Barone
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Terenzi
- Universita di Palermo, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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An atypical RNA quadruplex marks RNAs as vectors for gene silencing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1113-1121. [PMID: 36352138 PMCID: PMC10092862 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00854-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The addition of poly(UG) ('pUG') repeats to 3' termini of mRNAs drives gene silencing and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans. pUG tails promote silencing by recruiting an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) that synthesizes small interfering RNAs. Here we show that active pUG tails require a minimum of 11.5 repeats and adopt a quadruplex (G4) structure we term the pUG fold. The pUG fold differs from known G4s in that it has a left-handed backbone similar to Z-RNA, no consecutive guanosines in its sequence, and three G quartets and one U quartet stacked non-sequentially. The compact pUG fold binds six potassium ions and brings the RNA ends into close proximity. The biological importance of the pUG fold is emphasized by our observations that porphyrin molecules bind to the pUG fold and inhibit both gene silencing and binding of RdRP. Moreover, specific 7-deaza substitutions that disrupt the pUG fold neither bind RdRP nor induce RNA silencing. These data define the pUG fold as a previously unrecognized RNA structural motif that drives gene silencing. The pUG fold can also form internally within larger RNA molecules. Approximately 20,000 pUG-fold sequences are found in noncoding regions of human RNAs, suggesting that the fold probably has biological roles beyond gene silencing.
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Ryan CS, Schröder M. The human DEAD-box helicase DDX3X as a regulator of mRNA translation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1033684. [PMID: 36393867 PMCID: PMC9642913 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1033684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human DEAD-box protein DDX3X is an RNA remodelling enzyme that has been implicated in various aspects of RNA metabolism. In addition, like many DEAD-box proteins, it has non-conventional functions that are independent of its enzymatic activity, e.g., DDX3X acts as an adaptor molecule in innate immune signalling pathways. DDX3X has been linked to several human diseases. For example, somatic mutations in DDX3X were identified in various human cancers, and de novo germline mutations cause a neurodevelopmental condition now termed 'DDX3X syndrome'. DDX3X is also an important host factor in many different viral infections, where it can have pro-or anti-viral effects depending on the specific virus. The regulation of translation initiation for specific mRNA transcripts is likely a central cellular function of DDX3X, yet many questions regarding its exact targets and mechanisms of action remain unanswered. In this review, we explore the current knowledge about DDX3X's physiological RNA targets and summarise its interactions with the translation machinery. A role for DDX3X in translational reprogramming during cellular stress is emerging, where it may be involved in the regulation of stress granule formation and in mediating non-canonical translation initiation. Finally, we also discuss the role of DDX3X-mediated translation regulation during viral infections. Dysregulation of DDX3X's function in mRNA translation likely contributes to its involvement in disease pathophysiology. Thus, a better understanding of its exact mechanisms for regulating translation of specific mRNA targets is important, so that we can potentially develop therapeutic strategies for overcoming the negative effects of its dysregulation.
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Alternative RNA Conformations: Companion or Combatant. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13111930. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA molecules, in one form or another, are involved in almost all aspects of cell physiology, as well as in disease development. The diversity of the functional roles of RNA comes from its intrinsic ability to adopt complex secondary and tertiary structures, rivaling the diversity of proteins. The RNA molecules form dynamic ensembles of many interconverting conformations at a timescale of seconds, which is a key for understanding how they execute their cellular functions. Given the crucial role of RNAs in various cellular processes, we need to understand the RNA molecules from a structural perspective. Central to this review are studies aimed at revealing the regulatory role of conformational equilibria in RNA in humans to understand genetic diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in pathogens such as bacteria and viruses so as to understand the progression of infectious diseases. Furthermore, we also summarize the prior studies on the use of RNA structures as platforms for the rational design of small molecules for therapeutic applications.
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Bourdon S, Herviou P, Dumas L, Destefanis E, Zen A, Cammas A, Millevoi S, Dassi E. QUADRatlas: the RNA G-quadruplex and RG4-binding proteins database. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:D240-D247. [PMID: 36124670 PMCID: PMC9825518 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) are non-canonical, disease-associated post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression whose functions are driven by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Being able to explore transcriptome-wide RG4 formation and interaction with RBPs is thus paramount to understanding how they are regulated and exploiting them as potential therapeutic targets. Towards this goal, we present QUADRatlas (https://rg4db.cibio.unitn.it), a database of experimentally-derived and computationally predicted RG4s in the human transcriptome, enriched with biological function and disease associations. As RBPs are key to their function, we mined known interactions of RG4s with such proteins, complemented with an extensive RBP binding sites dataset. Users can thus intersect RG4s with their potential regulators and effectors, enabling the formulation of novel hypotheses on RG4 regulation, function and pathogenicity. To support this capability, we provide analysis tools for predicting whether an RBP can bind RG4s, RG4 enrichment in a gene set, and de novo RG4 prediction. Genome-browser and table views allow exploring, filtering, and downloading the data quickly for individual genes and in batch. QUADRatlas is a significant step forward in our ability to understand the biology of RG4s, offering unmatched data content and enabling the integrated analysis of RG4s and their interactions with RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eliana Destefanis
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy,Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Zen
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Anne Cammas
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse, INSERM UMR 1037, 31037 Toulouse, France,Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, 31330 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Erik Dassi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +39 0461 282792;
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Shu H, Zhang R, Xiao K, Yang J, Sun X. G-Quadruplex-Binding Proteins: Promising Targets for Drug Design. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050648. [PMID: 35625576 PMCID: PMC9138358 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary nucleic acid structures. Sequences with the potential to form G4s are abundant in regulatory regions of the genome including telomeres, promoters and 5′ non-coding regions, indicating they fulfill important genome regulatory functions. Generally, G4s perform various biological functions by interacting with proteins. In recent years, an increasing number of G-quadruplex-binding proteins have been identified with biochemical experiments. G4-binding proteins are involved in vital cellular processes such as telomere maintenance, DNA replication, gene transcription, mRNA processing. Therefore, G4-binding proteins are also associated with various human diseases. An intensive study of G4-protein interactions provides an attractive approach for potential therapeutics and these proteins can be considered as drug targets for novel medical treatment. In this review, we present biological functions and structural properties of G4-binding proteins, and discuss how to exploit G4-protein interactions to develop new therapeutic targets.
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