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Wang JX, Wang XD, Hu MH. Novel quinoxaline analogs as telomeric G-quadruplex ligands exert antitumor effects related to enhanced immunomodulation. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 274:116536. [PMID: 38805936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are commonly formed in the G-rich strand of telomeric DNA. Ligands targeting telomeric G4 induce DNA damage and telomere dysfunction, which makes them potential antitumor drugs. New telomeric G4 ligands with drug-likeness are still needed to be exploited, especially with their antitumor mechanisms thoroughly discussed. In this study, a novel series of quinoxaline analogs were rationally designed and synthesized. Among them, R1 was the most promising ligand for its cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and stabilizing ability with telomeric G4. Cellular assays illustrated that R1 stabilized G4 and induced R-loop accumulation in the telomeric regions, subsequently triggering DNA damage responses, cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, apoptosis and antiproliferation. Moreover, R1 evoked immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells, which promoted the maturation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). In breast cancer mouse model, R1 exhibited a significant decrease in tumor burden through the immunomodulatory effects, including the increase of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumors and cytokine levels in sera. Our research provides a new idea that targeting telomeric G4 induces DNA damage responses, causing antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, partially due to the enhancement of immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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2
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Huang M, Cha Z, Liu R, Lin M, Gafoor NA, Kong T, Ge F, Chen W. Enhancing immunotherapy outcomes by targeted remodeling of the tumor microenvironment via combined cGAS-STING pathway strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1399926. [PMID: 38817608 PMCID: PMC11137211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1399926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a groundbreaking advance in the treatment of malignancies such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, showcasing substantial therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the efficacy of ICIs is limited to a small subset of patients, primarily benefiting those with "hot" tumors characterized by significant immune infiltration. The challenge of converting "cold" tumors, which exhibit minimal immune activity, into "hot" tumors to enhance their responsiveness to ICIs is a critical and complex area of current research. Central to this endeavor is the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, a pivotal nexus between innate and adaptive immunity. This pathway's activation promotes the production of type I interferon (IFN) and the recruitment of CD8+ T cells, thereby transforming the tumor microenvironment (TME) from "cold" to "hot". This review comprehensively explores the cGAS-STING pathway's role in reconditioning the TME, detailing the underlying mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity and highlighting the contributions of various immune cells to tumor immunity. Furthermore, we delve into the latest clinical research on STING agonists and their potential in combination therapies, targeting this pathway. The discussion concludes with an examination of the challenges facing the advancement of promising STING agonists in clinical trials and the pressing issues within the cGAS-STING signaling pathway research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqing Huang
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuocen Cha
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
- Guizhou Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Mengping Lin
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Naif Abdul Gafoor
- International Education School of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tong Kong
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenlin Chen
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
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3
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Wang XD, Liu YS, Chen MD, Hu MH. Discovery of a triphenylamine-based ligand that targets mitochondrial DNA G-quadruplexes and activates the cGAS-STING immunomodulatory pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116361. [PMID: 38547736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Stabilization of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in mitochondria leads to the damage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), making mtDNA G4s a promising target in the field of cancer therapy in recent years. Damaged mtDNA released into the cytosol can stimulate cytosolic DNA-sensing pathways, and cGAS-STING pathway is a typical one with potent immunostimulatory effects. A few small molecule ligands of mtDNA G4s are identified with antitumor efficacy, but little is known about their results and mechanisms on immunomodulation. In this study, we engineered a series of triphenylamine-based analogues targeting mtDNA G4s, and A6 was determined as the most promising compound. Cellular studies indicated that A6 caused severe mtDNA damage. Then, damaged mtDNA stimulated cGAS-STING pathway, resulting in the following cytokine production of tumor cells and the maturation of DCs. In vivo experiments certified that A6 exerted suppressive influences on tumor growth and metastasis in 4T1 cell-bearing mice by the regulation of TME, including the remodeling of macrophages and the activation of T cells. To our knowledge, it is the first time to report a ligand targeting mtDNA G4s to activate the cGAS-STING immunomodulatory pathway, providing a novel strategy for the future development of mtDNA G4-based antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yong-Si Liu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Meng-Die Chen
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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4
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Kligfeld H, Han I, Abraham A, Shukla V. Alternative DNA structures in hematopoiesis and adaptive immunity. Adv Immunol 2024; 161:109-126. [PMID: 38763699 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.03.002] [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: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Besides the canonical B-form, DNA also adopts alternative non-B form conformations which are highly conserved in all domains of life. While extensive research over decades has centered on the genomic functions of B-form DNA, understanding how non-B-form conformations influence functional genomic states remains a fundamental and open question. Recent studies have ascribed alternative DNA conformations such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops as important functional features in eukaryotic genomes. This review delves into the biological importance of alternative DNA structures, with a specific focus on hematopoiesis and adaptive immunity. We discuss the emerging roles of G-quadruplex and R-loop structures, the two most well-studied alternative DNA conformations, in the hematopoietic compartment and present evidence for their functional roles in normal cellular physiology and associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kligfeld
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Isabella Han
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ajay Abraham
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vipul Shukla
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
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5
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Feng Y, Xuan X, Hu Y, Lu J, Dong Z, Sun Z, Yao H, Hu L, Yin Q, Liu Y, Wang H. Targeting G-rich sequence to regulate the transcription of murine double minute (MDM) genes in triple-negative breast cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116156. [PMID: 38295687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116156] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and homologous protein murine double minute X (MDMX) are p53 negative regulators that perform significant driving effects in tumorigenesis, and targeting these oncoproteins has became an efficient strategy in treating cancers. However, the definite antitumor activity and significance ordering of each protein in MDM family is still unclear due to the similar structure and complicated regulation. Herein, we identified two G-rich sequences (G1 and G5) located in the promoter that could assemble the G-quadruplex to respectively inhibit and promote the transcription of the MDM2 and MDMX. Based on this target, we designed and synthesized a novel G-quadruplex ligand A3f and achieved the differentiated regulation of MDM protein. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, A3f could induce MDM2-dependent proliferation arrest and exhibit additive therapeutic effect with MDMX inhibitors. Overall, this study provided a novel strategy to regulate the transcription of MDM genes by targeting certain G-rich sequences, and discovered an active antitumor molecule for use in TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Xuan Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Yuemiao Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Jiaguo Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Zhiwen Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Ziqiang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Hongying Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Lei Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qikun Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
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Nicolás Á, Quero JG, Barroso M, Gándara Z, Gude L. DNA Interactions and Biological Activity of 2,9-Disubstituted 1,10-Phenanthroline Thiosemicarbazone-Based Ligands and a 4-Phenylthiazole Derivative. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38275736 PMCID: PMC10813753 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Four 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (1-4) were synthesized as potential telomeric DNA binders, three substituted in their chains with thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) and one 4-phenylthiazole derivative. The compounds were characterized using NMR, HRMS, FTIR-spectroscopy and combustion elemental analysis. Quadruplex and dsDNA interactions were preliminarily studied, especially for neutral derivative 1, using FRET-based DNA melting assays, equilibrium dialysis (both competitive and non-competitive), circular dichroism and viscosity titrations. The TSC derivatives bind and stabilize the telomeric Tel22 quadruplex more efficiently than dsDNA, with an estimated 24-fold selectivity determined through equilibrium dialysis for compound 1. In addition, cytotoxic activity against various tumor cells (PC-3, DU145, HeLa, MCF-7 and HT29) and two normal cell lines (HFF-1 and RWPE-1) was evaluated. Except for the 4-phenylthiazole derivative, which was inactive, the compounds showed moderate cytotoxic properties, with the salts displaying lower IC50 values (30-80 μM), compared to the neutral TSC, except in PC-3 cells (IC50 (1) = 18 μM). However, the neutral derivative was the only compound that exhibited a modest selectivity in the case of prostate cells (tumor PC-3 versus healthy RWPE-1). Cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/PI assays revealed that the compounds can produce cell death by apoptosis, an effect that has proven to be similar to that demonstrated by other known 1,10-phenanthroline G4 ligands endowed with antitumor properties, such as PhenDC3 and PhenQE8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Nicolás
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), 28805 Madrid, Spain; (Á.N.)
- Grupo DISCOBAC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Julia G. Quero
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), 28805 Madrid, Spain; (Á.N.)
| | - Marta Barroso
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), 28805 Madrid, Spain; (Á.N.)
| | - Zoila Gándara
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), 28805 Madrid, Spain; (Á.N.)
- Grupo DISCOBAC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gude
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), 28805 Madrid, Spain; (Á.N.)
- Grupo DISCOBAC, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
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7
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De Magis A, Schult P, Schönleber A, Linke R, Ludwig KU, Kümmerer BM, Paeschke K. TMPRSS2 isoform 1 downregulation by G-quadruplex stabilization induces SARS-CoV-2 replication arrest. BMC Biol 2024; 22:5. [PMID: 38185627 PMCID: PMC10773119 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01805-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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on the host cell factors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE2, and the transmembrane serinprotease 2, TMPRSS2. Potential inhibitors of these proteins would be ideal targets against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Our data opens the possibility that changes within TMPRSS2 can modulate the outcome during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS We reveal that TMPRSS2 acts not only during viral entry but has also an important role during viral replication. In addition to previous functions for TMPRSS2 during viral entry, we determined by specific downregulation of distinct isoforms that only isoform 1 controls and supports viral replication. G-quadruplex (G4) stabilization by chemical compounds impacts TMPRSS2 gene expression. Here we extend and in-depth characterize these observations and identify that a specific G4 in the first exon of the TMPRSS2 isoform 1 is particular targeted by the G4 ligand and affects viral replication. Analysis of potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reveals that a reported SNP at this G4 in isoform 1 destroys the G4 motif and makes TMPRSS2 ineffective towards G4 treatment. CONCLUSION These findings uncover a novel mechanism in which G4 stabilization impacts SARS-CoV-2 replication by changing TMPRSS2 isoform 1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio De Magis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Philipp Schult
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonia Schönleber
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rebecca Linke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin U Ludwig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Beate M Kümmerer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Oncology, Haematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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8
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Kastl M, Hersperger F, Kierdorf K, Paeschke K. Detection of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures in Macrophages. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2713:453-462. [PMID: 37639141 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3437-0_30] [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: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the canonical B-DNA conformation, DNA can fold into different secondary structures. Among them are G-quadruplex structures (G4s). G4 structures are very stable and can fold in specific guanine-rich regions in DNA and RNA. Different in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo experiments have shown that G4 structures form so far in all tested organisms. There are over 700,000 predicted G4s in higher eukaryotes, but it is so far assumed that not all will form at the same time. Their formation is dynamically regulated by proteins and is cell type-specific and even changes during the cell cycle or during different exogenous or endogenous stimuli (e.g., infection or developmental stages) can alter the G4 level. G4s have been shown to accumulate in cancer cells where they contribute to gene expression changes and the mutagenic burden of the tumor. Specific targeting of G4 structures to impact the expression of oncogenes is currently discussed as an anti-cancer treatment. In a tumor microenvironment, not only the tumor cells will be targeted by G4 stabilization but also immune cells such as macrophages. Although G4s were detected in multiple organisms and different cell types, only little is known about their role in immune cells. Here, we provide a detailed protocol to detect G4 formation in the nucleus of macrophages of vertebrates and invertebrates by microscopic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kastl
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Hersperger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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9
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Figueiredo J, Djavaheri-Mergny M, Ferret L, Mergny JL, Cruz C. Harnessing G-quadruplex ligands for lung cancer treatment: A comprehensive overview. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103808. [PMID: 38414431 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103808] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. One such approach revolves around the utilization of four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures, known as G-quadruplexes (G4), which are formed by G-rich sequences. Ligands that bind selectively to G4 structures present a promising strategy for regulating crucial cellular processes involved in the progression of LC, rendering them potent agents for lung cancer treatment. In this review, we offer a summary of recent advancements in the development of G4 ligands capable of targeting specific genes associated with the development and progression of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mojgan Djavaheri-Mergny
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire de France, 75006 Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Lucille Ferret
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut Universitaire de France, 75006 Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau, France.
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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10
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De Magis A, Limmer M, Mudiyam V, Monchaud D, Juranek S, Paeschke K. UV-induced G4 DNA structures recruit ZRF1 which prevents UV-induced senescence. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6705. [PMID: 37872164 PMCID: PMC10593929 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Senescence has two roles in oncology: it is known as a potent tumor-suppressive mechanism, which also supports tissue regeneration and repair, it is also known to contribute to reduced patient resilience, which might lead to cancer recurrence and resistance after therapy. Senescence can be activated in a DNA damage-dependent and -independent manner. It is not clear which type of genomic lesions induces senescence, but it is known that UV irradiation can activate cellular senescence in photoaged skin. Proteins that support the repair of DNA damage are linked to senescence but how they contribute to senescence after UV irradiation is still unknown. Here, we unraveled a mechanism showing that upon UV irradiation multiple G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures accumulate in cell nuclei, which leads to the recruitment of ZRF1 to these G4 sites. ZRF1 binding to G4s ensures genome stability. The absence of ZRF1 triggers an accumulation of G4 structures, improper UV lesion repair, and entry into senescence. On the molecular level loss of ZRF1 as well as high G4 levels lead to the upregulation of DDB2, a protein associated with the UV-damage repair pathway, which drives cells into senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio De Magis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Limmer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Venkat Mudiyam
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne (ICMUB), CNRS UMR 6302, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Stefan Juranek
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katrin Paeschke
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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11
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Escarcega RD, Patil AA, Moruno-Manchon JF, Urayama A, Marrelli SP, Kim N, Monchaud D, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. Pirh2-dependent DNA damage in neurons induced by the G-quadruplex ligand pyridostatin. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105157. [PMID: 37579947 PMCID: PMC10534229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical base pairing between four guanines (G) within single-stranded G-rich sequences leads to formation of а G-quartet. Self-stacking of G-quartets results in a columnar four-stranded DNA structure known as the G-quadruplex (G4 or G4-DNA). In cancer cells, G4-DNA regulates multiple DNA-dependent processes, including transcription, replication, and telomere function. How G4s function in neurons is poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide gene expression analysis (RNA-Seq) to identify genes modulated by a G4-DNA ligand, pyridostatin (PDS), in primary cultured neurons. PDS promotes stabilization of G4 structures, thus allowing us to define genes directly or indirectly responsive to G4 regulation. We found that 901 genes were differentially expressed in neurons treated with PDS out of a total of 18,745 genes with measured expression. Of these, 505 genes were downregulated and 396 genes were upregulated and included gene networks regulating p53 signaling, the immune response, learning and memory, and cellular senescence. Within the p53 network, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Pirh2 (Rchy1), a modulator of DNA damage responses, was upregulated by PDS. Ectopically overexpressing Pirh2 promoted the formation of DNA double-strand breaks, suggesting a new DNA damage mechanism in neurons that is regulated by G4 stabilization. Pirh2 downregulated DDX21, an RNA helicase that unfolds G4-RNA and R-loops. Finally, we demonstrated that Pirh2 increased G4-DNA levels in the neuronal nucleolus. Our data reveal the genes that are responsive to PDS treatment and suggest similar transcriptional regulation by endogenous G4-DNA ligands. They also connect G4-dependent regulation of transcription and DNA damage mechanisms in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Diaz Escarcega
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Abhijeet A Patil
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jose F Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sean P Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB), UBFC Dijon, CNRS UMR6302, Dijon, France
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrey S Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA; UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
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12
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Wang XD, Wang JX, Hu MH. Novel phenanthrene imidazoles as telomeric G-quadruplex ligands trigger potent immunogenic cell death in triple-negative breast cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 249:126068. [PMID: 37524278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a typical type of regulated cell demise, and ICD inducers stimulate the immune responses against dead-cell antigens and exert specific antitumor effects. G-quadruplex (G4) binders targeting the telomeres lead to DNA damage response (DDR) and the potential of harnessing the immune system for cancer therapy. However, the immunostimulatory effects of G4 ligands in cancer cells are still seldomly determined. In this study, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of novel phenanthrene imidazoles targeting telomeric G4. Among them, PI-2 was identified as the most promising ligand with high cytotoxicity, cellular uptake efficiency and G4-interacting ability. Cellular studies indicated that PI-2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of both human and mouse triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. PI-2 triggered the occurrence of DDR and ICD, where the related pathways were further decided. In vivo experiments displayed that PI-2-treated dying cells could be an effective vaccination to reduce tumor burden and promote the infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). To our knowledge, it is the first time to report a DDR-targeted G4 ligand with ICD-inducing ability in immunocompetent animals, which may provide new insights for the development of promising G4-based immunochemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ming-Hao Hu
- Nation-Regional Engineering Lab for Synthetic Biology of Medicine, International Cancer Center, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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13
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Liu LY, Ma TZ, Zeng YL, Liu W, Zhang H, Mao ZW. Organic-Platinum Hybrids for Covalent Binding of G-Quadruplexes: Structural Basis and Application to Cancer Immunotherapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305645. [PMID: 37464955 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been revived as promising therapeutic targets with the development of immunotherapy, but the G4-mediated immune response remains unclear. We designed a novel class of G4-binding organic-platinum hybrids, L1 -cispt and L1 -transpt, with spatial matching for G4 binding and G4 DNA reactivity for binding site locking. The solution structure of L1 -transpt-MYT1L G4 demonstrated the effectiveness of the covalent binding and revealed the covalent binding-guided dynamic balance, accompanied by the destruction of the A5-T17 base pairs to achieve the covalent binding of the platinum unit to N7 of the G6 residue. Furthermore, L1 -cispt- and L1 -transpt-mediated genomic dysfunction could activate the retinoic acid-induced gene I (RIG-I) pathway and induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). The use of L1 -cispt/L1 -transpt-treated dying cells as therapeutic vaccines stimulated a robust immune response and effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Our findings highlight the importance of the rational combination of specific spatial recognition and covalent locking in G4-trageting drug design and their potential in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Yi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Zhu Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - You-Liang Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Wenting Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Hang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Zong-Wan Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
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14
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Razzaq M, Han JH, Ravichandran S, Kim J, Bae JY, Park MS, Kannappan S, Chung WC, Ahn JH, Song MJ, Kim KK. Stabilization of RNA G-quadruplexes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome inhibits viral infection via translational suppression. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:598-615. [PMID: 37563335 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01458-x] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The G-quadruplex (G4) formed in single-stranded DNAs or RNAs plays a key role in diverse biological processes and is considered as a potential antiviral target. In the genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), 25 putative G4-forming sequences are predicted; however, the effects of G4-binding ligands on SARS-CoV-2 replication have not been studied in the context of viral infection. In this study, we investigated whether G4-ligands suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication and whether their antiviral activity involved stabilization of viral RNA G4s and suppression of viral gene expression. We found that pyridostatin (PDS) suppressed viral gene expression and genome replication as effectively as the RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir. Biophysical analyses revealed that the 25 predicted G4s in the SARS-CoV-2 genome formed a parallel G4 structure. In particular, G4-644 and G4-3467 located in the 5' region of ORF1a, formed a G4 structure that could be effectively stabilized by PDS. We also showed that PDS significantly suppressed translation of the reporter genes containing these G4s. Taken together, our results demonstrate that stabilization of RNA G4s by PDS in the SARS-CoV-2 genome inhibits viral infection via translational suppression, highlighting the therapeutic potential of G4-ligands in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Razzaq
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Ho Han
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Subramaniyam Ravichandran
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States of America
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Bae
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Biosafety Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Seong Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Biosafety Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Shrute Kannappan
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Chang Chung
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyun Ahn
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Moon Jung Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Ferret L, Alvarez-Valadez K, Rivière J, Muller A, Bohálová N, Yu L, Guittat L, Brázda V, Kroemer G, Mergny JL, Djavaheri-Mergny M. G-quadruplex ligands as potent regulators of lysosomes. Autophagy 2023; 19:1901-1915. [PMID: 36740766 PMCID: PMC10283436 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2170071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-quadruplex structures (G4) are unusual nucleic acid conformations formed by guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences and known to control gene expression mechanisms, from transcription to protein synthesis. So far, a number of molecules that recognize G4 have been developed for potential therapeutic applications in human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases. These molecules are called G4 ligands. When the biological effects of G4 ligands are studied, the analysis is often limited to nucleic acid targets. However, recent evidence indicates that G4 ligands may target other cellular components and compartments such as lysosomes and mitochondria. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of the regulation of lysosome by G4 ligands, underlying their potential functional impact on lysosome biology and autophagic flux, as well as on the transcriptional regulation of lysosomal genes. We outline the consequences of these effects on cell fate decisions and we systematically analyzed G4-prone sequences within the promoter of 435 lysosome-related genes. Finally, we propose some hypotheses about the mechanisms involved in the regulation of lysosomes by G4 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Ferret
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Karla Alvarez-Valadez
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jennifer Rivière
- Department of Medicine III, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Muller
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Natalia Bohálová
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Luo Yu
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128Palaiseau, France
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Lionel Guittat
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128Palaiseau, France
- UFR SMBH, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Vaclav Brázda
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Oncology, Institute of Biophysics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Laboratoire d’Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128Palaiseau, France
| | - Mojgan Djavaheri-Mergny
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Institut universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
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16
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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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17
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Zhang Q, Jin S, Zou X. scAB detects multiresolution cell states with clinical significance by integrating single-cell genomics and bulk sequencing data. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12112-12130. [PMID: 36440766 PMCID: PMC9757078 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although single-cell sequencing has provided a powerful tool to deconvolute cellular heterogeneity of diseases like cancer, extrapolating clinical significance or identifying clinically-relevant cells remains challenging. Here, we propose a novel computational method scAB, which integrates single-cell genomics data with clinically annotated bulk sequencing data via a knowledge- and graph-guided matrix factorization model. Once combined, scAB provides a coarse- and fine-grain multiresolution perspective of phenotype-associated cell states and prognostic signatures previously not visible by single-cell genomics. We use scAB to enhance live cancer single-cell RNA-seq data, identifying clinically-relevant previously unrecognized cancer and stromal cell subsets whose signatures show a stronger poor-survival association. The identified fine-grain cell subsets are associated with distinct cancer hallmarks and prognosis power. Furthermore, scAB demonstrates its utility as a biomarker identification tool, with the ability to predict immunotherapy, drug responses and survival when applied to melanoma single-cell RNA-seq datasets and glioma single-cell ATAC-seq datasets. Across multiple single-cell and bulk datasets from different cancer types, we also demonstrate the superior performance of scAB in generating prognosis signatures and survival predictions over existing models. Overall, scAB provides an efficient tool for prioritizing clinically-relevant cell subsets and predictive signatures, utilizing large publicly available databases to improve prognosis and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinran Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China,Hubei Key Laboratory of Computational Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Suoqin Jin
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 027 68752957; Fax: +86 027 68752256;
| | - Xiufen Zou
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Xiufen Zou. Tel: +86 027 68752957; Fax: +86 027 68752256;
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18
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Marinello J, Arleo A, Russo M, Delcuratolo M, Ciccarelli F, Pommier Y, Capranico G. Topoisomerase I poison-triggered immune gene activation is markedly reduced in human small-cell lung cancers by impairment of the cGAS/STING pathway. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1214-1225. [PMID: 35794238 PMCID: PMC9519573 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current immunotherapy strategies have contrasting clinical results in human lung cancer patients as small-cell lung cancers (SCLC) often show features of immunological cold tumours. Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) poisons are effective antitumor drugs with good efficacy against lung cancers. METHODS We used molecular, genetic and bioinformatic approaches to determine the mechanism of micronuclei formation induced by two TOP1 poisons in different human cancer cells, including SCLC cell lines. RESULTS TOP1 poisons stimulate similar levels of micronuclei in all tested cell lines but downstream effects can vary markedly. TOP1 poisons increase micronuclei levels with a mechanism involving R-loops as overexpression of RNaseH1 markedly reduces or abolishes both H2AX phosphorylation and micronuclei formation. TOP1 poison-induced micronuclei activate the cGAS/STING pathway leading to increased expression of immune genes in HeLa cells, but not in human SCLC cell lines, mainly due to lack of STING and/or cGAS expression. Moreover, the expression of STING and antigen-presenting machinery genes is generally downregulated in patient tumours of human lung cancer datasets. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data reveal an immune signalling mechanism activated by TOP1 poisons, which is often impaired in human SCLC tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Marinello
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Arleo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Delcuratolo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciccarelli
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yves Pommier
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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19
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Miglietta G, Marinello J, Russo M, Capranico G. Ligands stimulating antitumour immunity as the next G-quadruplex challenge. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:180. [PMID: 36114513 PMCID: PMC9482198 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractG-quadruplex (G4) binders have been investigated to discover new anticancer drugs worldwide in past decades. As these ligands are generally not highly cytotoxic, the discovery rational was mainly based on increasing the cell-killing potency. Nevertheless, no G4 binder has been shown yet to be effective in cancer patients. Here, G4 binder activity at low dosages will be discussed as a critical feature to discover ligands with therapeutic effects in cancer patients. Specific effects of G4 binders al low doses have been reported to occur in cancer and normal cells. Among them, genome instability and the stimulation of cytoplasmic processes related to autophagy and innate immune response open to the use of G4 binders as immune-stimulating agents. Thus, we propose a new rational of drug discovery, which is not based on cytotoxic potency but rather on immune gene activation at non-cytotoxic dosage.
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20
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Marzano S, Miglietta G, Morigi R, Marinello J, Arleo A, Procacci M, Locatelli A, Leoni A, Pagano B, Randazzo A, Amato J, Capranico G. Balancing Affinity, Selectivity, and Cytotoxicity of Hydrazone-Based G-Quadruplex Ligands for Activation of Interferon β Genes in Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12055-12067. [PMID: 36074772 PMCID: PMC9511478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
G-quadruplex (G4) ligands are investigated to discover
new anticancer
drugs with increased cell-killing potency. These ligands can induce
genome instability and activate innate immune genes at non-cytotoxic
doses, opening the discovery of cytostatic immune-stimulating ligands.
However, the interplay of G4 affinity/selectivity with cytotoxicity
and immune gene activation is not well-understood. We investigated
a series of closely related hydrazone derivatives to define the molecular
bases of immune-stimulation activity. Although they are closely related
to each other, such derivatives differ in G4 affinity, cytotoxicity,
genome instability, and immune gene activation. Our findings show
that G4 affinity of ligands is a critical feature for immune gene
activation, whereas a high cytotoxic potency interferes with it. The
balance of G4 stabilization versus cytotoxicity can
determine the level of immune gene activation in cancer cells. Thus,
we propose a new rationale based on low cell-killing potency and high
immune stimulation to discover effective anticancer G4 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Miglietta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Morigi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jessica Marinello
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Arleo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Procacci
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Locatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Leoni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Capranico
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum─University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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21
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Combination of dl922-947 Oncolytic Adenovirus and G-Quadruplex Binders Uncovers Improved Antitumor Activity in Breast Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162482. [PMID: 36010559 PMCID: PMC9406944 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic secondary structures characterized by G-tetrads. G4 motif stabilization induces DNA damage and cancer cell death; therefore, G4-targeting small molecules are the focus of clinical investigation. DNA destabilization induced by G4 ligands might potentiate the anticancer activity of agents targeting DNA or inhibiting its repair such as oncolytic viruses. This study represents the first approach combining G4 ligands, BRACO-19 (B19), pyridostatin (PDS), and the adenovirus dl922-947 in breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that G4 binders and dl922-947 induce cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and at higher doses in other neoplastic cell lines of thyroid (BHT-101 cells) and prostate (PC3 cells). G4 binders induce G4 motifs distributed in the S and G2/M phases in MCF-7 cells. G4 binder/dl922-947 combination increases cell cytotoxicity and the accumulation in subG0/G1. Indeed, G4 binders favor viral entry and replication with no effect on coxsackie and adenovirus receptor. Notably, dl922-947 induces G4 motifs and its combination with PDS potentiates this effect in MCF-7 cells. The agents alone or in combination similarly enhanced cell senescence. Additionally, PDS/dl922-947 combination inactivates STING signaling in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results suggest that G4 binder/virotherapy combination may represent a novel therapeutic anticancer approach.
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22
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Tu ATT, Hoshi K, Ma Y, Oyama T, Suzuki S, Tsukakoshi K, Nagasawa K, Ikebukuro K, Yamazaki T. Effects of G-Quadruplex Ligands on the Topology, Stability, and Immunostimulatory Properties of G-Quadruplex-Based CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1703-1713. [PMID: 35765965 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that the formation of guanine-quadruplex (G4) structures provides phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG ODNs) with higher nuclease resistance and cellular uptake, thereby increasing their immunostimulation efficiency through TLR9 activation. CpG ODNs forming G4 structures (G4 CpG ODNs) are thus potential vaccine adjuvants against infectious diseases. However, the G4 structure changes topology depending on the surrounding environment. Recently, G4 ligands, which are small molecules that bind to G4 ODNs with high affinity, were reported to improve the stability of G4. In this study, we propose to increase the stability and function of G4 CpG ODNs using G4 ligands. We show the effects of two G4 ligands, named L2H2-6OTD (L2H2) and L2G2-2M2EG-6OTD (L2G2), on the topology, stability, and immunostimulatory properties of a monomeric hybrid-type G4 CpG ODN containing CpG motifs in the central loop, named GD3. We found that L2H2 helps maintain the hybrid G4 topology of GD3, whereas L2G2 induces parallel G4 formation. Both G4 ligands increase the thermodynamic and nuclease stability of GD3. However, only GD3 associated with L2H2 binds efficiently to TLR9 and evokes a higher immune response from mouse macrophage-like RAW264 cells. GD3 associated with L2G2 does not bind efficiently to TLR9 and elicits lower cytokine production. Our results demonstrate that the potential to enhance immunostimulatory properties depends on the ability of G4 ligands to maintain and stabilize the hybrid G4 of GD3. We anticipate that our findings will facilitate the development of more effective G4 CpG ODN-based vaccine adjuvants against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Thi Tram Tu
- Nanomedicine Group, Research Center for Functional Materials (RCFM), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan.,Division of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan.,Department of Magnetic and Biomedical Materials, Faculty of Materials Science, University of Science, Vietnam National University, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ward 4, District 5, Ho Chi Minh 70000, Viet Nam.,Vietnam National University, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh 70000, Viet Nam
| | - Kazuaki Hoshi
- Nanomedicine Group, Research Center for Functional Materials (RCFM), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei 184-8588, Japan
| | - Taiji Oyama
- JASCO Corporation, 2967-5, Ishikawamachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8537, Japan
| | - Satoko Suzuki
- JASCO Corporation, 2967-5, Ishikawamachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8537, Japan
| | - Kaori Tsukakoshi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nagasawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei 184-8588, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamazaki
- Nanomedicine Group, Research Center for Functional Materials (RCFM), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan.,Division of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
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23
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Alessandrini I, Percio S, Naghshineh E, Zuco V, Stacchiotti S, Gronchi A, Pasquali S, Zaffaroni N, Folini M. Telomere as a Therapeutic Target in Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2624. [PMID: 35681604 PMCID: PMC9179266 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-differentiated (WD)/dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma (LPS) accounts for ~60% of retroperitoneal sarcomas. WDLPS and DDLPS divergently evolve from a common precursor and are both marked by the amplification of the 12q13-q15 region, leading to the abnormal expression of MDM2, CDK4, and HMGA2 genes. DDLPS is a non-lipogenic disease associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Patients have limited therapeutic options, especially for advanced disease, and their outcome remains largely unsatisfactory. This evidence underlines the need for identifying and validating DDLPS-specific actionable targets to design novel biology-driven therapies. METHODS Following gene expression profiling of DDLPS clinical specimens, we observed the up-regulation of "telomere maintenance" (TMM) pathways in paired DD and WD components of DDLPS. Considering the relevance of TMM for LPS onset and progression, the activity of a telomeric G-quadruplex binder (RHPS4) was assessed in DDLPS patient-derived cell lines. RESULTS Equitoxic concentrations of RHPS4 in DDLPS cells altered telomeric c-circle levels, induced DNA damage, and resulted in the accumulation of γ-H2AX-stained micronuclei. This evidence was paralleled by an RHPS4-mediated reduction of in vitro cell migration and induction of apoptosis/autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support telomere as an intriguing therapeutic target in DDLPS and suggest G-quadruplex binders as innovative therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Alessandrini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Percio
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Eisa Naghshineh
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Valentina Zuco
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumor and Rare Cancer Unit, Department of Cancer Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Gronchi
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sandro Pasquali
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
- Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
| | - Marco Folini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (V.Z.); (S.P.)
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24
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Mendes E, Aljnadi IM, Bahls B, Victor BL, Paulo A. Major Achievements in the Design of Quadruplex-Interactive Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030300. [PMID: 35337098 PMCID: PMC8953082 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic small molecules that can recognize and bind to G-quadruplex and i-Motif nucleic acids have great potential as selective drugs or as tools in drug target discovery programs, or even in the development of nanodevices for medical diagnosis. Hundreds of quadruplex-interactive small molecules have been reported, and the challenges in their design vary with the intended application. Herein, we survey the major achievements on the therapeutic potential of such quadruplex ligands, their mode of binding, effects upon interaction with quadruplexes, and consider the opportunities and challenges for their exploitation in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Israa M. Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Duraisamy R, Palanisamy UM, Sheriffa Begum KMM, Dharmar P. Facile induction and stabilization of intramolecular antiparallel G-quadruplex of d(TTAGGG)n on interaction with triazine-2-imidazole ethyl amine compound and its Cu(II), Zn(II) complexes under no-salt conditions. J CHEM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12039-021-01996-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Kretzmann JA, Irving KL, Smith NM, Evans CW. Modulating gene expression in breast cancer via DNA secondary structure and the CRISPR toolbox. NAR Cancer 2022; 3:zcab048. [PMID: 34988459 PMCID: PMC8693572 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, and while the survival prognosis of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic disease is ∼75%, recurrence poses a significant risk and advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer is incurable. A distinctive feature of advanced breast cancer is an unstable genome and altered gene expression patterns that result in disease heterogeneity. Transcription factors represent a unique therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, since they are known regulators of gene expression, including gene expression involved in differentiation and cell death, which are themselves often mutated or dysregulated in cancer. While transcription factors have traditionally been viewed as 'undruggable', progress has been made in the development of small-molecule therapeutics to target relevant protein-protein, protein-DNA and enzymatic active sites, with varying levels of success. However, non-traditional approaches such as epigenetic editing, transcriptional control via CRISPR/dCas9 systems, and gene regulation through non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structures represent new directions yet to be fully explored. Here, we discuss these new approaches and current limitations in light of new therapeutic opportunities for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kretzmann
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kelly L Irving
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cameron W Evans
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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