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De Paepe L, Madder A, Cadoni E. Exploiting G-Quadruplex-DNA Damage as a Tool to Quantify Singlet Oxygen Production. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301570. [PMID: 38623961 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are highly dynamic and polymorphic nucleic acid structures that can adopt a variety of conformations. When exposed to oxidative conditions, more specifically singlet oxygen, the guanosine nucleobases can be oxidized, which in turn can affect the conformation and folding of the G4. Based on this peculiar phenomenon, it is rationalized that G4s can serve as quantification sensors for the production of singlet oxygen. Here, a method for determining the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation for visible as well as UV-light excited photosensitizers, using a short G4 DNA sequence, readily available from common DNA companies, as a biological and water-soluble probe, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lessandro De Paepe
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
| | - Enrico Cadoni
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, Ghent, B-9000, Belgium
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2
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Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Luo Q, Wu T, Huo J, Yin M, Peng H, Xiao Y, Tong Q, You H. Distinguishing G-Quadruplexes Stabilizer and Chaperone for c- MYC Promoter G-Quadruplexes through Single-Molecule Manipulation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:3689-3699. [PMID: 38296825 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) selective stabilizing ligands can regulate c-MYC gene expression, but the kinetic basis remains unclear. Determining the effects of ligands on c-MYC promoter G4s' folding/unfolding kinetics is challenging due to the polymorphic nature of G4s and the high energy barrier to unfold c-MYC promoter G4s. Here, we used single-molecule magnetic tweezers to manipulate a duplex hairpin containing a c-MYC promoter sequence to mimic the transiently denatured duplex during transcription. We measured the effects of six commonly used G4s binding ligands on the competition between quadruplex and duplex structures, as well as the folding/unfolding kinetics of G4s. Our results revealed two distinct roles for G4s selective stabilization: CX-5461 is mainly acting as c-MYC G4s stabilizer, reducing the unfolding rate (ku) of c-MYC G4s, whereas PDS and 360A also act as G4s chaperone, accelerating the folding rates (kf) of c-MYC G4s. qRT-PCR results obtained from CA46 and Raji cell lines demonstrated that G4s stabilizing ligands can downregulate c-MYC expression, while G4s stabilizer CX-5461 exhibited the strongest c-MYC gene suppression. These results shed light on the potential of manipulating G4s' folding/unfolding kinetics by ligands for precise regulation of promoter G4-associated biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashuo Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuanlei Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Qun Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tongbo Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Junfeng Huo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qingyi Tong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Huijuan You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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3
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Wang J, Qiao JQ, Zheng WJ, Lian HZ. Effect of ionic liquids as mobile phase additives on retention behaviors of G-quadruplexes in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1715:464604. [PMID: 38176351 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464604] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) play an important role in a variety of biological processes and have extensive application prospects. Due to the significance of G4s in physiology and biosensing, studies on G4s have attracted much attention, stimulating the development or improvement of methods for G4 structures and polymorphism analysis. In this work, ionic liquids (ILs) were involved as mobile phase additives in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to analyse G4s with various conformations for the first time. How ILs affected the retention behaviors of G4s was investigated comprehensively. It was found that the addition of ILs markedly enhanced G4 retention, along with obvious amelioration on chromatographic peak shapes and separation. The influence of pH of mobile phase and types of ILs were also included in order to acquire an in-depth understanding. It appeared that the effect of ILs on G4 retention behaviors was the result of a combination of various interactions between G4s with the hydrophobic stationary phase and with the IL-containing mobile phase, where ion pair mechanism and enhanced hydrophobic interaction dominated. The findings of this work revealed that ILs could effectively improve the separation of G4s in RP-HPLC, which was conducive to G4 structural analysis, especially for G4s polymorphism elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun-Qin Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wei-Juan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China.
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4
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Kumari A, Pandav K, Nath M, Barthwal R, Peddinti RK. Recognition of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA by 1,5-disubstituted diethyl-amido anthraquinone derivative in different ion environments causing thermal stabilization and apoptosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38174595 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2298733] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ligand binding to G-quadruplex (G4) structures at human telomeric DNA ends promotes thermal stabilization, disrupting the interaction of the telomerase enzyme, which is found active in 80-85% of cancers and serves as a molecular marker. Anthraquinone compounds are well-known G-quadruplex (G4) binders that inhibit telomerase and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Our current investigation is based on 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione, a derivative of anthraquinone and its binding characterization with two different human telomeric DNA structures, wHTel26 and HTel22, in the effect of K+ and Na+ by using an array of biophysical, calorimetry, molecular docking and cell viability assay techniques. Binding constants (Kb) in the range of ∼105-107 M-1 and stoichiometries of 1:1, 2:1 & 4:1 were obtained from the absorbance, fluorescence, and circular dichroism study. Remarkable hypochromism (55, 97%) and ∼17 nm shift in absorbance, fluorescence quenching (95, 97%), the unaltered value of fluorescence lifetime, restoration of Circular Dichroism bands, absence of ICD band, indicated the external groove binding/binding somewhere at loops. This is also evident in molecular docking results, the ligand binds to groove forming base (G4, G5, G24, T25) and in the vicinity to TTA loop (G14, G15, T17) bases of wHTel26 and HTel22, respectively. Thermal stabilization induced by ligand was found greater in Na+ ion (27.5 °C) than (19.1 °C) in K+ ion. Ligand caused cell toxicity in MCF-7 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of ∼8.4 µM. The above findings suggest the ligand, 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione could be a potent anticancer drug candidate and has great therapeutic implications.Binding of disubstituted amido anthraquinone derivative, 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione to human telomere HTel22 antiparallel conformation induced thermal stabilization.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kumud Pandav
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mala Nath
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ritu Barthwal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rama Krishna Peddinti
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
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5
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Lopina OD, Sidorenko SV, Fedorov DA, Klimanova EA. G-Quadruplexes as Sensors of Intracellular Na+/K + Ratio: Potential Role in Regulation of Transcription and Translation. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:S262-S277. [PMID: 38621755 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Data on the structure of G-quadruplexes, noncanonical nucleic acid forms, supporting an idea of their potential participation in regulation of gene expression in response to the change in intracellular Na+i/K+i ratio are considered in the review. Structural variety of G-quadruplexes, role of monovalent cations in formation of this structure, and thermodynamic stability of G-quadruplexes are described. Data on the methods of their identification in the cells and biological functions of these structures are presented. Analysis of information about specific interactions of G-quadruplexes with some proteins was conducted, and their potential participation in the development of some pathological conditions, in particular, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is considered. Special attention is given to the plausible role of G-quadruplexes as sensors of intracellular Na+i/K+i ratio, because alteration of this parameter affects folding of G-quadruplexes changing their stability and, thereby, organization of the regulatory elements of nucleic acids. The data presented in the conclusion section demonstrate significant change in the expression of some early response genes under certain physiological conditions of cells and tissues depending on the intracellular Na+i/K+i ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga D Lopina
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | | | - Dmitry A Fedorov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Song H, Scott P, Brabec V. Asymmetric triplex metallohelices stabilise DNA G-quadruplexes in promoter oncogene sequences and efficiently reduce their expression in cancer cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2198678. [PMID: 37019444 PMCID: PMC10078150 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2198678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Some metallo-supramolecular helical assemblies with size, shape, charge and amphipathic architectures similar to short cationic α-helical peptides have been shown to target and stabilise DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in vitro and downregulate the expression of G4-regulated genes in human cells. To expand the library of metallohelical structures that can act as efficient DNA G4 binders and downregulate genes containing G4-forming sequences in their promoter regions, we investigated the interaction of the two enantiomeric pairs of asymmetric Fe(II) triplex metallohelices with a series of five different DNA G4s formed by the human telomeric sequence (hTelo) and in the promoter regions of c-MYC, c-KIT, and k-RAS oncogenes. The metallohelices display preferential binding to G4s over duplex DNA in all investigated G4-forming sequences and induced arrest of DNA polymerase on template strands containing G4-forming sequences. Moreover, the investigated metallohelices suppressed the expression of c-MYC and k-RAS genes at mRNA and protein levels in HCT116 human cancer cells, as revealed by RT-qPCR analysis and western blotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hualong Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Viktor Brabec
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Brno, Czech Republic
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7
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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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8
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Lu K, Wang HC, Tu YC, Lou PJ, Chang TC, Lin JJ. EGFR suppression contributes to growth inhibitory activity of G-quadruplex ligands in non-small cell lung cancers. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115788. [PMID: 37683841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115788] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) commonly harbor activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Drugs targeting the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR have shown effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells with EGFR mutations. However, the development of additional mutations in cancer cells often leads to the persistence of the disease, necessitating alternative strategies to overcome this challenge. We explored the efficacy of stabilizing the G-quadruplex structure formed in the promoter region of EGFR as a means to suppress its expression and impede the growth of cancer cells with EGFR mutations. We revealed that the carbazole derivative BMVC-8C3O effectively suppressed EGFR expression and demonstrated significant growth inhibition in EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells, both in cell culture and mouse xenograft models. Importantly, the observed repression of EGFR expression and growth inhibition were not exclusive to carbazole derivatives, as several other G-quadruplex ligands exhibited similar effects. The growth-inhibitory activity of BMVC-8C3O is attributed, at least in part, to the repression of EGFR, although it is possible that additional cellular targets are also affected. Remarkably, the growth-inhibitory effect was observed even in osimertinib-resistant cells, indicating that BMVC-8C3O holds promise for treating drug-resistant NSCLC. Our findings present a promising and innovative approach for inhibiting the growth of NSCLC cells with EGFR mutations by effectively suppressing EGFR expression. The demonstrated efficacy of G-quadruplex ligands in this study highlights their potential as candidates for further development in NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chiao Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Tu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jen Lou
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chau Chang
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, P.O. Box 23-166, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Jing-Jer Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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10
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Sato K, Knipscheer P. G-quadruplex resolution: From molecular mechanisms to physiological relevance. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 130:103552. [PMID: 37572578 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103552] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into stable four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes or G4s. Research in the past decade demonstrated that G4 structures are widespread in the genome and prevalent in regulatory regions of actively transcribed genes. The formation of G4s has been tightly linked to important biological processes including regulation of gene expression and genome maintenance. However, they can also pose a serious threat to genome integrity especially by impeding DNA replication, and G4-associated somatic mutations have been found accumulated in the cancer genomes. Specialised DNA helicases and single stranded DNA binding proteins that can resolve G4 structures play a crucial role in preventing genome instability. The large variety of G4 unfolding proteins suggest the presence of multiple G4 resolution mechanisms in cells. Recently, there has been considerable progress in our detailed understanding of how G4s are resolved, especially during DNA replication. In this review, we first discuss the current knowledge of the genomic G4 landscapes and the impact of G4 structures on DNA replication and genome integrity. We then describe the recent progress on the mechanisms that resolve G4 structures and their physiological relevance. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities to target G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sato
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Puck Knipscheer
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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11
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Assadawi N, Richardson C, Ralph SF. G-quadruplex DNA binding properties of novel nickel Schiff base complexes with four pendant groups. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:12646-12660. [PMID: 37622418 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt02040a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Three new nickel Schiff base complexes were prepared using a two-step procedure that involves initial selective dialkylation of 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, followed by reaction with 1,2-phenylenediamine and nickel(II) acetate. Each of the complexes possessed the same Schiff base core but differed in the identity of the four pendant groups. All complexes were characterised by microanalysis, NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. In addition, two of the complexes were also characterised in the solid state using X-ray crystallography, which confirmed the presence of a square planar geometry around the metal ion. The DNA binding properties of the three nickel complexes with double stranded DNA and a range of G-quadruplex DNA structures were explored using ESI mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, UV melting curves, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays, Fluorescent Indicator Displacement (FID) assays and molecular docking studies. These techniques confirmed the ability of the three nickel complexes to bind to most of the DNA molecules examined, as well as stabilise the latter in several instances. In addition, the results of these investigations provided evidence that pendant groups with morpholine rings generally reduced DNA binding behaviour, whilst pendants featuring piperidine ring systems attached to the Schiff base core by three and not two methylene linkers often showed the greatest extent of binding or DNA stabilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Assadawi
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Christopher Richardson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
| | - Stephen F Ralph
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia.
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12
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Hu W, Jing H, Fu W, Wang Z, Zhou J, Zhang N. Conversion to Trimolecular G-Quadruplex by Spontaneous Hoogsteen Pairing-Based Strand Displacement Reaction between Bimolecular G-Quadruplex and Double G-Rich Probes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18578-18590. [PMID: 37553999 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Bimolecular or tetramolecular G-quadruplexes (GQs) are predominantly self-assembled by the same sequence-identical G-rich oligonucleotides and usually remain inert to the strand displacement reaction (SDR) with other short G-rich invading fragments of DNA or RNA. Appealingly, in this study, we demonstrate that a parallel homomeric bimolecular GQ target of Tub10 d(CAGGGAGGGT) as the starting reactant, although completely folded in K+ solution and sufficiently stable (melting temperature of 57.7 °C), can still spontaneously accept strand invasion by a pair of short G-rich invading probes of P1 d(TGGGA) near room temperature. The final SDR product is a novel parallel heteromeric trimolecular GQ (tri-GQ) of Tub10/2P1 reassembled between one Tub10 strand and two P1 strands. Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first NMR solution structure of such a discrete heteromeric tri-GQ and unveil a unique mode of two probes vs one target in mutual recognition among G-rich canonical DNA oligomers. As a model system, the short invading probe P1 can spontaneously trap G-rich target Tub10 from a Watson-Crick duplex completely hybridized between Tub10 and its fully complementary strand d(ACCCTCCCTG). The Tub10 sequence of d(CAGGGAGGGT) is a fragment from the G-rich promoter region of the human β2-tubulin gene. Our findings provide new insights into the Hoogsteen pairing-based SDR between a GQ target and double invading probes of short G-rich DNA fragments and are expected to grant access to increasingly complex architectures in GQ-based DNA nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Hu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Haitao Jing
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Wenqiang Fu
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Zengrong Wang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- Analytical Instrumentation Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Na Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
- Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hefei 230031, China
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230031, China
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
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13
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Liu Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Bian Y, Xia Y, Yang MH, Zheng K, Wang KB, Kong LY. Structure of the Major G-Quadruplex in the Human EGFR Oncogene Promoter Adopts a Unique Folding Topology with a Distinctive Snap-Back Loop. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16228-16237. [PMID: 37460135 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have made remarkable success in targeted cancer therapy. However, therapeutic resistance inevitably occurred and EGFR-targeting therapy has been demonstrated to have limited efficacy or utility in glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, there is a high demand for the development of new targets to inhibit EGFR signaling. Herein, we found that the EGFR oncogene proximal promoter sequence forms a unique type of snap-back loop containing G-quadruplex (G4), which can be targeted by small molecules. For the first time, we determined the NMR solution structure of this snap-back EGFR-G4, a three-tetrad-core, parallel-stranded G4 with naturally occurring flanking residues at both the 5'-end and 3'-end. The snap-back loop located at the 3'-end region forms a stable capping structure through two stacked G-triads connected by multiple potential hydrogen bonds. Notably, the flanking residues are consistently absent in reported snap-back G4s, raising the question of whether such structures truly exist under in vivo conditions. The resolved EGFR-G4 structure has eliminated the doubt and showed distinct structural features that distinguish it from the previously reported snap-back G4s, which lack the flanking residues. Furthermore, we found that the snap-back EGFR-G4 structure is highly stable and can form on an elongated DNA template to inhibit DNA polymerase. The unprecedented high-resolution EGFR-G4 structure has thus contributed a promising molecular target for developing alternative EGFR signaling inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. Meanwhile, the two stacked triads may provide an attractive site for specific small-molecule targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinzhu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Juannan Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzheng Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Zheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Bo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, People's Republic of China
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14
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Xiao CD, Jia MH, Zhong MQ, Xu Y, Yu ZT, He ZY, Lu X, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Fu LY, Shen XC. Unveiling the role of G-quadruplex structure in promoter region: Regulation of ABCA1 expression in macrophages possibly via NONO protein recruitment. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125443. [PMID: 37353131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
ABCA1 has been found to be critical for cholesterol efflux in macrophages. Understanding the mechanism regulating ABCA1 expression is important for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a G-quadruplex (G4) structure was identified in the ABCA1 promoter region. This G4 was shown to be essential for ABCA1 transcription. Stabilizing the G4 by ligands surprisingly upregulated ABCA1 expression in macrophages. Knocking out the G4 remarkably reduced ABCA1 expression, and abolished the increase of ABCA1 expression induced by the G4 ligand. By pull-down assays, the protein NONO was identified as an ABCA1 G4 binder. Overexpression or repression of NONO significantly induced upregulation and downregulation of ABCA1 expression, respectively. ChIP and EMSA experiments showed that the G4 ligand promoted the binding between the ABCA1 G4 and NONO, which led to more recruitment of NONO to the promoter region and enhanced ABCA1 transcription. Finally, the G4 ligand was shown to significantly reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in macrophages. This study showed a new insight into the regulation of gene expression by G4, and provided a new molecular mechanism regulating ABCA1 expression in macrophages. Furthermore, the study showed a possible novel application of the G4 ligand: preventing and treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Da Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Meng-Hao Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Ming-Qing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Chemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Zu-Tao Yu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Zhi-Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lin-Yun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiang-Chun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China.
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15
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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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16
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Li W, Li S, Zhang Z, Xu G, Man X, Yang F, Liang H. Developing a Multitargeted Anticancer Palladium(II) Agent Based on the His-242 Residue in the IIA Subdomain of Human Serum Albumin. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37321208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To obtain next-generation metal drugs that can overcome the deficiencies of platinum (Pt) drugs and treat cancer more effectively, we proposed to develop a multitargeted palladium (Pd) agent to the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on the specific residue(s) of human serum albumin (HSA). To this end, we optimized a series of Pd(II) 2-benzoylpyridine thiosemicarbazone compounds to obtain a Pd agent (5b) with significant cytotoxicity. The HSA-5b complex structure revealed that 5b bound to the hydrophobic cavity in the HSA IIA subdomain and then His-242 replaced a leaving group (Cl) of 5b, coordinating with the Pd center. The in vivo results showed that the 5b/HSA-5b complex had significant capacity of inhibiting tumor growth, and HSA optimized the therapeutic behavior of 5b. In addition, we confirmed that the 5b/HSA-5b complex inhibited tumor growth through multiple actions on different components of TME: killing cancer cells, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and activating T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenlei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Gang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Xueyu Man
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Feng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources/Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Wang J, Qiao J, Zheng W, Lian H. Study on the Interaction of a Peptide Targeting Specific G-Quadruplex Structures Based on Chromatographic Retention Behavior. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021438. [PMID: 36674950 PMCID: PMC9866954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are of vital biological significance and G4-specific ligands with conformational selectivity show great application potential in disease treatment and biosensing. RHAU, a RNA helicase associated with AU-rich element, exerts biological functions through the mediation of G4s and has been identified to be a G4 binder. Here, we investigated the interactions between the RHAU peptide and G4s with different secondary structures using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) in association with circular dichroism (CD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Native-PAGE). Spectral results demonstrated that the RHAU peptide did not break the main structure of G4s, making it more reliable for G4 structural analysis. The RHAU peptide was found to display a structural selectivity for a preferential binding to parallel G4s as reflected by the distinct chromatographic retention behaviors. In addition, the RHAU peptide exhibited different interactions with intermolecular parallel G4s and intramolecular parallel G4s, providing a novel recognition approach to G4 structures. The findings of this study enriched the insight into the binding of RHAU to G4s with various conformations. It is noteworthy that SEC technology can be easy and reliable for elucidating G4-peptide interactions, especially for a multiple G4 coexisting system, which supplied an alternative strategy to screen novel specific ligands for G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Junqin Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (J.Q.); (H.L.)
| | - Weijuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongzhen Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Center of Materials Analysis, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
- Correspondence: (J.Q.); (H.L.)
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20
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Celebi Torabfam G, K. Demir G, Demir D. Quantum tunneling time delay investigation of [Formula: see text] ion in human telomeric G-quadruplex systems. J Biol Inorg Chem 2023; 28:213-224. [PMID: 36656371 PMCID: PMC9851595 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-022-01982-z] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Guanine-rich quadruplex DNA (G-quadruplex) is of interest both in cell biology and nanotechnology. Its biological functions necessitate a G-quadruplex to be stabilized against escape of the monovalent metal cations. The potassium ion ([Formula: see text]) is particularly important as it experiences a potential energy barrier while it enters and exits the G-quadruplex systems which are normally found in human telomere. In the present work, we analyzed the time it takes for the [Formula: see text] cations to get in and out of the G-quadruplex. Our time estimate is based on entropic tunneling time-a time formula which gave biologically relevant results for DNA point mutation by proton tunneling. The potential energy barrier experienced by [Formula: see text] ions is determined from a quantum mechanical simulation study, Schrodinger equation is solved using MATLAB, and the computed eigenfunctions and eigenenergies are used in the entropic tunneling time formula to compute the time delay and charge accumulation rate during the tunneling of [Formula: see text] in G-quadruplex. The computations have shown that ion tunneling takes picosecond times. In addition, average [Formula: see text] accumulation rate is found to be in the picoampere range. Our results show that time delay during the [Formula: see text] ion tunneling is in the ballpark of the conformational transition times in biological systems, and it could be an important parameter for understanding its biological role in human DNA as well as for the possible applications in biotechnology. To our knowledge, for the first time in the literature, time delay during the ion tunneling from and into G-quadruplexes is computed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Celebi Torabfam
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabancı University, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Güleser K. Demir
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Buca, 35390 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Durmuş Demir
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabancı University, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
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21
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Galli S, Melidis L, Flynn SM, Varshney D, Simeone A, Spiegel J, Madden SK, Tannahill D, Balasubramanian S. DNA G-Quadruplex Recognition In Vitro and in Live Cells by a Structure-Specific Nanobody. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:23096-23103. [PMID: 36488193 PMCID: PMC9782783 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10656] [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: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded DNA secondary structures that occur in the human genome and play key roles in transcription, replication, and genome stability. G4-specific molecular probes are of vital importance to elucidate the structure and function of G4s. The scFv antibody BG4 has been a widely used G4 probe but has various limitations, including relatively poor in vitro expression and the inability to be expressed intracellularly to interrogate G4s in live cells. To address these considerations, we describe herein the development of SG4, a camelid heavy-chain-only derived nanobody that was selected against the human Myc DNA G4 structure. SG4 exhibits low nanomolar affinity for a wide range of folded G4 structures in vitro. We employed AlphaFold combined with molecular dynamics simulations to construct a molecular model for the G4-nanobody interaction. The structural model accurately explains the role of key amino acids and Kd measurements of SG4 mutants, including arginine-to-alanine point mutations that dramatically diminish G4 binding affinity. Importantly, predicted amino acid-G4 interactions were subsequently confirmed experimentally by biophysical measurements. We demonstrate that the nanobody can be expressed intracellularly and used to image endogenous G4 structures in live cells. We also use the SG4 protein to positionally map G4s in situ and also on fixed chromatin. SG4 is a valuable, new tool for G4 detection and mapping in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galli
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Larry Melidis
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sean M. Flynn
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Dhaval Varshney
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Angela Simeone
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - Sarah K. Madden
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
| | - David Tannahill
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
| | - Shankar Balasubramanian
- Cancer
Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, U.K.
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.
- School
of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SP, U.K.
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22
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Shitikov EA, Bespiatykh DA, Bodoev IN, Zaychikova MV. G-Quadruplex Structures in Bacteria: Functional Properties and Prospects for Use as Biotargets. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES B: BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990750822040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Dual Targeting Topoisomerase/G-Quadruplex Agents in Cancer Therapy-An Overview. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112932. [PMID: 36428499 PMCID: PMC9687504 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Topoisomerase (Topo) inhibitors have long been known as clinically effective drugs, while G-quadruplex (G4)-targeting compounds are emerging as a promising new strategy to target tumor cells and could support personalized treatment approaches in the near future. G-quadruplex (G4) is a secondary four-stranded DNA helical structure constituted of guanine-rich nucleic acids, and its stabilization impairs telomere replication, triggering the activation of several protein factors at telomere levels, including Topos. Thus, the pharmacological intervention through the simultaneous G4 stabilization and Topos inhibition offers a new opportunity to achieve greater antiproliferative activity and circumvent cellular insensitivity and resistance. In this line, dual ligands targeting both Topos and G4 emerge as innovative, efficient agents in cancer therapy. Although the research in this field is still limited, to date, some chemotypes have been identified, showing this dual activity and an interesting pharmacological profile. This paper reviews the available literature on dual Topo inhibitors/G4 stabilizing agents, with particular attention to the structure-activity relationship studies correlating the dual activity with the cytotoxic activity.
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24
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Binding characterization of anthraquinone derivatives by stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA leads to an anticancerous activity. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:648-662. [PMID: 36514353 PMCID: PMC9720492 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex is a non-canonical secondary structure identified in the telomeric region and the promoter of many oncogenes. Anthraquinone derivatives, a well-known inducer of telomere disruption in malignant cells and activate the apoptotic pathway. We used biophysical and biochemical studies to confirm the interaction of synthesized anthraquinone derivatives with the human telomeric G-quadruplex sequence. The binding affinity of N-2DEA and N-1DEA are K b = 4.8 × 106 M-1 and K b = 7.6 × 105 M-1, respectively, leading to hypochroism, fluorescence quenching with minor redshift and ellipticity variations indicating ligand binding in the external groove. We found that sodium ions induced stabilization more rather than potassium ions. Molecular docking of complex demonstrates a molecule's exterior binding to a quadruplex. The investigation of ROS activity indicated that the cell initiates mortality in response to the IC50 concentration. Cellular morphology, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation were altered in the treated cell, impairing cellular function. Finally, the transcriptional regulatory study paves the way for drug design as an anti-cancer agent because of the tremendous possibilities of changing substituent groups on anthraquinones to improve efficacy and selectivity for G-quartet DNA. Our research focused on how ligand binding to telomere sequences induces oxidative stress and inhibits the growth of malignant cells.
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25
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Chen L, Dickerhoff J, Sakai S, Yang D. DNA G-Quadruplex in Human Telomeres and Oncogene Promoters: Structures, Functions, and Small Molecule Targeting. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:2628-2646. [PMID: 36054116 PMCID: PMC9937053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplex secondary structures formed in guanine-rich human telomeres and oncogene promoters are functionally important and have emerged as a promising new class of cancer-specific drug targets. These globular intramolecular structures are stabilized by K+ or Na+ and form readily under physiological solution conditions. Moreover, G-quadruplexes are epigenetic features and can alter chromatin structure and function together with interactive proteins. Here, we discuss our efforts over the last two decades to understand the structures and functions of DNA G-quadruplexes formed in key oncogene promoters and human telomeres and their interactions with small molecules. Using high-field NMR spectroscopy, we determined the high-resolution structures of physiologically relevant telomeric G-quadruplexes in K+ solution with a major form (hybrid-2) and a minor form (hybrid-1), as well as a two-tetrad intermediate. The intrinsic structural polymorphism of telomeric DNA may be important for the biology of human telomeres, and we proposed a model for the interconversion. More recently, we have worked on G-quadruplexes of MYC, BCL2, PDGFR-β, VEGF, and k-RAS oncogene promoters. We determined the structure of the major G-quadruplex formed in the MYC promoter, a prototype for parallel G-quadruplexes. It is the first example of the parallel-stranded G3NG3 structure motif with a 1-nt loop, which is prevalent in promoter sequences and likely evolutionarily selected to initiate folding. Remarkably, the parallel MYC promoter G-quadruplexes are highly stable. Additionally, we determined the molecular structures of G-quadruplexes formed in human BCL2, VEGF, and PDGFR-β promoters, each adopting a unique structure. For example, the BCL2 promoter contains distinct interchangeable G-quadruplexes in two adjacent regions, suggesting precise regulation by different proteins. The PDGFR-β promoter adopts unique "broken-strand" and vacancy G-quadruplexes, which can be recognized by cellular guanine metabolites for a potential regulatory role.Structural information on G-quadruplexes in complex with small-molecules is critical for understanding specific recognition and structure-based rational drug design. Our studies show that many G-quadruplexes contain unique structural features such as capping and loop structures, allowing specific recognition by drugs and protein. This represents a paradigm shift in understanding DNA as a drug target: Rather than a uniform, nonselective binding site in duplex DNA, the G-quadruplex is being pursued as a new class of selectively targetable drug receptors. We focus on targeting the biologically relevant MYC promoter G-quadruplex (MycG4) with small molecules and have determined its first and additional drug complex structures. Very recently, we have discovered clinically tested indenoisoquinolines as strong MycG4 binders and potent MYC inhibitors. We have also discovered drugs targeting the unique dGMP-bound-vG4 formed in the PDGFR-β promoter. Moreover, we determined the complex structures of the first small molecules that specifically recognize the physiologically relevant human telomeric G-quadruplexes. Unlike the previously recognized dogma that the optimal G-quadruplex ligands are large aromatic or cyclic compounds, our results suggest that smaller asymmetric compounds with appropriate functional groups are better choices to specifically bind G-quadruplexes. This body of work lays a strong foundation for future work aimed at understanding the cellular functions of G-quadruplexes and G-quadruplex-targeted drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jonathan Dickerhoff
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Saburo Sakai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Biogeochemistry Research Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, 2-15, Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka-city, Kanagawa 237-0061, Japan
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, 201 University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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26
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Dey A, Pandav K, Nath M, Barthwal R, Prasad R. Molecular rec§ognition of telomere DNA sequence by 2, 6 anthraquinone derivatives leads to thermal stabilization and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:355-370. [PMID: 36041576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
According to current research, anti-cancer anthraquinones impact telomere disruption and may interact with G-quadruplex DNA that triggers signaling to apoptosis. The present study represents the biophysical investigation of oxidative stress, late apoptosis, and induced senescence among cancer cells after binding laboratory synthesized piperidine-based anthraquinone derivatives, 2, 6- Bis [(3-piperidino)acetamido)]anthracene-9,10-dione (N1P) and 2, 6-Bis [piperidino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione (N2P), with G-quadruplex DNA. We employed biophysical approaches to explore the interaction of synthetic anthraquinone derivatives with quadruplex DNA sequences to influence biological activities in the presence of K+ and Na+ cations. The binding affinity for N2P and N1P are Kb = 5.8 × 106 M-1 and Kb = 1.0 × 106 M-1, respectively, leading to hypo-/hyper-chromism with 5-7 nm red shift and significant fluorescence quenching and changes in ellipticity resulting in external binding of both the ligands to G-quadruplex DNA. Ligand binding induced enhancement of thermostability of G4 DNA is greater in Na+ environment (ΔTm = 34 °C) as compared to that in K+ environment (ΔTm = 21 °C), thereby restricting telomerase binding access to telomeres. Microscopic images of treated cells indicated cellular shape, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation alterations. The findings pave the path for therapeutic research, given the great potential of modifying anthraquinone substituent groups towards improved efficacy, ROS generation, and G-quadruplex DNA selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Dey
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Kumud Pandav
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Mala Nath
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Ritu Barthwal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.
| | - Ramasare Prasad
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India.
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27
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Quantitative detection of CpG methylation level on G-quadruplex and i-motif-forming DNA by recombinase polymerase amplification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6223-6231. [PMID: 35788871 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04192-3] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Detection of CpG methylation levels holds immense potential for application in medical diagnosis of various diseases. In this study, we report the development of a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-based CpG methylation level sensing system on G-quadruplex (G4) and intercalated motif (i-motif)-forming regions, which are stabilized by CpG methylation. This detection system is based on the principle that DNA polymerase is stalled at the methylated G4 and i-motif-forming region, which results in a decrease in the initial elongation efficiency of RPA. This reduction in turn affects the onset of amplification depending on the extent of CpG methylation; therefore, the methylation level is quantified by RPA. We demonstrate that the onset of amplification was delayed by CpG methylation when PCR products containing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) G4 and i-motif-forming region were used as the template. Furthermore, onset of amplification was delayed with the increase in CpG methylation of the VEGF region on genomic DNA. These results demonstrate that the sensing system is capable of directly detecting the methylation level at a constant temperature (39 °C) within 30 min without performing bisulfite conversion or affinity capture of methylated DNA.
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28
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New insights into the effect of molecular crowding environment induced by dimethyl sulfoxide on the conformation and stability of G-quadruplex. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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Zhang Y, Lan W, Wang C, Xue H, Cao C. Dimeric G‐quadruplex
DNA
Structure in the Proximal Promoter of
VEGFR
‐2 Reveals A New Drug Target to Inhibit Tumor Angiogenesis. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Product Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road Shanghai 200032 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District Beijing 100049 China
| | - Wenxian Lan
- The Core Facility Centre of CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, 300 Fengling Road Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Chunxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Product Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Hongjuan Xue
- National Center for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences,333 Kaike Road Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Chunyang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Product Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road Shanghai 200032 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19(A) Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District Beijing 100049 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road Shanghai 200032 China
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30
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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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31
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Mazzini S, Princiotto S, Musso L, Passarella D, Beretta GL, Perego P, Dallavalle S. Synthesis and Investigation of the G-Quadruplex Binding Properties of Kynurenic Acid Derivatives with a Dihydroimidazoquinoline-3,5-dione Core. Molecules 2022; 27:2791. [PMID: 35566141 PMCID: PMC9103425 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are secondary structures originating from nucleic acid regions rich in guanines, which are well known for their involvement in gene transcription and regulation and DNA damage repair. In recent studies from our group, kynurenic acid (KYNA) derivative 1 was synthesized and found to share the structural features typical of G-quadruplex binders. Herein, structural modifications were conducted on this scaffold in order to assist the binding with a G-quadruplex, by introducing charged hydrophilic groups. The antiproliferative activity of the new analogues was evaluated on an IGROV-1 human ovarian cancer cell line, and the most active compound, compound 9, was analyzed with NMR spectrometry in order to investigate its binding mode with DNA. The results indicated that a weak, non-specific interaction was set with duplex nucleotides; on the other hand, titration in the presence of a G-quadruplex from human telomere d(TTAGGGT)4 showed a stable, although not strong, interaction at the 3'-end of the nucleotidic sequence, efficiently assisted by salt bridges between the quaternary nitrogen and the external phosphate groups. Overall, this work can be considered a platform for the development of a new class of potential G-quadruplex stabilizing molecules, confirming the crucial role of a planar system and the ability of charged nitrogen-containing groups to facilitate the binding to G-quadruplex grooves and loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mazzini
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Salvatore Princiotto
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Loana Musso
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | | | - Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.L.B.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.L.B.); (P.P.)
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (L.M.); (S.D.)
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32
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Shitikov EA, Bespiatykh DA, Bodoev IN, Zaychikova MV. [G-quadruplex structures in bacteria: functional properties and prospects for use as biotargets]. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2022; 68:93-103. [PMID: 35485483 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20226802093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4), non-canonical secondary DNA structures, are intensively investigated for a long time. In eukaryotic organisms they play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and DNA repair. G4 have also been found in the genomes of numerous bacteria and archaea, but their functional role has not yet been fully explored. Nevertheless, their participation in the formation of antigenic variability, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance and survival in extreme conditions has been established. Currently, many tools have been developed to detect potential G4 sequences and confirm their formation ability. Since the controlled formation and resolution of the quadruplex are significant means for the regulation of genes critical for survival, a promising direction is the search for ligands - compounds that can have a stabilizing effect on the quadruplex structure and thereby alter gene expression. Currently, a number of ligands are already known, their use stops the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. G4 ligands are of interest as potential antibiotics, which are extremely relevant due to the wide spread of drug resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Shitikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Bespiatykh
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - I N Bodoev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Zaychikova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
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33
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Rigo R, Groaz E, Sissi C. Polymorphic and Higher-Order G-Quadruplexes as Possible Transcription Regulators: Novel Perspectives for Future Anticancer Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030373. [PMID: 35337170 PMCID: PMC8950063 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, significant efforts have been put into designing small molecules to target selected genomic sites where DNA conformational rearrangements control gene expression. G-rich sequences at oncogene promoters are considered good points of intervention since, under specific environmental conditions, they can fold into non-canonical tetrahelical structures known as G-quadruplexes. However, emerging evidence points to a frequent lack of correlation between small molecule targeting of G-quadruplexes at gene promoters and the expression of the associated protein, which hampers pharmaceutical applications. The wide genomic localization of G-quadruplexes along with their highly polymorphic behavior may account for this scenario, suggesting the need for more focused drug design strategies. Here, we will summarize the G4 structural features that can be considered to fulfill this goal. In particular, by comparing a telomeric sequence with the well-characterized G-rich domain of the KIT promoter, we will address how multiple secondary structures might cooperate to control genome architecture at a higher level. If this holds true, the link between drug–DNA complex formation and the associated cellular effects will need to be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rigo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- CEITEC—Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (R.R.); (E.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Biswas A, Singh SB, Todankar CS, Sudhakar S, Pany SPP, Pradeepkumar PI. Stabilization and fluorescence light-up of G-quadruplex nucleic acids using indolyl-quinolinium based probes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:6238-6255. [PMID: 35229834 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp04718c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded motifs formed by G-rich nucleic acid sequences. These structures harbor significant biological importance as they are involved in telomere maintenance, transcription, and translation. Owing to their dynamic and polymorphic nature, G4 structures relevant for therapeutic applications need to be stabilized by small-molecule ligands. Some of these ligands turn on fluorescence upon binding to G4 structures, which provides a powerful detection platform for G4 structures. Herein, we report the synthesis of fluorescent ligands based on the indolyl-quinolinium moiety to specifically stabilize G4 structures and sense DNA. CD titration and melting experiments have shown that the lead ligand induces the formation of parallel G4 with preferential stabilization of the c-MYC and c-KIT1 promoter G4s over the telomeric, h-RAS1 G4, and duplex DNA. Fluorimetric titration data revealed fluorescence enhancement when these ligands interact with G4 DNA structures. The fluorescence lifetime experiment of the ligand with different DNAs revealed three excited state lifetimes (ns), which indicates more than one binding site. MD studies showed that the ligand exhibits 3 : 1 stoichiometry of binding with c-MYC G4 DNA and revealed the unique structural features, which impart selectivity toward parallel topology. The ligand was found to have low cytotoxicity and exhibited preferential staining of DNA over RNA. Collectively, the results presented here offer avenues to harness indolyl-quinolinium scaffolds for sensing and selective stabilization of G4 structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annyesha Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India.
| | - Sushma B Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India.
| | - Chaitra S Todankar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India.
| | - Sruthi Sudhakar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India.
| | | | - P I Pradeepkumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India.
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35
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Kundu N, Sharma T, Kaur S, Singh M, Kumar V, Sharma U, Jain A, Shankaraswamy J, Miyoshi D, Saxena S. Significant structural change in human c-Myc promoter G-quadruplex upon peptide binding in potassium. RSC Adv 2022; 12:7594-7604. [PMID: 35424772 PMCID: PMC8982240 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00535b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We selected the G-quadruplex motif located in the nuclease-hypersensitive elements (NHE) III1 region of the c-Myc promoter and for the first time performed its interaction studies with a designed peptide (QW10). Our CD results showed that the peptide bound to the c-Myc G-quadruplex and induced a significant blue shift in the positive peak of 20 nm in KCl alone or with 40wt% PEG200 or 20wt% PEG8000 in comparison to NaCl. Our Native Gel results confirmed that peptide binding destabilized the duplex and stabilized the unimolecular G-quadruplex and not binding to i-motif. UV thermal results confirmed destabilization of bimolecular structure and stabilization of unimolecular G-quadruplex. QW10 showed preferential binding towards c-MYC promoter G4 with binding constant (K b) values of the order of 0.05 ± 0.2 μM, 0.12 ± 0.1 μM and 0.05 ± 0.3 μM for complexes in K+ alone or 40wt% PEG 200 or 20wt% PEG 8000 respectively. QW10 showed preferential cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 11.10 μM and 6.44 μM after 72 and 96 hours' incubation on Human Breast Carcinoma MDA-MB 231 cells and was found to be non-toxic with Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-1) cells. Interestingly, we observed reduction of c-Myc gene expression by 2.5 fold due to QW10 binding and stabilizing c-MYC G4. Our study for the first time provides an expanded overview of significant structural change in human c-Myc promoter G-quadruplex upon peptide binding in potassium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Kundu
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Structural Biology Lab Sector-125, Expressway Highway Noida 201313 India +91-120-4735600
| | - Taniya Sharma
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Structural Biology Lab Sector-125, Expressway Highway Noida 201313 India +91-120-4735600
| | - Sarvpreet Kaur
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Structural Biology Lab Sector-125, Expressway Highway Noida 201313 India +91-120-4735600
| | - Mamta Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida 201313 India
| | - Vinit Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida 201313 India
| | - Uttam Sharma
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab Bathinda India
| | - Aklank Jain
- Department of Animal Sciences, Central University of Punjab Bathinda India
| | - Jadala Shankaraswamy
- Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University 509382 Telangana India
| | - Daisuke Miyoshi
- Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Sarika Saxena
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Structural Biology Lab Sector-125, Expressway Highway Noida 201313 India +91-120-4735600
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36
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Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes and Their Use as Probes and Photoreactive Agents for G-quadruplexes Labelling. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051541. [PMID: 35268640 PMCID: PMC8912042 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051541] [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] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their optical and electrochemical properties, ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have been used in a wide array of applications. Since the discovery of the light-switch ON effect of [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ when interacting with DNA, the design of new Ru(II) complexes as light-up probes for specific regions of DNA has been intensively explored. Amongst them, G-quadruplexes (G4s) are of particular interest. These structures formed by guanine-rich parts of DNA and RNA may be associated with a wide range of biological events. However, locating them and understanding their implications in biological pathways has proven challenging. Elegant approaches to tackle this challenge relies on the use of photoprobes capable of marking, reversibly or irreversibly, these G4s. Indeed, Ru(II) complexes containing ancillary π-deficient TAP ligands can create a covalently linked adduct with G4s after a photoinduced electron transfer from a guanine residue to the excited complex. Through careful design of the ligands, high selectivity of interaction with G4 structures can be achieved. This allows the creation of specific Ru(II) light-up probes and photoreactive agents for G4 labelling, which is at the core of this review composed of an introduction dedicated to a brief description of G-quadruplex structures and two main sections. The first one will provide a general picture of ligands and metal complexes interacting with G4s. The second one will focus on an exhaustive and comprehensive overview of the interactions and (photo)reactions of Ru(II) complexes with G4s.
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Beals N, Farhath MM, Kharel P, Croos B, Mahendran T, Johnson J, Basu S. Rationally designed DNA therapeutics can modulate human TH expression by controlling specific GQ formation in its promoter. Mol Ther 2022; 30:831-844. [PMID: 33992806 PMCID: PMC8822133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the catecholamine (CA) biosynthesis pathway, making TH a molecular target for controlling CA production, specifically dopamine. Dysregulation of dopamine is correlated with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Previously, we showed that a 49-nucleotide guanine (G)-rich sequence within the human TH promoter adopts two different sets of G-quadruplex (GQ) structures (5'GQ and 3'GQ), where the 5'GQ uses G-stretches I, II, IV, and VI in TH49, which enhances TH transcription, while the 3'GQ utilizes G-stretches II, IV, VI, and VII, which represses transcription. Herein, we demonstrated targeted switching of these GQs to their active state using rationally designed DNA GQ Clips (5'GQ and 3'GQ Clips) to modulate endogenous TH gene expression and dopamine production. As a translational approach, we synthesized a targeted nanoparticle delivery system to effectively deliver the 5'GQ Clip in vivo. We believe this strategy could potentially be an improved approach for controlling dopamine production in a multitude of neurological disorders, including PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Beals
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mohamed M. Farhath
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, Sri Lanka
| | - Prakash Kharel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brintha Croos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Thulasi Mahendran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - John Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Soumitra Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA,Corresponding author: Soumitra Basu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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Noh B, Blasco-Conesa MP, Lai YJ, Ganesh BP, Urayama A, Moreno-Gonzalez I, Marrelli SP, McCullough LD, Moruno-Manchon JF. G-quadruplexes Stabilization Upregulates CCN1 and Accelerates Aging in Cultured Cerebral Endothelial Cells. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:797562. [PMID: 35822045 PMCID: PMC9261356 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.797562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Senescence in the cerebral endothelium has been proposed as a mechanism that can drive dysfunction of the cerebral vasculature, which precedes vascular dementia. Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is a matricellular protein secreted by cerebral endothelial cells (CEC). CCN1 induces senescence in fibroblasts. However, whether CCN1 contributes to senescence in CEC and how this is regulated requires further study. Aging has been associated with the formation of four-stranded Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) in G-rich motifs of DNA and RNA. Stabilization of the G4 structures regulates transcription and translation either by upregulation or downregulation depending on the gene target. Previously, we showed that aged mice treated with a G4-stabilizing compound had enhanced senescence-associated (SA) phenotypes in their brains, and these mice exhibited enhanced cognitive deficits. A sequence in the 3'-UTR of the human CCN1 mRNA has the ability to fold into G4s in vitro. We hypothesize that G4 stabilization regulates CCN1 in cultured primary CEC and induces endothelial senescence. We used cerebral microvessel fractions and cultured primary CEC from young (4-months old, m/o) and aged (18-m/o) mice to determine CCN1 levels. SA phenotypes were determined by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy in cultured primary CEC, and we used Thioflavin T to recognize RNA-G4s for fluorescence spectra. We found that cultured CEC from aged mice exhibited enhanced levels of SA phenotypes, and higher levels of CCN1 and G4 stabilization. In cultured CEC, CCN1 induced SA phenotypes, such as SA β-galactosidase activity, and double-strand DNA damage. Furthermore, CCN1 levels were upregulated by a G4 ligand, and a G-rich motif in the 3'-UTR of the Ccn1 mRNA was folded into a G4. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CCN1 can induce senescence in cultured primary CEC, and we provide evidence that G4 stabilization is a novel mechanism regulating the SASP component CCN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Noh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria P. Blasco-Conesa
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Bhanu Priya Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ines Moreno-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga University, Malaga, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sean P. Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose Felix Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Brabec V. Dinuclear nickel( ii) supramolecular helicates down-regulate gene expression in human cells by stabilizing DNA G-quadruplexes formed in the promoter regions. Inorg Chem Front 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2qi01435a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dinuclear nickel(ii) supramolecular helicates selectively stabilize DNA G-quadruplexes and suppress G-quadruplex-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Kralovopolska 135, CZ-61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Kralovopolska 135, CZ-61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Brabec
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Kralovopolska 135, CZ-61265 Brno, Czech Republic
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40
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Molnár OR, Végh A, Somkuti J, Smeller L. Characterization of a G-quadruplex from hepatitis B virus and its stabilization by binding TMPyP4, BRACO19 and PhenDC3. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23243. [PMID: 34853392 PMCID: PMC8636512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02689-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific guanine rich nucleic acid sequences can form non-canonical structures, like the four stranded G-quadruplex (GQ). We studied the GQ-forming sequence (named HepB) found in the genome of the hepatitis B virus. Fluorescence-, infrared- and CD-spectroscopy were used. HepB shows a hybrid form in presence of K+, but Na+, Li+, and Rb+ induce parallel structure. Higher concentrations of metal ions increase the unfolding temperature, which was explained by a short thermodynamic calculation. Temperature stability of the GQ structure was determined for all these ions. Na+ has stronger stabilizing effect on HepB than K+, which is highly unusual. The transition temperatures were 56.6, 53.8, 58.5 and 54.4 °C for Na+, K+, Li+, and Rb+ respectively. Binding constants for Na+ and K+ were 10.2 mM and 7.1 mM respectively. Study of three ligands designed in cancer research for GQ targeting (TMPyP4, BRACO19 and PhenDC3) showed unequivocally their binding to HepB. Binding was proven by the increased stability of the bound form. The stabilization was higher than 20 °C for TMPyP4 and PhenDC3, while it was considerably lower for BRACO19. These results might have medical importance in the fight against the hepatitis B virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Réka Molnár
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - András Végh
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
| | - Judit Somkuti
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - László Smeller
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary.
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Pal S, Fatma K, Ravichandiran V, Dash J. Triazolyl Dibenzo[ a,c]phenazines Stabilize Telomeric G-quadruplex and Inhibit Telomerase. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2021; 10:2921-2926. [PMID: 37823002 PMCID: PMC7614908 DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We herein report the synthesis and biophysical evaluation of triazolyl dibenzo[a,c]phenazine derivatives as a novel class of G-quadruplex ligands. The aromatic core facilitates π-π interaction and the flexible, protonatable side chains interact with the phosphate backbone of DNA via electrostatic interactions. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assay and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies suggest that these ligands show binding preference for the hTELO G-quadruplex over G-quadruplexes found in the promoter region of various oncogenes and duplex DNA. The in vitro telomeric repeat amplification protocol (Q-TRAP) assay reveals that these ligands reduce telomerase activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmistha Pal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, NIPER-KOLKATA, Chunilal Bhawan (Adjacent to BCPL), 168, Maniktala Main Road P.O. Bengal Chemicals, P.S. Phoolbagan, Kolkata – 700054, West Bengal
| | - Khushnood Fatma
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, NIPER-KOLKATA, Chunilal Bhawan (Adjacent to BCPL), 168, Maniktala Main Road P.O. Bengal Chemicals, P.S. Phoolbagan, Kolkata – 700054, West Bengal
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India
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Wang Y, Li C, Hao X, Wang L, Ma X, Jin R, Kang C, Gao L. A naphthyridine-indole ligand for selective stabilization of G-quadruplexes and conformational conversion of hybrid topology. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 48:116416. [PMID: 34560615 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of ligands to stabilize G-quadruplexes (G4s) or induce G4s to transition from metastable topology to stable topology is a potential strategy for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. In this study, a novel G-quadruplex (G4) ligand based on a naphthyridine scaffold with two indole pendants, L5-DA, is reported to convert hybrid to the parallel topology. Circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopies were used to investigate the interactions between L5-DA and G4s. The CD spectra revealed that the L5-DA induced the conformational conversion from hybrid topologies to parallel topologies with a melting temperature increase of more than 30 °C. According to Förster resonance energy transfer assays, the presence of excess duplex competitor had no effect on the ligand-induced stabilization of the hybrid topology, confirming the L5-DA's selectivity for G4s over ds26. With IC50 values of 4.3 μM, the ligand showed significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and effectively induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed an increase in BG4 foci in the presence of the L5-DA, confirming ligand-induced G4s stabilization in HeLa cells. According to these results, the combination of naphthyridine and indole scaffold was an effective design strategy for G4s stabilization and conformational conversion of metastable G4 topology for inhibiting cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xueyu Hao
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Liangpeng Wang
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xiaoye Ma
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Rizhe Jin
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Chuanqing Kang
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Lianxun Gao
- Laboratory of Polymer Composite and Engineering, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China
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Pandya N, Bhagwat SR, Kumar A. Regulatory role of Non-canonical DNA Polymorphisms in human genome and their relevance in Cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188594. [PMID: 34303788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA has the ability to form polymorphic structures like canonical duplex DNA and non-canonical triplex DNA, Cruciform, Z-DNA, G-quadruplex (G4), i-motifs, and hairpin structures. The alteration in the form of DNA polymorphism in the response to environmental changes influences the gene expression. Non-canonical structures are engaged in various biological functions, including chromatin epigenetic and gene expression regulation via transcription and translation, as well as DNA repair and recombination. The presence of non-canonical structures in the regulatory region of the gene alters the gene expression and affects the cellular machinery. Formation of non-canonical structure in the regulatory site of cancer-related genes either inhibits or dysregulate the gene function and promote tumour formation. In the current article, we review the influence of non-canonical structure on the regulatory mechanisms in human genome. Moreover, we have also discussed the relevance of non-canonical structures in cancer and provided information on the drugs used for their treatment by targeting these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Sonali R Bhagwat
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India.
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Das A, Dutta S. Binding Studies of Aloe-Active Compounds with G-Quadruplex Sequences. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:18344-18351. [PMID: 34308065 PMCID: PMC8296576 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex, a unique DNA quartet motif with a pivotal role in regulation of the gene expression, has been established as a potent therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Small-molecule-mediated stabilization of the G-quadruplex and thus inhibition of the expression from the oncogene promoter and telomere region may be a promising anticancer strategy. Aloe vera-derived natural compounds like aloe emodin, aloe emodin-8-glucoside, and aloin have significant anticancer activity. Comparative binding studies of these three molecules with varieties of G-quadruplex sequences were carried out using different biophysical techniques like absorption spectral titration, fluorescence spectral titration, dye displacement, ferrocyanide quenching assay, and CD and DSC thermogram studies. Overall, this study revealed aloe emodin and aloe emodin-8-glucoside as potent quadruplex-binding molecules mostly in the case of c-KIT and c-MYC sequences with a binding affinity value of 105 order that is higher than their duplex DNA binding ability. This observation may be correlated to the anticancer activity of these aloe-active compounds and also be helpful in the potential therapeutic application of natural compound-based molecules.
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Sugimoto N, Endoh T, Takahashi S, Tateishi-Karimata H. Chemical Biology of Double Helical and Non-Double Helical Nucleic Acids: “To B or Not To B, That Is the Question”. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20210131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tamaki Endoh
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Takahashi
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 17-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
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Tateishi-Karimata H, Sugimoto N. Roles of non-canonical structures of nucleic acids in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7839-7855. [PMID: 34244785 PMCID: PMC8373145 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Expression of tumour suppressor genes is suppressed by mutations or epigenetic silencing, whereas for neurodegenerative disease-related genes, nucleic acid-based effects may be presented through loss of protein function due to erroneous protein sequences or gain of toxic function from extended repeat transcripts or toxic peptide production. These diseases are triggered by damaged genes and proteins due to lifestyle and exposure to radiation. Recent studies have indicated that transient, non-canonical structural changes in nucleic acids in response to the environment can regulate the expression of disease-related genes. Non-canonical structures are involved in many cellular functions, such as regulation of gene expression through transcription and translation, epigenetic regulation of chromatin, and DNA recombination. Transcripts generated from repeat sequences of neurodegenerative disease-related genes form non-canonical structures that are involved in protein transport and toxic aggregate formation. Intracellular phase separation promotes transcription and protein assembly, which are controlled by the nucleic acid structure and can influence cancer and neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings may aid in elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. Here, we review the influence of non-canonical nucleic acid structures in disease-related genes on disease onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Tateishi-Karimata
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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47
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Pruška A, Marchand A, Zenobi R. Novel Insight into Proximal DNA Domain Interactions from Temperature-Controlled Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:15390-15398. [PMID: 33822450 PMCID: PMC8251475 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202016757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Quadruplexes are non-canonical nucleic acid structures essential for many cellular processes. Hybrid quadruplex-duplex oligonucleotide assemblies comprised of multiple domains are challenging to study with conventional biophysical methods due to their structural complexity. Here, we introduce a novel method based on native mass spectrometry (MS) coupled with a custom-built temperature-controlled nanoelectrospray ionization (TCnESI) source designed to investigate interactions between proximal DNA domains. Thermal denaturation experiments were aimed to study unfolding of multi-stranded oligonucleotide constructs derived from biologically relevant structures and to identify unfolding intermediates. Using the TCnESI MS, we observed changes in Tm and thermodynamic characteristics of proximal DNA domains depending on the number of domains, their position, and order in a single experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pruška
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 38093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Adrien Marchand
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 38093ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZurichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 38093ZurichSwitzerland
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48
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Pruška A, Marchand A, Zenobi R. Novel Insight into Proximal DNA Domain Interactions from Temperature‐Controlled Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202016757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pruška
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Adrien Marchand
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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49
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Selective Antitumor Activity of Datelliptium toward Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma by Downregulating RET Transcriptional Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133288. [PMID: 34209165 PMCID: PMC8267783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare aggressive type of thyroid cancer with a propensity for metastasizing to the lymph nodes, liver, bones, and lungs. Previous studies have demonstrated that activated REarranged during Transfection (RET) mutants are key regulators of invasive and metastatic behaviors in MTC. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiinvasive and antimetastatic potential of a novel RET transcription inhibitor, datelliptium, which stabilizes the RET G-quadruplex structures and suppresses RET oncogene transcription by examining its effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), and MTC cell migration. Interestingly, the ablation of RET with datelliptium resulted in decreased EMT, spheroid formation, and MTC cell migration. In this study, we also demonstrated the in vivo antitumor activity in TT tumor-bearing mice with about 75% tumor growth inhibition. Abstract Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare aggressive form of thyroid cancer with high rates of metastasis. Sporadic and hereditary MTC are strongly driven by somatic and germline mutations, respectively, in the transmembrane REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase. Our previous study identified datelliptium as a novel RET transcription inhibitor, which stabilizes the RET G-quadruplex structures and suppresses RET oncogene transcription. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of datelliptium on the suppression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis-related behaviors of MTC cells, including cell migration and formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our results demonstrated that datelliptium downregulated the expression of the mesenchymal markers, including N-cadherin, vimentin, slug, snail, and claudin-1. Compared to untreated cells, datelliptium significantly decreased the migration of TT cells in a dose-dependent manner in a wound healing assay. Additionally, datelliptium significantly reduced the size of preformed spheroids from TT cells over the time course. Finally, datelliptium inhibited approximately 75% of MTC xenograft growth with minimal systemic toxicity. In conclusion, datelliptium exerts its antitumor activity against MTC cells by reducing the EMT program, migratory ability, and self-renewal capacity of TT cells, thus preventing invasive and metastatic behavior of MTC.
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Malina J, Kostrhunova H, Scott P, Brabec V. Fe II Metallohelices Stabilize DNA G-Quadruplexes and Downregulate the Expression of G-Quadruplex-Regulated Oncogenes. Chemistry 2021; 27:11682-11692. [PMID: 34048082 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified within the promoter regions of many proto-oncogenes. Thus, G4s represent attractive targets for cancer therapy, and the design and development of new drugs as G4 binders is a very active field of medicinal chemistry. Here, molecular biophysics and biology methods were employed to investigate the interaction of chiral metallohelices with a series of four DNA G4s (hTelo, c-myc, c-kit1, c-kit2) that are formed by the human telomeric sequence (hTelo) and in the promoter regions of c-MYC and c-KIT proto-oncogenes. We show that the investigated water-compatible, optically pure metallohelices, which are made by self-assembly of simple nonpeptidic organic components around FeII ions and exhibit bioactivity emulating the natural systems, bind with high affinity to G4 DNA and much lower affinity to duplex DNA. Notably, both enantiomers of a metallohelix containing a m-xylenyl bridge (5 b) were found to effectively inhibit primer elongation catalyzed by Taq DNA polymerase by stabilizing G4 structures formed in the template strands containing c-myc and c-kit2 G4-forming sequences. Moreover, both enantiomers of 5 b downregulated the expression of c-MYC and c-KIT oncogenes in human embryonic kidney cells at mRNA and protein levels. As metallohelices also bind alternative nucleic acid structures, they hold promise as potential multitargeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Malina
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kostrhunova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Viktor Brabec
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kralovopolska 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
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