1
|
Chen Z, Sun Q, Yang Y, Nie X, Xiang W, Ren Y, Le T. Aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for animal viruses: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128677. [PMID: 38072350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Animal diseases often have significant consequences due to the unclear and time-consuming diagnosis process. Furthermore, the emergence of new viral infections and drug-resistant pathogens has further complicated the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases. Aptamers, which are obtained through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology, provide a promising solution as they enable specific identification and binding to targets, facilitating pathogen detection and the development of novel therapeutics. This review presented an overview of aptasensors for animal virus detection, discussed the antiviral activity and mechanisms of aptamers, and highlighted advancements in aptamer-based antiviral research following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of aptamer-based virus diagnosis and treatment research were explored. Although this review was not exhaustive, it offered valuable insights into the progress of aptamer-based antiviral drug research, target mechanisms, as well as the development of novel antiviral drugs and biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoer Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Qi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Ying Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Xunqing Nie
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Wenyu Xiang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Yueyang Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Tao Le
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Sousa Lacerda CM, Almeida NBF, Dos Santos VCF, Plentz F, de Andrade ASR. Foot-and-mouth disease virus: DNA aptamer selection for the 3ABC protein. Virus Res 2023; 323:199008. [PMID: 36414190 PMCID: PMC10194325 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.199008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating livestock disease caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornaviridae family. The 3ABC is a non-structural protein of FMDV, produced during viral replication and absent from inactivated FMD vaccines. Nucleic acid aptamers are DNA or RNA oligonucleotides capable of binding with high specificity and affinity to a molecular target. The aim of this study was to obtain DNA aptamers specific for 3ABC protein with a view of their application in the FMD diagnosis. Aptamers are usually obtained through SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) procedure. In this study, an aptamer (termed FMDV1) was selected by a variation of this technique called Capillary Electrophoresis SELEX (CE-SELEX). The FMDV1 aptamer showed high binding affinity to the 3ABC protein with Kd value in the nano molar range: 22.69 ± 1.79 nM. The FMDV1 aptamer binding to 3ABC was significantly higher when compared with the BSA protein, used as control, demonstrating its specificity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Maria de Sousa Lacerda
- Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear, CDTN, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brasil; MedicOnChip, Parque Tecnológico de Belo Horizonte-BH-TEC, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Nathalie Bonatti Franco Almeida
- Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear, CDTN, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brasil; MedicOnChip, Parque Tecnológico de Belo Horizonte-BH-TEC, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Viviane Cristina Fernandes Dos Santos
- Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear, CDTN, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brasil; MedicOnChip, Parque Tecnológico de Belo Horizonte-BH-TEC, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Flávio Plentz
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil; MedicOnChip, Parque Tecnológico de Belo Horizonte-BH-TEC, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Higher-order structures of the foot-and-mouth disease virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase required for genome replication. Commun Biol 2022; 5:61. [PMID: 35039618 PMCID: PMC8764057 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication of many positive-sense RNA viruses occurs within intracellular membrane-associated compartments. These are thought to provide a favourable environment for replication to occur, concentrating essential viral structural and nonstructural components, as well as protecting these components from host-cell pathogen recognition and innate immune responses. However, the details of the molecular interactions and dynamics within these structures is very limited. One of the key components of the replication machinery is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, RdRp. This enzyme has been shown to form higher-order fibrils in vitro. Here, using the RdRp from foot-and-mouth disease virus (termed 3Dpol), we report fibril structures, solved at ~7-9 Å resolution by cryo-EM, revealing multiple conformations of a flexible assembly. Fitting high-resolution coordinates led to the definition of potential intermolecular interactions. We employed mutagenesis using a sub-genomic replicon system to probe the importance of these interactions for replication. We use these data to propose models for the role of higher-order 3Dpol complexes as a dynamic scaffold within which RNA replication can occur. Loundras et al. report on the fibril components of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase RdRp from foot-and-mouth disease virus. They demonstrate that higher-order fibril-based interactions create multiple complex structures within which RNA replication can occur.
Collapse
|
4
|
Devi S, Sharma N, Ahmed T, Huma ZI, Kour S, Sahoo B, Singh AK, Macesic N, Lee SJ, Gupta MK. Aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in animals: Current potential and challenges. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5081-5093. [PMID: 34466086 PMCID: PMC8381015 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast and precise diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious animal diseases and their targeted treatments are of utmost importance for their clinical management. The existing biochemical, serological and molecular methods of disease diagnosis need improvement in their specificity, sensitivity and cost and, are generally not amenable for being used as points-of-care (POC) device. Further, with dramatic changes in environment and farm management practices, one should also arm ourselves and prepare for emerging and re-emerging animal diseases such as cancer, prion diseases, COVID-19, influenza etc. Aptamer – oligonucleotide or short peptides that can specifically bind to target molecules – have increasingly become popular in developing biosensors for sensitive detection of analytes, pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungus, prions), drug residues, toxins and, cancerous cells. They have also been proven successful in the cellular delivery of drugs and targeted therapy of infectious diseases and physiological disorders. However, the in vivo application of aptamer-mediated biosensing and therapy in animals has been limited. This paper reviews the existing reports on the application of aptamer-based biosensors and targeted therapy in animals. It also dissects the various modifications to aptamers that were found to be successful in in vivo application of the aptamers in diagnostics and therapeutics. Finally, it also highlights major challenges and future directions in the application of aptamers in the field of veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Devi
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Neelesh Sharma
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, J & K, India
- Corresponding author at: Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 181102, India.
| | - Touqeer Ahmed
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Zul I. Huma
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Savleen Kour
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A.H., Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, J & K, India
| | - Bijayalaxmi Sahoo
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Experimental Animal Facility, National JALMA Institute of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Agra, U.P., India
| | - Nino Macesic
- Clinic for Reproduction and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sung Jin Lee
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Aptamers are single strand DNA or RNA molecules, selected by an iterative process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Due to various advantages of aptamers such as high temperature stability, animal free, cost effective production and its high affinity and selectivity for its target make them attractive alternatives to monoclonal antibody for use in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Aptamer has been generated against vesicular endothelial growth factor 165 involved in age related macular degeneracy. Macugen was the first FDA approved aptamer based drug that was commercialized. Later other aptamers were also developed against blood clotting proteins, cancer proteins, antibody E, agents involved in diabetes nephropathy, autoantibodies involved in autoimmune disorders, etc. Aptamers have also been developed against viruses and could work with other antiviral agents in treating infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Parashar
- Research Scholar, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu YX, Kwon YJ. Aptamers: The "evolution" of SELEX. Methods 2016; 106:21-8. [PMID: 27109056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been more than two decades since the first aptamer molecule was discovered. Since then, aptamer molecules have gain much attention in the scientific field. This increasing traction can be attributed to their many desirable traits, such as 1) their potentials to bind a wide range of molecules, 2) their malleability, and 3) their low cost of production. These traits have made aptamer molecules an ideal platform to pursue in the realm of pharmaceuticals and bio-sensors. Despite the broad applications of aptamers, tedious procedure, high resource consumption, and limited nucleobase repertoire have hindered aptamer in application usage. To address these issues, new innovative methodologies, such as automation and single round SELEX, are being developed to improve the outcomes and rates in which aptamers are discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Young Jik Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Subcellular Localisation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 Protein in Cervical Cancer Cells and Its Perturbation by RNA Aptamers. Viruses 2015; 7:3443-61. [PMID: 26131956 PMCID: PMC4517109 DOI: 10.3390/v7072780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, affecting both men and women. High-risk oncogenic types are responsible for almost 90% of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers including cervical cancer. Some of the HPV "early" genes, particularly E6 and E7, are known to act as oncogenes that promote tumour growth and malignant transformation. Most notably, HPV-16 E7 interacts with the tumour suppressor protein pRb, promoting its degradation, leading to cell cycle dysregulation in infected cells. We have previously shown that an RNA aptamer (termed A2) selectively binds to HPV16 E7 and is able to induce apoptosis in HPV16-transformed cervical carcinoma cell lines (SiHa) through reduction of E7 levels. In this study, we investigated the effects of the A2 aptamer on E7 localisation in order to define its effects on E7 activity. We demonstrate for the first time that E7 localised to the plasma membrane. In addition, we show that A2 enhanced E7 localisation in the ER and that the A2-mediated reduction of E7 was not associated with proteasomal degradation. These data suggest that A2 perturbs normal E7 trafficking through promoting E7 ER retention.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Aptamers, as a novel class of molecular probes for diagnosis, imaging and targeting therapy, have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Aptamers are generated from libraries of single-stranded nucleic acids against different molecules via the "systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment" (SELEX) method. SELEX is a repetitive process of a sequential selection procedure in which a DNA or RNA library pool is incubated separately with target and control molecules to select specific oligonucleotide aptamers with high affinities and specificities. Cell-SELEX is a modified version of the SELEX process in which whole living cells are used as targets for the aptamers. Dendritic cell (DC) targeting, as a new therapeutic approach, can improve the efficiency of immunotherapy in the treatment of allergies and cancers. DCs use various receptors to continuously induce adaptive immunity via capture and presentation of antigens to naïve T cells. DCs are considered as the best targets in modulating immune responses against cancer, autoimmunity, allergy and transplantation. Aptamers, as a new agent, can be applied in DC targeting. The purpose of this review is to present some general concepts of aptamer production and DC targeting by aptamer molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Ganji
- a Student Research Committee , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran .,b Immunology Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran , and
| | - A Varasteh
- c Allergy Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - M Sankian
- b Immunology Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran , and
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Forrest S, Lear Z, Herod MR, Ryan M, Rowlands DJ, Stonehouse NJ. Inhibition of the foot-and-mouth disease virus subgenomic replicon by RNA aptamers. J Gen Virol 2014; 95:2649-2657. [PMID: 25096816 PMCID: PMC4233629 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.067751-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously documented the inhibitory activity of RNA aptamers to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of foot-and-mouth disease virus (3D(pol)). Here we report their modification and use with a subgenomic replicon incorporating GFP (pGFP-PAC replicon), allowing replication to be monitored and quantified in real-time. GFP expression in transfected BHK-21 cells reached a maximum at approximately 8 h post-transfection, at which time change in morphology of the cells was consistent with a virus-induced cytopathic effect. However, transfection of replicon-bearing cells with a 3D(pol) aptamer RNA resulted in inhibition of GFP expression and maintenance of normal cell morphology, whereas a control aptamer RNA had little effect. The inhibition was correlated with a reduction in 3D(pol) (detected by immunoblotting) and shown to be dose dependent. The 3D(pol) aptamers appeared to be more effective than 2'-C-methylcytidine (2'CMC). Aptamers to components of the replication complex are therefore useful molecular tools for studying viral replication and also have potential as diagnostic molecules in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Forrest
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Zoe Lear
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Morgan R. Herod
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Martin Ryan
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex (BSRC), School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - David J. Rowlands
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nicola J. Stonehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Belyaeva TA, Nicol C, Cesur O, Travé G, Blair GE, Stonehouse NJ. An RNA Aptamer Targets the PDZ-Binding Motif of the HPV16 E6 Oncoprotein. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:1553-69. [PMID: 25062098 PMCID: PMC4190555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6031553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is a high-risk DNA tumour virus which is the primary causative agent of cervical cancer. Cell transformation arises from deregulated expression of the E6 and E7 oncogenes. E6 has been shown to bind a number of cellular proteins, including p53 and proteins containing a PDZ domain. This study reports the first RNA aptamers to E6. These have been employed as molecular tools to further investigate E6-p53 and E6-PDZ interactions. This study is focussed on two aptamers (termed F2 and F4) which induced apoptosis in cells derived from an HPV16-transformed cervical carcinoma. The molecules were able to inhibit the interaction between E6 and PDZ1 from Magi1, with F2 being the most effective inhibitor. Neither of the aptamers inhibited E6-p53 interaction or p53 degradation. This study shows the specificity of this approach and highlights the potential benefits of the E6 aptamers as potential therapeutic or diagnostic agents in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara A Belyaeva
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Clare Nicol
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Ozlem Cesur
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Gilles Travé
- UMR 7242 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie, Boulevard Sébastien Brant, Illkirch 67412, France.
| | - George Eric Blair
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Nicola J Stonehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Doble R, McDermott MF, Cesur Ö, Stonehouse NJ, Wittmann M. IL-17A RNA aptamer: possible therapeutic potential in some cells, more than we bargained for in others? J Invest Dermatol 2013; 134:852-855. [PMID: 24056860 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosella Doble
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael F McDermott
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Özlem Cesur
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicola J Stonehouse
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Miriam Wittmann
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Centre for Skin Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK; Department of Dermatology, St Luke's Hospital, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK; Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
An RNA aptamer provides a novel approach for the induction of apoptosis by targeting the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64781. [PMID: 23738000 PMCID: PMC3667794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is a high-risk DNA tumour virus, which is a major causative agent of cervical cancer. Cellular transformation is associated with deregulated expression of the E6 and E7 oncogenes. E7 has been shown to bind a number of cellular proteins, including the cell cycle control protein pRb. In this study, RNA aptamers (small, single-stranded oligonucleotides selected for high-affinity binding) to HPV16 E7 were employed as molecular tools to further investigate these protein-protein interactions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study is focused on one aptamer (termed A2). Transfection of this molecule into HPV16-transformed cells resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation (shown using real-time cell electronic sensing and MTT assays) due to the induction of apoptosis (as demonstrated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining). GST-pull down and bead binding assays were used to demonstrate that the binding of A2 required N-terminal residues of E7 known to be involved in interaction with the cell cycle control protein, pRb. Using a similar approach, A2 was shown to disrupt the interaction between E7 and pRb in vitro. Furthermore, transfection of HPV16-transformed cells with A2 appeared to result in the loss of E7 and rise in pRb levels, as observed by immunoblotting. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This paper includes the first characterisation of the effects of an E7 RNA aptamer in a cell line derived from a cervical carcinoma. Transfection of cells with A2 was correlated with the loss of E7 and the induction of apoptosis. Aptamers specific for a number of cellular and viral proteins have been documented previously; one aptamer (Macugen) is approved for clinical use and several others are in clinical trials. In addition to its role as a molecular tool, A2 could have further applications in the future.
Collapse
|
13
|
Formation of higher-order foot-and-mouth disease virus 3D(pol) complexes is dependent on elongation activity. J Virol 2011; 86:2371-4. [PMID: 22156531 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.05696-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The replication of many viruses involves the formation of higher-order structures or replication "factories." We show that the key replication enzyme of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, forms fibrils in vitro. Although there are similarities with previously characterized poliovirus polymerase fibrils, FMDV fibrils are narrower, are composed of both protein and RNA, and, importantly, are seen only when all components of an elongation assay are present. Furthermore, an inhibitory RNA aptamer prevents fibril formation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Nicol C, Bunka DHJ, Blair GE, Stonehouse NJ. Effects of single nucleotide changes on the binding and activity of RNA aptamers to human papillomavirus 16 E7 oncoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 405:417-21. [PMID: 21238427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A virally-encoded oncoprotein (E7 from human papillomavirus 16, involved in the initiation of cell transformation) was the target for RNA aptamer development by the process of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). A number of aptamers were identified, one of which was shown to inhibit the interaction between E7 and its major binding partner, pRb. Aptamers with very similar sequences (more than 92% similarity in the random regions) did not share this activity. This study demonstrates the potential of aptamers to be highly specific, with small differences in aptamer sequence having profound effects on function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Nicol
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Durk RC, Singh K, Cornelison CA, Rai DK, Matzek KB, Leslie MD, Schafer E, Marchand B, Adedeji A, Michailidis E, Dorst CA, Moran J, Pautler C, Rodriguez LL, McIntosh MA, Rieder E, Sarafianos SG. Inhibitors of foot and mouth disease virus targeting a novel pocket of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15049. [PMID: 21203539 PMCID: PMC3006429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) is a picornavirus that infects cloven-hoofed animals and leads to severe losses in livestock production. In the case of an FMD outbreak, emergency vaccination requires at least 7 days to trigger an effective immune response. There are currently no approved inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of FMDV infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using a luciferase-based assay we screened a library of compounds and identified seven novel inhibitors of 3Dpol, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of FMDV. The compounds inhibited specifically 3Dpol (IC(50)s from 2-17 µM) and not other viral or bacterial polymerases. Enzyme kinetic studies on the inhibition mechanism by compounds 5D9 and 7F8 showed that they are non-competitive inhibitors with respect to NTP and nucleic acid substrates. Molecular modeling and docking studies into the 3Dpol structure revealed an inhibitor binding pocket proximal to, but distinct from the 3Dpol catalytic site. Residues surrounding this pocket are conserved among all 60 FMDV subtypes. Site directed mutagenesis of two residues located at either side of the pocket caused distinct resistance to the compounds, demonstrating that they indeed bind at this site. Several compounds inhibited viral replication with 5D9 suppressing virus production in FMDV-infected cells with EC(50) = 12 µM and EC(90) = 20 µM). SIGNIFICANCE We identified several non-competitive inhibitors of FMDV 3Dpol that target a novel binding pocket, which can be used for future structure-based drug design studies. Such studies can lead to the discovery of even more potent antivirals that could provide alternative or supplementary options to contain future outbreaks of FMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Durk
- Christopher Bond Life Sciences Center, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Barton JL, Bunka DHJ, Knowling SE, Lefevre P, Warren AJ, Bonifer C, Stockley PG. Characterization of RNA aptamers that disrupt the RUNX1-CBFbeta/DNA complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:6818-30. [PMID: 19740763 PMCID: PMC2777437 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor RUNX1 (AML1) is an important regulator of haematopoiesis, and an important fusion partner in leukaemic translocations. High-affinity DNA binding by RUNX1 requires the interaction of the RUNX1 Runt-Homology-Domain (RHD) with the core-binding factor β protein (CBFβ). To generate novel reagents for in vitro and in vivo studies of RUNX1 function, we have selected high-affinity RNA aptamers against a recombinant RHD–CBFβ complex. Selection yielded two sequence families, each dominated by a single consensus sequence. Aptamers from each family disrupt DNA binding by the RUNX1 protein in vitro and compete with sequence-specific dsDNA binding. Minimal, high-affinity (∼100–160 nM) active aptamer fragments 28 and 30 nts in length, consisting of simple short stem-loop structures, were then identified. These bind to the RHD subunit and disrupt its interaction with CBFβ, which is consistent with reduced DNA affinity in the presence of aptamer. These aptamers represent new reagents that target a novel surface on the RHD required to stabilize the recombinant RHD–CBFβ complex and thus will further aid exploring the functions of this key transcription factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L Barton
- Section of Experimental Haematology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ng CL, Waterman DG, Koonin EV, Walters AD, Chong JPJ, Isupov MN, Lebedev AA, Bunka DHJ, Stockley PG, Ortiz-Lombardía M, Antson AA. Conformational flexibility and molecular interactions of an archaeal homologue of the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome protein. BMC STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2009; 9:32. [PMID: 19454024 PMCID: PMC2695463 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6807-9-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Defects in the human Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) protein-coding gene lead to the autosomal recessive disorder characterised by bone marrow dysfunction, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and skeletal abnormalities. This protein is highly conserved in eukaryotes and archaea but is not found in bacteria. Although genomic and biophysical studies have suggested involvement of this protein in RNA metabolism and in ribosome biogenesis, its interacting partners remain largely unknown. Results We determined the crystal structure of the SBDS orthologue from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus (mthSBDS). This structure shows that SBDS proteins are highly flexible, with the N-terminal FYSH domain and the C-terminal ferredoxin-like domain capable of undergoing substantial rotational adjustments with respect to the central domain. Affinity chromatography identified several proteins from the large ribosomal subunit as possible interacting partners of mthSBDS. Moreover, SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) experiments, combined with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) suggest that mthSBDS does not interact with RNA molecules in a sequence specific manner. Conclusion It is suggested that functional interactions of SBDS proteins with their partners could be facilitated by rotational adjustments of the N-terminal and the C-terminal domains with respect to the central domain. Examination of the SBDS protein structure and domain movements together with its possible interaction with large ribosomal subunit proteins suggest that these proteins could participate in ribosome function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Leong Ng
- York Structural Biology Laboratory, Chemistry Department, University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|