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Gong P, Zhang R, Xiao K, Shu H, Li X, Fan H, Sun X. DNA G-Quadruplex in NRP1 Promoter Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4422. [PMID: 38674009 PMCID: PMC11050221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to raise concerns worldwide. Numerous host factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified, but the regulatory mechanisms of these host factor remain unclear. Here, we report the role of G-quadruplexes (G4s) located in the host factor promoter region in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using bioinformatics, biochemical, and biological assays, we provide evidence for the presence of G4 structures in the promoter regions of SARS-CoV-2 host factors NRP1. Specifically, we focus on two representative G4s in the NRP1 promoter and highlight its importance in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. The presence of the G4 structure greatly increases NRP1 expression, facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. Utilizing published single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from simulated SARS-CoV-2 infection in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), we found that ciliated cells with high levels of NRP1 are prominently targeted by the virus during infection. Furthermore, our study identifies E2F1 act as a transcription factor that binds to G4s. These findings uncover a previously unknown mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest that targeting G4 structures could be a potential strategy for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pihai Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Ke Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Huiling Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Xinxiu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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2
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Zareie AR, Dabral P, Verma SC. G-Quadruplexes in the Regulation of Viral Gene Expressions and Their Impacts on Controlling Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:60. [PMID: 38251367 PMCID: PMC10819198 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010060] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures that play significant roles in regulating various biological processes, including replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. Recent studies have identified G4s in the genomes of several viruses, such as herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, and human coronaviruses. These structures are implicated in regulating viral transcription, replication, and virion production, influencing viral infectivity and pathogenesis. G4-stabilizing ligands, like TMPyP4, PhenDC3, and BRACO19, show potential antiviral properties by targeting and stabilizing G4 structures, inhibiting essential viral life-cycle processes. This review delves into the existing literature on G4's involvement in viral regulation, emphasizing specific G4-stabilizing ligands. While progress has been made in understanding how these ligands regulate viruses, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which G4s impact viral processes. More research is necessary to develop G4-stabilizing ligands as novel antiviral agents. The increasing body of literature underscores the importance of G4s in viral biology and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against viral infections. Despite some ligands' known regulatory effects on viruses, a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted impact of G4s on viral processes is essential. This review advocates for intensified research to unravel the intricate relationship between G4s and viral processes, paving the way for novel antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA; (A.R.Z.); (P.D.)
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3
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Nguyen LTA, Nguyen TTT, Dang DT. Specific binding of G-quadruplex in SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RHAU peptide. Curr Res Struct Biol 2024; 7:100126. [PMID: 38292819 PMCID: PMC10824680 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2024.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are reported to present on the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and control various viral activities. Specific ligands targeting those viral nucleic acid structures could be investigated as promising detection methods or antiviral reagents to suppress this menacing virus. Herein, we demonstrate the binding between a G4 structure in the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and a fluorescent probe created by fusing a parallel-G4 specific RHAU53 and a cyan fluorescent protein. The specific binding of G4 in SARS-CoV-2 by RHAU peptide was easily detected under the fluorescence spectrometer. The drawbacks of this approach and potential solutions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dung Thanh Dang
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, HCMC, Viet Nam
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4
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Pathak R. G-Quadruplexes in the Viral Genome: Unlocking Targets for Therapeutic Interventions and Antiviral Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:2216. [PMID: 38005893 PMCID: PMC10674748 DOI: 10.3390/v15112216] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique non-canonical four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structures formed by guanine-rich DNA or RNA sequences. Sequences with the potential to form quadruplex motifs (pG4s) are prevalent throughout the genomes of all organisms, spanning from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and are enriched within regions of biological significance. In the past few years, the identification of pG4s within most of the Baltimore group viruses has attracted increasing attention due to their occurrence in regulatory regions of the genome and the subsequent implications for regulating critical stages of viral life cycles. In this context, the employment of specific G4 ligands has aided in comprehending the intricate G4-mediated regulatory mechanisms in the viral life cycle, showcasing the potential of targeting viral G4s as a novel antiviral strategy. This review offers a thorough update on the literature concerning G4s in viruses, including their identification and functional significance across most of the human-infecting viruses. Furthermore, it delves into potential therapeutic avenues targeting G4s, encompassing various G4-binding ligands, G4-interacting proteins, and oligonucleotide-based strategies. Finally, the article highlights both progress and challenges in the field, providing valuable insights into leveraging this unusual nucleic acid structure for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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5
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Roy SS, Sharma S, Rizvi ZA, Sinha D, Gupta D, Rophina M, Sehgal P, Sadhu S, Tripathy MR, Samal S, Maiti S, Scaria V, Sivasubbu S, Awasthi A, Harshan KH, Jain S, Chowdhury S. G4-binding drugs, chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine, repurposed against COVID-19 infection in hamsters. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1133123. [PMID: 37006620 PMCID: PMC10061221 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1133123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide. Limited treatment options and the threat from emerging variants underline the need for novel and widely accessible therapeutics. G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures known to affect many cellular processes including viral replication and transcription. We identified heretofore not reported G4s with remarkably low mutation frequency across >5 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The G4 structure was targeted using FDA-approved drugs that can bind G4s - Chlorpromazine (CPZ) and Prochlorperazine (PCZ). We found significant inhibition in lung pathology and lung viral load of SARS-CoV-2 challenged hamsters when treated with CPZ or PCZ that was comparable to the widely used antiviral drug Remdesivir. In support, in vitro G4 binding, inhibition of reverse transcription from RNA isolated from COVID-infected humans, and attenuated viral replication and infectivity in Vero cell cultures were clear in case of both CPZ and PCZ. Apart from the wide accessibility of CPZ/PCZ, targeting relatively invariant nucleic acid structures poses an attractive strategy against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which spread fast and accumulate mutations quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuvra Shekhar Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Shalu Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Zaigham Abbas Rizvi
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Dipanjali Sinha
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Divya Gupta
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Mercy Rophina
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Paras Sehgal
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Srikanth Sadhu
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Tripathy
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sweety Samal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 411008, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 121001, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sridhar Sivasubbu
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Immuno-biology Laboratory, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Krishnan H. Harshan
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, 560029, India
| | - Shantanu Chowdhury
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- *Correspondence: Shantanu Chowdhury,
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6
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Targeting RNA G-quadruplex with repurposed drugs blocks SARS-CoV-2 entry. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011131. [PMID: 36701392 PMCID: PMC9904497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, the complexity of infection, and the functional redundancy of host factors, underscore an urgent need for broad-spectrum antivirals against the continuous COVID-19 pandemic, with drug repurposing as a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we report the potential of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4)-targeting therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 entry. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical approaches, we characterize the existence of RG4s in several SARS-CoV-2 host factors. In silico screening followed by experimental validation identify Topotecan (TPT) and Berbamine (BBM), two clinical approved drugs, as RG4-stabilizing agents with repurposing potential for COVID-19. Both TPT and BBM can reduce the protein level of RG4-containing host factors, including ACE2, AXL, FURIN, and TMPRSS2. Intriguingly, TPT and BBM block SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry into target cells in vitro and murine tissues in vivo. These findings emphasize the significance of RG4 in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and provide a potential broad-spectrum antiviral strategy for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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7
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Qin G, Zhao C, Yang J, Wang Z, Ren J, Qu X. Unlocking G-Quadruplexes as Targets and Tools against COVID-19. CHINESE J CHEM 2022; 41:CJOC202200486. [PMID: 36711116 PMCID: PMC9874442 DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The applicability of G-quadruplexes (G4s) as antiviral targets, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently being evaluated, which has drawn the extensive attention of the scientific community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, research in this field is rapidly accumulating. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4s as antiviral targets, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools for COVID-19, particularly using G4 ligands. Finally, strength and weakness regarding G4s in anti-SARS-CoV-2 field are highlighted for prospective future projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Jie Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of ScienceChangchun, Jilin130022China
- University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
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8
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Teng Y, Zhu M, Chi Y, Li L, Jin Y. Can G-quadruplex become a promising target in HBV therapy? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1091873. [PMID: 36591216 PMCID: PMC9797731 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091873] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Current therapies for HBV always suffer from a poor response rate, common side effects, and the need for lifelong treatment. Novel therapeutic targets are expected. Interestingly, non-canonical structures of nucleic acids play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Especially the formation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in G-rich strands has been demonstrated to affect many bioprocesses including replication, transcription, and translation, showing great potential as targets in anticancer and antiviral therapies. In this review, we summarize recent antiviral studies about G4s and discuss the potential roles of G4 structures in antiviral therapy for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Teng
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Chi
- Pharmaceutical Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Lijing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
| | - Ye Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Lijing Li, ; Ye Jin,
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9
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Zhai LY, Su AM, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Xi XG, Hou XM. Recent advances in applying G-quadruplex for SARS-CoV-2 targeting and diagnosis: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:1476-1490. [PMID: 36130641 PMCID: PMC9482720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a health care crisis all over the world since the end of 2019. Although vaccines and neutralizing antibodies have been developed, rapidly emerging variants usually display stronger immune escape ability and can better surpass vaccine protection. Therefore, it is still vital to find proper treatment strategies. To date, antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 have mainly focused on proteases or polymerases. Notably, noncanonical nucleic acid structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been identified in many viruses in recent years, and numerous G4 ligands have been developed. During this pandemic, literature on SARS-CoV-2 G4s is rapidly accumulating. Here, we first summarize the recent progress in the identification of SARS-CoV-2 G4s and their intervention by ligands. We then introduce the potential interacting proteins of SARS-CoV-2 G4s from both the virus and the host that may regulate G4 functions. The innovative strategy to use G4s as a diagnostic tool in SARS-CoV-2 detection is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss some key questions to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR8113, IDA FR3242, Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology (LBPA), 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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10
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Qin G, Zhao C, Liu Y, Zhang C, Yang G, Yang J, Wang Z, Wang C, Tu C, Guo Z, Ren J, Qu X. RNA G-quadruplex formed in SARS-CoV-2 used for COVID-19 treatment in animal models. Cell Discov 2022; 8:86. [PMID: 36068208 PMCID: PMC9447362 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00450-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect millions of lives worldwide, leading to the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. G-quadruplexes (G4s) have been demonstrated to regulate life cycle of multiple viruses. Here, we identify several highly conservative and stable G4s in SARS-CoV-2 and clarify their dual-function of inhibition of the viral replication and translation processes. Furthermore, the cationic porphyrin compound 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine (TMPyP4) targeting SARS-CoV-2 G4s shows excellent antiviral activity, while its N-methyl-2-pyridyl positional isomer TMPyP2 with low affinity for G4 has no effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting that the antiviral activity of TMPyP4 attributes to targeting SARS-CoV-2 G4s. In the Syrian hamster and transgenic mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, administration of TMPyP4 at nontoxic doses significantly suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in reduced viral loads and lung lesions. Worth to note, the anti-COVID-19 activity of TMPyP4 is more potent than remdesivir evidenced by both in vitro and in vivo studies. Our findings highlight SARS-CoV-2 G4s as a novel druggable target and the compelling potential of TMPyP4 for COVID-19 therapy. Different from the existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic strategies, our work provides another alternative therapeutic tactic for SARS-CoV-2 infection focusing on targeting the secondary structures within SARS-CoV-2 genome, and would open a new avenue for design and synthesis of drug candidates with high selectivity toward the new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Qin
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuanqi Zhao
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Hebei Agricultural University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2596 Lucky South Street, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Changchun Tu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhendong Guo
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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11
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Zhai LY, Liu JF, Zhao JJ, Su AM, Xi XG, Hou XM. Targeting the RNA G-Quadruplex and Protein Interactome for Antiviral Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10161-10182. [PMID: 35862260 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, G-quadruplexes (G4s), types of noncanonical four-stranded nucleic acid structures, have been identified in many viruses that threaten human health, such as HIV and Epstein-Barr virus. In this context, G4 ligands were designed to target the G4 structures, among which some have shown promising antiviral effects. In this Perspective, we first summarize the diversified roles of RNA G4s in different viruses. Next, we introduce small-molecule ligands developed as G4 modulators and highlight their applications in antiviral studies. In addition to G4s, we comprehensively review the medical intervention of G4-interacting proteins from both the virus (N protein, viral-encoded helicases, severe acute respiratory syndrome-unique domain, and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1) and the host (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins, RNA helicases, zinc-finger cellular nucelic acid-binding protein, and nucleolin) by inhibitors as an alternative way to disturb the normal functions of G4s. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in G4-based antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yan Zhai
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing-Fan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jian-Jin Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ai-Min Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China.,Laboratory of Biology and Applied Pharmacology, CNRS UMR 8113, IDA FR3242, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette 91190, France
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, China
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12
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Gao K, Wang R, Chen J, Cheng L, Frishcosy J, Huzumi Y, Qiu Y, Schluckbier T, Wei X, Wei GW. Methodology-Centered Review of Molecular Modeling, Simulation, and Prediction of SARS-CoV-2. Chem Rev 2022; 122:11287-11368. [PMID: 35594413 PMCID: PMC9159519 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in the past two years, our understanding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), virus-host interactions, immune response, virulence, transmission, and evolution is still very limited. This limitation calls for further in-depth investigation. Computational studies have become an indispensable component in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their low cost, their efficiency, and the fact that they are free from safety and ethical constraints. Additionally, the mechanism that governs the global evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be revealed from individual experiments and was discovered by integrating genotyping of massive viral sequences, biophysical modeling of protein-protein interactions, deep mutational data, deep learning, and advanced mathematics. There exists a tsunami of literature on the molecular modeling, simulations, and predictions of SARS-CoV-2 and related developments of drugs, vaccines, antibodies, and diagnostics. To provide readers with a quick update about this literature, we present a comprehensive and systematic methodology-centered review. Aspects such as molecular biophysics, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, machine learning, and mathematics are discussed. This review will be beneficial to researchers who are looking for ways to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 studies and those who are interested in the status of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Gao
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Limei Cheng
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Bristol
Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey 08536, United States
| | - Jaclyn Frishcosy
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuta Huzumi
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Yuchi Qiu
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Tom Schluckbier
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Xiaoqi Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Guo-Wei Wei
- Department
of Mathematics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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13
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Asghar R, Rasheed M, ul Hassan J, Rafique M, Khan M, Deng Y. Advancements in Testing Strategies for COVID-19. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:410. [PMID: 35735558 PMCID: PMC9220779 DOI: 10.3390/bios12060410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, also known as the disease-causing agent for COVID-19, is a virulent pathogen that may infect people and certain animals. The global spread of COVID-19 and its emerging variation necessitates the development of rapid, reliable, simple, and low-cost diagnostic tools. Many methodologies and devices have been developed for the highly sensitive, selective, cost-effective, and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. This review organizes the diagnosis platforms into four groups: imaging, molecular-based detection, serological testing, and biosensors. Each platform's principle, advancement, utilization, and challenges for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in detail. In addition, an overview of the impact of variants on detection, commercially available kits, and readout signal analysis has been presented. This review will expand our understanding of developing advanced diagnostic approaches to evolve into susceptible, precise, and reproducible technologies to combat any future outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Asghar
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Madiha Rasheed
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Jalees ul Hassan
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences-UVAS, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Mohsin Rafique
- Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Mashooq Khan
- Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250014, China;
| | - Yulin Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
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14
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Seneff S, Nigh G, Kyriakopoulos AM, McCullough PA. Innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations: The role of G-quadruplexes, exosomes, and MicroRNAs. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113008. [PMID: 35436552 PMCID: PMC9012513 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were brought to market in response to the public health crises of Covid-19. The utilization of mRNA vaccines in the context of infectious disease has no precedent. The many alterations in the vaccine mRNA hide the mRNA from cellular defenses and promote a longer biological half-life and high production of spike protein. However, the immune response to the vaccine is very different from that to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this paper, we present evidence that vaccination induces a profound impairment in type I interferon signaling, which has diverse adverse consequences to human health. Immune cells that have taken up the vaccine nanoparticles release into circulation large numbers of exosomes containing spike protein along with critical microRNAs that induce a signaling response in recipient cells at distant sites. We also identify potential profound disturbances in regulatory control of protein synthesis and cancer surveillance. These disturbances potentially have a causal link to neurodegenerative disease, myocarditis, immune thrombocytopenia, Bell's palsy, liver disease, impaired adaptive immunity, impaired DNA damage response and tumorigenesis. We show evidence from the VAERS database supporting our hypothesis. We believe a comprehensive risk/benefit assessment of the mRNA vaccines questions them as positive contributors to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139.
| | - Greg Nigh
- Immersion Health, Portland, OR, 97214, USA.
| | - Anthony M Kyriakopoulos
- Research and Development, Nasco AD Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Research and Development, Sachtouri 11, 18536, Piraeus, Greece.
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15
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Maiti AK. Identification of G-quadruplex DNA sequences in SARS-CoV2. Immunogenetics 2022; 74:455-463. [PMID: 35303126 PMCID: PMC8931451 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-022-01257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex structure or Putative Quadruplex Sequences (PQSs) are abundant in human, microbial, DNA, or RNA viral genomes. These sequences in RNA viral genome play critical roles in integration into human genome as LTR (Long Terminal Repeat), genome replication, chromatin rearrangements, gene regulation, antigen variation (Av), and virulence. Here, we investigated whether the genome of SARS-CoV2, an RNA virus, contained such potential G-quadruplex structures. Using bioinformatic tools, we searched for such sequences and found thirty-seven (forward strand (twenty-five) + reverse strand (Twelve)) QGRSs (Quadruplex forming G-Rich Sequences)/PQSs in SARS-CoV2 genome. These sequences are dispersed mainly in the upstream of SARS-CoV2 genes. We discuss whether existing PQS/QGRS ligands could inhibit the SARS-CoV2 replication and gene transcription as has been observed in other RNA viruses. Further experimental validation would determine the role of these G-quadruplex sequences in SARS-CoV2 genome function to survive in the host cells and identify therapeutic agents to destabilize these PQSs/QGRSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Maiti
- Mydnavar, Department of Genetics and Genomics, 2645 Somerset Boulevard, Troy, MI, 48084, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to have devastating consequences worldwide. Recently, great efforts have been made to identify SARS-CoV-2 host factors, but the regulatory mechanisms of these host molecules, as well as the virus per se, remain elusive. Here we report a role of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical assays, we demonstrate the presence of RG4s in both SARS-CoV-2 genome and host factors. The biological and pathological importance of these RG4s is then exemplified by a canonical 3-quartet RG4 within Tmprss2, which can inhibit Tmprss2 translation and prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry. Intriguingly, G-quadruplex (G4)-specific stabilizers attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection in pseudovirus cell systems and mouse models. Consistently, the protein level of TMPRSS2 is increased in lungs of COVID-19 patients. Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest RG4 as a potential target for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Understanding the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to control the pandemic. Here the authors show the biological and pathological role of RNA G-quadruplex structure in both SARS-CoV-2 genome and host factors, particularly TMPRSS2.
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17
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Mendes E, Aljnadi IM, Bahls B, Victor BL, Paulo A. Major Achievements in the Design of Quadruplex-Interactive Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030300. [PMID: 35337098 PMCID: PMC8953082 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic small molecules that can recognize and bind to G-quadruplex and i-Motif nucleic acids have great potential as selective drugs or as tools in drug target discovery programs, or even in the development of nanodevices for medical diagnosis. Hundreds of quadruplex-interactive small molecules have been reported, and the challenges in their design vary with the intended application. Herein, we survey the major achievements on the therapeutic potential of such quadruplex ligands, their mode of binding, effects upon interaction with quadruplexes, and consider the opportunities and challenges for their exploitation in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Israa M. Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Pratihar S, Agrawal R, Pal VK, Singh A, Govindaraju T. Reliable Fluorometric Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting the G-Quadruplex through pH-Triggered Conformational Polymorphism. ACS Sens 2022; 7:453-459. [PMID: 35084824 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c02113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Unravelling unique molecular targets specific to viruses is challenging yet critical for diagnosing emerging viral diseases. Nucleic acids and proteins are the major targets in diagnostic assays of viral pathogens. Identification of novel sequences and conformations of nucleic acids as targets is desirable for developing diagnostic assays specific to a virus of interest. Here, we disclose the identification and characterization of a highly conserved antiparallel G-quadruplex (GQ)-forming DNA sequence present within the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The two-quartet GQ with unique loop compositions formed a distinct recognition motif. Design, synthesis, and fine tuning of structure-activity of a set of small molecules led to the identification of a benzobisthiazole-based fluorogenic probe which unambiguously recognizes the target SARS-CoV-2 GQ DNA. A robust cost-effective assay was developed through thermal cycler PCR-based amplification of the antiparallel GQ-forming ORF1ab region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and endpoint fluorescence detection with the probe. An exclusive pH window (3.5-4) helped trigger reliable conformational polymorphism (RCP) involving DNA duplex to GQ transformation, which aided the development of a GQ-RCP platform for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples. This general strategy can be adapted for the development of specific diagnostic assays targeting different noncanonical nucleic acid sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumon Pratihar
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Ragini Agrawal
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Virender Kumar Pal
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
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19
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Muturi E, Meng F, Liu H, Jiang M, Wei H, Yang H. Comprehensive Analysis of G-Quadruplexes in African Swine Fever Virus Genome Reveals Potential Antiviral Targets by G-Quadruplex Stabilizers. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:798431. [PMID: 34975822 PMCID: PMC8718096 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.798431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a lethal hemorrhagic fever of the swine, poses a major threat to the world's swine population and has so far resulted in devastating socio-economic consequences. The situation is further compounded by the lack of an approved vaccine or antiviral drug. Herein, we investigated a novel anti-ASFV approach by targeting G-Quadruplexes (G4s) in the viral genome. Bioinformatics analysis of putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences (PQSs) in the genome of ASFV BA71V strain revealed 317 PQSs on the forward strand and 322 PQSs on the reverse strand of the viral genome, translating to a density of 3.82 PQSs/kb covering 9.52% of the entire genome, which means that 85% of genes in the ASFV genome have at least 1 PQS on either strand. Biochemical characterization showed that 8 out of 13 conserved PQSs could form stable G4s in the presence of K+, and 4 of them could be stabilized by G4 ligands, N-Methyl Mesoporphyrin (NMM), and pyridostatin (PDS) in vitro. An enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-based reporter system revealed that the expression of two G4-containing genes, i.e., P1192R and D117L, could be significantly suppressed by NMM and PDS in 293T cells. In addition, a virus infection model showed that NMM could inhibit the replication of ASFV in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages (PAM) cells with an EC50 value of 1.16 μM. Altogether, the present study showed that functional PQSs existent in the promoters, CDS, 3' and 5' UTRs of the ASFV genome could be stabilized by G4 ligands, such as NMM and PDS, and could serve as potential targets for antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elishiba Muturi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengwei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongping Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Xu J, Huang H, Zhou X. G-Quadruplexes in Neurobiology and Virology: Functional Roles and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. JACS AU 2021; 1:2146-2161. [PMID: 34977886 PMCID: PMC8715485 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A G-quadruplex (G4) is a four-stranded nucleic acid secondary structure maintained by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds established between four guanines. Experimental studies and bioinformatics predictions support the hypothesis that these structures are involved in different cellular functions associated with both DNA and RNA processes. An increasing number of diseases have been shown to be associated with abnormal G4 regulation. Here, we describe the existence of G4 and then discuss G4-related pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the viral life cycle. Furthermore, we focus on the role of G4s in the design of antiviral therapy and neuropharmacology, including G4 ligands, G4-based aptamers, G4-related proteins, and CRISPR-based sequence editing, along with a discussion of limitations and insights into the prospects of this unusual nucleic acid secondary structure in therapeutics. Finally, we highlight progress and challenges in this field and the potential G4-related research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Xu
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- The
Institute of Advanced Studies, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry
of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan
University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Email to X.Z.:
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21
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Carvalho J, Lopes-Nunes J, Figueiredo J, Santos T, Miranda A, Riscado M, Sousa F, Duarte AP, Socorro S, Tomaz CT, Felgueiras M, Teixeira R, Faria C, Cruz C. Molecular Beacon Assay Development for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:7015. [PMID: 34770321 PMCID: PMC8587319 DOI: 10.3390/s21217015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a global pandemic, calling for fast and accurate assays to allow infection diagnosis and prevention of transmission. We aimed to develop a molecular beacon (MB)-based detection assay for SARS-CoV-2, designed to detect the ORF1ab and S genes, proposing a two-stage COVID-19 testing strategy. The novelty of this work lies in the design and optimization of two MBs for detection of SARS-CoV-2, namely, concentration, fluorescence plateaus of hybridization, reaction temperature and real-time results. We also identify putative G-quadruplex (G4) regions in the genome of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 458 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples (426 positive and 32 negative) were tested with the MB assay and the fluorescence levels compared with the cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained from a commercial RT-PCR test in terms of test duration, sensitivity, and specificity. Our results show that the samples with higher fluorescence levels correspond to those with low Ct values, suggesting a correlation between viral load and increased MB fluorescence. The proposed assay represents a fast (total duration of 2 h 20 min including amplification and fluorescence reading stages) and simple way of detecting SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples from the upper respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Carvalho
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Jéssica Lopes-Nunes
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Tiago Santos
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - André Miranda
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Micaela Riscado
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Fani Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
- C4—Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
- C4—Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
| | - Cândida Teixeira Tomaz
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
- C4—Cloud Computing Competence Centre, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Felgueiras
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Rui Teixeira
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Conceição Faria
- Serviço de Patologia Clínica do Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal; (M.F.); (R.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (J.C.); (J.L.-N.); (J.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.P.D.); (S.S.); (C.T.T.)
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22
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Ribaudo G, Ongaro A, Oselladore E, Memo M, Gianoncelli A. Combining Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) and Computational Techniques in the Assessment of G-Quadruplex Ligands: A Hybrid Approach to Optimize Hit Discovery. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13174-13190. [PMID: 34510895 PMCID: PMC8474113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Guanine-rich sequences
forming G-quadruplexes (GQs) are present
in several genomes, ranging from viral to human. Given their peculiar
localization, the induction of GQ formation or GQ stabilization with
small molecules represents a strategy for interfering with crucial
biological functions. Investigating the recognition event at the molecular
level, with the aim of fully understanding the triggered pharmacological
effects, is challenging. Native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
(ESI-MS) is being optimized to study these noncovalent assemblies.
Quantitative parameters retrieved from ESI-MS studies, such as binding
affinity, the equilibrium binding constant, and sequence selectivity,
will be overviewed. Computational experiments supporting the ESI-MS
investigation and boosting its efficiency in the search for GQ ligands
will also be discussed with practical examples. The combination of
ESI-MS and in silico techniques in a hybrid high-throughput-screening
workflow represents a valuable tool for the medicinal chemist, providing
data on the quantitative and structural aspects of ligand–GQ
interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ongaro
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Erika Oselladore
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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23
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Cadoni E, De Paepe L, Manicardi A, Madder A. Beyond small molecules: targeting G-quadruplex structures with oligonucleotides and their analogues. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:6638-6659. [PMID: 33978760 PMCID: PMC8266634 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are widely studied secondary DNA/RNA structures, naturally occurring when G-rich sequences are present. The strategic localization of G4s in genome areas of crucial importance, such as proto-oncogenes and telomeres, entails fundamental implications in terms of gene expression regulation and other important biological processes. Although thousands of small molecules capable to induce G4 stabilization have been reported over the past 20 years, approaches based on the hybridization of a synthetic probe, allowing sequence-specific G4-recognition and targeting are still rather limited. In this review, after introducing important general notions about G4s, we aim to list, explain and critically analyse in more detail the principal approaches available to target G4s by using oligonucleotides and synthetic analogues such as Locked Nucleic Acids (LNAs) and Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs), reporting on the most relevant examples described in literature to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Cadoni
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lessandro De Paepe
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alex Manicardi
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Zhang R, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiao K, Hou Y, Liu H, Sun X. Detecting and Profiling Endogenous RNA G-Quadruplexes in the Human Transcriptome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158012. [PMID: 34360778 PMCID: PMC8347560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes are the non-canonical nucleic acid structures that are preferentially formed in G-rich regions. This structure has been shown to be associated with many biological functions. Regardless of the broad efforts on DNA G-quadruplexes, we still have limited knowledge on RNA G-quadruplexes, especially in a transcriptome-wide manner. Herein, by integrating the DMS-seq and the bioinformatics pipeline, we profiled and depicted the RNA G-quadruplexes in the human transcriptome. The genes that contain RNA G-quadruplexes in their specific regions are significantly related to immune pathways and the COVID-19-related gene sets. Bioinformatics analysis reveals the potential regulatory functions of G-quadruplexes on miRNA targeting at the scale of the whole transcriptome. In addition, the G-quadruplexes are depleted in the putative, not the real, PAS-strong poly(A) sites, which may weaken the possibility of such sites being the real cleaved sites. In brief, our study provides insight into the potential function of RNA G-quadruplexes in post-transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yajun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Hangzhou Hongquan Internet of Things Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Ke Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Yue Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Hongde Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
| | - Xiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; (R.Z.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (K.X.); (Y.H.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Lyu K, Chow EYC, Mou X, Chan TF, Kwok CK. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s): genomics and biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5426-5450. [PMID: 33772593 PMCID: PMC8191793 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-classical DNA or RNA secondary structures that have been first observed decades ago. Over the years, these four-stranded structural motifs have been demonstrated to have significant regulatory roles in diverse biological processes, but challenges remain in detecting them globally and reliably. Compared to DNA G4s (dG4s), the study of RNA G4s (rG4s) has received less attention until recently. In this review, we will summarize the innovative high-throughput methods recently developed to detect rG4s on a transcriptome-wide scale, highlight the many novel and important functions of rG4 being discovered in vivo across the tree of life, and discuss the key biological questions to be addressed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Lyu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eugene Yui-Ching Chow
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xi Mou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting-Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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26
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Mishra S, Kota S, Chaudhary R, Misra HS. Guanine quadruplexes and their roles in molecular processes. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:482-499. [PMID: 34162300 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1926417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The role of guanine quadruplexes (G4) in fundamental biological processes like DNA replication, transcription, translation and telomere maintenance is recognized. G4 structure dynamics is regulated by G4 structure binding proteins and is thought to be crucial for the maintenance of genome integrity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Growing research over the last decade has expanded the existing knowledge of the functional diversity of G4 (DNA and RNA) structures across the working models. The control of G4 structure dynamics using G4 binding drugs has been suggested as the putative targets in the control of cancer and bacterial pathogenesis. This review has brought forth the collections of recent information that indicate G4 (mostly G4 DNA) roles in microbial pathogenesis, DNA damaging stress response in bacteria and mammalian cells. Studies in mitochondrial gene function regulation by G4s have also been underscored. Finally, the interdependence of G4s and epigenetic modifications and their speculated medical implications through G4 interacting proteins has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Mishra
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Swathi Kota
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - Reema Chaudhary
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
| | - H S Misra
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India.,Life Sciences, Homi Bhabha National Institute (DAE Deemed to be University), Mumbai, India
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27
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Abstract
Quadruplex structures have been identified in a plethora of organisms where they play important functions in the regulation of molecular processes, and hence have been proposed as therapeutic targets for many diseases. In this paper we report the extensive bioinformatic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and related viruses using an upgraded version of the open-source algorithm G4-iM Grinder. This version improves the functionality of the software, including an easy way to determine the potential biological features affected by the candidates found. The quadruplex definitions of the algorithm were optimized for SARS-CoV-2. Using a lax quadruplex definition ruleset, which accepts amongst other parameters two residue G- and C-tracks, 512 potential quadruplex candidates were discovered. These sequences were evaluated by their in vitro formation probability, their position in the viral RNA, their uniqueness and their conservation rates (calculated in over seventeen thousand different COVID-19 clinical cases and sequenced at different times and locations during the ongoing pandemic). These results were then compared subsequently to other Coronaviridae members, other Group IV (+)ssRNA viruses and the entire viral realm. Sequences found in common with other viral species were further analyzed and characterized. Sequences with high scores unique to the SARS-CoV-2 were studied to investigate the variations amongst similar species. Quadruplex formation of the best candidates were then confirmed experimentally. Using NMR and CD spectroscopy, we found several highly stable RNA quadruplexes that may be suitable therapeutic targets for the SARS-CoV-2.
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28
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CNBP Binds and Unfolds In Vitro G-Quadruplexes Formed in the SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Genome Strands. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052614. [PMID: 33807682 PMCID: PMC7961906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global health emergency with no effective medical treatment and with incipient vaccines. It is caused by a new positive-sense RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid secondary structures involved in the control of a variety of biological processes including viral replication. Using several G4 prediction tools, we identified highly putative G4 sequences (PQSs) within the positive-sense (+gRNA) and negative-sense (−gRNA) RNA strands of SARS-CoV-2 conserved in related betacoronaviruses. By using multiple biophysical techniques, we confirmed the formation of two G4s in the +gRNA and provide the first evidence of G4 formation by two PQSs in the −gRNA of SARS-CoV-2. Finally, biophysical and molecular approaches were used to demonstrate for the first time that CNBP, the main human cellular protein bound to SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, binds and promotes the unfolding of G4s formed by both strands of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. Our results suggest that G4s found in SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and its negative-sense replicative intermediates, as well as the cellular proteins that interact with them, are relevant factors for viral genes expression and replication cycle, and may constitute interesting targets for antiviral drugs development.
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29
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Kadam SB, Sukhramani GS, Bishnoi P, Pable AA, Barvkar VT. SARS-CoV-2, the pandemic coronavirus: Molecular and structural insights. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:180-202. [PMID: 33460172 PMCID: PMC8013332 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of a novel coronavirus associated with acute respiratory disease, called COVID-19, marked the introduction of the third spillover of an animal coronavirus (CoV) to humans in the last two decades. The genome analysis with various bioinformatics tools revealed that the causative pathogen (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the subgenus Sarbecovirus of the genus Betacoronavirus, with highly similar genome as bat coronavirus and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein as Malayan pangolin coronavirus. Based on its genetic proximity, SARS-CoV-2 is likely to have originated from bat-derived CoV and transmitted to humans via an unknown intermediate mammalian host, probably Malayan pangolin. Further, spike protein S1/S2 cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 has acquired polybasic furin cleavage site which is absent in bat and pangolin suggesting natural selection either in an animal host before zoonotic transfer or in humans following zoonotic transfer. In the current review, we recapitulate a preliminary opinion about the disease, origin and life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, roles of virus proteins in pathogenesis, commonalities, and differences between different corona viruses. Moreover, the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with unique characteristics differentiating it from other CoVs are discussed. Our review also provides comprehensive information on the molecular aspects of SARS-CoV-2 including secondary structures in the genome and protein-protein interactions which can be useful to understand the aggressive spread of the SARS-CoV-2. The mutations and the haplotypes reported in the SARS-CoV-2 genome are summarized to understand the virus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anupama A. Pable
- Department of MicrobiologySavitribai Phule Pune UniversityPuneIndia
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30
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Manfredonia I, Incarnato D. Structure and regulation of coronavirus genomes: state-of-the-art and novel insights from SARS-CoV-2 studies. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:341-352. [PMID: 33367597 PMCID: PMC7925004 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoV) are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses, harboring the largest viral RNA genomes known to date. Apart from the primary sequence encoding for all the viral proteins needed for the generation of new viral particles, certain regions of CoV genomes are known to fold into stable structures, controlling several aspects of CoV life cycle, from the regulation of the discontinuous transcription of subgenomic mRNAs, to the packaging of the genome into new virions. Here we review the current knowledge on CoV RNA structures, discussing it in light of the most recent discoveries made possible by analyses of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Manfredonia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Incarnato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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31
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Kumari N, Raghavan SC. G-quadruplex DNA structures and their relevance in radioprotection. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129857. [PMID: 33508382 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA, the genetic material of most of the organisms, is the crucial element of life. Integrity of DNA needs to be maintained for transmission of genetic material from one generation to another. All organisms are constantly challenged by the environmental conditions which can lead to the induction of DNA damage. Ionizing radiation (IR) has been known to induce DNA damage and IR sensitivity varies among different organisms. The causes for differential radiosensitivity among various organisms have not been studied in great detail. SCOPE OF REVIEW We discuss DNA secondary structure formation, GC content of the genome, role of G-quadruplex formation, and its relationship with radiosensitivity of the genome. MAJOR CONCLUSION In Deinococcus radiodurans, the bacterium that exhibits maximum radio resistance, multiple G-quadruplex forming motifs are reported. In human cells, G-quadruplex formation led to differential radiosensitivity. In this article, we have discussed, the role of secondary DNA structure formation like G-quadruplex in shielding the genome from radiation and its implications in understanding evolution of radio protective effect of an organism. We also discuss role of GC content and its correlation with radio resistance. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This review provides an insight into the role of G-quadruplexes in providing differential radiosensitivity at different site of the genome and in different organisms. It further discusses the possibility of higher GC content contributing towards reduced radiosensitivity in different organisms, evolution of radiosensitivity, and regulation of multiple cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitu Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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