Guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplexes (G4) in living cells, making these structures promising anti-cancer targets. Compounds able to recognize these structures have been investigated as potential anticancer drugs; however, no G4 binder has yet been approved in the clinic. Here, we describe G4 ligands structure-activity relationships, in vivo effects as well as clinical trials. Addressing G4 ligand characteristics, targeting challenges, and structure-activity relationships, this review provides insights into the development of potent and selective G4-targeting molecules for therapeutic applications.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky * farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- nádory * farmakoterapie MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
G-quadruplex (G4) structures are non-canonical DNA/RNA secondary structures able to form within guanine rich nucleic acids sequences. They are present in several regions of the human genome including gene promoters, untranslated sequences, and telomeres. Due to their biological relevance G4 structures are considered important drug targets, in particular for anticancer therapies, leading to the development of G4 stabilizing small molecules. Telomeric regions have received special attention in this field since they can fold into several distinct intramolecular G-quadruplexes topologies. Herein, we report the synthesis of 2,9-disubstituted-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives and their ability to stabilize different intramolecular telomeric G4 sequences. We evaluated ligand-induced stabilization, selectivity and specificity of ligands using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) melting experiments and circular dichroism (CD). In addition, we assessed the cytotoxicity of ligands against two cancer cell lines (A549 and H1299) and one healthy cell line (NHDF).
- MeSH
- cirkulární dichroismus MeSH
- DNA chemie MeSH
- fenantroliny MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- guanin MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- RNA MeSH
- telomery MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
G-rich aptamers such as AS1411 are small oligonucleotides that present several benefits comparatively to monoclonal antibodies, since they are easier to manufacture and store, have small size and do not stimulate an immune response. We analyzed AT11-B1, a modified sequence of AT11 (itself a modified version of AS1411), in which one thymine was removed from the bulge region. We studied G-quadruplex (G4) formation/stabilization using PhenDC3, PDS, BRACO-19, TMPyP4 and 360A ligands by different biophysical techniques, namely circular dichroism (CD), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET-melting) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The CD spectra showed that AT11-B1 adopts a predominant G4 of parallel topology when the buffer contains KCl or when ligands are added. PhenDC3 induced a ΔTm of 30 °C or more of the G4 structure as shown by CD- and FRET-melting experiments. The ligands demonstrate high affinity for AT11-B1 G4 and the NMR studies revealed that the AT11-B1 G4 involves four G-tetrad layers. The in silico studies suggest that all ligands bind AT11-B1 G4, namely, by stacking interactions, with the possible exception of PDS that may bind to the loop/groove interface. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that nucleolin (NCL) interacts with the AT11-B1 G4 structure through the RNA binding domain (RBD) 2 and the 12-residue linker between RBD1,2. Moreover, AT11-B1 G4 was internalized into a NCL-positive tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line. In a nutshell, this study may help the identification of the ligands scaffolds to bind and stabilize AT11-B1, improving the targeting towards NCL that is overexpressed in cancer cells.
- MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové * chemie MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- nádory jazyka * MeSH
- spinocelulární karcinom * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Herein, we report, for the first time, the screening of several ligands in terms of their ability to bind and stabilize G-quadruplexes (G4) found in seven human Papillomavirus (HPV) genomes. Using a variety of biophysical assays, HPV G-quadruplexes were shown to possess a high degree of structural polymorphism upon ligand binding, which may have an impact on transcription, replication, and viral protein production. A sequence found in high-risk HPV16 genotype folds into multiple non-canonical DNA structures; it was converted into a major G4 conformation upon interaction with a well-characterized highly selective G4 ligand, PhenDC3, which may have an impact on the viral infection. Likewise, HPV57 and 58, which fold into multiple G4 structures, were found to form single stable complexes in the presence of two other G4 ligands, C8 and pyridostatin, respectively. In addition, one of the selected compounds, the acridine derivative C8, demonstrated a significant antiviral effect in HPV18-infected organotypic raft cultures. Altogether, these results indicate that targeting HPV G4s may be an alternative route for the development of novel antiviral therapies.
- MeSH
- aminochinoliny farmakologie MeSH
- cílená molekulární terapie MeSH
- DNA vazebné proteiny genetika MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy účinky léků MeSH
- genom virový účinky léků genetika MeSH
- genotyp MeSH
- komplement C8 genetika farmakologie MeSH
- konformace nukleové kyseliny účinky léků MeSH
- kyseliny pikolinové farmakologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lidský papilomavirus 16 účinky léků genetika patogenita ultrastruktura MeSH
- lidský papilomavirus 18 účinky léků genetika ultrastruktura MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- virové nemoci farmakoterapie genetika patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Nanoparticles offer targeted delivery of drugs with minimal toxicity to surrounding healthy tissue and have great potential in the management of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases. We synthesized lipid-modified AS1411 aptamers capable of forming nanoaggregates in solution containing Mg2+. The nanoaggregates presented suitable properties for pharmaceutical applications such as small size (100 nm), negative charge, and drug release. The nanoaggregates were loaded with acridine orange derivative C8 for its specific delivery into cervical cancer cell lines and HPV-positive tissue biopsies. This improved inhibition of HeLa proliferation and cell uptake without significantly affecting healthy cells. Finally, the nanoaggregates were incorporated in a gel formulation with promising tissue retention properties aiming at developing a local delivery strategy of the nanoaggregates in the female genital tract. Collectively, these findings suggest that the nanoformulation protocol has great potential for the delivery of both anticancer and antiviral agents, becoming a novel modality for cervical cancer management.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky * chemie farmakokinetika farmakologie MeSH
- antivirové látky * chemie farmakokinetika farmakologie MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové * chemie farmakokinetika farmakologie MeSH
- HeLa buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory děložního čípku farmakoterapie metabolismus MeSH
- oligodeoxyribonukleotidy * chemie farmakokinetika farmakologie MeSH
- proliferace buněk účinky léků MeSH
- systémy cílené aplikace léků * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
A high level of nucleolin (NCL) expression is often associated with a poor prognosis of patients with lung cancer (LC), suggesting that NCL can be used as a possible biomarker. NCL has been shown to display a marked preference for the binding to G-quadruplexes (G4). Here, we investigate the formation of an RNA quadruplex structure in a sequence found in the human precursor pre-MIR150 with the potential to recognize NCL. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of pre-MIR150 G4-forming sequence (designated by rG4) indicate the formation of a parallel quadruplex structure in KCl or when complexed with the well-known G4 ligand PhenDC3. The thermal stability of rG4 is very high, and further increases in the presence of PhenDC3. The binding affinities of rG4 to PhenDC3 and NCL RBD1,2 are similar with KD values in the nanomolar range. PAGE results suggest the formation of a ternary quadruplex-ligand-protein complex (rG4-PhenDC3-NCL RBD1,2), indicative that PhenDC3 does not prevent the binding of rG4 to NCL RBD1,2. Finally, rG4 can recognize NCL-positive cells and, when fluorescently labeled, can be used as a probe for this protein. ELISA experiments indicate altered NCL expression patterns in liquid biopsies of LC patients in a non-invasive manner, potentially helping the diagnosis, prognosis, and patient response to treatment. Hence, labeled rG4 could be used as a detection probe of LC in liquid biopsies.
- MeSH
- aminokyselinové motivy fyziologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fosfoproteiny biosyntéza genetika MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- genový targeting metody MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- leukocyty mononukleární metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory plic genetika metabolismus terapie MeSH
- proteiny vázající RNA biosyntéza genetika MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u nádorů MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The clinical applicability of G-quadruplexes (G4s) as anticancer drugs is currently being evaluated. Several G4 ligands and aptamers are undergoing clinical trials following the notable examples of quarfloxin and AS1411, respectively. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4 nucleic acids as both therapeutic tools ('friends', as healing anticancer drugs) and targets ('foes', within the harmful cancer cell), particularly using aptamers and quadruplex-targeted ligands, respectively. We explore the recent research on synthetic G4 ligands toward the discovery of anticancer therapeutics and their mechanism of action. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in chemical and structural biology that enable the design of specific G4 aptamers to be used as novel anticancer agents.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy účinky léků MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- nádory farmakoterapie MeSH
- nukleové kyseliny farmakologie MeSH
- oligodeoxyribonukleotidy farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
The G-quadruplex (G4)-forming sequence within the AS1411 derivatives with alternative nucleobases and backbones can improve the chemical and biological properties of AS1411. Zn(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) derivatives have potential as high-affinity G4 ligands because they have similar size and shape to the G-quartets. The interactions of four Zn(II) phthalocyanines with the G4 AS1411 aptamer and its derivatives were determined by biophysical techniques, molecular docking and gel electrophoresis. Cell viability assay was carried out to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of Zn(II) phthalocyanines and complexes. CD experiments showed structural changes after addition of ZnPc 4, consistent with multiple binding modes and conformations shown by NMR and gel electrophoresis. CD melting confirmed that ZnPc 2 and ZnPc 4, both containing eight positive charges, are able to stabilize the AT11 G4 structure (ΔTm > 30 °C and 18.5 °C, respectively). Molecular docking studies of ZnPc 3 and ZnPc 4 suggested a preferential binding to the 3'- and 5'-end, respectively, of the AT11 G4. ZnPc 3 and its AT11 and AT11-L0 complexes revealed pronounced cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells and no cytotoxicity to normal human cells. Zn(II) phthalocyanines provide the basis for the development of effective therapeutic agents as G4 ligands.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky chemie farmakologie MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové chemie farmakologie MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy MeSH
- HeLa buňky MeSH
- indoly chemie farmakologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory farmakoterapie MeSH
- oligodeoxyribonukleotidy chemie farmakologie MeSH
- organokovové sloučeniny chemie farmakologie MeSH
- simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Nucleic acid aptamers can specifically bind to target molecules on the cell membrane that mediate their entrance into the cells. Their small size, high binding affinity, specificity, good biocompatibility, stability and low immunogenicity make them ideal drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. These biopharmaceuticals have potential for the delivery of anticancer compounds to diseased tissues, increasing their effectiveness while mitigating the off-target toxicity towards healthy cells. Herein, we have studied two quadruplex-forming DNA sequences derived from the nucleolin-targeted aptamer AS1411 as supramolecular carriers for the cancer-selective delivery of acridine orange derivatives (C3, C5 and C8) in cervical cancer cells. The devised delivery strategy relied on the non-covalent association of the acridine derivatives and the G-quadruplex (G4) structures. This association is done with a high binding strength, as suggested by the obtained KD values in the 10-6-10-7 M range, leading to the thermal stabilization of the G4 structures, particularly for C8. The stability of the resulting supramolecular conjugates was evaluated in fetal bovine serum, which proved their resistance against serum nucleases up to 48 h. Previous studies showed that the tested acridine orange derivatives were cytotoxic towards cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and non-malignant cells. However, when conjugated to AS1411 derivatives, the cytotoxicity of the free ligands towards non-malignant cells was restrained. Furthermore, conjugated C3 showed an enhanced cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cells. Confocal microscopy indicated that both G4 sequences appear to colocalize with nucleolin, suggesting their ability to recognize and bind nucleolin on the cell surface. Additionally, the results confirmed the internalization of these delivery systems into HeLa cancer cells and their sustained cell trafficking, although being able to dissociate intracellularly to deliver C8 to the nucleoli. Overall, we showed that AS1411-derived G4s can be used as a potential cancer drug delivery system for cervical cancer.
- MeSH
- akridinová oranž aplikace a dávkování analogy a deriváty chemie MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové aplikace a dávkování chemie MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- nádory děložního čípku metabolismus MeSH
- oligodeoxyribonukleotidy aplikace a dávkování chemie MeSH
- systémy cílené aplikace léků * MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
AS1411 is a G-rich DNA oligonucleotide that functions as an aptamer of the protein nucleolin, found at high levels on the surface of cancer cells but not on the surface of normal cells. Herein, we have studied AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier for the delivery of an acridine-based G-quadruplex ligand, C8, to HeLa cancer cells. Two AS1411 derivatives, LNA-AS1411 and U-AS1411, were also tested, in an attempt to compare AS1411 pharmacological properties. The results showed that AS1411-C8 complexation was made with great binding strength and that it lowered the ligand's cytotoxicity towards non-malignant cells. This effect was suggested to be due to a decreased internalization of the complexed versus free C8 as shown by flow cytometry. The AS1411 derivatives, despite forming a stable complex with C8, lacked the necessary tumour-selective behaviour. The binding of C8 to AS1411 G-quadruplex structure did not negatively affect the recognition of nucleolin by the aptamer. The AS1411-C8 repressed c-MYC expression at the transcriptional level, possibly due to C8 ability to stabilize the c-MYC promoter G-quadruplexes. Overall, this study demonstrates the usefulness of AS1411 as a supramolecular carrier of the G-quadruplex binder C8 and the potential of using its tumour-selective properties for the delivery of ligands for cancer therapy.
- MeSH
- antitumorózní látky metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- aptamery nukleotidové metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- buňky A549 MeSH
- fibroblasty cytologie účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- fosfoproteiny antagonisté a inhibitory genetika metabolismus MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- genetická transkripce MeSH
- HeLa buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- oligodeoxyribonukleotidy metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- orgánová specificita MeSH
- promotorové oblasti (genetika) MeSH
- proteiny vázající RNA antagonisté a inhibitory genetika metabolismus MeSH
- protoonkogenní proteiny c-myc genetika metabolismus MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u nádorů * MeSH
- technika přenosu genů MeSH
- vazba proteinů MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
