Selective G-quadruplex DNA stabilizing agents based on bisquinolinium and bispyridinium derivatives of 1,8-naphthyridine

Various biologically relevant G-quadruplex DNA structures offer a platform for therapeutic intervention for altering the gene expression or by halting the function of proteins associated with telomeres. One of the prominent strategies to explore the therapeutic potential of quadruplex DNA structures is by stabilizing them with small molecule ligands. Here we report the synthesis of bisquinolinium and bispyridinium derivatives of 1,8-naphthyridine and their interaction with human telomeric DNA and promoter G-quadruplex forming DNAs. The interactions of ligands with quadruplex forming DNAs were studied by various biophysical, biochemical, and computational methods. Results indicated that bisquinolinium ligands bind tightly and selectively to quadruplex DNAs at low ligand concentration (～0.2-0.4 μM). Furthermore, thermal melting studies revealed that ligands imparted higher stabilization for quadruplex DNA (an increase in the T(m) of up to 21 °C for human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA and >25 °C for promoter G-quadruplex DNAs) than duplex DNA (ΔT(m) ≤ 1.6 °C). Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the end-stacking binding mode was favored for ligands with low binding free energy. Taken together, the results indicate that the naphthyridine-based ligands with quinolinium and pyridinium side chains form a promising class of quadruplex DNA stabilizing agents having high selectivity for quadruplex DNA structures over duplex DNA structures.     

Delineation of G‐Quadruplex Alkylation Sites Mediated by 3,6‐Bis(1‐methyl‐4‐vinylpyridinium iodide)carbazole‐Aniline Mustard Conjugates

A new G‐quadruplex (G‐4)‐directing alkylating agent BMVC‐C3M was designed and synthesized to integrate 3,6‐bis(1‐methyl‐4‐vinylpyridinium iodide)carbazole (BMVC) with aniline mustard. Various telomeric G‐4 structures (hybrid‐2 type and antiparallel) and an oncogene promoter, c‐MYC (parallel), were constructed to react with BMVC‐C3M, yielding 35 % alkylation yield toward G‐4 DNA over other DNA categories (<6 %) and high specificity under competition conditions. Analysis of the intact alkylation adducts by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI‐MS) revealed the stepwise DNA alkylation mechanism of aniline mustard for the first time. Furthermore, the monoalkylation sites and intrastrand cross‐linking sites were determined and found to be dependent on G‐4 topology based on the results of footprinting analysis in combination with mass spectroscopic techniques and in silico modeling. The results indicated that BMVC‐C3M preferentially alkylated at A15 (H26), G12 (H24), and G2 (c‐MYC), respectively, as monoalkylated adducts and formed A15–C3M–A21 (H26), G12–C3M–G4 (H24), and G2–C3M–G4/G17 (c‐MYC), respectively, as cross‐linked dialkylated adducts. Collectively, the stability and site‐selective cross‐linking capacity of BMVC‐C3M provides a credible tool for the structural and functional characterization of G‐4 DNAs in biological systems.     

Marked dependence on carrier-ligand bulk but not on carrier-ligand chirality of the duplex versus single-strand forms of a DNA oligonucleotide with a series of G-Pt(II)-G intrastrand cross-links modeling cisplatin-DNA adducts

The N7-Pt-N7 adjacent G,G intrastrand DNA cross-link responsible for cisplatin anticancer activity is dynamic, promotes local "melting" in long DNA, and converts many oligomer duplexes to single strands. For 5'-d(A1T2G3G4G5T6A7C8C9C10A11T12)-3' (G3), treatment of the (G3)2 duplex with five pairs of [LPt(H2O)2]2+ enantiomers (L = an asymmetric diamine) formed mixtures of LPt-G3 products (1 Pt per strand) cross-linked at G3,G4 or at G4,G5 in all cases. L chirality exerted little influence. For primary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring carbons (e.g., 1,2-diaminocyclohexane), the duplex was converted completely into single strands (G3,G4 coils and G4,G5 hairpins), exactly mirroring results for cisplatin, which lacks bulk. In sharp contrast, for secondary diamines L with bulk on chelate ring nitrogens (e.g., 2,2'-bipiperidine, Bip), unexpectedly stable duplexes having two platinated strands (even a unique G3,G4/G4,G5 heteroduplex) were formed. After enzymatic digestion of BipPt-G3 duplexes, the conformation of the relatively nondynamic G,G units was shown to be head-to-head (HH) by HPLC/mass spectrometric characterization. Because the HH conformation dominates at the G,G lesion in duplex DNA and in the BipPt-G3 duplexes, the stabilization of the duplex form only when the L nitrogen adducts possess bulk suggests that H-bonding interactions of the Pt-NH groups with the flanking DNA lead to local melting and to destabilization of oligomer duplexes. The marked dependence of adduct properties on L bulk and the minimal dependence on L chirality underscore the need for future exploration of the roles of the L periphery in affecting anticancer activity.     

Hybrid ligand-alkylating agents targeting telomeric G-quadruplex structures

The synthesis, physico-chemical properties and biological effects of a new class of naphthalene diimides (NDIs) capable of reversibly binding telomeric DNA and alkylate it through an electrophilic quinone methide moiety (QM), are reported. FRET and circular dichroism assays showed a marked stabilization and selectivity towards telomeric G4 DNA folded in a hybrid topology. NDI-QMs' alkylating properties revealed a good reactivity on single nucleosides and selectivity towards telomeric G4. A selected NDI was able to significantly impair the growth of melanoma cells by causing telomere dysfunction and down-regulation of telomerase expression. These findings points to our hybrid ligand-alkylating NDIs as possible tools for the development of novel targeted anticancer therapies.     

Identification of Compounds that Selectively Stabilize Specific G‐Quadruplex Structures by Using a Thioflavin T‐Displacement Assay as a Tool

Small molecules are used in the G‐quadruplex (G4) research field in vivo and in vitro, and there are increasing demands for ligands that selectively stabilize different G4 structures. Thioflavin T (ThT) emits an enhanced fluorescence signal when binding to G4 structures. Herein, we show that ThT can be competitively displaced by the binding of small molecules to G4 structures and develop a ThT‐displacement high‐throughput screening assay to find novel and selective G4‐binding compounds. We screened approximately 28 000 compounds by using three different G4 structures and identified eight novel G4 binders. Analysis of the structural conformation and stability of the G4 structures in presence of these compounds demonstrated that the four compounds enhance the thermal stabilization of the structures without affecting their structural conformation. In addition, all four compounds also increased the G4‐structure block of DNA synthesis by Taq DNA polymerase. Also, two of these compounds showed selectivity between certain Schizosaccharomyces pombe G4 structures, thus suggesting that these compounds or their analogues can be used as selective tools for G4 DNA studies.     

毛细管电泳结合电喷雾质谱分析人类癌基因c-myb四链体核酸与活性天然产物的相互作用

药物与靶点间的作用关系直接影响到药理和药效。药物-靶点结合能力、结合计量关系等信息是药物研发过程中必需的表征数据。人类癌基因c-myb在结直肠癌等多种癌症组织中存在过度表达,目前已成为结直肠癌、白血病等癌症疾病潜在的治疗靶点。位于癌基因c-myb启动子区的一段富含鸟嘌呤（G）的DNA序列,通过阳离子的诱导可自发折叠形成分子内G-四链体,而小分子的特异性识别可以稳定该G-四链体,进而调节基因的转录和表达过程。该文采用压力辅助毛细管电泳前沿分析（PACE-FA）结合电喷雾质谱（ESI-MS）研究人类癌基因c-myb启动子G-四链体（G4）与天然产物分子间的相互作用。PACE-FA法在毛细管电泳前沿分析（CE-FA）过程中施加一个与分析物迁移同向的压力,在保证结果准确度的前提下,能够大大加快分析速度。同时结合ESI-MS,可快速解析结合分子与靶点的亲合力和化学计量关系。首先,利用ESI-MS快速筛选出3种有亲合力的天然产物,亲合力大小依次为：土荆皮乙酸>丁溴东莨菪碱>荷叶碱。考虑到溶液相中存在特异性与非特异性结合,接着用PACE-FA法准确分析溶液相中结合的特异性和结合常数。结果发现：丁溴东莨菪碱能够特异性结合靶点G4 DNA,结合比为1：1,结合常数为1.18×10⁵ L/mol;荷叶碱属于非特异性结合,而土荆皮乙酸并未与靶点G4 DNA形成复合物。该组合方法不仅分析速度快,而且能够提高亲和分析的准确度和特异性,有望应用于靶向药物先导结构的发现和作用机制评价。     

Assessing G4-Binding Ligands In Vitro and in Cellulo Using Dimeric Carbocyanine Dye Displacement Assay

G-quadruplexes (G4) are the most actively studied non-canonical secondary structures formed by contiguous repeats of guanines in DNA or RNA strands. Small molecule mediated targeting of G-quadruplexes has emerged as an attractive tool for visualization and stabilization of these structures inside the cell. Limited number of DNA and RNA G4-selective assays have been reported for primary ligand screening. A combination of fluorescence spectroscopy, AFM, CD, PAGE, and confocal microscopy have been used to assess a dimeric carbocyanine dye B6,5 for screening G4-binding ligands in vitro and in cellulo. The dye B6,5 interacts with physiologically relevant DNA and RNA G4 structures, resulting in fluorescence enhancement of the molecule as an in vitro readout for G4 selectivity. Interaction of the dye with G4 is accompanied by quadruplex stabilization that extends its use in primary screening of G4 specific ligands. The molecule is cell permeable and enables visualization of quadruplex dominated cellular regions of nucleoli using confocal microscopy. The dye is displaced by quarfloxin in live cells. The dye B6,5 shows remarkable duplex to quadruplex selectivity in vitro along with ligand-like stabilization of DNA G4 structures. Cell permeability and response to RNA G4 structures project the dye with interesting theranostic potential. Our results validate that B6,5 can serve the dual purpose of visualization of DNA and RNA G4 structures and screening of G4 specific ligands, and adds to the limited number of probes with such potential.     

Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA with Platinum(II) Schiff Base Complexes: Luminescent Probe and Down‐Regulation of c‐myc Oncogene Expression

The interactions of a series of platinum(II) Schiff base complexes with c‐myc G‐quadruplex DNA were studied. Complex [PtL ^1a ] ( 1 a ; H₂L ^1a =N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐4,5‐methoxy‐1,2‐phenylenediamine) can moderately inhibit c‐myc gene promoter activity in a cell‐free system through stabilizing the G‐quadruplex structure and can inhibit c‐myc oncogene expression in cultured cells. The interaction between 1 a and G‐quadruplex DNA has been examined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. By using computer‐aided structure‐based drug design for hit‐to‐lead optimization, an in silico G‐quadruplex DNA model has been constructed for docking‐based virtual screening to develop new platinum(II) Schiff base complexes with improved inhibitory activities. Complex [PtL ³ ] ( 3 ; H₂L ³ = N,N′‐bis{4‐[1‐(2‐propylpiperidine)oxy]salicylidene}‐4,5‐methoxy‐1,2‐phenylenediamine) has been identified with a top score in the virtual screening. This complex was subsequently prepared and experimentally tested in vitro for its ability to stabilize or induce the formation of the c‐myc G‐quadruplex. The inhibitory activity of 3 (IC₅₀=4.4 μM ) is tenfold more than that of 1 a . The interaction between 1 a or 3 with c‐myc G‐quadruplex DNA has been examined by absorption titration, emission titration, molecular modeling, and NMR titration experiments, thus revealing that both 1 a and 3 bind c‐myc G‐quadruplex DNA through an external end‐stacking mode at the 3’ terminal face of the G‐quadruplex. Such binding of G‐quadruplex DNA with 3 is accompanied by up to an eightfold increase in the intensity of photoluminescence at λ_max=652 nm. Complex 3 also effectively down‐regulated the expression of c‐myc in human hepatocarcinoma cells.     

Unfolding of G-quadruplexes: energetic, and ion and water contributions of G-quartet stacking

It has been shown that DNA oligonucleotides composed, in part, of G repeat sequences can adopt G-quadruplex structures in the presence of specific metal ions. In this work, we use a combination of spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques to determine the spectral and thermodynamic characteristics of two DNA aptamers, d(G2T2G2TGTG2T2G2), G2, and d(G3T2G3TGTG3T2G3), G3; a sequence in the promoter region of the c-MYC oncogene, d(TG4AG3TG4AG3TG4A2G2), NHE-III; and the human telomere sequence d(AG3T2AG3T2AG3T2AG3), 22GG. The circular dichroism spectra of these oligonucleotides in the presence of K+ indicate that all form G-quadruplexes with G-quartets in an antiparallel arrangement (G2), in a parallel arrangement (NHE-III and 22GG), or in a mixed parallel and antiparallel G-quartet arrangement (G3). Melting profiles show transition temperatures, TM, above 45 degrees C that are independent of strand concentration, consistent with the formation of very stable intramolecular G-quadruplexes. We used differential scanning calorimetry to obtain complete thermodynamic profiles for the unfolding of each quadruplex. Subtracting the thermodynamic folding profiles of G2 from those of G3 yielded the following thermodynamic profile for the formation of a G-quartet stack: DeltaG degrees 20 = -2.2 kcal/mol, DeltaHcal = -14.6 kcal/mol, TDeltaScal = -12.4 kcal/mol, DeltanK+ = -0.3 mol of K+/mol, and DeltanW = 13 mol of H2O/mol. Furthermore, we used this profile to estimate the thermodynamic contributions of the loops and/or extra base sequences of each oligonucleotide in the G-quadruplex state. The average free energy contributions of the latter indicate that the incorporation of loops and base overhangs stabilizes quadruplex structures. This stabilization is enthalpy-driven and is due to base-stacking contributions.     

Imide Condensation as a Strategy for the Synthesis of Core-Diversified G-Quadruplex Ligands with Anticancer and Antiparasitic Activity**

A facile imide coupling strategy for the one-step preparation of G-quadruplex ligands with varied core chemistries is described. The G-quadruplex stabilization of a library of nine compounds was examined using FRET melting experiments, and CD, UV-Vis, fluorescence and NMR titrations, identifying several compounds that were capable of stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA with interesting selectivity profiles. The best G4 ligand was identified as compound 3 , which was based on a perylene scaffold and exhibited 40-fold selectivity for a telomeric G-quadruplex over duplex DNA. Surprisingly, a tetra-substituted flexible core, compound 11 , also exhibited selective stabilization of G4 DNA over duplex DNA. The anticancer and antiparasitic activity of the library was also examined, with the lead compound 3 exhibiting nanomolar inhibition of Trypanosoma brucei with 78-fold selectivity over MRC5 cells. The cellular localization of this compound was also studied via fluorescence microscopy. We found that uptake was time dependant, with localization outside the nucleus and kinetoplast that could be due to strong fluorescence quenching in the presence of small amounts of DNA.     

Recent developments in novel blue/green/red/NIR small fluorescent probes for in cellulo tracking of RNA/DNA G-quadruplexes

The detection and stabilization of G-quadruplexes (G4s) in living systems is of enormous applicability in the fields of chemical biology and therapeutic materials. Whereas DNA serves as a genetic material, RNA functions in the regulation and expression of genetic materials. Even there is various report on fluorescent probes invitro G4s recognitions, in this review we highlighted briefly, in-cellulo identification of G4s along with conventional methods principles. Although there are varieties of G4-forming sequences in the genome, targeting a specific type (topology) in living cells is highly challenging because of the high instability of G4s in cellular/subcellular systems. In contrast, several reports describe the in vitro identification of G4s, along with in-cell demonstrations, using efficient fluorescent probes, through either intrinsic or extrinsic approaches. In the intrinsic mode, the sensing results from the use of highly selective synthetic fluorescent oligonucleotides or proteins (a labeling approach). In the extrinsic mode, quencher-free small molecular probes are used to recognize specific G4s under physiological conditions. Because of their robustness, simplicity, and ease of handling, this review describes recent trends in the use of blue/green, green, red, and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes for the recognition of G4s in live cells-and, particularly, those approaches employing quencher-free probes. Also highlighted are a few labeled probes, and their in cellulo localizations, which were accomplished upon the formation of non-canonical G4s under specified conditions and supplemented by exogenous G4-forming components, without harnessing cellular physiological conditions.     

New base pairing motifs. The synthesis and thermal stability of oligodeoxynucleotides containing imidazopyridopyrimidine nucleosides with the ability to form four hydrogen bonds

The synthesis and thermal stability of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing imidazo[5',4':4,5]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine nucleosides 1-4 (N(N), O(O), N(O), and O(N), respectively) with the aim of developing two sets of new base pairing motifs consisting of four hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) is described. The proposed four tricyclic nucleosides 1-4 were synthesized through the Stille coupling reaction of a 5-iodoimidazole nucleoside with an appropriate 5-stannylpyrimidine derivative, followed by an intramolecular cyclization. These nucleosides were incorporated into ODNs to investigate the H-bonding ability. When one molecule of the tricyclic nucleosides was incorporated into the center of each ODN (ODN I and II, each 17mer), no apparent specificity of base pairing was observed, and all duplexes were less stable than the duplexes containing natural G:C and A:T pairs. On the other hand, when three molecules of the tricyclic nucleosides were consecutively incorporated into the center of each ODN (ODN III and IV, each 17mer), thermal and thermodynamic stabilization of the duplexes due to the specific base pairings was observed. The melting temperature (T(m)) of the duplex containing the N(O):O(N) pairs showed the highest T(m) of 84.0 degrees C, which was 18.2 and 23.5 degrees C higher than that of the duplexes containing G:C and A:T pairs, respectively. This result implies that N(O)and O(N) form base pairs with four H-bonds when they are incorporated into ODNs. The duplex containing N(O):O(N) pairs was markedly stabilized by the assistance of the stacking ability of the imidazopyridopyrimidine bases. Thus, we developed a thermally stable new base pairing motif, which should be useful for the stabilization and regulation of a variety of DNA structures.     

Backbone dynamics in the DNA HhaI protein binding site

The dynamics of the phosphodiester backbone in the [5'-GCGC-3'] 2 moiety of the DNA oligomer [d(G 1A 2T 3A 4 G 5 C 6 G 7 C 8T 9A 10T 11C 12)] 2 are studied using deuterium solid-state NMR (SSNMR). SSNMR spectra obtained from DNAs nonstereospecifically deuterated on the 5' methylene group of nucleotides within the [5'-GCGC-3'] 2 moiety indicated that all of these positions are structurally flexible. Previous work has shown that methylation reduces the amplitude of motion in the phosphodiester backbone and furanose ring of the same DNA, and our observations indicate that methylation perturbs backbone dynamics through not only a loss of mobility but also a change of direction of motion. These NMR data indicate that the [5'-GCGC-3'] 2 moiety is dynamic, with the largest amplitude motions occurring nearest the methylation site. The change of orientation of this moiety in DNA upon methylation may make the molecule less amenable to binding to the HhaI endonuclease.     

A Photoresponsive Stiff‐Stilbene Ligand Fuels the Reversible Unfolding of G‐Quadruplex DNA

The polymorphic nature of G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA structures points to a range of potential applications in nanodevices and an opportunity to control G4 in biological settings. Light is an attractive means for the regulation of oligonucleotide structure as it can be delivered with high spatiotemporal precision. However, surprisingly little attention has been devoted towards the development of ligands for G4 that allow photoregulation of G4 folding. We report a novel G4‐binding chemotype derived from stiff‐stilbene. Surprisingly however, whilst the ligand induces high stabilization in the potassium form of human telomeric DNA, it causes the unfolding of the same G4 sequence in sodium buffer. This effect can be reversed on demand by irradiation with 400 nm light through deactivation of the ligand by photo‐oxidation. By fuelling the system with the photolabile ligand, the conformation of G4 DNA was switched five times.     

Targeting Mechanisms of the DNA Damage Response (DDR) and DNA Repair by Natural Compounds to Improve cAT-Triggered Tumor Cell Death

Recently, we identified secalonic acid F (SA), 5-epi-nakijiquinone Q (NQ) and 5-epi-ilimaquinone (IQ) as natural compounds (NC) affecting mechanisms of the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we further characterized their effects on DDR, DNA repair and cytotoxicity if used in mono- and co-treatment with conventional anticancer therapeutics (cAT) (cisplatin (Cis), doxorubicin (Doxo)) in vitro. All three NC influence the phosphorylation level of selected DDR-related factors (i.e., pCHK1, pKAP1, pP53, pRPA32) in mono- and/or co-treatment. Both SA and NQ attenuate the Cis- and Doxo-induced G2/M-phase arrest and effectively stimulate caspase-mediated apoptosis. Notably, SA impacts DNA repair as reflected by enhanced steady-state levels of Cis-(1,2-GpG)-DNA adducts and Doxo-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Moreover, SA decreased the mRNA and protein expression of the homologous recombination (HR)-related DSB repair factors RAD51 and BRCA1. Both SA and NQ promote Cis- and Doxo-induced cytotoxicity in an additive to synergistic manner (CI ≤ 1.0). Summarizing, we conclude that SA promotes cAT-driven caspase-dependent cell death by interfering with DSB repair and DDR-related checkpoint control mechanisms. Hence, SA is considered as the most promising lead compound to evaluate its therapeutic window in forthcoming pre-clinical in vivo studies.     

Neutral and Negatively Charged Phosphate Modifications Altering Thermal Stability,Kinetics of Formation and Monovalent Ion Dependence of DNA G‐Quadruplexes

The effect of phosphate group modifications on formation and properties of G‐quadruplexes (G4s) has not been investigated in detail. Here, we evaluated the structural, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the parallel G‐quadruplexes formed by oligodeoxynucleotides d(G₄T), d(TG₄T) and d(TG₅T), in which all phosphates were replaced with N‐methanesulfonyl (mesyl) phosphoramidate or phosphoryl guanidine groups resulting in either negatively charged or neutral DNA sequences, respectively. We established that all modified sequences were able to form G‐quadruplexes of parallel topology; however, the presence of modifications led to a decrease in thermal stability relative to unmodified G4s. In contrast to negatively charged G4s, assembly of neutral G4 DNA species was faster in the presence of sodium ions than potassium ions, and was independent of the salt concentration used. Formation of mixed G4s composed of both native and neutral G‐rich strands has been detected using native gel electrophoresis, size‐exclusion chromatography and ESI‐MS. In summary, our results indicate that the phosphate modifications studied are compatible with G‐quadruplex formation, which could be used for the design of biologically active compounds.     

The para‐didehydropyridine,para‐didehydropyridinium,and related biradicals—a contribution to the chemistry of enediyne antitumor drugs

Structure and stability of seven singlet (S) biradicals formed by Bergman cyclization from enediynes are investigated with unrestricted DFT using B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) and B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df,3pd). The corresponding triplets (T) are also calculated and compared with their S states utilizing the on‐top pair density and the S‐T difference on‐top pair density. A relationship between the geometry of a S biradical, its stability, and its biradical character is established using the on‐top pair density and calculated S‐T splittings. Through‐bond coupling between the single electrons of the S biradical can be enhanced by the incorporation of a N atom into para‐didehydrobenzene 1 due to lowering of antibonding orbitals, shortening of ring bonds by anomeric effect, and increased overlap between the interacting orbitals. Strong through‐bond interactions lead to a stabilization of the S state and an increase of the S‐T splitting. Because through‐bond interactions also determine the degree of coupling between the single electrons, stabilization of the S biradical, and an increase of the S‐T splitting always means a lowering of the biradical character and the H abstraction ability, which is relevant for the use of N‐containing enediynes and their biradicals in connection with the design of new antitumor drugs. The S para‐didehydropyridine biradical 2 is strongly stabilized and, therefore, has only reduced biradical character. However, the latter can be enhanced by protonation, because this always leads to a lengthening of ring bonds and a reduction of the overlap between interacting orbitals. In the weakly acidic medium of a tumor cell, S biradicals containing an amidine group can be protonated to yield S biradicals with high biradical character (low S‐T splittings, small changes in bond alternation relative to the T state), which will abstract H atoms from the DNA of a tumor cell. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 216–229, 2001