Oligonucleotides Modified With Transplatin Derivatives: Fast and Efficient Metalloribozymes

When an oligonucleotide containing a 1,3-(G,G)-transplatin cross-link at a GNG site (N represents a C, T, A or U residue) is paired with its complementary strand, the intrastrand adduct rearranges into an interstrand cross-link, resulting in the covalent attachment of both strands. Here, we have studied the influence of the inert ligands of the platinum(II) complex and of the nucleotide residues in the vicinity of the adduct on the rearrangement reaction. Dramatic effects on the linkage isomerization rate could be 37℃. The results are analyzed in relation with the mechanism of rearrangement of the 1,3-intrastrand adducts into interstrand cross-links. The relevance of platinated oligonucleotides as potent and specific drugs is discussed

Walking of antitumor bifunctional trinuclear PtII complex on double-helical DNA

The trinuclear BBR3464 ([{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2µ-(trans-Pt(NH3)2(H2N(CH2)6NH2)2)]4+) belongs to the polynuclear class of platinum-based anticancer agents. DNA adducts of this complex differ significantly in structure and type from those of clinically used mononuclear platinum complexes, especially, long-range (Pt, Pt) intrastrand and interstrand cross-links are formed in both 5′–5′ and 3′–3′ orientations. We show employing short oligonucleotide duplexes containing single, site-specific cross-links of BBR3464 and gel electrophoresis that in contrast to major DNA adducts of clinically used platinum complexes, under physiological conditions the coordination bonds between platinum and N7 of G residues involved in the cross-links of BBR3464 can be cleaved. This cleavage may lead to the linkage isomerization reactions between this metallodrug and double-helical DNA. Differential scanning calorimetry of duplexes containing single, site-specific cross-links of BBR3464 reveals that one of the driving forces that leads to the lability of DNA cross-links of this metallodrug is a difference between the thermodynamic destabilization induced by the cross-link and by the adduct into which it could isomerize. The rearrangements may proceed in the way that cross-links originally formed in one strand of DNA can spontaneously translocate from one DNA strand to its complementary counterpart, which may evoke walking of the platinum complex on DNA molecule

A conserved 3′ extension in unusual group II introns is important for efficient second-step splicing

The B.c.I4 group II intron from Bacillus cereus ATCC 10987 harbors an unusual 3′ extension. Here, we report the discovery of four additional group II introns with a similar 3′ extension in Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki 4D1 that splice at analogous positions 53/56 nt downstream of domain VI in vivo. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the introns are only 47–61% identical to each other. Strikingly, they do not form a single evolutionary lineage even though they belong to the same Bacterial B class. The extension of these introns is predicted to form a conserved two-stem–loop structure. Mutational analysis in vitro showed that the smaller stem S1 is not critical for self-splicing, whereas the larger stem S2 is important for efficient exon ligation and lariat release in presence of the extension. This study clearly demonstrates that previously reported B.c.I4 is not a single example of a specialized intron, but forms a new functional class with an unusual mode that ensures proper positioning of the 3′ splice site

Lateral transfer of introns in the cryptophyte plastid genome

Cryptophytes are unicellular eukaryotic algae that acquired photosynthesis secondarily through the uptake and retention of a red-algal endosymbiont. The plastid genome of the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina CCMP1319 was recently sequenced and found to contain a genetic element similar to a group II intron. Here, we explore the distribution, structure and function of group II introns in the plastid genomes of distantly and closely related cryptophytes. The predicted secondary structures of six introns contained in three different genes were examined and found to be generally similar to group II introns but unusually large in size (including the largest known noncoding intron). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the cryptophyte group II introns were acquired via lateral gene transfer (LGT) from a euglenid-like species. Unexpectedly, the six introns occupy five distinct genomic locations, suggesting multiple LGT events or recent transposition (or both). Combined with structural considerations, RT–PCR experiments suggest that the transferred introns are degenerate ‘twintrons’ (i.e. nested group II/group III introns) in which the internal intron has lost its splicing capability, resulting in an amalgamation with the outer intron

Divalent Metal Ions Tune the Self-Splicing Reaction of the Yeast Mitochondrial Group II Intron Sc.ai5γ

Group II introns are large ribozymes, consisting of six functionally distinct domains that assemble in the presence of Mg2+ to the active structure catalyzing a variety of reactions. The first step of intron splicing is well characterized by a Michaelis–Menten-type cleavage reaction using a two-piece group II intron: the substrate RNA, the 5′-exon covalently linked to domains 1, 2, and 3, is cleaved upon addition of domain 5 acting as a catalyst. Here we investigate the effect of Ca2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and [Co(NH3)6]3+ on the first step of splicing of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial group II intron Sc.ai5γ. We find that this group II intron is very sensitive to the presence of divalent metal ions other than Mg2+. For example, the presence of only 5% Ca2+ relative to Mg2+ results in a decrease in the maximal turnover rate k cat by 50%. Ca2+ thereby has a twofold effect: this metal ion interferes initially with folding, but then also competes directly with Mg2+ in the folded state, the latter being indicative of at least one specific Ca2+ binding pocket interfering directly with catalysis. Similar results are obtained with Mn2+, Cd2+, and [Co(NH3)6]3+. Ni2+ is a much more powerful inhibitor and the presence of either Zn2+ or Pb2+ leads to rapid degradation of the RNA. These results show a surprising sensitivity of such a large multidomain RNA on trace amounts of cations other than Mg2+ and raises the question of biological relevance at least in the case of Ca2+

Methods in Molecular Biology - RNA remodeling proteins

International audienceThis volume provides the most current methods to study RNA remodeling proteins. Chapters detail methods, ranging from basic to complex, procedures to identify RNA remodeling proteins and their cofactors, physiological RNA targets and biological functions, and complex molecular mechanisms of action using purified components. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, application details for both the expert and non-expert reader, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.Authoritative and cutting-edge, RNA Remodeling Proteins: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field

Régulation des gènes par un moteur moléculaire unique aux bactéries

National audienceTous les êtres vivants possèdent des mécanismes spécifiques d’adaptation à leur écosystème et, éventuellement, aux variations environnementales. Ce caractère adaptatif est très marqué chez de nombreuses bactéries, capables de vivre ou survivre dans des conditions variables et difficiles, grâce notamment à des mécanismes de régulation post-transcriptionnelle de l’expression de leurs gènes. Je décrirai l’un de ces mécanismes fondamentaux, la terminaison de la transcription Rho-dépendante, qui est unique aux bactéries, essentiel chez de nombreuses espèces et repose sur l’activité d’un moteur moléculaire à activité ARN hélicase, Rho. Je montrerai notamment comment l’exploitation de cette activité ARN hélicase dans une nouvelle stratégie de criblage combinatoire, Helicase-SELEX, nous a permis de cartographier précisément les nombreux sites d’action de Rho à l’échelle d’un génome entier (Escherichia coli). Je discuterai nos résultats dans un contexte de diversité bactérienne, d’adaptation conditionnelle et d’exploitation de l’activité hélicase à des fins biotechnologique