The G-quadruplex ligand telomestatin impairs binding of topoisomerase IIIalpha to G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides and uncaps telomeres in ALT cells

PLoS One. 2009 Sep 9;4(9):e6919. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006919.

Abstract

In Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) cell lines, specific nuclear bodies called APBs (ALT-associated PML bodies) concentrate telomeric DNA, shelterin components and recombination factors associated with telomere recombination. Topoisomerase IIIalpha (Topo III) is an essential telomeric-associated factor in ALT cells. We show here that the binding of Topo III to telomeric G-overhang is modulated by G-quadruplex formation. Topo III binding to G-quadruplex-forming oligonucleotides was strongly inhibited by telomestatin, a potent and specific G-quadruplex ligand. In ALT cells, telomestatin treatment resulted in the depletion of the Topo III/BLM/TRF2 complex and the disruption of APBs and led to the segregation of PML, shelterin components and Topo III. Interestingly, a DNA damage response was observed at telomeres in telomestatin-treated cells. These data indicate the importance of G-quadruplex stabilization during telomere maintenance in ALT cells. The function of TRF2/Topo III/BLM in the resolution of replication intermediates at telomeres is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Separation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / metabolism*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Biological
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry*
  • Oxazoles / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Telomere / metabolism*
  • Telomere / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Oxazoles
  • telomestatin
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I