Photoactive G-Quadruplex Ligand Identifies Multiple G-Quadruplex-Related Proteins with Extensive Sequence Tolerance in the Cellular Environment

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Feb 3;143(4):1917-1923. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c10792. Epub 2021 Jan 20.

Abstract

G-Quadruplex (G4) is a noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structure with multiple biofunctions. Identifying G4-related proteins (G4RPs) is important for understanding the roles of G4 in biology. Current methods to identify G4RPs include discovery from specific biological processes or in vitro pull-down assays with specific G4 sequences. Here, we report an in vivo strategy used to identify G4RPs with extensive sequence tolerance based on G4 ligand-mediated cross-linking. Applying this method, we identified 114 and 281 G4RPs in SV589 and MM231 cells, respectively. The results successfully overlapped with all the pull-down assay literature. Through the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), we identified some new G4-binding proteins. Moreover, enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) confirmed that one newly identified G4-binding protein, SERBP1, interacts with G4 in the cellular environment. The method we developed provides a new strategy for identifying proteins that interact with nucleic secondary structures in cells and benefit the study of their biological roles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Ligands
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Proteomics

Substances

  • Ligands