Chemical profiling of DNA G-quadruplex-interacting proteins in live cells

Nat Chem. 2021 Jul;13(7):626-633. doi: 10.1038/s41557-021-00736-9. Epub 2021 Jun 28.

Abstract

DNA-protein interactions regulate critical biological processes. Identifying proteins that bind to specific, functional genomic loci is essential to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms on a molecular level. Here we describe a co-binding-mediated protein profiling (CMPP) strategy to investigate the interactome of DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) in native chromatin. CMPP involves cell-permeable, functionalized G4-ligand probes that bind endogenous G4s and subsequently crosslink to co-binding G4-interacting proteins in situ. We first showed the robustness of CMPP by proximity labelling of a G4 binding protein in vitro. Employing this approach in live cells, we then identified hundreds of putative G4-interacting proteins from various functional classes. Next, we confirmed a high G4-binding affinity and selectivity for several newly discovered G4 interactors in vitro, and we validated direct G4 interactions for a functionally important candidate in cellular chromatin using an independent approach. Our studies provide a chemical strategy to map protein interactions of specific nucleic acid features in living cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Aminoquinolines / chemistry
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / radiation effects
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Diazomethane / chemistry*
  • Diazomethane / radiation effects
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Proof of Concept Study
  • Protein Binding
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Diazomethane
  • DNA