Selective Recognition of a Single HIV-1 G-Quadruplex by Ultrafast Small-Molecule Screening

Anal Chem. 2021 Nov 23;93(46):15243-15252. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04106. Epub 2021 Nov 11.

Abstract

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are implicated in pathological processes such as cancer and infective diseases. Their targeting with G4-ligands has shown therapeutic capacity. Most of the current G4-ligands are planar molecules, do not discriminate among G4s, and have poor druglike properties. The available methods to identify compounds selective for one single G4 are often time-consuming. Here, we describe the development, validation, and application of an affinity-selection mass spectrometry method that employs unlabeled G4 oligonucleotides as targets and allows testing of up to 320 unmodified small molecules in a single tube. As a proof of concept, this method was applied to screen a library of 40 000 druglike molecules against two G4s, transcriptional regulators of the HIV-1 LTR promoter. We identified nonplanar pyrazolopyrimidines that selectively recognize and stabilize the major HIV-1 LTR G4 possibly by fitting and binding through H-bonding in its unique binding pocket. The compounds inhibit LTR promoter activity and HIV-1 replication. We propose this method to prompt the fast development of new G4-based therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • HIV-1* / genetics
  • Ligands
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Oligonucleotides