Showing papers by "Jacqueline K. Barton published in 2014"

Label-free electrochemical detection of human methyltransferase from tumors

Abstract: The role of abnormal DNA methyltransferase activity in the development and progression of cancer is an essential and rapidly growing area of research, both for improved diagnosis and treatment However, current technologies for the assessment of methyltransferase activity, particularly from crude tumor samples, limit this work because they rely on radioactivity or fluorescence and require bulky instrumentation Here, we report an electrochemical platform that overcomes these limitations for the label-free detection of human DNA(cytosine-5)-methyltransferase1 (DNMT1) methyltransferase activity, enabling measurements from crude cultured colorectal cancer cell lysates (HCT116) and biopsied tumor tissues Our multiplexed detection system involving patterning and detection from a secondary electrode array combines low-density DNA monolayer patterning and electrocatalytically amplified DNA charge transport chemistry to measure selectively and sensitively DNMT1 activity within these complex and congested cellular samples Based on differences in DNMT1 activity measured with this assay, we distinguish colorectal tumor tissue from healthy adjacent tissue, illustrating the effectiveness of this two-electrode platform for clinical applications

DNA-mediated signaling by proteins with 4Fe-4S clusters is necessary for genomic integrity.

Abstract: Iron–sulfur clusters have increasingly been found to be associated with enzymes involved in DNA processing. Here we describe a role for these redox clusters in DNA-mediated charge-transport signaling in E. coli between DNA repair proteins from distinct pathways. DNA-modified electrochemistry shows that the 4Fe–4S cluster of DNA-bound DinG, an ATP-dependent helicase that repairs R-loops, is redox-active at cellular potentials and ATP hydrolysis increases DNA-mediated redox signaling. Atomic force microscopy experiments demonstrate that DinG and Endonuclease III (EndoIII), a base excision repair enzyme, cooperate at long-range using DNA charge transport to redistribute to regions of DNA damage. Genetics experiments, moreover, reveal that this DNA-mediated signaling among proteins also occurs within the cell and, remarkably, is required for cellular viability under conditions of stress. Silencing the gene encoding EndoIII in a strain of E. coli where repair by DinG is essential results in a significant growth defect that is rescued by complementation with EndoIII but not with an EndoIII mutant that is enzymatically active but unable to carry out DNA charge transport. This work thus elucidates a fundamental mechanism to coordinate the activities of DNA repair enzymes across the genome.

An unusual ligand coordination gives rise to a new family of rhodium metalloinsertors with improved selectivity and potency.

Abstract: Rhodium metalloinsertors are octahedral complexes that bind DNA mismatches with high affinity and specificity and exhibit unique cell-selective cytotoxicity, targeting mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cells over MMR-proficient cells. Here we describe a new generation of metalloinsertors with enhanced biological potency and selectivity, in which the complexes show Rh-O coordination. In particular, it has been found that both Δ- and Λ-[Rh(chrysi)(phen)(DPE)](2+) (where chrysi =5,6 chrysenequinone diimmine, phen =1,10-phenanthroline, and DPE = 1,1-di(pyridine-2-yl)ethan-1-ol) bind to DNA containing a single CC mismatch with similar affinities and without racemization. This is in direct contrast with previous metalloinsertors and suggests a possible different binding disposition for these complexes in the mismatch site. We ascribe this difference to the higher pKa of the coordinated immine of the chrysi ligand in these complexes, so that the complexes must insert into the DNA helix with the inserting ligand in a buckled orientation; spectroscopic studies in the presence and absence of DNA along with the crystal structure of the complex without DNA support this assignment. Remarkably, all members of this new family of compounds have significantly increased potency in a range of cellular assays; indeed, all are more potent than cisplatin and N-methyl-N'-nitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, a common DNA-alkylating chemotherapeutic agent). Moreover, the activities of the new metalloinsertors are coupled with high levels of selective cytotoxicity for MMR-deficient versus proficient colorectal cancer cells.

Targeted Chemotherapy with Metal Complexes

Abstract: Classical chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin and its analogues, have been highly successful in the clinic, yet improvements can certainly be made, given the significant side effects associated with the killing of healthy cells. Recent advances in the field of chemotherapy include the development of targeted anticancer agents, compounds that are directed towards a specific biomarker of cancer, with the hopes that such targeted therapies might have reduced side effects given their greater selectivity. Here we discuss several transition metal complexes that are tailored towards various biomolecules associated with cancer. Most notably, the success of rhodium metalloinsertors, which specifically bind to nucleic acid base mismatches in DNA, highlight the enormous potential of this exciting new strategy.

DNA-mediated oxidation of p53.

Abstract: Transcription factor p53 is the most commonly altered gene in human cancer. As a redox-active protein in direct contact with DNA, p53 can directly sense oxidative stress through DNA-mediated charge transport. Electron hole transport occurs over long distances through the π-stacked bases and leads to the oxidative dissociation of p53. The extent of protein dissociation depends upon the redox potential of the DNA in direct contact with each p53 monomer. The DNA sequence dependence of p53 oxidative dissociation was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using oligonucleotides containing both synthetic and human p53 consensus sequences with an appended photooxidant, anthraquinone. Greater p53 dissociation is observed from sequences containing low-redox potential purine regions, particularly guanine triplets. Using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of irradiated anthraquinone-modified DNA, the DNA damage sites corresponding to sites of preferred electron hole localization were determined. The resulting DNA damage preferentially localizes to guanine doublets and triplets. Oxidative DNA damage is inhibited in the presence of p53, but only at sites in direct contact with p53. From these data, predictions about the sensitivity of human p53-binding sites to oxidative stress as well as possible biological implications have been made. On the basis of our data, the guanine pattern within the purine region of each p53-binding site determines the response of p53 to DNA oxidation, yielding for some sequences the oxidative dissociation of p53 from a distance and thereby providing another potential role for DNA charge transport chemistry within the cell.

Construction and Application of a Rh–Pt DNA Metalloinsertor Conjugate

Abstract: We report the synthesis and characterization of a bimetallic conjugate (RhPt) in which an oxaliplatin derivative is tethered to a rhodium metalloinsertor through an aminomalonate leaving group ligand. The complex interacts with DNA through metalloinsertion at a base pair mismatch followed by formation of a covalent Pt–DNA adduct. Characterization of RhPt in mismatch repair-deficient HCT116O cells reveals increased cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin and oxaliplatin as well as relative to the unconjugated rhodium and platinum counterparts. Caspase and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibition assays indicate that RhPt induces apoptotic cell death. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) experiments reveal that RhPt exhibits enhanced cellular uptake properties that contribute to its increased efficacy.

Electrochemical substrate patterning and analyte detection on a two-electrode platform

Abstract: A two-electrode detection system having target substrates including nucleic acids, proteins, and/or small molecules on specifically defined regions of a single surface. The spatial distribution of the target substrate on the surface allows for more accurate substrate interactions and analysis. Additionally, the detection system of the present invention allows for patterning of different target substrates, thereby affording more accurate analysis of multiple substrate targets.