Identification and characterisation of a G-quadruplex forming sequence in the promoter region of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2).
The transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulates multiple antioxidants, Phase II detoxification enzymes and other cytoprotective enzymes in cells. Activation of Nrf2 is recognised as being of potential therapeutic benefit in inflammatory-diseases whereas more recently, it has become clear that the inhibition of Nrf2 may have benefit in the alleviation of resistance in some tumour types. A potential G-quadruplex forming sequence was identified in the promoter region of Nrf2, close to a number of putative transcription factor binding sites. Characterisation of the sequence 5'-d[GGGAAGGGAGCAAGGGCGGGAGGG]-3' using CD spectroscopy, imino proton NMR resonances and UV melting experiments demonstrated the formation of a parallel intramolecular G-quadruplex in the presence of K(+) ions. Incubation with 9-aminoacridine ligands induced a switch from antiparallel to parallel forms. The presence of a G-quadruplex forming sequence in the promoter region of Nrf2 suggests an approach to targeting the production of the protein through stabilisation of the structure, thereby avoiding resistance to antitumour drugs.
School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. Electronic address: z.waller@uea.ac.uk.
Zoë A E
ZA
Waller
School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Lesley A
LA
Howell
School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Colin J
CJ
Macdonald
School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
Maria A
MA
O'Connell
School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. Electronic address: m.searcey@uea.ac.uk.
Mark
M
Searcey
D000585:Aminacrine / Q000737:chemistry; D001483:Base Sequence; D001665:Binding Sites; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D054856:G-Quadruplexes; D008024:Ligands; D051267:NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic
D008024:Ligands; D051267:NF-E2-Related Factor 2; C495635:NFE2L2 protein, human; D000585:Aminacrine
9-Aminoacridine; Cancer; G-quadruplex; Inflammation; Nrf2