Structural recognition of the MYC promoter G-quadruplex by a quinoline derivative: insights into molecular targeting of parallel G-quadruplexes

DNA G-Quadruplexes (G4s) formed in oncogene promoters regulate transcription. The oncogene MYC promoter G4 (MycG4) is the most prevalent G4 in human cancers. However, the most studied MycG4 sequence bears a mutated 3 '-residue crucial for ligand recognition. Here, we report a new drug-like small molecule PEQ without a large aromatic moiety that specifically binds MycG4. We determined the NMR solution structures of the wild-type MycG4 and its 2:1 PEQ complex, as well as the structure of the 2:1 PEQ complex of the widely used mutant MycG4. Comparison of the two complex structures demonstrates specific molecular recognition of MycG4 and shows the clear effect of the critical 3 '-mutation on the drug binding interface. We performed a systematic analysis of the four available complex structures involving the same mutant MycG4, which can be considered a model system for parallel G4s, and revealed for the first time that the flexible flanking residues are recruited in a conserved and sequence-specific way, as well as unused potential for selective ligand-G4 hydrogen-bond interactions. Our results provide the true molecular basis for MycG4-targeting drugs and new critical insights into future rational design of drugs targeting MycG4 and parallel G4s that are prevalent in promoter and RNA G4s.

Automated summary

This study reports a new drug-like small molecule PEQ that specifically binds MycG4, providing insights into the molecular recognition of MycG4 and the effect of critical mutations on drug binding. Analysis of available complex structures reveals a conserved recruitment of flexible flanking residues and potential selective ligand-G4 hydrogen-bond interactions.