Cdk1 Regulates the Temporal Recruitment of Telomerase and Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1 Complex for Telomere Replication

In budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the cell cycle-dependent telomere elongation by telomerase is controlled by the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1). The telomere length homeostasis is balanced between telomerase-unextendable and telomerase-extendable states that both require Cdc13. The recruitment of telomerase complex by Cdc13 promotes telomere elongation, while the formation of Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1 (CST) complex at the telomere blocks telomere elongation by telomerase. However, the cellular signaling that regulates the timing of the telomerase-extendable and telomerase-unextendable states is largely unknown. Phosphorylation of Cdc13 by Cdk1 promotes the interaction between Cdc13 and Est1 and hence telomere elongation. Here, we show that Cdk1 also phosphorylates Stn1 at threonine 223 and serine 250 both in vitro and in vivo, and these phosphorylation events are essential for the stability of the CST complexes at the telomeres. By controlling the timing of Cdc13 and Stn1 phosphorylations during cell cycle progression, Cdk1 regulates the temporal recruitment of telomerase complexes and CST complexes to the telomeres to facilitate telomere maintenance.     

Tpz1TPP1 SUMOylation reveals evolutionary conservation of SUMO‐dependent Stn1 telomere association

Elongation of the telomeric overhang by telomerase is counteracted by synthesis of the complementary strand by the CST complex, CTC1(Cdc13)/Stn1/Ten1. Interaction of budding yeast Stn1 with overhang‐binding Cdc13 is increased by Cdc13 SUMOylation. Human and fission yeast CST instead interact with overhang‐binding TPP1/POT1. We show that the fission yeast TPP1 ortholog, Tpz1, is SUMOylated. Tpz1 SUMOylation restricts telomere elongation and promotes Stn1/Ten1 telomere association, and a SUMO‐Tpz1 fusion protein has increased affinity for Stn1. Our data suggest that SUMO inhibits telomerase through stimulation of Stn1/Ten1 action by Tpz1, highlighting the evolutionary conservation of the regulation of CST function by SUMOylation.     

Distinct roles for yeast Stn1 in telomere capping and telomerase inhibition

The budding yeast Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1 (CST) proteins are proposed to function as an RPA-like complex at telomeres that protects (‘caps'') chromosome ends and regulates their elongation by telomerase. We show that Stn1 has a critical function in both processes through the deployment of two separable domains. The N terminus of Stn1 interacts with Ten1 and carries out its essential capping function. The C terminus of Stn1 binds both Cdc13 and Pol12, and we present genetic data indicating that the Stn1–Cdc13 interaction is required to limit continuous telomerase action. Stn1 telomere association, similar to that of Cdc13, peaks during S phase. Significantly, the magnitude of Stn1 telomere binding is independent of telomere TG tract length, suggesting that the negative effect of Stn1 on telomerase action might be regulated by a modification of CST activity or structure in cis at individual telomeres. Genetic analysis suggests that the Tel1 kinase exerts an effect in parallel with the Stn1 C terminus to counteract its inhibition of telomerase. These data provide new insights into the coordination of telomere capping and telomerase regulation.     

Rapid Cdc13 turnover and telomere length homeostasis are controlled by Cdk1-mediated phosphorylation of Cdc13

Budding yeast telomerase is mainly activated by Tel1/Mec1 (yeast ATM/ATR) on Cdc13 from late S to G2 phase of the cell cycle. Here, we demonstrated that the telomerase-recruitment domain of Cdc13 is also phosphorylated by Cdk1 at the same cell cycle stage as the Tel1/Mec1-dependent regulation. Phosphor-specific gel analysis demonstrated that Cdk1 phosphorylates residues 308 and 336 of Cdc13. The residue T308 of Cdc13 is critical for efficient Mec1-mediated S306 phosphorylation in vitro. Phenotypic analysis in vivo revealed that the mutations in the Cdc13S/TP motifs phosphorylated by Cdk1 caused cell cycle delay and telomere shortening and these phenotypes could be partially restored by the replacement with a negative charge residue. In the absence of Ku or Tel1, Cdk1-mediated phosphorylation of Cdc13 showed no effect on telomere length maintenance. Moreover, this Cdk1-mediated phosphorylation was required to promote the regular turnover of Cdc13. Together these results demonstrate that Cdk1 phosphorylates the telomerase recruitment domain of Cdc13, thereby preserves optimal function and expression level of Cdc13 for precise telomere replication and cell cycle progression.     

Synthetic Nucleosides and Nucleotides. XX1. Synthesis of Various 1-β-D-Xylofuranosyl-5-Alkyluracils and Related Nucleosides

Abstract

Treatment of D-xylose (1) with 0.5% methanolic hydrogen chloride under controlled conditions followed by benzoylation and acetolysis afforded crystalline 1-O-acetyl-2, 3, 5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-xylofuranose (4) in good yield. Coupling of 4 with 2, 4-bis-trimethylsilyl derivatives of 5-alkyluracils (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl) (5a-5d), 5-fluorouracil (5e) and uracil (5f) in acetonitrile in the presence of stannic chloride gave 1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-xylofuranosyl)-nucleosides (6a-6f). Saponification of 6 with sodium methoxide afforded 1-β-D-xylofuranosyl-5-substituted uracils (7a-7f). Condensation of 4 with free adenine in similar fashion and deblocking gave carcinostatic 9-β-D-xylofuranosyladenine (7g).     

Synthesis of Certain 5′-Substituted Derivatives of Ribavirin and Tiazofurin

Abstract

The synthesis of several 5′-substituted derivatives of ribavirin (1) and tiazofurin (3) are described. Direct acylation of 1 with the appropriate acyl chloride in pyridine-DMF gave the corresponding 5′-O-acyl derivatives (4a-h). Tosylation of the 2′, 3′-O-isopropylidene-ribavirin (6) and tiazofurin (11) with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride gave the respective 5′-O-p-tolylsulfonyl derivatives (7a and 12a), which were converted to 5′-azido-5′-deoxy derivatives (7b and 12b) by reacting with sodium/lithium azide. Deisopropylidenation of 7b and 12b, followed by catalytic hydrogenation afforded 1-(5-amino-5-deoxy-β-D)-ribofuranosyl)-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (10b) and 2 - (5 -amino- 5-deoxy- β-D-ribofuranosyl) thiazole-4-carboxamide (16), respectively. Treatment of 6 with phthalimide in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate furnished the corresponding 5′-deoxy-5′-phthaloylamino derivative (9). Reaction of 9 with n-butylamine and subsequent deisopropylidenation provided yet another route to 10b. Selective 5′-thioacetylation of 6 and 11 with thiolacetic acid, followed by saponification and deisopropylidenation afforded 5′-deoxy-5′-thio derivatives of 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (8a) and 2-β-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide (15), respectively.     

Evolution of CST function in telomere maintenance

Telomeres consist of an elaborate, higher-order DNA architecture, and a suite of proteins that provide protection for the chromosome terminus by blocking inappropriate recombination and nucleolytic attack. In addition, telomeres facilitate telomeric DNA replication by physical interactions with telomerase and the lagging strand replication machinery. The prevailing view has been that two distinct telomere capping complexes evolved, shelterin in vertebrates and a trimeric complex comprised of Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1 (CST) in yeast. The recent discovery of a CST-like complex in plants and humans raises new questions about the composition of telomeres and their regulatory mechanisms in multicellular eukaryotes. In this review we discuss the evolving functions and interactions of CST components and their contributions to chromosome end protection and DNA replication.Key words: telomere, telomerase, telomere protein, CTC1, STN1, TEN1, OB-fold, arabidopsis, DNA polymerase alpha, RPA     

Studies on the Dehydration of New 2- (Pentitol-1-YL) Pyridines Having D-Gulo,D-IDO,and L-Manno Configurations

Abstract

Fusion of 2-trimethylsilylpyridine and tetra-O-acetyl-aldehydo-D-xylose or 2,3:4,5-di-O-isopropylidene-aldehydo-L-arabinose led, after removing of the protecting groups, to 2-(pentitol-1-yl)pyridines of D-gulo and D-ido or L-manno configurations. Dehydration of the sugar-chain with D-gulo and D-ido configurations gave the corresponding 2′,5′-anhydro derivatives, whereas 2-(5-O-isopropyl-L-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-pyridine was the only compound formed by dehydration of the sugar-chain with L-manno configuration. Structural proofs are based on ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.     

NMR Investigations of the Solution Conformations of Deoxynucleotidyl (3′-5′) Arabinonucleosides

Abstract

The solution conformations of all eight deoxynucleotidyl (3′-5′) arabinonucleosides containing 9-B-D-arabinofuranosyladenine and 1-B-D-arabinonfuranosylcytosine have been analyzed by NMR methods and compared to dinucleoside monophosphates containing the corresponding deoxyriboside units.     

Preparation of 2,3′-Anhydropyrimidine Nucleosides using N,N-Diethylaminosulfur Trifluoride (DAST)

Abstract

2,3′-Anhydro-2′-deoxy-5′-0-(triphenyl methyl) and 5′-0-(monomethoxytriphenylmethyl) pyrimidine nucleosides of uracil, thymine, and cytosine were synthesized in a single step from their 2′-deoxy-5′-0-(triphenylmethyl) or 5′-0-(monomethoxytriphenylmethyl) precursors using N,N-diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST). The anhydronucleosides were either isolated or directly converted to their respective 2-deoxy-β-D-threo-pentofuranosyl nucleosides using sodium hydroxide in ethanol.     

Cdc13 cooperates with the yeast Ku proteins and Stn1 to regulate telomerase recruitment

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC13 protein binds single-strand telomeric DNA. Here we report the isolation of new mutant alleles of CDC13 that confer either abnormal telomere lengthening or telomere shortening. This deregulation not only depended on telomerase (Est2/TLC1) and Est1, a direct regulator of telomerase, but also on the yeast Ku proteins, yKu70/Hdf1 and yKu80/Hdf2, that have been previously implicated in DNA repair and telomere maintenance. Expression of a Cdc13-yKu70 fusion protein resulted in telomere elongation, similar to that produced by a Cdc13-Est1 fusion, thus suggesting that yKu70 might promote Cdc13-mediated telomerase recruitment. We also demonstrate that Stn1 is an inhibitor of telomerase recruitment by Cdc13, based both on STN1 overexpression and Cdc13-Stn1 fusion experiments. We propose that accurate regulation of telomerase recruitment by Cdc13 results from a coordinated balance between positive control by yKu70 and negative control by Stn1. Our results represent the first evidence of a direct control of the telomerase-loading function of Cdc13 by a double-strand telomeric DNA-binding complex.     

Synthesis of Brunfelsamidine Ribonucleoside and Certain Related Compounds by the Stereospecific Sodium Salt Glycosylation Procedure

Abstract

A synthesis of 2,4-dideazaribavirin ( 2 ), brunfelsamidine ribonucleoside ( 8c ) and certain related derivatives are described for the first time using the stereospecific sodium salt glycosylation procedure. Glycosylation of the sodium salt of pyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 4 ) with 1-chloro-2, 3-O-t-isopropylidene-5-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-α-D-ribofuranose ( 5 ) gave exclusively the corresponding blocked nucleoside ( 6 ) with β-anomeric configuration, which on deprotection provided 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 7 ). Functional group tranformation of 7 gave 2 , 8c and related 3-substituted pyrrole ribonucleosides. These compounds are devoid of any significant antiviral/antitumor activity invitro.     

Synthesis of Some Novel Acyclolumazine N-1 Nucleosides

Abstract

Reactjon of (2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl bromide with the silylated lumazine bases (1-6) in the presence of n-Bu₄NI leads to the formation of the nucleosides 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 respectively. Deacetylation with methanolic ammonia afforded the free nucleosides 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19, respectively, in good yields. Structural proofs of the newly synthesized compounds are based on elemental analyses, UV and ¹H-NMR spactra. None of the acyclic nucleosides exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-1 in vitro.     

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of 5′-O-Sulfamoyluridine Derivatives

Abstract

A series of 5′-O-[[[[(alkyl)oxy]carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] uridines have been synthesized by reaction of cyclohexanol, palmityl alcohol, 1,2-di-O-benzoylpropanetriol and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-L-glucopyranose with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and 2,3′-O-isopropylidene-uridine. Another series of 5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridines have been prepared by reaction of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene and 2′,3′-di-O-acetyluridine with N-ethylsulfamoyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl chlorides. All compounds were tested against HSV-2, VV, SV and ASFV viruses. 2′,3′-Di-O-acetyl-5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridine showed significant activities against HSV-2. 5′-O-[[[[(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-benzoyl-β-L-glucopyranosyl)oxy]carbonyl]amino] sulfonyl]-2′,3′-O-isopropylideneuridine was very active against ASFV.     

5′-O-[N-(Amnoacyl)Sulfamoyl]Nucleosides. Synthesis and Antiviral and Cytostatic Activities

Abstract

5′-O-[N-(Aminoacyl)sulfamoyl]-uridines and -thymidines 4a-12a and 4b-12b have been synthesized and tested against Herpes Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and as cytostatics. Condensation of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-sulfamoyluridine and 3′-O-acetyl-5′-O-sulfamoylthymidine with the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of Boc-L-Ser(Bzl), (2R, 3S)-3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbuta-noic acid [(2R, 3S-N-Z-AHPBA], (2R, 3S) and (2S, 3R)-N-Boc-AHPBA gave 4a,b-7a,b, which after removal of the protecting groups provided 1Oa,b-12a,b. A study of the selective removal of the O-Bzl protecting group from the L-Ser derivatives 4a,b, without hydrogenation of the pyrimidine ring, has been carried out. Only the fully protected uridine derivatives 4a-7a did exhibit high anti-HSV-2 activity, and none of the synthesized compounds showed significant cytostatic activity against HeLa cells cultures.     

A New Synthesis of 7-Methyl-8-Oxoguanosine

Abstract

A new, facile synthesis of 7-methyl-8-oxoguanosine is reported. 2-Chloro-7-methylpurine-6, 8-dione (5) was silylated with hexamethyldi-silazane and the silylated intermediate, 6, glycosylated with 1-0-acetyl-2, 3, 5-tri-0-benzoyl-D-ribofuranose to yield 2-chloro-7-methyl-9-(2′, 3′,-5′-tri-0-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl) purin-6, 8-dione (8). Deprotection of 8 with sodium hydroxide in aqueous methanol gave 2-chloro-7-methyl-9-(β-D-ribofuranosyl) purine-6,8-dione (9), which was aminated with liquid ammonia or methanolic ammonia to yield 7-methyl-8-oxoguanosine (3).     

The Telomere Capping Complex CST Has an Unusual Stoichiometry,Makes Multipartite Interaction with G-Tails,and Unfolds Higher-Order G-Tail Structures

The telomere-ending binding protein complex CST (Cdc13-Stn1-Ten1) mediates critical functions in both telomere protection and replication. We devised a co-expression and affinity purification strategy for isolating large quantities of the complete Candida glabrata CST complex. The complex was found to exhibit a 2∶4∶2 or 2∶6∶2 stoichiometry as judged by the ratio of the subunits and the native size of the complex. Stn1, but not Ten1 alone, can directly and stably interact with Cdc13. In gel mobility shift assays, both Cdc13 and CST manifested high-affinity and sequence-specific binding to the cognate telomeric repeats. Single molecule FRET-based analysis indicates that Cdc13 and CST can bind and unfold higher order G-tail structures. The protein and the complex can also interact with non-telomeric DNA in the absence of high-affinity target sites. Comparison of the DNA–protein complexes formed by Cdc13 and CST suggests that the latter can occupy a longer DNA target site and that Stn1 and Ten1 may contact DNA directly in the full CST–DNA assembly. Both Stn1 and Ten1 can be cross-linked to photo-reactive telomeric DNA. Mutating residues on the putative DNA–binding surface of Candida albicans Stn1 OB fold domain caused a reduction in its crosslinking efficiency in vitro and engendered long and heterogeneous telomeres in vivo, indicating that the DNA–binding activity of Stn1 is required for telomere protection. Our data provide insights on the assembly and mechanisms of CST, and our robust reconstitution system will facilitate future biochemical analysis of this important complex.     

Synthesis of Pyrazolo[3, 4-d]Pyrimidine Ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-Cyclic Phosphates Related to cAMP,cIMP and cGMP1

Abstract

The synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphates related to cAMP, cIMP and cGMP has been achieved for the first time. Phosphorylation of 4-amino-6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribo-furanosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (1) with POCl₃ in trimethyl phosphate gave the corresponding 5′-phosphate (2a). DCC mediated intramolecular cyclization of 2a gave the corresponding 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3a), which on subsequent dethiation provided the cAMP analog 4-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3b). A similar phosphorylation of 6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (5), followed by cyclization with DCC gave the 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate of 5 (9a). Dethiation of 9a with Raney nickel gave the cIMP analog 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (9b). Oxidation of 9a with m-chloroperoxy benzoic acid, followed by ammonolysis provided the cGMP analog 6-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (7). The structural assignment of these cyclic nucleotides was made by UV and H NMR spectroscopic studies.     

Stn1 is critical for telomere maintenance and long‐term viability of somatic human cells

Disruption of telomere maintenance pathways leads to accelerated entry into cellular senescence, a stable proliferative arrest that promotes aging‐associated disorders in some mammals. The budding yeast CST complex, comprising Cdc13, Stn1, and Ctc1, is critical for telomere replication, length regulation, and end protection. Although mammalian homologues of CST have been identified recently, their role and function for telomere maintenance in normal somatic human cells are still incompletely understood. Here, we characterize the function of human Stn1 in cultured human fibroblasts and demonstrate its critical role in telomere replication, length regulation, and function. In the absence of high telomerase activity, shRNA‐mediated knockdown of hStn1 resulted in aberrant and fragile telomeric structures, stochastic telomere attrition, increased telomere erosion rates, telomere dysfunction, and consequently accelerated entry into cellular senescence. Oxidative stress augmented the defects caused by Stn1 knockdown leading to almost immediate cessation of cell proliferation. In contrast, overexpression of hTERT suppressed some of the defects caused by hStn1 knockdown suggesting that telomerase can partially compensate for hStn1 loss. Our findings reveal a critical role for human Stn1 in telomere length maintenance and function, supporting the model that efficient replication of telomeric repeats is critical for long‐term viability of normal somatic mammalian cells.     

The Discovery of Intramolecular Stereoelectronic Forces That Drive The Sugar Conformation in Nucleosides and Nucleotides

Abstract

This report summarizes our results⁸ on how the determination of the thermodynamics of the two-state North (N, C2′-exo-C3′-endo) ? South (S,C2′-endo-C3′-exo) pseudorotational equilibrium in aqueous solution (pD 0.6 - 12.0) basing on vicinal ³J_HH extracted from ¹H-NMR spectra measured at 500 MHz from 278K to 358K yields an experimental energy inventory of the unique stereoelectronic forces that dictate the conformation of the sugar moiety in β-D-ribonucleosides (rNs), β-D-nucleotides, in the mirror-image β-D- versus β-L-2′-deoxynucleosides (dNs) as well as in α-D- or L- versus β-D- or L-2′-dNs. Our work shows for the first time that the free-energies of the inherent internal flexibilities of β-D- versus β-L-2′-dNs and α-D- versus α-L-2′-dNs are identical, whereas the aglycone promoted tunability of the constituent sugar conformation is grossly affected in the α-nucleosides compared to the β-counterparts.