Effective lowering of α-synuclein expression by targeting G-quadruplex structures within the SNCA genome

Abstract

Alpha-synuclein, encoded by the SNCA gene, is a pivotal protein implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinsons disease. Current approaches for modulating alpha-synuclein levels involve antisense nucleotides, siRNAs, and small molecules targeting SNCAs 5-UTR mRNA. Here, we propose a groundbreaking strategy targeting G-quadruplex structures to effectively modulate SNCA gene expression and lowering alpha-synuclein amount. Novel G-quadruplex sequences, identified on the SNCA genes transcription starting site and 5-UTR of SNCA mRNAs, were experimentally confirmed for their stability through biophysical assays and in vitro experiments on human genomic DNA. Biological validation in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells revealed that well-known G-quadruplex ligands remarkably stabilized these structures, inducing the modulation of SNCA mRNAs expression, and the effective decrease in alpha-synuclein amount. Besides, a novel peptide nucleic acid conjugate, designed to selectively disrupt of G-quadruplex within the SNCA gene promoter, caused a promising lowering of both SNCA mRNA and alpha-synuclein protein. Altogether our findings highlight G-quadruplexes key role as intriguing biological targets in achieving a notable and successful reduction in alpha-synuclein expression, pointing to a novel approach against synucleinopathies.