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Majirská M, Pilátová MB, Kudličková Z, Vojtek M, Diniz C. Targeting hematological malignancies with isoxazole derivatives. Drug Discov Today 2024:104059. [PMID: 38871112 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Compounds with a heterocyclic isoxazole ring are well known for their diverse biologic activities encompassing antimicrobial, antipsychotic, immunosuppressive, antidiabetic and anticancer effects. Recent studies on hematological malignancies have also shown that some of the isoxazole-derived compounds feature encouraging cancer selectivity, low toxicity to normal cells and ability to overcome cancer drug resistance of conventional treatments. These characteristics are particularly promising because patients with hematological malignancies face poor clinical outcomes caused by cancer drug resistance or relapse of the disease. This review summarizes the knowledge on isoxazole-derived compounds toward hematological malignancies and provides clues on their mechanism(s) of action (apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, ROS production) and putative pharmacological targets (c-Myc, BET, ATR, FLT3, HSP90, CARM1, tubulin, PD-1/PD-L1, HDACs) wherever known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Majirská
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Bago Pilátová
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Kudličková
- NMR Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Vojtek
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Diniz
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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De Mel S, Lee AR, Tan JHI, Tan RZY, Poon LM, Chan E, Lee J, Chee YL, Lakshminarasappa SR, Jaynes PW, Jeyasekharan AD. Targeting the DNA damage response in hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1307839. [PMID: 38347838 PMCID: PMC10859481 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1307839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the DNA damage response (DDR) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of many cancers. The dependency of certain cancers on DDR pathways has enabled exploitation of such through synthetically lethal relationships e.g., Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for BRCA deficient ovarian cancers. Though lagging behind that of solid cancers, DDR inhibitors (DDRi) are being clinically developed for haematological cancers. Furthermore, a high proliferative index characterize many such cancers, suggesting a rationale for combinatorial strategies targeting DDR and replicative stress. In this review, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical data on DDR inhibition in haematological malignancies and highlight distinct haematological cancer subtypes with activity of DDR agents as single agents or in combination with chemotherapeutics and targeted agents. We aim to provide a framework to guide the design of future clinical trials involving haematological cancers for this important class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay De Mel
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ainsley Ryan Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joelle Hwee Inn Tan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Zi Yi Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Mei Poon
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esther Chan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanne Lee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yen Lin Chee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Satish R. Lakshminarasappa
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick William Jaynes
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anand D. Jeyasekharan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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3
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Sartori G, Tarantelli C, Spriano F, Gaudio E, Cascione L, Mascia M, Barreca M, Arribas AJ, Licenziato L, Golino G, Ferragamo A, Pileri S, Damia G, Zucca E, Stathis A, Politz O, Wengner AM, Bertoni F. The ATR inhibitor elimusertib exhibits anti-lymphoma activity and synergizes with the PI3K inhibitor copanlisib. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:191-205. [PMID: 38011941 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is the cellular process of preserving an intact genome and is often deregulated in lymphoma cells. The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase is a crucial factor of DDR in the response to DNA single-strand breaks. ATR inhibitors are agents that have shown considerable clinical potential in this context. We characterized the activity of the ATR inhibitor elimusertib (BAY 1895344) in a large panel of lymphoma cell lines. Furthermore, we evaluated its activity combined with the clinically approved PI3K inhibitor copanlisib in vitro and in vivo. Elimusertib exhibits potent anti-tumour activity across various lymphoma subtypes, which is associated with the expression of genes related to replication stress, cell cycle regulation and, as also sustained by CRISPR Cas9 experiments, CDKN2A loss. In several tumour models, elimusertib demonstrated widespread anti-tumour activity stronger than ceralasertib, another ATR inhibitor. This activity is present in both DDR-proficient and DDR-deficient lymphoma models. Furthermore, a combination of ATR and PI3K inhibition by treatment with elimusertib and copanlisib has in vitro and in vivo anti-tumour activity, providing a potential new treatment option for lymphoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Sartori
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Tarantelli
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Spriano
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michele Mascia
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Marilia Barreca
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto J Arribas
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Licenziato
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gaetanina Golino
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Adele Ferragamo
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Pileri
- Division of Diagnostic Haematopathology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Zucca
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Politz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje M Wengner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Bakr FS, Whittaker SJ. Advances in the understanding and treatment of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1043254. [PMID: 36505788 PMCID: PMC9729763 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1043254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) characterised by the clonal proliferation of malignant, skin homing T-cells. Recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of CTCL. Multiple deep sequencing studies have revealed a complex genomic landscape with large numbers of novel single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs). Commonly perturbed genes include those involved in T-cell receptor signalling, T-cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, epigenetic regulators as well as genes involved in genome maintenance and DNA repair. In addition, studies in CTCL have identified a dominant UV mutational signature in contrast to systemic T-cell lymphomas and this likely contributes to the high tumour mutational burden. As current treatment options for advanced stages of CTCL are associated with short-lived responses, targeting these deregulated pathways could provide novel therapeutic approaches for patients. In this review article we summarise the key pathways disrupted in CTCL and discuss the potential therapeutic implications of these findings.
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Motamedi M, Xiao MZX, Iyer A, Gniadecki R. Patterns of Gene Expression in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Systematic Review of Transcriptomic Studies in Mycosis Fungoides. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061409. [PMID: 34204115 PMCID: PMC8229125 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most prevalent type of skin lymphoma. In its early stages, it has a favorable prognosis. However, in its late stages, it is associated with an increased risk of mortality. This systematic review aimed to identify the transcriptomic changes involved in MF pathogenesis and progression. A literature search was conducted using the database PubMed, followed by the extraction of 2245 genes which were further filtered to 150 recurrent genes that appeared in two or more publications. Categorization of these genes identified activated pathways involved in pathways such as cell cycle and proliferation, chromosomal instability, and DNA repair. We identified 15 genes implicated in MF progression, which were involved in cell proliferation, immune checkpoints, resistance to apoptosis, and immune response. In highlighting the discrepancies in the way MF transcriptomic data is obtained, further research can focus on not only unifying their approach but also focus on the 150 pertinent genes identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Motamedi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.M.); (M.Z.X.X.); (A.I.)
| | - Maggie Z. X. Xiao
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.M.); (M.Z.X.X.); (A.I.)
| | - Aishwarya Iyer
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.M.); (M.Z.X.X.); (A.I.)
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (M.M.); (M.Z.X.X.); (A.I.)
- 8-112 Clinical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(780)-407-1555
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Biskup E, Niazi O, Pless V. Cell membrane permeability and defective G2/M block as factors potentially contributing to increased cell chemosensitivity. SeAx cell line as an example. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 26:101005. [PMID: 34027132 PMCID: PMC8129889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immortalized mammalian cell lines are a valuable research tool, though they represent a highly simplified model. Due to accumulated mutations they may not reflect characteristics of the disease or even the tissue they derive from. Objective We aim to pinpoint factors distinguishing SeAx cells from two other cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines, namely Hut78 and MyLa2000. Of note, these factors may influence cell sensitivity in an unspecific way and therefore should be taken under consideration. Methods We evaluated transcriptional levels of drug transporters across cell lines, cell membrane permeability, functionality of pathways related to DNA damage response and activation of G2/M block. Results Analysis of the transcriptional levels of genes coding drug efflux pumps indicated that they are not consistently down-regulated in SeAx. However, we noted that SeAx cell membrane is markedly more permeable than Hut78 and MyLa2000, which may contribute to increased chemosensitivity in an unspecific way. Moreover, though DNA damage response seemed to be at least partly functional in SeAx cells, they fail to activate G2/M block in response to psoralen + UVA treatment. Any DNA damage should be repaired before cells enter mitosis, in order to uphold genome integrity. Thus, a defective cell cycle block may contribute to cell sensitivity. Conclusions We believe that factors such as increased membrane permeability or defective cell cycle block should be accounted for when comparing sensitivity of cell line panels to chemotherapeutics of interest. It is worth to exclude a simple, indiscriminative mechanisms of cell resistance or sensitivity before attempting comparisons. Cell lines that are indiscriminately sensitive to a broad range of chemicals may contribute to overestimating the cytotoxic potential of tested compounds if used in cytotoxicity studies. Mammalian cell lines are a valuable, but highly simplified model. Cell chemosensitivity and resistance may have specific or unspecific character. SeAx cell line exhibits higher chemosensitivity than other tested CTCL cell lines. SeAx chemosensitivity may result from high membrane permeability and/or defective G2/M block. Unspecific mechanisms of cell sensitivity or resistance may lead to false conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Biskup
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Omid Niazi
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Pless
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Photochemotherapy Induces Interferon Type III Expression via STING Pathway. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112452. [PMID: 33182724 PMCID: PMC7697763 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-damaging cancer therapies induce interferon expression and stimulate the immune system, promoting therapy responses. The immune-activating STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway is induced when DNA or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is detected in the cell cytoplasm, which can be caused by viral infection or by DNA damage following chemo- or radiotherapy. Here, we investigated the responses of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells to the clinically applied DNA crosslinking photochemotherapy (combination of 8–methoxypsoralen and UVA light; 8–MOP + UVA). We showed that this treatment evokes interferon expression and that the type III interferon IFNL1 is the major cytokine induced. IFNL1 upregulation is dependent on STING and on the cytoplasmic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). Furthermore, 8–MOP + UVA treatment induced the expression of genes in pathways involved in response to the tumor necrosis factor, innate immune system and acute inflammatory response. Notably, a subset of these genes was under control of the STING–IFNL1 pathway. In conclusion, our data connected DNA damage with immune system activation via the STING pathway and contributed to a better understanding of the effectiveness of photochemotherapy.
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Carrassa L, Colombo I, Damia G, Bertoni F. Targeting the DNA damage response for patients with lymphoma: Preclinical and clinical evidences. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 90:102090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gorecki L, Andrs M, Rezacova M, Korabecny J. Discovery of ATR kinase inhibitor berzosertib (VX-970, M6620): Clinical candidate for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107518. [PMID: 32109490 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance, radioresistance, and the challenge of achieving complete resection are major driving forces in the search for more robust and targeted anticancer therapies. Targeting the DNA damage response has recently attracted research interest, as these processes are enhanced in tumour cells. The major replication stress responder is ATM and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase, which is attracting attention worldwide with four drug candidates currently in phase I/II clinical trials. This review addresses a potent and selective small-molecule ATR inhibitor, which is known as VX-970 (also known as berzosertib or M6620), and summarizes the existing preclinical data to provide deep insight regarding its real potential. We also outline the transition from preclinical to clinical studies, as well as its relationships with other clinical candidates (AZD6738, VX-803 [M4344], and BAY1895344). The results suggest that VX-970 is indeed a promising anticancer drug that can be used both as monotherapy and in combination with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy strategies. Based on patient anamnesis and biomarker identification, VX-970 could become a valuable tool for oncologists in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gorecki
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Andrs
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Rezacova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Simkova 870, 500 38 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Menolfi D, Zha S. ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs kinases-the lessons from the mouse models: inhibition ≠ deletion. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:8. [PMID: 32015826 PMCID: PMC6990542 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-0376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage, especially DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and replication stress, activates a complex post-translational network termed DNA damage response (DDR). Our review focuses on three PI3-kinase related protein kinases-ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs, which situate at the apex of the mammalian DDR. They are recruited to and activated at the DNA damage sites by their respective sensor protein complexes-MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 for ATM, RPA/ATRIP for ATR and KU70-KU80/86 (XRCC6/XRCC5) for DNA-PKcs. Upon activation, ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs phosphorylate a large number of partially overlapping substrates to promote efficient and accurate DNA repair and to coordinate DNA repair with other DNA metabolic events (e.g., transcription, replication and mitosis). At the organism level, robust DDR is critical for normal development, aging, stem cell maintenance and regeneration, and physiological genomic rearrangements in lymphocytes and germ cells. In addition to endogenous damage, oncogene-induced replication stresses and genotoxic chemotherapies also activate DDR. On one hand, DDR factors suppress genomic instability to prevent malignant transformation. On the other hand, targeting DDR enhances the therapeutic effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy, which led to the development of specific kinase inhibitors for ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs. Using mouse models expressing kinase dead ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs, an unexpected structural function of these kinases was revealed, where the expression of catalytically inactive kinases causes more genomic instability than the loss of the proteins themselves. The spectrum of genomic instabilities and physiological consequences are unique for each kinase and depends on their activating complexes, suggesting a model in which the catalysis is coupled with DNA/chromatin release and catalytic inhibition leads to the persistence of the kinases at the DNA lesion, which in turn affects repair pathway choice and outcomes. Here we discuss the experimental evidences supporting this mode of action and their implications in the design and use of specific kinase inhibitors for ATM, ATR and DNA-PKcs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demis Menolfi
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Shan Zha
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
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Mei L, Zhang J, He K, Zhang J. Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related inhibitors and cancer therapy: where we stand. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:43. [PMID: 31018854 PMCID: PMC6482552 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway plays an essential role in suppressing replication stress from DNA damage and oncogene activation. Main body Preclinical studies have shown that cancer cells with defective DNA repair mechanisms or cell cycle checkpoints may be particularly sensitive to ATR inhibitors. Preclinical and clinical data from early-phase trials on three ATR inhibitors (M6620, AZD6738, and BAY1895344), either as monotherapy or in combination, were reviewed. Conclusion Data from ATR inhibitor-based combinational trials might lead to future expansion of this therapy to homologous recombination repair pathway-proficient cancers and potentially serve as a rescue therapy for patients who have progressed through poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Mei
- Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1250 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Junran Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 460 west 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kai He
- The James Thoracic Oncology Center, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, 494 Biomedical Research Tower, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jingsong Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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da Silva RB, Machado CR, Rodrigues ARA, Pedrosa AL. Selective human inhibitors of ATR and ATM render Leishmania major promastigotes sensitive to oxidative damage. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205033. [PMID: 30265735 PMCID: PMC6161909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All cellular processes, including those involved in normal cell metabolism to those responsible for cell proliferation or death, are finely controlled by cell signaling pathways, whose core proteins constitute the family of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs). Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) and Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) are two important PIKK proteins that act in response to DNA damage, phosphorylating a large number of proteins to exert control over genomic integrity. The genus Leishmania belongs to a group of early divergent eukaryotes in evolution and has a highly plastic genome, probably owing to the existence of signaling pathways designed to maintain genomic integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of specific human inhibitors of ATR and ATM in Leishmania major. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the existence of the putative PIKK genes ATR and ATM, in addition to mTOR and DNA-PKcs in Leishmania spp. Moreover, it was possible to suggest that the inhibitors VE-821 and KU-55933 have binding affinity for the catalytic sites of putative L. major ATR and ATM, respectively. Promastigotes of L. major exposed to these inhibitors show slight growth impairment and minor changes in cell cycle and morphology. It is noteworthy that treatment of promastigotes with inhibitors VE-821 and KU-55933 enhanced the oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. These inhibitors could significantly reduce the number of surviving L. major cells following H2O2 exposure whilst also decreasing their evaluated IC50 to H2O2 to less than half of that observed for non-treated cells. These results suggest that the use of specific inhibitors of ATR and ATM in Leishmania interferes in the signaling pathways of this parasite, which can impair its tolerance to DNA damage and affect its genome integrity. ATR and ATM could constitute novel targets for drug development and/or repositioning for treatment of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa Bernardes da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aldo Rogelis Aquiles Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Pedrosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Alaibac M. Small molecule inhibitors for cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1469004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Alaibac
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Brandsma I, Fleuren ED, Williamson CT, Lord CJ. Directing the use of DDR kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1341-1355. [PMID: 28984489 PMCID: PMC6157710 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1389895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) drive the development of cancer by fostering DNA mutation but also provide cancer-specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically. The recent approval of three different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancer provides the impetus for further developing targeted inhibitors of many of the kinases involved in the DDR, including inhibitors of ATR, ATM, CHEK1, CHEK2, DNAPK and WEE1. Areas covered: We summarise the current stage of development of these novel DDR kinase inhibitors, and describe which predictive biomarkers might be exploited to direct their clinical use. Expert opinion: Novel DDR inhibitors present promising candidates in cancer treatment and have the potential to elicit synthetic lethal effects. In order to fully exploit their potential and maximize their utility, identifying highly penetrant predictive biomarkers of single agent and combinatorial DDR inhibitor sensitivity are critical. Identifying the optimal drug combination regimens that could used with DDR inhibitors is also a key objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Brandsma
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Emmy D.G. Fleuren
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Chris T. Williamson
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
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Beyaert M, Starczewska E, Pérez ACG, Vanlangendonck N, Saussoy P, Tilman G, De Leener A, Vekemans MC, Van Den Neste E, Bontemps F. Reevaluation of ATR signaling in primary resting chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: evidence for pro-survival or pro-apoptotic function. Oncotarget 2017; 8:56906-56920. [PMID: 28915641 PMCID: PMC5593612 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ATM, primarily activated by DNA double-strand breaks, and ATR, activated by single-stranded DNA, are master regulators of the cellular response to DNA damage. In primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, ATR signaling is considered to be switched off due to ATR downregulation. Here, we hypothesized that ATR, though expressed at low protein level, could play a role in primary resting CLL cells after genotoxic stress. By investigating the response of CLL cells to UV-C irradiation, a prototypical activator of ATR, we could detect phosphorylation of ATR at Thr-1989, a marker for ATR activation, and also observed that selective ATR inhibitors markedly decreased UV-C-induced phosphorylation of ATR targets, including H2AX and p53. Similar results were obtained with the purine analogs fludarabine and cladribine that were also shown to activate ATR and induce ATR-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX and p53. In addition, ATR inhibition was found to sensitize primary CLL cells to UV-C by decreasing DNA repair synthesis. Conversely, ATR inhibition rescued CLL cells against purine analogs by reducing expression of the pro-apoptotic genes PUMA and BAX. Collectively, our study indicates that ATR signaling can be activated in resting CLL cells and play a pro-survival or pro-apoptotic role, depending on the genotoxic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Beyaert
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eliza Starczewska
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Nicolas Vanlangendonck
- Department of Hematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Saussoy
- Service de Biologie clinique, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Tilman
- Center for Human Genetic, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne De Leener
- Center for Human Genetic, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Christiane Vekemans
- Department of Hematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eric Van Den Neste
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Françoise Bontemps
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Sundar R, Brown J, Ingles Russo A, Yap TA. Targeting ATR in cancer medicine. Curr Probl Cancer 2017; 41:302-315. [PMID: 28662958 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA damage occurs continually through various intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms such as ultraviolet radiation, smoking, reactive oxygen species, and errors during replication. The cellular DNA damage response (DDR) comprises signaling networks that regulate a spectrum of processes, including cell cycle progression, which enable DNA repair to occur. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated and rad3-related (ATR) kinase are 2 key regulators of the DDR cell cycle checkpoints. ATR plays an essential role in the repair of replication-associated DNA damage, while ATM is activated by DNA double-strand breaks. The investigation of cell cycle checkpoint signaling through ATR and ATM, as well as the relevant pathways involved in oncogenesis and cancer progression, has led to the discovery and development of potent and selective ATR inhibitors (ATRi). Preclinical data have demonstrated that ATR inhibition leads to tumor synthetic lethality in specific molecular contexts, and it exhibits synergy in combination with different antitumor therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. ATRi are now being assessed in early-phase clinical trials as single agents and in combinatorial regimens, including platinum and other chemotherapies, radiotherapy, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article details the preclinical biology leading to the discovery and development of novel ATRi and discusses the rationale for monotherapy and combination antitumor strategies. We focus on the clinical development of ATRi and discuss the progress made in identifying putative predictive biomarkers of response for patient selection, such as p53, ATM, ARID1A, and other DDR aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghav Sundar
- Drug Development Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jessica Brown
- Drug Development Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alvaro Ingles Russo
- Drug Development Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Drug Development Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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