1
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Wang Y, Wang C, Liu J, Sun D, Meng F, Zhang M, Aliper A, Ren F, Zhavoronkov A, Ding X. Discovery of 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine derivatives as potent polymerase theta inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 103:117662. [PMID: 38493730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Inhibition of the low fidelity DNA polymerase Theta (Polθ) is emerging as an attractive, synthetic-lethal antitumor strategy in BRCA-deficient tumors. Here we report the AI-enabled development of 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine derivatives as a novel class of Polθ inhibitors featuring central scaffolding rings. Structure-based drug design first identified A7 as a lead compound, which was further optimized to the more potent derivative B3 and the metabolically stable deuterated compound C1. C1 exhibited significant antiproliferative properties in DNA repair-compromised cells and demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics, showcasing that 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine is an effective bio-isostere of pyrrolidin-3-ol and emphasizing the potential of AI in medicinal chemistry for precise molecular modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Wang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Deheng Sun
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fanye Meng
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Aliper
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi 145748, United Arab Emirates
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi 145748, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xiao Ding
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China.
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2
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Kannan S, Gillespie SW, Picking WL, Picking WD, Lorson CL, Singh K. Inhibitors against DNA Polymerase I Family of Enzymes: Novel Targets and Opportunities. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:204. [PMID: 38666816 PMCID: PMC11048162 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerases replicate cellular genomes and/or participate in the maintenance of genome integrity. DNA polymerases sharing high sequence homology with E. coli DNA polymerase I (pol I) have been grouped in Family A. Pol I participates in Okazaki fragment maturation and in bacterial genome repair. Since its discovery in 1956, pol I has been extensively studied, primarily to gain deeper insights into the mechanism of DNA replication. As research on DNA polymerases advances, many novel functions of this group of polymerases are being uncovered. For example, human DNA polymerase θ (a Family A DNA pol) has been shown to synthesize DNA using RNA as a template, a function typically attributed to retroviral reverse transcriptase. Increased interest in drug discovery against pol θ has emerged due to its roles in cancer. Likewise, Pol I family enzymes also appear attractive as drug-development targets against microbial infections. Development of antimalarial compounds targeting apicoplast apPOL, an ortholog of Pol I, further extends the targeting of this family of enzymes. Here, we summarize reported drug-development efforts against Family A polymerases and future perspective regarding these enzymes as antibiotic targets. Recently developed techniques, such as artificial intelligence, can be used to facilitate the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saathvik Kannan
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
| | - Samuel W. Gillespie
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
| | - Wendy L. Picking
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - William D. Picking
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Christian L. Lorson
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (S.K.); (S.W.G.); (W.L.P.); (W.D.P.); (C.L.L.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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3
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Ma L, Chen W, Yang M, Ha S, Xiong S, Zhu J, Xiang H, Luo G. Discovery and Proof of Concept of Potent Dual Polθ/PARP Inhibitors for Efficient Treatment of Homologous Recombination-Deficient Tumors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3606-3625. [PMID: 38375763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) has recently emerged as a new attractive synthetic lethal target involved in DNA damage repair. Inactivating Polθ alone or in combination with PARP inhibitors has demonstrated substantial therapeutic potential against tumors with homologous recombination (HR) defects such as alternation of BRCA genes. Herein, we report the design and proof of concept of a highly potent dual Polθ/PARP inhibitor 25d, which exhibited low nanomolar inhibitory activities against both Polθ and PARP1. Compared to combination treatment, 25d demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in both MDA-MB-436 cells and xenografts by inducing more DNA damage and apoptosis. Importantly, 25d retained sensitivity in PARP inhibitor-resistant MDA-MB-436 cells with 53BP1 defect. Altogether, these findings illustrate the potential advantages of 25d, a first-in-class dual Polθ/PARP inhibitor, over monotherapy in treating HR-deficient tumors, including those with acquired PARP inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Si Ha
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Shuangshuang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Jiacheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
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4
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Rajendra E, Grande D, Mason B, Di Marcantonio D, Armstrong L, Hewitt G, Elinati E, Galbiati A, Boulton SJ, Heald RA, Smith GCM, Robinson HMR. Quantitative, titratable and high-throughput reporter assays to measure DNA double strand break repair activity in cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1736-1752. [PMID: 38109306 PMCID: PMC10899754 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Repair of DNA damage is essential for the maintenance of genome stability and cell viability. DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) constitute a toxic class of DNA lesion and multiple cellular pathways exist to mediate their repair. Robust and titratable assays of cellular DSB repair (DSBR) are important to functionally interrogate the integrity and efficiency of these mechanisms in disease models as well as in response to genetic or pharmacological perturbations. Several variants of DSBR reporters are available, however these are often limited by throughput or restricted to specific cellular models. Here, we describe the generation and validation of a suite of extrachromosomal reporter assays that can efficiently measure the major DSBR pathways of homologous recombination (HR), classical nonhomologous end joining (cNHEJ), microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) and single strand annealing (SSA). We demonstrate that these assays can be adapted to a high-throughput screening format and that they are sensitive to pharmacological modulation, thus providing mechanistic and quantitative insights into compound potency, selectivity, and on-target specificity. We propose that these reporter assays can serve as tools to dissect the interplay of DSBR pathway networks in cells and will have broad implications for studies of DSBR mechanisms in basic research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeson Rajendra
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Diego Grande
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Bethany Mason
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | | | - Lucy Armstrong
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | | | - Elias Elinati
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | | | - Simon J Boulton
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robert A Heald
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Graeme C M Smith
- Artios Pharma Ltd, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
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5
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Wimberger S, Akrap N, Firth M, Brengdahl J, Engberg S, Schwinn MK, Slater MR, Lundin A, Hsieh PP, Li S, Cerboni S, Sumner J, Bestas B, Schiffthaler B, Magnusson B, Di Castro S, Iyer P, Bohlooly-Y M, Machleidt T, Rees S, Engkvist O, Norris T, Cadogan EB, Forment JV, Šviković S, Akcakaya P, Taheri-Ghahfarokhi A, Maresca M. Simultaneous inhibition of DNA-PK and Polϴ improves integration efficiency and precision of genome editing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4761. [PMID: 37580318 PMCID: PMC10425386 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing, specifically CRISPR/Cas9 technology, has revolutionized biomedical research and offers potential cures for genetic diseases. Despite rapid progress, low efficiency of targeted DNA integration and generation of unintended mutations represent major limitations for genome editing applications caused by the interplay with DNA double-strand break repair pathways. To address this, we conduct a large-scale compound library screen to identify targets for enhancing targeted genome insertions. Our study reveals DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as the most effective target to improve CRISPR/Cas9-mediated insertions, confirming previous findings. We extensively characterize AZD7648, a selective DNA-PK inhibitor, and find it to significantly enhance precise gene editing. We further improve integration efficiency and precision by inhibiting DNA polymerase theta (Polϴ). The combined treatment, named 2iHDR, boosts templated insertions to 80% efficiency with minimal unintended insertions and deletions. Notably, 2iHDR also reduces off-target effects of Cas9, greatly enhancing the fidelity and performance of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wimberger
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Nina Akrap
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mike Firth
- Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Johan Brengdahl
- Cell Assay Development, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanna Engberg
- Cell Engineering Sweden, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anders Lundin
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pei-Pei Hsieh
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Songyuan Li
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silvia Cerboni
- Translational Science & Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Sumner
- Cell Immunology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Burcu Bestas
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bastian Schiffthaler
- Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Magnusson
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silvio Di Castro
- Compound Synthesis & Management, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Preeti Iyer
- Molecular AI, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Bohlooly-Y
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Steve Rees
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ola Engkvist
- Molecular AI, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tyrell Norris
- Cell Engineering Sweden, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Saša Šviković
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pinar Akcakaya
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amir Taheri-Ghahfarokhi
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcello Maresca
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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6
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Smith CM, Gupta GP. Polymerase θ inhibition steps on the cGAS pedal. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e170660. [PMID: 37259920 PMCID: PMC10231987 DOI: 10.1172/jci170660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiencies in homologous recombination (HR) repair lead to an accumulation of DNA damage and can predispose individuals to cancer. Polymerase theta (Pol θ, encoded by POLQ) is overexpressed by HR-deficient cancers and promotes cancer cell survival by mediating error-prone double-stranded break (DSB) repair and facilitating resistance against poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor treatment. In this issue of the JCI, Oh, Wang, et al. report on the impact of Pol θ inhibition on activation of antitumor immunity. The authors used pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell and mouse models characterized by HR-associated gene alterations and POLQ overexpression. POLQ knockdown showed synthetic lethality in combination with gene mutations involving DNA repair, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM. Notably, Pol θ deficiency or inhibition suppressed tumor growth, increased the accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage, and enhanced T cell infiltration via the cGAS/STING pathway. These findings suggest a broader scope for Pol θ inhibition in HR-deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M. Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and
| | - Gaorav P. Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Pismataro MC, Astolfi A, Barreca ML, Pacetti M, Schenone S, Bandiera T, Carbone A, Massari S. Small Molecules Targeting DNA Polymerase Theta (POLθ) as Promising Synthetic Lethal Agents for Precision Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6498-6522. [PMID: 37134182 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic lethality (SL) is an innovative strategy in targeted anticancer therapy that exploits tumor genetic vulnerabilities. This topic has come to the forefront in recent years, as witnessed by the increased number of publications since 2007. The first proof of concept for the effectiveness of SL was provided by the approval of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors, which exploit a SL interaction in BRCA-deficient cells, although their use is limited by resistance. Searching for additional SL interactions involving BRCA mutations, the DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) emerged as an exciting target. This review summarizes, for the first time, the POLθ polymerase and helicase inhibitors reported to date. Compounds are described focusing on chemical structure and biological activity. With the aim to enable further drug discovery efforts in interrogating POLθ as a target, we propose a plausible pharmacophore model for POLθ-pol inhibitors and provide a structural analysis of the known POLθ ligand binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Bandiera
- D3 PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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8
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Rodriguez-Berriguete G, Ranzani M, Prevo R, Puliyadi R, Machado N, Bolland HR, Millar V, Ebner D, Boursier M, Cerutti A, Cicconi A, Galbiati A, Grande D, Grinkevich V, Majithiya JB, Piscitello D, Rajendra E, Stockley ML, Boulton SJ, Hammond EM, Heald RA, Smith GC, Robinson HM, Higgins GS. Small-Molecule Polθ Inhibitors Provide Safe and Effective Tumor Radiosensitization in Preclinical Models. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1631-1642. [PMID: 36689546 PMCID: PMC10102842 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA polymerase theta (Polθ, encoded by the POLQ gene) is a DNA repair enzyme critical for microhomology mediated end joining (MMEJ). Polθ has limited expression in normal tissues but is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and, therefore, represents an ideal target for tumor-specific radiosensitization. In this study we evaluate whether targeting Polθ with novel small-molecule inhibitors is a feasible strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We characterized the response to Polθ inhibition in combination with ionizing radiation in different cancer cell models in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Here, we show that ART558 and ART899, two novel and specific allosteric inhibitors of the Polθ DNA polymerase domain, potently radiosensitize tumor cells, particularly when combined with fractionated radiation. Importantly, noncancerous cells were not radiosensitized by Polθ inhibition. Mechanistically, we show that the radiosensitization caused by Polθ inhibition is most effective in replicating cells and is due to impaired DNA damage repair. We also show that radiosensitization is still effective under hypoxia, suggesting that these inhibitors may help overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. In addition, we describe for the first time ART899 and characterize it as a potent and specific Polθ inhibitor with improved metabolic stability. In vivo, the combination of Polθ inhibition using ART899 with fractionated radiation is well tolerated and results in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared with radiation alone. CONCLUSIONS These results pave the way for future clinical trials of Polθ inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Ranzani
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Remko Prevo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rathi Puliyadi
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Machado
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah R. Bolland
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Val Millar
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Boursier
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aurora Cerutti
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Diego Grande
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vera Grinkevich
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Eeson Rajendra
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon J. Boulton
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Heald
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Geoff S. Higgins
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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9
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Solarczyk K, Kordon-Kiszala M. Let’s not take DNA breaks for granted. The importance of direct detection of DNA breaks for the successful development of DDR inhibitors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1118716. [PMID: 36968210 PMCID: PMC10034645 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1118716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful development of a drug candidate requires availability of robust methods that enable precise and quantitative assessment of the biological effects exerted by the molecule of interest. In case of DNA Damage Response inhibitors, the most proximal readout of their efficiency is the level of induced DNA damage, usually - DNA breaks. Here we review the methods that are currently used for the assessment of the level of DNA damage, with special attention to their specificity and sensitivity. We also discuss the most common problems and challenges related to the classic IF or IHC methods that indirectly report on the activation of DNA repair mechanisms as the downstream effects of occurrence of the DNA lesions. Finally, we highlight the advent of new tools, such as STRIDE, which have the potential to transform the landscape of DDR functional biomarkers.
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10
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Schimmel J, Muñoz-Subirana N, Kool H, van Schendel R, van der Vlies S, Kamp JA, de Vrij FMS, Kushner SA, Smith GCM, Boulton SJ, Tijsterman M. Modulating mutational outcomes and improving precise gene editing at CRISPR-Cas9-induced breaks by chemical inhibition of end-joining pathways. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112019. [PMID: 36701230 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene editing through repair of CRISPR-Cas9-induced chromosomal breaks offers a means to correct a wide range of genetic defects. Directing repair to produce desirable outcomes by modulating DNA repair pathways holds considerable promise to increase the efficiency of genome engineering. Here, we show that inhibition of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) can be exploited to alter the mutational outcomes of CRISPR-Cas9. We show robust inhibition of TMEJ activity at CRISPR-Cas9-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) using ART558, a potent polymerase theta (Polϴ) inhibitor. Using targeted sequencing, we show that ART558 suppresses the formation of microhomology-driven deletions in favor of NHEJ-specific outcomes. Conversely, NHEJ deficiency triggers the formation of large kb-sized deletions, which we show are the products of mutagenic TMEJ. Finally, we show that combined chemical inhibition of TMEJ and NHEJ increases the efficiency of homology-driven repair (HDR)-mediated precise gene editing. Our work reports a robust strategy to improve the fidelity and safety of genome engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Schimmel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Núria Muñoz-Subirana
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Kool
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robin van Schendel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sven van der Vlies
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Juliette A Kamp
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Graeme C M Smith
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon J Boulton
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Marcel Tijsterman
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Kruchinin AA, Makarova AV. Multifaceted Nature of DNA Polymerase θ. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36835031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ belongs to the A family of DNA polymerases and plays a key role in DNA repair and damage tolerance, including double-strand break repair and DNA translesion synthesis. Pol θ is often overexpressed in cancer cells and promotes their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we discuss unique biochemical properties and structural features of Pol θ, its multiple roles in protection of genome stability and the potential of Pol θ as a target for cancer treatment.
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