1
|
Stribbling SM, Beach C, Ryan AJ. Orthotopic and metastatic tumour models in preclinical cancer research. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 257:108631. [PMID: 38467308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Mouse models of disease play a pivotal role at all stages of cancer drug development. Cell-line derived subcutaneous tumour models are predominant in early drug discovery, but there is growing recognition of the importance of the more complex orthotopic and metastatic tumour models for understanding both target biology in the correct tissue context, and the impact of the tumour microenvironment and the immune system in responses to treatment. The aim of this review is to highlight the value that orthotopic and metastatic models bring to the study of tumour biology and drug development while pointing out those models that are most likely to be encountered in the literature. Important developments in orthotopic models, such as the increasing use of early passage patient material (PDXs, organoids) and humanised mouse models are discussed, as these approaches have the potential to increase the predictive value of preclinical studies, and ultimately improve the success rate of anticancer drugs in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Stribbling
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Callum Beach
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Anderson J Ryan
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; Fast Biopharma, Aston Rowant, Oxfordshire, OX49 5SW, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li P, Gai X, Li Q, Yang Q, Yu X. DNA-PK participates in pre-rRNA biogenesis independent of DNA double-strand break repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae316. [PMID: 38682589 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Although DNA-PK inhibitors (DNA-PK-i) have been applied in clinical trials for cancer treatment, the biomarkers and mechanism of action of DNA-PK-i in tumor cell suppression remain unclear. Here, we observed that a low dose of DNA-PK-i and PARP inhibitor (PARP-i) synthetically suppresses BRCA-deficient tumor cells without inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Instead, we found that a fraction of DNA-PK localized inside of nucleoli, where we did not observe obvious DSBs. Moreover, the Ku proteins recognize pre-rRNA that facilitates DNA-PKcs autophosphorylation independent of DNA damage. Ribosomal proteins are also phosphorylated by DNA-PK, which regulates pre-rRNA biogenesis. In addition, DNA-PK-i acts together with PARP-i to suppress pre-rRNA biogenesis and tumor cell growth. Collectively, our studies reveal a DNA damage repair-independent role of DNA-PK-i in tumor suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaochen Gai
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qilin Li
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianqian Yang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaochun Yu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sriramareddy SN, Jamakhani M, Vilanova L, Brossel H, Staumont B, Hamaidia M. Selective inhibition of DNA ligase IV provides additional efficacy to the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1323313. [PMID: 38380364 PMCID: PMC10876873 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1323313] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although the incidence of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is low (2.5% of thyroid cancer cases), this cancer has a very poor prognosis (survival rates < 5 months) and accounts for 14-39% of deaths. Conventional therapies based on surgery in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy showed limited effectiveness primarily due to the robust and protective DNA damage response in thyroid cancer cells. Methods We used single-cell transcriptomic data from patients with different subtypes of thyroid cancer to study expression of genes involved in homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways. Then, we investigated the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair in anaplastic (C643 and Hth74) and papillary (TPC-1) thyroid cancer cell lines. The effect of caffeine (inhibitor of ATM and ATR) and UCN-01 (CHK1 inhibitor) was evaluated in cell cycle progression of thyroid cancer cells after γ-radiation or doxorubicin treatment. The DNA damage response was monitored after staining of phosphorylated γ-H2AX and 53BP1. Reporter plasmids were used to determine the efficacy of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) repair by HR and NHEJ in thyroid cancer cells. We evaluated the combination of selective inhibition of the DNA ligase IV by SCR7 and doxorubicin on cellular apoptosis and tumor growth in xenograft murine models of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Results Single-cell RNA-Seq showed that NHEJ- and HR-related genes are expressed in ATC and PTC patients. We showed that ATC cells undergo mitosis in the presence of unrepaired DNA damage caused by γ-radiation and doxorubicin treatment. To proliferate and survive, these cells efficiently repair DNA lesions using homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The combination of SCR7 with doxorubicin, significantly increased apoptosis and impaired ATC tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model compared to doxorubicin monotherapy. Conclusion This study shows the therapeutic value of the combination of a DNA ligase IV inhibitor and DNA-damaging agents (doxorubicin and/or γ-radiation) for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sathya Neelature Sriramareddy
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Majeed Jamakhani
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Léa Vilanova
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Hélène Brossel
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Bernard Staumont
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Malik Hamaidia
- Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Molecular Biology (TERRA), University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Perez B, Aljumaily R, Marron TU, Shafique MR, Burris H, Iams WT, Chmura SJ, Luke JJ, Edenfield W, Sohal D, Liao X, Boesler C, Machl A, Seebeck J, Becker A, Guenther B, Rodriguez-Gutierrez A, Antonia SJ. Phase I study of peposertib and avelumab with or without palliative radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102217. [PMID: 38320431 PMCID: PMC10937199 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We report results from a phase I, three-part, dose-escalation study of peposertib, a DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, in combination with avelumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, with or without radiotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peposertib 100-400 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) or 100-250 mg once daily (q.d.) was administered in combination with avelumab 800 mg every 2 weeks in Part A or avelumab plus radiotherapy (3 Gy/fraction × 10 days) in Part B. Part FE assessed the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of peposertib plus avelumab. The primary endpoint in Parts A and B was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary endpoints were safety, best overall response per RECIST version 1.1, and pharmacokinetics. The recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) were determined in Parts A and B. RESULTS In Part A, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 4), 200 mg (n = 11), 250 mg (n = 4), 300 mg (n = 6), and 400 mg (n = 4) b.i.d. Of DLT-evaluable patients, one each had DLT at the 250-mg and 300-mg dose levels and three had DLT at the 400-mg b.i.d. dose level. In Part B, peposertib doses administered were 100 mg (n = 3), 150 mg (n = 3), 200 mg (n = 4), and 250 mg (n = 9) q.d.; no DLT was reported in evaluable patients. Peposertib 200 mg b.i.d. plus avelumab and peposertib 250 mg q.d. plus avelumab and radiotherapy were declared as the RP2D/MTD. No objective responses were observed in Part A or B; one patient had a partial response in Part FE. Peposertib exposure was generally dose proportional. CONCLUSIONS Peposertib doses up to 200 mg b.i.d. in combination with avelumab and up to 250 mg q.d. in combination with avelumab and radiotherapy were tolerable in patients with advanced solid tumors; however, antitumor activity was limited. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03724890.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Perez
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa
| | | | - T U Marron
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | | | - H Burris
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville
| | - W T Iams
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville
| | | | - J J Luke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh
| | - W Edenfield
- Greenville Health System, Institute for Translational Oncology Research, Greenville
| | - D Sohal
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - X Liao
- Merck Serono Co., Ltd. (An Affiliate of Merck KGaA), Beijing, China
| | - C Boesler
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - A Machl
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (An Affiliate of Merck KGaA), Billerica, USA
| | - J Seebeck
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - A Becker
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - B Guenther
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marino-Enriquez A, Novotny JP, Gulhan DC, Klooster I, Tran AV, Kasbo M, Lundberg MZ, Ou WB, Tao DL, Pilco-Janeta DF, Mao VY, Zenke FT, Leeper BA, Gokhale PC, Cowley GS, Baker LH, Ballman KV, Root DE, Albers J, Park PJ, George S, Fletcher JA. Hyper-Dependence on NHEJ Enables Synergy between DNA-PK Inhibitors and Low-Dose Doxorubicin in Leiomyosarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5128-5139. [PMID: 37773632 PMCID: PMC10841464 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive sarcoma for which standard chemotherapies achieve response rates under 30%. There are no effective targeted therapies against LMS. Most LMS are characterized by chromosomal instability (CIN), resulting in part from TP53 and RB1 co-inactivation and DNA damage repair defects. We sought to identify therapeutic targets that could exacerbate intrinsic CIN and DNA damage in LMS, inducing lethal genotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed clinical targeted sequencing in 287 LMS and genome-wide loss-of-function screens in 3 patient-derived LMS cell lines, to identify LMS-specific dependencies. We validated candidate targets by biochemical and cell-response assays in vitro and in seven mouse models. RESULTS Clinical targeted sequencing revealed a high burden of somatic copy-number alterations (median fraction of the genome altered =0.62) and demonstrated homologous recombination deficiency signatures in 35% of LMS. Genome-wide short hairpin RNA screens demonstrated PRKDC (DNA-PKcs) and RPA2 essentiality, consistent with compensatory nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) hyper-dependence. DNA-PK inhibitor combinations with unconventionally low-dose doxorubicin had synergistic activity in LMS in vitro models. Combination therapy with peposertib and low-dose doxorubicin (standard or liposomal formulations) inhibited growth of 5 of 7 LMS mouse models without toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Combinations of DNA-PK inhibitors with unconventionally low, sensitizing, doxorubicin dosing showed synergistic effects in LMS in vitro and in vivo models, without discernable toxicity. These findings underscore the relevance of DNA damage repair alterations in LMS pathogenesis and identify dependence on NHEJ as a clinically actionable vulnerability in LMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Marino-Enriquez
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jan Philipp Novotny
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Doga C. Gulhan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabella Klooster
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antuan V. Tran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Macy Kasbo
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meijun Z. Lundberg
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Derrick L. Tao
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel F. Pilco-Janeta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Sarcoma Translational Research Laboratory, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Y. Mao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank T. Zenke
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Brittaney A. Leeper
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C. Gokhale
- Experimental Therapeutics Core and the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Karla V. Ballman
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - David E. Root
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joachim Albers
- Research Unit Oncology, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Peter J. Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne George
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Fletcher
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Taheri-Ledari R, Ganjali F, Zarei-Shokat S, Dinmohammadi R, Asl FR, Emami A, Mojtabapour ZS, Rashvandi Z, Kashtiaray A, Jalali F, Maleki A. Plasmonic porous micro- and nano-materials based on Au/Ag nanostructures developed for photothermal cancer therapy: challenges in clinicalization. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:6768-6786. [PMID: 38059020 PMCID: PMC10696950 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00763d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT) has developed in recent decades as a relatively safe method for the treatment of cancers. Recently, various species of gold and silver (Au and Ag) nanostructures have been developed and investigated to achieve PTT due to their highly localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Concisely, the collective oscillation of electrons on the surface of Au and Ag nanostructures upon exposure to a specific wavelength (depending on their size and shape) and further plasmonic resonance leads to the heating of the surface of these particles. Hence, porous species can be equipped with tiny plasmonic ingredients that add plasmonic properties to therapeutic cargoes. In this case, a precise review of the recent achievements is very important to figure out to what extent plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) by Au/Ag-based plasmonic porous nanomedicines successfully treated cancers with satisfactory biosafety. Herein, we classify the various species of LSPR-active micro- and nano-materials. Moreover, the routes for the preparation of Ag/Au-plasmonic porous cargoes and related bench assessments are carefully reviewed. Finally, as the main aim of this study, principal requirements for the clinicalization of Ag/Au-plasmonic porous cargoes and their further challenges are discussed, which are critical for specialists in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Taheri-Ledari
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Fatemeh Ganjali
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Simindokht Zarei-Shokat
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Reihane Dinmohammadi
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Fereshteh Rasouli Asl
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Ali Emami
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Zahra Sadat Mojtabapour
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Zahra Rashvandi
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Amir Kashtiaray
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Farinaz Jalali
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| | - Ali Maleki
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran +98 2173021584 +98 21 77240640-50
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Adamson B, Brittain N, Walker L, Duncan R, Luzzi S, Rescigno P, Smith G, McGill S, Burchmore RJ, Willmore E, Hickson I, Robson CN, Bogdan D, Jimenez-Vacas JM, Paschalis A, Welti J, Yuan W, McCracken SR, Heer R, Sharp A, de Bono JS, Gaughan L. The catalytic subunit of DNA-PK regulates transcription and splicing of AR in advanced prostate cancer. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e169200. [PMID: 37751307 PMCID: PMC10645393 DOI: 10.1172/jci169200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling drives prostate cancer (PC), and it is a key therapeutic target. Although initially effective, the generation of alternatively spliced AR variants (AR-Vs) compromises efficacy of treatments. In contrast to full-length AR (AR-FL), AR-Vs constitutively activate androgenic signaling and are refractory to the current repertoire of AR-targeting therapies, which together drive disease progression. There is an unmet clinical need, therefore, to develop more durable PC therapies that can attenuate AR-V function. Exploiting the requirement of coregulatory proteins for AR-V function has the capacity to furnish tractable routes for attenuating persistent oncogenic AR signaling in advanced PC. DNA-PKcs regulates AR-FL transcriptional activity and is upregulated in both early and advanced PC. We hypothesized that DNA-PKcs is critical for AR-V function. Using a proximity biotinylation approach, we demonstrated that the DNA-PK holoenzyme is part of the AR-V7 interactome and is a key regulator of AR-V-mediated transcription and cell growth in models of advanced PC. Crucially, we provide evidence that DNA-PKcs controls global splicing and, via RBMX, regulates the maturation of AR-V and AR-FL transcripts. Ultimately, our data indicate that targeting DNA-PKcs attenuates AR-V signaling and provide evidence that DNA-PKcs blockade is an effective therapeutic option in advanced AR-V-positive patients with PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Adamson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Brittain
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Walker
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ruaridh Duncan
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Luzzi
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Pasquale Rescigno
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Smith
- Newcastle University Bioinformatics Support Unit, Medical School, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne McGill
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J.S. Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Willmore
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Hickson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Craig N. Robson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Denisa Bogdan
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alec Paschalis
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Welti
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Yuan
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart R. McCracken
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Heer
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Division of Surgery, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Sharp
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johann S. de Bono
- The Institute for Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Gaughan
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Paul O’Gorman Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lapa BS, Costa MI, Figueiredo D, Jorge J, Alves R, Monteiro AR, Serambeque B, Laranjo M, Botelho MF, Carreira IM, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Gonçalves AC. AZD-7648, a DNA-PK Inhibitor, Induces DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle Arrest in Chronic and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15331. [PMID: 37895013 PMCID: PMC10607085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-homologous end joining pathway is vital for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) playing a critical role. Altered DNA damage response (DDR) in chronic (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) offers potential therapeutic opportunities. We studied the therapeutic potential of AZD-7648 (DNA-PK inhibitor) in CML and AML cell lines. This study used two CML (K-562 and LAMA-84) and five AML (HEL, HL-60, KG-1, NB-4, and THP-1) cell lines. DDR gene mutations were obtained from the COSMIC database. The copy number and methylation profile were evaluated using MS-MLPA and DDR genes, and telomere length using qPCR. p53 protein expression was assessed using Western Blot, chromosomal damage through cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and γH2AX levels and DSB repair kinetics using flow cytometry. Cell density and viability were analyzed using trypan blue assay after treatment with AZD-7648 in concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µM. Cell death, cell cycle distribution, and cell proliferation rate were assessed using flow cytometry. The cells displayed different DNA baseline damage, DDR gene expressions, mutations, genetic/epigenetic changes, and p53 expression. Only HEL cells displayed inefficient DSB repair. The LAMA-84, HEL, and KG-1 cells were the most sensitive to AZD-7648, whereas HL-60 and K-562 showed a lower effect on density and viability. Besides the reduction in cell proliferation, AZD-7648 induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that AZD-7648 holds promise as a potential therapy for myeloid leukemias, however, with variations in drug sensitivity among tested cell lines, thus supporting further investigation to identify the specific factors influencing sensitivity to this DNA-PK inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Santos Lapa
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Costa
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Alves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Monteiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
| | - Beatriz Serambeque
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marques Carreira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tan J, Sun X, Zhao H, Guan H, Gao S, Zhou P. Double-strand DNA break repair: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e388. [PMID: 37808268 PMCID: PMC10556206 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-strand break (DSB), a significant DNA damage brought on by ionizing radiation, acts as an initiating signal in tumor radiotherapy, causing cancer cells death. The two primary pathways for DNA DSB repair in mammalian cells are nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), which cooperate and compete with one another to achieve effective repair. The DSB repair mechanism depends on numerous regulatory variables. DSB recognition and the recruitment of DNA repair components, for instance, depend on the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and the Ku70/80 heterodimer/DNA-PKcs (DNA-PK) complex, whose control is crucial in determining the DSB repair pathway choice and efficiency of HR and NHEJ. In-depth elucidation on the DSB repair pathway's molecular mechanisms has greatly facilitated for creation of repair proteins or pathways-specific inhibitors to advance precise cancer therapy and boost the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. The architectures, roles, molecular processes, and inhibitors of significant target proteins in the DSB repair pathways are reviewed in this article. The strategy and application in cancer therapy are also discussed based on the advancement of inhibitors targeted DSB damage response and repair proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Tan
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xingyao Sun
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ping‐Kun Zhou
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lal S, Bhola NE, Sun BC, Chen Y, Huang T, Morton V, Chen KX, Xia S, Zhang H, Parikh NS, Ye Q, Veiby OP, Bellovin DI, Ji Y. Discovery and Characterization of ZL-2201, a Potent, Highly Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Small-molecule DNA-PK Inhibitor. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1731-1742. [PMID: 37663435 PMCID: PMC10473160 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a driver of the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA damage response pathway, plays an instrumental role in repairing double-strand breaks (DSB) induced by DNA-damaging poisons. We evaluate ZL-2201, an orally bioavailable, highly potent, and selective pharmacologic inhibitor of DNA-PK activity, for the treatment of human cancerous malignancies. ZL-2201 demonstrated greater selectivity for DNA-PK and effectively inhibited DNA-PK autophosphorylation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Initial data suggested a potential correlation between ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) deficiency and ZL-2201 sensitivity. More so, ZL-2201 showed strong synergy with topoisomerase II inhibitors independent of ATM status in vitro. In vivo oral administration of ZL-2201 demonstrated dose-dependent antitumor activity in the NCI-H1703 xenograft model and significantly enhanced the activity of approved DNA-damaging agents in A549 and FaDu models. From a phosphoproteomic mass spectrometry screen, we identified and validated that ZL-2201 and PRKDC siRNA decreased Ser108 phosphorylation of MCM2, a key DNA replication factor. Collectively, we have characterized a potent and selective DNA-PK inhibitor with promising monotherapy and combinatory therapeutic potential with approved DNA-damaging agents. More importantly, we identified phospho-MCM2 (Ser108) as a potential proximal biomarker of DNA-PK inhibition that warrants further preclinical and clinical evaluation. Significance ZL-2201, a potent and selective DNA-PK inhibitor, can target tumor models in combination with DNA DSB-inducing agents such as radiation or doxorubicin, with potential to improve recurrent therapies in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Lal
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Neil E. Bhola
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Bee-Chun Sun
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Yuping Chen
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Tom Huang
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Vivian Morton
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | | | | | | | - Nehal S. Parikh
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - Qiuping Ye
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | - O. Petter Veiby
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| | | | - Yuhua Ji
- Biologics Discovery, Zai Lab (US) LLC, Menlo Park, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang T, Kyle AH, Baker JHE, Liu NA, Banáth JP, Minchinton AI. DNA-PK inhibition extends the therapeutic effects of Top2 poisoning to non-proliferating cells, increasing activity at a cost. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12429. [PMID: 37528151 PMCID: PMC10394067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Type II topoisomerase (Top2) poisoning therapy is used to treat a broad range of cancers via induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) in cells undergoing replication and transcription. Preventing the repair of DSBs via inhibition of DNA-PK, an inhibitor of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), increases cell kill with Top2 poisons and has led to the initiation of several clinical trials. To elucidate the cellular mechanisms leading to synergistic activity of dual DNA-PK/Top2 inhibition we looked at their effects in cycling versus non-cycling cells, in 3D spheroids and in xenograft models. Combined DNA-PK/Top2 inhibition was found to not only increase the cell kill in proliferating cells, the cell population that is typically most vulnerable to Top2 poisoning, but also in non-proliferative but transcriptionally active cells. This effect was observed in both cancer and normal tissue models, killing more cells than high concentrations of etoposide alone. The combination treatment delayed tumor growth in mice compared to Top2 poisoning alone, but also led to increased toxicity. These findings demonstrate sensitization of Top2β-expressing, non-cycling cells to Top2 poisoning by DNA-PK inhibition. Expansion of the target cell population of Top2 poison treatment to include non-proliferating cells via combination with DNA damage repair inhibitors has implications for efficacy and toxicity of these combinations, including for inhibitors of DNA-PK currently in clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taixiang Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Alastair H Kyle
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jennifer H E Baker
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Nannan A Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Judit P Banáth
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Andrew I Minchinton
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dai Y, Liang R, Wang J, Zhang J, Wu D, Zhao R, Liu Z, Chen F. Fractionated FLASH radiation in xenografted lung tumors induced FLASH effect at a split dose of 2 Gy. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:1542-1549. [PMID: 36952604 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2194403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the minimum split dose of FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH). MATERIAL AND METHODS Lungs of nude mice were used to verify the capacity of normal tissue sparing of FLASH, while tumor-bearing nude mice were used to evaluate the curative power. Xenografted tumor models were established in Balb/c-nu mice using A549 cells at a concentration of 5 × 10 6 / 100 μ L . With the same total dose (20 Gy), the dose rate of FLASH was 200 Gy/s when conventional radiotherapy(CONV) was 0.033 Gy/s. Two schemes of FLASH irradiations were applied: single pulse (FLASH1) and ten pulses (FLASH10). Then, according to the different tissue types and irradiation schemes, mice were divided into eight groups: Control-T, CONV-T, FLASH1-T, FLASH10-T (T for tumor) and Control-L, CONV-L, FLASH1-L, FLASH10-L (L for lung). Evaluation of FLASH effect was based on the changes in tumor volume and pathological analysis of tumor and lung tissues before and after irradiation. RESULTS Compared to control group, the mean volume of tumors in nude mice increased slowly or decreased after irradiation with both FLASH and CONV (Control-T: 233.6± 55.19 mm3, CONV-T: 146.1± 50.62 mm3, FLASH1-T: 148± 18.83 mm3, FLASH10-T: 119.1± 50.62 mm3, p ≤ . 05) . Tumor cells of irradiated groups had similar degrees of dissolution damage and inflammation, while the acute radiation pneumonia induced by FLASH was less severe. The pulmonary pathology of FLASH1-L and FLASH10-L were similar, and only a few neutrophils were observed. In addition to inflammatory cells, slight thickening of alveolar septum and obvious interstitial hemorrhage were also observed in the CONV-L group. CONCLUSION The FLASH effect was successfully reproduced in both single and fractionated irradiation, with 2 Gy being the minimum split dose to achieve the FLASH effect in existing experiments. It is suggested that the transient oxygen depletion might not be the only mechanism behind the FLASH effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Dai
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| | - Runcheng Liang
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dai Wu
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
| | - Ri Zhao
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhaoxing Liu
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| | - Faguo Chen
- Nuclear and Radiation Frontier Technology Research Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou YJ, Tang Y, Liu SJ, Zeng PH, Qu L, Jing QC, Yin WJ. Radiation-induced liver disease: beyond DNA damage. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:506-526. [PMID: 36214587 PMCID: PMC9928481 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2131163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD), also known as radiation hepatitis, is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for hepatocellular carcinoma. The therapeutic dose of RT can damage normal liver tissue, and the toxicity that accumulates around the irradiated liver tissue is related to numerous physiological and pathological processes. RILD may restrict treatment use or eventually deteriorate into liver fibrosis. However, the research on the mechanism of radiation-induced liver injury has seen little progress compared with that on radiation injury in other tissues, and no targeted clinical pharmacological treatment for RILD exists. The DNA damage response caused by ionizing radiation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of RILD. Therefore, in this review, we systematically summarize the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in RILD. Such an analysis is essential for preventing the occurrence and development of RILD and further exploring the potential treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jie Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Si Jian Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Hui Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Cheng Jing
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery,Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wen Jun Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changsha Central Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jiang K, Yin X, Zhang Q, Yin J, Tang Q, Xu M, Wu L, Shen Y, Zhou Z, Yu H, Yan S. STC2 activates PRMT5 to induce radioresistance through DNA damage repair and ferroptosis pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Redox Biol 2023; 60:102626. [PMID: 36764215 PMCID: PMC9929488 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Radioresistance is the major reason for the failure of radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Previous evidence indicated that stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) participates in various biological processes of malignant tumors. However, researches on its effect on radioresistance in cancers are limited. In this study, STC2 was screened out by RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses as a potential prognosis predictor of ESCC radiosensitivity and then was determined to facilitate radioresistance. We found that STC2 expression is increased in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and a higher level of STC2 is associated with poor prognosis. Also, STC2 mRNA and protein expression levels were higher in radioresistant cells than in their parental cells. Further investigation revealed that STC2 could interact with protein methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and activate PRMT5, thus leading to the increased expression of symmetric dimethylation of histone H4 on Arg 3 (H4R3me2s). Mechanistically, STC2 can promote DDR through the homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining pathways by activating PRMT5. Meanwhile, STC2 can participate in SLC7A11-mediated ferroptosis in a PRMT5-dependent manner. Finally, these results were validated through in vivo experiments. These findings uncovered that STC2 might be an attractive therapeutic target to overcome ESCC radioresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kan Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Colorectal Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiuying Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyou Xu
- Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyun Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Shen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Senxiang Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bright SJ, Flint DB, Martinus DKJ, Turner BX, Manandhar M, Ben Kacem M, McFadden CH, Yap TA, Shaitelman SF, Sawakuchi GO. Targeted Inhibition of DNA-PKcs, ATM, ATR, PARP, and Rad51 Modulate Response to X Rays and Protons. Radiat Res 2022; 198:336-346. [PMID: 35939823 PMCID: PMC9648665 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00040.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors are currently in preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of selected cancers, particularly those with existing genetic alterations in DNA repair and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. Keen interest has also been expressed in combining such agents with other targeted antitumor strategies such as radiotherapy. Radiotherapy exerts its cytotoxic effects primarily through DNA damage-induced cell death; therefore, inhibiting DNA repair and the DDR should lead to additive and/or synergistic radiosensitizing effects. In this study we screened the response to X-ray or proton radiation in cell lines treated with DDR inhibitors (DDRis) targeting ATM, ATR, DNA-PKcs, Rad51, and PARP, with survival metrics established using clonogenic assays. We observed that DDRis generate significant radiosensitization in cancer and primary cells derived from normal tissue. Existing genetic defects in cancer cells appear to be an important consideration when determining the optimal inhibitor to use for synergistic combination with radiation. We also show that while greater radiosensitization can be achieved with protons (9.9 keV/µm) combined with DDRis, the relative biological effectiveness is unchanged or in some cases reduced. Our results indicate that while targeting the DDR can significantly radiosensitize cancer cells to such combinations, normal cells may also be equally or more severely affected, depending on the DDRi used. These data highlight the importance of identifying genetic defects as predictive biomarkers of response for combination treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Bright
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David B. Flint
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David K. J. Martinus
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Broderick X. Turner
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Mandira Manandhar
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mariam Ben Kacem
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Conor H. McFadden
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy A. Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), Division of Cancer Medicine; Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy; Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology; and The Institute for Applied Cancer Science. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Simona F. Shaitelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gabriel O. Sawakuchi
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Biological Mechanisms to Reduce Radioresistance and Increase the Efficacy of Radiotherapy: State of the Art. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810211. [PMID: 36142122 PMCID: PMC9499172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment with ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-established and effective clinical method to fight different types of tumors and is a palliative treatment to cure metastatic stages. Approximately half of all cancer patients undergo radiotherapy (RT) according to clinical protocols that employ two types of ionizing radiation: sparsely IR (i.e., X-rays) and densely IR (i.e., protons). Most cancer cells irradiated with therapeutic doses exhibit radio-induced cytotoxicity in terms of cell proliferation arrest and cell death by apoptosis. Nevertheless, despite the more tailored advances in RT protocols in the last few years, several tumors show a relatively high percentage of RT failure and tumor relapse due to their radioresistance. To counteract this extremely complex phenomenon and improve clinical protocols, several factors associated with radioresistance, of both a molecular and cellular nature, must be considered. Tumor genetics/epigenetics, tumor microenvironment, tumor metabolism, and the presence of non-malignant cells (i.e., fibroblast-associated cancer cells, macrophage-associated cancer cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, endothelial cells, cancer stem cells) are the main factors important in determining the tumor response to IR. Here, we attempt to provide an overview of how such factors can be taken advantage of in clinical strategies targeting radioresistant tumors.
Collapse
|
17
|
Chan Wah Hak CML, Rullan A, Patin EC, Pedersen M, Melcher AA, Harrington KJ. Enhancing anti-tumour innate immunity by targeting the DNA damage response and pattern recognition receptors in combination with radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:971959. [PMID: 36106115 PMCID: PMC9465159 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.971959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most effective and frequently used treatments for a wide range of cancers. In addition to its direct anti-cancer cytotoxic effects, ionising radiation can augment the anti-tumour immune response by triggering pro-inflammatory signals, DNA damage-induced immunogenic cell death and innate immune activation. Anti-tumour innate immunity can result from recruitment and stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs) which leads to tumour-specific adaptive T-cell priming and immunostimulatory cell infiltration. Conversely, radiotherapy can also induce immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory mediators that can confer radioresistance. Targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) concomitantly with radiotherapy is an attractive strategy for overcoming radioresistance, both by enhancing the radiosensitivity of tumour relative to normal tissues, and tipping the scales in favour of an immunostimulatory tumour microenvironment. This two-pronged approach exploits genomic instability to circumvent immune evasion, targeting both hallmarks of cancer. In this review, we describe targetable DDR proteins (PARP (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase); ATM/ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related), DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit) and Wee1 (Wee1-like protein kinase) and their potential intersections with druggable immunomodulatory signalling pathways, including nucleic acid-sensing mechanisms (Toll-like receptors (TLR); cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors), and how these might be exploited to enhance radiation therapy. We summarise current preclinical advances, recent and ongoing clinical trials and the challenges of therapeutic combinations with existing treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Targeted Therapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel C. Patin
- Targeted Therapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malin Pedersen
- Targeted Therapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan A. Melcher
- Translational Immunotherapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Harrington
- Targeted Therapy Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The cell-line-derived subcutaneous tumor model in preclinical cancer research. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2108-2128. [PMID: 35859135 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-bearing experimental animals are essential for preclinical cancer drug development. A broad range of tumor models is available, with the simplest and most widely used involving a tumor of mouse or human origin growing beneath the skin of a mouse: the subcutaneous tumor model. Here, we outline the different types of in vivo tumor model, including some of their advantages and disadvantages and how they fit into the drug-development process. We then describe in more detail the subcutaneous tumor model and key steps needed to establish it in the laboratory, namely: choosing the mouse strain and tumor cells; cell culture, preparation and injection of tumor cells; determining tumor volume; mouse welfare; and an appropriate experimental end point. The protocol leads to subcutaneous tumor growth usually within 1-3 weeks of cell injection and is suitable for those with experience in tissue culture and mouse experimentation.
Collapse
|
19
|
Talele S, Zhang W, Oh JH, Burgenske DM, Mladek AC, Dragojevic S, Sarkaria JN, Elmquist WF. Central Nervous System Delivery of the Catalytic Subunit of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitor Peposertib as Radiosensitizer for Brain Metastases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:217-228. [PMID: 35370138 PMCID: PMC9190234 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.001069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) used for the treatment of brain metastases results from DNA damage within cancer cells. Cells rely on highly evolved DNA damage response (DDR) pathways to repair the damage caused by these treatments. Inhibiting these repair pathways can further sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and RT. The catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase, in a complex with Ku80 and Ku70, is a pivotal regulator of the DDR, and peposertib is a potent inhibitor of this catalytic subunit. The characterization of central nervous system (CNS) distributional kinetics of peposertib is critical in establishing a therapeutic index in the setting of brain metastases. Our studies demonstrate that the delivery of peposertib is severely restricted into the CNS as opposed to peripheral organs, by active efflux at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Peposertib has a low free fraction in the brain and spinal cord, further reducing the active concentration, and distributes to the same degree within different anatomic regions of the brain. However, peposertib is heterogeneously distributed within the metastatic tumor, where its concentration is highest within the tumor core (with disrupted BBB) and substantially lower within the invasive tumor rim (with a relatively intact BBB) and surrounding normal brain. These findings are critical in guiding the potential clinical deployment of peposertib as a radiosensitizing agent for the safe and effective treatment of brain metastases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Effective radiosensitization of brain metastases while avoiding toxicity to the surrounding brain is critical in the development of novel radiosensitizers. The central nervous system distribution of peposertib, a potent catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, is restricted by active efflux in the normal blood-brain barrier (BBB) but can reach significant concentrations in the tumor core. This finding suggests that peposertib may be an effective radiosensitizer for intracranial tumors with an open BBB, while limited distribution into normal brain will decrease the risk of enhanced radiation injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Ju-Hee Oh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Danielle M Burgenske
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Ann C Mladek
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Sonja Dragojevic
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - Jann N Sarkaria
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| | - William F Elmquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Brain Barriers Research Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (S.T., W.Z., J.-H.O., W.F.E.) and Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (D.M.B., A.C.M., S.D., J.N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tiek D, Cheng SY. DNA damage and metabolic mechanisms of cancer drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:368-379. [PMID: 35800362 PMCID: PMC9255237 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer drug resistance is one of the main barriers to overcome to ensure durable treatment responses. While many pivotal advances have been made in first combination therapies, then targeted therapies, and now broadening out to immunomodulatory drugs or metabolic targeting compounds, drug resistance is still ultimately universally fatal. In this brief review, we will discuss different strategies that have been used to fight drug resistance from synthetic lethality to tumor microenvironment modulation, focusing on the DNA damage response and tumor metabolism both within tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment. In this way, with a better understanding of both targetable mutations in combination with the metabolism, smarter drugs may be designed to combat cancer drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Tiek
- Correspondence to: Deanna Tiek, The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Simpson Querry Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: ; Shi-Yuan Cheng, The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Simpson Querry Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail:
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- Correspondence to: Deanna Tiek, The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Simpson Querry Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail: ; Shi-Yuan Cheng, The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute at Northwestern Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Simpson Querry Institute for Epigenetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Czajkowski D, Szmyd R, Gee HE. Impact of DNA damage response defects in cancer cells on response to immunotherapy and radiotherapy. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:546-559. [PMID: 35460184 PMCID: PMC9321602 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex set of downstream pathways triggered in response to DNA damage to maintain genomic stability. Many tumours exhibit mutations which inactivate components of the DDR, making them prone to the accumulation of DNA defects. These can both facilitate the development of tumours and provide potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. The inhibition of the DDR has been shown to induce radiosensitivity in certain cancers, rendering them susceptible to treatment with radiotherapy and improving the therapeutic window. Moreover, DDR defects are a strong predictor of patient response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). The ability to target the DDR selectively has the potential to expand the tumour neoantigen repertoire, thus increasing tumour immunogenicity and facilitating a CD8+ T and NK cell response against cancer cells. Combinatorial approaches, which seek to integrate DDR inhibition with radiotherapy and immunotherapy, have shown promise in early trials. Further studies are necessary to understand these synergies and establish reliable biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Radosław Szmyd
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Harriet E Gee
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Matsumoto Y. Development and Evolution of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitors toward Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084264. [PMID: 35457081 PMCID: PMC9032228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand break (DSB) is considered the most deleterious type of DNA damage, which is generated by ionizing radiation (IR) and a subset of anticancer drugs. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), which is composed of a DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and Ku80-Ku70 heterodimer, acts as the molecular sensor for DSB and plays a pivotal role in DSB repair through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Cells deficient for DNA-PKcs show hypersensitivity to IR and several DNA-damaging agents. Cellular sensitivity to IR and DNA-damaging agents can be augmented by the inhibition of DNA-PK. A number of small molecules that inhibit DNA-PK have been developed. Here, the development and evolution of inhibitors targeting DNA-PK for cancer therapy is reviewed. Significant parts of the inhibitors were developed based on the structural similarity of DNA-PK to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and PI3K-related kinases (PIKKs), including Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Some of DNA-PK inhibitors, e.g., NU7026 and NU7441, have been used extensively in the studies for cellular function of DNA-PK. Recently developed inhibitors, e.g., M3814 and AZD7648, are in clinical trials and on the way to be utilized in cancer therapy in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Anastasia A, Dellavedova G, Ramos-Montoya A, James NH, Chiorino G, Russo M, Baakza H, Wilson J, Ghilardi C, Cadogan EB, Giavazzi R, Bani MR. The DNA-PK inhibitor AZD7648 sensitizes patient derived ovarian cancer xenografts to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and olaparib preventing abdominal metastases. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:555-567. [PMID: 35149547 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological cancer, with a 5 year survival rate of 30%, when the disease has spread throughout the peritoneal cavity. We investigated the efficacy to delay disease progression by the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs)inhibitor AZD7648, administered in combination with two of the therapeutic options for patient management: either pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) or the poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose)polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib. Patient-derived ovarian cancer xenografts (OC-PDXs) were transplanted subcutaneously to evaluate the effect of treatment on tumour growth, or orthotopically in the peritoneal cavity to evaluate the effect on metastatic spread. AZD7648 was administered orally (po)in combination with PLD (dosed intravenously) or with olaparib (po). To prove the inhibition of DNA-PK in the tumours, we measured pDNA-PKcs, pRPA32 and γH2AX, biomarkers of DNA-PK activity. AZD7648 enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of PLD in all the OC-PDXs tested, regardless of their BRCA status, sensitivity to cisplatin or PLD. The treatment caused disease stabilization, that persisted despite therapy discontinuation for tumours growing subcutaneously, and significantly impaired the abdominal metastatic dissemination, prolonging the lifespan of mice implanted orthotopically. AZD7648 potentiated the efficacy of olaparib in BRCA-deficient OC-PDXs, but did not sensitize BRCA-proficient OC-PDXs to olaparib, despite an equivalent inhibition of DNA-PK, suggesting the need of a pre-existing olaparib activity to benefit from the addition of AZD7648. This work suggests that AZD7648, an inhibitor of DNA-PK, dosed in combination with PLD or olaparib is an exciting therapeutic option that could benefit ovarian cancer patients and should be explored in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Anastasia
- Oncology, Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri - IRCCS
| | | | | | - Neil H James
- Bioscience, Oncology, R, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | | | - Massimo Russo
- Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy, Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Joanne Wilson
- Department of Oncology, AstraZeneca (United Kingdom)
| | - Carmen Ghilardi
- Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics - Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS
| | | | - Raffaella Giavazzi
- Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics, Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Radiotherapy as a tool to elicit clinically actionable signalling pathways in cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:114-131. [PMID: 34819622 PMCID: PMC9004227 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A variety of targeted anticancer agents have been successfully introduced into clinical practice, largely reflecting their ability to inhibit specific molecular alterations that are required for disease progression. However, not all malignant cells rely on such alterations to survive, proliferate, disseminate and/or evade anticancer immunity, implying that many tumours are intrinsically resistant to targeted therapies. Radiotherapy is well known for its ability to activate cytotoxic signalling pathways that ultimately promote the death of cancer cells, as well as numerous cytoprotective mechanisms that are elicited by cellular damage. Importantly, many cytoprotective mechanisms elicited by radiotherapy can be abrogated by targeted anticancer agents, suggesting that radiotherapy could be harnessed to enhance the clinical efficacy of these drugs. In this Review, we discuss preclinical and clinical data that introduce radiotherapy as a tool to elicit or amplify clinically actionable signalling pathways in patients with cancer.
Collapse
|
25
|
Feng W, Smith CM, Simpson DA, Gupta GP. Targeting Non-homologous and Alternative End Joining Repair to Enhance Cancer Radiosensitivity. Semin Radiat Oncol 2021; 32:29-41. [PMID: 34861993 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Many cancer therapies, including radiotherapy, induce DSBs as the major driving mechanism for inducing cancer cell death. Thus, modulating DSB repair has immense potential for radiosensitization, although such interventions must be carefully designed to be tumor selective to ensure that normal tissue toxicities are not also increased. Here, we review mechanisms of error-prone DSB repair through a highly efficient process called end joining. There are two major pathways of end-joining repair: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and alternative end joining (a-EJ), both of which can be selectively upregulated in cancer and thus represent attractive therapeutic targets for radiosensitization. These EJ pathways each have therapeutically targetable pioneer factors - DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) for NHEJ and DNA Polymerase Theta (Pol θ) for a-EJ. We summarize the current status of therapeutic targeting of NHEJ and a-EJ to enhance the effects of radiotherapy - focusing on challenges that must be overcome and opportunities that require further exploration. By leveraging preclinical insights into mechanisms of altered DSB repair programs in cancer, selective radiosensitization through NHEJ and/or a-EJ targeting remains a highly attractive avenue for ongoing and future clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea M Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program
| | | | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program; Department of Radiation Oncology; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Radiosensitisation of SCCVII tumours and normal tissues in mice by the DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor AZD7648. Radiother Oncol 2021; 166:162-170. [PMID: 34861268 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inhibitors of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) are effective radiation sensitisers in preclinical tumours, but little is known about risks of normal tissue radiosensitisation. Here, we evaluate radiosensitisation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells by DNA-PK inhibitor AZD7648 under oxia and anoxia in vitro, and tumour (SCCVII), oral mucosa and small intestine in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Radiosensitisation of human (UT-SCC-54C) and murine (SCCVII) HNSCC cells by AZD7648 under oxia and anoxia was evaluated by clonogenic assay. Radiosensitisation of SCCVII tumours in C3H mice by oral AZD7648 (75 mg/kg) was determined by ex vivo clonogenic assay 3.5 days post-irradiation, with evaluation of normal tissue surrogate endpoints using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine to facilitate detection of regenerating crypts in the ileum and repopulating S-phase cells in the ileum and oral mucosa of the same animals. RESULTS AZD7648 potently radiosensitised both cell lines, with similar sensitiser enhancement ratios for 10% survival (SER10) under oxia and anoxia. AZD7648 diffused rapidly through multicellular layers, suggesting rapid equilibration between plasma and hypoxic zones in tumours. SCCVII tumours were radiosensitised by AZD7648 (SER10 2.5). AZD7648 also enhanced radiation-induced body weight loss and suppressed regenerating intestinal crypts and repopulating S-phase cells in the ileum and tongue epithelium with SER values similar to SCCVII tumours. CONCLUSION AZD7648 is a potent radiation sensitiser of both oxic and anoxic tumour cells, but also markedly radiosensitises stem cells in the small intestine and oral mucosa.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lee JH, Jeon B, Park M, Ha J, Kim SJ, Son MK, Wang S, Lee JH, Jeong YK. Synergistic radiosensitizing effect of BR101801, a specific DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, in various human solid cancer cells and xenografts. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5440-5451. [PMID: 34873471 PMCID: PMC8640799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), an essential component of the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair pathway, plays an important role in DNA damage repair (DDR). Therefore, DNA-PK inhibition is a promising approach for overcoming radiotherapy or chemotherapy resistance in cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that BR101801, a potent DNA-PK inhibitor, acted as an effective radiosensitizer in various human solid cancer cells and an in vivo xenograft model. Overall, BR101801 strongly elevated ionizing radiation (IR)-induced genomic instability via induction of cell cycle G2/M arrest, autophagic cell death, and impairment of DDR pathway in human solid cancer cells. Interestingly, BR101801 inhibited not only phosphorylation of DNA-PK catalytic subunit in NHEJ factors but also BRCA2 protein level in homologous recombination (HR) factors. In addition, combination BR101801 and IR suppressed tumor growth compared with IR alone by reducing phosphorylation of DNA-PK in human solid cancer xenografts. Our findings suggested that BR101801 is a selective DNA-PK inhibitor with a synergistic radiosensitizing effect in human solid cancers, providing evidence for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hee Lee
- Radiological and Medical Support Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongwook Jeon
- Boryung Pharmaceutical, R&D CenterAnsan 15425, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijeong Park
- Radiological and Medical Support Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Jimin Ha
- Radiological and Medical Support Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Kim
- Boryung Pharmaceutical, R&D CenterAnsan 15425, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kwon Son
- Boryung Pharmaceutical, R&D CenterAnsan 15425, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungho Wang
- Boryung Pharmaceutical, R&D CenterAnsan 15425, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Han Lee
- Boryung Pharmaceutical, R&D CenterAnsan 15425, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Kyoung Jeong
- Radiological and Medical Support Center, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liew H, Meister S, Mein S, Tessonnier T, Kopp B, Held T, Haberer T, Abdollahi A, Debus J, Dokic I, Mairani A. Combined DNA Damage Repair Interference and Ion Beam Therapy: Development, Benchmark, and Clinical Implications of a Mechanistic Biological Model. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 112:802-817. [PMID: 34710524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to develop a mechanistic model that describes and predicts radiation response after combined DNA damage repair interference (DDRi) and particle radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS The heterogeneous dose distributions of protons and 4He ions were implemented into the "UNIfied and VERSatile bio-response Engine" (UNIVERSE). Predictions for monoenergetic and mixed fields over clinically relevant dose and linear energy transfer range were compared with experimental in vitro survival data measured in this work as well as data available in the literature, including different cell lines and DDR interferences. Ultimately, UNIVERSE predictions were investigated in a patient plan. RESULTS UNIVERSE accurately predicts survival of cell lines with and without DDRi in clinical settings of ion beam therapy based only on 3 parameters derived from photon data. With increasing dose or linear energy transfer, the radiosensitizing effect of DDRi decreases, resulting in diminished relative biological effect of ion beam radiation for cells subjected to DDRi in comparison to cells that are not. Similar trends were observed in patient plan recalculations; however, this analysis also suggests that DDRi + particle radiation therapy may better preserve the therapeutic window in comparison to DDRi + photon radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS The presented framework represents the first mechanistic model of combined DDRi and particle radiation therapy comprehensively benchmarked in clinically relevant scenarios and a step toward more personalized treatment. It reveals potential differences between DDRi + photon radiation therapy versus DDRi + particle radiation therapy, which have not been described so far. UNIVERSE could aid in appraising the clinical viability of combined administration of radiosensitizing drugs and charged particle therapy, as well as the identification of patients with known DDR deficiencies in the tumor who might benefit from therapy with light ions, freeing limited space at heavy ion therapy centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Liew
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Meister
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stewart Mein
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tessonnier
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kopp
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Held
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), University Hospital Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haberer
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), University Hospital Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivana Dokic
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Mairani
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; National Centre of Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Medical Physics, Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Role of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase in Mediating Cyst Growth in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910512. [PMID: 34638853 PMCID: PMC8508757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a serine/threonine protein involved in DNA damage response (DDR) signaling that may mediate kidney cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) due to its pleiotropic effects on proliferation and survival. To test this hypothesis, the expression of DNA-PK in human ADPKD and the in vitro effects of DNA-PK inhibition in a three-dimensional model of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cyst growth and human ADPKD cells were assessed. In human ADPKD, the mRNA expression for all three subunits of the DNA-PK complex was increased, and using immunohistochemistry, the catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) was detected in the cyst lining epithelia of human ADPKD, in a focal manner. In vitro, NU7441 (a DNA-PK kinase inhibitor) reduced MDCK cyst growth by up to 52% after long-term treatment over 6–12 days. Although human ADPKD cell lines (WT9-7/WT9-12) did not exhibit synthetic lethality in response to DNA-PK kinase inhibition compared to normal human kidney cells (HK-2), the combination of low-dose NU7441 enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of sirolimus in WT9-7 and WT9-12 cells by 17 ± 10% and 11 ± 7%, respectively. In conclusion, these preliminary data suggest that DNA-PK mediates kidney cyst growth in vivo without a synthetically lethal interaction, conferring cell-specificity in human ADPKD cells. NU7441 enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin complex 1 inhibitors, but the effect was modest.
Collapse
|
30
|
Jiang Y, Willmore E, Wedge SR, Ryan AJ. DNAPK Inhibition Preferentially Compromises the Repair of Radiation-induced DNA Double-strand Breaks in Chronically Hypoxic Tumor Cells in Xenograft Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1663-1671. [PMID: 34158348 PMCID: PMC7611623 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can be repaired by homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Recently, it has been found that chronic tumor hypoxia compromises HR repair of DNA DSBs but activates the NHEJ protein DNAPK. We therefore hypothesized that inhibition of DNAPK can preferentially potentiate the sensitivity of chronically hypoxic cancer cells to radiation through contextual synthetic lethality in vivo In this study, we investigated the impact of DNAPK inhibition by a novel selective DNAPK inhibitor, NU5455, on the repair of radiation-induced DNA DSBs in chronically hypoxic and nonhypoxic cells across a range of xenograft models. We found that NU5455 inhibited DSB repair following radiation in both chronically hypoxic and nonhypoxic tumor cells. Most importantly, the inhibitory effect was more pronounced in chronically hypoxic tumor cells than in nonhypoxic tumor cells. This is the first in vivo study to indicate that DNAPK inhibition may preferentially sensitize chronically hypoxic tumor cells to radiotherapy, suggesting a broader therapeutic window for transient DNAPK inhibition combined with radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Jiang
- CRUK & MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Elaine Willmore
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R Wedge
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Anderson J Ryan
- CRUK & MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nakamura K, Karmokar A, Farrington PM, James NH, Ramos-Montoya A, Bickerton SJ, Hughes GD, Illidge TM, Cadogan EB, Davies BR, Dovedi SJ, Valge-Archer V. Inhibition of DNA-PK with AZD7648 Sensitizes Tumor Cells to Radiotherapy and Induces Type I IFN-Dependent Durable Tumor Control. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4353-4366. [PMID: 34011558 PMCID: PMC9401489 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Combining radiotherapy (RT) with DNA damage response inhibitors may lead to increased tumor cell death through radiosensitization. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) plays an important role in DNA double-strand break repair via the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. We hypothesized that in addition to a radiosensitizing effect from the combination of RT with AZD7648, a potent and specific inhibitor of DNA-PK, combination therapy may also lead to modulation of an anticancer immune response. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AZD7648 and RT efficacy, as monotherapy and in combination, was investigated in fully immunocompetent mice in MC38, CT26, and B16-F10 models. Immunologic consequences were analyzed by gene expression and flow-cytometric analysis. RESULTS AZD7648, when delivered in combination with RT, induced complete tumor regressions in a significant proportion of mice. The antitumor efficacy was dependent on the presence of CD8+ T cells but independent of NK cells. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment revealed a reduction in T-cell PD-1 expression, increased NK-cell granzyme B expression, and elevated type I IFN signaling in mice treated with the combination when compared with RT treatment alone. Blocking of the type I IFN receptor in vivo also demonstrated a critical role for type I IFN in tumor growth control following combined therapy. Finally, this combination was able to generate tumor antigen-specific immunologic memory capable of suppressing tumor growth following rechallenge. CONCLUSIONS Blocking the NHEJ DNA repair pathway with AZD7648 in combination with RT leads to durable immune-mediated tumor control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Nakamura
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Ankur Karmokar
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M Farrington
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Neil H James
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susan J Bickerton
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth D Hughes
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy M Illidge
- Targeted Therapy Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Christie Hospital, Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine B Cadogan
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Barry R Davies
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Dovedi
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Viia Valge-Archer
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Raimundo L, Calheiros J, Saraiva L. Exploiting DNA Damage Repair in Precision Cancer Therapy: BRCA1 as a Prime Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143438. [PMID: 34298653 PMCID: PMC8303227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chemical inhibition of central DNA damage repair (DDR) proteins has become a promising approach in precision cancer therapy. In particular, BRCA1 and its DDR-associated proteins constitute important targets for developing DNA repair inhibiting drugs. This review provides relevant insights on DDR biology and pharmacology, aiming to boost the development of more effective DDR targeted therapies. Abstract Precision medicine aims to identify specific molecular alterations, such as driver mutations, allowing tailored and effective anticancer therapies. Poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are the prototypical example of targeted therapy, exploiting the inability of cancer cells to repair DNA damage. Following the concept of synthetic lethality, PARPi have gained great relevance, particularly in BRCA1 dysfunctional cancer cells. In fact, BRCA1 mutations culminate in DNA repair defects that can render cancer cells more vulnerable to therapy. However, the efficacy of these drugs has been greatly affected by the occurrence of resistance due to multi-connected DNA repair pathways that may compensate for each other. Hence, the search for additional effective agents targeting DNA damage repair (DDR) is of crucial importance. In this context, BRCA1 has assumed a central role in developing drugs aimed at inhibiting DNA repair activity. Collectively, this review provides an in-depth understanding of the biology and regulatory mechanisms of DDR pathways, highlighting the potential of DDR-associated molecules, particularly BRCA1 and its interconnected partners, in precision cancer medicine. It also affords an overview about what we have achieved and a reflection on how much remains to be done in this field, further addressing encouraging clues for the advance of DDR targeted therapy.
Collapse
|
33
|
Fernandes SG, Shah P, Khattar E. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Application of DNA Damage Response Inhibitors against Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:469-484. [PMID: 34102988 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210608105735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
DNA integrity is continuously challenged by intrinsic cellular processes and environmental agents. To overcome this genomic damage, cells have developed multiple signaling pathways collectively named as DNA damage response (DDR) and composed of three components: (i) sensor proteins, which detect DNA damage, (ii) mediators that relay the signal downstream and recruit the repair machinery, and (iii) the repair proteins, which restore the damaged DNA. A flawed DDR and failure to repair the damage lead to the accumulation of genetic lesions and increased genomic instability, which is recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells tend to harbor increased mutations in DDR genes and often have fewer DDR pathways than normal cells. This makes cancer cells more dependent on particular DDR pathways and thus become more susceptible to compounds inhibiting those pathways compared to normal cells, which have all the DDR pathways intact. Understanding the roles of different DDR proteins in the DNA damage response and repair pathways and identification of their structures have paved the way for the development of their inhibitors as targeted cancer therapy. In this review, we describe the major participants of various DDR pathways, their significance in carcinogenesis, and focus on the inhibitors developed against several key DDR proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, India
| | - Prachi Shah
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, India
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pérez-Romasanta LA, González-Del Portillo E, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez A, Matías-Pérez Á. Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Radiosensitization Strategies and Radiation-Immunotherapy Combination. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020192. [PMID: 33430362 PMCID: PMC7825787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Radiotherapy is rapidly turning into a crucial component of multidisciplinary treatment for liver cancer because many patients are not surgical treatment candidates. Thanks to technical developments, radiotherapy have achieved high precision treatments, making it possible to eliminate tumor cells without severe damage to the liver and other organs. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is an advanced radiotherapy technique able to eradicate malignant tumors wherever they are located in properly selected patients. The best use of radiotherapy, the most fruitful radiotherapy strategy, and the best way to combine it with other treatments for liver cancer are largely unknown. Radiosensitizers, agents that can potentiate radiotherapy, could broaden the radiotherapeutic landscape. Radiotherapy potentiation can be achieved with diverse treatments, not only drugs but also nanoparticles. In order to clear up the performance of radiotherapy in liver cancer management in the future and the best ways to potentiate its effects, considerable medical research is needed. Abstract Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an emerging ablative modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most patients with HCC have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, and therefore, are not candidates for definitive-intent therapies such as resection or transplantation. For this reason, various alternative local and regional therapies have been used to prevent disease progression, palliate symptoms, and delay liver failure. Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a non-invasive technique of delivering ablative doses of radiation to tumors while sparing normal or non-tumor hepatic tissue. Incorporation of SBRT in multidisciplinary HCC management is gradual, initially applied when other liver-directed therapies have failed or are contraindicated, and tried in combination with other locoregional or systemic therapies for more unfavorable conditions by more experienced teams. In order to improve SBRT therapeutic ratio, there has been much interest in augmenting the effect of radiation on tumors by combining it with chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapeutics, nanoparticles, and immunotherapy. This review aims to synthesize available evidence to evaluate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of SBRT for HCC, and to explore novel radio-potentiation concepts by combining SBRT with novel therapeutics. It is expected that those approaches would result in improved therapeutic outcomes, even though many questions remain with regard to the optimal way to assemble treatments. Further trials are needed to evaluate and consolidate these promising therapies for HCC.
Collapse
|
35
|
Nickoloff JA, Taylor L, Sharma N, Kato TA. Exploiting DNA repair pathways for tumor sensitization, mitigation of resistance, and normal tissue protection in radiotherapy. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:244-263. [PMID: 34337349 PMCID: PMC8323830 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
More than half of cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy, which kills tumor cells by directly and indirectly inducing DNA damage, including cytotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Tumor cells respond to these threats by activating a complex signaling network termed the DNA damage response (DDR). The DDR arrests the cell cycle, upregulates DNA repair, and triggers apoptosis when damage is excessive. The DDR signaling and DNA repair pathways are fertile terrain for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights strategies to improve therapeutic gain by targeting DDR and DNA repair pathways to radiosensitize tumor cells, overcome intrinsic and acquired tumor radioresistance, and protect normal tissue. Many biological and environmental factors determine tumor and normal cell responses to ionizing radiation and genotoxic chemotherapeutics. These include cell type and cell cycle phase distribution; tissue/tumor microenvironment and oxygen levels; DNA damage load and quality; DNA repair capacity; and susceptibility to apoptosis or other active or passive cell death pathways. We provide an overview of radiobiological parameters associated with X-ray, proton, and carbon ion radiotherapy; DNA repair and DNA damage signaling pathways; and other factors that regulate tumor and normal cell responses to radiation. We then focus on recent studies exploiting DSB repair pathways to enhance radiotherapy therapeutic gain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jac A. Nickoloff
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Correspondence Address: Dr. Jac A. Nickoloff, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1681, USA. E-mail:
| | - Lynn Taylor
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Takamitsu A. Kato
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Integrated bioinformatic analysis of RNA binding proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2480-2505. [PMID: 33411682 PMCID: PMC7880356 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are aberrantly expressed in a tissue-specific manner across many tumors. These proteins, which play a vital role in post-transcriptional gene regulation, are involved in RNA splicing, maturation, transport, stability, degradation, and translation. We set out to establish an accurate risk score model based on RBPs to estimate prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RNA-sequencing data, proteomic data and corresponding clinical information were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium database respectively. We identified 406 differentially expressed RBPs between HCC tumor and normal tissues at the transcriptional and protein level. Overall, 11 RBPs (BRIX1, DYNC1H1, GTPBP4, PRKDC, RAN, RBM19, SF3B4, SMG5, SPATS2, TAF9, and THOC5) were selected to establish a risk score model. We divided HCC patients into low-risk and high-risk groups based on the median of risk score values. The survival analysis indicated that patients in the high-risk group had poorer overall survival compared to patients in the low-risk group. Our study demonstrated that 11 RBPs were associated with the overall survival of HCC patients. These RBPs may represent potential drug targets and can help optimize future clinical treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Beyond DNA Repair: DNA-PKcs in Tumor Metastasis, Metabolism and Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113389. [PMID: 33207636 PMCID: PMC7698146 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is a key component of the DNA-PK complex that has a well-characterized function in the non-homologous end-joining repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Since its identification, a large body of evidence has demonstrated that DNA-PKcs is frequently overexpressed in cancer, plays a critical role in tumor development and progression, and is associated with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Intriguingly, recent studies have suggested novel functions beyond the canonical role of DNA-PKcs, which has transformed the paradigm of DNA-PKcs in tumorigenesis and has reinvigorated the interest to target DNA-PKcs for cancer treatment. In this review, we update recent advances in DNA-PKcs, in particular the emerging roles in tumor metastasis, metabolic dysregulation, and immune escape. We further discuss the possible molecular basis that underpins the pleiotropism of DNA-PKcs in cancer. Finally, we outline the biomarkers that may predict the therapeutic response to DNA-PKcs inhibitor therapy. Understanding the functional repertoire of DNA-PKcs will provide mechanistic insights of DNA-PKcs in malignancy and, more importantly, may revolutionize the design and utility of DNA-PKcs-based precision cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
38
|
Autophagy-mediating microRNAs in cancer chemoresistance. Cell Biol Toxicol 2020; 36:517-536. [PMID: 32875398 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-020-09553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a complex phenomenon responsible for failure in response to chemotherapy agents and more than 90% of deaths in cancer patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a subgroup of non-coding RNAs with lengths between 21 and 25 nucleotides, are involved in various cancer processes like chemoresistance via interacting with their target mRNAs and suppressing their expression. Autophagy is a greatly conserved procedure involving the lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic contents and organelles to deal with environmental stresses like hypoxia and starvation. Autophagy contributes to response to chemotherapy agents: autophagy can act as a protective mechanism for mediating the resistance in response to chemotherapy or can induce autophagic cell death and mediate the sensitivity to chemotherapy. On the other hand, one of the processes targeted by microRNAs in the regulation of chemoresistance is autophagy. Hence, we studied the literatures on chemoresistance mechanisms, the miRNAs' role in cancer, and the miRNAs' role in chemoresistance by modulating autophagy. Graphical Abstract.
Collapse
|
39
|
Aleksandrov R, Hristova R, Stoynov S, Gospodinov A. The Chromatin Response to Double-Strand DNA Breaks and Their Repair. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081853. [PMID: 32784607 PMCID: PMC7464352 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular DNA is constantly being damaged by numerous internal and external mutagenic factors. Probably the most severe type of insults DNA could suffer are the double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs). They sever both DNA strands and compromise genomic stability, causing deleterious chromosomal aberrations that are implicated in numerous maladies, including cancer. Not surprisingly, cells have evolved several DSB repair pathways encompassing hundreds of different DNA repair proteins to cope with this challenge. In eukaryotic cells, DSB repair is fulfilled in the immensely complex environment of the chromatin. The chromatin is not just a passive background that accommodates the multitude of DNA repair proteins, but it is a highly dynamic and active participant in the repair process. Chromatin alterations, such as changing patterns of histone modifications shaped by numerous histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodeling, are pivotal for proficient DSB repair. Dynamic chromatin changes ensure accessibility to the damaged region, recruit DNA repair proteins, and regulate their association and activity, contributing to DSB repair pathway choice and coordination. Given the paramount importance of DSB repair in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, DSB repair has turned into an attractive target for the development of novel anticancer therapies, some of which have already entered the clinic.
Collapse
|
40
|
DNA-PK in human malignant disorders: Mechanisms and implications for pharmacological interventions. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 215:107617. [PMID: 32610116 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The DNA-PK holoenzyme is a fundamental element of the DNA damage response machinery (DDR), which is responsible for cellular genomic stability. Consequently, and predictably, over the last decades since its identification and characterization, numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies reported observations correlating aberrant DNA-PK status and activity with cancer onset, progression and responses to therapeutic modalities. Notably, various studies have established in recent years the role of DNA-PK outside the DDR network, corroborating its role as a pleiotropic complex involved in transcriptional programs that operate biologic processes as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, metabolism, nuclear receptors signaling and inflammatory responses. In particular tumor entities as prostate cancer, immense research efforts assisted mapping and describing the overall signaling networks regulated by DNA-PK that control metastasis and tumor progression. Correspondingly, DNA-PK emerges as an obvious therapeutic target in cancer and data pertaining to various pharmacological approaches have been published, largely in context of combination with DNA-damaging agents (DDAs) that act by inflicting DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Currently, new generation inhibitors are tested in clinical trials. Several excellent reviews have been published in recent years covering the biology of DNA-PK and its role in cancer. In the current article we are aiming to systematically describe the main findings on DNA-PK signaling in major cancer types, focusing on both preclinical and clinical reports and present a detailed current status of the DNA-PK inhibitors repertoire.
Collapse
|
41
|
Triptolide impairs genome integrity by directly blocking the enzymatic activity of DNA-PKcs in human cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110427. [PMID: 32574974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptolide is a multi-functional natural small molecular compound extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Triptolide and its derivatives exhibit cytotoxicity through inducing DNA damage, therefore increasing sensitivity to DNA-damage based chemotherapy or radiotherapy in different types of cells. However, the regulatory mechanism of genotoxicity by triptolide, and the loss of genome integrity induced by triptolide are not fully understood. Here, we measured the effects of triptolide on genome integrity in a human fibroblast line HCA2-hTERT using the neutral comet assay. We demonstrated that treating cells with triptolide induced genomic instability in HCA2-hTERT cells. Furthermore, we observed the accumulation of γH2AX foci in triptolide treated cells than control cells at 24 h post ionizing radiation. Further mechanistic studies indicated that triptolide inhibited the enzymatic activity of DNA-PKcs, the critical nonhomologous end joining factor. In vitro kinase activity assays showed that triptolide suppressed the kinase activity of DNA-PKcs and molecular docking also predicted a potential interaction between triptolide and DNA-PKcs. As a consequence, we found that triptolide treatment enhanced the interaction between DNA-PKcs and KU80 and hampered the following recruitment of 53BP1. Altogether, our finding provides a new perspective about the toxicity of triptolide in non-cancer cells and highlights the necessity of taking genome effects of triptolide and its derivatives into consideration in the future clinical and research applications.
Collapse
|
42
|
Tang X, Chen H, Chen G, Duan C, Fan Q, Li H, Wang Y, Li Z, Shi W, Liu Y. Validated LC-MS/MS method of Sphingosine 1-phosphate quantification in human serum for evaluation of response to radiotherapy in lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:1443-1452. [PMID: 32233070 PMCID: PMC7262919 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid, has been shown to mediate cancer processes. Therefore, accurate qualitative and quantitative determination is essential. The current assay method is still cumbersome to be of practical use worldwide and the aim of this study was therefore to develop a fast, accurate, precise and efficient LC‐MS/MS method for targeted analyses of S1P in serum samples. Methods Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) is an established method used for monitoring and analyzing S1P levels in serum. We determined the level of serum S1P in 256 patients with lung cancer and 36 healthy donors, and used Spearman';s rank correlation analysis to evaluate the difference in serum S1P levels between radiotherapy and nonradiotherapy patients. Results Standard curves were linear over ranges of 25–600 ng/mL for S1P with correlation coefficient (r2) greater than 0.9996. The lower limit of quantifications (LLOQs) was 25 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interbatch precisions and accuracy was less than 10% for S1P. The recoveries of the method were found to be 80%–98%. Serum S1P levels in healthy donors were different from those in patients (P < 0.001). Of 256 lung cancer patients, 124 (48.4%) received radiotherapy and were identified to have concomitant low serum S1P levels (222.13 ± 48.63), whereas 132 (51.6%) who had not received radiotherapy were identified to have high levels (315.16 ± 51.06). The serum S1P levels were therefore associated with radiotherapy (Spearman's Rho = −0.653, P < 0.001). Conclusions Our results indicated that this new LC‐MS/MS method is rapid, sensitive, specific and reliable for the quantification of S1P levels in serum samples. The level of S1P in serum samples of patients with lung cancer who received radiotherapy was significantly lower than that in patients who did not receive radiotherapy. Key points An improved method was established to quantify S1P levels in human serum by LC‐MS/MS, which enabled the change in serum S1P levels in lung cancer patients to be monitored, in combination with radiotherapy, and their clinical significance to be analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Tang
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Haisheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Guanxuan Chen
- Department of ICU, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Cunxian Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wenna Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yuguo Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is involved in many cellular pathways. It has a key role in the cellular response to DNA damage, in the repair of DNA double-strand break (DNA-DSBs) and as a consequence an important role in maintaining genomic integrity. In addition, DNA-PK has been shown to modulate transcription, to be involved in the development of the immune system and to protect telomeres. These pleotropic involvements and the fact that its expression is de-regulated in cancer have made DNA-PK an intriguing therapeutic target in cancer therapy, especially when combined with agents causing DNA-DSBs such as topoisomerase II inhibitors and ionizing radiation. Different small molecule inhibitors of DNA-PK have been recently synthesized and some are now being tested in clinical trials. This review discusses what is known about DNA-PK, its role in tumor biology, DNA repair and cancer therapy and critically discusses its inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|