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Melia E, Fisch AS, Tinhofer I, Parsons JL. Targeting Chk1 and Wee1 kinases enhances radiosensitivity of 2D and 3D head and neck cancer models to X-rays and low/high-LET protons. Cell Death Dis 2025; 16:128. [PMID: 39994186 PMCID: PMC11850709 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-025-07435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025]
Abstract
Ionising radiation causes the introduction of DNA damage, more specifically double strand breaks (DSBs) and complex DNA damage (CDD), that induces cancer cell death leading to the therapeutic effect. To combat this, cells activate arrest at the G2/M checkpoint to allow for effective DNA damage repair, coordinated by the Chk1 and Wee1 protein kinases. Therefore, Chk1 and Wee1 are considered promising therapeutic targets to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy in cancer cell killing. Here, we have analysed the response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, spheroids and patient-derived organoids to X-rays and proton beam therapy (PBT) in the presence of either a Chk1 (MK-8776) or a Wee1 (MK-1775) inhibitor. We demonstrate that inhibitors of Chk1 or Wee1 can significantly enhance the radiosensitivity of both 2D and 3D models of HNSCC to X-rays and PBT (performed at both low and high ionisation densities), and that this effect is caused through abrogation of the G2/M checkpoint causing the persistence of DSBs. Our results therefore suggest that targeting Chk1 and Wee1 kinases in combination with X-rays and PBT could represent a promising therapeutic avenue to enhance the clinical efficacy of HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Melia
- Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Anne-Sophie Fisch
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Translational Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Translational Radiation Oncology Research Laboratory, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jason L Parsons
- Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Melia E, Parsons JL. The Potential for Targeting G 2/M Cell Cycle Checkpoint Kinases in Enhancing the Efficacy of Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3016. [PMID: 39272874 PMCID: PMC11394570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the main cancer treatments being used for ~50% of all cancer patients. Conventional radiotherapy typically utilises X-rays (photons); however, there is increasing use of particle beam therapy (PBT), such as protons and carbon ions. This is because PBT elicits significant benefits through more precise dose delivery to the cancer than X-rays, but also due to the increases in linear energy transfer (LET) that lead to more enhanced biological effectiveness. Despite the radiotherapy type, the introduction of DNA damage ultimately drives the therapeutic response through stimulating cancer cell death. To combat this, cells harbour cell cycle checkpoints that enables time for efficient DNA damage repair. Interestingly, cancer cells frequently have mutations in key genes such as TP53 and ATM that drive the G1/S checkpoint, whereas the G2/M checkpoint driven through ATR, Chk1 and Wee1 remains intact. Therefore, targeting the G2/M checkpoint through specific inhibitors is considered an important strategy for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. In this review, we focus on inhibitors of Chk1 and Wee1 kinases and present the current biological evidence supporting their utility as radiosensitisers with different radiotherapy modalities, as well as clinical trials that have and are investigating their potential for cancer patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Melia
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jason L Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Rødland GE, Temelie M, Eek Mariampillai A, Hauge S, Gilbert A, Chevalier F, Savu DI, Syljuåsen RG. Potential Benefits of Combining Proton or Carbon Ion Therapy with DNA Damage Repair Inhibitors. Cells 2024; 13:1058. [PMID: 38920686 PMCID: PMC11201490 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121058] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of charged particle radiotherapy is currently increasing, but combination therapy with DNA repair inhibitors remains to be exploited in the clinic. The high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation delivered by charged particles causes clustered DNA damage, which is particularly effective in destroying cancer cells. Whether the DNA damage response to this type of damage is different from that elicited in response to low-LET radiation, and if and how it can be targeted to increase treatment efficacy, is not fully understood. Although several preclinical studies have reported radiosensitizing effects when proton or carbon ion irradiation is combined with inhibitors of, e.g., PARP, ATR, ATM, or DNA-PKcs, further exploration is required to determine the most effective treatments. Here, we examine what is known about repair pathway choice in response to high- versus low-LET irradiation, and we discuss the effects of inhibitors of these pathways when combined with protons and carbon ions. Additionally, we explore the potential effects of DNA repair inhibitors on antitumor immune signaling upon proton and carbon ion irradiation. Due to the reduced effect on healthy tissue and better immune preservation, particle therapy may be particularly well suited for combination with DNA repair inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro Elise Rødland
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mihaela Temelie
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Adrian Eek Mariampillai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sissel Hauge
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Antoine Gilbert
- UMR6252 CIMAP, Team Applications in Radiobiology with Accelerated Ions, CEA-CNRS-ENSICAEN-Université de Caen Normandie, 14000 Caen, France (F.C.)
| | - François Chevalier
- UMR6252 CIMAP, Team Applications in Radiobiology with Accelerated Ions, CEA-CNRS-ENSICAEN-Université de Caen Normandie, 14000 Caen, France (F.C.)
| | - Diana I. Savu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Randi G. Syljuåsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway
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Melia E, Parsons J. DNA damage and repair dependencies of ionising radiation modalities. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20222586. [PMID: 37695845 PMCID: PMC10548165 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is utilised in the treatment of ∼50% of all human cancers, which predominantly employs photon radiation. However, particle radiotherapy elicits significant benefits over conventional photons due to more precise dose deposition and increased linear energy transfer (LET) that generates an enhanced therapeutic response. Specifically, proton beam therapy (PBT) and carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) are characterised by a Bragg peak, which generates a low entrance radiation dose, with the majority of the energy deposition being defined within a small region which can be specifically targeted to the tumour, followed by a low exit dose. PBT is deemed relatively low-LET whereas CIRT is more densely ionising and therefore high LET. Despite the radiotherapy type, tumour cell killing relies heavily on the introduction of DNA damage that overwhelms the repair capacity of the tumour cells. It is known that DNA damage complexity increases with LET that leads to enhanced biological effectiveness, although the specific DNA repair pathways that are activated following the different radiation sources is unclear. This knowledge is required to determine whether specific proteins and enzymes within these pathways can be targeted to further increase the efficacy of the radiation. In this review, we provide an overview of the different radiation modalities and the DNA repair pathways that are responsive to these. We also provide up-to-date knowledge of studies examining the impact of LET and DNA damage complexity on DNA repair pathway choice, followed by evidence on how enzymes within these pathways could potentially be therapeutically exploited to further increase tumour radiosensitivity, and therefore radiotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Melia
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Jason L. Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
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Du X, Li J, Luo X, Li R, Li F, Zhang Y, Shi J, He J. Structure-activity relationships of Wee1 inhibitors: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112524. [PMID: 32688199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Wee1 kinase plays an important role in regulating G2/M checkpoint and S phase, and the inhibition of it will lead to mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells with p53 mutation or deletion. Therefore, the mechanism of Wee1 kinase in cancer treatment and the development of its inhibitors have become a research hotspot. However, although a variety of Wee1 inhibitors with different scaffolds and considerable activity have been successfully identified, so far no one has systematically summarized the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of Wee1 inhibitors. Previous reviews mainly focused on its mechanism and clinical application. To facilitate the rational design and development of Wee1 inhibitors in the future, this paper systematically summarizes its structural types, SARs and binding modes according to the Wee1 inhibitors reported in scientific journals, and also summarizes the regulatory effect of Wee1 kinase on cell cycle and the progress of its inhibitors in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rong Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Feng Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Ghelli Luserna di Rorà A, Cerchione C, Martinelli G, Simonetti G. A WEE1 family business: regulation of mitosis, cancer progression, and therapeutic target. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:126. [PMID: 32958072 PMCID: PMC7507691 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in the treatment of cancer has recently gained interest, and different DDR inhibitors have been developed. Among them, the most promising ones target the WEE1 kinase family, which has a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage identification and repair in both nonmalignant and cancer cells. This review recapitulates and discusses the most recent findings on the biological function of WEE1/PKMYT1 during the cell cycle and in the DNA damage repair, with a focus on their dual role as tumor suppressors in nonmalignant cells and pseudo-oncogenes in cancer cells. We here report the available data on the molecular and functional alterations of WEE1/PKMYT1 kinases in both hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, we summarize the preclinical information on 36 chemo/radiotherapy agents, and in particular their effect on cell cycle checkpoints and on the cellular WEE1/PKMYT1-dependent response. Finally, this review outlines the most important pre-clinical and clinical data available on the efficacy of WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitors in monotherapy and in combination with chemo/radiotherapy agents or with other selective inhibitors currently used or under evaluation for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ghelli Luserna di Rorà
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Biosciences Laboratory (Onco-hematology Unit), Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014, Meldola, FC, Italy.
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Wang B, Sun L, Yuan Z, Tao Z. Wee1 kinase inhibitor AZD1775 potentiates CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumour activity via dendritic cell activation following a single high dose of irradiation. Med Oncol 2020; 37:66. [PMID: 32696094 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-020-01390-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As standard treatments for cancer, DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents and irradiation therapy improve survival in patients with various cancers. Wee1, a kinase associated with the cell cycle, causes G2/M cell cycle arrest to allow repair of injured DNA in cancer cells, and a Wee1 inhibitor has been confirmed to lead to apoptosis in cancer cells. Recently, there has been renewed interest in exploring the immune environment which plays a significant role in tumour suppression. A Wee1 inhibitor combined with radiotherapy has been tested in lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancer and melanoma in vivo or in vitro. There is still no research evaluating the immunoregulatory effects of AZD1775 plus high-dose irradiation (IR) in vivo. T cell killing and CD8+ T cell depletion assays demonstrated that the combination of AZD1775 and IR delayed tumour growth in breast cancer mouse models. Additionally, combination treatment also suppressed the expression of PD-L1, a co-inhibitor, through the STAT3-IRF1 axis. The importance and originality of this study are that it explores the internal and external mechanisms of AZD1775 combined with a single high dose of IR and provides a rationale for applying the combination therapy described above in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127, Chang Le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Zhen Tao
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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Zhang J, Si J, Gan L, Zhou R, Guo M, Zhang H. Harnessing the targeting potential of differential radiobiological effects of photon versus particle radiation for cancer treatment. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1695-1711. [PMID: 32691425 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the major modalities for malignancy treatment. High linear energy transfer (LET) charged-particle beams, like proton and carbon ions, exhibit favourable depth-dose distributions and radiobiological enhancement over conventional low-LET photon irradiation, thereby marking a new era in high precision medicine. Tumour cells have developed multicomponent signal transduction networks known as DNA damage responses (DDRs), which initiate cell-cycle checkpoints and induce double-strand break (DSB) repairs in the nucleus by nonhomologous end joining or homologous recombination pathways, to manage ionising radiation (IR)-induced DNA lesions. DNA damage induction and DSB repair pathways are reportedly dependent on the quality of radiation delivered. In this review, we summarise various types of DNA lesion and DSB repair mechanisms, upon irradiation with low and high-LET radiation, respectively. We also analyse factors influencing DNA repair efficiency. Inhibition of DNA damage repair pathways and dysfunctional cell-cycle checkpoint sensitises tumour cells to IR. Radio-sensitising agents, including DNA-PK inhibitors, Rad51 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, ATM/ATR inhibitors, chk1 inhibitors, wee1 kinase inhibitors, Hsp90 inhibitors, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors have been found to enhance cell killing by IR through interference with DDRs, cell-cycle arrest, or other cellular processes. The cotreatment of these inhibitors with IR may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Si
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Research Center for Ecological Impacts and Environmental Health Effects of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing, China
| | - Menghuan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Huang RX, Zhou PK. DNA damage response signaling pathways and targets for radiotherapy sensitization in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:60. [PMID: 32355263 PMCID: PMC7192953 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 649] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the most common countermeasures for treating a wide range of tumors. However, the radioresistance of cancer cells is still a major limitation for radiotherapy applications. Efforts are continuously ongoing to explore sensitizing targets and develop radiosensitizers for improving the outcomes of radiotherapy. DNA double-strand breaks are the most lethal lesions induced by ionizing radiation and can trigger a series of cellular DNA damage responses (DDRs), including those helping cells recover from radiation injuries, such as the activation of DNA damage sensing and early transduction pathways, cell cycle arrest, and DNA repair. Obviously, these protective DDRs confer tumor radioresistance. Targeting DDR signaling pathways has become an attractive strategy for overcoming tumor radioresistance, and some important advances and breakthroughs have already been achieved in recent years. On the basis of comprehensively reviewing the DDR signal pathways, we provide an update on the novel and promising druggable targets emerging from DDR pathways that can be exploited for radiosensitization. We further discuss recent advances identified from preclinical studies, current clinical trials, and clinical application of chemical inhibitors targeting key DDR proteins, including DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit), ATM/ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related), the MRN (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1) complex, the PARP (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase) family, MDC1, Wee1, LIG4 (ligase IV), CDK1, BRCA1 (BRCA1 C terminal), CHK1, and HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1). Challenges for ionizing radiation-induced signal transduction and targeted therapy are also discussed based on recent achievements in the biological field of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Xue Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, AMMS, 100850, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Fu S, Wang Y, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstein F. Strategic development of AZD1775, a Wee1 kinase inhibitor, for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:741-751. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1511700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yudong Wang
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstein
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Oike T, Sato H, Noda SE, Nakano T. Translational Research to Improve the Efficacy of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy: Experience of Gunma University. Front Oncol 2016; 6:139. [PMID: 27376029 PMCID: PMC4899433 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2016.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon ion radiotherapy holds great promise for cancer therapy. Clinical data show that carbon ion radiotherapy is an effective treatment for tumors that are resistant to X-ray radiotherapy. Since 1994 in Japan, the National Institute of Radiological Sciences has been heading the development of carbon ion radiotherapy using the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba. The Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center (GHMC) was established in the year 2006 as a proof-of-principle institute for carbon ion radiotherapy with a view to facilitating the worldwide spread of compact accelerator systems. Along with the management of more than 1900 cancer patients to date, GHMC engages in translational research to improve the treatment efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy. Research aimed at guiding patient selection is of utmost importance for making the most of carbon ion radiotherapy, which is an extremely limited medical resource. Intratumoral oxygen levels, radiation-induced cellular apoptosis, the capacity to repair DNA double-strand breaks, and the mutational status of tumor protein p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor genes are all associated with X-ray sensitivity. Assays for these factors are useful in the identification of X-ray-resistant tumors for which carbon ion radiotherapy would be beneficial. Research aimed at optimizing treatments based on carbon ion radiotherapy is also important. This includes assessment of dose fractionation, normal tissue toxicity, tumor cell motility, and bystander effects. Furthermore, the efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy will likely be enhanced by research into combined treatment with other modalities such as chemotherapy. Several clinically available chemotherapeutic drugs (carboplatin, paclitaxel, and etoposide) and drugs at the developmental stage (Wee-1 and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors) show a sensitizing effect on tumor cells treated with carbon ions. Additionally, the efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy can be improved by combining it with cancer immunotherapy. Clinical validation of preclinical findings is necessary to further improve the treatment efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Oike
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma , Japan
| | - Hiro Sato
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma , Japan
| | - Shin-Ei Noda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine , Gunma , Japan
| | - Takashi Nakano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan; Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Gunma, Japan
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