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Zhang P, He F, Chang X. Single G-quadruplex-based fluorescence method for the uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor screening. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37171. [PMID: 39286175 PMCID: PMC11402653 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) plays a pivotal role in the base repair system. Through bioinformatics, we found that the expression of the UDG enzyme in many cancer cells is increased, and its high expression is not conducive to the prognosis of lung cancer patients. The development of analytical techniques for the quantification of UDG activity and the identification of UDG inhibitors is of paramount importance. We found that when the T base in the G4 loop region mutated to uracil, the G4 structure was not disrupted and still retained the characteristics of a G4 structure (emitting strong fluorescence after binding with ThT (Thioflavin T). Inspired by this phenomenon, we developed a detection method for UDG and its inhibitors utilizing a single DNA strand engineered to form a G-quadruplex structure, containing uracil residues within the loop region, designated as G4-dU. The inclusion of uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) in the assay environment induces the removal of uracil, resulting in the formation of apurinic sites (AP) within the G4-dU sequence. Subsequent thermal denaturation leads to strand cleavage at AP sites, precluding the reformation of the G-quadruplex configuration and abrogating fluorescence emission. The detection process in this study can be completed in only 30 min to 1 h, offers a straightforward, expedient, and efficacious modality for assessing UDG activity and UDG inhibitor potency, thereby facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pansong Zhang
- Center for Healthy Aging, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Fangfang He
- Center for Healthy Aging, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xin Chang
- Center for Healthy Aging, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, Shanxi, PR China
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2
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Nao SC, Huang LS, Shiu-Hin Chan D, Wang X, Li GD, Wu J, Wong CY, Wang W, Leung CH. Repurposing sodium stibogluconate as an uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor against prostate cancer using a time-resolved oligonucleotide-based drug screening platform. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107176. [PMID: 38330721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107176] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Repurposing drugs can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with drug discovery and development. However, many drug compounds possess intrinsic fluorescence, resulting in aberrations such as auto-fluorescence, scattering and quenching, in fluorescent high-throughput screening assays. To overcome these drawbacks, time-resolved technologies have received increasing attention. In this study, we have developed a rapid and efficient screening platform based on time-resolved emission spectroscopy in order to screen for inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme, uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG). From a database of 1456 FDA/EMA-approved drugs, sodium stibogluconate was discovered as a potent UDG inhibitor. This compound showed synergistic cytotoxicity against 5-fluorouracil-resistant cancer cells. This work provides a promising future for time-resolved technologies for high-throughput screening (HTS), allowing for the swift identification of bioactive compounds from previously overlooked scaffolds due to their inherent fluorescence properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Cuo Nao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Le-Sheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | | | - Xueliang Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Guo-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Chun-Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; MoE Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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3
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Xu M, Liu Y, Wan HL, Wong AM, Ding X, You W, Lo WS, Ng KKC, Wong N. Overexpression of nucleotide metabolic enzyme DUT in hepatocellular carcinoma potentiates a therapeutic opportunity through targeting its dUTPase activity. Cancer Lett 2022; 548:215898. [PMID: 36075487 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Uracil misincorporation during DNA replication is a major cell toxic event, of which cancer cells overcome by activating the dUTPase enzyme. The DUT gene is the only known dUTPase in human. Despite reports on common upregulations in cancers, the role of DUT in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely undetermined. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying DUT biology in HCC and tumor susceptibility to drug targeting dUTPase. Overexpression of DUT was found in 42% of HCC tumors and correlated with advanced stage HCC. Knockout of DUT in HCC cell lines showed suppressed proliferation through cell cycle arrest and a spontaneous induction of DNA damage. A protective effect from oxidative stress was also demonstrated in both knockout and overexpression DUT assays. Transcriptome analysis highlighted the NF-κB survival signaling as the downstream effector pathway of DUT in overriding oxidative stress-induced cell death. Interestingly, stably expressed DUT in liver progenitor organoids conferred drug resistance to TKI Sorafenib. Targeting dUTPase activity by TAS-114, could potentiate suppression of HCC growth that synergized with Sorafenib for better treatment sensitivity. In conclusion, upregulated DUT represents a nucleotide metabolic weakness and therapeutic opportunity in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjing Xu
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Lee Wan
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alissa M Wong
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaofan Ding
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenxing You
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Sze Lo
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin K-C Ng
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Surgery, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
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4
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Grumetti L, Lombardi R, Iannelli F, Pucci B, Avallone A, Di Gennaro E, Budillon A. Epigenetic Approaches to Overcome Fluoropyrimidines Resistance in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030695. [PMID: 35158962 PMCID: PMC8833539 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fluoropyrimidines represent the backbone of many combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of solid cancers but are still associated with toxicity and mechanisms of resistance. In this review, we focused on the epigenetic modifiers histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) and on their ability to regulate specific genes and proteins involved in the fluoropyrimidine metabolism and resistance mechanisms. We presented emerging preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting the mechanisms by which HDACis can prevent/overcome the resistance and/or enhance the therapeutic efficacy of fluoropyrimidines, potentially reducing their toxicity, and ultimately improving the overall survival of cancer patients. Abstract Although fluoropyrimidines were introduced as anticancer agents over 60 years ago, they are still the backbone of many combination chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of solid cancers. Like other chemotherapeutic agents, the therapeutic efficacy of fluoropyrimidines can be affected by drug resistance and severe toxicities; thus, novel therapeutic approaches are required to potentiate their efficacy and overcome drug resistance. In the last 20 years, the deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been shown to contribute to cancer hallmarks. Histone modifications play an important role in directing the transcriptional machinery and therefore represent interesting druggable targets. In this review, we focused on histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) that can increase antitumor efficacy and overcome resistance to fluoropyrimidines by targeting specific genes or proteins. Our preclinical data showed a strong synergistic interaction between HDACi and fluoropyrimidines in different cancer models, but the clinical studies did not seem to confirm these observations. Most likely, the introduction of increasingly complex preclinical models, both in vitro and in vivo, cannot recapitulate human complexity; however, our analysis of clinical studies revealed that most of them were designed without a mechanistic approach and, importantly, without careful patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grumetti
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
| | - Rita Lombardi
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
| | - Federica Iannelli
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
| | - Biagio Pucci
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Experimental Clinical Abdominal Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-081-590-3342 (E.D.G.); +39-081-590-3292 (A.B.)
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Experimetnal Pharmacology Unit-Laboratory of Naples and Mercogliano (AV), Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.G.); (R.L.); (F.I.); (B.P.)
- Correspondence: (E.D.G.); (A.B.); Tel.: +39-081-590-3342 (E.D.G.); +39-081-590-3292 (A.B.)
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5
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Li X, Liu L, Li N, Jia Q, Wang X, Zuo L, Long J, Xue P, Sun Z, Zhao H. Metabolomics based plasma biomarkers for diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral erosive lichen planus. J Cancer 2022; 13:76-87. [PMID: 34976172 PMCID: PMC8692701 DOI: 10.7150/jca.59777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: To identify diagnostic biomarkers for differentiating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from oral erosive lichen planus (OELP) and investigate potential biomarkers associated with malignant transformation. Methods: In this study, 72 patients with OSCC, 75 patients with OELP subjects were recruited. Their plasma samples were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry, (UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap HRMS). Principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least square discrimination analysis, t-test analysis and false discovery rate were used to identify different metabolites in patients with OSCC and OELP. The metabolic pathway analysis was performed by MetaboAnalyst. To further screen and identify the biomarkers of OSCC and establish a diagnostic panel, binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used. The data were then combined with blood samples from healthy individuals for mass spectrometry analysis to obtain biomarkers related to malignant transformation. Results: A total of 20 kinds of endogenous metabolites were identified from plasma samples of OSCC patients and OELP patients. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the biomarkers associated with OSCC were closely related to cholic acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Finally, a diagnostic panel composed of decanoylcarnitine, cysteine and cholic acid was established. This diagnostic panel had good diagnostic efficiency with the AUC=0.998. Other metabolites including uridine, taurine, glutamate, citric acid and LysoPC(18:1) were identified to be general biomarkers for malignant transformation of OELP. Conclusion: Biomarkers based on plasma metabolomics are of great significance for the prediction of malignant transformation of OELP and early diagnosis of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibo Li
- Department of Oral Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University· Stomatological Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,School and Hospital of Stomatology of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Henan Engineering Research Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry for Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Prosthodontics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University· Stomatological Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Qingquan Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Henan Engineering Research Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry for Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Wang
- Department of Oral Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University· Stomatological Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,School and Hospital of Stomatology of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lihua Zuo
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Henan Engineering Research Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry for Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jianglan Long
- Beijing Key Laboratory and Joint Laboratory for International Cooperation of Bio-characteristic Profiling for Evaluation of Rational Drug Use, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Peng Xue
- Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University· Stomatological Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Zhi Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,Henan Engineering Research Center of Clinical Mass Spectrometry for Precision Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of Oral Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University· Stomatological Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.,School and Hospital of Stomatology of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
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6
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Strengths and Weaknesses of Cell Synchronization Protocols Based on Inhibition of DNA Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910759. [PMID: 34639098 PMCID: PMC8509769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchronous cell populations are commonly used for the analysis of various aspects of cellular metabolism at specific stages of the cell cycle. Cell synchronization at a chosen cell cycle stage is most frequently achieved by inhibition of specific metabolic pathway(s). In this respect, various protocols have been developed to synchronize cells in particular cell cycle stages. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols for cell synchronization of mammalian cells based on the inhibition of synthesis of DNA building blocks-deoxynucleotides and/or inhibition of DNA synthesis. The mechanism of action, examples of their use, and advantages and disadvantages are described with the aim of providing a guide for the selection of suitable protocol for different studied situations.
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7
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Xie Y, Karki CB, Chen J, Liu D, Li L. Computational Study on DNA Repair: The Roles of Electrostatic Interactions Between Uracil-DNA Glycosylase (UDG) and DNA. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:718587. [PMID: 34422909 PMCID: PMC8377759 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.718587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) is one of the most important base excision repair (BER) enzymes involved in the repair of uracil-induced DNA lesion by removing uracil from the damaged DNA. Uracil in DNA may occur due to cytosine deamination or deoxy uridine monophosphate (dUMP) residue misincorporation during DNA synthesis. Medical evidences show that an abnormal expression of UDG is related to different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. Therefore, the research of UDG is crucial in cancer treatment and prevention as well as other clinical activities. Here we applied multiple computational methods to study UDG in several perspectives: Understanding the stability of the UDG enzyme in different pH conditions; studying the differences in charge distribution between the pocket side and non-pocket side of UDG; analyzing the field line distribution at the interfacial area between UDG and DNA; and performing electrostatic binding force analyses of the special region of UDG (pocket area) and the target DNA base (uracil) as well as investigating the charged residues on the UDG binding pocket and binding interface. Our results show that the whole UDG binding interface, and not the UDG binding pocket area alone, provides the binding attractive force to the damaged DNA at the uracil base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Xie
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Chitra B Karki
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Computer Science Program, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA, United States
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Computer Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Lin Li
- Computational Science Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States.,Department of Physics, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
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Christenson ES, Gizzi A, Cui J, Egleston M, Seamon KJ, DePasquale M, Orris B, Park BH, Stivers JT. Inhibition of Human Uracil DNA Glycosylase Sensitizes a Large Fraction of Colorectal Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine and Raltitrexed but Not Fluorouracil. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 99:412-425. [PMID: 33795350 PMCID: PMC11033954 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous short-hairpin RNA knockdown studies have established that depletion of human uracil DNA glycosylase (hUNG) sensitizes some cell lines to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FdU). Here, we selectively inhibit the catalytic activity of hUNG by lentiviral transduction of uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor protein into a large panel of cancer cell lines under control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter. This induced inhibition strategy better assesses the therapeutic potential of small-molecule targeting of hUNG. In total, 6 of 11 colorectal lines showed 6- to 70-fold increases in FdU potency upon hUNG inhibition ("responsive"). This hUNG-dependent response was not observed with fluorouracil (FU), indicating that FU does not operate through the same DNA repair mechanism as FdU in vitro. Potency of the thymidylate synthase inhibitor raltitrexed (RTX), which elevates deoxyuridine triphosphate levels, was only incrementally enhanced upon hUNG inhibition (<40%), suggesting that responsiveness is associated with incorporation and persistence of FdU in DNA rather than deoxyuridine. The importance of FU/A and FU/G lesions in the toxicity of FdU is supported by the observation that dT supplementation completely rescued the toxic effects of U/A lesions resulting from RTX, but dT only increased the IC50 for FdU, which forms both FU/A and FU/G mismatches. Contrary to previous reports, cellular responsiveness to hUNG inhibition did not correlate with p53 status or thymine DNA glycosylase expression. A model is suggested in which the persistence of FU/A and FU/G base pairs in the absence of hUNG activity elicits an apoptotic DNA damage response in both responsive and nonresponsive colorectal lines. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The pyrimidine base 5-fluorouracil is a mainstay chemotherapeutic for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Here, this study shows that its deoxynucleoside form, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FdU), operates by a distinct DNA incorporation mechanism that is strongly potentiated by inhibition of the DNA repair enzyme human uracil DNA glycosylase. The hUNG-dependent mechanism was present in over 50% of colorectal cell lines tested, suggesting that a significant fraction of human cancers may be sensitized to FdU in the presence of a small-molecule hUNG inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Christenson
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Anthony Gizzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Junru Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Matthew Egleston
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Kyle J Seamon
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Michael DePasquale
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Benjamin Orris
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - Ben H Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
| | - James T Stivers
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (E.S.C., A.G., J.C., M.E., K.J.S., B.O., J.T.S.); Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland (M.D.); and Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee (B.H.P.)
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10
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Viruses with U-DNA: New Avenues for Biotechnology. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050875. [PMID: 34068736 PMCID: PMC8150378 DOI: 10.3390/v13050875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deoxyuridine in DNA has recently been in the focus of research due to its intriguing roles in several physiological and pathophysiological situations. Although not an orthodox DNA base, uracil may appear in DNA via either cytosine deamination or thymine-replacing incorporations. Since these alterations may induce mutation or may perturb DNA–protein interactions, free living organisms from bacteria to human contain several pathways to counteract uracilation. These efficient and highly specific repair routes uracil-directed excision repair initiated by representative of uracil-DNA glycosylase families. Interestingly, some bacteriophages exist with thymine-lacking uracil-DNA genome. A detailed understanding of the strategy by which such phages can replicate in bacteria where an efficient repair pathway functions for uracil-excision from DNA is expected to reveal novel inhibitors that can also be used for biotechnological applications. Here, we also review the several potential biotechnological applications already implemented based on inhibitors of uracil-excision repair, such as Crispr-base-editing and detection of nascent uracil distribution pattern in complex genomes.
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Nguyen MT, Moiani D, Ahmed Z, Arvai AS, Namjoshi S, Shin DS, Fedorov Y, Selvik EJ, Jones DE, Pink J, Yan Y, Laverty DJ, Nagel ZD, Tainer JA, Gerson SL. An effective human uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitor targets the open pre-catalytic active site conformation. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 163:143-159. [PMID: 33675849 PMCID: PMC8722130 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human uracil DNA-glycosylase (UDG) is the prototypic and first identified DNA glycosylase with a vital role in removing deaminated cytosine and incorporated uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from DNA. UDG depletion sensitizes cells to high APOBEC3B deaminase and to pemetrexed (PEM) and floxuridine (5-FdU), which are toxic to tumor cells through incorporation of uracil and 5-FU into DNA. To identify small-molecule UDG inhibitors for pre-clinical evaluation, we optimized biochemical screening of a selected diversity collection of >3,000 small-molecules. We found aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) as an inhibitor of purified UDG at an initial calculated IC50 < 100 nM. Subsequent enzymatic assays confirmed effective ATA inhibition but with an IC50 of 700 nM and showed direct binding to the human UDG with a KD of <700 nM. ATA displays preferential, dose-dependent binding to purified human UDG compared to human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase. ATA did not bind uracil-containing DNA at these concentrations. Yet, combined crystal structure and in silico docking results unveil ATA interactions with the DNA binding channel and uracil-binding pocket in an open, destabilized UDG conformation. Biologically relevant ATA inhibition of UDG was measured in cell lysates from human DLD1 colon cancer cells and in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using a host cell reactivation assay. Collective findings provide proof-of-principle for development of an ATA-based chemotype and “door stopper” strategy targeting inhibitor binding to a destabilized, open pre-catalytic glycosylase conformation that prevents active site closing for functional DNA binding and nucleotide flipping needed to excise altered bases in DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- My T Nguyen
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Biochemistry, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Davide Moiani
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zamal Ahmed
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew S Arvai
- Integrative Structural & Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Sarita Namjoshi
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dave S Shin
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Yuriy Fedorov
- Case Small-Molecule Screening Core, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Edward J Selvik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Darin E Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - John Pink
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Daniel J Laverty
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zachary D Nagel
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Stanton L Gerson
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Biochemistry, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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12
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Sethy C, Kundu CN. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance and the new strategy to enhance the sensitivity against cancer: Implication of DNA repair inhibition. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111285. [PMID: 33485118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been an important anti-cancer drug to date. With an increase in the knowledge of its mechanism of action, various treatment modalities have been developed over the past few decades to increase its anti-cancer activity. But drug resistance has greatly affected the clinical use of 5-FU. Overcoming this chemoresistance is a challenge due to the presence of cancer stem cells like cells, cancer recurrence, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this review, we have systematically discussed the mechanism of 5-FU resistance and advent strategies to increase the sensitivity of 5-FU therapy including resistance reversal. Special emphasis has been given to the cancer stem cells (CSCs) mediated 5-FU chemoresistance and its reversal process by different approaches including the DNA repair inhibition process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmayee Sethy
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- Cancer Biology Division, School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India.
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13
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Kawazoe A, Takahari D, Keisho C, Nakamura Y, Ikeno T, Wakabayashi M, Nomura S, Tamura H, Fukutani M, Hirano N, Saito Y, Kambe M, Sato A, Shitara K. A multicenter phase II study of TAS-114 in combination with S-1 in patients with pretreated advanced gastric cancer (EPOC1604). Gastric Cancer 2021; 24:190-196. [PMID: 32700159 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-020-01107-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a phase 2 study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of TAS-114, a novel deoxyuridine triphosphatase inhibitor, combined with S-1 in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). METHODS Eligible patients had AGC with measurable lesions, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST, v1.1), with two or more previous chemotherapy regimens including fluoropyrimidines, platinum agents, and taxanes or irinotecan. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) according to the RECIST, v1.1. Twenty-nine patients were required according to Simon's optimal two-stage design, with one-sided a = 5% and power = 80%. Threshold and expected ORRs were 5% and 25%. Patients received TAS-114 (400 mg/body, twice a day) and S-1 (30 mg/m2, twice a day) for 14 days, followed by 7 days of rest in one 3-week cycle. Protein expression levels of dUTPase and BRCA1 in tumor samples were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Accrual was terminated in June 2018 because meeting the predefined efficacy criteria was considered difficult. ORR and disease control rate were 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-24.9%] and 70.0% (95% CI, 45.7-88.1%), respectively, for all 20 patients enrolled. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 2.4 months (95% CI, 1.2-3.3 months) and 7.1 months (95% CI, 5.2-9.4 months), respectively. Median PFS in the groups with high and low dUTPase protein expression in the cytoplasm was 2.8 months (95% CI, 1.4-3.9) and 1.6 months (95% CI, 0.6-2.4), respectively [hazard ratio, 0.40 (95% CI, 0.16-1.04), log-rank test two-sided p = 0.047]. Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events included anemia (20%), leucopenia (15%), neutropenia (10%), rash (10%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and lymphopenia (5%) CONCLUSIONS: TAS-114 with S-1 showed only modest antitumor activity with acceptable safety profiles for patients heavily pretreated with AGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Kawazoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takahari
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chin Keisho
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikeno
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masashi Wakabayashi
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shogo Nomura
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tamura
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Miki Fukutani
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nami Hirano
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yumiko Saito
- Department of Clinical Research Department, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moe Kambe
- Department of Clinical Research Department, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sato
- Clinical Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan.
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14
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Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer tissues have increased base excision repair capacity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16371. [PMID: 33004944 PMCID: PMC7529820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of bladder cancer (BC) are complex and have not been fully elucidated. Alterations in base excision repair (BER) capacity, one of several DNA repair mechanisms assigned to preserving genome integrity, have been reported to influence cancer susceptibility, recurrence, and progression, as well as responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report herein that non-muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) tissues exhibit increased uracil incision, abasic endonuclease and gap-filling activities, as well as total BER capacity in comparison to normal bladder tissue from the same patient (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in 8-oxoG incision activity between cancer and normal tissues. NMIBC tissues have elevated protein levels of uracil DNA glycosylase, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, AP endonuclease 1 and DNA polymerase β protein. Moreover, the fold increase in total BER and the individual BER enzyme activities were greater in high-grade tissues than in low-grade NMIBC tissues. These findings suggest that enhanced BER activity may play a role in the etiology of NMIBC and that BER proteins could serve as biomarkers in disease prognosis, progression or response to genotoxic therapeutics, such as Bacillus Calmette–Guérin.
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15
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Pálinkás HL, Békési A, Róna G, Pongor L, Papp G, Tihanyi G, Holub E, Póti Á, Gemma C, Ali S, Morten MJ, Rothenberg E, Pagano M, Szűts D, Győrffy B, Vértessy BG. Genome-wide alterations of uracil distribution patterns in human DNA upon chemotherapeutic treatments. eLife 2020; 9:e60498. [PMID: 32956035 PMCID: PMC7505663 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous anti-cancer drugs perturb thymidylate biosynthesis and lead to genomic uracil incorporation contributing to their antiproliferative effect. Still, it is not yet characterized if uracil incorporations have any positional preference. Here, we aimed to uncover genome-wide alterations in uracil pattern upon drug treatments in human cancer cell line models derived from HCT116. We developed a straightforward U-DNA sequencing method (U-DNA-Seq) that was combined with in situ super-resolution imaging. Using a novel robust analysis pipeline, we found broad regions with elevated probability of uracil occurrence both in treated and non-treated cells. Correlation with chromatin markers and other genomic features shows that non-treated cells possess uracil in the late replicating constitutive heterochromatic regions, while drug treatment induced a shift of incorporated uracil towards segments that are normally more active/functional. Data were corroborated by colocalization studies via dSTORM microscopy. This approach can be applied to study the dynamic spatio-temporal nature of genomic uracil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajnalka L Pálinkás
- Genome Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Science, University of SzegedSzegedHungary
| | - Angéla Békési
- Genome Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
| | - Gergely Róna
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Lőrinc Pongor
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Gábor Papp
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
| | - Gergely Tihanyi
- Genome Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
| | - Eszter Holub
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
| | - Ádám Póti
- Genome Stability Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Carolina Gemma
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael J Morten
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Dávid Szűts
- Genome Stability Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Beáta G Vértessy
- Genome Metabolism Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural SciencesBudapestHungary
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and EconomicsBudapestHungary
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16
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Li G, Henry SA, Liu H, Kang TS, Nao SC, Zhao Y, Wu C, Jin J, Zhang JT, Leung CH, Wai Hong Chan P, Ma DL. A robust photoluminescence screening assay identifies uracil-DNA glycosylase inhibitors against prostate cancer. Chem Sci 2020; 11:1750-1760. [PMID: 34123270 PMCID: PMC8148385 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc05623h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancers have developed resistance to 5-FU, due to removal by the enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG), a type of base excision repair enzyme (BER) that can excise uracil and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from DNA. However, the development of UDG inhibitor screening methods, especially for the rapid and efficient screening of natural product/natural product-like compounds, is still limited so far. We developed herein a robust time-resolved photoluminescence method for screening UDG inhibitors, which could significantly improve sensitivity over the screening method based on the conventional steady-state spectroscopy, reducing the substantial fluorescence background interference. As a proof-of-concept, two potential UDG inhibitors were identified from a database of natural products and approved drugs. Co-treatment of these two compounds with 5-FU showed synergistic cytotoxicity, providing the basis for treating drug-resistant cancers. Overall, this method provides an avenue for the rapid screening of small molecule regulators of other BER enzyme activities that can avoid false negatives arising from the background fluorescence. The discovery of UDG inhibitors against prostate cancer by using a robust photoluminescence screening assay that can avoid false negatives arising from the background fluorescence.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau
| | | | - Hao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Hong Kong
| | - Tian-Shu Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau
| | - Sang-Cuo Nao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau
| | - Yichao Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Chun Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Hong Kong
| | - Jianwen Jin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Jia-Tong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau
| | - Philip Wai Hong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK.,School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Hong Kong
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17
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Zeng X, Hernandez-Sanchez W, Xu M, Whited TL, Baus D, Zhang J, Berdis AJ, Taylor DJ. Administration of a Nucleoside Analog Promotes Cancer Cell Death in a Telomerase-Dependent Manner. Cell Rep 2019; 23:3031-3041. [PMID: 29874588 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, the end-replication enzyme, is reactivated in malignant cancers to drive cellular immortality. While this distinction makes telomerase an attractive target for anti-cancer therapies, most approaches for inhibiting its activity have been clinically ineffective. As opposed to inhibiting telomerase, we use its activity to selectively promote cytotoxicity in cancer cells. We show that several nucleotide analogs, including 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (5-FdU) triphosphate, are effectively incorporated by telomerase into a telomere DNA product. Administration of 5-FdU results in an increased number of telomere-induced foci, impedes binding of telomere proteins, activates the ATR-related DNA-damage response, and promotes cell death in a telomerase-dependent manner. Collectively, our data indicate that telomerase activity can be exploited as a putative anti-cancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehuo Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Mengyuan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tawna L Whited
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Diane Baus
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Junran Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Anthony J Berdis
- Department of Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
| | - Derek J Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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18
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High UDG and BRCA1 expression is associated with adverse outcome in patients with pemetrexed treated non-small cell lung Cancer. Lung Cancer 2018; 126:48-54. [PMID: 30527192 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The antifolate chemotherapy agent pemetrexed has been widely used to treat non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC), but there is no clinically validated biomarker to select patients likely to respond. The aim of this study was to assess two proteins involved in DNA repair mechanisms, uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and BRCA1 as potential prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 119 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with pemetrexed between 2004 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Expression of UDG, BRCA1, and known prognostic factors ALK, TTF-1, thymidylate synthase and folylpolyglutamate synthase was assessed by immunohistochemistry using H-SCORE (product of percent stained cells and intensity of expression). Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) served as reference endpoint. RESULTS Most NSCLC tumor samples had UDG positivity in at least 5% of tumor cells and 34% samples had more than 50% positive tumor cells. Using the median expression value as threshold, high UDG expression (H-SCORE≥75) was significantly associated with shorter median PFS (3-year PFS 7% vs. 37%, p = 0.045) and a trend for shorter OS (3-year OS 15% vs 42%, p = 0.066) compared to patients with low UDG. In multivariable Cox analysis, the association between high UDG and shorter PFS was close to statistically significant (p = 0.08) at a significance level of 0.05 after controlling for age, gender, ALK- and TTF1-status with hazard ratio of 2.1. Grouping patients according to combined UDG and BRCA1 expression, patients with a profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the shortest PFS and OS compared to all other patient groups (p = 0.007 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate an important prognostic role for high UDG expression in pemetrexed-treated NSCLC patients, in addition to its previously reported role in pemetrexed cytotoxicity. High UDG expression was predictive of shorter PFS and OS, and patients with a combined profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the poorest outcome following pemetrexed treatment.
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19
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Desai A, Yan Y, Gerson SL. Advances in therapeutic targeting of the DNA damage response in cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 66-67:24-29. [PMID: 29715575 PMCID: PMC6005187 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is a series of pathways and processes required to repair lesions to DNA. These pathways range from repairing strand breaks to the double helix, damaged bases formed after oxidation or deamination, inaccurate DNA replication resulting in mispaired base alignment, intrastrand crosslinks that trigger cell death, and a plethora of other genomic insults. The DDR is believed to be a critical component of radio and chemoresistance in many cancers as well, with the tumor's ability to repair therapy induced damage being an important tool used to survive traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Here we summarize advances made in specifically targeting DDR proteins in cancer therapy and project on the potential breakthroughs and pitfalls to arise as the field progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Desai
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stanton L Gerson
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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20
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Yan Y, Qing Y, Pink JJ, Gerson SL. Loss of Uracil DNA Glycosylase Selectively Resensitizes p53-Mutant and -Deficient Cells to 5-FdU. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:212-221. [PMID: 29117941 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitors including fluoropyrimidines [e.g., 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine (5-FdU, floxuridine)] and antifolates (e.g., pemetrexed) are widely used against solid tumors. Previously, we reported that shRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) sensitized cancer cells to 5-FdU. Because p53 has also been shown as a critical determinant of the sensitivity to TS inhibitors, we further interrogated 5-FdU cytotoxicity after UDG depletion with regard to p53 status. By analyzing a panel of human cancer cells with known p53 status, it was determined that p53-mutated or -deficient cells are highly resistant to 5-FdU. UDG depletion resensitizes 5-FdU in p53-mutant and -deficient cells, whereas p53 wild-type (WT) cells are not affected under similar conditions. Utilizing paired HCT116 p53 WT and p53 knockout (KO) cells, it was shown that loss of p53 improves cell survival after 5-FdU, and UDG depletion only significantly sensitizes p53 KO cells. This sensitization can also be recapitulated by UDG depletion in cells with p53 KD by shRNAs. In addition, sensitization is also observed with pemetrexed in p53 KO cells, but not with 5-FU, most likely due to RNA incorporation. Importantly, in p53 WT cells, the apoptosis pathway induced by 5-FdU is activated independent of UDG status. However, in p53 KO cells, apoptosis is compromised in UDG-expressing cells, but dramatically elevated in UDG-depleted cells. Collectively, these results provide evidence that loss of UDG catalyzes significant cell death signals only in cancer cells mutant or deficient in p53.Implications: This study reveals that UDG depletion restores sensitivity to TS inhibitors and has chemotherapeutic potential in the context of mutant or deficient p53. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 212-21. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Yulan Qing
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John J Pink
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stanton L Gerson
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Preya UH, Lee KT, Kim NJ, Lee JY, Jang DS, Choi JH. The natural terthiophene α-terthienylmethanol induces S phase cell cycle arrest of human ovarian cancer cells via the generation of ROS stress. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 272:72-79. [PMID: 28506552 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide. Thiophenes such as terthiophene have been shown to have anti-tumor effects on several cancer cell lines, including ovarian cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms behind the anti-proliferative effect of thiophenes are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effect of α-terthienylmethanol, a terthiophene isolated from Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy), on human ovarian cancer cells. We found that α-terthienylmethanol is a more potent inhibitor of cell growth than is cisplatin in human ovarian cancer cells. α-Terthienylmethanol induces cell cycle arrest in ovarian cancer cells, as shown by the accumulation of cells in S phase. In addition, α-terthienylmethanol induced a change in S phase-related proteins cyclin A, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, and cyclin D2. Knockdown of cyclin A using specific siRNAs significantly compromised α-terthienylmethanol-induced S phase arrest. We further demonstrated that α-terthienylmethanol induced an increase in intracellular ROS, and the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine significantly reversed the S phase arrest induced by α-terthienylmethanol. Moreover, α-terthienylmethanol significantly increased the levels of p-H2AX, a DNA damage marker. These results suggest that α-terthienylmethanol inhibits the growth of human ovarian cancer cells by S phase cell cycle arrest via induction of ROS stress and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umma Hafsa Preya
- Department of Life and Nanopharamceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharamceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Jung-Yun Lee
- Department of Plant Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Life and Nanopharamceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hye Choi
- Department of Life and Nanopharamceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea.
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