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Deiana C, Agostini M, Brandi G, Giovannetti E. The trend toward more target therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024:1-41. [PMID: 38768098 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the considerable progress made in cancer treatment through the development of target therapies, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to exhibit resistance to this category of drugs. As a result, chemotherapy combination regimens remain the primary treatment approach for this aggressive cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of past and ongoing trials on both well-known and novel targets that are being explored in PDAC, including PARP, EGFR, HER2, KRAS, and its downstream and upstream pathways (such as RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR), JAK/STAT pathway, angiogenesis, metabolisms, epigenetic targets, claudin, and novel targets (such as P53 and plectin). We also provide a comprehensive overview of the significant trials for each target, allowing a thorough glimpse into the past and future of target therapy. EXPERT OPINION The path toward implementing a target therapy capable of improving the overall survival of PDAC is still long, and it is unlikely that a monotherapy target drug will fulfill a meaningful role in addressing the complexity of this cancer. Thus, we discuss the future direction of target therapies in PDAC, trying to identify the more promising target and combination treatments, with a special focus on the more eagerly awaited ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Agostini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, San Giuliano, Italy
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Madakashira BP, Magnani E, Ranjan S, Sadler KC. DNA hypomethylation activates Cdk4/6 and Atr to induce DNA replication and cell cycle arrest to constrain liver outgrowth in zebrafish. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3069-3087. [PMID: 38321933 PMCID: PMC11014291 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Coordinating epigenomic inheritance and cell cycle progression is essential for organogenesis. UHRF1 connects these functions during development by facilitating maintenance of DNA methylation and cell cycle progression. Here, we provide evidence resolving the paradoxical phenotype of uhrf1 mutant zebrafish embryos which have activation of pro-proliferative genes and increased number of hepatocytes in S-phase, but the liver fails to grow. We uncover decreased Cdkn2a/b and persistent Cdk4/6 activation as the mechanism driving uhrf1 mutant hepatocytes into S-phase. This induces replication stress, DNA damage and Atr activation. Palbociclib treatment of uhrf1 mutants prevented aberrant S-phase entry, reduced DNA damage, and rescued most cellular and developmental phenotypes, but it did not rescue DNA hypomethylation, transposon expression or the interferon response. Inhibiting Atr reduced DNA replication and increased liver size in uhrf1 mutants, suggesting that Atr activation leads to dormant origin firing and prevents hepatocyte proliferation. Cdkn2a/b was downregulated pro-proliferative genes were also induced in a Cdk4/6 dependent fashion in the liver of dnmt1 mutants, suggesting DNA hypomethylation as a mechanism of Cdk4/6 activation during development. This shows that the developmental defects caused by DNA hypomethylation are attributed to persistent Cdk4/6 activation, DNA replication stress, dormant origin firing and cell cycle inhibition.
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Toledo B, Deiana C, Scianò F, Brandi G, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Treatment resistance in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer: molecular and clinical pharmacology perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:323-347. [PMID: 38413373 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2319340] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment resistance poses a significant obstacle in oncology, especially in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Current therapeutic options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Resistance to these treatments may arise due to diverse molecular mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic modifications, altered drug metabolism and efflux, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Identifying and overcoming these mechanisms is a major focus of research: strategies being explored include combination therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and personalized approaches. AREAS COVERED We provide a current overview and discussion of the most relevant mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy in both BTC and PC. Furthermore, we compare the different strategies that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles. EXPERT OPINION So far there is no unified theory on drug resistance and progress is limited. To overcome this issue, individualized patient approaches, possibly through liquid biopsies or single-cell transcriptome studies, are suggested, along with the potential use of artificial intelligence, to guide effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, we provide insights into what we consider the most promising areas of research, and we speculate on the future of managing treatment resistance to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Alfayomy AM, Ashry R, Kansy AG, Sarnow AC, Erdmann F, Schmidt M, Krämer OH, Sippl W. Design, synthesis, and biological characterization of proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) for the ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related (ATR) kinase. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116167. [PMID: 38308949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116167] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The Ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related (ATR) kinase is a key regulator of DNA replication stress responses and DNA-damage checkpoints. Several potent and selective ATR inhibitors are reported and four of them are currently in clinical trials in combination with radio- or chemotherapy. Based on the idea of degrading target proteins rather than inhibiting them, we designed, synthesized and biologically characterized a library of ATR-targeted proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs). Among the synthesized compounds, the lenalidomide-based PROTAC 42i was the most promising. In pancreatic and cervix cancer cells cancer cells, it reduced ATR to 40 % of the levels in untreated cells. 42i selectively degraded ATR through the proteasome, dependent on the E3 ubiquitin ligase component cereblon, and without affecting the associated kinases ATM and DNA-PKcs. 42i may be a promising candidate for further optimization and biological characterization in various cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah M Alfayomy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Ramy Ashry
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany; Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Anita G Kansy
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anne-Christin Sarnow
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Frank Erdmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Sutcu HH, Rassinoux P, Donnio LM, Neuillet D, Vianna F, Gabillot O, Mari PO, Baldeyron C, Giglia-Mari G. Decline of DNA damage response along with myogenic differentiation. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302279. [PMID: 37993260 PMCID: PMC10665522 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA integrity is incessantly confronted to agents inducing DNA lesions. All organisms are equipped with a network of DNA damage response mechanisms that will repair DNA lesions and restore proper cellular activities. Despite DNA repair mechanisms have been revealed in replicating cells, still little is known about how DNA lesions are repaired in postmitotic cells. Muscle fibers are highly specialized postmitotic cells organized in syncytia and they are vulnerable to age-related degeneration and atrophy after radiotherapy treatment. We have studied the DNA repair capacity of muscle fiber nuclei and compared it with the one measured in proliferative myoblasts here. We focused on the DNA repair mechanisms that correct ionizing radiation (IR)-induced lesions, namely the base excision repair, the nonhomologous end joining, and the homologous recombination (HR). We found that in the most differentiated myogenic cells, myotubes, these DNA repair mechanisms present weakened kinetics of recruitment of DNA repair proteins to IR-damaged DNA. For base excision repair and HR, this decline can be linked to reduced steady-state levels of key proteins involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haser H Sutcu
- https://ror.org/01ha22c77 Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SERAMED/LRAcc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Phoebe Rassinoux
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (INMG-PGNM) CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Lise-Marie Donnio
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (INMG-PGNM) CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Neuillet
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (INMG-PGNM) CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - François Vianna
- https://ror.org/01ha22c77 Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SDOS/LMDN, Saint-Paul-Lez-Durance, France
| | - Olivier Gabillot
- https://ror.org/01ha22c77 Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SERAMED/LRAcc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Mari
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (INMG-PGNM) CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Céline Baldeyron
- https://ror.org/01ha22c77 Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SERAMED/LRAcc, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Giuseppina Giglia-Mari
- Pathophysiology and Genetics of Neuron and Muscle (INMG-PGNM) CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Sharma N, Chaudhary A, Sachdeva M. An insight into the structure-activity relationship studies of anticancer medicinal attributes of 7-azaindole derivatives: a review. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:2309-2323. [PMID: 38112047 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0216] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current portfolio, there is a lot of interest in the 7-azaindole building block for drug discovery. The creation of synthetic, sophisticated methods for the modification of 7-azaindoles is a promising area of research. This review covers the structure-activity relationship of 7-azaindole analogs, which have been shown to be effective anticancer agents in the literature of the past two decades. Positions 1, 3 and 5 of the 7-azaindole ring are the most active sites. Disubstitution is used for the synthesis of a new analog of the 7-azaindole moiety. All positions are used to create novel molecules that are effective anticancer agents. The alkyl, aryl carboxamide group and heterocyclic ring are the most successful types of substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Rajkumar Goel Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-58, Ghaziabad, 201001, India
| | - Anurag Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering & Technology, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Rajkumar Goel Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), NH-58, Ghaziabad, 201001, India
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Liu W, Feng W, Zhang Y, Lei T, Wang X, Qiao T, Chen Z, Song W. RP11-789C1.1 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and accelerates apoptosis via the ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023:00029330-990000000-00827. [PMID: 37882063 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an important role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). Their involvement ranges from genetic regulation to cancer progression. However, the mechanistic roles of RP11-789C1.1 in GC are not fully understood. METHODS We identified the expression of lncRNA RP11-789C1.1 in GC tissues and cell lines by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A series of functional experiments revealed the effect of RP11-789C1.1 on the proliferation of GC cells. In vivo experiments verified the effect of RP11-789C1.1 on the biological behavior of a GC cell line. RNA pull-down unveiled RP11-789C1.1 interacting proteins. Western blot analysis indicated the downstream pathway changes of RP11-789C1.1, and an oxaliplatin dosing experiment disclosed the influence of RP11-789C1.1 on the drug sensitivity of oxaliplatin. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that RP11-789C1.1 inhibited the proliferation of GC cells and promoted the apoptosis of GC cells. Mechanistically, RP11-789C1.1 inhibited checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) phosphorylation by binding ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 related (ATR), a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, promoted GC apoptosis, and mediated oxaliplatin sensitivity. CONCLUSION In general, we discovered a tumor suppressor molecule RP11-789C1.1 and confirmed its mechanism of action, providing a theoretical basis for targeted GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Liu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yongxin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Tianxiang Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Tang Qiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zehong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Wu Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
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Su H, Yuan Y, Tang J, Zhang Y, Wu H, Zhang Y, Liang J, Wang L, Zou X, Huang S, Zhang S, Lv Y. The ATR inhibitor VE-821 increases the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to cisplatin. Transl Oncol 2023; 36:101743. [PMID: 37517142 PMCID: PMC10400920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance is a common event after cancer chemotherapy, including gastric cancer (GC). Cisplatin has been reported to induce the DNA damage response (DDR), thus leading to chemoresistance. VE-821, a specific inhibitor of ATR, has been proven to suppress a variety of solid malignancies effectively. Our study aimed to explore the effect of VE-821 on enhancing the chemical sensitivity to cisplatin and clarify the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis of MKN-45 and AGS were measured by CCK8 and flow cytometry assay respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of target proteins. TCGA database was used to analyze the correlation between the ATR expression with the prognosis of GC patients. The viability of GC organoids was detected by Cell Titer Glo (CTG) through luminescence. RESULTS Cisplatin inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of GC cells with a relatively high IC50 value, and increased the phosphorylation levels of ATR-CHK1 and H2AX. VE-821 achieved the same effects but by downregulating the phosphorylation levels of the ATR-CHK1 pathway. Besides, higher ATR expression in GC tissues was positively correlated with higher pathological stage in GC patients. Interestingly, ATR inhibition reversed cisplatin-induced STAT3 activation and enhanced H2AX levels. Moreover, VE-821 significantly sensitized GC cells to cisplatin, and these two drugs had synergistic effects in GC cell lines, organoids, and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our results suggested VE-821 sensitized GC cells to cisplatin via reversing DDR activation. And VE-821 treatment may be a promising therapeutic strategy for GC patients with cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochen Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yue Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Third People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, PR China
| | - Jiatong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Hao Wu
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Jiawei Liang
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Shuling Huang
- Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China.
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Institute of Pancreatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China.
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Biswas H, Makinwa Y, Zou Y. Novel Cellular Functions of ATR for Therapeutic Targeting: Embryogenesis to Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11684. [PMID: 37511442 PMCID: PMC10380702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is recognized as having an important role in cancer growth and treatment. ATR (ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related) kinase, a major regulator of DDR, has shown significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. ATR inhibitors have shown anti-tumor effectiveness, not just as monotherapies but also in enhancing the effects of standard chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The biological basis of ATR is examined in this review, as well as its functional significance in the development and therapy of cancer, and the justification for inhibiting this target as a therapeutic approach, including an assessment of the progress and status of previous decades' development of effective and selective ATR inhibitors. The current applications of these inhibitors in preclinical and clinical investigations as single medicines or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy are also fully reviewed. This review concludes with some insights into the many concerns highlighted or identified with ATR inhibitors in both the preclinical and clinical contexts, as well as potential remedies proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue Zou
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (H.B.); (Y.M.)
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10
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Harada Y, Mizote Y, Suzuki T, Hirayama A, Ikeda S, Nishida M, Hiratsuka T, Ueda A, Imagawa Y, Maeda K, Ohkawa Y, Murai J, Freeze HH, Miyoshi E, Higashiyama S, Udono H, Dohmae N, Tahara H, Taniguchi N. Metabolic clogging of mannose triggers dNTP loss and genomic instability in human cancer cells. eLife 2023; 12:e83870. [PMID: 37461317 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83870] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mannose has anticancer activity that inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy. How mannose exerts its anticancer activity, however, remains poorly understood. Here, using genetically engineered human cancer cells that permit the precise control of mannose metabolic flux, we demonstrate that the large influx of mannose exceeding its metabolic capacity induced metabolic remodeling, leading to the generation of slow-cycling cells with limited deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). This metabolic remodeling impaired dormant origin firing required to rescue stalled forks by cisplatin, thus exacerbating replication stress. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of de novo dNTP biosynthesis was sufficient to retard cell cycle progression, sensitize cells to cisplatin, and inhibit dormant origin firing, suggesting dNTP loss-induced genomic instability as a central mechanism for the anticancer activity of mannose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Harada
- Department of Glyco-Oncology and Medical Biochemistry, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yu Mizote
- Department of Cancer Drug Discovery and Development, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirayama
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Yamagata, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Satsuki Ikeda
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Mikako Nishida
- Department of Immunology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toru Hiratsuka
- Department of Oncogenesis and Growth Regulation, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Ueda
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Imagawa
- Department of Oncogenesis and Growth Regulation, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kento Maeda
- Department of Glyco-Oncology and Medical Biochemistry, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohkawa
- Department of Glyco-Oncology and Medical Biochemistry, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Yamagata, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hudson H Freeze
- Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Eiji Miyoshi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Department of Oncogenesis and Growth Regulation, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Heiichiro Udono
- Department of Immunology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tahara
- Department of Cancer Drug Discovery and Development, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Project Division of Cancer Biomolecular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Taniguchi
- Department of Glyco-Oncology and Medical Biochemistry, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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11
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Duan Y, Zhuang L, Xu Y, Cheng H, Xia J, Lu T, Chen Y. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel ATR inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106535. [PMID: 37086581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106535] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Targeting ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase is being pursued as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of advanced solid tumor with specific DNA damage response deficiency. Herein, we report a series of pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives with potent ATR inhibitory activity through structure-based drug design. Among them, the representative compound 10q exhibited excellent potency against ATR in both biochemical and cellular assays. More importantly, 10q exhibited good liver microsomes stability in different species and also showed moderate inhibitory activity against HT-29 cells in combination treatment with the ATM inhibitor AZD1390. Thus, this work provides a promising lead compound against ATR for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxin Duan
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yerong Xu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Haodong Cheng
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Jiawei Xia
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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12
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Targeting the DNA damage response for cancer therapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:207-221. [PMID: 36606678 PMCID: PMC9988002 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is an elegant system, coordinating DNA repair with cell cycle checkpoints, that evolved to protect living organisms from the otherwise fatal levels of DNA damage inflicted by endogenous and environmental sources. Since many agents used to treat cancer; radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy, work by damaging DNA the DDR represents a mechanism of resistance. The original rational for the development of drugs to inhibit the DDR was to overcome this mechanism of resistance but clinical studies using this approach have not led to improvements in the therapeutic index. A more exciting approach is to exploit cancer-specific defects in the DDR, that represent vulnerabilities in the tumour and an opportunity to selectively target the tumour. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) selectively kill homologous recombination repair defective (HRD, e.g. through BRCA mutation) cells. This approach has proven successful clinically and there are now six PARPi approved for cancer therapy. Drugs targeting other aspects of the DDR are under pre-clinical and clinical evaluation as monotherapy agents and in combination studies. For this promising approach to cancer therapy to be fully realised reliable biomarkers are needed to identify tumours with the exploitable defect for monotherapy applications. The possibility that some combinations may result in toxicity to normal tissues also needs to be considered. A brief overview of the DDR, the development of inhibitors targeting the DDR and the current clinical status of such drugs is described here.
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13
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Kang C, Ju S, Kim J, Jung Y. Chloroquine prevents hypoxic accumulation of HIF-1α by inhibiting ATR kinase: implication in chloroquine-mediated chemosensitization of colon carcinoma cells under hypoxia. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:211-221. [PMID: 36508076 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chloroquine (CQ) is an effective and safe antimalarial drug that is also used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. Recent studies have shown that CQ can sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies. METHODS In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying CQ-mediated chemosensitization in human colon carcinoma cells. RESULTS CQ prevented hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein induction in human colon carcinoma cells. CQ also suppressed HIF-1 activity, as represented by CQ inhibition of HIF-1-dependent luciferase activity and reduced induction of vascular endothelial growth factor. Under hypoxia, CQ restricted HIF-1α synthesis but did not affect HIF-1α transcription and protein stability. The hypoxic state activated ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase and increased the level of phosphorylated checkpoint kinase 1, a substrate of ATR kinase; however, this was prevented by CQ. An ATR kinase inhibitor suppressed the hypoxic induction of HIF-1α protein and was as effective as CQ. The cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the first choice for the treatment of colorectal cancer, was attenuated under hypoxia. CQ enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5-FU treatment, which was mimicked by the transient transfection with HIF-1α siRNA. CONCLUSIONS Under hypoxia, CQ-mediated sensitization of colon carcinoma HCT116 cells to 5-FU involves HIF-1 inhibition via ATR kinase suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Ju
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaejeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunjin Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Lohberger B, Glänzer D, Eck N, Stasny K, Falkner A, Leithner A, Georg D. The ATR Inhibitor VE-821 Enhances the Radiosensitivity and Suppresses DNA Repair Mechanisms of Human Chondrosarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2315. [PMID: 36768638 PMCID: PMC9917087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome the resistance to radiotherapy in chondrosarcomas, the prevention of efficient DNA repair with an additional treatment was explored for particle beams as well as reference X-ray irradiation. The combined treatment with DNA repair inhibitors-with a focus on ATRi VE-821-and proton or carbon ions irradiation was investigated regarding cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle distribution, MAPK phosphorylation, and the expression of key DNA repair genes in two human chondrosarcoma cell lines. Pre-treatment with the PARPis Olaparib or Veliparib, the ATMi Ku-55933, and the ATRi VE-821 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in viability, whereas VE-821 has the most efficient response. Quantification of γH2AX phosphorylation and protein expression of the DNA repair pathways showed a reduced regenerative capacity after irradiation. Furthermore, combined treatment with VE-821 and particle irradiation increased MAPK phosphorylation and the expression of apoptosis markers. At the gene expression and at the protein expression/phosphorylation level, we were able to demonstrate the preservation of DNA damage after combined treatment. The present data showed that the combined treatment with ATMi VE-821 increases the radiosensitivity of human chondrosarcoma cells in vitro and significantly suppresses efficient DNA repair mechanisms, thus improving the efficiency of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Lohberger
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Dietmar Glänzer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Nicole Eck
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Anna Falkner
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Andreas Leithner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Dietmar Georg
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Mani N, Daiya A, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee S, Chowdhury S. Epigenetic adaptations in drug-tolerant tumor cells. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 158:293-335. [PMID: 36990535 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy against cancer is often severely hampered by acquired resistance to the drug. Epigenetic alterations and other mechanisms like drug efflux, drug metabolism, and engagement of survival pathways are crucial in evading drug pressure. Herein, growing evidence suggests that a subpopulation of tumor cells can often tolerate drug onslaught by entering a "persister" state with minimal proliferation. The molecular features of these persister cells are gradually unraveling. Notably, the "persisters" act as a cache of cells that can eventually re-populate the tumor post-withdrawal drug pressure and contribute to acquiring stable drug-resistant features. This underlines the clinical significance of the tolerant cells. Accumulating evidence highlights the importance of modulation of the epigenome as a critical adaptive strategy for evading drug pressure. Chromatin remodeling, altered DNA methylation, and de-regulation of non-coding RNA expression and function contribute significantly to this persister state. No wonder targeting adaptive epigenetic modifications is increasingly recognized as an appropriate therapeutic strategy to sensitize them and restore drug sensitivity. Furthermore, manipulating the tumor microenvironment and "drug holiday" is also explored to maneuver the epigenome. However, heterogeneity in adaptive strategies and lack of targeted therapies have significantly hindered the translation of epigenetic therapy to the clinics. In this review, we comprehensively analyze the epigenetic alterations adapted by the drug-tolerant cells, the therapeutic strategies employed to date, and their limitations and future prospects.
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16
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Sivapalan L, Kocher HM, Ross-Adams H, Chelala C. The molecular landscape of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2022; 22:925-936. [PMID: 35927150 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality within the next decade, with limited effective treatment options and a dismal long-term prognosis for patients. Surgical resection of early, localised disease provides the only chance for potentially curative treatment; however, most patients with PDAC present with advanced disease and are not suitable for surgery. Genomic analyses of PDAC tumour lesions have identified a small number of recurrent alterations that are detected across most tumours, and beyond that a large number that either occur at a low (<5%) prevalence or are patient-specific in nature. This molecular heterogeneity has presented a significant challenge for the characterisation of tumour subtypes and effective molecular biomarkers, which have not yet manifested clinical benefits for diagnosis, treatment or prognosis in PDAC. These challenges are compounded by the overall lack of tumour biopsies for sequencing, the invasive nature of tissue sampling and the confounding effects of low tumour cellularity in many PDAC biopsy specimens, which have limited the applications of molecular profiling in unresectable patients and for longitudinal tumour monitoring. Further investigation into alternative sources of tumour analytes that can be sampled using minimally invasive methods and used to complement molecular analyses from tissue sequencing are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sivapalan
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - H M Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - H Ross-Adams
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK.
| | - C Chelala
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK.
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17
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Baxter JS, Zatreanu D, Pettitt SJ, Lord CJ. Resistance to DNA repair inhibitors in cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3811-3827. [PMID: 35567571 PMCID: PMC9627783 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) represents a complex network of proteins which detect and repair DNA damage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing the transmission of mutations and rearranged chromosomes to daughter cells. Faults in the DDR are a known driver and hallmark of cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of DDR enzymes can be used to treat the disease. This is exemplified by PARP inhibitors (PARPi) used to treat cancers with defects in the homologous recombination DDR pathway. A series of novel DDR targets are now also under pre-clinical or clinical investigation, including inhibitors of ATR kinase, WRN helicase or the DNA polymerase/helicase Polθ (Pol-Theta). Drug resistance is a common phenomenon that impairs the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments and there is already some understanding of how resistance to PARPi occurs. Here, we discuss how an understanding of PARPi resistance could inform how resistance to new drugs targeting the DDR emerges. We also discuss potential strategies that could limit the impact of these therapy resistance mechanisms in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Baxter
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Diana Zatreanu
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Stephen J. Pettitt
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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18
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Toulany M. Targeting K-Ras-mediated DNA damage response in radiation oncology: Current status, challenges and future perspectives. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 38:6-14. [PMID: 36313934 PMCID: PMC9596599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.10.004] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of cancer patients receive curative or palliative radiation. Despite the significant role of radiotherapy (RT) as a curative approach for many solid tumors, tumor recurrence occurs, partially because of intrinsic radioresistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of RT is hampered by activation of the DNA damage response (DDR). The intensity of DDR signaling is affected by multiple parameters, e.g., loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, gain-of-function mutations in protooncogenes as well as radiation-induced alterations in signal-transduction pathways. Therefore, the response to irradiation differs in tumors of different types, which makes the individualization of RT as a rational but challenging goal. One contributor to tumor cell radiation survival is signaling through the Ras pathway. Three RAS genes encode 4 Ras isoforms: K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, H-Ras, and N-Ras. RAS family members are found to be mutated in approximately 19% of human cancers. Mutations in RAS lead to constitutive activation of the gene product and activation of multiple Ras-dependent signal-transduction cascades. Preclinical studies have shown that the expression of mutant KRAS affects DDR and increases cell survival after irradiation. Approximately 70% of RAS mutations occur in KRAS. Thus, applying targeted therapies directly against K-Ras as well as K-Ras upstream activators and downstream effectors might be a tumor-specific approach to overcome K-Ras-mediated RT resistance. In this review, the role of K-Ras in the activation of DDR signaling will be summarized. Recent progress in targeting DDR in KRAS-mutated tumors in combination with radiochemotherapy will be discussed.
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19
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7-Azaindole, 2,7-diazaindole, and 1H-pyrazole as core structures for novel anticancer agents with potential chemosensitizing properties. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Exploring hypoxic biology to improve radiotherapy outcomes. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e21. [DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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21
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Almuzaini N, Moore M, Robert-Guroff M, Thomas MA. Disruption of NBS1/MRN Complex Formation by E4orf3 Supports NF-κB That Licenses E1B55K-Deleted Adenovirus-Infected Cells to Accumulate DNA>4n. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0188121. [PMID: 35019694 PMCID: PMC8754114 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01881-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells increase their DNA content greater than the G2/M (DNA > 4n) phases along the path to cancer. The signals that support this increase in DNA content remain poorly understood. Cells infected with adenovirus (Ad) similarly develop DNA > 4n and share a need to bypass the DNA damage response (DDR) signals that trigger cell cycle arrest, and/or cell death. Ads with deletion in early region 1B55K (ΔE1B Ad) are oncolytic agents that are currently being explored for use in vaccine delivery. Interestingly, they promote higher levels of DNA > 4n than Ads that contain E1B55K. Existing in these and almost all Ads that are being explored for clinical use, is early region 4 (E4). The Ad E4 open reading frame 3 (E4orf3) is a viral oncogene that interferes with the ability of cells to respond to DNA damage by disrupting MRN complex formation. Our study reveals that E4orf3 is required for the enhanced fraction of ΔE1B Ad-infected cells with DNA > 4n. For that reason, we explored signaling events mediated by E4orf3. We found that in ΔE1B Ad-infected cells, E4orf3, as reported by others, isolates NBS1 in nuclear dots and tracks. This allows for elevated levels of phosphorylated ATM that is linked to transcriptionally active NF-κB. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB reduced the fraction of ΔE1B Ad-infected cells with DNA > 4n while pharmacological inhibition of ATM reduced the levels of nuclear NF-κB and the fraction of ΔE1B Ad-infected cells with DNA > 4n and increased the fraction of dead or dying cells with fragmented DNA. This ability of E4orf3 to disrupt MRN complex formation that allows cells to bypass the cell cycle, evade death, and accumulate DNA > 4n, may be linked to its oncogenic potential. IMPORTANCE Genome instability, a hallmark of cancer, exists as part of a cycle that leads to DNA damage and DNA > 4n that further enhances genome instability. Ad E4orf3 is a viral oncogene. Here, we describe E4orf3 mediated signaling events that support DNA > 4n in ΔE1B Ad-infected cells. These signaling events may be linked to the oncogenic potential of E4orf3 and may provide a basis for how some cells survive with DNA > 4n.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nujud Almuzaini
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Madison Moore
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Marjorie Robert-Guroff
- Section on Immune Biology of Retroviral Infection, Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A. Thomas
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
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22
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Karukonda P, Odhiambo D, Mowery YM. Pharmacologic inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:225-238. [PMID: 34964992 PMCID: PMC8799519 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) poses significant treatment challenges, with high recurrence rates for locally advanced disease despite aggressive therapy typically involving a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. HNSCCs commonly exhibit reduced or absent TP53 function due to genomic alterations or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, leading to dependence on the S- and G2/M checkpoints for cell cycle regulation. Both of these checkpoints are activated by Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR), which tends to be overexpressed in HNSCC relative to adjacent normal tissues and represents a potentially promising therapeutic target, particularly in combination with other treatments. ATR is a DNA damage signaling kinase that is activated in response to replication stress and single-stranded DNA breaks, such as those induced by radiation therapy and certain chemotherapies. ATR kinase inhibitors are currently being investigated in several clinical trials as part of the management of locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic HNSCC, along with other malignancies. In this review article, we summarize the rationale and preclinical data supporting incorporation of ATR inhibition into therapeutic regimens for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Karukonda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Diana Odhiambo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Mowery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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23
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Oda T, Nakamura R, Kasamatsu T, Gotoh N, Okuda K, Saitoh T, Handa H, Murakami H, Yamashita T. DNA-double strand breaks enhance the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II through the ATM-NF-κΒ-IRF1-CIITA pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:225-240. [PMID: 33619341 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) is important for the adaptive immune response because MHC II presents processed antigens to a cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)-positive T-cells. Conventional doses of chemotherapeutic agents induce tumor cell death by causing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, cellular responses caused by sub-lethal doses of chemotherapeutic agents are poorly understood. In this study, using low doses of chemotherapeutic agents, we showed that DSBs enhanced the expression of MHC II on cells that originate from antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These agents induced the MHC class II transactivator (CIITA), the master regulator of MHC II, and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), a transcription factor for CIITA. Short hairpin RNA against IRF1 suppressed chemotherapeutic agent-induced CIITA expression, whereas exogenous expression of IRF1 induced CIITA. Inhibition of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a DSB-activated kinase, suppressed induction of IRF1, CIITA, and MHC II. Similar results were observed by inhibiting NF-κB, a downstream target of ATM. These results suggest that DSBs induce MHC II activity via the ATM-NF-κB-IRF1-CIITA pathway in cells that intrinsically present antigens. Additionally, chemotherapeutic agents induced T-cell regulatory molecules. Our findings suggest that chemotherapeutic agents enhance the antigen presentation activity of APCs for T-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Oda
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan. .,Center for Food Science and Wellness, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Ruri Nakamura
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Kasamatsu
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Nanami Gotoh
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Keiko Okuda
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Saitoh
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Handa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Murakami
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.,Gunma University of Health and Welfare, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamashita
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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24
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Pan Y, Yang Y, Huang R, Yang H, Huang Q, Ji Y, Dai J, Qiao K, Tang W, Xie L, Yin M, Ouyang J, Ning S, Su D. Ring finger protein 126 promotes breast cancer metastasis and serves as a potential target to improve the therapeutic sensitivity of ATR inhibitors. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:92. [PMID: 36539893 PMCID: PMC9764525 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS This study explores the relationship between the E3 ubiquitin ligase Ring finger protein 126 (RNF126) and early breast cancer metastasis and tests the hypothesis that RNF126 determines the efficacy of inhibitors targeting Ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related kinase (ATR). METHODS Various metastasis-related genes were identified by univariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis based on the GSE11121 dataset. The RNF126-related network modules were identified by WGCNA, whereas cell viability, invasion, and migration assays were performed to evaluate the biological characteristics of breast cancer cells with or without RNF126 knockdown. MTT, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and DNA fiber assays were conducted to determine the efficiency of ATR inhibitor in cells with or without RNF126 knockdown. RESULTS RNF126 was associated with early breast cancer metastasis. RNF126 promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, growth, migration, and invasion. ATR inhibitors were more effective at killing breast cancer cells with intact RNF126 due to replication stress compared with the corresponding cells with RNF126 knockdown. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) was involved in regulating replication stress in breast cancer cells with intact RNF126. CONCLUSION A high level of expression of RNF126 in early breast cancer patients without lymph node metastases may indicate a high-risk type of metastatic disease, possibly due to RNF126, which may increase breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. RNF126-expressing breast cancer cells exhibit CDK2-mediated replication stress that makes them potential targets for ATR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Pan
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics & Nation Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Rong Huang
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Huawei Yang
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Qinghua Huang
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Yinan Ji
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Jingxing Dai
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics & Nation Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Kun Qiao
- grid.412651.50000 0004 1808 3502Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000 China
| | - Wei Tang
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Longgui Xie
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Ming Yin
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Department of Imaging, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics & Nation Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
| | - Danke Su
- grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Radiology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000 China
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Wang M, Chen S, Ao D. Targeting DNA repair pathway in cancer: Mechanisms and clinical application. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:654-691. [PMID: 34977872 PMCID: PMC8706759 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the growing understanding on DNA damage response (DDR) pathways has broadened the therapeutic landscape in oncology. It is becoming increasingly clear that the genomic instability of cells resulted from deficient DNA damage response contributes to the occurrence of cancer. One the other hand, these defects could also be exploited as a therapeutic opportunity, which is preferentially more deleterious in tumor cells than in normal cells. An expanding repertoire of DDR-targeting agents has rapidly expanded to inhibitors of multiple members involved in DDR pathways, including PARP, ATM, ATR, CHK1, WEE1, and DNA-PK. In this review, we sought to summarize the complex network of DNA repair machinery in cancer cells and discuss the underlying mechanism for the application of DDR inhibitors in cancer. With the past preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials, we also provide an overview of the history and current landscape of DDR inhibitors in cancer treatment, with special focus on the combination of DDR-targeted therapies with other cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Department of BiotherapyCancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of BiotherapyCancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Danyi Ao
- Department of BiotherapyCancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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26
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Parsels LA, Zhang Q, Karnak D, Parsels JD, Lam K, Willers H, Green MD, Rehemtulla A, Lawrence TS, Morgan MA. Translation of DNA Damage Response Inhibitors as Chemoradiation Sensitizers From the Laboratory to the Clinic. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 111:e38-e53. [PMID: 34348175 PMCID: PMC8602768 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapies with agents targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) offer an opportunity to selectively enhance the therapeutic index of chemoradiation or eliminate use of chemotherapy altogether. The successful translation of DDR inhibitors to clinical use requires investigating both their direct actions as (chemo)radiosensitizers and their potential to stimulate tumor immunogenicity. Beginning with high-throughput screening using both viability and DNA damage-reporter assays, followed by validation in gold-standard radiation colony-forming assays and in vitro assessment of mechanistic effects on the DDR, we describe proven strategies and methods leading to the clinical development of DDR inhibitors both with radiation alone and in combination with chemoradiation. Beyond these in vitro studies, we discuss the impact of key features of human xenograft and syngeneic mouse models on the relevance of in vivo tumor efficacy studies, particularly with regard to the immunogenic effects of combined therapy with radiation and DDR inhibitors. Finally, we describe recent technological advances in radiation delivery (using the small animal radiation research platform) that allow for conformal, clinically relevant radiation therapy in mouse models. This overall approach is critical to the successful clinical development and ultimate Food and Drug Administration approval of DDR inhibitors as (chemo)radiation sensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Parsels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Karnak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Joshua D Parsels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kwok Lam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Henning Willers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael D Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Theodore S Lawrence
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Meredith A Morgan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School and Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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27
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Updates and new directions in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: dose, sensitization, and novel technology. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:879-889. [PMID: 34611794 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Panc reatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating malignancy. There have been few advances that have substantially improved overall survival in the past several years. On its current trajectory, the deaths from PDAC are expected to cross that from all gastrointestinal cancers combined by 2030. Radiation therapy is a technically very complex modality that bridges multiple different treatment strategies. It represents a hybrid among advanced diagnostic imaging, local (often ablative) intervention, and heterogeneous biological mechanisms contributing to normal and oncologic cell kill. In this article, we bring an overview of the several promising strategies that are currently being investigated to improve outcomes using radiation therapy for patients with PDAC.
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28
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Heumann T, Azad N. Next-generation immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: navigating pathways of immune resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:837-862. [PMID: 34591243 PMCID: PMC9804001 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
To date, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has proven largely ineffective in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A combination of low tumor antigenicity, deficits in immune activation along with an exclusive and suppressive tumor microenvironment result in resistance to host defensives. However, a deepening understanding of these immune escape and suppressive mechanisms has led to the discovery of novel molecular targets and treatment strategies that may hold the key to a long-awaited therapeutic breakthrough. In this review, we describe the tumor-intrinsic and microenvironmental barriers to modern immunotherapy, examine novel immune-based and targeted modalities, summarize relevant pre-clinical findings and human experience, and, finally, discuss novel synergistic approaches to overcome immune-resistance in pancreatic cancer. Beyond checkpoint inhibition, immune agonists and anti-tumor vaccines represent promising strategies to stimulate host response via activation and expansion of anti-tumor immune effectors. Off-the-shelf natural killer cell therapies may offer an effective method for bypassing downregulated tumor antigen presentation. In parallel with this, sophisticated targeting of crosstalk between tumor and tumor-associated immune cells may lead to enhanced immune infiltration and survival of anti-tumor lymphocytes. A future multimodal treatment strategy involving immune priming/activation, tumor microenvironment reprogramming, and immune checkpoint blockade may help transform pancreatic cancer into an immunogenic tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatcher Heumann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer Azad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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29
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Ninou AH, Lehto J, Chioureas D, Stigsdotter H, Schelzig K, Åkerlund E, Gudoityte G, Joneborg U, Carlson J, Jonkers J, Seashore-Ludlow B, Gustafsson NMS. PFKFB3 Inhibition Sensitizes DNA Crosslinking Chemotherapies by Suppressing Fanconi Anemia Repair. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143604. [PMID: 34298817 PMCID: PMC8306909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143604] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics, such as platinum drugs, are cornerstones in cancer treatment. The efficacy of such treatment is intimately linked to the DNA repair capacity of the cancer cells, as DNA damage above a tolerable threshold culminates in cell death. Cancer cells often have deregulated DNA repair mechanisms, making them initially more sensitive to DNA-damaging chemotherapies. Unfortunately, over time, cancer cells often develop resistance to such treatments by rewiring their DNA damage response pathways. Here, we identify that targeting the recognized anti-cancer target 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6,-bisphophatase 3 (PFKFB3), commonly overexpressed in cancer, with the small molecule inhibitor KAN0438757, selectively sensitizes cancer cells to platinum drugs, including treatment-resistant cancer cells, while sparing normal cells. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 promotes tolerance to and the repair of platinum-induced DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) through modulation of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway. Thus targeting PFKFB3 opens up therapeutic possibilities to improve the efficacy of ICL-inducing cancer treatments. Abstract Replicative repair of interstrand crosslinks (ICL) generated by platinum chemotherapeutics is orchestrated by the Fanconi anemia (FA) repair pathway to ensure resolution of stalled replication forks and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Here, we identify novel regulation of FA repair by the cancer-associated glycolytic enzyme PFKFB3 that has functional consequences for replication-associated ICL repair and cancer cell survival. Inhibition of PFKFB3 displays a cancer-specific synergy with platinum compounds in blocking cell viability and restores sensitivity in treatment-resistant models. Notably, the synergies are associated with DNA-damage-induced chromatin association of PFKFB3 upon cancer transformation, which further increases upon platinum resistance. FA pathway activation triggers the PFKFB3 assembly into nuclear foci in an ATR- and FANCM-dependent manner. Blocking PFKFB3 activity disrupts the assembly of key FA repair factors and consequently prevents fork restart. This results in an incapacity to replicate cells to progress through S-phase, an accumulation of DNA damage in replicating cells, and fork collapse. We further validate PFKFB3-dependent regulation of FA repair in ex vivo cultures from cancer patients. Collectively, targeting PFKFB3 opens up therapeutic possibilities to improve the efficacy of ICL-inducing cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Huguet Ninou
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
- Kancera AB, Karolinska Science Park, 171 48 Solna, Sweden
| | - Jemina Lehto
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
- Kancera AB, Karolinska Science Park, 171 48 Solna, Sweden
| | - Dimitrios Chioureas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Hannah Stigsdotter
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Korbinian Schelzig
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Emma Åkerlund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Greta Gudoityte
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Ulrika Joneborg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Joseph Carlson
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Oncode Institute and Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Brinton Seashore-Ludlow
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
| | - Nina Marie Susanne Gustafsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 21 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.H.N.); (J.L.); (D.C.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (E.Å.); (G.G.); (B.S.-L.)
- Correspondence:
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30
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Vessoni AT, Zhang T, Quinet A, Jeong HC, Munroe M, Wood M, Tedone E, Vindigni A, Shay JW, Greenberg RA, Batista LF. Telomere erosion in human pluripotent stem cells leads to ATR-mediated mitotic catastrophe. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:211982. [PMID: 33851958 PMCID: PMC8050844 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202011014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that short telomeres activate an ATM-driven DNA damage response that leads to senescence in terminally differentiated cells. However, technical limitations have hampered our understanding of how telomere shortening is signaled in human stem cells. Here, we show that telomere attrition induces ssDNA accumulation (G-strand) at telomeres in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), but not in their differentiated progeny. This led to a unique role for ATR in the response of hPSCs to telomere shortening that culminated in an extended S/G2 cell cycle phase and a longer period of mitosis, which was associated with aneuploidy and mitotic catastrophe. Loss of p53 increased resistance to death, at the expense of increased mitotic abnormalities in hPSCs. Taken together, our data reveal an unexpected dominant role of ATR in hPSCs, combined with unique cell cycle abnormalities and, ultimately, consequences distinct from those observed in their isogenic differentiated counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianpeng Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Annabel Quinet
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ho-Chang Jeong
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Michael Munroe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Matthew Wood
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Enzo Tedone
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Jerry W. Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Roger A. Greenberg
- Department of Cancer Biology, Penn Center for Genome Integrity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Luis F.Z. Batista
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Correspondence to Luis F.Z. Batista:
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Nikolakopoulou A, Soni A, Habibi M, Karaiskos P, Pantelias G, Terzoudi GI, Iliakis G. G2/M Checkpoint Abrogation With Selective Inhibitors Results in Increased Chromatid Breaks and Radiosensitization of 82-6 hTERT and RPE Human Cells. Front Public Health 2021; 9:675095. [PMID: 34123995 PMCID: PMC8193504 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.675095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While technological advances in radiation oncology have led to a more precise delivery of radiation dose and a decreased risk of side effects, there is still a need to better understand the mechanisms underlying DNA damage response (DDR) at the DNA and cytogenetic levels, and to overcome tumor resistance. To maintain genomic stability, cells have developed sophisticated signaling pathways enabling cell cycle arrest to facilitate DNA repair via the DDR-related kinases and their downstream targets, so that DNA damage or DNA replication stress induced by genotoxic therapies can be resolved. ATM, ATR, and Chk1 kinases are key mediators in DDR activation and crucial factors in treatment resistance. It is of importance, therefore, as an alternative to the conventional clonogenic assay, to establish a cytogenetic assay enabling reliable and time-efficient results in evaluating the potency of DDR inhibitors for radiosensitization. Toward this goal, the present study aims at the development and optimization of a chromosomal radiosensitivity assay using the DDR and G2-checkpoint inhibitors as a novel modification compared to the classical G2-assay. Also, it aims at investigating the strengths of this assay for rapid radiosensitivity assessments in cultured cells, and potentially, in tumor cells obtained from biopsies. Specifically, exponentially growing RPE and 82-6 hTERT human cells are irradiated during the G2/M-phase transition in the presence or absence of Caffeine, VE-821, and UCN-1 inhibitors of ATM/ATR, ATR, and Chk1, respectively, and the induced chromatid breaks are used to evaluate cell radiosensitivity and their potency for radiosensitization. The increased yield of chromatid breaks in the presence of DDR inhibitors, which underpins radiosensitization, is similar to that observed in cells from highly radiosensitive AT-patients, and is considered here as 100% radiosensitive internal control. The results highlight the potential of our modified G2-assay using VE-821 to evaluate cell radiosensitivity, the efficacy of DDR inhibitors in radiosensitization, and reinforce the concept that ATM, ATR, and Chk1 represent attractive anticancer drug targets in radiation oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Nikolakopoulou
- Laboratory of Health Physics, Radiobiology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece.,Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aashish Soni
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, Medical School, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martha Habibi
- Laboratory of Health Physics, Radiobiology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece.,Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pantelis Karaiskos
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gabriel Pantelias
- Laboratory of Health Physics, Radiobiology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia I Terzoudi
- Laboratory of Health Physics, Radiobiology and Cytogenetics, Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - George Iliakis
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, Medical School, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Cecati M, Giulietti M, Righetti A, Sabanovic B, Piva F. Effects of CXCL12 isoforms in a pancreatic pre-tumour cellular model: Microarray analysis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1616-1629. [PMID: 33958847 PMCID: PMC8058651 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i15.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of death among cancers, it is characterized by poor prognosis and strong chemoresistance. In the PDAC microenvironment, stromal cells release different extracellular components, including CXCL12. The CXCL12 is a chemokine promoting the communication between tumour and stromal cells. Six different splicing isoforms of CXCL12 are known (α, β, γ, δ, ε, θ) but their role in PDAC has not yet been characterized.
AIM To investigate the specific role of α, β, and γ CXCL12 isoforms in PDAC onset.
METHODS We used hTERT-HPNE E6/E7/KRasG12D (Human Pancreatic Nestin-Expressing) cell line as a pancreatic pre-tumour model and exposed it to the α, β, and γ CXCL12 isoforms. The altered expression profiles were assessed by microarray analyses and confirmed by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction. The functional enrichment analyses have been performed by Enrichr tool to highlight Gene Ontology enriched terms. In addition, wound healing assays have been carried out to assess the phenotypic changes, in terms of migration ability, induced by the α, β, and γ CXCL12 isoforms.
RESULTS Microarray analysis of hTERT-HPNE cells treated with the three different CXCL12 isoforms highlighted that the expression of only a few genes was altered. Moreover, the α and β isoforms showed an alteration in expression of different genes, whereas γ isoform affected the expression of genes also common with α and β isoforms. The β isoform altered the expression of genes mainly involved in cell cycle regulation. In addition, all isoforms affected the expression of genes associated to cell migration, adhesion and cytoskeleton. In vitro cell migration assay confirmed that CXCL12 enhanced the migration ability of hTERT-HPNE cells. Among the CXCL12 splicing isoforms, the γ isoform showed higher induction of migration than α and β isoforms.
CONCLUSION Our data suggests an involvement and different roles of CXCL12 isoforms in PDAC onset. However, more investigations are needed to confirm these preliminary observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Cecati
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Matteo Giulietti
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Alessandra Righetti
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Berina Sabanovic
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60126, Italy
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33
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Hauge S, Eek Mariampillai A, Rødland GE, Bay LTE, Landsverk HB, Syljuåsen RG. Expanding roles of cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors in radiation oncology. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 99:941-950. [PMID: 33877959 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1913529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced activation of cell cycle checkpoints have been of long-standing interest. The WEE1, CHK1 and ATR kinases are key factors in cell cycle checkpoint regulation and are essential for the S and G2 checkpoints. Here, we review the rationale for why inhibitors of WEE1, CHK1 and ATR could be beneficial in combination with radiation. CONCLUSIONS Combined treatment with radiation and inhibitors of these kinases results in checkpoint abrogation and subsequent mitotic catastrophe. This might selectively radiosensitize tumor cells, as they often lack the p53-dependent G1 checkpoint and therefore rely more on the G2 checkpoint to repair DNA damage. Further affecting the repair of radiation damage, inhibition of WEE1, CHK1 or ATR also specifically suppresses the homologous recombination repair pathway. Moreover, inhibition of these kinases can induce massive replication stress during S phase of the cell cycle, likely contributing to eliminate radioresistant S phase cells. Intriguingly, recent findings suggest that cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors in combination with radiation can also enhance anti-tumor immune effects. Altogether, the expanding knowledge about the functional roles of WEE1, CHK1 and ATR inhibitors support that they are promising candidates for use in combination with radiation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissel Hauge
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adrian Eek Mariampillai
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Elise Rødland
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lilli T E Bay
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helga B Landsverk
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Randi G Syljuåsen
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Rahnamay Farnood P, Danesh Pazhooh R, Asemi Z, Yousefi B. DNA damage response and repair in pancreatic cancer development and therapy. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021; 103:103116. [PMID: 33882393 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2021.103116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among fatal malignancies, with a dismal prognosis and a low survival rate of 5-10%. In both sporadic and inherited PC, gene alterations, such as BRCA1/2, PALB2, and ATM, can occur frequently. Currently, surgery, chemo- and radio-therapy are the most common therapeutic strategies for treating this cancer. DNA damage response (DDR) establishes multiple pathways that eliminate DNA damage sites to maintain genomic integrity. Various types of cancers and age-related diseases are associated with DDR machinery defects. According to the severity of the damage, DDR pathways respond appropriately to lesions through repairing damage, arresting the cell cycle, or apoptosis. Recently, novel agents, particularly those targeting DDR pathways, are being utilized to improve the response of many cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this paper, we briefly reviewed DDR processes and their components, including DDR sensors, DDR mediators, and DDR transducers in the progression, prognosis, and treatment of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Xu C, Hu Y, Chen B, Li D, Liang R, Shen M, Wu M, Tao M. Metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) enhances cisplatin resistance of malignant pleural mesothelioma by ATR-Chk1-mediated DNA repair. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:670. [PMID: 33987368 PMCID: PMC8106096 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) chemoresistance remains a challenge to oncologists. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the aberrant expression of metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) is associated with carcinogenesis and metastasis in MPM. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of MTA1 and chemo-resistance in MPM. Methods Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the protein and mRNA levels. A stable clone with a knockdown of MTA1 was generated with shRNA via lentivirus technology in MPM cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and crystal violet assay were used to measure cell viability. Immunochemical staining was employed to detect MTA1 expression in MPM tissues. The cell cycle of MPM cells was determined by phosphohistone H3 staining and flow cytometric analysis. Results The MTA1 protein was upregulated and enhanced cisplatin resistance in MPM. Cisplatin stabilized the expression of the MTA1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitination, and MTA1 enhanced G2/M cell cycle delay and regulated and protected the tumor genome from chemotherapeutic drugs via participating in the phosphorylation of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated and rad3 related-checkpoint kinase 1 (ATR-Chk1) pathway. Conclusions These data suggest that MTA1 enhances cisplatin resistance by ATR-Chk1-mediated DNA damage repairment and cisplatin stabilizes MTA1 expression via affecting on the ubiquitination pathway of MTA1 in MPM. Our findings indicate that MTA1 could serve as a novel therapeutic target to overcome chemoresistance in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihua Xu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rongrui Liang
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Shen
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengyao Wu
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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De Conti G, Dias MH, Bernards R. Fighting Drug Resistance through the Targeting of Drug-Tolerant Persister Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051118. [PMID: 33807785 PMCID: PMC7961328 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing specific therapies for drug-resistant cancers is arguably the ultimate challenge in cancer therapy. While much emphasis has been put on the study of genetic alterations that give rise to drug resistance, much less is known about the non-genetic adaptation mechanisms that operate during the early stages of drug resistance development. Drug-tolerant persister cells have been suggested to be key players in this process. These cells are thought to have undergone non-genetic adaptations that enable survival in the presence of a drug, from which full-blown resistant cells may emerge. Such initial adaptations often involve engagement of stress response programs to maintain cancer cell viability. In this review, we discuss the nature of drug-tolerant cancer phenotypes, as well as the non-genetic adaptations involved. We also discuss how malignant cells employ homeostatic stress response pathways to mitigate the intrinsic costs of such adaptations. Lastly, we discuss which vulnerabilities are introduced by these adaptations and how these might be exploited therapeutically.
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Shang XY, Yu XQ, Yao GD, Song SJ. Daphnegiravone D from Daphne giraldii induces cell death by targeting ATR in Hep3B cells. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104802. [PMID: 33730672 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) plays a crucial role in cancer and has become a promising target for cancer therapy. Daphnegiravone D (DGD), which could induce apoptosis and oxidative stress in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, but the detailed target protein was still unclear. The study provided that the possible target of DGD against HCC cells was determined by isobaric labels for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay. In all changed proteins the fold change of ATR was particularly significant. The results from GO, KEGG and PPI analysis showed that DNA damage, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair related pathways changed and ATR was exactly related to them. Moreover, the mRNA and protein of ATR were both decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the results of molecular docking also verified the binding. Additionally, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) suggested that DGD could directly target at ATR protein. Furthermore, the knockdown of ATR could increase apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which induced by DGD. Since ATR inhibitors were generally used in combination with chemotherapy drugs (especially DNA damage drugs) in clinical trials, we investigated the combined application of DGD and oxaliplatin. The results showed that DGD combined with OXA also increased the apoptosis and ROS production of Hep3B cells over either drug alone. Taken together, this study revealed that DGD targeting ATR could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Shang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiao-Qi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Shao-Jiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Liaoning Province, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Barnieh FM, Loadman PM, Falconer RA. Progress towards a clinically-successful ATR inhibitor for cancer therapy. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100017. [PMID: 34909652 PMCID: PMC8663972 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is now known to play an important role in both cancer development and its treatment. Targeting proteins such as ATR (Ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related) kinase, a major regulator of DDR, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment, with ATR inhibitors having shown anti-tumour activity not just as monotherapies, but also in potentiating the effects of conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review focuses on the biology of ATR, its functional role in cancer development and treatment, and the rationale behind inhibition of this target as a therapeutic approach, including evaluation of the progress and current status of development of potent and specific ATR inhibitors that have emerged in recent decades. The current applications of these inhibitors both in preclinical and clinical studies either as single agents or in combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are also extensively discussed. This review concludes with some insights into the various concerns raised or observed with ATR inhibition in both the preclinical and clinical settings, with some suggested solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M. Barnieh
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Paul M. Loadman
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Robert A. Falconer
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
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Moolmuang B, Ruchirawat M. The antiproliferative effects of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and ATM- and Rad3-related inhibitions and their enhancements with the cytotoxicity of DNA damaging agents in cholangiocarcinoma cells. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:40-51. [PMID: 33791808 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaa050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the inhibitions of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases by their specific inhibitors, KU-55933 and VE-821, respectively, are able to promote the cytotoxic activity of genotoxic agents including gemcitabine, 5-Fluorouracil, cisplatin and doxorubicin, in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and immortalized cholangiocyte cell lines. METHODS Cell viability of cells treated with DNA damaging agents, alone and in combination with KU-55933 and VE-821, was determined by MTT assay. The changes of cell cycle distribution were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Colony formation was conducted to assess the effects of KU-55933 and VE-821 on cell proliferation. The levels of protein expression and phosphorylation were examined by western blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS The cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents varied among CCA cell lines. Each DNA damaging drug induced different phases of the cell cycle in CCA cells. The combinations of both KU-55933 and VE-821 with DNA damaging agents promoted more cytotoxic activity than single inhibition in some CCA cell lines. ATM and ATR inhibitors decreased the effects of DNA damaging agent-induced ATM-Chk2 and ATR-Chk1 activations in CCA cells. CONCLUSIONS Inhibitions of ATM and ATR potentiated the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging agents in CCA cells, especially p53 defective HuCCA1 and RMCC1 cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benchamart Moolmuang
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
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Ali R, Alblihy A, Toss MS, Algethami M, Al Sunni R, Green AR, Rakha EA, Madhusudan S. XRCC1 deficient triple negative breast cancers are sensitive to ATR, ATM and Wee1 inhibitor either alone or in combination with olaparib. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920974201. [PMID: 33425022 PMCID: PMC7758562 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920974201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: PARP inhibitor (PARPi) monotherapy is a new strategy in BRCA germ-line deficient triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, not all patients respond, and the development of resistance limits the use of PARPi monotherapy. Therefore, the development of alternative synthetic lethality strategy, including in sporadic TNBC, is a priority. XRCC1, a key player in base excision repair, single strand break repair, nucleotide excision repair and alternative non-homologous end joining, interacts with PARP1 and coordinates DNA repair. ATR, ATM and Wee1 have essential roles in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. Methods: Highly selective inhibitors of ATR (AZD6738), ATM (AZ31) and Wee1 (AZD1775) either alone or in combination with olaparib were tested for synthetic lethality in XRCC1 deficient TNBC or HeLa cells. Clinicopathological significance of ATR, ATM or Wee1 co-expression in XRCC1 proficient or deficient tumours was evaluated in a large cohort of 1650 human breast cancers. Results: ATR (AZD6738), ATM (AZ31) or Wee1 (AZD1775) monotherapy was selectively toxic in XRCC1 deficient cells. Selective synergistic toxicity was evident when olaparib was combined with AZD6738, AZ31 or AZD1775. The most potent synergistic interaction was evident with the AZD6738 and olaparib combination therapy. In clinical cohorts, ATR, ATM or Wee1 overexpression in XRCC1 deficient breast cancer was associated with poor outcomes. Conclusion: XRCC1 stratified DNA repair targeted combinatorial approach is feasible and warrants further clinical evaluation in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Ali
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Translational Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Adel Alblihy
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Translational Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael S Toss
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Department of Pathology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mashael Algethami
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Translational Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rabab Al Sunni
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Translational Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Department of Pathology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Department of Pathology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
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Terranova N, Jansen M, Falk M, Hendriks BS. Population pharmacokinetics of ATR inhibitor berzosertib in phase I studies for different cancer types. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 87:185-196. [PMID: 33145616 PMCID: PMC7870753 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04184-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Berzosertib (formerly M6620) is the first-in-class inhibitor of ataxia–telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein, a key component of the DNA damage response, and being developed in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced cancers. The objectives of this analysis were to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of berzosertib across multiple studies and parts, estimate inter-individual variability, and identify covariates that could explain such variability. Methods A population PK analysis was performed using the combined dataset from two phase I clinical studies (NCT02157792, EudraCT 2013-005100-34) in patients with advanced cancers receiving an intravenous infusion of berzosertib alone or in combination with chemotherapy. The analysis included data from 240 patients across 11 dose levels (18–480 mg/m2). Plasma concentration data were modeled with a non-linear mixed-effect approach and clinical covariates were evaluated. Results PK data were best described by a two-compartment linear model. For a typical patient, the estimated clearance (CL) and intercompartmental CL were 65 L/h and 295 L/h, respectively, with central and peripheral volumes estimated to be 118 L and 1030 L, respectively. Several intrinsic factors were found to influence berzosertib PK, but none were considered clinically meaningful due to a very limited effect. Model simulations indicated that concentrations of berzosertib exceeded p-Chk1 (proximal pharmacodynamic biomarker) IC50 at recommended phase II doses in combination with carboplatin, cisplatin, and gemcitabine. Conclusions There was no evidence of a clinically significant PK interaction between berzosertib and evaluated chemo-combinations. The covariate analysis did not highlight any need for dosing adjustments in the population studied to date. Clinical Trial information NCT02157792, EudraCT 2013-005100-34 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00280-020-04184-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Terranova
- Translational Medicine, Merck Institute of Pharmacometrics, Lausanne, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
| | | | - Martin Falk
- Global Clinical Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bart S Hendriks
- Translational Medicine, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
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Alhmoud JF, Mustafa AG, Malki MI. Targeting DNA Repair Pathways in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197365. [PMID: 33036137 PMCID: PMC7582413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA repair plays an essential role in protecting cells that are repeatedly exposed to endogenous or exogenous insults that can induce varying degrees of DNA damage. Any defect in DNA repair mechanisms results in multiple genomic changes that ultimately may result in mutation, tumor growth, and/or cell apoptosis. Furthermore, impaired repair mechanisms can also lead to genomic instability, which can initiate tumorigenesis and development of hematological malignancy. This review discusses recent findings and highlights the importance of DNA repair components and the impact of their aberrations on hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehad F. Alhmoud
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan;
| | - Ayman G. Mustafa
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713 Doha, Qatar;
| | - Mohammed Imad Malki
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713 Doha, Qatar;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +97-44403-7847
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Lodovichi S, Cervelli T, Pellicioli A, Galli A. Inhibition of DNA Repair in Cancer Therapy: Toward a Multi-Target Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6684. [PMID: 32932697 PMCID: PMC7554826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186684] [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: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in DNA repair pathways are one of the main drivers of cancer insurgence. Nevertheless, cancer cells are more susceptible to DNA damage than normal cells and they rely on specific functional repair pathways to survive. Thanks to advances in genome sequencing, we now have a better idea of which genes are mutated in specific cancers and this prompted the development of inhibitors targeting DNA repair players involved in pathways essential for cancer cells survival. Currently, the pivotal concept is that combining the inhibition of mechanisms on which cancer cells viability depends is the most promising way to treat tumorigenesis. Numerous inhibitors have been developed and for many of them, efficacy has been demonstrated either alone or in combination with chemo or radiotherapy. In this review, we will analyze the principal pathways involved in cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair focusing on how their alterations could predispose to cancer, then we will explore the inhibitors developed or in development specifically targeting different proteins involved in each pathway, underscoring the rationale behind their usage and how their combination and/or exploitation as adjuvants to classic therapies could help in patients clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Lodovichi
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Cervelli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Achille Pellicioli
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alvaro Galli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
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Shi G, Hu Y, Zhu X, Jiang Y, Pang J, Wang C, Huang W, Zhao Y, Ma W, Liu D, Huang J, Songyang Z. A critical role of telomere chromatin compaction in ALT tumor cell growth. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6019-6031. [PMID: 32379321 PMCID: PMC7293046 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ALT tumor cells often contain abundant DNA damage foci at telomeres and rely on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism to maintain their telomeres. How the telomere chromatin is regulated and maintained in these cells remains largely unknown. In this study, we present evidence that heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3) can localize to telomeres and is particularly enriched on telomeres in ALT cells. HP1BP3 inhibition led to preferential growth inhibition of ALT cells, which was accompanied by telomere chromatin decompaction, increased presence of C-circles, more pronounced ALT-associated phenotypes and elongated telomeres. Furthermore, HP1BP3 appeared to participate in regulating telomere histone H3K9me3 epigenetic marks. Taken together, our data suggest that HP1BP3 functions on telomeres to maintain telomere chromatin and represents a novel target for inhibiting ALT cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.,Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yang Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xing Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuanling Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Junjie Pang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Chuanle Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Verna and Marrs Mclean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA 77030
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.,Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.,Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.,Verna and Marrs Mclean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA 77030.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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45
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Li D, Lopez A, Sandoval C, Nichols Doyle R, Fregoso OI. HIV Vpr Modulates the Host DNA Damage Response at Two Independent Steps to Damage DNA and Repress Double-Strand DNA Break Repair. mBio 2020; 11:e00940-20. [PMID: 32753492 PMCID: PMC7407082 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00940-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is a signaling cascade that is vital to ensuring the fidelity of the host genome in the presence of genotoxic stress. Growing evidence has emphasized the importance of both activation and repression of the host DDR by diverse DNA and RNA viruses. Previous work has shown that HIV-1 is also capable of engaging the host DDR, primarily through the conserved accessory protein Vpr. However, the extent of this engagement has remained unclear. Here, we show that HIV-1 and HIV-2 Vpr directly induce DNA damage and stall DNA replication, leading to the activation of several markers of double- and single-strand DNA breaks. Despite causing damage and activating the DDR, we found that Vpr represses the repair of double-strand breaks (DSB) by inhibiting homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Mutational analyses of Vpr revealed that DNA damage and DDR activation are independent from repression of HR and Vpr-mediated cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we show that repression of HR does not require cell cycle arrest but instead may precede this long-standing enigmatic Vpr phenotype. Together, our data uncover that Vpr globally modulates the host DDR at at least two independent steps, offering novel insight into the primary functions of lentiviral Vpr and the roles of the DNA damage response in lentiviral replication.IMPORTANCE The DNA damage response (DDR) is a signaling cascade that safeguards the genome from genotoxic agents, including human pathogens. However, the DDR has also been utilized by many pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to enhance infection. To properly treat HIV-positive individuals, we must understand how the virus usurps our own cellular processes. Here, we have found that an important yet poorly understood gene in HIV, Vpr, targets the DDR at two unique steps: it causes damage and activates DDR signaling, and it represses the ability of cells to repair this damage, which we hypothesize is central to the primary function of Vpr. In clarifying these important functions of Vpr, our work highlights the multiple ways human pathogens engage the DDR and further suggests that modulation of the DDR is a novel way to help in the fight against HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew Lopez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carina Sandoval
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Randilea Nichols Doyle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Oliver I Fregoso
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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46
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Waissi W, Paix A, Nicol A, Noël G, Burckel H. Targeting DNA repair in combination with radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer: A systematic review of preclinical studies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 153:103060. [PMID: 32707435 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research that combines radiation with targeted therapy may dramatically improve prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We investigated preclinical outcomes of DNA repair inhibitor targeted therapy associated with radiotherapy. METHODS We searched Pubmed database to identify publications assessing DNA damage targeted therapies in preclinical models of PDACin vitro and in vivo. Standard enhancement ratio, median survival and growth delay were extracted. RESULTS We identified fourteen publications using DNA repair targeted therapies in preclinical models of PDAC. Ten publications comprising twenty-eight experiments evaluated radiosensitization with different DNA repair inhibitors in vitro and displayed cell killing by a factor of 1.35 ± 0.047. Moreover, 86 % (24/28) of in vitro experiments showed radiosensitization with DNA damage response inhibitor. However, only 60 % (9/15) of the in vivo experiments presented radiosensitization effects. CONCLUSION DNA repair targeted therapies use promising radiosensitizers for PDAC and could successfully be translated into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waisse Waissi
- Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Radiobiology Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, Centre Paul Strauss, 3 rue de la porte de l'Hôpital, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Department de Radiation Oncology, 17 rue Albert Calmette, 67200, Strasbourg, France
| | - Adrien Paix
- Institut de Radiothérapie des Hautes Energies, rue Lautréamont, 93000 Bobigny, France
| | - Anaïs Nicol
- Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Radiobiology Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, Centre Paul Strauss, 3 rue de la porte de l'Hôpital, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Georges Noël
- Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Radiobiology Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, Centre Paul Strauss, 3 rue de la porte de l'Hôpital, 67000, Strasbourg, France; Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Department de Radiation Oncology, 17 rue Albert Calmette, 67200, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg,CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, 23 rue du Loess, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Burckel
- Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, Radiobiology Laboratory, Université de Strasbourg, Centre Paul Strauss, 3 rue de la porte de l'Hôpital, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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47
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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: 0.3] [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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48
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Hiregange D, Naick H, Rao BJ. ATR signalling mediates the prosurvival function of phospho-NPM against PIDDosome mediated cell death. Cell Signal 2020; 71:109602. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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49
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Muralidharan SV, Nilsson LM, Lindberg MF, Nilsson JA. Small molecule inhibitors and a kinase-dead expressing mouse model demonstrate that the kinase activity of Chk1 is essential for mouse embryos and cancer cells. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 3:3/8/e202000671. [PMID: 32571801 PMCID: PMC7335382 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study use small molecule inhibitors and a kinase-dead expressing mouse model to demonstrate that the kinase activity of Chk1 is essential for mouse embryos and cancer cells. Chk1 kinase is downstream of the ATR kinase in the sensing of improper replication. Previous cell culture studies have demonstrated that Chk1 is essential for replication. Indeed, Chk1 inhibitors are efficacious against tumors with high-level replication stress such as Myc-induced lymphoma cells. Treatment with Chk1 inhibitors also combines well with certain chemotherapeutic drugs, and effects associate with the induction of DNA damage and reduction of Chk1 protein levels. Most studies of Chk1 function have relied on the use of inhibitors. Whether or not a mouse or cancer cells could survive if a kinase-dead form of Chk1 is expressed has not been investigated before. Here, we generate a mouse model that expresses a kinase-dead (D130A) allele in the mouse germ line. We find that this mouse is overtly normal and does not have problems with erythropoiesis with aging as previously been shown for a mouse expressing one null allele. However, similar to a null allele, homozygous kinase-dead mice cannot be generated, and timed pregnancies of heterozygous mice suggest lethality of homozygous blastocysts at around the time of implantation. By breeding the kinase-dead Chk1 mouse with a conditional allele, we are able to demonstrate that expression of only one kinase-dead allele, but no wild-type allele, of Chek1 is lethal for Myc-induced cancer cells. Finally, treatment of melanoma cells with tumor-infiltrating T cells or CAR-T cells is effective even if Chk1 is inhibited, suggesting that Chk1 inhibitors can be safely administered in patients where immunotherapy is an essential component of the arsenal against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somsundar V Muralidharan
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa M Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mattias F Lindberg
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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50
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Tran Chau V, Liu W, Gerbé de Thoré M, Meziani L, Mondini M, O'Connor MJ, Deutsch E, Clémenson C. Differential therapeutic effects of PARP and ATR inhibition combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of subcutaneous versus orthotopic lung tumour models. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:762-771. [PMID: 32546832 PMCID: PMC7463250 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0931-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subcutaneous mouse tumour models are widely used for the screening of novel antitumour treatments, although these models are poor surrogate models of human cancers. Methods We compared the antitumour efficacy of the combination of ionising radiation (IR) with two DNA damage response inhibitors, the PARP inhibitor olaparib and the ATR inhibitor AZD6738 (ceralasertib), in subcutaneous versus orthotopic cancer models. Results Olaparib delayed the growth of irradiated Lewis lung carcinoma (LL2) subcutaneous tumours, in agreement with previous reports in human cell lines. However, the olaparib plus IR combination showed a very narrow therapeutic window against LL2 lung orthotopic tumours, with nearly no additional antitumour effect compared with that of IR alone, and tolerability issues emerged at high doses. The addition of AZD6738 greatly enhanced the efficacy of the olaparib plus IR combination treatment against subcutaneous but not orthotopic LL2 tumours. Moreover, olaparib plus AZD6738 administration concomitant with IR even worsened the response to radiation of head and neck orthotopic tumours and induced mucositis. Conclusions These major differences in the responses to treatments between subcutaneous and orthotopic models highlight the importance of using more pathologically relevant models, such as syngeneic orthotopic models, to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approaches for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Tran Chau
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France
| | - Winchygn Liu
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France
| | - Marine Gerbé de Thoré
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France
| | - Lydia Meziani
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France
| | - Michele Mondini
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France
| | - Mark J O'Connor
- Oncology Innovative Medicines and Early Clinical Development, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric Deutsch
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France. .,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.
| | - Céline Clémenson
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiotherapy, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France. .,Labex LERMIT, DHU TORINO, SIRIC SOCRATE, Villejuif, France.
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