Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase as a target for anticancer therapy

Design and Synthesis of Chlorinated and Fluorinated 7-Azaindenoisoquinolines as Potent Cytotoxic Anticancer Agents That Inhibit Topoisomerase I

The 7-azaindenoisoquinolines are cytotoxic topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors. Previously reported representatives bear a 3-nitro group. The present report documents the replacement of the potentially genotoxic 3-nitro group by 3-chloro and 3-fluoro substituents, resulting in compounds with high Top1 inhibitory activities and potent cytotoxicities in human cancer cell cultures and reduced lethality in an animal model. Some of the new Top1 inhibitors also possess moderate inhibitory activities against tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2), two enzymes that are involved in DNA damage repair resulting from Top1 inhibitors, and they produce significantly more DNA damage in cancer cells than in normal cells. Eighteen of the new compounds had cytotoxicity mean-graph midpoint (MGM) GI50 values in the submicromolar (0.033-0.630 μM) range. Compounds 16b and 17b are the most potent in human cancer cell cultures with MGM GI50 values of 0.063 and 0.033 μM, respectively. Possible binding modes to Top1 and TDP1were investigated by molecular modeling.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the First Triple Inhibitors of Human Topoisomerase 1, Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1), and Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 2 (Tdp2)

Tdp1 and Tdp2 are two tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases that can repair damaged DNA resulting from topoisomerase inhibitors and a variety of other DNA-damaging agents. Both Tdp1 and Tdp2 inhibition could hypothetically potentiate the cytotoxicities of topoisomerase inhibitors. This study reports the successful structure-based design and synthesis of new 7-azaindenoisoquinolines that act as triple inhibitors of Top1, Tdp1, and Tdp2. Enzyme inhibitory data and cytotoxicity data from human cancer cell cultures establish that modification of the lactam side chain of the 7-azaindenoisoquinolines can modulate their inhibitory potencies and selectivities vs Top1, Tdp1, and Tdp2. Molecular modeling of selected target compounds bound to Top1, Tdp1, and Tdp2 was used to design the inhibitors and facilitate the structure-activity relationship analysis. The monitoring of DNA damage by γ-H2AX foci formation in human PBMCs (lymphocytes) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia CCRF-CEM cells documented significantly more DNA damage in the cancer cells vs normal cells.

Structure Modeling of Human Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 and Screening for Its Inhibitors

The DNA repair enzyme tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) represents a potential molecular target for anticancer therapy. A human Tdp1 model has been constructed using the methods of quantum and molecular mechanics, taking into account the ionization states of the amino acid residues in the active site and their interactions with the substrate and competitive inhibitors. The oligonucleotide- and phosphotyrosine-binding cavities important for the inhibitor design have been identified in the enzyme's active site. The developed molecular model allowed us to uncover new Tdp1 inhibitors whose sulfo group is capable of occupying the position of the 3'-phosphate group of the substrate and forming hydrogen bonds with Lys265, Lys495, and other amino acid residues in the phosphotyrosine binding site.

Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 Inhibitors: Usnic Acid Enamines Enhance the Cytotoxic Effect of Camptothecin

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a repair enzyme for stalled DNA-topoisomerase 1 (Top1) cleavage complexes and other 3'-end DNA lesions. TDP1 is a perspective target for anticancer therapy based on Top1-poison-mediated DNA damage. Several novel usnic acid derivatives with an enamine moiety have been synthesized and tested as inhibitors of TDP1. The enamines of usnic acid showed IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.16 to 2.0 μM. These compounds revealed moderate cytotoxicity against human tumor MCF-7 cells. These new compounds enhanced the cytotoxicity of the established Top1 poison camptothecin by an order of magnitude.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase inhibitors: Progress and potential

DNA topoisomerases are essential during transcription and replication. The therapeutic mechanism of action of topoisomerase inhibitors is enzyme poisoning rather than catalytic inhibition. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases 1 or 2 were found as DNA repair enzymes hydrolyzing the covalent bond between the tyrosyl residue of topoisomerases I or II and the 3'- or 5'-phosphate groups in DNA, respectively. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 is a key enzyme in DNA repair machinery and a promising target for antitumor and neurodegenerative therapy. Inhibitors of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 could act synergistically with topoisomerase I inhibitors and thereby potentiate the effects of topoisomerase I poisons. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 is an enzyme that specifically repairs DNA damages induced by topoisomerase II poisons and causes resistance to these drugs. Selective inhibition of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 may be a novel approach to overcome intrinsic or acquired resistance to topoisomerase II-targeted drug therapy. Thus, agents that inhibit tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases 1 and 2 have many applications in biochemical and physiological research and they have the potential to become anticancer and antiviral drugs. The structures, mechanism of action and therapeutic rationale of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase inhibitors and their development for combinations with topoisomerase inhibitors and DNA damaging agents are discussed.

New inhibitors of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp 1) combining 7-hydroxycoumarin and monoterpenoid moieties

A number of derivatives of 7-hydroxycoumarins containing aromatic or monoterpene substituents at hydroxy-group were synthesized based on a hit compound from a virtual screen. The ability of these compounds to inhibit tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp 1), important target for anti-cancer therapy, was studied for the first time. It was found that the 7-hydroxycoumarin derivatives with monoterpene pinene moiety are effective inhibitors of Tdp 1 with the most active derivative (+)-25c with IC₅₀ value of 0.675μM. This compound has low cytotoxicity (CC₅₀>100μM) when tested against human cancer cells which is crucial for presupposed application in combination with clinically established anticancer drugs. The ability of the new compounds to enhance the cytotoxicity of camptothecin, an established topoisomerase 1 poison, was demonstrated.

Pre-steady state kinetics of DNA binding and abasic site hydrolysis by tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) processes DNA 3'-end-blocking modifications, possesses DNA and RNA 3'-nucleosidase activity and is also able to hydrolyze an internal apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site and its synthetic analogs. The mechanism of Tdp1 interaction with DNA was analyzed using pre-steady state stopped-flow kinetics with tryptophan, 2-aminopurine and Förster resonance energy transfer fluorescence detection. Phosphorothioate or tetramethyl phosphoryl guanidine groups at the 3'-end of DNA have been used to prevent 3'-nucleosidase digestion by Tdp1. DNA binding and catalytic properties of Tdp1 and its mutants H493R (Tdp1 mutant SCAN1) and H263A have been compared. The data indicate that the initial step of Tdp1 interaction with DNA includes binding of Tdp1 to the DNA ends followed by the 3'-nucleosidase reaction. In the case of DNA containing AP site, three steps of fluorescence variation were detected that characterize (i) initial binding the enzyme to the termini of DNA, (ii) the conformational transitions of Tdp1 and (iii) search for and recognition of the AP-site in DNA, which leads to the formation of the catalytically active complex and to the AP-site cleavage reaction. Analysis of Tdp1 interaction with single- and double-stranded DNA substrates shows that the rates of the 3'-nucleosidase and AP-site cleavage reactions have similar values in the case of single-stranded DNA, whereas in double-stranded DNA, the cleavage of the AP-site proceeds two times faster than 3'-nucleosidase digestion. Therefore, the data show that the AP-site cleavage reaction is an essential function of Tdp1 which may comprise an independent of AP endonuclease 1 AP-site repair pathway.

[Inhibitory Properties of Nitrogen-Containing Adamantane Derivatives with Monoterpenoid Fragments Against Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I]

It was found that compounds combining diazaadamantane and monoterpenoid fragments are potent inhibitors of new structural type of human recombinant DNA repair enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1). It was demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency depended on the length and flexibility of the aliphatic chain of the substituent.

[Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 Is a New Player in Repair of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Sites]

Genomic DNA is constantly damaged by the action of exogenous factors and endogenous reactive metabolites. Apurinic/apyrimidinic sites (AP sites), which occur as a result of DNA glycosylase induced or spontaneous hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bonds, are the most common damages of DNA. The chemical reactivity of AP sites is the cause of DNA breaks, and DNA-protein and DNA-DNA crosslinks. Repair of AP sites is one of the most important mechanisms for maintaining genome stability. Despite the fact that the main participants of the AP site repair are very well studied, the new proteins that could be involved potentially in this process as "back up" players or perform certain specialized functions are being found. This review is dedicated to one of these proteins, tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1), for which we have recently shown that in addition to its main activity of specific cleavage of the tyrosyl-DNA bond formed via a covalent attachment of topoisomerase 1 (Top1) to DNA, Tdp1 is able to initiate the cleavage of the internal AP sites in DNA and their following repair. Tdp1 was discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as an enzyme hydrolyzing the covalent bond between tyrosyl residue of topoisomerase 1 and 3'-phosphate group in DNA. Tdp1 is the major enzyme which carries out the repair of the irreversible complexes of DNA and topoisomerase 1, which appear. in the presence of Top 1 inhibitors, such as camptothecin, therefore Tdp1 is a very important target for the development of inhibitors--anticancer drugs. Besides, Tdp1 hydrolyzes a wide range of 3'-terminal DNA modifications and the 3'-end nucleosides and its derivatives to form a 3'-phosphate. Tdp1 ability to cleave AP sites suggests its involvement in the base excision repair as an alternative enzyme to cleave AP sites instead of AP endonuclease 1--the major enzyme hydrolyzing AP sites in DNA repair process.

The distinctive cellular responses to DNA strand breaks caused by a DNA topoisomerase I poison in conjunction with DNA replication and RNA transcription

Camptothecin (CPT) inhibits DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) through a non-catalytic mechanism that stabilizes the Top1-DNA cleavage complex (Top1cc) and blocks the DNA re-ligation step, resulting in the accumulation in the genome of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs), which are converted to secondary strand breaks when they collide with the DNA replication and RNA transcription machinery. DNA strand breaks mediated by replication, which have one DNA end, are distinct in repair from the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that have two ends and are caused by ionizing radiation and other agents. In contrast to two-ended DSBs, such one-ended DSBs are preferentially repaired through the homologous recombination pathway. Conversely, the repair of one-ended DSBs by the non-homologous end-joining pathway is harmful for cells and leads to cell death. The choice of repair pathway has a crucial impact on cell fate and influences the efficacy of anticancer drugs such as CPT derivatives. In addition to replication-mediated one-ended DSBs, transcription also generates DNA strand breaks upon collision with the Top1cc. Some reports suggest that transcription-mediated DNA strand breaks correlate with neurodegenerative diseases. However, the details of the repair mechanisms of, and cellular responses to, transcription-mediated DNA strand breaks still remain unclear. In this review, combining our recent results and those of previous reports, we introduce and discuss the responses to CPT-induced DNA damage mediated by DNA replication and RNA transcription.

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1 stimulates the AP-site cleavage activity of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1

The influence of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1 (PARP1) on the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP)-site cleavage activity of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) and interaction of PARP1 and TDP1 were studied. The efficiency of single or clustered AP-site hydrolysis catalysed by TDP1 was estimated. It was shown that the efficiency of AP-site cleavage increases in the presence of an additional AP-site in the opposite DNA strand depending on its position. PARP1 stimulates TDP1; the stimulation effect was abolished in the presence of NAD(+). The interaction of these two proteins was characterized quantitatively by measuring the dissociation constant for the TDP1-PARP1 complex using fluorescently-labelled proteins. The distance between the N-termini of the proteins within the complex was estimated using FRET. The data obtained suggest that PARP1 and TDP1 bind in an antiparallel orientation; the N-terminus of the former protein interacts with the C-terminal domain of the latter. The functional significance of PARP1 and TDP1 interaction in the process of DNA repair was demonstrated for the first time.

Quantitative characterization of protein-protein complexes involved in base excision DNA repair

Base Excision Repair (BER) efficiently corrects the most common types of DNA damage in mammalian cells. Step-by-step coordination of BER is facilitated by multiple interactions between enzymes and accessory proteins involved. Here we characterize quantitatively a number of complexes formed by DNA polymerase β (Polβ), apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), using fluorescence- and light scattering-based techniques. Direct physical interactions between the APE1-Polβ, APE1-TDP1, APE1-PARP1 and Polβ-TDP1 pairs have been detected and characterized for the first time. The combined results provide strong evidence that the most stable complex is formed between XRCC1 and Polβ. Model DNA intermediates of BER are shown to induce significant rearrangement of the Polβ complexes with XRCC1 and PARP1, while having no detectable influence on the protein–protein binding affinities. The strength of APE1 interaction with Polβ, XRCC1 and PARP1 is revealed to be modulated by BER intermediates to different extents, depending on the type of DNA damage. The affinity of APE1 for Polβ is higher in the complex with abasic site-containing DNA than after the APE1-catalyzed incision. Our findings advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying coordination and regulation of the BER process.

Correlation between topoisomerase I and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 activities in non-small cell lung cancer tissue

Topoisomerase I (TOP1) regulates DNA topology during replication and transcription whereas tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is involved in the repair of several types of DNA damages, including damages from defective TOP1 catalysis. TOP1 is the target of chemotherapeutic drugs of the camptothecin family (CPT). TDP1 has in cell line based assays been shown to counteract the effect of CPT. We have quantified the enzymatic activities of TOP1 and TDP1 in paired (tumor and adjacent non-tumor) samples from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and show that in NSCLC TOP1 and TDP1 activities are significantly upregulated in the tumor tissue. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the TDP1 activity and the tumor percentage (TOP1 activity did not correlate with the tumor percentage) as well as between the activities of TOP1 and TDP1 both within the tumor and the non-tumor group. That TDP1 activity was upregulated in all tumor samples and correlated with the tumor percentage suggest that it must play a highly important function in NSCLC. This could be to protect against TOP1 mediated DNA damage as the activity of TOP1 likewise was upregulated in the majority of tumor samples and correlated positively to the TDP1 activity. Regardless, the finding that the TOP1 and TDP1 activities are upregulated and correlate positively suggests that combinatorial treatment targeting both activities could be advantageous in NSCLC.

Discovery of potent indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I poisons lacking the 3-nitro toxicophore

3-Nitroindenoisoquinoline human topoisomerase IB (Top1) poisons have potent antiproliferative effects on cancer cells. The undesirable nitro toxicophore could hypothetically be replaced by other functional groups that would retain the desired biological activities and minimize potential safety risks. Eleven series of indenoisoquinolines bearing 3-nitro bioisosteres were synthesized. The molecules were evaluated in the Top1-mediated DNA cleavage assay and in the National Cancer Institute's 60 cell line cytotoxicity assay. The data reveal that fluorine and chlorine may substitute for the 3-nitro group with minimal loss of Top1 poisoning activity. The new information gained from these efforts can be used to design novel indenoisoquinolines with improved safety.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of nitrated 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-hydroxyindenoisoquinolines as potential dual topoisomerase I (Top1)-tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (TDP1) inhibitors

The structure-activity relationships and hit-to-lead optimization of dual Top1-TDP1 inhibitors in the indenoisoquinoline drug class were investigated. A series of nitrated 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-hydroxyindenoisoquinolines were synthesized and evaluated. Several compounds displayed potent dual Top1-TDP1 inhibition. The 9-hydroxy series exhibited potencies and cytotoxicities vs Top1 that surpassed those of camptothecin (CPT), the natural alkaloid that is being used as a standard in the Top1-mediated DNA cleavage assay. One member of this series was a more potent Top1 inhibitor at a concentration of 5 nM and produced a more stable ternary drug-DNA-Top1 cleavage complex than CPT.

Development of a targeted flip-in system in avian DT40 cells

Gene-targeting to create null mutants or designed-point mutants is a powerful tool for the molecular dissection of complex phenotypes involving DNA repair, signal transduction, and metabolism. Because gene-targeting is critically impaired in mutants exhibiting attenuated homologous recombination (HR), it is believed that gene-targeting is mediated via homologous recombination, though the precise mechanism remains unknown. We explored gene-targeting in yeast and avian DT40 cells. In animal cells, gene-targeting is activated by DNA double strand breaks introduced into the genomic region where gene-targeting occurs. This is evidenced by the fact that introducing double strand breaks at targeted genome sequences via artificial endonucleases such as TALEN and CRISPR facilitates gene-targeting. We found that in fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, gene-targeting was initiated from double strand breaks on both edges of the homologous arms in the targeting construct. Strikingly, we also found efficient gene-targeting initiated on the edges of homologous arms in avian DT40 cells, a unique animal cell line in which efficient gene-targeting has been demonstrated. It may be that yeast and DT40 cells share some mechanism in which unknown factors detect and recombine broken DNA ends at homologous arms accompanied by crossover. We found efficient targeted integration of gapped plasmids accompanied by crossover in the DT40 cells. To take advantage of this finding, we developed a targeted flip-in system for avian DT40 cells. This flip-in system enables the rapid generation of cells expressing tag-fused proteins and the stable expression of transgenes from OVA loci.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitors with a benzopentathiepine moiety

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a promising target for antitumor therapy based on Top1 poison-mediated DNA damage. Several novel benzopentathiepines were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of TDP1 using a new oligonucleotide-based fluorescence assay. The benzopentathiepines have IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.2-6.0 μM. According to the molecular modeling, the conformational flexibility of the dibutylamine group of the most effective inhibitor (3d) allows it to occupy an advantageous position for effective binding compared to its cyclic counterparts. The study of cytotoxicity of these compounds revealed that all compounds cause an apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 and Hep G2 cells. Therefore the new class of very effective inhibitors of TDP1 was elaborated.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I resolves both naturally and chemically induced DNA adducts and its potential as a therapeutic target

DNA is subject to a wide range of insults, resulting from endogenous and exogenous sources that need to be metabolized/resolved to maintain genome integrity. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) is a eukaryotic DNA repair enzyme that catalyzes the removal of covalent 3'-DNA adducts. As a phospholipase D superfamily member Tdp1 utilizes two catalytic histidines each within a His-Lys-Asn motif. Tdp1 was discovered for its ability to hydrolyze the 3'-phospho-tyrosyl that in the cell covalently links DNA Topoisomerase I (Topo1) and DNA. Tdp1's list of substrates has since grown and can be divided into two groups: protein-DNA adducts, such as camptothecin stabilized Topo1-DNA adducts, and modified nucleotides, including oxidized nucleotides and chain terminating nucleoside analogs. Since many of Tdp1's substrates are generated by clinically relevant chemotherapeutics, Tdp1 became a therapeutic target for molecularly targeted small molecules. Tdp1's unique catalytic cycle allows for two different targeting strategies: (1) the intuitive inhibition of Tdp1 catalysis to prevent Tdp1-mediated repair of chemotherapeutically induced DNA adducts, thereby enhancing their toxicity and (2) stabilization of the Tdp1-DNA covalent reaction intermediate, prevents resolution of Tdp1-DNA adduct and increases the half-life of this potentially toxic DNA adduct. This concept is best illustrated by a catalytic Tdp1 mutant that forms the molecular basis of the autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy, and results in an increased stability of its Tdp1-DNA reaction intermediate. Here, we will discuss Tdp1 catalysis from a structure-function perspective, Tdp1 substrates and Tdp1 potential as a therapeutic target.

Trypanosomatids topoisomerase re-visited. New structural findings and role in drug discovery

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There is an urgent need of new treatments against trypanosomatids-borne diseases.

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DNA topoisomerases are pointed as potential drug targets against unicellular parasites.

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Trypanosomatids have a full set of DNA topoisomerases in both nucleus and kinetoplast.

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TopII and TopIII are located in the kinetoplast and fully involved in kDNA replication.

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Tritryps TopIB differ in structure from mammalian’s pointing to an attractive target.

The Trypanosomatidae family, composed of unicellular parasites, causes severe vector-borne diseases that afflict human populations worldwide. Chagas disease, sleeping sickness, as well as different sorts of leishmaniases are amongst the most important infectious diseases produced by Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., respectively. All these infections are closely related to weak health care services in low-income populations of less developed and least economically developed countries. Search for new therapeutic targets in order to hit these pathogens is of paramount priority, as no effective vaccine is currently in use against any of these parasites. Furthermore, present-day chemotherapy comprises old-fashioned drugs full of important side effects. Besides, they are prone to produce tolerance and resistance as a consequence of their continuous use for decades. DNA topoisomerases (Top) are ubiquitous enzymes responsible for solving the torsional tensions caused during replication and transcription processes, as well as in maintaining genomic stability during DNA recombination. As the inhibition of these enzymes produces cell arrest and triggers cell death, Top inhibitors are among the most effective and most widely used drugs in both cancer and antibacterial therapies. Top relaxation and decatenation activities, which are based on a common nicking–closing cycle involving one or both DNA strands, have been pointed as a promising drug target. Specific inhibitors that bind to the interface of DNA-Top complexes can stabilize Top-mediated transient DNA breaks. In addition, important structural differences have been found between Tops from the Trypanosomatidae family members and Tops from the host. Such dissimilarities make these proteins very interesting for drug design and molecular intervention. The present review is a critical update of the last findings regarding trypanosomatid’s Tops, their new structural features, their involvement both in the physiology and virulence of these parasites, as well as their use as promising targets for drug discovery.

Biochemical assays for the discovery of TDP1 inhibitors

Drug screening against novel targets is warranted to generate biochemical probes and new therapeutic drug leads. TDP1 and TDP2 are two DNA repair enzymes that have yet to be successfully targeted. TDP1 repairs topoisomerase I-, alkylation-, and chain terminator-induced DNA damage, whereas TDP2 repairs topoisomerase II-induced DNA damage. Here, we report the quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) of the NIH Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository using recombinant human TDP1. We also developed a secondary screening method using a multiple loading gel-based assay where recombinant TDP1 is replaced by whole cell extract (WCE) from genetically engineered DT40 cells. While developing this assay, we determined the importance of buffer conditions for testing TDP1, and most notably the possible interference of phosphate-based buffers. The high specificity of endogenous TDP1 in WCE allowed the evaluation of a large number of hits with up to 600 samples analyzed per gel via multiple loadings. The increased stringency of the WCE assay eliminated a large fraction of the initial hits collected from the qHTS. Finally, inclusion of a TDP2 counter-screening assay allowed the identification of two novel series of selective TDP1 inhibitors.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of O-2-modified indenoisoquinolines as dual topoisomerase I-tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I inhibitors

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (TDP1) repairs stalled topoisomerase I (Top1)–DNA covalent complexes and has been proposed to be a promising and attractive target for cancer treatment. Inhibitors of TDP1 could conceivably act synergistically with Top1 inhibitors and thereby potentiate the effects of Top1 poisons. This study describes the successful design and synthesis of 2-position-modified indenoisoquinolines as dual Top1–TDP1 inhibitors using a structure-based drug design approach. Enzyme inhibition studies indicate that indenoisoquinolines modified at the 2-position with three-carbon side chains ending with amino substituents show both promising Top1 and TDP1 inhibitory activity. Molecular modeling of selected target compounds bound to Top1 and TDP1 was used to rationalize the enzyme inhibition results and structure–activity relationship analysis.

Identification of novel PARP inhibitors using a cell-based TDP1 inhibitory assay in a quantitative high-throughput screening platform

Anti-cancer topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors (camptothecin and its derivatives irinotecan and topotecan, and indenoisoquinolines) induce lethal DNA lesions by stabilizing Top1-DNA cleavage complex (Top1cc). These lesions are repaired by parallel repair pathways including the tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1)-related pathway and homologous recombination. As TDP1-deficient cells in vertebrates are hypersensitive to Top1 inhibitors, small molecules inhibiting TDP1 should augment the cytotoxicity of Top1 inhibitors. We developed a cell-based high-throughput screening assay for the discovery of inhibitors for human TDP1 using a TDP1-deficient chicken DT40 cell line (TDP1-/-) complemented with human TDP1 (hTDP1). Any compounds showing a synergistic effect with the Top1 inhibitor camptothecin (CPT) in hTDP1 cells should either be a TDP1-related pathway inhibitor or an inhibitor of alternate repair pathways for Top1cc. We screened the 400,000-compound Small Molecule Library Repository (SMLR, NIH Molecular Libraries) against hTDP1 cells in the absence or presence of CPT. After confirmation in a secondary screen using both hTDP1 and TDP1-/- cells in the absence or presence of CPT, five compounds were confirmed as potential TDP1 pathway inhibitors. All five compounds showed synergistic effect with CPT in hTDP1 cells, but not in TDP1-/- cells, indicating that the compounds inhibited a TDP1-related repair pathway. Yet, in vitro gel-based assay revealed that the five compounds did not inhibit TDP1 catalytic activity directly. We tested the compounds for their ability to inhibit poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) because PARP inhibitors are known to potentiate the cytotoxicity of CPT by inhibiting the recruitment of TDP1 to Top1cc. Accordingly, we found that the five compounds inhibit catalytic activity of PARP by ELISA and Western blotting. We identified the most potent compound (Cpd1) that offers characteristic close to veliparib, a leading clinical PARP inhibitor. Cpd1 may represent a new scaffold for the development of PARP inhibitors.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new carbohydrate-substituted indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors and improved syntheses of the experimental anticancer agents indotecan (LMP400) and indimitecan (LMP776)

Carbohydrate moieties were strategically transported from the indolocarbazole topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitor class to the indenoisoquinoline system in search of structurally novel and potent Top1 inhibitors. The syntheses and biological evaluation of 20 new indenoisoquinolines glycosylated with linear and cyclic sugar moieties are reported. Aromatic ring substitution with 2,3-dimethoxy-8,9-methylenedioxy or 3-nitro groups exerted strong effects on antiproliferative and Top1 inhibitory activities. While the length of the carbohydrate side chain clearly correlated with antiproliferative activity, the relationship between stereochemistry and biological activity was less clearly defined. Twelve of the new indenoisoquinolines exhibit Top1 inhibitory activity equal to or better than that of camptothecin. An advanced synthetic intermediate from this study was also used to efficiently prepare indotecan (LMP400) and indimitecan (LMP776), two anticancer agents currently under investigation in a Phase I clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health.

PARP1-TDP1 coupling for the repair of topoisomerase I-induced DNA damage

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) attach poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains to various proteins including themselves and chromatin. Topoisomerase I (Top1) regulates DNA supercoiling and is the target of camptothecin and indenoisoquinoline anticancer drugs, as it forms Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by the drugs. Endogenous and carcinogenic DNA lesions can also trap Top1cc. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), a key repair enzyme for trapped Top1cc, hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between the DNA 3'-end and the Top1 tyrosyl moiety. Alternative repair pathways for Top1cc involve endonuclease cleavage. However, it is unknown what determines the choice between TDP1 and the endonuclease repair pathways. Here we show that PARP1 plays a critical role in this process. By generating TDP1 and PARP1 double-knockout lymphoma chicken DT40 cells, we demonstrate that TDP1 and PARP1 are epistatic for the repair of Top1cc. The N-terminal domain of TDP1 directly binds the C-terminal domain of PARP1, and TDP1 is PARylated by PARP1. PARylation stabilizes TDP1 together with SUMOylation of TDP1. TDP1 PARylation enhances its recruitment to DNA damage sites without interfering with TDP1 catalytic activity. TDP1-PARP1 complexes, in turn recruit X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1). This work identifies PARP1 as a key component driving the repair of trapped Top1cc by TDP1.

The mechanism of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 in the cleavage of AP site and its synthetic analogs

The mechanism of hydrolysis of the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site and its synthetic analogs by using tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) was analyzed. Tdp1 catalyzes the cleavage of AP site and the synthetic analog of the AP site, 3-hydroxy-2(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran (THF), in DNA by hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond between the substituent and 5' adjacent phosphate. The product of Tdp1 cleavage in the case of the AP site is unstable and is hydrolyzed with the formation of 3'- and 5'-margin phosphates. The following repair demands the ordered action of polynucleotide kinase phosphorylase, with XRCC1, DNA polymerase β, and DNA ligase. In the case of THF, Tdp1 generates break with the 5'-THF and the 3'-phosphate termini. Tdp1 is also able to effectively cleave non-nucleotide insertions in DNA, decanediol and diethyleneglycol moieties by the same mechanism as in the case of THF cleavage. The efficiency of Tdp1 catalyzed hydrolysis of AP-site analog correlates with the DNA helix distortion induced by the substituent. The following repair of 5'-THF and other AP-site analogs can be processed by the long-patch base excision repair pathway.

TDP1 repairs nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage induced by chain-terminating anticancer and antiviral nucleoside analogs

Chain-terminating nucleoside analogs (CTNAs) that cause stalling or premature termination of DNA replication forks are widely used as anticancer and antiviral drugs. However, it is not well understood how cells repair the DNA damage induced by these drugs. Here, we reveal the importance of tyrosyl–DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) in the repair of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage induced by CTNAs. On investigating the effects of four CTNAs—acyclovir (ACV), cytarabine (Ara-C), zidovudine (AZT) and zalcitabine (ddC)—we show that TDP1 is capable of removing the covalently linked corresponding CTNAs from DNA 3′-ends. We also show that Tdp1^−/− cells are hypersensitive and accumulate more DNA damage when treated with ACV and Ara-C, implicating TDP1 in repairing CTNA-induced DNA damage. As AZT and ddC are known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, we examined whether TDP1 repairs the mitochondrial DNA damage they induced. We find that AZT and ddC treatment leads to greater depletion of mitochondrial DNA in Tdp1^−/− cells. Thus, TDP1 seems to be critical for repairing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage caused by CTNAs.

Real-time detection of TDP1 activity using a fluorophore-quencher coupled DNA-biosensor

Real-time detection of enzyme activities may present the easiest and most reliable way of obtaining quantitative analyses in biological samples. We present a new DNA-biosensor capable of detecting the activity of the potential anticancer drug target tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) in a very simple, high throughput, and real-time format. The biosensor is specific for Tdp1 even in complex biological samples, such as human cell extracts, and may consequently find future use in fundamental studies as well as a cancer predictive tool allowing fast analyses of diagnostic cell samples such as biopsies. TDP1 removes covalent 3'DNA adducts in DNA single-strand break repair. This enzymatic activity forms the basis of the design of the TDP1-biosensor, which consists of a short hairpin-forming oligonucleotide having a 5'fluorophore and a 3'quencher brought in close proximity by the secondary structure of the biosensor. The specific action of TDP1 removes the quencher, thereby enabling optical detection of the fluorophore. Since the enzymatic action of TDP1 is the only "signal amplification" the increase in fluorescence may easily be followed in real-time and allows quantitative analyses of TDP1 activity in pure enzyme fractions as well as in crude cell extracts. In the present study we demonstrate the specificity of the biosensor, its ability to quantitatively detect up- or down-regulated TDP1 activity, and that it may be used for measuring and for analyzing the mechanism of TDP1 inhibition.

Drugging topoisomerases: lessons and challenges

Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes that control DNA supercoiling and entanglements. They are essential during transcription and replication, and topoisomerase inhibitors are among the most effective and most commonly used anticancer and antibacterial drugs. This review consists of two parts. In the first part ("Lessons"), it gives background information on the catalytic mechanisms of the different enzyme families (6 different genes in humans and 4 in most bacteria), describes the "interfacial inhibition" by which topoisomerase-targeted drugs act as topoisomerase poisons, and describes clinically relevant topoisomerase inhibitors. It generalizes the interfacial inhibition principle, which was discovered from the mechanism of action of topoisomerase inhibitors, and discusses how topoisomerase inhibitors kill cells by trapping topoisomerases on DNA rather than by classical enzymatic inhibition. Trapping protein-DNA complexes extends to a novel mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors and could be applied to the targeting of transcription factors. The second part of the review focuses on the challenges for discovery and precise use of topoisomerase inhibitors, including targeting topoisomerase inhibitors using chemical coupling and encapsulation for selective tumor delivery, use of pharmacodynamic biomarkers to follow drug activity, complexity of the response determinants for anticancer activity and patient selection, prospects of rational combinations with DNA repair inhibitors targeting tyrosyl-DNA-phosphodiesterases 1 and 2 (TDP1 and TDP2) and PARP, and the unmet need to develop inhibitors for type IA enzymes.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of indenoisoquinolines that inhibit both tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) and topoisomerase I (Top1)

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) plays a key role in the repair of damaged DNA resulting from the topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitor camptothecin and a variety of other DNA-damaging anticancer agents. This report documents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of new indenoisoquinolines that are dual inhibitors of both Tdp1 and Top1. Enzyme inhibitory data and cytotoxicity data from human cancer cell cultures were used to establish structure-activity relationships. The potencies of the indenoisoquinolines against Tdp1 ranged from 5 μM to 111 μM, which places the more active compounds among the most potent known inhibitors of this target. The cytotoxicity mean graph midpoints ranged from 0.02 to 2.34 μM. Dual Tdp1-Top1 inhibitors are of interest because the Top1 and Tdp1 inhibitory activities could theoretically work synergistically to create more effective anticancer agents.

Benchmarking ligand-based virtual High-Throughput Screening with the PubChem database

With the rapidly increasing availability of High-Throughput Screening (HTS) data in the public domain, such as the PubChem database, methods for ligand-based computer-aided drug discovery (LB-CADD) have the potential to accelerate and reduce the cost of probe development and drug discovery efforts in academia. We assemble nine data sets from realistic HTS campaigns representing major families of drug target proteins for benchmarking LB-CADD methods. Each data set is public domain through PubChem and carefully collated through confirmation screens validating active compounds. These data sets provide the foundation for benchmarking a new cheminformatics framework BCL::ChemInfo, which is freely available for non-commercial use. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models are built using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Decision Trees (DTs), and Kohonen networks (KNs). Problem-specific descriptor optimization protocols are assessed including Sequential Feature Forward Selection (SFFS) and various information content measures. Measures of predictive power and confidence are evaluated through cross-validation, and a consensus prediction scheme is tested that combines orthogonal machine learning algorithms into a single predictor. Enrichments ranging from 15 to 101 for a TPR cutoff of 25% are observed.

5-Arylidenethioxothiazolidinones as inhibitors of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) is a cellular enzyme that repairs the irreversible topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA complexes and confers chemotherapeutic resistance to Top1 inhibitors. Inhibiting Tdp1 provides an attractive approach to potentiating clinically used Top1 inhibitors. However, despite recent efforts in studying Tdp1 as a therapeutic target, its inhibition remains poorly understood and largely underexplored. We describe herein the discovery of arylidene thioxothiazolidinone as a scaffold for potent Tdp1 inhibitors based on an initial tyrphostin lead compound 8. Through structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies we demonstrated that arylidene thioxothiazolidinones inhibit Tdp1 and identified compound 50 as a submicromolar inhibitor of Tdp1 (IC₅₀ = 0.87 μM). Molecular modeling provided insight into key interactions essential for observed activities. Some derivatives were also active against endogenous Tdp1 in whole cell extracts. These findings contribute to advancing the understanding on Tdp1 inhibition.

DNA damage response pathways and cell cycle checkpoints in colorectal cancer: current concepts and future perspectives for targeted treatment

Although several drugs have been designed in the last few years to target specific key pathways and functions in colorectal cancer (CRC), the backbone of CRC treatment is still made up of compounds which rely on DNA damage to accomplish their role. DNA damage response (DDR) and checkpoint pathways are intertwined signaling networks that arrest cell cycle, recognize and repair genetic mistakes which arise during DNA replication and transcription, as well as through the exposure to chemical and physical agents that interact with nucleic acids. The good but highly variable activity of DNA damaging agents in the treatment of CRC suggests that intrinsic alterations in DDR pathways and cell cycle checkpoints may contribute differentially to the way cancer cells react to DNA damage. In the present review, our aim is to depict the recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of the activity of DNA damaging agents used for the treatment of CRC. We focus on the known and potential drug targets that are part of these complex and intertwined pathways. We describe the potential role of the checkpoints in CRC, and how their pharmacological manipulation could lead to chemopotentiation or synergism with currently used drugs. Novel therapeutic agents playing a role in DDR and checkpoint inhibition are assessed. We discuss the possible rationale for combining PARP inhibition with DNA damaging agents, and we address the link between DDR and EGFR pathways in CRC.

Biochemical characterization of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2/TTRAP): a Mg(2+)/Mn(2+)-dependent phosphodiesterase specific for the repair of topoisomerase cleavage complexes

TDP2 is a multifunctional enzyme previously known for its role in signal transduction as TRAF and TNF receptor-associated protein (TTRAP) and ETS1-associated protein 2 (EAPII). The gene has recently been renamed TDP2 because it plays a critical role for the repair of topoisomerase II cleavage complexes (Top2cc) and encodes an enzyme that hydrolyzes 5'-tyrosine-DNA adducts that mimic abortive Top2cc. Here we further elucidate the DNA-processing activities of human recombinant TDP2 and its biochemical characteristics. The preferred substrate for TDP2 is single-stranded DNA or duplex DNA with a four-base pair overhang, which is consistent with the known structure of Top2cc or Top3cc. The k(cat)/K(m) of TDP1 and TDP2 was determined. It was found to be 4 × 10(5) s(-1)M(-1) for TDP2 using single-stranded 5'-tyrosyl-DNA. The processing of substrates as short as five nucleotides long suggests that TDP2 can directly bind DNA ends. 5'-Phosphodiesterase activity requires a phosphotyrosyl linkage and tolerates an extended group attached to the tyrosine. TDP2 requires Mg(2+) or Mn(2+) for efficient catalysis but is weakly active with Ca(2+) or Zn(2+). Titration with Ca(2+) demonstrates a two-metal binding site in TDP2. Sequence alignment suggests that TDP2 contains four conserved catalytic motifs shared by Mg(2+)-dependent endonucleases, such as APE1. Substitutions at each of the four catalytic motifs identified key residues Asn-120, Glu-152, Asp-262, and His-351, whose mutation to alanine significantly reduced or completely abolished enzymatic activity. Our study characterizes the substrate specificity and kinetic parameters of TDP2. In addition, a two-metal catalytic mechanism is proposed.

Structure-function studies of a plant tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase provide novel insights into DNA repair mechanisms of Arabidopsis thaliana

TDP1 (tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1), a member of the PLD (phospholipase D) superfamily, catalyses the hydrolysis of a phosphodiester bond between a tyrosine residue and the 3′-phosphate of DNA. We have previously identified and characterized the AtTDP gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, an orthologue of yeast and human TDP1 genes. Sequence alignment of TDP1 orthologues revealed that AtTDP has both a conserved C-terminal TDP domain and, uniquely, an N-terminal SMAD/FHA (forkhead-associated) domain. To help understand the function of this novel enzyme, we analysed the substrate saturation kinetics of full-length AtTDP compared with a truncated AtTDP mutant lacking the N-terminal FHA domain. The recombinant AtTDP protein hydrolysed a single-stranded DNA substrate with K_m and k_cat/K_m values of 703±137 nM and (1.5±0.04)×10⁹M⁻¹·min⁻¹ respectively. The AtTDP-(Δ1–122) protein (TDP domain) showed kinetic parameters that were equivalent to those of the full-length AtTDP protein. A basic amino acid sequence (RKKVKP) within the AtTDP-(Δ123–605) protein (FHA domain) was necessary for nuclear localization of AtTDP. Analysis of active-site mutations showed that a histidine and a lysine residue in each of the HKD motifs were critical for enzyme activity. Vanadates, inhibitors of phosphoryl transfer reactions, inhibited AtTDP enzymatic activity and retarded the growth of an Arabidopsis tdp mutant. Finally, we showed that expression of the AtTDP gene could complement a yeast tdp1Δrad1Δ mutant, rescuing the growth inhibitory effects of vanadate analogues and CPT (camptothecin). Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate the structure-based function of AtTDP through which AtTDP can repair DNA strand breaks in plants.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of the first dual tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1)-topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors

Substances with dual tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I-topoisomerase I inhibitory activity in one low molecular weight compound would constitute a unique class of anticancer agents that could potentially have significant advantages over drugs that work against the individual enzymes. The present study demonstrates the successful synthesis and evaluation of the first dual Top1-Tdp1 inhibitors, which are based on the indenoisoquinoline chemotype. One bis(indenoisoquinoline) had significant activity against human Tdp1 (IC(50) = 1.52 ± 0.05 μM), and it was also equipotent to camptothecin as a Top1 inhibitor. Significant insights into enzyme-drug interactions were gained via structure-activity relationship studies of the series. The present results also document the failure of the previously reported sulfonyl ester pharmacophore to confer Tdp1 inhibition in this indenoisoquinoline class of inhibitors even though it was demonstrated to work well for the steroid NSC 88915 (7). The current study will facilitate future efforts to optimize dual Top1-Tdp1 inhibitors.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 inhibitor from an anamorphic fungus

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is an enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of 3'-phosphotyrosyl bonds and is involved in repair of irreversible topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA covalent complexes. Tdp1 inhibitors are regarded as potential cancer therapeutics in combination with Top1 inhibitors, which are currently used to treat human cancers. While screening for Tdp1 inhibitors, we discovered a novel compound, JBIR-21 (1), from the culture of an anamorphic fungus, RF-13305. The structure of 1 was established by extensive NMR and MS analyses. Compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against Tdp1 (IC(50) value, 18 μM) and cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines (IC(50) values, 3.5-13 μM). Compound 1 also exhibited antitumor activity in a mouse xenograft model without adverse effects.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 initiates repair of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester linkage between the DNA 3′ phosphate and a tyrosine residue as well as a variety of other DNA 3′ damaged termini. Recently we have shown that Tdp1 can liberate the 3′ DNA phosphate termini from apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites. Here, we found that Tdp1 is more active in the cleavage of the AP sites inside bubble-DNA structure in comparison to ssDNA containing AP site. Furthermore, Tdp1 hydrolyzes AP sites opposite to bulky fluorescein adduct faster than AP sites located in dsDNA. Whilst the Tdp1 H493R (SCAN1) and H263A mutants retain the ability to bind an AP site-containing DNA, both mutants do not reveal endonuclease activity, further suggesting the specificity of the AP cleavage activity. We suggest that this Tdp1 activity can contribute to the repair of AP sites particularly in DNA structures containing ssDNA region or AP sites in the context of clustered DNA lesions.

Characterization of magnesium requirement of human 5'-tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase mediated reaction

BACKGROUND

Topo-poisons can produce an enzyme-DNA complex linked by a 3'- or 5'-phosphotyrosyl covalent bond. 3'-phosphotyrosyl bonds can be repaired by tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase-1 (TDP1), an enzyme known for years, but a complementary human enzyme 5'-tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase (hTDP2) that cleaves 5'-phosphotyrosyl bonds has been reported only recently. Although hTDP2 possesses both 3'- and 5'- tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase activity, the role of Mg2+ in its activity was not studied in sufficient details.

RESULTS

In this study we showed that purified hTDP2 does not exhibit any 5'-phosphotyrosyl phosphodiesterase activity in the absence of Mg2+/Mn2+, and that neither Zn2+ or nor Ca2+ can activate hTDP2. Mg2+ also controls 3'-phosphotyrosyl activity of TDP2. In MCF-7 cell extracts and de-yolked zebrafish embryo extracts, Mg2+ controlled 5'-phosphotyrosyl activity. This study also showed that there is an optimal Mg2+ concentration above which it is inhibitory for hTDP2 activity.

CONCLUSION

These results altogether reveal the optimal Mg2+ requirement in hTDP2 mediated reaction.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) repairs DNA damage induced by topoisomerases I and II and base alkylation in vertebrate cells

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) repairs topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (Top1cc) by hydrolyzing their 3'-phosphotyrosyl DNA bonds and repairs bleomycin-induced DNA damage by hydrolyzing 3'-phosphoglycolates. Yeast Tdp1 has also been implicated in the repair of topoisomerase II-DNA cleavage complexes (Top2cc). To determine whether vertebrate Tdp1 is involved in the repair of various DNA end-blocking lesions, we generated Tdp1 knock-out cells in chicken DT40 cells (Tdp1-/-) and Tdp1-complemented DT40 cells with human TDP1. We found that Tdp1-/- cells were not only hypersensitive to camptothecin and bleomycin but also to etoposide, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), H(2)O(2), and ionizing radiation. We also show they were deficient in mitochondrial Tdp1 activity. In biochemical assays, recombinant human TDP1 was found to process 5'-phosphotyrosyl DNA ends when they mimic the 5'-overhangs of Top2cc. Tdp1 also processes 3'-deoxyribose phosphates generated from hydrolysis of abasic sites, which is consistent with the hypersensitivity of Tdp1-/- cells to MMS and H(2)O(2). Because recent studies established that CtIP together with BRCA1 also repairs topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage, we generated dual Tdp1-CtIP-deficient DT40 cells. Our results show that Tdp1 and CtIP act in parallel pathways for the repair of Top1cc and MMS-induced lesions but are epistatic for Top2cc. Together, our findings reveal a broad involvement of Tdp1 in DNA repair and clarify the role of human TDP1 in the repair of Top2-induced DNA damage.

Protein degradation in DNA damage response

DNA damage is a major threat to genome integrity. To reduce its deleterious effects, cells have developed coordinated responses, collectively referred to as the "DNA damage response" pathway (DDR). In multicellular organisms, the DDR pathway has a critical role in preventing tumorigenesis, which accounts for the wide use of drugs targeting DDR factors in anti-cancer therapy. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, acetylation, sumoylation are integral part of the DDR pathway. Ubiquitylation of DDR-related factors has recently emerged both as a switch initiating signaling cascades and as a proteolytic signal coordinating recruitment and disassembly of those proteins. In this review we will present evidence supporting an increasingly important role for the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation in regulating DDR at different levels.

Mus81-mediated DNA cleavage resolves replication forks stalled by topoisomerase I-DNA complexes

Replication forks stalled by excess DNA supercoiling can be resolved by DNA cleavage by the Mus81 endonuclease.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) topoisomerases are essential for removing the supercoiling that normally builds up ahead of replication forks. The camptothecin (CPT) Top1 (topoisomerase I) inhibitors exert their anticancer activity by reversibly trapping Top1–DNA cleavage complexes (Top1cc’s) and inducing replication-associated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this paper, we propose a new mechanism by which cells avoid Top1-induced replication-dependent DNA damage. We show that the structure-specific endonuclease Mus81-Eme1 is responsible for generating DSBs in response to Top1 inhibition and for allowing cell survival. We provide evidence that Mus81 cleaves replication forks rather than excises Top1cc’s. DNA combing demonstrated that Mus81 also allows efficient replication fork progression after CPT treatment. We propose that Mus81 cleaves stalled replication forks, which allows dissipation of the excessive supercoiling resulting from Top1 inhibition, spontaneous reversal of Top1cc, and replication fork progression.

Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) inhibitors

Inhibitors of topoisomerase I (Top1) that result in stalled Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1cc) are commonly employed against cancer. Combination chemotherapy with DNA repair inhibitors can potentially improve response to these widely used chemotherapeutics. One line of inquiry focuses on inhibitors of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1), a repair enzyme for Top1cc. Tdp1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of DNA adducts covalently linked to the 3'-phosphate of DNA, including Top1-derived peptides and also 3'-phosphoglycolates. Tdp1 inhibitors should synergize not only with Top1-targeting drugs (camptothecins, indenoisoquinolines), but also with bleomycin, topoisomerase II (Top2) inhibitors (etoposide, doxorubicin) and DNA alkylating agents. Here, we summarize the structure-activity relationship obtained from the reported Tdp1 inhibitors. Better understanding of Top1cc repair in vivo coupled with detailed structural studies on Tdp1-inhibitor interaction will be crucial in guiding the rational design of Tdp1 inhibitors.

Topoisomerase 1 and single-strand break repair modulate transcription-induced CAG repeat contraction in human cells

Expanded trinucleotide repeats are responsible for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington disease and myotonic dystrophy type 1. The mechanisms that underlie repeat instability in the germ line and in the somatic tissues of human patients are undefined. Using a selection assay based on contraction of CAG repeat tracts in human cells, we screened the Prestwick chemical library in a moderately high-throughput assay and identified 18 novel inducers of repeat contraction. A subset of these compounds targeted pathways involved in the management of DNA supercoiling associated with transcription. Further analyses using both small molecule inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdowns demonstrated the involvement of topoisomerase 1 (TOP1), tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), and single-strand break repair (SSBR) in modulating transcription-dependent CAG repeat contractions. The TOP1-TDP1-SSBR pathway normally functions to suppress repeat instability, since interfering with it stimulated repeat contractions. We further showed that the increase in repeat contractions when the TOP1-TDP1-SSBR pathway is compromised arises via transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair, a previously identified contributor to transcription-induced repeat instability. These studies broaden the scope of pathways involved in transcription-induced CAG repeat instability and begin to define their interrelationships.

Development of a novel assay for human tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2

Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2), a newly discovered enzyme that cleaves 5'-phosphotyrosyl bonds, is a potential target for chemotherapy. TDP2 possesses both 3'- and 5'-tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase activity, which is generally measured in a gel-based assay using 3'- and 5'-phosphotyrosyl linkage at the 3' and 5' ends of an oligonucleotide. To understand the enzymatic mechanism of this novel enzyme, the gel-based assay is useful, but this technique is cumbersome for TDP2 inhibitor screening. For this reason, we have designed a novel assay using p-nitrophenyl-thymidine-5'-phosphate (T5PNP) as a substrate. This assay can be used in continuous colorimetric assays in a 96-well format. We compared the salt and pH effect on product formation with the colorimetric and gel-based assays and showed that they behave similarly. Steady-state kinetic studies showed that the 5' activity of TDP2 is 1000-fold more efficient than T5PNP. Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) and human AP-endonuclease 1 (APE1) could not hydrolyze T5PNP. Sodium orthovanadate, a known inhibitor of TDP2, inhibits product formation from T5PNP by TDP2 (IC(50)=40 mM). Our results suggest that this novel assay system with this new TDP2 substrate can be used for inhibitor screening in a high-throughput manner.