Wachters FM, van Putten JWG, Maring JG, Zdzienicka MZ, Groen HJM, Kampinga HH. Selective targeting of homologous DNA recombination repair by gemcitabine.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2003;
57:553-62. [PMID:
12957269 DOI:
10.1016/s0360-3016(03)00503-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine, dFdC) is a potent radiosensitizer. The mechanism of dFdC-mediated radiosensitization is yet poorly understood. We recently excluded inhibition of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) as a means of radiosensitization. In the current study, we addressed the possibility that dFdC might affect homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DSB repair or base excision repair (BER).
METHODS AND MATERIALS
DFdC-mediated radiosensitization in cell lines deficient in BER and in HR was compared with that in their BER-proficient and HR-proficient parental counterparts. Sensitization to mitomycin C (MMC) was also investigated in cell lines deficient and proficient in HR. Additionally, the effect of dFdC on Rad51 foci formation after irradiation was studied.
RESULTS
DFdC did induce radiosensitization in BER-deficient cells; however, the respective mutant cells deficient in HR did not show dFdC-mediated radiosensitization. In HR-proficient, but not in HR-deficient, cells dFdC also induced substantial enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of MMC. Finally, we found that dFdC interferes with Rad51 foci formation after irradiation.
CONCLUSION
DFdC causes radiosensitization by specific interference with HR.
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