1
|
Hanczyc P. Role of Alkali Cations in DNA-Thioflavin T Interaction. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7520-7529. [PMID: 38833533 PMCID: PMC11317975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02417] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the role of alkali cations in modulating the interaction between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Thioflavin T (ThT) in dilute and condensed phases. The emission characteristics of ThT were analyzed in the presence of double-stranded DNA and G-quadruplex structures with a focus on the effects of four cations: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The ThT emission in double-stranded DNA was influenced by direct DNA binding and steric hindrance within the hydration shell of DNA, which was modulated by the presence of alkali cations. Lasing spectroscopy experiments further highlighted ThT sensitivity to the spatial arrangement of water molecules in the DNA hydration shell. Lasing was exclusively observed in the presence of Mg2+ in the G-quadruplex structure, suggesting that the parallel propeller configuration of G4 provides an optimal environment for ThT light amplification. This study highlights the critical role of cations in DNA-dye interactions and reaffirms the significance of ThT in biophysical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Hanczyc
- Institute of Experimental
Physics, Faculty of Physics, University
of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, Warsaw 02-093, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carvajal-Maldonado D, Li Y, Returan M, Averill AM, Doublié S, Wood RD. Dynamic stem-loop extension by Pol θ and templated insertion during DNA repair. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107461. [PMID: 38876299 PMCID: PMC11292364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107461] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) is critical for survival of cancer cells when other DNA double-stranded break repair pathways are impaired. Human DNA polymerase theta (Pol θ) can extend ssDNA oligonucleotides, but little is known about preferred substrates and mechanism. We show that Pol θ can extend both ssDNA and RNA substrates by unimolecular stem-loop synthesis initiated by only two 3' terminal base pairs. Given sufficient time, Pol θ uses alternative pairing configurations that greatly expand the repertoire of sequence outcomes. Further primer-template adjustments yield low-fidelity outcomes when the nucleotide pool is imbalanced. Unimolecular stem-loop synthesis competes with bimolecular end joining, even when a longer terminal microhomology for end joining is available. Both reactions are partially suppressed by the ssDNA-binding protein replication protein A. Protein-primer grasp residues that are specific to Pol θ are needed for rapid stem-loop synthesis. The ability to perform stem-loop synthesis from a minimally paired primer is rare among human DNA polymerases, but we show that human DNA polymerases Pol η and Pol λ can catalyze related reactions. Using purified human Pol θ, we reconstituted in vitro TMEJ incorporating an insertion arising from a stem-loop extension. These activities may help explain TMEJ repair events that include inverted repeat sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Carvajal-Maldonado
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuzhen Li
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark Returan
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - April M Averill
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thomas C, Avalos-Irving L, Victorino J, Green S, Andrews M, Rodrigues N, Ebirim S, Mudd A, Towle-Weicksel JB. Melanoma-Derived DNA Polymerase Theta Variants Exhibit Altered DNA Polymerase Activity. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1107-1117. [PMID: 38671548 PMCID: PMC11080051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00670] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ or POLQ) is primarily involved in repairing double-stranded breaks in DNA through an alternative pathway known as microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) or theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). Unlike other DNA repair polymerases, Pol θ is thought to be highly error-prone yet critical for cell survival. We have identified several POLQ gene variants from human melanoma tumors that experience altered DNA polymerase activity, including a propensity for incorrect nucleotide selection and reduced polymerization rates compared to WT Pol θ. Variants are 30-fold less efficient at incorporating a nucleotide during repair and up to 70-fold less accurate at selecting the correct nucleotide opposite a templating base. This suggests that aberrant Pol θ has reduced DNA repair capabilities and may also contribute to increased mutagenesis. Moreover, the variants were identified in established tumors, suggesting that cancer cells may use mutated polymerases to promote metastasis and drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey Thomas
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Lisbeth Avalos-Irving
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Jorge Victorino
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Sydney Green
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Morgan Andrews
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Naisha Rodrigues
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Sarah Ebirim
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Ayden Mudd
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Jamie B. Towle-Weicksel
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carvajal-Maldonado D, Zahn K, Jensen R, Wood RD, Doublié S. Human DNA polymerase θ does not harbor intrinsic nuclease activity. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1394-1395. [PMID: 38640889 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Carvajal-Maldonado
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karl Zahn
- Repare Therapeutics, 7210 rue Frederick-Banting bureau 100, Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 2A1, Canada
| | - Ryan Jensen
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomas C, Avalos-Irving L, Victorino J, Green S, Andrews M, Rodrigues N, Ebirim S, Mudd A, Towle-Weicksel JB. Melanoma-derived DNA polymerase theta variants exhibit altered DNA polymerase activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.566933. [PMID: 38014040 PMCID: PMC10680777 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.566933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
DNA Polymerase θ (Pol θ or POLQ) is primarily involved in repairing double-stranded breaks in DNA through the alternative pathway known as microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) or theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). Unlike other DNA repair polymerases, Pol θ is thought to be highly error prone, yet critical for cell survival. We have identified several mutations in the POLQ gene from human melanoma tumors. Through biochemical analysis, we have demonstrated that all three cancer-associated variants experienced altered DNA polymerase activity including a propensity for incorrect nucleotide selection and reduced polymerization rates compared to WT Pol θ. Moreover, the variants are 30 fold less efficient at incorporating a nucleotide during repair and up to 70 fold less accurate at selecting the correct nucleotide opposite a templating base. Taken together, this suggests that aberrant Pol θ has reduced DNA repair capabilities and may also contribute to increased mutagenesis. While this may be beneficial to normal cell survival, the variants were identified in established tumors suggesting that cancer cells may use this promiscuous polymerase to its advantage to promote metastasis and drug resistance.
Collapse
|
6
|
Paniagua I, Jacobs JJL. Freedom to err: The expanding cellular functions of translesion DNA polymerases. Mol Cell 2023; 83:3608-3621. [PMID: 37625405 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.07.008] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases were originally described as error-prone enzymes involved in the bypass of DNA lesions. However, extensive research over the past few decades has revealed that these enzymes play pivotal roles not only in lesion bypass, but also in a myriad of other cellular processes. Such processes include DNA replication, DNA repair, epigenetics, immune signaling, and even viral infection. This review discusses the wide range of functions exhibited by TLS polymerases, including their underlying biochemical mechanisms and associated mutagenicity. Given their multitasking ability to alleviate replication stress, TLS polymerases represent a cellular dependency and a critical vulnerability of cancer cells. Hence, this review also highlights current and emerging strategies for targeting TLS polymerases in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inés Paniagua
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J L Jacobs
- Division of Oncogenomics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vekariya U, Toma M, Nieborowska-Skorska M, Le BV, Caron MC, Kukuyan AM, Sullivan-Reed K, Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Chitrala KN, Atkins J, Drzewiecka M, Feng W, Chan J, Chatla S, Golovine K, Jelinek J, Sliwinski T, Ghosh J, Matlawska-Wasowska K, Chandramouly G, Nejati R, Wasik M, Sykes SM, Piwocka K, Hadzijusufovic E, Valent P, Pomerantz RT, Morton G, Childers W, Zhao H, Paietta EM, Levine RL, Tallman MS, Fernandez HF, Litzow MR, Gupta GP, Masson JY, Skorski T. DNA polymerase θ protects leukemia cells from metabolically induced DNA damage. Blood 2023; 141:2372-2389. [PMID: 36580665 PMCID: PMC10273171 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018428] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells accumulate DNA damage, but altered DNA repair mechanisms protect them from apoptosis. We showed here that formaldehyde generated by serine/1-carbon cycle metabolism contributed to the accumulation of toxic DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) in leukemia cells, especially in driver clones harboring oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OTKs: FLT3(internal tandem duplication [ITD]), JAK2(V617F), BCR-ABL1). To counteract this effect, OTKs enhanced the expression of DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) via ERK1/2 serine/threonine kinase-dependent inhibition of c-CBL E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of POLθ and its proteasomal degradation. Overexpression of POLθ in OTK-positive cells resulted in the efficient repair of DPC-containing DNA double-strand breaks by POLθ-mediated end-joining. The transforming activities of OTKs and other leukemia-inducing oncogenes, especially of those causing the inhibition of BRCA1/2-mediated homologous recombination with and without concomitant inhibition of DNA-PK-dependent nonhomologous end-joining, was abrogated in Polq-/- murine bone marrow cells. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of POLθ polymerase and helicase activities revealed that both activities are promising targets in leukemia cells. Moreover, OTK inhibitors or DPC-inducing drug etoposide enhanced the antileukemia effect of POLθ inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that POLθ plays an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from metabolically induced toxic DNA lesions triggered by formaldehyde, and it can be targeted to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Monika Toma
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bac Viet Le
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anna-Mariya Kukuyan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine Sullivan-Reed
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Kumaraswamy N. Chitrala
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jessica Atkins
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Malgorzata Drzewiecka
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wanjuan Feng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Joe Chan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Srinivas Chatla
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Golovine
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Tomasz Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Reza Nejati
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mariusz Wasik
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stephen M. Sykes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Companion Animals & Horses, Clinic for Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elisabeth M. Paietta
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Hugo F. Fernandez
- Moffitt Malignant Hematology & Cellular Therapy at Memorial Healthcare System, Pembroke Pines, FL
| | - Mark R. Litzow
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gaorav P. Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pismataro MC, Astolfi A, Barreca ML, Pacetti M, Schenone S, Bandiera T, Carbone A, Massari S. Small Molecules Targeting DNA Polymerase Theta (POLθ) as Promising Synthetic Lethal Agents for Precision Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6498-6522. [PMID: 37134182 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic lethality (SL) is an innovative strategy in targeted anticancer therapy that exploits tumor genetic vulnerabilities. This topic has come to the forefront in recent years, as witnessed by the increased number of publications since 2007. The first proof of concept for the effectiveness of SL was provided by the approval of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors, which exploit a SL interaction in BRCA-deficient cells, although their use is limited by resistance. Searching for additional SL interactions involving BRCA mutations, the DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) emerged as an exciting target. This review summarizes, for the first time, the POLθ polymerase and helicase inhibitors reported to date. Compounds are described focusing on chemical structure and biological activity. With the aim to enable further drug discovery efforts in interrogating POLθ as a target, we propose a plausible pharmacophore model for POLθ-pol inhibitors and provide a structural analysis of the known POLθ ligand binding sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pismataro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Astolfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Pacetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Bandiera
- D3 PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Multifaceted Nature of DNA Polymerase θ. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043619. [PMID: 36835031 PMCID: PMC9962433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ belongs to the A family of DNA polymerases and plays a key role in DNA repair and damage tolerance, including double-strand break repair and DNA translesion synthesis. Pol θ is often overexpressed in cancer cells and promotes their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we discuss unique biochemical properties and structural features of Pol θ, its multiple roles in protection of genome stability and the potential of Pol θ as a target for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li C, Zhu H, Jin S, Maksoud LM, Jain N, Sun J, Gao Y. Structural basis of DNA polymerase θ mediated DNA end joining. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:463-474. [PMID: 36583344 PMCID: PMC9841435 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ) plays an essential role in the microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) pathway for repairing DNA double-strand breaks. However, the mechanisms by which Pol θ recognizes microhomologous DNA ends and performs low-fidelity DNA synthesis remain unclear. Here, we present cryo-electron microscope structures of the polymerase domain of Lates calcarifer Pol θ with long and short duplex DNA at up to 2.4 Å resolution. Interestingly, Pol θ binds to long and short DNA substrates similarly, with extensive interactions around the active site. Moreover, Pol θ shares a similar active site as high-fidelity A-family polymerases with its finger domain well-closed but differs in having hydrophilic residues surrounding the nascent base pair. Computational simulations and mutagenesis studies suggest that the unique insertion loops of Pol θ help to stabilize short DNA binding and assemble the active site for MMEJ repair. Taken together, our results illustrate the structural basis of Pol θ-mediated MMEJ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuxuan Li
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Hanwen Zhu
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shikai Jin
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Leora M Maksoud
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Nikhil Jain
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ji Sun
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ) is a DNA repair enzyme widely conserved in animals and plants. Pol θ uses short DNA sequence homologies to initiate repair of double-strand breaks by theta-mediated end joining. The DNA polymerase domain of Pol θ is at the C terminus and is connected to an N-terminal DNA helicase-like domain by a central linker. Pol θ is crucial for maintenance of damaged genomes during development, protects DNA against extensive deletions, and limits loss of heterozygosity. The cost of using Pol θ for genome protection is that a few nucleotides are usually deleted or added at the repair site. Inactivation of Pol θ often enhances the sensitivity of cells to DNA strand-breaking chemicals and radiation. Since some homologous recombination-defective cancers depend on Pol θ for growth, inhibitors of Pol θ may be useful in treating such tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen J, Wang G, Luo X, Zhang J, Zhang Y. Cuproptosis patterns and tumor microenvironment in endometrial cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:1001374. [PMID: 36226180 PMCID: PMC9549213 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is the most recently discovered mode of cell death. It could affect the metabolism of cancer cells and surrounding infiltrating immune cells. In recent years, many studies have also shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor growth and development. Mounting evidence suggests that Cuproptosis would bring unique insights into the development of pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic techniques for cancer prevention and therapy. However, no study has been done on the combination of cuproptosis and TME in any cancer. Herein, we investigated the relationship between cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs), TME, and the prognosis of patients with Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC). We identified three CRGs clusters based on 10 CRGs and three CRGs gene clusters based on 600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with significant prognostic differences. Following that, the CRGs score based on DEGs with significant prognostic differences was established to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy of UCEC patients. The CRGs score was shown to be useful in predicting clinical outcomes. Patients with a low CRGs score seemed to have a better prognosis, a better immunotherapeutic response, and a higher tumor mutation burden (TMB). In conclusion, our study explored the influence of cuproptosis patterns and TME on the prognosis of cancer patients, thereby improving their prognosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Liddiard K, Aston-Evans AN, Cleal K, Hendrickson E, Baird D. POLQ suppresses genome instability and alterations in DNA repeat tract lengths. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac020. [PMID: 35774233 PMCID: PMC9241439 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is a principal component of the alternative non-homologous end-joining (ANHEJ) DNA repair pathway that ligates DNA double-strand breaks. Utilizing independent models of POLQ insufficiency during telomere-driven crisis, we found that POLQ - /- cells are resistant to crisis-induced growth deceleration despite sustaining inter-chromosomal telomere fusion frequencies equivalent to wild-type (WT) cells. We recorded longer telomeres in POLQ - / - than WT cells pre- and post-crisis, notwithstanding elevated total telomere erosion and fusion rates. POLQ - /- cells emerging from crisis exhibited reduced incidence of clonal gross chromosomal abnormalities in accordance with increased genetic heterogeneity. High-throughput sequencing of telomere fusion amplicons from POLQ-deficient cells revealed significantly raised frequencies of inter-chromosomal fusions with correspondingly depreciated intra-chromosomal recombinations. Long-range interactions culminating in telomere fusions with centromere alpha-satellite repeats, as well as expansions in HSAT2 and HSAT3 satellite and contractions in ribosomal DNA repeats, were detected in POLQ - / - cells. In conjunction with the expanded telomere lengths of POLQ - /- cells, these results indicate a hitherto unrealized capacity of POLQ for regulation of repeat arrays within the genome. Our findings uncover novel considerations for the efficacy of POLQ inhibitors in clinical cancer interventions, where potential genome destabilizing consequences could drive clonal evolution and resistant disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alys N Aston-Evans
- Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lv Q, Han S, Wang L, Xia J, Li P, Hu R, Wang J, Gao L, Chen Y, Wang Y, Du J, Bao F, Hu Y, Xu X, Xiao W, He Y. TEB/POLQ plays dual roles in protecting Arabidopsis from NO-induced DNA damage. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6820-6836. [PMID: 35736216 PMCID: PMC9262624 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key player in numerous physiological processes. Excessive NO induces DNA damage, but how plants respond to this damage remains unclear. We screened and identified an Arabidopsis NO hypersensitive mutant and found it to be allelic to TEBICHI/POLQ, encoding DNA polymerase θ. The teb mutant plants were preferentially sensitive to NO- and its derivative peroxynitrite-induced DNA damage and subsequent double-strand breaks (DSBs). Inactivation of TEB caused the accumulation of spontaneous DSBs largely attributed to endogenous NO and was synergistic to DSB repair pathway mutations with respect to growth. These effects were manifested in the presence of NO-inducing agents and relieved by NO scavengers. NO induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in the teb mutant, indicative of stalled replication forks. Genetic analyses indicate that Polθ is required for translesion DNA synthesis across NO-induced lesions, but not oxidation-induced lesions. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that Polθ bypasses NO-induced base adducts in an error-free manner and generates mutations characteristic of Polθ-mediated end joining. Our experimental data collectively suggests that Polθ plays dual roles in protecting plants from NO-induced DNA damage. Since Polθ is conserved in higher eukaryotes, mammalian Polθ may also be required for balancing NO physiological signaling and genotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lv
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Shuang Han
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Jinchan Xia
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Peng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ruoyang Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jinzheng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Lei Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yuli Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jing Du
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Fang Bao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yong Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Yikun He
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bai W, Zhao B, Gu M, Dong J. Alternative end-joining in BCR gene rearrangements and translocations. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:782-795. [PMID: 35593472 PMCID: PMC9828324 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur during antigen receptor gene recombination, namely V(D)J recombination in developing B lymphocytes and class switch recombination (CSR) in mature B cells. Repair of these DSBs by classical end-joining (c-NHEJ) enables the generation of diverse BCR repertoires for efficient humoral immunity. Deletion of or mutation in c-NHEJ genes in mice and humans confer various degrees of primary immune deficiency and predisposition to lymphoid malignancies that often harbor oncogenic chromosomal translocations. In the absence of c-NHEJ, alternative end-joining (A-EJ) catalyzes robust CSR and to a much lesser extent, V(D)J recombination, but the mechanisms of A-EJ are only poorly defined. In this review, we introduce recent advances in the understanding of A-EJ in the context of V(D)J recombination and CSR with emphases on DSB end processing, DNA polymerases and ligases, and discuss the implications of A-EJ to lymphoid development and chromosomal translocations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanyu Bai
- Department of ImmunologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University)Ministry of EducationGuangzhou510080China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of ImmunologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University)Ministry of EducationGuangzhou510080China
| | - Mingyu Gu
- Department of ImmunologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University)Ministry of EducationGuangzhou510080China
| | - Junchao Dong
- Department of ImmunologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou510080China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University)Ministry of EducationGuangzhou510080China,Correspondence address. Tel: +86-20-87330571; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Britt AB. Making it stick. NATURE PLANTS 2022; 8:459-460. [PMID: 35596079 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne B Britt
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ramsden DA, Carvajal-Garcia J, Gupta GP. Mechanism, cellular functions and cancer roles of polymerase-theta-mediated DNA end joining. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:125-140. [PMID: 34522048 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular pathways that repair chromosomal double-strand breaks (DSBs) have pivotal roles in cell growth, development and cancer. These DSB repair pathways have been the target of intensive investigation, but one pathway - alternative end joining (a-EJ) - has long resisted elucidation. In this Review, we highlight recent progress in our understanding of a-EJ, especially the assignment of DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) as the predominant mediator of a-EJ in most eukaryotes, and discuss a potential molecular mechanism by which Polθ-mediated end joining (TMEJ) occurs. We address possible cellular functions of TMEJ in resolving DSBs that are refractory to repair by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), DSBs generated following replication fork collapse and DSBs present owing to stalling of repair by homologous recombination. We also discuss how these context-dependent cellular roles explain how TMEJ can both protect against and cause genome instability, and the emerging potential of Polθ as a therapeutic target in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dale A Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Juan Carvajal-Garcia
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kieffer SR, Lowndes NF. Immediate-Early, Early, and Late Responses to DNA Double Stranded Breaks. Front Genet 2022; 13:793884. [PMID: 35173769 PMCID: PMC8841529 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.793884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss or rearrangement of genetic information can result from incorrect responses to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). The cellular responses to DSBs encompass a range of highly coordinated events designed to detect and respond appropriately to the damage, thereby preserving genomic integrity. In analogy with events occurring during viral infection, we appropriate the terms Immediate-Early, Early, and Late to describe the pre-repair responses to DSBs. A distinguishing feature of the Immediate-Early response is that the large protein condensates that form during the Early and Late response and are resolved upon repair, termed foci, are not visible. The Immediate-Early response encompasses initial lesion sensing, involving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), KU70/80, and MRN, as well as rapid repair by so-called ‘fast-kinetic’ canonical non-homologous end joining (cNHEJ). Initial binding of PARPs and the KU70/80 complex to breaks appears to be mutually exclusive at easily ligatable DSBs that are repaired efficiently by fast-kinetic cNHEJ; a process that is PARP-, ATM-, 53BP1-, Artemis-, and resection-independent. However, at more complex breaks requiring processing, the Immediate-Early response involving PARPs and the ensuing highly dynamic PARylation (polyADP ribosylation) of many substrates may aid recruitment of both KU70/80 and MRN to DSBs. Complex DSBs rely upon the Early response, largely defined by ATM-dependent focal recruitment of many signalling molecules into large condensates, and regulated by complex chromatin dynamics. Finally, the Late response integrates information from cell cycle phase, chromatin context, and type of DSB to determine appropriate pathway choice. Critical to pathway choice is the recruitment of p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) and breast cancer associated 1 (BRCA1). However, additional factors recruited throughout the DSB response also impact upon pathway choice, although these remain to be fully characterised. The Late response somehow channels DSBs into the appropriate high-fidelity repair pathway, typically either ‘slow-kinetic’ cNHEJ or homologous recombination (HR). Loss of specific components of the DSB repair machinery results in cells utilising remaining factors to effect repair, but often at the cost of increased mutagenesis. Here we discuss the complex regulation of the Immediate-Early, Early, and Late responses to DSBs proceeding repair itself.
Collapse
|
19
|
Carvajal-Maldonado D, Drogalis Beckham L, Wood RD, Doublié S. When DNA Polymerases Multitask: Functions Beyond Nucleotidyl Transfer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:815845. [PMID: 35071329 PMCID: PMC8782244 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.815845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerases catalyze nucleotidyl transfer, the central reaction in synthesis of DNA polynucleotide chains. They function not only in DNA replication, but also in diverse aspects of DNA repair and recombination. Some DNA polymerases can perform translesion DNA synthesis, facilitating damage tolerance and leading to mutagenesis. In addition to these functions, many DNA polymerases conduct biochemically distinct reactions. This review presents examples of DNA polymerases that carry out nuclease (3'-5' exonuclease, 5' nuclease, or end-trimming nuclease) or lyase (5' dRP lyase) extracurricular activities. The discussion underscores how DNA polymerases have a remarkable ability to manipulate DNA strands, sometimes involving relatively large intramolecular movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Carvajal-Maldonado
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lea Drogalis Beckham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nambiar TS, Baudrier L, Billon P, Ciccia A. CRISPR-based genome editing through the lens of DNA repair. Mol Cell 2022; 82:348-388. [PMID: 35063100 PMCID: PMC8887926 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing technologies operate by inducing site-specific DNA perturbations that are resolved by cellular DNA repair pathways. Products of genome editors include DNA breaks generated by CRISPR-associated nucleases, base modifications induced by base editors, DNA flaps created by prime editors, and integration intermediates formed by site-specific recombinases and transposases associated with CRISPR systems. Here, we discuss the cellular processes that repair CRISPR-generated DNA lesions and describe strategies to obtain desirable genomic changes through modulation of DNA repair pathways. Advances in our understanding of the DNA repair circuitry, in conjunction with the rapid development of innovative genome editing technologies, promise to greatly enhance our ability to improve food production, combat environmental pollution, develop cell-based therapies, and cure genetic and infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarun S Nambiar
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lou Baudrier
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Pierre Billon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robson DNA Science Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Alberto Ciccia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Feng W, Smith CM, Simpson DA, Gupta GP. Targeting Non-homologous and Alternative End Joining Repair to Enhance Cancer Radiosensitivity. Semin Radiat Oncol 2021; 32:29-41. [PMID: 34861993 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Many cancer therapies, including radiotherapy, induce DSBs as the major driving mechanism for inducing cancer cell death. Thus, modulating DSB repair has immense potential for radiosensitization, although such interventions must be carefully designed to be tumor selective to ensure that normal tissue toxicities are not also increased. Here, we review mechanisms of error-prone DSB repair through a highly efficient process called end joining. There are two major pathways of end-joining repair: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and alternative end joining (a-EJ), both of which can be selectively upregulated in cancer and thus represent attractive therapeutic targets for radiosensitization. These EJ pathways each have therapeutically targetable pioneer factors - DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) for NHEJ and DNA Polymerase Theta (Pol θ) for a-EJ. We summarize the current status of therapeutic targeting of NHEJ and a-EJ to enhance the effects of radiotherapy - focusing on challenges that must be overcome and opportunities that require further exploration. By leveraging preclinical insights into mechanisms of altered DSB repair programs in cancer, selective radiosensitization through NHEJ and/or a-EJ targeting remains a highly attractive avenue for ongoing and future clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chelsea M Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program
| | | | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program; Department of Radiation Oncology; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Akella S, Ma X, Bacova R, Harmer ZP, Kolackova M, Wen X, Wright DA, Spalding MH, Weeks DP, Cerutti H. Co-targeting strategy for precise, scarless gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 and donor ssODNs in Chlamydomonas. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 187:2637-2655. [PMID: 34618092 PMCID: PMC8644747 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Programmable site-specific nucleases, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), have allowed creation of valuable knockout mutations and targeted gene modifications in Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). However, in walled strains, present methods for editing genes lacking a selectable phenotype involve co-transfection of RNPs and exogenous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) encoding a selectable marker gene. Repair of the dsDNA breaks induced by the RNPs is usually accompanied by genomic insertion of exogenous dsDNA fragments, hindering the recovery of precise, scarless mutations in target genes of interest. Here, we tested whether co-targeting two genes by electroporation of pairs of CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) would facilitate the recovery of precise edits in a gene of interest (lacking a selectable phenotype) by selection for precise editing of another gene (creating a selectable marker)-in a process completely lacking exogenous dsDNA. We used PPX1 (encoding protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase) as the generated selectable marker, conferring resistance to oxyfluorfen, and identified precise edits in the homolog of bacterial ftsY or the WD and TetratriCopeptide repeats protein 1 genes in ∼1% of the oxyfluorfen resistant colonies. Analysis of the target site sequences in edited mutants suggested that ssODNs were used as templates for DNA synthesis during homology directed repair, a process prone to replicative errors. The Chlamydomonas acetolactate synthase gene could also be efficiently edited to serve as an alternative selectable marker. This transgene-free strategy may allow creation of individual strains containing precise mutations in multiple target genes, to study complex cellular processes, pathways, or structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soujanya Akella
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - Xinrong Ma
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - Romana Bacova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zachary P Harmer
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - Martina Kolackova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Xiaoxue Wen
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - David A Wright
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Martin H Spalding
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Donald P Weeks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| | - Heriberto Cerutti
- School of Biological Sciences and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Llorens-Agost M, Ensminger M, Le HP, Gawai A, Liu J, Cruz-García A, Bhetawal S, Wood RD, Heyer WD, Löbrich M. POLθ-mediated end joining is restricted by RAD52 and BRCA2 until the onset of mitosis. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:1095-1104. [PMID: 34616022 PMCID: PMC8675436 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BRCA2-mutant cells are defective in homologous recombination, making them vulnerable to the inactivation of other pathways for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). This concept can be clinically exploited but is currently limited due to insufficient knowledge about how DSBs are repaired in the absence of BRCA2. We show that DNA polymerase θ (POLθ)-mediated end joining (TMEJ) repairs DSBs arising during the S phase in BRCA2-deficient cells only after the onset of the ensuing mitosis. This process is regulated by RAD52, whose loss causes the premature usage of TMEJ and the formation of chromosomal fusions. Purified RAD52 and BRCA2 proteins both block the DNA polymerase function of POLθ, suggesting a mechanism explaining their synthetic lethal relationships. We propose that the delay of TMEJ until mitosis ensures the conversion of originally one-ended DSBs into two-ended DSBs. Mitotic chromatin condensation might further serve to juxtapose correct break ends and limit chromosomal fusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llorens-Agost
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael Ensminger
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hang Phuong Le
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anugrah Gawai
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Andrés Cruz-García
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sarita Bhetawal
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Wolf-Dietrich Heyer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Markus Löbrich
- Radiation Biology and DNA Repair, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zahn KE, Jensen RB. Polymerase θ Coordinates Multiple Intrinsic Enzymatic Activities during DNA Repair. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1310. [PMID: 34573292 PMCID: PMC8470613 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The POLQ gene encodes DNA polymerase θ, a 2590 amino acid protein product harboring DNA-dependent ATPase, template-dependent DNA polymerase, dNTP-dependent endonuclease, and 5'-dRP lyase functions. Polymerase θ participates at an essential step of a DNA double-strand break repair pathway able to join 5'-resected substrates by locating and pairing microhomologies present in 3'-overhanging single-stranded tails, cleaving the extraneous 3'-DNA by dNTP-dependent end-processing, before extending the nascent 3' end from the microhomology annealing site. Metazoans require polymerase θ for full resistance to DNA double-strand break inducing agents but can survive knockout of the POLQ gene. Cancer cells with compromised homologous recombination, or other DNA repair defects, over-utilize end-joining by polymerase θ and often over-express the POLQ gene. This dependency points to polymerase θ as an ideal drug target candidate and multiple drug-development programs are now preparing to enter clinical trials with small-molecule inhibitors. Specific inhibitors of polymerase θ would not only be predicted to treat BRCA-mutant cancers, but could thwart accumulated resistance to current standard-of-care cancer therapies and overcome PARP-inhibitor resistance in patients. This article will discuss synthetic lethal strategies targeting polymerase θ in DNA damage-response-deficient cancers and summarize data, describing molecular structures and enzymatic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl E. Zahn
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Repare Therapeutics, 7210 Rue Frederick Banting, Montreal, QC H4S 2A1, Canada
| | - Ryan B. Jensen
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Franchet C, Hoffmann JS, Dalenc F. Recent Advances in Enhancing the Therapeutic Index of PARP Inhibitors in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164132. [PMID: 34439286 PMCID: PMC8392832 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Two to three percent of breast cancer patients harbor germline mutation of either BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Their tumor cells are deficient in homologous recombination, a BRCA-dependent DNA repair machinery. These deficient cells survive thanks to the PARP-mediated alternative pathway. Therefore, PARP inhibitors have already shown some level of efficiency in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, some tumor cells inevitably resist PARP inhibitors by different mechanisms. In this review, we (i) present the notion of homologous recombination deficiency and its evaluation methods, (ii) detail the PARP inhibitor clinical trials in breast cancer, (iii) briefly describe the mechanisms to PARP inhibitors resistance, and (iv) discuss some strategies currently under evaluation to enhance the therapeutic index of PARP inhibitors in breast cancer. Abstract As poly-(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibition is synthetic lethal with the deficiency of DNA double-strand (DSB) break repair by homologous recombination (HR), PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are currently used to treat breast cancers with mutated BRCA1/2 HR factors. Unfortunately, the increasingly high rate of PARPi resistance in clinical practice has dented initial hopes. Multiple resistance mechanisms and acquired vulnerabilities revealed in vitro might explain this setback. We describe the mechanisms and vulnerabilities involved, including newly identified modes of regulation of DSB repair that are now being tested in large cohorts of patients and discuss how they could lead to novel treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic index of PARPi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Franchet
- Laboratoire de Pathologie and Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole, 1 Av. Irène Joliot-Curie, 31100 Toulouse, France;
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hoffmann
- Laboratoire d’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, 31037 Toulouse, France;
| | - Florence Dalenc
- Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole, 1 Av. Irène Joliot-Curie, 31100 Toulouse, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen XS, Pomerantz RT. DNA Polymerase θ: A Cancer Drug Target with Reverse Transcriptase Activity. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1146. [PMID: 34440316 PMCID: PMC8391894 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of precision medicine from the development of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors that preferentially kill cells defective in homologous recombination has sparked wide interest in identifying and characterizing additional DNA repair enzymes that are synthetic lethal with HR factors. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is a validated anti-cancer drug target that is synthetic lethal with HR factors and other DNA repair proteins and confers cellular resistance to various genotoxic cancer therapies. Since its initial characterization as a helicase-polymerase fusion protein in 2003, many exciting and unexpected activities of Polθ in microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) and translesion synthesis (TLS) have been discovered. Here, we provide a short review of Polθ's DNA repair activities and its potential as a drug target and highlight a recent report that reveals Polθ as a naturally occurring reverse transcriptase (RT) in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang S. Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tomasini PP, Guecheva TN, Leguisamo NM, Péricart S, Brunac AC, Hoffmann JS, Saffi J. Analyzing the Opportunities to Target DNA Double-Strand Breaks Repair and Replicative Stress Responses to Improve Therapeutic Index of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3130. [PMID: 34201502 PMCID: PMC8268241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ample improvements of CRC molecular landscape, the therapeutic options still rely on conventional chemotherapy-based regimens for early disease, and few targeted agents are recommended for clinical use in the metastatic setting. Moreover, the impact of cytotoxic, targeted agents, and immunotherapy combinations in the metastatic scenario is not fully satisfactory, especially the outcomes for patients who develop resistance to these treatments need to be improved. Here, we examine the opportunity to consider therapeutic agents targeting DNA repair and DNA replication stress response as strategies to exploit genetic or functional defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways through synthetic lethal mechanisms, still not explored in CRC. These include the multiple actors involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through homologous recombination (HR), classical non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ), inhibitors of the base excision repair (BER) protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as well as inhibitors of the DNA damage kinases ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR), CHK1, WEE1, and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). We also review the biomarkers that guide the use of these agents, and current clinical trials with targeted DDR therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pellenz Tomasini
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Temenouga Nikolova Guecheva
- Cardiology Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, University Foundation of Cardiology (IC-FUC), Porto Alegre 90620-000, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Motta Leguisamo
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
| | - Sarah Péricart
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Anne-Cécile Brunac
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Jean Sébastien Hoffmann
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Jenifer Saffi
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhou J, Gelot C, Pantelidou C, Li A, Yücel H, Davis RE, Farkkila A, Kochupurakkal B, Syed A, Shapiro GI, Tainer JA, Blagg BSJ, Ceccaldi R, D’Andrea AD. A first-in-class Polymerase Theta Inhibitor selectively targets Homologous-Recombination-Deficient Tumors. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:598-610. [PMID: 34179826 PMCID: PMC8224818 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) is synthetic lethal with Homologous Recombination (HR) deficiency and thus a candidate target for HR-deficient cancers. Through high-throughput small molecule screens we identified the antibiotic Novobiocin (NVB) as a specific POLθ inhibitor that selectively kills HR-deficient tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. NVB directly binds to the POLθ ATPase domain, inhibits its ATPase activity, and phenocopies POLθ depletion. NVB kills HR-deficient breast and ovarian tumors in GEMM, xenograft and PDX models. Increased POLθ levels predict NVB sensitivity, and BRCA-deficient tumor cells with acquired resistance to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are sensitive to NVB in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NVB-mediated cell death in PARPi-resistant cells arises from increased double-strand break end resection, leading to accumulation of single-strand DNA intermediates and non-functional RAD51 foci. Our results demonstrate that NVB may be useful alone or in combination with PARPi in treating HR-deficient tumors, including those with acquired PARPi resistance. (151/150).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Camille Gelot
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Constantia Pantelidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hatice Yücel
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Rachel E. Davis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Anniina Farkkila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Bose Kochupurakkal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aleem Syed
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John A. Tainer
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian S. J. Blagg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Raphael Ceccaldi
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France.,Corresponding authors: Alan D. D’Andrea, M.D., Director, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers (SFSCWC), Director, Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Fuller-American Cancer Society Professor, Harvard Medical School, Phone: 617-632-2080, , Raphael Ceccaldi, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 56 24 69 49,
| | - Alan D. D’Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Corresponding authors: Alan D. D’Andrea, M.D., Director, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers (SFSCWC), Director, Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Fuller-American Cancer Society Professor, Harvard Medical School, Phone: 617-632-2080, , Raphael Ceccaldi, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 56 24 69 49,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Maiorano D, El Etri J, Franchet C, Hoffmann JS. Translesion Synthesis or Repair by Specialized DNA Polymerases Limits Excessive Genomic Instability upon Replication Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3924. [PMID: 33920223 PMCID: PMC8069355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA can experience "replication stress", an important source of genome instability, induced by various external or endogenous impediments that slow down or stall DNA synthesis. While genome instability is largely documented to favor both tumor formation and heterogeneity, as well as drug resistance, conversely, excessive instability appears to suppress tumorigenesis and is associated with improved prognosis. These findings support the view that karyotypic diversity, necessary to adapt to selective pressures, may be limited in tumors so as to reduce the risk of excessive instability. This review aims to highlight the contribution of specialized DNA polymerases in limiting extreme genetic instability by allowing DNA replication to occur even in the presence of DNA damage, to either avoid broken forks or favor their repair after collapse. These mechanisms and their key regulators Rad18 and Polθ not only offer diversity and evolutionary advantage by increasing mutagenic events, but also provide cancer cells with a way to escape anti-cancer therapies that target replication forks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Maiorano
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR9002, CNRS-University of Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (D.M.); (J.E.E.)
| | - Jana El Etri
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR9002, CNRS-University of Montpellier, 34396 Montpellier, France; (D.M.); (J.E.E.)
| | - Camille Franchet
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France;
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hoffmann
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France;
| |
Collapse
|