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Lin X, Soni A, Hessenow R, Sun Y, Mladenov E, Guberina M, Stuschke M, Iliakis G. Talazoparib enhances resection at DSBs and renders HR-proficient cancer cells susceptible to Polθ inhibition. Radiother Oncol 2024; 200:110475. [PMID: 39147034 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The PARP inhibitor (PARPi), Talazoparib (BMN673), effectively and specifically radiosensitizes cancer cells. Radiosensitization is mediated by a shift in the repair of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) toward PARP1-independent, alternative end-joining (alt-EJ). DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is a key component of this PARP1-independent alt-EJ pathway and we show here that its inhibition can further radiosensitize talazoparib-treated cells. The purpose of the present work is to explore mechanisms and dynamics underpinning enhanced talazoparib radiosensitization by Polθ inhibitors in HR-proficient cancer cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS Radiosensitization to PARPis, talazoparib, olaparib, rucaparib and veliparib was assessed by clonogenic survival. Polθ-proficient and -deficient cells were treated with PARPis and/or with the Polθ inhibitors ART558 or novobiocin. The role of DNA end-resection was studied by down-regulating CtIP and MRE11 expression using siRNAs. DSB repair was assessed by scoring γH2AX foci. The formation of chromosomal abnormalities was assessed as evidence of alt-EJ function using G2-specific cytogenetic analysis. RESULTS Talazoparib exerted pronounced radiosensitization that varied among the tested cancer cell lines; however, radiosensitization was undetectable in normal cells. Other commonly used PARPis, olaparib, veliparib, or rucaparib were ineffective radiosensitizers under our experimental conditions. Although genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of Polθ only mildly radiosensitized cancer cells, talazoparib-treated cells were markedly further radiosensitized. Mechanistically, talazoparib shunted DSBs to Polθ-dependent alt-EJ by enhancing DNA end-resection in a CtIP- and MRE11-dependent manner - an effect detectable at low, but not high IR doses. Chromosomal translocation analysis in talazoparib-treated cells exposed to Polθ inhibitors suggested that PARP1- and Polθ-dependent alt-EJ pathways may complement, but also back up each other. CONCLUSION We propose that talazoparib promotes low-dose, CtIP/MRE11-dependent resection and increases the reliance of irradiated HR-proficient cancer cells, on Polθ-mediated alt-EJ. The combination of Polθ inhibitors with talazoparib suppresses this option and causes further radiosensitization. The results suggest that Polθ inhibition may be exploited to maximize talazoparib radiosensitization of HR-proficient tumors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Lin
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Aashish Soni
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Razan Hessenow
- West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Yanjie Sun
- Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Emil Mladenov
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Maja Guberina
- Department of Radiation Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Stuschke
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Department of Radiation Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - George Iliakis
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Institute of Medical Radiation Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany.
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Vekariya U, Minakhin L, Chandramouly G, Tyagi M, Kent T, Sullivan-Reed K, Atkins J, Ralph D, Nieborowska-Skorska M, Kukuyan AM, Tang HY, Pomerantz RT, Skorski T. PARG is essential for Polθ-mediated DNA end-joining by removing repressive poly-ADP-ribose marks. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5822. [PMID: 38987289 PMCID: PMC11236980 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50158-7] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (Polθ)-mediated end-joining (TMEJ) repairs DNA double-strand breaks and confers resistance to genotoxic agents. How Polθ is regulated at the molecular level to exert TMEJ remains poorly characterized. We find that Polθ interacts with and is PARylated by PARP1 in a HPF1-independent manner. PARP1 recruits Polθ to the vicinity of DNA damage via PARylation dependent liquid demixing, however, PARylated Polθ cannot perform TMEJ due to its inability to bind DNA. PARG-mediated de-PARylation of Polθ reactivates its DNA binding and end-joining activities. Consistent with this, PARG is essential for TMEJ and the temporal recruitment of PARG to DNA damage corresponds with TMEJ activation and dissipation of PARP1 and PAR. In conclusion, we show a two-step spatiotemporal mechanism of TMEJ regulation. First, PARP1 PARylates Polθ and facilitates its recruitment to DNA damage sites in an inactivated state. PARG subsequently activates TMEJ by removing repressive PAR marks on Polθ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Mrityunjay Tyagi
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Tatiana Kent
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Katherine Sullivan-Reed
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jessica Atkins
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Douglas Ralph
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Anna-Mariya Kukuyan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Hsin-Yao Tang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Richard T Pomerantz
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Laverty DJ, Gupta SK, Bradshaw GA, Hunter AS, Carlson BL, Calmo NM, Chen J, Tian S, Sarkaria JN, Nagel ZD. ATM inhibition exploits checkpoint defects and ATM-dependent double strand break repair in TP53-mutant glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5294. [PMID: 38906885 PMCID: PMC11192742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49316-8] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining the balance between DNA double strand break repair (DSBR) pathways is essential for understanding treatment response in cancer. We report a method for simultaneously measuring non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), and microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ). Using this method, we show that patient-derived glioblastoma (GBM) samples with acquired temozolomide (TMZ) resistance display elevated HR and MMEJ activity, suggesting that these pathways contribute to treatment resistance. We screen clinically relevant small molecules for DSBR inhibition with the aim of identifying improved GBM combination therapy regimens. We identify the ATM kinase inhibitor, AZD1390, as a potent dual HR/MMEJ inhibitor that suppresses radiation-induced phosphorylation of DSBR proteins, blocks DSB end resection, and enhances the cytotoxic effects of TMZ in treatment-naïve and treatment-resistant GBMs with TP53 mutation. We further show that a combination of G2/M checkpoint deficiency and reliance upon ATM-dependent DSBR renders TP53 mutant GBMs hypersensitive to TMZ/AZD1390 and radiation/AZD1390 combinations. This report identifies ATM-dependent HR and MMEJ as targetable resistance mechanisms in TP53-mutant GBM and establishes an approach for simultaneously measuring multiple DSBR pathways in treatment selection and oncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Laverty
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiajia Chen
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | | | | | - Zachary D Nagel
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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4
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Gala K, Jain M, Shah P, Pandey A, Garg M, Khattar E. Role of p53 transcription factor in determining the efficacy of telomerase inhibitors in cancer treatment. Life Sci 2024; 339:122416. [PMID: 38216120 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
AIM Telomerase expression is unique to cancer cells, making it a promising target for therapy. However, a major drawback of telomerase inhibition is that it affects cancer cell proliferation only when telomeres shorten, creating a lag phase post-continuous drug treatment. Acute cytotoxicity of telomerase inhibitors is dependent on their ability to induce DNA damage. p53 senses DNA damage and is the primary effector required for sensitizing cells towards apoptosis. MAIN METHODS Isogenic p53+/+ and p53-/- ovarian cancer cell lines were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the anti-cancer effect of telomerase inhibitors MST-312 and BIBR1532 were determined. Flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to study cell cycle, apoptosis, and gene expression. KEY FINDINGS We report that MST-312 exhibits p53-dependent cytotoxicity, while BIBR1532 exhibits p53-independent cytotoxicity. Colony-forming ability also confirms the p53-dependent effect of MST-312. Re-expression of p53 in p53-/- cells could rescue MST-312 sensitivity. In p53+/+ cells, MST-312 causes S phase arrest and activation of p53-dependent target genes like anti-apoptosis markers (Fas and Puma) and cell cycle markers (p21 and cyclinB). In p53-/- cells, MST-312 causes S/G2/M arrest. BIBR1532 induces S/G2/M phase cell cycle arrest irrespective of p53 status. This correlates with the expression of the DNA damage marker (γ-H2AX). Long-term continuous treatment with MST-312 or BIBR1532 results in p53-independent telomere shortening. SIGNIFICANCE In summary, we demonstrate that acute anti-cancer effects of MST-312 are dependent on p53 expression. Hence, it is important to consider the p53 expression status in cancer cells when selecting and administering telomerase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Meghna Jain
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Prachi Shah
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Amit Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Sector-125, Noida 201313, India
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be) University, Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India.
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5
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Stracker TH, Osagie OI, Escorcia FE, Citrin DE. Exploiting the DNA Damage Response for Prostate Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:83. [PMID: 38201511 PMCID: PMC10777950 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancers that progress despite androgen deprivation develop into castration-resistant prostate cancer, a fatal disease with few treatment options. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of prostate cancer subtypes and alterations in the DNA damage response (DDR) that can predispose to the development of prostate cancer and affect its progression. We identify barriers to conventional treatments, such as radiotherapy, and discuss the development of new therapies, many of which target the DDR or take advantage of recurring genetic alterations in the DDR. We place this in the context of advances in understanding the genetic variation and immune landscape of CRPC that could help guide their use in future treatment strategies. Finally, we discuss several new and emerging agents that may advance the treatment of lethal disease, highlighting selected clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis H. Stracker
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (O.I.O.); (F.E.E.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Oloruntoba I. Osagie
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (O.I.O.); (F.E.E.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Freddy E. Escorcia
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (O.I.O.); (F.E.E.); (D.E.C.)
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Deborah E. Citrin
- Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (O.I.O.); (F.E.E.); (D.E.C.)
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6
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Lapa BS, Costa MI, Figueiredo D, Jorge J, Alves R, Monteiro AR, Serambeque B, Laranjo M, Botelho MF, Carreira IM, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Gonçalves AC. AZD-7648, a DNA-PK Inhibitor, Induces DNA Damage, Apoptosis, and Cell Cycle Arrest in Chronic and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15331. [PMID: 37895013 PMCID: PMC10607085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-homologous end joining pathway is vital for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), with DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) playing a critical role. Altered DNA damage response (DDR) in chronic (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) offers potential therapeutic opportunities. We studied the therapeutic potential of AZD-7648 (DNA-PK inhibitor) in CML and AML cell lines. This study used two CML (K-562 and LAMA-84) and five AML (HEL, HL-60, KG-1, NB-4, and THP-1) cell lines. DDR gene mutations were obtained from the COSMIC database. The copy number and methylation profile were evaluated using MS-MLPA and DDR genes, and telomere length using qPCR. p53 protein expression was assessed using Western Blot, chromosomal damage through cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and γH2AX levels and DSB repair kinetics using flow cytometry. Cell density and viability were analyzed using trypan blue assay after treatment with AZD-7648 in concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µM. Cell death, cell cycle distribution, and cell proliferation rate were assessed using flow cytometry. The cells displayed different DNA baseline damage, DDR gene expressions, mutations, genetic/epigenetic changes, and p53 expression. Only HEL cells displayed inefficient DSB repair. The LAMA-84, HEL, and KG-1 cells were the most sensitive to AZD-7648, whereas HL-60 and K-562 showed a lower effect on density and viability. Besides the reduction in cell proliferation, AZD-7648 induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage. In conclusion, these results suggest that AZD-7648 holds promise as a potential therapy for myeloid leukemias, however, with variations in drug sensitivity among tested cell lines, thus supporting further investigation to identify the specific factors influencing sensitivity to this DNA-PK inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Santos Lapa
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Costa
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
| | - Joana Jorge
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Alves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Monteiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
| | - Beatriz Serambeque
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marques Carreira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
- Hematology Service, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH), University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.L.); (M.I.C.); (J.J.); (R.A.); (A.R.M.); (A.B.S.-R.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.S.); (I.M.C.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-061 Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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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.
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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
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8
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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.
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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
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9
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Patterson-Fortin J, Jadhav H, Pantelidou C, Phan T, Grochala C, Mehta AK, Guerriero JL, Wulf GM, Wolpin BM, Stanger BZ, Aguirre AJ, Cleary JM, D'Andrea AD, Shapiro GI. Polymerase θ inhibition activates the cGAS-STING pathway and cooperates with immune checkpoint blockade in models of BRCA-deficient cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1390. [PMID: 36914658 PMCID: PMC10011609 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently developed inhibitors of polymerase theta (POLθ) have demonstrated synthetic lethality in BRCA-deficient tumor models. To examine the contribution of the immune microenvironment to antitumor efficacy, we characterized the effects of POLθ inhibition in immunocompetent models of BRCA1-deficient triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) or BRCA2-deficient pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We demonstrate that genetic POLQ depletion or pharmacological POLθ inhibition induces both innate and adaptive immune responses in these models. POLθ inhibition resulted in increased micronuclei, cGAS/STING pathway activation, type I interferon gene expression, CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation, local paracrine activation of dendritic cells and upregulation of PD-L1 expression. Depletion of CD8+ T cells compromised the efficacy of POLθ inhibition, whereas antitumor effects were augmented in combination with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that POLθ inhibition induces immune responses in a cGAS/STING-dependent manner and provide a rationale for combining POLθ inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade for the treatment of HR-deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Patterson-Fortin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Heta Jadhav
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Constantia Pantelidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tin Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Carter Grochala
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Arpeggio, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Anita K Mehta
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Guerriero
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gerburg M Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Brian M Wolpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - James M Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alan D D'Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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10
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The Landscape and Therapeutic Targeting of BRCA1, BRCA2 and Other DNA Damage Response Genes in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2105-2120. [PMID: 36975505 PMCID: PMC10047276 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes participating in the cellular response to damaged DNA have an important function to protect genetic information from alterations due to extrinsic and intrinsic cellular insults. In cancer cells, alterations in these genes are a source of genetic instability, which is advantageous for cancer progression by providing background for adaptation to adverse environments and attack by the immune system. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been known for decades to predispose to familial breast and ovarian cancers, and, more recently, prostate and pancreatic cancers have been added to the constellation of cancers that show increased prevalence in these families. Cancers associated with these genetic syndromes are currently treated with PARP inhibitors based on the exquisite sensitivity of cells lacking BRCA1 or BRCA2 function to inhibition of the PARP enzyme. In contrast, the sensitivity of pancreatic cancers with somatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and with mutations in other homologous recombination (HR) repair genes to PARP inhibitors is less established and the subject of ongoing investigations. This paper reviews the prevalence of pancreatic cancers with HR gene defects and treatment of pancreatic cancer patients with defects in HR with PARP inhibitors and other drugs in development that target these molecular defects.
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11
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Patterson-Fortin J, D'Andrea AD. Targeting Polymerase Theta (POLθ) for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 186:285-298. [PMID: 37978141 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30065-3_15] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase theta (POLθ) is the critical multi-domain enzyme in microhomology-mediated end-joining DNA double-stranded break repair. POLθ is expressed at low levels in normal tissue but is often overexpressed in cancers, especially in DNA repair deficient cancers, such as homologous-recombination cancers, rendering them exquisitely sensitive to POLθ inhibition secondary to synthetic lethality. Development of POLθ inhibitors is an active area of investigation with inhibitors of the N-terminal helicase domain or the C-terminal polymerase domain currently in clinical trial. Here, we review POLθ-mediated microhomology-mediated end-joining, the development of POLθ inhibitors, and the potential clinical uses of POLθ inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Patterson-Fortin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alan D D'Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers (SFSCWC), The Fuller-American Cancer Society, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, HIM 243, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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12
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Barszczewska-Pietraszek G, Drzewiecka M, Czarny P, Skorski T, Śliwiński T. Polθ Inhibition: An Anticancer Therapy for HR-Deficient Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010319. [PMID: 36613762 PMCID: PMC9820168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (Polθ)-mediated end joining (TMEJ) is, along with homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), one of the most important mechanisms repairing potentially lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Polθ is becoming a new target in cancer research because it demonstrates numerous synthetically lethal interactions with other DNA repair mechanisms, e.g., those involving PARP1, BRCA1/2, DNA-PK, ATR. Inhibition of Polθ could be achieved with different methods, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9 technology, or using small molecule inhibitors. In the context of this topic, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 are still more often applied in the research itself rather than clinical usage, different than small molecule inhibitors. Several Polθ inhibitors have been already generated, and two of them, novobiocin (NVB) and ART812 derivative, are being tested in clinical trials against HR-deficient tumors. In this review, we describe the significance of Polθ and the Polθ-mediated TMEJ pathway. In addition, we summarize the current state of knowledge about Polθ inhibitors and emphasize the promising role of Polθ as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Drzewiecka
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Tomasz Śliwiński
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-635-44-86
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13
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DNA Damage Response in Cancer Therapy and Resistance: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314672. [PMID: 36499000 PMCID: PMC9735783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy is a common event among cancer patients and a reason why new cancer therapies and therapeutic strategies need to be in continuous investigation and development. DNA damage response (DDR) comprises several pathways that eliminate DNA damage to maintain genomic stability and integrity, but different types of cancers are associated with DDR machinery defects. Many improvements have been made in recent years, providing several drugs and therapeutic strategies for cancer patients, including those targeting the DDR pathways. Currently, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARP inhibitors) are the DDR inhibitors (DDRi) approved for several cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. However, PARPi resistance is a growing issue in clinical settings that increases disease relapse and aggravate patients' prognosis. Additionally, resistance to other DDRi is also being found and investigated. The resistance mechanisms to DDRi include reversion mutations, epigenetic modification, stabilization of the replication fork, and increased drug efflux. This review highlights the DDR pathways in cancer therapy, its role in the resistance to conventional treatments, and its exploitation for anticancer treatment. Biomarkers of treatment response, combination strategies with other anticancer agents, resistance mechanisms, and liabilities of treatment with DDR inhibitors are also discussed.
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14
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Chloroquine-Induced DNA Damage Synergizes with Nonhomologous End Joining Inhibition to Cause Ovarian Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147518. [PMID: 35886866 PMCID: PMC9323666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147518] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy; therefore, more effective treatments are urgently needed. We recently reported that chloroquine (CQ) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in OC cell lines (OCCLs), causing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here, we analyzed whether these lesions are repaired by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), one of the main pathways involved in DSB repair, and if the combination of CQ with NHEJ inhibitors (NHEJi) could be effective against OC. We found that NHEJ inhibition increased the persistence of γH2AX foci after CQ-induced DNA damage, revealing an essential role of this pathway in the repair of the lesions. NHEJi decreased the proliferation of OCCLs and a strong in vitro synergistic effect on apoptosis induction was observed when combined with CQ. This effect was largely abolished by the antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, revealing the critical role of ROS and DSB generation in CQ/NHEJi-induced lethality. We also found that the NHEJ efficiency in OCCLs was not affected by treatment with Panobinostat, a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor that also synergizes with CQ in OCCLs by impairing homologous recombination. Accordingly, the triple combination of CQ-NHEJi-Panobinostat exerted a stronger in vitro synergistic effect. Altogether, our data suggest that the combination of these drugs could represent new therapeutic strategies against OC.
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15
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Vanson S, Li Y, Wood RD, Doublié S. Probing the structure and function of polymerase θ helicase-like domain. DNA Repair (Amst) 2022; 116:103358. [PMID: 35753097 PMCID: PMC10329254 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA Polymerase θ is the key actuator of the recently identified double-strand break repair pathway, theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). It is the only known polymerase to have a 3-domain architecture containing an independently functional family A DNA polymerase tethered by a long central region to an N-terminal helicase-like domain (HLD). Full-length polymerase θ and the isolated HLD hydrolyze ATP in the presence of DNA, but no processive DNA duplex unwinding has been observed. Based on sequence and structure conservation, the HLD is classified as a member of helicase superfamily II and, more specifically, the Ski2-like family. The specific subdomain composition and organization most closely resemble that of archaeal DNA repair helicases Hel308 and Hjm. The underlying structural basis as to why the HLD is not able to processively unwind duplex DNA, despite its similarity to bona fide helicases, remains elusive. Activities of the HLD include ATP hydrolysis, protein displacement, and annealing of complementary DNA. These observations have led to speculation about the role of the HLD within the context of double-strand break repair via TMEJ, such as removal of single-stranded DNA binding proteins like RPA and RAD51 and microhomology alignment. This review summarizes the structural classification and organization of the polymerase θ HLD and its homologs and explores emerging data on its biochemical activities. We conclude with a simple, speculative model for the HLD's role in TMEJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Vanson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Yuzhen Li
- Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX 77230, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, TX 77230, USA.
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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16
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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.
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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.
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17
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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.
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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.
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18
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Casey DL, Pitter KL, Wexler LH, Slotkin EK, Gupta GP, Wolden SL. TP53 mutations increase radioresistance in rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:576-581. [PMID: 34017087 PMCID: PMC8368014 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND p53 plays a key role in the DNA repair process and response to ionising radiation. We sought to determine the clinical phenotype of TP53 mutations and p53 pathway alterations in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and Ewing sarcoma (ES) treated with radiation. METHODS Of patients with available genomic sequencing, we identified 109 patients with RMS and ES treated to a total of 286 radiation sites. We compared irradiated tumour control among tumours with TP53 mutations (n = 40) to those that were TP53 wild-type (n = 246). We additionally compared irradiated tumour control among tumours with any p53 pathway alteration (defined as tumours with TP53 mutations or TP53 wild-type tumours identified to have MDM2/4 amplification and/or CDKN2A/B deletion, n = 78) to those without such alterations (n = 208). RESULTS The median follow-up was 26 months from radiation. TP53 mutations were associated with worse irradiated tumour control among the entire cohort (hazard ratio, HR = 2.8, P < 0.0001). Tumours with any p53 pathway alteration also had inferior irradiated tumour control (HR = 2.0, P = 0.003). On multivariable analysis, after controlling for tumour histology, intent of radiation, presence of gross disease, and biologically effective dose, TP53 mutations continued to be associated with a radioresistant phenotype (HR = 7.1, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that TP53 mutations are associated with increased radioresistance in RMS and ES. Novel strategies to overcome this radioresistance are important for improved outcomes in p53 disruptive RMS and ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L. Casey
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.429995.aLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Kenneth L. Pitter
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Leonard H. Wexler
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pediatric Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Emily K. Slotkin
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pediatric Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Gaorav P. Gupta
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA ,grid.429995.aLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Suzanne L. Wolden
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
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19
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Feng W, Simpson DA, Cho JE, Carvajal-Garcia J, Smith CM, Headley KM, Hathaway N, Ramsden DA, Gupta GP. Marker-free quantification of repair pathway utilization at Cas9-induced double-strand breaks. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5095-5105. [PMID: 33963863 PMCID: PMC8136827 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome integrity and genome engineering require efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), or alternative end-joining pathways. Here we describe two complementary methods for marker-free quantification of DSB repair pathway utilization at Cas9-targeted chromosomal DSBs in mammalian cells. The first assay features the analysis of amplicon next-generation sequencing data using ScarMapper, an iterative break-associated alignment algorithm to classify individual repair products based on deletion size, microhomology usage, and insertions. The second assay uses repair pathway-specific droplet digital PCR assays ('PathSig-dPCR') for absolute quantification of signature DSB repair outcomes. We show that ScarMapper and PathSig-dPCR enable comprehensive assessment of repair pathway utilization in different cell models, after a variety of experimental perturbations. We use these assays to measure the differential impact of DNA end resection on NHEJ, HR and polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) repair. These approaches are adaptable to any cellular model system and genomic locus where Cas9-mediated targeting is feasible. Thus, ScarMapper and PathSig-dPCR allow for systematic fate mapping of a targeted DSB with facile and accurate quantification of DSB repair pathway choice at endogenous chromosomal loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjuan Feng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dennis A Simpson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jang-Eun Cho
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Juan Carvajal-Garcia
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chelsea M Smith
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kathryn M Headley
- School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nate Hathaway
- School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Dale A Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gaorav P Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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