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Kaczorowski M, Ylaya K, Chłopek M, Taniyama D, Pommier Y, Lasota J, Miettinen M. Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) Expression in Cancer in the Search of Biomarker-Informed Treatment Targets: A Study of 127 Entities Represented by 6658 Tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2024:00000478-990000000-00409. [PMID: 39185596 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a DNA/RNA helicase, acts as a regulator of cellular response to replicative stress and irreversibly triggers replication block and cell death. Several preclinical in vitro studies and clinical trials established that SLFN11 expression predicts outcomes in patients with advanced cancer treated with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics and more recently with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. SLFN11 expression status remains unknown in many cancer types, especially in mesenchymal tumors. This study evaluated a cohort of well characterized 3808 epithelial and 2850 mesenchymal and neuroectodermal tumors for SLFN11 expression using immunohistochemistry. Nuclear SLFN11 expression was rare in some of the most common carcinomas, for example, hepatocellular (1%), prostatic (2%), colorectal (5%), or breast (16%) cancers. In contrast, other epithelial tumors including mesotheliomas (92%), clear cell renal cell carcinomas (79%), small cell lung cancers (76%), squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsil (89%) and larynx (71%), or ovarian serous carcinomas (69%) were mostly SLFN11-positive. Compared with epithelial malignancies, SLFN11 expression was overall higher in neuroectodermal and mesenchymal tumors. Most positive entities included desmoplastic small round cell tumor (100%), Ewing sarcoma (92%), undifferentiated sarcoma (92%), solitary fibrous tumor (91%), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (89%), synovial sarcoma (86%), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (85%). Also, this study identifies tumors with potentially worse response to DNA-damaging drugs including antibody drug conjugates due to the absence of SLFN11 expression. Such entities may benefit from alternative treatments or strategies to overcome SLFN11 deficiency-related drug resistance. Our approach and results should serve as a foundation for future biomarker-associated clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kaczorowski
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kris Ylaya
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Daiki Taniyama
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jerzy Lasota
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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Onji H, Tate S, Sakaue T, Fujiwara K, Nakano S, Kawaida M, Onishi N, Matsumoto T, Yamagami W, Sugiyama T, Higashiyama S, Pommier Y, Kobayashi Y, Murai J. Schlafen 11 further sensitizes BRCA-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors through single-strand DNA gap accumulation behind replication forks. Oncogene 2024; 43:2475-2489. [PMID: 38961202 PMCID: PMC11315672 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03094-1] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The preferential response to PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in BRCA-deficient and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11)-expressing ovarian cancers has been documented, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. As the accumulation of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) gaps behind replication forks is key for the lethality effect of PARPis, we investigated the combined effects of SLFN11 expression and BRCA deficiency on PARPi sensitivity and ssDNA gap formation in human cancer cells. PARPis increased chromatin-bound RPA2 and ssDNA gaps in SLFN11-expressing cells and even more in cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency. SLFN11 was co-localized with chromatin-bound RPA2 under PARPis treatment, with enhanced recruitment in BRCA2-deficient cells. Notably, the chromatin-bound SLFN11 under PARPis did not block replication, contrary to its function under replication stress. SLFN11 recruitment was attenuated by the inactivation of MRE11. Hence, under PARPi treatment, MRE11 expression and BRCA deficiency lead to ssDNA gaps behind replication forks, where SLFN11 binds and increases their accumulation. As ovarian cancer patients who responded (progression-free survival >2 years) to olaparib maintenance therapy had a significantly higher SLFN11-positivity than short-responders (<6 months), our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of the favorable responses to PARPis in SLFN11-expressing and BRCA-deficient tumors. It highlight the clinical implications of SLFN11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sota Tate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sakaue
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kohei Fujiwara
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Miho Kawaida
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Onishi
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Tumor Regulation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
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Slika H, Shahani A, Wahi R, Miller J, Groves M, Tyler B. Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Medulloblastoma: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2249. [PMID: 38927954 PMCID: PMC11202166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122249] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most frequently encountered malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population. The standard of care currently consists of surgical resection, craniospinal irradiation, and multi-agent chemotherapy. However, despite this combination of multiple aggressive modalities, recurrence of the disease remains a substantial concern, and treatment resistance is a rising issue. The development of this resistance results from the interplay of a myriad of anatomical properties, cellular processes, molecular pathways, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. In fact, several efforts have been directed towards this domain and characterizing the major contributors to this resistance. Herein, this review highlights the different mechanisms that drive relapse and are implicated in the occurrence of treatment resistance and discusses them in the context of the latest molecular-based classification of medulloblastoma. These mechanisms include the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier to drugs, the overactivation of specific molecular pathways, the resistant and multipotent nature of cancer stem cells, intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, and metabolic plasticity. Subsequently, we build on that to explore potential strategies and targeted agents that can abrogate these mechanisms, undermine the development of treatment resistance, and augment medulloblastoma's response to therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Aanya Shahani
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Riddhpreet Wahi
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai 400008, India
| | - Jackson Miller
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Mari Groves
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Betty Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
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Fujiwara K, Maekawa M, Iimori Y, Ogawa A, Urano T, Kono N, Takeda H, Higashiyama S, Arita M, Murai J. The crucial role of single-stranded DNA binding in enhancing sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents for Schlafen 11 and Schlafen 13. iScience 2023; 26:108529. [PMID: 38125019 PMCID: PMC10730379 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Schlafen (SLFN) 11 enhances cellular sensitivity to various DNA-damaging anticancer agents. Among the human SLFNs (SLFN5/11/12/13/14), SLFN11 is unique in its drug sensitivity and ability to block replication under DNA damage. In biochemical analysis, SLFN11 binds single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and this binding is enhanced by the dephosphorylation of SLFN11. In this study, human cell-based assays demonstrated that a point mutation at the ssDNA-binding site of SLFN11 or a constitutive phosphorylation mutant abolished SLFN11-dependent drug sensitivity. Additionally, we discovered that nuclear SLFN13 with a point mutation mimicking the DNA-binding site of SLFN11 was recruited to chromatin, blocked replication, and enhanced drug sensitivity. Through generating multiple mutants and structure analyses of SLFN11 and SLFN13, we identified protein phosphatase 2A as a binding partner of SLFN11 and the putative binding motif in SLFN11. These findings provide crucial insights into the unique characteristics of SLFN11, contributing to a better understanding of its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Fujiwara
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masashi Maekawa
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
| | - Yuki Iimori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Akane Ogawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Takeshi Urano
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
- Center for Vaccines and Therapeutic Antibodies for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Division of Proteo-Drug-Discovery, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Tumor Regulation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
| | - Makoto Arita
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
- Cellular and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
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Pratt D, Penas-Prado M, Gilbert MR. Clinical impact of molecular profiling in rare brain tumors. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:579-586. [PMID: 37973025 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe the commonly used molecular diagnostics and illustrate the prognostic importance to the more accurate diagnosis that also may uncover therapeutic targets. RECENT FINDINGS The most recent WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumours (2021) lists over 100 distinct tumor types. While traditional histology continues to be an important component, molecular testing is increasingly being incorporated as requisite diagnostic criteria. Specific molecular findings such as co-deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p) and long arm of chromosome 19 (19q) now define IDH-mutant gliomas as oligodendroglioma. In recent years, DNA methylation profiling has emerged as a dynamic tool with high diagnostic accuracy. The integration of specific genetic (mutations, fusions) and epigenetic (CpG methylation) alterations has led to diagnostic refinement and the discovery of rare brain tumor types with distinct clinical outcomes. Molecular profiling is anticipated to play an increasing role in routine surgical neuropathology, although costs, access, and logistical concerns remain challenging. SUMMARY This review summarizes the current state of molecular testing in neuro-oncology highlighting commonly used and developing technologies, while also providing examples of new tumor types/subtypes that have emerged as a result of improved diagnostic precision.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Penas-Prado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Murai J, Ceribelli M, Fu H, Redon CE, Jo U, Murai Y, Aladjem MI, Thomas CJ, Pommier Y. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) Kills Cancer Cells Undergoing Unscheduled Re-replication. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:985-995. [PMID: 37216280 PMCID: PMC10524552 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0552] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is an increasingly prominent predictive biomarker and a molecular sensor for a wide range of clinical drugs: topoisomerases, PARP and replication inhibitors, and platinum derivatives. To expand the spectrum of drugs and pathways targeting SLFN11, we ran a high-throughput screen with 1,978 mechanistically annotated, oncology-focused compounds in two isogenic pairs of SLFN11-proficient and -deficient cells (CCRF-CEM and K562). We identified 29 hit compounds that selectively kill SLFN11-proficient cells, including not only previously known DNA-targeting agents, but also the neddylation inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN-4924) and the DNA polymerase α inhibitor AHPN/CD437, which both induced SLFN11 chromatin recruitment. By inactivating cullin-ring E3 ligases, pevonedistat acts as an anticancer agent partly by inducing unscheduled re-replication through supraphysiologic accumulation of CDT1, an essential factor for replication initiation. Unlike the known DNA-targeting agents and AHPN/CD437 that recruit SLFN11 onto chromatin in 4 hours, pevonedistat recruited SLFN11 at late time points (24 hours). While pevonedistat induced unscheduled re-replication in SLFN11-deficient cells after 24 hours, the re-replication was largely blocked in SLFN11-proficient cells. The positive correlation between sensitivity to pevonedistat and SLFN11 expression was also observed in non-isogenic cancer cells in three independent cancer cell databases (NCI-60, CTRP: Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal and GDSC: Genomic of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer). The present study reveals that SLFN11 not only detects stressed replication but also inhibits unscheduled re-replication induced by pevonedistat, thereby enhancing its anticancer efficacy. It also suggests SLFN11 as a potential predictive biomarker for pevonedistat in ongoing and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Department of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Haiqing Fu
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christophe E. Redon
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirit I. Aladjem
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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