1
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Glover HL, Schreiner A, Dewson G, Tait SWG. Mitochondria and cell death. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01429-4. [PMID: 38902422 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular factories for energy production, calcium homeostasis and iron metabolism, but they also have an unequivocal and central role in intrinsic apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c. While the subsequent activation of proteolytic caspases ensures that cell death proceeds in the absence of collateral inflammation, other phlogistic cell death pathways have been implicated in using, or engaging, mitochondria. Here we discuss the emerging complexities of intrinsic apoptosis controlled by the BCL-2 family of proteins. We highlight the emerging theory that non-lethal mitochondrial apoptotic signalling has diverse biological roles that impact cancer, innate immunity and ageing. Finally, we delineate the role of mitochondria in other forms of cell death, such as pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis, and discuss mitochondria as central hubs for the intersection and coordination of cell death signalling pathways, underscoring their potential for therapeutic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Glover
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Annabell Schreiner
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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2
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Fukuda K, Takeuchi S, Arai S, Nanjo S, Sato S, Kotani H, Kita K, Nishiyama A, Sakaguchi H, Ohtsubo K, Yano S. Targeting WEE1 enhances the antitumor effect of KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer harboring TP53 mutations. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101578. [PMID: 38776912 PMCID: PMC11228449 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101578] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The clinical development of Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS)-G12C inhibitors for the treatment of KRAS-mutant lung cancer is limited by the presence of co-mutations, intrinsic resistance, and the emergence of acquired resistance. Therefore, innovative strategies for enhancing apoptosis in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are urgently needed. Through CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening using a library of 746 crRNAs and drug screening with a custom library of 432 compounds, we discover that WEE1 kinase inhibitors are potent enhancers of apoptosis, particularly in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells harboring TP53 mutations. Mechanistically, WEE1 inhibition promotes G2/M transition and reduces checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) and Rad51 expression in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, which is associated with apoptosis and the repair of DNA double-strand breaks, leading to mitotic catastrophe. Notably, the combined inhibition of KRAS-G12C and WEE1 consistently suppresses tumor growth. Our results suggest targeting WEE1 as a promising therapeutic strategy for KRAS-mutated NSCLC with TP53 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukuda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Shinji Takeuchi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Arai
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nanjo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeki Sato
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kotani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Kita
- Central Research Resource Branch, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nishiyama
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sakaguchi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Koshiro Ohtsubo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Seiji Yano
- Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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3
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Gilmer TM, Lai CH, Guo K, Deland K, Ashcraft KA, Stewart AE, Wang Y, Fu J, Wood KC, Kirsch DG, Kastan MB. A Novel Dual ATM/DNA-PK Inhibitor, XRD-0394, Potently Radiosensitizes and Potentiates PARP and Topoisomerase I Inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:751-765. [PMID: 38588408 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0890] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
A majority of patients with cancer receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment regimens whether using external beam therapy or locally-delivered radioisotopes. While often effective, some tumors are inadequately controlled with radiation and radiotherapy has significant short-term and long-term toxicities for cancer survivors. Insights into molecular mechanisms involved in cellular responses to DNA breaks introduced by radiation or other cancer therapies have been gained in recent years and approaches to manipulate these responses to enhance tumor cell killing or reduce normal tissue toxicity are of great interest. Here, we report the identification and initial characterization of XRD-0394, a potent and specific dual inhibitor of two DNA damage response kinases, ATM and DNA-PKcs. This orally bioavailable molecule demonstrates significantly enhanced tumor cell kill in the setting of therapeutic ionizing irradiation in vitro and in vivo. XRD-0394 also potentiates the effectiveness of topoisomerase I inhibitors in vitro. In addition, in cells lacking BRCA1/2 XRD-0394 shows single-agent activity and synergy in combination with PARP inhibitors. A phase Ia clinical trial (NCT05002140) with XRD-0394 in combination with radiotherapy has completed. These results provide a rationale for future clinical trials with XRD-0394 in combination with radiotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and targeted delivery of topoisomerase I inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun-Hsiang Lai
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kexiao Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Katherine Deland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen A Ashcraft
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amy E Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael B Kastan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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4
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Nano M, Montell DJ. Apoptotic signaling: Beyond cell death. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:22-34. [PMID: 37988794 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.11.002] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is the best described form of regulated cell death, and was, until relatively recently, considered irreversible once particular biochemical points-of-no-return were activated. In this manuscript, we examine the mechanisms cells use to escape from a self-amplifying death signaling module. We discuss the role of feedback, dynamics, propagation, and noise in apoptotic signaling. We conclude with a revised model for the role of apoptosis in animal development, homeostasis, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Nano
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
| | - Denise J Montell
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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5
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Sun G. Death and survival from executioner caspase activation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:66-73. [PMID: 37468421 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.005] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Executioner caspases are evolutionarily conserved regulators of cell death under apoptotic stress. Activated executioner caspases drive apoptotic cell death through cleavage of diverse protein substrates or pyroptotic cell death in the presence of gasdermin E. On the other hand, activation of executioner caspases can also trigger pro-survival and pro-proliferation signals. In recent years, a growing body of studies have demonstrated that cells can survive from executioner caspase activation in response to stress and that the survivors undergo molecular and phenotypic alterations. This review focuses on death and survival from executioner caspase activation, summarizing the role of executioner caspases in apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death and discussing the potential mechanism and consequences of survival from stress-induced executioner caspase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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6
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Killarney ST, Tait SWG, Green DR, Wood KC. Sublethal engagement of apoptotic pathways in residual cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:225-238. [PMID: 37573235 PMCID: PMC10858294 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.07.005] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemo-, radio-, and targeted therapies frequently elicit apoptotic cancer cell death. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) is a critical, regulated step in this apoptotic pathway. The residual cancer cells that survive treatment serve as the seeds of eventual relapse and are often functionally characterized by their transient tolerance of multiple therapeutic treatments. New studies suggest that, in these cells, a sublethal degree of MOMP, reflective of incomplete apoptotic commitment, is widely observed. Here, we review recent evidence that this sublethal MOMP drives the aggressive features of residual cancer cells while templating a host of unique vulnerabilities, highlighting how failed apoptosis may counterintuitively enable new therapeutic strategies to target residual disease (RD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane T Killarney
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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7
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Niu L, Wu H, Gao R, Chen L, Wang J, Duan H, Long Y, Xie Y, Zhou Q, Zhou R. Optimal sequence of LT for symptomatic BM in EGFR-mutant NSCLC: a comparative study of first-line EGFR-TKIs with/without upfront LT. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:94. [PMID: 38369644 PMCID: PMC10874906 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05538-9] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) can penetrate blood-brain barrier and are effective for brain metastases (BMs). There is no consensus on the optimal sequence of local therapy (LT) and EGFR-TKIs for symptomatic BM patients because patients suffering neurological symptoms were not enrolled in most clinical trials. METHODS Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation (EGFRm) and symptomatic BM receiving first-line osimertinib and aumolertinib from two medical centers were collected. All participants were allocated into the third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TKIs) group and the upfront LT (uLT) plus third-generation EGFR-TKIs (TKIs + uLT) group. Demographic data, survival outcomes, treatment failure patterns, and adverse events were evaluated between the two groups. We also conducted subgroup analyses to explore the impact of BM number on survival outcomes. RESULTS 86 patients were enrolled, 44 in the TKIs group and 42 in the TKIs + uLT group. There were no significant differences in the short-term response between the groups. TKIs + uLT was associated with significantly longer overall survival (OS) (43 vs. 28 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.77; p = .011). No differences in progression-free survival (PFS), intracranial PFS (iPFS), failure patterns, or safety were observed. In subgroup analyses of oligo-BM patients, TKIs + uLT could prolong OS (43 vs. 31 months; HR 0.22; 95% CI 0.05-0.92; p = .015). CONCLUSIONS EGFRm NSCLC patients with symptomatic BM might benefit from uLT, particularly oligo-BM patients. However, larger prospective cohort studies should be carried out to confirm the responses of the TKIs + uLT scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishui Niu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Honghua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Ruihuan Gao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Liu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jiangtao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hexin Duan
- Department of Oncology, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Yujiao Long
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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8
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Cui S, Chen T, Zhao Y, Xiao Z, Liu M, Huang X, Cao S, Zhou R, Li Y, Huo X, Wang N. Identification of ATM Mutation as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:501-509. [PMID: 38804343 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096250376231025062652] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), an apical DNA damage response gene, is a commonly mutated gene in tumors, and its mutation could strengthen tumor immunogenicity and alter the expression of PD-L1, which potentially contributes to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy. METHODS The characteristics of ATM mutation and its relationship with the ICIs-treated clinical prognosis have been analyzed comprehensively in this paper. The overall frequency of ATM mutations has been found to be 4% (554/10953) in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort. RESULTS Both the TMB and MSI levels in patients with ATM mutations were significantly higher than those in patients without mutations (P < 0.0001). The median TMB was positively correlated with the frequency of ATM mutations (r = 0.54, P = 0.003). In the TCGA cohort, patients with ATM mutations had better clinical benefits in terms of overall survival (OS, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.736, 95% CI = 0.623 - 0.869), progression-free survival (PFS, HR = 0.761, 95% CI = 0.652 - 0.889), and disease-free survival (DFS, HR = 0.686, 95% CI = 0.512 - 0.919)] than patients without ATM mutations. Subsequently, the verification results showed ATM mutations to be significantly correlated with longer OS in ICIs-treated patients (HR = 0.710, 95% CI = 0.544 - 0.928). Further exploration indicated ATM mutation to be significantly associated with regulated anti-tumor immunity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the value of ATM mutation as a promising biomarker to predict ICIs therapy in multiple tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saijin Cui
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yaning Zhao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhuoyun Xiao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Meitong Liu
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shiru Cao
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Rongmiao Zhou
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - You Li
- Hospital Infection Control Division, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiangran Huo
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Na Wang
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Benada J, Alsowaida D, Megeney LA, Sørensen CS. Self-inflicted DNA breaks in cell differentiation and cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:850-859. [PMID: 36997393 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.03.002] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Self-inflicted DNA strand breaks are canonically linked with cell death pathways and the establishment of genetic diversity in immune and germline cells. Moreover, this form of DNA damage is an established source of genome instability in cancer development. However, recent studies indicate that nonlethal self-inflicted DNA strand breaks play an indispensable but underappreciated role in a variety of cell processes, including differentiation and cancer therapy responses. Mechanistically, these physiological DNA breaks originate from the activation of nucleases, which are best characterized for inducing DNA fragmentation in apoptotic cell death. In this review, we outline the emerging biology of one critical nuclease, caspase-activated DNase (CAD), and how directed activation or deployment of this enzyme can lead to divergent cell fate outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Benada
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen 2200 N, Denmark
| | - Dalal Alsowaida
- Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lynn A Megeney
- Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Claus S Sørensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen 2200 N, Denmark.
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10
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Li Q, Qian W, Zhang Y, Hu L, Chen S, Xia Y. A new wave of innovations within the DNA damage response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:338. [PMID: 37679326 PMCID: PMC10485079 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome instability has been identified as one of the enabling hallmarks in cancer. DNA damage response (DDR) network is responsible for maintenance of genome integrity in cells. As cancer cells frequently carry DDR gene deficiencies or suffer from replicative stress, targeting DDR processes could induce excessive DNA damages (or unrepaired DNA) that eventually lead to cell death. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have brought impressive benefit to patients with breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), which proves the concept of synthetic lethality in cancer treatment. Moreover, the other two scenarios of DDR inhibitor application, replication stress and combination with chemo- or radio- therapy, are under active clinical exploration. In this review, we revisited the progress of DDR targeting therapy beyond the launched first-generation PARP inhibitors. Next generation PARP1 selective inhibitors, which could maintain the efficacy while mitigating side effects, may diversify the application scenarios of PARP inhibitor in clinic. Albeit with unavoidable on-mechanism toxicities, several small molecules targeting DNA damage checkpoints (gatekeepers) have shown great promise in preliminary clinical results, which may warrant further evaluations. In addition, inhibitors for other DNA repair pathways (caretakers) are also under active preclinical or clinical development. With these progresses and efforts, we envision that a new wave of innovations within DDR has come of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyuan Qian
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Hu
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanfeng Xia
- Domestic Discovery Service Unit, WuXi AppTec, 200131, Shanghai, China.
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11
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Hoffman TE, Nangia V, Ill CR, Passanisi VJ, Armstrong C, Yang C, Spencer SL. Multiple cancers escape from multiple MAPK pathway inhibitors and use DNA replication stress signaling to tolerate aberrant cell cycles. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eade8744. [PMID: 37527351 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ade8744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers harbor pro-proliferative mutations of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In BRAF-driven melanoma cells treated with BRAF inhibitors, subpopulations of cells escape drug-induced quiescence through a nongenetic manner of adaptation and resume slow proliferation. Here, we found that this phenomenon is common to many cancer types driven by EGFR, KRAS, or BRAF mutations in response to multiple, clinically approved MAPK pathway inhibitors. In 2D cultures and 3D spheroid models of various cancer cell lines, a subset of cells escaped drug-induced quiescence within 4 days to resume proliferation. These "escapee" cells exhibited DNA replication deficits, accumulated DNA lesions, and mounted a stress response that depended on the ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related (ATR) kinase. We further identified that components of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway are recruited to sites of mitotic DNA synthesis (MiDAS) in escapee cells, enabling successful completion of cell division. Analysis of patient tumor samples and clinical data correlated disease progression with an increase in DNA replication stress response factors. Our findings suggest that many MAPK pathway-mutant cancers rapidly escape drug action and that suppressing early stress tolerance pathways may achieve more durable clinical responses to MAPK pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Hoffman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Varuna Nangia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical School, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - C Ryland Ill
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Victor J Passanisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Claire Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Sabrina L Spencer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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12
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Kalkavan H, Rühl S, Shaw JJP, Green DR. Non-lethal outcomes of engaging regulated cell death pathways in cancer. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:795-806. [PMID: 37277528 PMCID: PMC10416134 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) is essential for successful systemic cancer therapy. Yet, the engagement of RCD pathways does not inevitably result in cell death. Instead, RCD pathways can take part in diverse biological processes if the cells survive. Consequently, these surviving cells, for which we propose the term 'flatliners', harbor important functions. These evolutionarily conserved responses can be exploited by cancer cells to promote their own survival and growth, with challenges and opportunities for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halime Kalkavan
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- West German Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rühl
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- T3 Pharmaceuticals AG, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy J P Shaw
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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13
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Zhang Y, Li Y, Han Y, Li M, Li X, Fan F, Liu H, Li S. Experimental study of EGFR-TKI aumolertinib combined with ionizing radiation in EGFR mutated NSCLC brain metastases tumor. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175571. [PMID: 36804545 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Aumolertinib is an irreversible third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), although it has been administered for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it is unclear whether aumolertinib combined with ionizing radiation (IR) has potential therapeutic effects in treating brain metastases (BM) tumors from NSCLC. This study explored the anti-tumor effects of aumolertinib combined with IR in epidermal growth factor receptor mutated (EGFRm) NSCLC BM tumors. First, we established a xenograft model of NSCLC BM tumors in BALB/c nude mice and assessed the anti-tumor effects of this combination. Furthermore, we examined the concentrations of aumolertinib in brain tissue and blood using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); after that, we used CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry assay, and immunofluorescence staining to detect the effects of aumolertinib combined with IR upon PC-9 and NCI-H1975 cells, such as cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, cycle distribution, the situation of DNA damage, and the expression levels of relevant proteins which were detected via western blotting; finally, we chose a clinical case with which to explore the clinical benefits to the EGFRm NSCLC BM patient after the treatment of the aforementioned combination. The experiments of NSCLC BM tumor animal models demonstrated that the combination enhanced the therapeutic effects and increased the intracranial accumulation of aumolertinib; the combination can inhibit cell proliferation and survival, delay the repair of DNA damage, and increase the rates of cell apoptosis and aumolertinib abrogated G2/M phase arrest, which the IR induced; the clinical study verified that the combination demonstrated better patient benefits. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that combining aumolertinib and IR has promising anti-tumor effects in EGFR-mutant NSCLC and that this combined treatment modality may be employed as a potential therapeutic strategy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC BM patients clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoshuai Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yongping Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuehua Han
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Min Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, China
| | - Xian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, China
| | - Fangtian Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, China.
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Hoffman TE, Yang C, Nangia V, Ill CR, Spencer SL. Multiple cancer types rapidly escape from multiple MAPK inhibitors to generate mutagenesis-prone subpopulations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533211. [PMID: 36993538 PMCID: PMC10055235 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers harbor pro-proliferative mutations of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and many targeted inhibitors now exist for clinical use, but drug resistance remains a major issue. We recently showed that BRAF-driven melanoma cells treated with BRAF inhibitors can non-genetically adapt to drug within 3-4 days to escape quiescence and resume slow proliferation. Here we show that this phenomenon is not unique to melanomas treated with BRAF inhibitors but rather is widespread across many clinical MAPK inhibitors and cancer types driven by EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF mutations. In all treatment contexts examined, a subset of cells can escape drug-induced quiescence within four days to resume proliferation. These escapee cells broadly experience aberrant DNA replication, accumulate DNA lesions, spend longer in G2-M cell cycle phases, and mount an ATR-dependent stress response. We further identify the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway as critical for successful mitotic completion in escapees. Long-term cultures, patient samples, and clinical data demonstrate a broad dependency on ATR- and FA-mediated stress tolerance. Together, these results highlight the pervasiveness with which MAPK-mutant cancers are able to rapidly escape drug and the importance of suppressing early stress tolerance pathways to potentially achieve more durable clinical responses to targeted MAPK pathway inhibitors.
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Fischetti M, Di Donato V, Palaia I, Perniola G, Tomao F, Perrone C, Giancotti A, Di Mascio D, Monti M, Muzii L, Benedetti Panici P, Bogani G. Advances in small molecule maintenance therapies for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:65-72. [PMID: 36458890 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2154144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological tumors with a lack of effective treatment modalities especially in advanced/recurrent disease. Nevertheless, recently, new small molecules have emerged as an effective approach for the management of ovarian cancer patients, especially in the maintenance setting. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the role of small molecules used in the management of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The authors performed a critical review of current evidence and ongoing studies. Of note, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are the most intriguing medications in this setting. EXPERT OPINION Protein-targeted therapies against tumor tissues have progressed significantly in the last years due to an enhanced knowledge of the biological and molecular processes of carcinogenesis. Treatment with small molecules allows the targeting of specific proteins involved in cancer biology. TKIs seem promising but further data are necessary to assess the pros and cons of adopting this treatment modality. PARP inhibitors represent the new standard of care for ovarian cancer patients harboring either a BRCA mutation or with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Interestingly, the accumulation of data has highlighted that PARP inhibitors provide benefits even in patients with HR proficient tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Fischetti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Violante Di Donato
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Innocenza Palaia
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Perniola
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Tomao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Perrone
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Giancotti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Mascio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Monti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Benedetti Panici
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bogani
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Nickoloff JA. Targeting Replication Stress Response Pathways to Enhance Genotoxic Chemo- and Radiotherapy. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27154736. [PMID: 35897913 PMCID: PMC9330692 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Proliferating cells regularly experience replication stress caused by spontaneous DNA damage that results from endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA sequences that can assume secondary and tertiary structures, and collisions between opposing transcription and replication machineries. Cancer cells face additional replication stress, including oncogenic stress that results from the dysregulation of fork progression and origin firing, and from DNA damage induced by radiotherapy and most cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Cells respond to such stress by activating a complex network of sensor, signaling and effector pathways that protect genome integrity. These responses include slowing or stopping active replication forks, protecting stalled replication forks from collapse, preventing late origin replication firing, stimulating DNA repair pathways that promote the repair and restart of stalled or collapsed replication forks, and activating dormant origins to rescue adjacent stressed forks. Currently, most cancer patients are treated with genotoxic chemotherapeutics and/or ionizing radiation, and cancer cells can gain resistance to the resulting replication stress by activating pro-survival replication stress pathways. Thus, there has been substantial effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of key replication stress proteins to enhance tumor cell killing by these agents. Replication stress targets include ATR, the master kinase that regulates both normal replication and replication stress responses; the downstream signaling kinase Chk1; nucleases that process stressed replication forks (MUS81, EEPD1, Metnase); the homologous recombination catalyst RAD51; and other factors including ATM, DNA-PKcs, and PARP1. This review provides an overview of replication stress response pathways and discusses recent pre-clinical studies and clinical trials aimed at improving cancer therapy by targeting replication stress response factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jac A Nickoloff
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Eskandari E, Eaves CJ. Paradoxical roles of caspase-3 in regulating cell survival, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213213. [PMID: 35551578 PMCID: PMC9106709 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202201159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspase-3 is a widely expressed member of a conserved family of proteins, generally recognized for their activated proteolytic roles in the execution of apoptosis in cells responding to specific extrinsic or intrinsic inducers of this mode of cell death. However, accumulating evidence indicates that caspase-3 also plays key roles in regulating the growth and homeostatic maintenance of both normal and malignant cells and tissues in multicellular organisms. Given that yeast possess an ancestral caspase-like gene suggests that the caspase-3 protein may have acquired different functions later during evolution to better meet the needs of more complex multicellular organisms, but without necessarily losing all of the functions of its ancestral yeast precursor. This review provides an update on what has been learned about these interesting dichotomous roles of caspase-3, their evolution, and their potential relevance to malignant as well as normal cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Eskandari
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connie J. Eaves
- Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence to Connie J. Eaves:
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