1
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Yang K, Zhu L, Liu C, Zhou D, Zhu Z, Xu N, Li W. Current status and prospect of the DNA double-strand break repair pathway in colorectal cancer development and treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167438. [PMID: 39059591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167438] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Double-strand break (DSB) is the most severe type of DNA damage. However, few reviews have thoroughly examined the involvement of DSB in CRC. Latest researches demonstrated that DSB repair plays an important role in CRC. For example, DSB-related genes such as BRCA1, Ku-70 and DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) are associated with the occurrence of CRC, and POLQ even showed to affect the prognosis and resistance for radiotherapy in CRC. This review comprehensively summarizes the DSB role in CRC, explores the mechanisms and discusses the association with CRC treatment. Four pathways for DSB have been demonstrated. 1. Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major pathway. Its core genes including Ku70 and Ku80 bind to broken ends and recruit repair factors to form a complex that mediates the connection of DNA breaks. 2. Homologous recombination (HR) is another important pathway. Its key genes including BRCA1 and BRCA2 are involved in finding, pairing, and joining broken ends, and ensure the restoration of breaks in a normal double-stranded DNA structure. 3. Single-strand annealing (SSA) pathway, and 4. POLθ-mediated end-joining (alt-EJ) is a backup pathway. This paper elucidates roles of the DSB repair pathways in CRC, which could contribute to the development of potential new treatment approaches and provide new opportunities for CRC treatment and more individualized treatment options based on therapeutic strategies targeting these DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming 650106, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Dayang Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming 650106, China; Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Wenliang Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming 650106, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.
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2
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Haas R, Frame G, Khan S, Neilsen BK, Hong BH, Yeo CPX, Yamaguchi TN, Ong EHW, Zhao W, Carlin B, Yeo ELL, Tan KM, Bugh YZ, Zhu C, Hugh-White R, Livingstone J, Poon DJJ, Chu PL, Patel Y, Tao S, Ignatchenko V, Kurganovs NJ, Higgins GS, Downes MR, Loblaw A, Vesprini D, Kishan AU, Chua MLK, Kislinger T, Boutros PC, Liu SK. The Proteogenomics of Prostate Cancer Radioresistance. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2463-2479. [PMID: 39166898 PMCID: PMC11411600 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is frequently treated with radiotherapy. Unfortunately, aggressive radioresistant relapses can arise, and the molecular underpinnings of radioresistance are unknown. Modern clinical radiotherapy is evolving to deliver higher doses of radiation in fewer fractions (hypofractionation). We therefore analyzed genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data to characterize prostate cancer radioresistance in cells treated with both conventionally fractionated and hypofractionated radiotherapy. Independent of fractionation schedule, resistance to radiotherapy involved massive genomic instability and abrogation of DNA mismatch repair. Specific prostate cancer driver genes were modulated at the RNA and protein levels, with distinct protein subcellular responses to radiotherapy. Conventional fractionation led to a far more aggressive biomolecular response than hypofractionation. Testing preclinical candidates identified in cell lines, we revealed POLQ (DNA Polymerase Theta) as a radiosensitizer. POLQ-modulated radioresistance in model systems and was predictive of it in large patient cohorts. The molecular response to radiation is highly multimodal and sheds light on prostate cancer lethality. SIGNIFICANCE Radiation is standard of care in prostate cancer. Yet, we have little understanding of its failure. We demonstrate a new paradigm that radioresistance is fractionation specific and identified POLQ as a radioresistance modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Haas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gavin Frame
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shahbaz Khan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Beth K Neilsen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Boon Hao Hong
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Celestia P X Yeo
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Takafumi N Yamaguchi
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Enya H W Ong
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wenyan Zhao
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Benjamin Carlin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eugenia L L Yeo
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kah Min Tan
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuan Zhe Bugh
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chenghao Zhu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rupert Hugh-White
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julie Livingstone
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dennis J J Poon
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pek Lim Chu
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yash Patel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shu Tao
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Geoff S Higgins
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle R Downes
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Loblaw
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Danny Vesprini
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amar U Kishan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melvin L K Chua
- Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas Kislinger
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stanley K Liu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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3
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Blanch JR, Krishnamurthy M, McVey M. A non-tethering role for the Drosophila Pol θ linker domain in promoting damage resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.27.609911. [PMID: 39253446 PMCID: PMC11383001 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.27.609911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta ( Pol θ ) is an error-prone translesion polymerase that becomes crucial for DNA double-strand break repair when cells are deficient in homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining. In some organisms, Pol θ also promotes tolerance of DNA interstrand crosslinks. Due to its importance in DNA damage tolerance, Pol θ is an emerging target for treatment of cancer and disease. Prior work has characterized the functions of the Pol θ helicase-like and polymerase domains, but the roles of the linker domain are largely unknown. Here, we show that the Drosophila melanogaster Pol θ linker domain promotes egg development and is required for tolerance of DNA double-strand breaks and interstrand crosslinks. While a linker domain with scrambled amino acid residues is sufficient for DNA repair, replacement of the linker with part of the Homo sapiens Pol θ linker or a disordered region from the FUS RNA-binding protein does not restore function. These results demonstrate that the linker domain is not simply a random tether between the helicase-like and polymerase domains. Furthermore, they suggest that intrinsic amino acid residue properties, rather than protein interaction motifs, are more critical for Pol θ linker functions in DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Blanch
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States of America
| | - Manan Krishnamurthy
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States of America
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, 10029, United States of America
| | - Mitch McVey
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, United States of America
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4
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Barszczewska-Pietraszek G, Czarny P, Drzewiecka M, Błaszczyk M, Radek M, Synowiec E, Wigner-Jeziorska P, Sitarek P, Szemraj J, Skorski T, Śliwiński T. Polθ Inhibitor (ART558) Demonstrates a Synthetic Lethal Effect with PARP and RAD52 Inhibitors in Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9134. [PMID: 39273083 PMCID: PMC11395082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179134] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA repair proteins became the popular targets in research on cancer treatment. In our studies we hypothesized that inhibition of DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) and its combination with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) or RAD52 inhibition and the alkylating drug temozolomide (TMZ) has an anticancer effect on glioblastoma cells (GBM21), whereas it has a low impact on normal human astrocytes (NHA). The effect of the compounds was assessed by analysis of cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, DNA damage and cell cycle distribution, as well as gene expression. The main results show that Polθ inhibition causes a significant decrease in glioblastoma cell viability. It induces apoptosis, which is accompanied by a reduction in cell proliferation and DNA damage. Moreover, the effect was stronger when dual inhibition of Polθ with PARP1 or RAD52 was applied, and it is further enhanced by addition of TMZ. The impact on normal cells is much lower, especially when considering cell viability and DNA damage. In conclusion, we would like to highlight that Polθ inhibition used in combination with PARP1 or RAD52 inhibition has great potential to kill glioblastoma cells, and shows a synthetic lethal effect, while sparing normal astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Drzewiecka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Błaszczyk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Surgery of Spine and Peripheral Nerves, Medical University of Lodz, University Hospital WAM-CSW, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Radek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Surgery of Spine and Peripheral Nerves, Medical University of Lodz, University Hospital WAM-CSW, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Synowiec
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Wigner-Jeziorska
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Przemysław Sitarek
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- 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
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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5
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Ito F, Li Z, Minakhin L, Chandramouly G, Tyagi M, Betsch R, Krais JJ, Taberi B, Vekariya U, Calbert M, Skorski T, Johnson N, Chen XS, Pomerantz RT. Structural basis for a Polθ helicase small-molecule inhibitor revealed by cryo-EM. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7003. [PMID: 39143110 PMCID: PMC11324745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51351-4] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is a DNA helicase-polymerase protein that facilitates DNA repair and is synthetic lethal with homology-directed repair (HDR) factors. Thus, Polθ is a promising precision oncology drug-target in HDR-deficient cancers. Here, we characterize the binding and mechanism of action of a Polθ helicase (Polθ-hel) small-molecule inhibitor (AB25583) using cryo-EM. AB25583 exhibits 6 nM IC50 against Polθ-hel, selectively kills BRCA1/2-deficient cells, and acts synergistically with olaparib in cancer cells harboring pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations. Cryo-EM uncovers predominantly dimeric Polθ-hel:AB25583 complex structures at 3.0-3.2 Å. The structures reveal a binding-pocket deep inside the helicase central-channel, which underscores the high specificity and potency of AB25583. The cryo-EM structures in conjunction with biochemical data indicate that AB25583 inhibits the ATPase activity of Polθ-hel helicase via an allosteric mechanism. These detailed structural data and insights about AB25583 inhibition pave the way for accelerating drug development targeting Polθ-hel in HDR-deficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ito
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ziyuan Li
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Mrityunjay Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Robert Betsch
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - John J Krais
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Bernadette Taberi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Marissa Calbert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Neil Johnson
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Xiaojiang S Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Richard T Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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6
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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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7
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Previtali V, Bagnolini G, Ciamarone A, Ferrandi G, Rinaldi F, Myers SH, Roberti M, Cavalli A. New Horizons of Synthetic Lethality in Cancer: Current Development and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11488-11521. [PMID: 38955347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00113] [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: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, synthetic lethality has been recognized as a solid paradigm for anticancer therapies. The discovery of a growing number of synthetic lethal targets has led to a significant expansion in the use of synthetic lethality, far beyond poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors used to treat BRCA1/2-defective tumors. In particular, molecular targets within DNA damage response have provided a source of inhibitors that have rapidly reached clinical trials. This Perspective focuses on the most recent progress in synthetic lethal targets and their inhibitors, within and beyond the DNA damage response, describing their design and associated therapeutic strategies. We will conclude by discussing the current challenges and new opportunities for this promising field of research, to stimulate discussion in the medicinal chemistry community, allowing the investigation of synthetic lethality to reach its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Previtali
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Greta Bagnolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciamarone
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ferrandi
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Rinaldi
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Samuel Harry Myers
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Marinella Roberti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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8
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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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9
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Frye CC, Tennant L, Yeager A, Azimzadeh P, Bhardwaj P, Xu Y, Liu J, Othoum G, Maher CA, Chernock R, Goedegebuure SP, Gillanders W, Olson JA, Brown TC. Overexpression of human DNA polymerase theta is a biomarker of aggressive and DNA repair-deficient papillary thyroid cancers. Surgery 2024:S0039-6060(24)00303-9. [PMID: 38897886 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is an enzyme that repairs double-strand DNA breaks. POLQ is overexpressed in several cancer types, and increased expression is associated with a poor prognosis. Ablating POLQ function in vitro increases drug sensitivity to agents that cause double-strand DNA breaks, including chemotherapies and ionizing radiation. POLQ's role in thyroid cancer remains poorly understood. METHODS Expression of POLQ and other genes of interest were analyzed in 513 papillary thyroid cancers (505 primary tumors and 8 metastatic lesions) and 59 normal thyroid samples available in the Cancer Genome Atlas. The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA and DNA sequencing data were queried with the Xena platform. The Recombination Proficiency Score was calculated to assess DNA repair efficiency. Other signaling events associated with thyroid tumorigenesis and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Treatment with the POLQ inhibitors ART558 and Novobiocin tested the effect of POLQ inhibition on in vitro thyroid cancer growth. RESULTS POLQ expression was increased in papillary thyroid cancers compared to normal thyroid tissue (P < .05). POLQ expression levels were inversely correlated with Recombination Proficiency Score levels (P < .05). POLQ expression was highest in tall cell papillary thyroid cancers and in metastases. Higher POLQ expression was also associated with dedifferentiation, BRAF signaling, and shorter progression-free intervals (P < .05). Treatment with POLQ inhibitors decreased in vitro thyroid cancer growth (P < .05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that increased POLQ expression could serve as a valuable clinical marker and a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Corbin Frye
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO.
| | - Lena Tennant
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Ashley Yeager
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Pedram Azimzadeh
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Priya Bhardwaj
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Yifei Xu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jingxia Liu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Ghofran Othoum
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Christopher A Maher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Rebecca Chernock
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - S Peter Goedegebuure
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - William Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - John A Olson
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
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10
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Ito F, Li Z, Minakhin L, Khant HA, Pomerantz RT, Chen XS. Structural Basis for Polθ-Helicase DNA Binding and Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597860. [PMID: 38895274 PMCID: PMC11185775 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) present a critical threat to genomic integrity, often precipitating genomic instability and oncogenesis. Repair of DSBs predominantly occurs through homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). In HR-deficient cells, DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) becomes critical for DSB repair via microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), also termed theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). Thus, Polθ is synthetically lethal with BRCA1/2 and other HR factors, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target in HR-deficient cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms governing Polθ-mediated MMEJ remain poorly understood. Here we present a series of cryo-electron microscopy structures of the Polθ helicase domain (Polθ-hel) in complex with DNA containing 3'-overhang. The structures reveal the sequential conformations adopted by Polθ-hel during the critical phases of DNA binding, microhomology searching, and microhomology annealing. The stepwise conformational changes within the Polθ-hel subdomains and its functional dimeric state are pivotal for aligning the 3'-overhangs, facilitating the microhomology search and subsequent annealing necessary for DSB repair via MMEJ. Our findings illustrate the essential molecular switches within Polθ-hel that orchestrate the MMEJ process in DSB repair, laying the groundwork for the development of targeted therapies against the Polθ-hel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ito
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 90089, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Ziyuan Li
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 90089, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Htet A. Khant
- USC Center of Excellence for Nano-Imaging, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Xiaojiang S. Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 90089, USA
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11
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Fijen C, Drogalis Beckham L, Terino D, Li Y, Ramsden DA, Wood RD, Doublié S, Rothenberg E. Sequential requirements for distinct Polθ domains during theta-mediated end joining. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1460-1474.e6. [PMID: 38640894 PMCID: PMC11031631 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.010] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Polθ) plays a central role in a DNA double-strand break repair pathway termed theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). TMEJ functions by pairing short-sequence "microhomologies" (MHs) in single-stranded DNA at each end of a break and subsequently initiating DNA synthesis. It is not known how the Polθ helicase domain (HD) and polymerase domain (PD) operate to bring together MHs and facilitate repair. To resolve these transient processes in real time, we utilized in vitro single-molecule FRET approaches and biochemical analyses. We find that the Polθ-HD mediates the initial capture of two ssDNA strands, bringing them in close proximity. The Polθ-PD binds and stabilizes pre-annealed MHs to form a synaptic complex (SC) and initiate repair synthesis. Individual synthesis reactions show that Polθ is inherently non-processive, accounting for complex mutational patterns during TMEJ. Binding of Polθ-PD to stem-loop-forming sequences can substantially limit synapsis, depending on the available dNTPs and sequence context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carel Fijen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Lea Drogalis Beckham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Dante Terino
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yuzhen Li
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230, USA
| | - Dale A Ramsden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230, USA
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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12
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Fried W, Tyagi M, Minakhin L, Chandramouly G, Tredinnick T, Ramanjulu M, Auerbacher W, Calbert M, Rusanov T, Hoang T, Borisonnik N, Betsch R, Krais JJ, Wang Y, Vekariya UM, Gordon J, Morton G, Kent T, Skorski T, Johnson N, Childers W, Chen XS, Pomerantz RT. Discovery of a small-molecule inhibitor that traps Polθ on DNA and synergizes with PARP inhibitors. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2862. [PMID: 38580648 PMCID: PMC10997755 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46593-1] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) protein DNA Polymerase θ (Polθ) is synthetic lethal with homologous recombination (HR) factors and is therefore a promising drug target in BRCA1/2 mutant cancers. We discover an allosteric Polθ inhibitor (Polθi) class with 4-6 nM IC50 that selectively kills HR-deficient cells and acts synergistically with PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in multiple genetic backgrounds. X-ray crystallography and biochemistry reveal that Polθi selectively inhibits Polθ polymerase (Polθ-pol) in the closed conformation on B-form DNA/DNA via an induced fit mechanism. In contrast, Polθi fails to inhibit Polθ-pol catalytic activity on A-form DNA/RNA in which the enzyme binds in the open configuration. Remarkably, Polθi binding to the Polθ-pol:DNA/DNA closed complex traps the polymerase on DNA for more than forty minutes which elucidates the inhibitory mechanism of action. These data reveal a unique small-molecule DNA polymerase:DNA trapping mechanism that induces synthetic lethality in HR-deficient cells and potentiates the activity of PARPi.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fried
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mrityunjay Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Leonid Minakhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Taylor Tredinnick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Mercy Ramanjulu
- Recombination Therapeutics, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - William Auerbacher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Marissa Calbert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Timur Rusanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Betsch
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - John J Krais
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Yifan Wang
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Umeshkumar M Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Gordon
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tatiana Kent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neil Johnson
- Nuclear Dynamics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Recombination Therapeutics, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaojiang S Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Recombination Therapeutics, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Richard T Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
- Recombination Therapeutics, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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13
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Liu G, Jin K, Liu Z, Su X, Xu Z, Li B, Xu J, Chang Y, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Xu L, Xu J, Wang Z, Liu H, Zhang W. POLQ identifies a better response subset to immunotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer with high PD-L1. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6962. [PMID: 38457207 PMCID: PMC10922026 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6962] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been used in predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), it is insufficient as a single biomarker. As a key effector of an intrinsically mutagenic microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) pathway, DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) was overexpressed in various malignancies, whose expression might have an influence on genomic stability, therefore altering the sensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. METHODS A total of 1304 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) from six independent cohorts were included in this study. The Zhongshan Hospital (ZSHS) cohort (n = 134), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 391), and the Neo-cohort (n = 148) were included for the investigation of chemotherapeutic response. The IMvigor210 cohort (n = 234) and the UNC-108 cohort (n = 89) were used for the assessment of immunotherapeutic response. In addition, the relationship between POLQ and the immune microenvironment was assessed, and GSE32894 (n = 308) was used only for the evaluation of the immune microenvironment. RESULTS We identified POLQhigh PD-L1high patients could benefit more from immunotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Further analysis revealed that high POLQ expression was linked to chromosome instability and higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), which might elicit the production of neoantigens. Further, high POLQ expression was associated with an active tumor immune microenvironment with abundant infiltration of immune effector cells and molecules. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that high POLQ expression was correlated with chromosome instability and antitumor immune microenvironment in MIBC, and the combination of POLQ and PD-L1 could be used as a superior companion biomarker for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Kaifeng Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhaopei Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of UrologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaohe Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziyue Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bingyu Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jingtong Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of UrologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of UrologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jiejie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zewei Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hailong Liu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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14
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Ronson GE, Starowicz K, Anthony EJ, Piberger AL, Clarke LC, Garvin AJ, Beggs AD, Whalley CM, Edmonds MJ, Beesley JFJ, Morris JR. Mechanisms of synthetic lethality between BRCA1/2 and 53BP1 deficiencies and DNA polymerase theta targeting. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7834. [PMID: 38030626 PMCID: PMC10687250 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43677-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic lethal relationship exists between disruption of polymerase theta (Polθ), and loss of either 53BP1 or homologous recombination (HR) proteins, including BRCA1; however, the mechanistic basis of these observations are unclear. Here we reveal two distinct mechanisms of Polθ synthetic lethality, identifying dual influences of 1) whether Polθ is lost or inhibited, and 2) the underlying susceptible genotype. Firstly, we find that the sensitivity of BRCA1/2- and 53BP1-deficient cells to Polθ loss, and 53BP1-deficient cells to Polθ inhibition (ART558) requires RAD52, and appropriate reduction of RAD52 can ameliorate these phenotypes. We show that in the absence of Polθ, RAD52 accumulations suppress ssDNA gap-filling in G2/M and encourage MRE11 nuclease accumulation. In contrast, the survival of BRCA1-deficient cells treated with Polθ inhibitor are not restored by RAD52 suppression, and ssDNA gap-filling is prevented by the chemically inhibited polymerase itself. These data define an additional role for Polθ, reveal the mechanism underlying synthetic lethality between 53BP1, BRCA1/2 and Polθ loss, and indicate genotype-dependent Polθ inhibitor mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- George E Ronson
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Adthera Bio, Lyndon House, 62 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8PE, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Anthony
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ann Liza Piberger
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Lucy C Clarke
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK
| | - Alexander J Garvin
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Andrew D Beggs
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Genomics Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Celina M Whalley
- Genomics Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Matthew J Edmonds
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Certara Insight, Danebrook Court, Oxford Office Village, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1LQ, UK
| | - James F J Beesley
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Joanna R Morris
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology and Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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15
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Thomas C, Avalos-Irving L, Victorino J, Green S, Andrews M, Rodrigues N, Ebirim S, Mudd A, Towle-Weicksel JB. Melanoma-derived DNA polymerase theta variants exhibit altered DNA polymerase activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.566933. [PMID: 38014040 PMCID: PMC10680777 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.566933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
DNA Polymerase θ (Pol θ or POLQ) is primarily involved in repairing double-stranded breaks in DNA through the alternative pathway known as microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) or theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). Unlike other DNA repair polymerases, Pol θ is thought to be highly error prone, yet critical for cell survival. We have identified several mutations in the POLQ gene from human melanoma tumors. Through biochemical analysis, we have demonstrated that all three cancer-associated variants experienced altered DNA polymerase activity including a propensity for incorrect nucleotide selection and reduced polymerization rates compared to WT Pol θ. Moreover, the variants are 30 fold less efficient at incorporating a nucleotide during repair and up to 70 fold less accurate at selecting the correct nucleotide opposite a templating base. Taken together, this suggests that aberrant Pol θ has reduced DNA repair capabilities and may also contribute to increased mutagenesis. While this may be beneficial to normal cell survival, the variants were identified in established tumors suggesting that cancer cells may use this promiscuous polymerase to its advantage to promote metastasis and drug resistance.
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16
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Gu L, Hickey RJ, Malkas LH. Therapeutic Targeting of DNA Replication Stress in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1346. [PMID: 37510250 PMCID: PMC10378776 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the currently used therapeutic strategies to target DNA replication stress for cancer treatment in the clinic, highlighting their effectiveness and limitations due to toxicity and drug resistance. Cancer cells experience enhanced spontaneous DNA damage due to compromised DNA replication machinery, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, loss of tumor suppressor genes, and/or constitutive activation of oncogenes. Consequently, these cells are addicted to DNA damage response signaling pathways and repair machinery to maintain genome stability and support survival and proliferation. Chemotherapeutic drugs exploit this genetic instability by inducing additional DNA damage to overwhelm the repair system in cancer cells. However, the clinical use of DNA-damaging agents is limited by their toxicity and drug resistance often arises. To address these issues, the article discusses a potential strategy to target the cancer-associated isoform of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (caPCNA), which plays a central role in the DNA replication and damage response network. Small molecule and peptide agents that specifically target caPCNA can selectively target cancer cells without significant toxicity to normal cells or experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Gu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Robert J Hickey
- Department of Cancer Biology & Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Linda H Malkas
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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17
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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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18
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Rodriguez-Berriguete G, Ranzani M, Prevo R, Puliyadi R, Machado N, Bolland HR, Millar V, Ebner D, Boursier M, Cerutti A, Cicconi A, Galbiati A, Grande D, Grinkevich V, Majithiya JB, Piscitello D, Rajendra E, Stockley ML, Boulton SJ, Hammond EM, Heald RA, Smith GC, Robinson HM, Higgins GS. Small-Molecule Polθ Inhibitors Provide Safe and Effective Tumor Radiosensitization in Preclinical Models. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1631-1642. [PMID: 36689546 PMCID: PMC10102842 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA polymerase theta (Polθ, encoded by the POLQ gene) is a DNA repair enzyme critical for microhomology mediated end joining (MMEJ). Polθ has limited expression in normal tissues but is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells and, therefore, represents an ideal target for tumor-specific radiosensitization. In this study we evaluate whether targeting Polθ with novel small-molecule inhibitors is a feasible strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We characterized the response to Polθ inhibition in combination with ionizing radiation in different cancer cell models in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Here, we show that ART558 and ART899, two novel and specific allosteric inhibitors of the Polθ DNA polymerase domain, potently radiosensitize tumor cells, particularly when combined with fractionated radiation. Importantly, noncancerous cells were not radiosensitized by Polθ inhibition. Mechanistically, we show that the radiosensitization caused by Polθ inhibition is most effective in replicating cells and is due to impaired DNA damage repair. We also show that radiosensitization is still effective under hypoxia, suggesting that these inhibitors may help overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. In addition, we describe for the first time ART899 and characterize it as a potent and specific Polθ inhibitor with improved metabolic stability. In vivo, the combination of Polθ inhibition using ART899 with fractionated radiation is well tolerated and results in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared with radiation alone. CONCLUSIONS These results pave the way for future clinical trials of Polθ inhibitors in combination with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Ranzani
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Remko Prevo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rathi Puliyadi
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Machado
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah R. Bolland
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Val Millar
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Boursier
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aurora Cerutti
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Diego Grande
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vera Grinkevich
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Eeson Rajendra
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon J. Boulton
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ester M. Hammond
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A. Heald
- Artios Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Geoff S. Higgins
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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19
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Groelly FJ, Fawkes M, Dagg RA, Blackford AN, Tarsounas M. Targeting DNA damage response pathways in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:78-94. [PMID: 36471053 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 224.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cells have evolved a complex network of biochemical pathways, collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR), to prevent detrimental mutations from being passed on to their progeny. The DDR coordinates DNA repair with cell-cycle checkpoint activation and other global cellular responses. Genes encoding DDR factors are frequently mutated in cancer, causing genomic instability, an intrinsic feature of many tumours that underlies their ability to grow, metastasize and respond to treatments that inflict DNA damage (such as radiotherapy). One instance where we have greater insight into how genetic DDR abrogation impacts on therapy responses is in tumours with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2. Due to compromised homologous recombination DNA repair, these tumours rely on alternative repair mechanisms and are susceptible to chemical inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which specifically kill homologous recombination-deficient cancer cells, and have become a paradigm for targeted cancer therapy. It is now clear that many other synthetic-lethal relationships exist between DDR genes. Crucially, some of these interactions could be exploited in the clinic to target tumours that become resistant to PARP inhibition. In this Review, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies for DDR inactivation using small-molecule inhibitors and highlight those compounds currently being evaluated in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J Groelly
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Fawkes
- Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca A Dagg
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew N Blackford
- Department of Oncology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Madalena Tarsounas
- Genome Stability and Tumourigenesis Group, Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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20
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Shen Y, Xue J, Yu J, Jiang Y, Bu J, Zhu T, Gu X, Zhu X. Comprehensive analysis of the expression, prognostic significance, and regulation pathway of G2E3 in breast cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:398. [PMID: 36517818 PMCID: PMC9753372 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of G2-specific E3-like (G2E3) protein sensitizes tumor cells to chemotherapy. However, the role of G2E3 in breast cancer development and patient's prognosis is unclear. Here, we explored the expression, prognostic significance, and regulatory pathway of G2E3 in breast cancer. METHODS TCGA and UALCAN database were utilized to explore G2E3 expression in breast cancer and normal tissues and its expression in breast cancer based on clinicopathological characteristics, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier plotter database was utilized to determine the effect of G2E3 on the prognosis of breast cancer patients. RT-PCR was utilized to validate the G2E3 expression in cancerous and normal breast tissues. Immunohistochemistry analysis was utilized to validate the prognostic effect of G2E3 expression in breast cancer patients and the relationship between G2E3 expression and lymphocyte infiltration levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also generated to validate the diagnostic value of G2E3 expression in recurrence/distant organ metastasis and death. The STRING database, DAVID database, and Sanger-box tools were utilized to perform GO functional, KEGG pathway enrichment, and GSEA analysis. The TISIDB database was utilized to determine the relationship between G2E3 expression and tumor immunity. Finally, CTD database was utilized to screen for potential therapeutic compounds that could reduce the G2E3 mRNA expression. RESULTS TCGA data presented that G2E3 expression was higher in breast cancer tissues than in normal breast tissues. This result was further validated by RT-PCR (P = 0.003). The Kaplan-Meier plotter database suggested that patients with high G2E3 mRNA expression had significantly shorter RFS and OS than patients with low G2E3 mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry analysis of 156 breast cancer clinical specimens also validated patients with G2E3-positive expression had a significantly shorter DFS and OS than patients with G2E3-negative expression. Thus, G2E3 expression was an independent prognostic predictor of DFS and OS. The G2E3-positive expression also has a high diagnostic value for recurrence/distant organ metastasis and death. GSEA analysis revealed that G2E3 might be enriched in the E2F, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, DNA repair pathways, and other cancer-related signaling pathways. The TISIDB database showed that G2E3 expression was significantly negatively associated with lymphocyte infiltration. This result was further validated in clinical breast cancer samples (P = 0.048; R = -0.158). Using the CTD database, we found that (+)-JQ1 compound, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, and other compounds may decrease the G2E3 mRNA expression. These compounds could serve as potential therapeutic compounds for the clinical treatment of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS G2E3 expression was higher in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues. G2E3-positive expression was related to a worse survival outcome in patients with breast cancer. Genes co-expressed with G2E3 may be enriched in the breast cancer-related signaling pathways. The G2E3 expression was significantly negatively associated with lymphocyte infiltration. G2E3 may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Shen
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Yi Jiang
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Jiawen Bu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Tong Zhu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Xi Gu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China
| | - Xudong Zhu
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004 Liaoning China ,grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning China
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21
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Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ) is a DNA repair enzyme widely conserved in animals and plants. Pol θ uses short DNA sequence homologies to initiate repair of double-strand breaks by theta-mediated end joining. The DNA polymerase domain of Pol θ is at the C terminus and is connected to an N-terminal DNA helicase-like domain by a central linker. Pol θ is crucial for maintenance of damaged genomes during development, protects DNA against extensive deletions, and limits loss of heterozygosity. The cost of using Pol θ for genome protection is that a few nucleotides are usually deleted or added at the repair site. Inactivation of Pol θ often enhances the sensitivity of cells to DNA strand-breaking chemicals and radiation. Since some homologous recombination-defective cancers depend on Pol θ for growth, inhibitors of Pol θ may be useful in treating such tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Center, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA;
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22
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Pre-Existing and Acquired Resistance to PARP Inhibitor-Induced Synthetic Lethality. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235795. [PMID: 36497275 PMCID: PMC9741207 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The advanced development of synthetic lethality has opened the doors for specific anti-cancer medications of personalized medicine and efficient therapies against cancers. One of the most popular approaches being investigated is targeting DNA repair pathways as the implementation of the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) into individual or combinational therapeutic schemes. Such treatment has been effectively employed against homologous recombination-defective solid tumors as well as hematopoietic malignancies. However, the resistance to PARPi has been observed in both preclinical research and clinical treatment. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the resistance to PARPi is pivotal for the further success of this intervention. Apart from mechanisms of acquired resistance, the bone marrow microenvironment provides a pre-existing mechanism to induce the inefficiency of PARPi in leukemic cells. Here, we describe the pre-existing and acquired mechanisms of the resistance to PARPi-induced synthetic lethality. We also discuss the potential rationales for developing effective therapies to prevent/repress the PARPi resistance in cancer cells.
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23
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Baxter JS, Zatreanu D, Pettitt SJ, Lord CJ. Resistance to DNA repair inhibitors in cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3811-3827. [PMID: 35567571 PMCID: PMC9627783 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) represents a complex network of proteins which detect and repair DNA damage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing the transmission of mutations and rearranged chromosomes to daughter cells. Faults in the DDR are a known driver and hallmark of cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of DDR enzymes can be used to treat the disease. This is exemplified by PARP inhibitors (PARPi) used to treat cancers with defects in the homologous recombination DDR pathway. A series of novel DDR targets are now also under pre-clinical or clinical investigation, including inhibitors of ATR kinase, WRN helicase or the DNA polymerase/helicase Polθ (Pol-Theta). Drug resistance is a common phenomenon that impairs the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments and there is already some understanding of how resistance to PARPi occurs. Here, we discuss how an understanding of PARPi resistance could inform how resistance to new drugs targeting the DDR emerges. We also discuss potential strategies that could limit the impact of these therapy resistance mechanisms in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Baxter
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Diana Zatreanu
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Stephen J. Pettitt
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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24
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Liddiard K, Aston-Evans AN, Cleal K, Hendrickson E, Baird D. POLQ suppresses genome instability and alterations in DNA repeat tract lengths. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac020. [PMID: 35774233 PMCID: PMC9241439 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is a principal component of the alternative non-homologous end-joining (ANHEJ) DNA repair pathway that ligates DNA double-strand breaks. Utilizing independent models of POLQ insufficiency during telomere-driven crisis, we found that POLQ - /- cells are resistant to crisis-induced growth deceleration despite sustaining inter-chromosomal telomere fusion frequencies equivalent to wild-type (WT) cells. We recorded longer telomeres in POLQ - / - than WT cells pre- and post-crisis, notwithstanding elevated total telomere erosion and fusion rates. POLQ - /- cells emerging from crisis exhibited reduced incidence of clonal gross chromosomal abnormalities in accordance with increased genetic heterogeneity. High-throughput sequencing of telomere fusion amplicons from POLQ-deficient cells revealed significantly raised frequencies of inter-chromosomal fusions with correspondingly depreciated intra-chromosomal recombinations. Long-range interactions culminating in telomere fusions with centromere alpha-satellite repeats, as well as expansions in HSAT2 and HSAT3 satellite and contractions in ribosomal DNA repeats, were detected in POLQ - / - cells. In conjunction with the expanded telomere lengths of POLQ - /- cells, these results indicate a hitherto unrealized capacity of POLQ for regulation of repeat arrays within the genome. Our findings uncover novel considerations for the efficacy of POLQ inhibitors in clinical cancer interventions, where potential genome destabilizing consequences could drive clonal evolution and resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Liddiard
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Alys N Aston-Evans
- Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Kez Cleal
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Eric A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Duncan M Baird
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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25
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Drzewiecka M, Barszczewska-Pietraszek G, Czarny P, Skorski T, Śliwiński T. Synthetic Lethality Targeting Polθ. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061101. [PMID: 35741863 PMCID: PMC9223150 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Research studies regarding synthetic lethality (SL) in human cells are primarily motivated by the potential of this phenomenon to be an effective, but at the same time, safe to the patient's anti-cancer chemotherapy. Among the factors that are targets for the induction of the synthetic lethality effect, those involved in DNA repair seem to be the most relevant. Specifically, when mutation in one of the canonical DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways occurs, which is a frequent event in cancer cells, the alternative pathways may be a promising target for the elimination of abnormal cells. Currently, inhibiting RAD52 and/or PARP1 in the tumor cells that are deficient in the canonical repair pathways has been the potential target for inducing the effect of synthetic lethality. Unfortunately, the development of resistance to commonly used PARP1 inhibitors (PARPi) represents the greatest obstacle to working out a successful treatment protocol. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ), encoded by the POLQ gene, plays a key role in an alternative DSB repair pathway-theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ). Thus, it is a promising target in the treatment of tumors harboring deficiencies in homologous recombination repair (HRR), where its inhibition can induce SL. In this review, the authors discuss the current state of knowledge on Polθ as a potential target for synthetic lethality-based anticancer therapies.
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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; (M.D.); (G.B.-P.)
| | - Gabriela Barszczewska-Pietraszek
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.); (G.B.-P.)
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Departament of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (T.Ś.); Tel.: +1-215-707-9157 (T.S.); +48-42-635-44-86 (T.Ś.)
| | - Tomasz Śliwiński
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.); (G.B.-P.)
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (T.Ś.); Tel.: +1-215-707-9157 (T.S.); +48-42-635-44-86 (T.Ś.)
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26
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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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27
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Czajkowski D, Szmyd R, Gee HE. Impact of DNA damage response defects in cancer cells on response to immunotherapy and radiotherapy. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:546-559. [PMID: 35460184 PMCID: PMC9321602 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex set of downstream pathways triggered in response to DNA damage to maintain genomic stability. Many tumours exhibit mutations which inactivate components of the DDR, making them prone to the accumulation of DNA defects. These can both facilitate the development of tumours and provide potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. The inhibition of the DDR has been shown to induce radiosensitivity in certain cancers, rendering them susceptible to treatment with radiotherapy and improving the therapeutic window. Moreover, DDR defects are a strong predictor of patient response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). The ability to target the DDR selectively has the potential to expand the tumour neoantigen repertoire, thus increasing tumour immunogenicity and facilitating a CD8+ T and NK cell response against cancer cells. Combinatorial approaches, which seek to integrate DDR inhibition with radiotherapy and immunotherapy, have shown promise in early trials. Further studies are necessary to understand these synergies and establish reliable biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radosław Szmyd
- Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Harriet E Gee
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Genome Integrity Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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28
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Zhou S, Wang K, Wang J, He J, Zheng W, Long C, Chen X, Yang R. Identification of Novel Biomarkers With Diagnostic Value and Immune Infiltration in Burn Injury. Front Genet 2022; 13:829841. [PMID: 35391790 PMCID: PMC8981029 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.829841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is an intractable problem in the field of surgery where screening relevant target genes and exploring pathological mechanisms through bioinformatic methods has become a necessity. Herein, we integrated three burn injury mRNA microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to analyze the hub differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between burn injury patient samples and healthy human samples; we conducted multiple functional enrichment analyses and constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, we evaluated the immune infiltration in the burn injury microenvironment. A total of 84 intersection DEGs (32 upregulated and 52 downregulated) were screened in burn injury patients via integrated analyses. Upregulated genes were primarily enriched in regulation of T cell activation, regulation of response to DNA damage stimulus, positive regulation of innate immune response, positive regulation of defense response. We also identified 10 hub genes from the PPI network (CCNB2, MYO10, TTK, POLQ, VASP, TIMP1, CDK16, MMP1, ZYX, and PKMYT1). Next, we found that 22 immune cells were substantially changed during the burn injury by CIBERSORT. In addition, we verified that VASP and POLQ are two novel diagnostic markers in burn processes with high diagnostic efficacy via immunohistochemistry. In summary, we identified several key genes involved in burn injury and provided a favorable basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of burn injury through comprehensive bioinformatic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Kangchun Wang
- Department of Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingru Wang
- Department of Burn Surgery and Skin Regeneration, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Burn Surgery and Skin Regeneration, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Wenlian Zheng
- Graduate School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chengmin Long
- Graduate School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Burn Surgery and Skin Regeneration, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Schaub JM, Soniat MM, Finkelstein IJ. Polymerase theta-helicase promotes end joining by stripping single-stranded DNA-binding proteins and bridging DNA ends. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:3911-3921. [PMID: 35357490 PMCID: PMC9023281 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination-deficient cancers rely on DNA polymerase Theta (Polθ)-Mediated End Joining (TMEJ), an alternative double-strand break repair pathway. Polθ is the only vertebrate polymerase that encodes an N-terminal superfamily 2 (SF2) helicase domain, but the role of this helicase domain in TMEJ remains unclear. Using single-molecule imaging, we demonstrate that Polθ-helicase (Polθ-h) is a highly processive single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) motor protein that can efficiently strip Replication Protein A (RPA) from ssDNA. Polθ-h also has a limited capacity for disassembling RAD51 filaments but is not processive on double-stranded DNA. Polθ-h can bridge two non-complementary DNA strands in trans. PARylation of Polθ-h by PARP-1 resolves these DNA bridges. We conclude that Polθ-h removes RPA and RAD51 filaments and mediates bridging of DNA overhangs to aid in polymerization by the Polθ polymerase domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Schaub
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael M Soniat
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ilya J Finkelstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.,Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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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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31
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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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32
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Ye R, Qiao Y, Singh PK, Wang Y, He J, Li N, Krishnan S, Lin SH. High-Content Clonogenic Survival Screen to Identify Chemoradiation Sensitizers. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 111:e27-e37. [PMID: 34348174 PMCID: PMC9986843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.07.1712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy with radiation therapy (CRT) has resulted in significant improvements in clinical outcomes for patients with many locally advanced unresectable cancers. Only a small proportion of patients achieve pathologic complete responses to CRT; combination of CRT with targeted agents offers the promise of further improving treatment responses. However, numerous clinical trials have failed to show an improvement in clinical outcomes with the addition of targeted agents. To increase the accessibility of our screening method and accelerate the pace at which novel combinations with CRT are identified and incorporated into standard practices for treatments, we report details on screening method optimization, data generation, and downstream data analysis. METHODS In part, the gap in translation to large, expensive, and ultimately unsuccessful clinical trials reflects the shortcomings of inconsistently designed, executed, and reported preclinical data on which these studies are based. In an effort to standardize the selection of agents for future clinical testing, we have designed, optimized and validated a high throughput, high content, clonogenic assay platform for step-wise progression of preclinical studies from in vitro to in vivo in non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS This highly stable in vitro method was standardized for identification of the most promising CTEP drugs that could best be combined with CRT from among as screen of multiple agents tested in an unbiased manner using 96-well plates. The methodology lends itself to seamless testing of multiple agents in a similar fashion allowing cross-comparisons, evaluation of CRT, or radiation therapy alone, and testing multiple concentrations of test agents sequenced at different times before and after radiation. The method identified Trametinib as a strong CRT sensitizer in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines. This platform has enabled the screening and identification of several chemoradiation sensitizers. CONCLUSIONS High throughput, high content clonogenic drug screening assay allows for the rapid identification of targets and agents to be translated to the clinic to help improve the effectiveness of current standard of care CRT in various solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yawei Qiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pankaj K. Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianzhong He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sunil Krishnan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Steven H. Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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33
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Bermúdez-Guzmán L. Pan-cancer analysis of non-oncogene addiction to DNA repair. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23264. [PMID: 34853396 PMCID: PMC8636604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02773-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells usually depend on the aberrant function of one or few driver genes to initiate and promote their malignancy, an attribute known as oncogene addiction. However, cancer cells might become dependent on the normal cellular functions of certain genes that are not oncogenes but ensure cell survival (non-oncogene addiction). The downregulation or silencing of DNA repair genes and the consequent genetic and epigenetic instability is key to promote malignancy, but the activation of the DNA-damage response (DDR) has been shown to become a type of non-oncogene addiction that critically supports tumour survival. In the present study, a systematic evaluation of DNA repair addiction at the pan-cancer level was performed using data derived from The Cancer Dependency Map and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). From 241 DDR genes, 59 were identified as commonly essential in cancer cell lines. However, large differences were observed in terms of dependency scores in 423 cell lines and transcriptomic alterations across 18 cancer types. Among these 59 commonly essential genes, 14 genes were exclusively associated with better overall patient survival and 19 with worse overall survival. Notably, a specific molecular signature among the latter, characterized by DDR genes like UBE2T, RFC4, POLQ, BRIP1, and H2AFX showing the weakest dependency scores, but significant upregulation was strongly associated with worse survival. The present study supports the existence and importance of non-oncogenic addiction to DNA repair in cancer and may facilitate the identification of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bermúdez-Guzmán
- Robotic Radiosurgery Center, International Cancer Center, San José, Costa Rica. .,Section of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biology, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.
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34
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Koh G, Degasperi A, Zou X, Momen S, Nik-Zainal S. Mutational signatures: emerging concepts, caveats and clinical applications. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:619-637. [PMID: 34316057 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing has brought the cancer genomics community into new territory. Thanks to the sheer power provided by the thousands of mutations present in each patient's cancer, we have been able to discern generic patterns of mutations, termed 'mutational signatures', that arise during tumorigenesis. These mutational signatures provide new insights into the causes of individual cancers, revealing both endogenous and exogenous factors that have influenced cancer development. This Review brings readers up to date in a field that is expanding in computational, experimental and clinical directions. We focus on recent conceptual advances, underscoring some of the caveats associated with using the mutational signature frameworks and highlighting the latest experimental insights. We conclude by bringing attention to areas that are likely to see advancements in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Koh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Cancer Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Degasperi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Cancer Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xueqing Zou
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Cancer Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Momen
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Cancer Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Serena Nik-Zainal
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- MRC Cancer Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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35
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Henderson YC, Mohamed ASR, Maniakas A, Chen Y, Powell RT, Peng S, Cardenas M, Williams MD, Bell D, Zafereo ME, Wang RJ, Scherer SE, Wheeler DA, Cabanillas ME, Hofmann MC, Johnson FM, Stephan CC, Sandulache V, Lai SY. A High-throughput Approach to Identify Effective Systemic Agents for the Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2962-2978. [PMID: 34120183 PMCID: PMC8475220 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the use of aggressive multimodality treatment, most anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) patients die within a year of diagnosis. Although the combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has recently been approved for use in BRAF-mutated ATC, they remain effective in a minority of patients who are likely to develop drug resistance. There remains a critical clinical need for effective systemic agents for ATC with a reasonable toxicity profile to allow for rapid translational development. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve human thyroid cancer cell lines with comprehensive genomic characterization were used in a high-throughput screening (HTS) of 257 compounds to select agents with maximal growth inhibition. Cell proliferation, colony formation, orthotopic thyroid models, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used to validate the selected agents. RESULTS Seventeen compounds were effective, and docetaxel, LBH-589, and pralatrexate were selected for additional in vitro and in vivo analysis as they have been previously approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for other cancers. Significant tumor growth inhibition (TGI) was detected in all tested models treated with LBH-589; pralatrexate demonstrated significant TGI in the orthotopic papillary thyroid carcinoma model and 2 PDX models; and docetaxel demonstrated significant TGI only in the context of mutant TP53. CONCLUSIONS HTS identified classes of systemic agents that demonstrate preferential effectiveness against aggressive thyroid cancers, particularly those with mutant TP53. Preclinical validation in both orthotopic and PDX models, which are accurate in vivo models mimicking tumor microenvironment, may support initiation of early-phase clinical trials in non-BRAF mutated or refractory to BRAF/MEK inhibition ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying C Henderson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abdallah S R Mohamed
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anastasios Maniakas
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Université de Montréal, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, QB, Canada
| | - Yunyun Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Reid T Powell
- IBT High Throughput Screening Core, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Cardenas
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle D Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark E Zafereo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rui Jennifer Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steve E Scherer
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David A Wheeler
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Maria E Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Thoracic, Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clifford C Stephan
- IBT High Throughput Screening Core, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vlad Sandulache
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Y Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Correspondence: Stephen Y. Lai, MD PhD FACS, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1445, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Molinaro C, Martoriati A, Cailliau K. Proteins from the DNA Damage Response: Regulation, Dysfunction, and Anticancer Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3819. [PMID: 34359720 PMCID: PMC8345162 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to genotoxic stress through a series of complex protein pathways called DNA damage response (DDR). These monitoring mechanisms ensure the maintenance and the transfer of a correct genome to daughter cells through a selection of DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and programmed cell death processes. Canonical or non-canonical DDRs are highly organized and controlled to play crucial roles in genome stability and diversity. When altered or mutated, the proteins in these complex networks lead to many diseases that share common features, and to tumor formation. In recent years, technological advances have made it possible to benefit from the principles and mechanisms of DDR to target and eliminate cancer cells. These new types of treatments are adapted to the different types of tumor sensitivity and could benefit from a combination of therapies to ensure maximal efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katia Cailliau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
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37
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Chen XS, Pomerantz RT. DNA Polymerase θ: A Cancer Drug Target with Reverse Transcriptase Activity. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1146. [PMID: 34440316 PMCID: PMC8391894 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of precision medicine from the development of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors that preferentially kill cells defective in homologous recombination has sparked wide interest in identifying and characterizing additional DNA repair enzymes that are synthetic lethal with HR factors. DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) is a validated anti-cancer drug target that is synthetic lethal with HR factors and other DNA repair proteins and confers cellular resistance to various genotoxic cancer therapies. Since its initial characterization as a helicase-polymerase fusion protein in 2003, many exciting and unexpected activities of Polθ in microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) and translesion synthesis (TLS) have been discovered. Here, we provide a short review of Polθ's DNA repair activities and its potential as a drug target and highlight a recent report that reveals Polθ as a naturally occurring reverse transcriptase (RT) in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang S. Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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38
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Sizova I, Kelterborn S, Verbenko V, Kateriya S, Hegemann P. Chlamydomonas POLQ is necessary for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab114. [PMID: 33836052 PMCID: PMC8495919 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of CRISPR/Cas endonucleases has revolutionized gene editing techniques for research on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. To better utilize the CRISPR/Cas system, it is essential to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the DNA repair pathways involved in genome editing. In this study, we have analyzed contributions from canonical KU80/KU70-dependent nonhomologous end-joining (cNHEJ) and DNA polymerase theta (POLQ)-mediated end joining on SpCas9-mediated untemplated mutagenesis and homology-directed repair (HDR)/gene inactivation in Chlamydomonas. Using CRISPR/SpCas9 technology, we generated DNA repair-defective mutants ku80, ku70, polQ for gene targeting experiments. Our results show that untemplated repair of SpCas9-induced double strand breaks results in mutation spectra consistent with an involvement of both KU80/KU70 and POLQ. In addition, the inactivation of POLQ was found to negatively affect HDR of the inactivated paromomycin-resistant mut-aphVIII gene when donor single-stranded oligos were used. Nevertheless, mut-aphVIII was still repaired by homologous recombination in these mutants. POLQ inactivation suppressed random integration of transgenes co-transformed with the donor ssDNA. KU80 deficiency did not affect these events but instead was surprisingly found to stimulate HDR/gene inactivation. Our data suggest that in Chlamydomonas, POLQ is the main contributor to CRISPR/Cas-induced HDR and random integration of transgenes, whereas KU80/KU70 potentially plays a secondary role. We expect our results will lead to improvement of genome editing in C. reinhardtii and can be used for future development of algal biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Sizova
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Gatchina 188300, Russia
- Kurchatov Genome Center - PNPI, Gatchina 188300, Russia
| | - Simon Kelterborn
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
| | - Valeriy Verbenko
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Gatchina 188300, Russia
- Kurchatov Genome Center - PNPI, Gatchina 188300, Russia
| | - Suneel Kateriya
- Laboratory of Optobiology School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Experimental Biophysics, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin D-10099, Germany
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39
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Depletion of DNA Polymerase Theta Inhibits Tumor Growth and Promotes Genome Instability through the cGAS-STING-ISG Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133204. [PMID: 34206946 PMCID: PMC8268317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA polymerase theta, encoded by the human POLQ gene, is upregulated in several cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The importance of POLQ, however, has yet to be elucidated in esophageal cancer. In this study, we explored the functional impacts of POLQ and looked into its underlying mechanisms. POLQ was overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tumors associated with unfavorable prognosis and contributed to malignant phenotypes by promoting genome stability, suggesting that targeting polymerase theta may provide a potential therapeutic approach for improving ESCC management. Abstract Overexpression of the specialized DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) is frequent in breast, colon and lung cancers and has been correlated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Here, we aimed to determine the importance and functional role of POLQ in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Integrated analysis of four RNA-seq datasets showed POLQ was predominantly upregulated in ESCC tumors. High expression of POLQ was also observed in a cohort of 25 Hong Kong ESCC patients and negatively correlated with ESCC patient survival. POLQ knockout (KO) ESCC cells were sensitized to multiple genotoxic agents. Both rH2AX foci staining and the comet assay indicated a higher level of genomic instability in POLQ-depleted cells. Double KO of POLQ and FANCD2, known to promote POLQ recruitment at sites of damage, significantly impaired cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, as compared to either single POLQ or FANCD2 KOs. A significantly increased number of micronuclei was observed in POLQ and/or FANCD2 KO ESCC cells. Loss of POLQ and/or FANCD2 also resulted in the activation of cGAS and upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Our results suggest that high abundance of POLQ in ESCC contributes to the malignant phenotype through genome instability and activation of the cGAS pathway.
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Tomasini PP, Guecheva TN, Leguisamo NM, Péricart S, Brunac AC, Hoffmann JS, Saffi J. Analyzing the Opportunities to Target DNA Double-Strand Breaks Repair and Replicative Stress Responses to Improve Therapeutic Index of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3130. [PMID: 34201502 PMCID: PMC8268241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ample improvements of CRC molecular landscape, the therapeutic options still rely on conventional chemotherapy-based regimens for early disease, and few targeted agents are recommended for clinical use in the metastatic setting. Moreover, the impact of cytotoxic, targeted agents, and immunotherapy combinations in the metastatic scenario is not fully satisfactory, especially the outcomes for patients who develop resistance to these treatments need to be improved. Here, we examine the opportunity to consider therapeutic agents targeting DNA repair and DNA replication stress response as strategies to exploit genetic or functional defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways through synthetic lethal mechanisms, still not explored in CRC. These include the multiple actors involved in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through homologous recombination (HR), classical non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ), inhibitors of the base excision repair (BER) protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as well as inhibitors of the DNA damage kinases ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR), CHK1, WEE1, and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). We also review the biomarkers that guide the use of these agents, and current clinical trials with targeted DDR therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pellenz Tomasini
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Temenouga Nikolova Guecheva
- Cardiology Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, University Foundation of Cardiology (IC-FUC), Porto Alegre 90620-000, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Motta Leguisamo
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
| | - Sarah Péricart
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Anne-Cécile Brunac
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Jean Sébastien Hoffmann
- Laboratoire D’Excellence Toulouse Cancer (TOUCAN), Laboratoire de Pathologie, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse, Oncopole, 1 Avenue Irène-Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse, France; (S.P.); (A.-C.B.); (J.S.H.)
| | - Jenifer Saffi
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Avenida Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (P.P.T.); (N.M.L.)
- Post-Graduation Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
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Zatreanu D, Robinson HMR, Alkhatib O, Boursier M, Finch H, Geo L, Grande D, Grinkevich V, Heald RA, Langdon S, Majithiya J, McWhirter C, Martin NMB, Moore S, Neves J, Rajendra E, Ranzani M, Schaedler T, Stockley M, Wiggins K, Brough R, Sridhar S, Gulati A, Shao N, Badder LM, Novo D, Knight EG, Marlow R, Haider S, Callen E, Hewitt G, Schimmel J, Prevo R, Alli C, Ferdinand A, Bell C, Blencowe P, Bot C, Calder M, Charles M, Curry J, Ekwuru T, Ewings K, Krajewski W, MacDonald E, McCarron H, Pang L, Pedder C, Rigoreau L, Swarbrick M, Wheatley E, Willis S, Wong AC, Nussenzweig A, Tijsterman M, Tutt A, Boulton SJ, Higgins GS, Pettitt SJ, Smith GCM, Lord CJ. Polθ inhibitors elicit BRCA-gene synthetic lethality and target PARP inhibitor resistance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3636. [PMID: 34140467 PMCID: PMC8211653 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify approaches to target DNA repair vulnerabilities in cancer, we discovered nanomolar potent, selective, low molecular weight (MW), allosteric inhibitors of the polymerase function of DNA polymerase Polθ, including ART558. ART558 inhibits the major Polθ-mediated DNA repair process, Theta-Mediated End Joining, without targeting Non-Homologous End Joining. In addition, ART558 elicits DNA damage and synthetic lethality in BRCA1- or BRCA2-mutant tumour cells and enhances the effects of a PARP inhibitor. Genetic perturbation screening revealed that defects in the 53BP1/Shieldin complex, which cause PARP inhibitor resistance, result in in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to small molecule Polθ polymerase inhibitors. Mechanistically, ART558 increases biomarkers of single-stranded DNA and synthetic lethality in 53BP1-defective cells whilst the inhibition of DNA nucleases that promote end-resection reversed these effects, implicating these in the synthetic lethal mechanism-of-action. Taken together, these observations describe a drug class that elicits BRCA-gene synthetic lethality and PARP inhibitor synergy, as well as targeting a biomarker-defined mechanism of PARPi-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Zatreanu
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Helen M R Robinson
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Omar Alkhatib
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marie Boursier
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry Finch
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lerin Geo
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Diego Grande
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vera Grinkevich
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert A Heald
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Langdon
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jayesh Majithiya
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire McWhirter
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Niall M B Martin
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shaun Moore
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joana Neves
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eeson Rajendra
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marco Ranzani
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Theresia Schaedler
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Stockley
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kimberley Wiggins
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel Brough
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sandhya Sridhar
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Aditi Gulati
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Nan Shao
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Luned M Badder
- The Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniela Novo
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Eleanor G Knight
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Marlow
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Syed Haider
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Elsa Callen
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Joost Schimmel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Remko Prevo
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina Alli
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda Ferdinand
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cameron Bell
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Blencowe
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris Bot
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mathew Calder
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Charles
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jayne Curry
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tennyson Ekwuru
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katherine Ewings
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wojciech Krajewski
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ellen MacDonald
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hollie McCarron
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Leon Pang
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris Pedder
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurent Rigoreau
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Swarbrick
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ed Wheatley
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Willis
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ai Ching Wong
- Cancer Research UK, Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andre Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marcel Tijsterman
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Tutt
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon J Boulton
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Geoff S Higgins
- Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen J Pettitt
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| | - Graeme C M Smith
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Christopher J Lord
- CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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Zhou J, Gelot C, Pantelidou C, Li A, Yücel H, Davis RE, Farkkila A, Kochupurakkal B, Syed A, Shapiro GI, Tainer JA, Blagg BSJ, Ceccaldi R, D’Andrea AD. A first-in-class Polymerase Theta Inhibitor selectively targets Homologous-Recombination-Deficient Tumors. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:598-610. [PMID: 34179826 PMCID: PMC8224818 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00203-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) is synthetic lethal with Homologous Recombination (HR) deficiency and thus a candidate target for HR-deficient cancers. Through high-throughput small molecule screens we identified the antibiotic Novobiocin (NVB) as a specific POLθ inhibitor that selectively kills HR-deficient tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. NVB directly binds to the POLθ ATPase domain, inhibits its ATPase activity, and phenocopies POLθ depletion. NVB kills HR-deficient breast and ovarian tumors in GEMM, xenograft and PDX models. Increased POLθ levels predict NVB sensitivity, and BRCA-deficient tumor cells with acquired resistance to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) are sensitive to NVB in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NVB-mediated cell death in PARPi-resistant cells arises from increased double-strand break end resection, leading to accumulation of single-strand DNA intermediates and non-functional RAD51 foci. Our results demonstrate that NVB may be useful alone or in combination with PARPi in treating HR-deficient tumors, including those with acquired PARPi resistance. (151/150).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Camille Gelot
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Constantia Pantelidou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hatice Yücel
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Rachel E. Davis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Anniina Farkkila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Bose Kochupurakkal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aleem Syed
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John A. Tainer
- Departments of Cancer Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian S. J. Blagg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Raphael Ceccaldi
- Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France.,Corresponding authors: Alan D. D’Andrea, M.D., Director, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers (SFSCWC), Director, Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Fuller-American Cancer Society Professor, Harvard Medical School, Phone: 617-632-2080, , Raphael Ceccaldi, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 56 24 69 49,
| | - Alan D. D’Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Corresponding authors: Alan D. D’Andrea, M.D., Director, Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers (SFSCWC), Director, Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Fuller-American Cancer Society Professor, Harvard Medical School, Phone: 617-632-2080, , Raphael Ceccaldi, Institut Curie, 75005, Paris, France, Phone: +33 (0)1 56 24 69 49,
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43
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Zahn KE, Jensen RB, Wood RD, Doublié S. RETRACTED: Human DNA polymerase θ harbors DNA end-trimming activity critical for DNA repair. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1534-1547.e4. [PMID: 33577776 PMCID: PMC8231307 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancers with hereditary defects in homologous recombination rely on DNA polymerase θ (pol θ) for repair of DNA double-strand breaks. During end joining, pol θ aligns microhomology tracts internal to 5'-resected broken ends. An unidentified nuclease trims the 3' ends before synthesis can occur. Here we report that a nuclease activity, which differs from the proofreading activity often associated with DNA polymerases, is intrinsic to the polymerase domain of pol θ. Like the DNA synthesis activity, the nuclease activity requires conserved metal-binding residues, metal ions, and dNTPs and is inhibited by ddNTPs or chain-terminated DNA. Our data indicate that pol θ repurposes metal ions in the polymerase active site for endonucleolytic cleavage and that the polymerase-active and end-trimming conformations of the enzyme are distinct. We reveal a nimble strategy of substrate processing that allows pol θ to trim or extend DNA depending on the DNA repair context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl E Zahn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405, USA; Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ryan B Jensen
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Richard D Wood
- Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 78957, USA.
| | - Sylvie Doublié
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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Chandramouly G, Liao S, Rusanov T, Borisonnik N, Calbert ML, Kent T, Sullivan-Reed K, Vekariya U, Kashkina E, Skorski T, Yan H, Pomerantz RT. Polθ promotes the repair of 5'-DNA-protein crosslinks by microhomology-mediated end-joining. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108820. [PMID: 33691100 PMCID: PMC8565190 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Polθ) confers resistance to chemotherapy agents that cause DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) at double-strand breaks (DSBs), such as topoisomerase inhibitors. This suggests Polθ might facilitate DPC repair by microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ). Here, we investigate Polθ repair of DSBs carrying DPCs by monitoring MMEJ in Xenopus egg extracts. MMEJ in extracts is dependent on Polθ, exhibits the MMEJ repair signature, and efficiently repairs 5' terminal DPCs independently of non-homologous end-joining and the replisome. We demonstrate that Polθ promotes the repair of 5' terminal DPCs in mammalian cells by using an MMEJ reporter and find that Polθ confers resistance to formaldehyde in addition to topoisomerase inhibitors. Dual deficiency in Polθ and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) causes severe cellular sensitivity to etoposide, which demonstrates MMEJ as an independent DPC repair pathway. These studies recapitulate MMEJ in vitro and elucidate how Polθ confers resistance to etoposide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Shuren Liao
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Timur Rusanov
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology & Immunology, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nikita Borisonnik
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Marissa L Calbert
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, 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, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ekaterina Kashkina
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Hong Yan
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Richard T Pomerantz
- Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Schrempf A, Slyskova J, Loizou JI. Targeting the DNA Repair Enzyme Polymerase θ in Cancer Therapy. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:98-111. [PMID: 33109489 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapies represent a milestone towards personalized treatment as they function via inhibition of cancer-specific alterations. Polymerase θ (POLQ), an error-prone translesion polymerase, also involved in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, is often upregulated in cancer. POLQ is synthetic lethal with various DNA repair genes, including known cancer drivers such as BRCA1/2, making it essential in homologous recombination-deficient cancers. Thus, POLQ represents a promising target in cancer therapy and efforts for the development of POLQ inhibitors are actively underway with first clinical trials due to start in 2021. This review summarizes the journey of POLQ from a backup DNA repair enzyme to a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schrempf
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jana Slyskova
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Joanna I Loizou
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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46
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Kuei CH, Lin HY, Lin MH, Lee HH, Lin CH, Lee WJ, Chen YL, Lu LS, Zheng JQ, Hung RC, Chiu HW, Chen KC, Lin YF. DNA polymerase theta repression enhances the docetaxel responsiveness in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165954. [PMID: 32877750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Docetaxel remains a main treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC); however, the development of docetaxel resistance has been found in some mCRPC patients. The aim of this work is to identify an effective biomarker for predicting therapeutic effectiveness of docetaxel in mCRPC patients. METHODS We examined DNA polymerase theta (POLQ) expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Tissue microarray. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to estimate the prognostic significance of POLQ. A series of functional analyses were conducted in cell lines and xenograft models. Regulated pathways were predicted by Geneset Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) software and further investigated by luciferase reporter and RT-PCR assays. RESULTS We found that POLQ mRNA levels in CRPC tissues was significantly higher than that of other DNA polymerases in non-CRPC prostate tissues. POLQ upregulation was extensively detected in mCRPC and strongly predicted a poor prognosis. POLQ knockdown enhanced docetaxel sensitivity in a cell-based cytotoxicity assay and promoted the therapeutic effect on the tumor growth of metastatic PC-3M cells in xenograft models. The computational simulation by GSEA software significantly predicted the association between POLQ upregulation and the activation of E2F/G2M checkpoint-related pathways. Moreover, luciferase reporter and RT-PCR assays demonstrated that POLQ knockdown downregulated the transcriptional regulatory activity of E2F and repressed E2F/G2M checkpoint-regulated CDK1 in mCRPC cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that POLQ serves as a predictive factor for poor docetaxel response and provide a novel strategy to enhance the anticancer effects of docetaxel therapy by targeting POLQ in mCRPC patients.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics
- DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism
- Docetaxel/pharmacology
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- PC-3 Cells
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- DNA Polymerase theta
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hao Kuei
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Division of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23148, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Breast Surgery and General Surgery, Division of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, Xindian district, New Taipei City 23148, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsuan Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsun-Hua Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23148, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Vertigo and Balance Impairment Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Che-Hsuan Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jiunn Lee
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Cardinal Tien Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 23148, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sheng Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Quan Zheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Chest Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Ruei-Chen Hung
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chou Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Feng Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan.
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Qureishi A, Rieunier G, Shah KA, Aleksic T, Winter SC, Møller H, Macaulay VM. Radioresistant laryngeal cancers upregulate type 1 IGF receptor and exhibit increased cellular dependence on IGF and EGF signalling. Clin Otolaryngol 2019; 44:1026-1036. [PMID: 31536667 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients failing radiotherapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) often require salvage total laryngectomy which has major functional consequences, highlighting a need for biomarkers of radiotherapy resistance. In other tumour types, radioresistance has been linked to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R). Here, we evaluated IGF-1R and EGFR as predictors and mediators of LSCC radioresistance. DESIGN We compared IGF-1R and EGFR immunohistochemical scores in patients with LSCC achieving long-term remission post-radiotherapy (n = 23), patients treated with primary laryngectomy (n = 22) or salvage laryngectomy following radiotherapy recurrence (n = 18). To model radioresistance in vitro, two LSCC cell lines underwent clinically relevant irradiation to 55 Gy in 2.75 Gy fractions. RESULTS Type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor expression was higher in pre-treatment biopsies of radiotherapy failures compared with those in long-term remission and was upregulated post-radiotherapy. Patients undergoing primary laryngectomy had more advanced T/N stage and greater tumour IGF-1R content than those achieving long-term remission. Pre-treatment EGFR did not associate with radiotherapy outcomes but showed a trend to upregulation post-irradiation. In vitro, radiosensitivity was enhanced by inhibition of EGFR but not IGF. Repeated irradiation upregulated IGF-1R in BICR18 and SQ20B cells and EGFR in SQ20B, and enhanced SQ20B radioresistance. Repeatedly irradiated SQ20B_55 cells were not radiosensitised by inhibition of IGF and/or EGFR, but IGF-1R:EGFR co-inhibition suppressed baseline cell survival more effectively than blockade of either pathway alone, and more effectively than in parental cells. CONCLUSIONS Radiation upregulates IGF-1R and may enhance IGF/EGFR dependence, suggesting that IGF/EGFR blockade may have activity in LSCCs that recur post-radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Qureishi
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford and Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Ketan A Shah
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Tamara Aleksic
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart C Winter
- Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford and Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Henrik Møller
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valentine M Macaulay
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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48
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Schimmel J, van Schendel R, den Dunnen JT, Tijsterman M. Templated Insertions: A Smoking Gun for Polymerase Theta-Mediated End Joining. Trends Genet 2019; 35:632-644. [PMID: 31296341 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A recognized source of disease-causing genome alterations is erroneous repair of broken chromosomes, which can be executed by two distinct mechanisms: non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and the recently discovered polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) pathway. While TMEJ has previously been considered to act as an alternative mechanism backing up NHEJ, recent work points to a role for TMEJ in the repair of replication-associated DNA breaks that are excluded from repair through homologous recombination. Because of its mode of action, TMEJ is intrinsically mutagenic and sometimes leaves behind a recognizable genomic scar when joining chromosome break ends (i.e., 'templated insertions'). This review article focuses on the intriguing observation that this polymerase theta signature is frequently observed in disease alleles, arguing for a prominent role of this double-strand break repair pathway in genome diversification and disease-causing spontaneous mutagenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Schimmel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robin van Schendel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan T den Dunnen
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Tijsterman
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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49
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Yap TA, Plummer R, Azad NS, Helleday T. The DNA Damaging Revolution: PARP Inhibitors and Beyond. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2019; 39:185-195. [PMID: 31099635 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_238473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-specific DNA repair defects are abundant in malignant tissue and present an opportunity to capitalize on these aberrations for therapeutic benefit. Early preclinical data demonstrated the concept of synthetic lethality between BRCA genetic defects and pharmacologic PARP inhibition, suggesting that there may be monotherapy activity with this class of agents and supporting the early trial testing of this molecularly driven approach. Although the first foray into the clinic for PARP inhibitors was in combination with DNA-damaging cytotoxic agents, clinical development was limited by the more-than-additive toxicity, in particular dose-limiting myelosuppression. As more tolerable single agents, PARP inhibitors are now approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer in different settings and BRCA-mutant breast cancers. Beyond PARP inhibitors, there is now a large armamentarium of potent and relatively selective inhibitors in clinical trial testing against key targets involved in the DNA damage response (DDR), including ATR, ATM, CHK1/2, WEE1, and DNA-PK. These agents are being developed for patients with molecularly selected tumors and in rational combinations with other molecularly targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We detail the clinical progress made in the development of PARP inhibitors, review rational combinations, and discuss the development of emerging inhibitors against novel DDR targets, including DNA repair proteins, DNA damage signaling, and DNA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Yap
- 1 Departments of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program) and Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Institute for Applied Cancer Science, Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ruth Plummer
- 2 Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nilofer S Azad
- 3 Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thomas Helleday
- 4 Weston Park Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,5 Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Gourley C, Balmaña J, Ledermann JA, Serra V, Dent R, Loibl S, Pujade-Lauraine E, Boulton SJ. Moving From Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition to Targeting DNA Repair and DNA Damage Response in Cancer Therapy. J Clin Oncol 2019; 37:2257-2269. [PMID: 31050911 DOI: 10.1200/jco.18.02050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) pathway coordinates the identification, signaling, and repair of DNA damage caused by endogenous or exogenous factors and regulates cell-cycle progression with DNA repair to minimize DNA damage being permanently passed through cell division. Severe DNA damage that cannot be repaired may trigger apoptosis; as such, the DDR pathway is of crucial importance as a cancer target. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is the best-known element of the DDR, and several PARP inhibitors have been licensed. However, there are approximately 450 proteins involved in DDR, and a number of these other targets are being investigated in the laboratory and clinic. We review the most recent evidence for the clinical effect of PARP inhibition in breast and ovarian cancer and explore expansion into the first-line setting and into other tumor types. We critique the evidence for patient selection techniques and summarize what is known about mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance. We then discuss what is known about the preclinical rationale for targeting other members of the DDR pathway and the associated tumor cell genetics that may confer sensitivity to these agents. Examples include DNA damage sensors (MLH1), damage signaling molecules (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated; ataxia-telangiectasia mutated-related and Rad3-related; CHK1/2; DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit; WEE1; CDC7), or effector proteins for repair (POLQ [also referred to as POLθ], RAD51, poly [ADP-ribose] glycohydrolase). Early-phase clinical trials targeting some of these molecules, either as a single agent or in combination, are discussed. Finally, we outline the challenges that must be addressed to maximize the therapeutic opportunity that targeting DDR provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Gourley
- Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Balmaña
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Violeta Serra
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rebecca Dent
- National Cancer Center and Duke - NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Simon J Boulton
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.,Artios Pharma, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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