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Yao K, Zheng H, Tong L. Expression of cancer susceptibility candidate 11 in ovarian cancer tissues and its role in doxorubicin resistance. J Mol Histol 2024:10.1007/s10735-024-10254-w. [PMID: 39249548 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-024-10254-w] [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: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the expression of cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (CASC11) in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues and its role in doxorubicin (Dox) resistance. A total of 98 patients were included as subjects. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the expressions of CASC11 in OC and para-OC tissues, and in OC cells (A2780, SKOV3, OVCAR3 and A547) and human normal ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE-80) from these patients. OC SKOV3/R cell line with Dox resistance was established and transfected with small interfering (si)-CASC11 to down-regulate CASC11 expression. Based on the constructed nude mouse model of orthotopic transplanted tumor, the growth curves were plotted, and the changes in tumor volume and apoptosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. OC tissues had a significantly higher mRNA expression of CASC11 than that of para-OC tissues (P < 0.05). A547, OVCAR3, A2780 and SKOV3 cells had significantly higher mRNA expressions of CASC11 than that of IOSE-80 cells (P < 0.05). The transplanted tumor was significantly smaller in volume in the si-CASC11 group than that in the si-normal control (NC) group from the 8th days after transplanted tumor inoculation (P < 0.05). The tumor growth inhibition rate significantly rose in the si-CASC11 group in comparison with that in the si-NC group (P < 0.05). CASC11 has high expression in OC tissues. Knockout of CASC11 weakens the proliferative, invasive and migratory potentials and enhances the apoptotic potential of Dox-resistant OC cells, thereby reversing their Dox resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Longxia Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
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2
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Hui Z, Deng H, Zhang X, Garrido C, Lirussi F, Ye XY, Xie T, Liu ZQ. Development and therapeutic potential of DNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107608. [PMID: 38981210 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107608] [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: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The deployment of DNA damage response (DDR) combats various forms of DNA damage, ensuring genomic stability. Cancer cells' propensity for genomic instability offers therapeutic opportunities to selectively kill cancer cells by suppressing the DDR pathway. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a nuclear serine/threonine kinase, is crucial for the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Therefore, targeting DNA-PK is a promising cancer treatment strategy. This review elaborates on the structures of DNA-PK and its related large protein, as well as the development process of DNA-PK inhibitors, and recent advancements in their clinical application. We emphasize our analysis of the development process and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of DNA-PK inhibitors based on different scaffolds. We hope this review will provide practical information for researchers seeking to develop novel DNA-PK inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Hui
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, P. R. China; School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P.R. China
| | - Haowen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Xuelei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM U1231, Label LipSTIC and Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Dijon, France; Faculté de médecine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, Centre de lutte contre le cancer Georges François Leclerc, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Frédéric Lirussi
- INSERM U1231, Label LipSTIC and Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Dijon, France; Université de Franche Comté, France, University Hospital of Besançon (CHU), France
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P.R. China.
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, P.R. China.
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, P. R. China.
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3
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Xu Z, Wang L, Hu H. Current scenario of fused pyrimidines with in vivo anticancer therapeutic potential. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2400202. [PMID: 38752780 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400202] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis, is responsible for nearly one in six deaths and represents a severe threat to public health worldwide. Chemotherapy can substantially improve the quality of life and survival of patients with cancer, but anticancer chemotherapeutics are associated with a range of adverse effects. Moreover, almost all currently available anticancer chemotherapeutics could develop drug resistance over a period of time of application in cancer patients and ultimately lead to cancer relapse and death in 90% of patients, creating an urgent need to develop new anticancer agents. Fused pyrimidines trait the inextricable part of DNA and RNA and are vital in numerous biological processes. Fused pyrimidines can act on various biological cancer targets and have the potential to address drug resistance. In addition, more than 20 fused pyrimidines have already been approved for clinical treatment of different cancers and occupy a prominent place in the current therapeutic arsenal, revealing that fused pyrimidines are privileged scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current scenario of fused pyrimidines with in vivo anticancer therapeutic potential along with their acute toxicity, metabolic profiles as well as pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity and mechanisms of action developed from 2020 to the present to facilitate further rational exploitation of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xu
- Huanghuai University Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Zhumadian Agriculture International Cooperation and Exchange Center, Zhumadian, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Hu
- Zhumadian Aquatic Technology Promotion Station, Zhumadian, Henan, People's Republic of China
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4
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Collins VJ, Ludwig KR, Nelson AE, Rajan SS, Yeung C, Vulikh K, Isanogle KA, Mendoza A, Difilippantonio S, Karim BO, Caplen NJ, Heske CM. Enhancing Standard of Care Chemotherapy Efficacy Using DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase (DNA-PK) Inhibition in Preclinical Models of Ewing Sarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:1109-1123. [PMID: 38657228 PMCID: PMC11293986 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0641] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of DNA damage repair via impaired homologous recombination is characteristic of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) cells. We hypothesize that this disruption results in increased reliance on nonhomologous end joining to repair DNA damage. In this study, we investigated if pharmacologic inhibition of the enzyme responsible for nonhomologous end joining, the DNA-PK holoenzyme, alters the response of EWS cells to genotoxic standard of care chemotherapy. We used analyses of cell viability and proliferation to investigate the effects of clinical DNA-PK inhibitors (DNA-PKi) in combination with six therapeutic or experimental agents for EWS. We performed calculations of synergy using the Loewe additivity model. Immunoblotting evaluated treatment effects on DNA-PK, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Flow cytometric analyses evaluated effects on cell cycle and fate. We used orthotopic xenograft models to interrogate tolerability, drug mechanism, and efficacy in vivo. DNA-PKi demonstrated on-target activity, reducing phosphorylated DNA-PK levels in EWS cells. DNA-PKi sensitized EWS cell lines to agents that function as topoisomerase 2 (TOP2) poisons and enhanced the DNA damage induced by TOP2 poisons. Nanomolar concentrations of single-agent TOP2 poisons induced G2M arrest and little apoptotic response while adding DNA-PKi-mediated apoptosis. In vivo, the combination of AZD7648 and etoposide had limited tolerability but resulted in enhanced DNA damage, apoptosis, and EWS tumor shrinkage. The combination of DNA-PKi with standard of care TOP2 poisons in EWS models is synergistic, enhances DNA damage and cell death, and may form the basis of a promising future therapeutic strategy for EWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J. Collins
- Translational Sarcoma Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Katelyn R. Ludwig
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ariana E. Nelson
- Translational Sarcoma Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Choh Yeung
- Translational Sarcoma Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ksenia Vulikh
- Molecular Histopathology Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Kristine A. Isanogle
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Arnulfo Mendoza
- Translational Sarcoma Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Baktiar O. Karim
- Molecular Histopathology Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christine M. Heske
- Translational Sarcoma Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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5
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Lohberger B, Barna S, Glänzer D, Eck N, Leithner A, Georg D. DNA-PKcs Inhibition Sensitizes Human Chondrosarcoma Cells to Carbon Ion Irradiation via Cell Cycle Arrest and Telomere Capping Disruption. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6179. [PMID: 38892366 PMCID: PMC11173223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116179] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to overcome the resistance to radiotherapy in human chondrosarcoma cells, the prevention from efficient DNA repair with a combined treatment with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) inhibitor AZD7648 was explored for carbon ion (C-ion) as well as reference photon (X-ray) irradiation (IR) using gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, protein phosphorylation, and telomere length shortening. Proliferation markers and cell cycle distribution changed significantly after combined treatment, revealing a prominent G2/M arrest. The expression of the G2/M checkpoint genes cyclin B, CDK1, and WEE1 was significantly reduced by IR alone and the combined treatment. While IR alone showed no effects, additional AZD7648 treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in AKT phosphorylation and an increase in Chk2 phosphorylation. Twenty-four hours after IR, the key genes of DNA repair mechanisms were reduced by the combined treatment, which led to impaired DNA repair and increased radiosensitivity. A time-dependent shortening of telomere length was observed in both cell lines after combined treatment with AZD7648 and 8 Gy X-ray/C-ion IR. Our data suggest that the inhibition of DNA-PKcs may increase sensitivity to X-rays and C-ion IR by impairing its functional role in DNA repair mechanisms and telomere end protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Lohberger
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5-7, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.G.); (N.E.); (A.L.)
| | - Sandra Barna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.B.); (D.G.)
- MedAustron-Ion Therapy Center, Viktor-Kaplan Strasse 2, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Dietmar Glänzer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5-7, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.G.); (N.E.); (A.L.)
| | - Nicole Eck
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5-7, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.G.); (N.E.); (A.L.)
| | - Andreas Leithner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5-7, 8036 Graz, Austria; (D.G.); (N.E.); (A.L.)
| | - Dietmar Georg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.B.); (D.G.)
- MedAustron-Ion Therapy Center, Viktor-Kaplan Strasse 2, 2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
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6
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Revia S, Neumann F, Jabs J, Orio F, Sirrenberg C, Zimmermann A, Amendt C, Albers J. Peposertib, a DNA-PK Inhibitor, Enhances the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Topoisomerase II Inhibitors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5120. [PMID: 38791158 PMCID: PMC11121553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105120] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most lethal subtype of breast cancer, characterized by poor response rates to current chemotherapies and a lack of additional effective treatment options. While approximately 30% of patients respond well to anthracycline- and taxane-based standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens, the majority of patients experience limited improvements in clinical outcomes, highlighting the critical need for strategies to enhance the effectiveness of anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy in TNBC. In this study, we report on the potential of a DNA-PK inhibitor, peposertib, to improve the effectiveness of topoisomerase II (TOPO II) inhibitors, particularly anthracyclines, in TNBC. Our in vitro studies demonstrate the synergistic antiproliferative activity of peposertib in combination with doxorubicin, epirubicin and etoposide in multiple TNBC cell lines. Downstream analysis revealed the induction of ATM-dependent compensatory signaling and p53 pathway activation under combination treatment. These in vitro findings were substantiated by pronounced anti-tumor effects observed in mice bearing subcutaneously implanted tumors. We established a well-tolerated preclinical treatment regimen combining peposertib with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and demonstrated strong anti-tumor efficacy in cell-line-derived and patient-derived TNBC xenograft models in vivo. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that co-treatment with peposertib has the potential to enhance the efficacy of anthracycline/TOPO II-based chemotherapies, and it provides a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joachim Albers
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
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7
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Kim DY, Yun H, You JE, Lee JU, Kang DH, Ryu YS, Koh DI, Jin DH. Inactivation of VRK1 sensitizes ovarian cancer to PARP inhibition through regulating DNA-PK stability. Exp Cell Res 2024; 438:114036. [PMID: 38614421 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114036] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death. Among the most innovative anti-cancer approaches, the genetic concept of synthetic lethality is that mutations in multiple genes work synergistically to effect cell death. Previous studies found that although vaccinia-related kinase-1 (VRK1) associates with DNA damage repair proteins, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found high VRK1 expression in ovarian tumors, and that VRK1 depletion can significantly promote apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The effect of VRK1 knockdown on apoptosis was manifested by increased DNA damage, genomic instability, and apoptosis, and also blocked non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by destabilizing DNA-PK. Further, we verified that VRK1 depletion enhanced sensitivity to a PARP inhibitor (PARPi), olaparib, promoting apoptosis through DNA damage, especially in ovarian cancer cell lines with high VRK1 expression. Proteins implicated in DNA damage responses are suitable targets for the development of new anti-cancer therapeutic strategies, and their combination could represent an alternative form of synthetic lethality. Therefore, normal protective DNA damage responses are impaired by combining olaparib with elimination of VRK1 and could be used to reduce drug dose and its associated toxicity. In summary, VRK1 represents both a potential biomarker for PARPi sensitivity, and a new DDR-associated therapeutic target, in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Yeon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeseon Yun
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun You
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-U Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, AMIST, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea Seong Ryu
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-In Koh
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Jin
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Liu K, Yuan X, Yang T, Deng D, Chen Y, Tang M, Zhang C, Zou Y, Zhang S, Li D, Shi M, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Zhao M, Yang Z, Chen L. Discovery, Optimization, and Evaluation of Potent and Selective DNA-PK Inhibitors in Combination with Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Malignancies. J Med Chem 2024; 67:245-271. [PMID: 38117951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01338] [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: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Given the multifaceted biological functions of DNA-PK encompassing DNA repair pathways and beyond, coupled with the susceptibility of DNA-PK-deficient cells to DNA-damaging agents, significant strides have been made in the pursuit of clinical potential for DNA-PK inhibitors as synergistic adjuncts to chemo- or radiotherapy. Nevertheless, although substantial progress has been made with the discovery of potent inhibitors of DNA-PK, the clinical trial landscape requires even more potent and selective molecules. This necessitates further endeavors to expand the repertoire of clinically accessible DNA-PK inhibitors for the ultimate benefit of patients. Described herein are the obstacles that were encountered and the solutions that were found, which eventually led to the identification of compound 31t. This compound exhibited a remarkable combination of robust potency and exceptional selectivity along with favorable in vivo profiles as substantiated by pharmacokinetic studies in rats and pharmacodynamic assessments in H460, BT474, and A549 xenograft models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongjun Liu
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Yuan
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dexin Deng
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minghai Tang
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chufeng Zhang
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yurong Zou
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shunjie Zhang
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dan Li
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingsong Shi
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhuang Yang
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Natural and Targeted Small Molecule Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Chengdu Zenitar Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610041, China
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9
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Revia S, Budzinska MA, Bogatyrova O, Neumann F, Zimmermann A, Amendt C, Albers J. DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitor Peposertib Potentiates the Cytotoxicity of Topoisomerase II Inhibitors in Synovial Sarcoma Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:189. [PMID: 38201616 PMCID: PMC10778103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of soft tissue sarcoma. The clinical challenge posed by advanced or metastatic synovial sarcoma, marked by limited treatment options and suboptimal outcomes, necessitates innovative approaches. The topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitor doxorubicin has remained the cornerstone systemic treatment for decades, and there is pressing need for improved therapeutic strategies for these patients. This study highlights the potential to enhance the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin within well-characterized synovial sarcoma cell lines using the potent and selective DNA-PK inhibitor, peposertib. In vitro investigations unveil a p53-mediated synergistic anti-tumor effect when combining doxorubicin with peposertib. The in vitro findings were substantiated by pronounced anti-tumor effects in mice bearing subcutaneously implanted tumors. A well-tolerated regimen for the combined application was established using both pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and unmodified doxorubicin. Notably, the combination of PLD and peposertib displayed enhanced anti-tumor efficacy compared to unmodified doxorubicin at equivalent doses, suggesting an improved therapeutic window-a critical consideration for clinical translation. Efficacy studies in two patient-derived xenograft models of synovial sarcoma, accurately reflecting human metastatic disease, further validate the potential of this combined therapy. These findings align with previous evidence showcasing the synergy between DNA-PK inhibition and Topo II inhibitors in diverse tumor models, including breast and ovarian cancers. Our study extends the potential utility of combined therapy to synovial sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffie Revia
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
| | | | - Olga Bogatyrova
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
| | - Felix Neumann
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
| | - Astrid Zimmermann
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
| | - Christiane Amendt
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
| | - Joachim Albers
- Research Unit Oncology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; (S.R.)
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10
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Tan J, Sun X, Zhao H, Guan H, Gao S, Zhou P. Double-strand DNA break repair: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e388. [PMID: 37808268 PMCID: PMC10556206 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-strand break (DSB), a significant DNA damage brought on by ionizing radiation, acts as an initiating signal in tumor radiotherapy, causing cancer cells death. The two primary pathways for DNA DSB repair in mammalian cells are nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), which cooperate and compete with one another to achieve effective repair. The DSB repair mechanism depends on numerous regulatory variables. DSB recognition and the recruitment of DNA repair components, for instance, depend on the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and the Ku70/80 heterodimer/DNA-PKcs (DNA-PK) complex, whose control is crucial in determining the DSB repair pathway choice and efficiency of HR and NHEJ. In-depth elucidation on the DSB repair pathway's molecular mechanisms has greatly facilitated for creation of repair proteins or pathways-specific inhibitors to advance precise cancer therapy and boost the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. The architectures, roles, molecular processes, and inhibitors of significant target proteins in the DSB repair pathways are reviewed in this article. The strategy and application in cancer therapy are also discussed based on the advancement of inhibitors targeted DSB damage response and repair proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Tan
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xingyao Sun
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ping‐Kun Zhou
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
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11
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Wang T, Kyle AH, Baker JHE, Liu NA, Banáth JP, Minchinton AI. DNA-PK inhibition extends the therapeutic effects of Top2 poisoning to non-proliferating cells, increasing activity at a cost. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12429. [PMID: 37528151 PMCID: PMC10394067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Type II topoisomerase (Top2) poisoning therapy is used to treat a broad range of cancers via induction of double strand breaks (DSBs) in cells undergoing replication and transcription. Preventing the repair of DSBs via inhibition of DNA-PK, an inhibitor of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), increases cell kill with Top2 poisons and has led to the initiation of several clinical trials. To elucidate the cellular mechanisms leading to synergistic activity of dual DNA-PK/Top2 inhibition we looked at their effects in cycling versus non-cycling cells, in 3D spheroids and in xenograft models. Combined DNA-PK/Top2 inhibition was found to not only increase the cell kill in proliferating cells, the cell population that is typically most vulnerable to Top2 poisoning, but also in non-proliferative but transcriptionally active cells. This effect was observed in both cancer and normal tissue models, killing more cells than high concentrations of etoposide alone. The combination treatment delayed tumor growth in mice compared to Top2 poisoning alone, but also led to increased toxicity. These findings demonstrate sensitization of Top2β-expressing, non-cycling cells to Top2 poisoning by DNA-PK inhibition. Expansion of the target cell population of Top2 poison treatment to include non-proliferating cells via combination with DNA damage repair inhibitors has implications for efficacy and toxicity of these combinations, including for inhibitors of DNA-PK currently in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiang Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Alastair H Kyle
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jennifer H E Baker
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Nannan A Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Judit P Banáth
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Andrew I Minchinton
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, 675 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
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12
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Aptamers against cancer drug resistance: Small fighters switching tactics in the face of defeat. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166720. [PMID: 37062453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Discovering novel cancer therapies has attracted extreme interest in the last decade. In this regard, multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapies is the primary challenge in cancer treatment. Cancerous cells are growingly become resistant to existing chemotherapeutics by employing diverse mechanisms, highlighting the significance of discovering approaches to overcome MDR. One promising strategy is utilizing aptamers as unique tools to target elements or signalings incorporated in resistance mechanisms or develop active targeted drug delivery systems or chimeras enabling the precise delivery of novel agents to inhibit the conventionally undruggable resistance elements. Further, due to their advantages over their proteinaceous counterparts, particularly antibodies, including improved targeting action, enhanced thermal stability, easier production, and superior tumor penetration, aptamers are emerging and have frequently been considered for developing cancer therapeutics. Here, we highlighted significant chemoresistance pathways and thoroughly discussed using aptamers as prospective tools to surmount cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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13
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Ovejero-Sánchez M, González-Sarmiento R, Herrero AB. DNA Damage Response Alterations in Ovarian Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:448. [PMID: 36672401 PMCID: PMC9856346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR), a set of signaling pathways for DNA damage detection and repair, maintains genomic stability when cells are exposed to endogenous or exogenous DNA-damaging agents. Alterations in these pathways are strongly associated with cancer development, including ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. In OC, failures in the DDR have been related not only to the onset but also to progression and chemoresistance. It is known that approximately half of the most frequent subtype, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), exhibit defects in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR), and current evidence indicates that probably all HGSCs harbor a defect in at least one DDR pathway. These defects are not restricted to HGSCs; mutations in ARID1A, which are present in 30% of endometrioid OCs and 50% of clear cell (CC) carcinomas, have also been found to confer deficiencies in DNA repair. Moreover, DDR alterations have been described in a variable percentage of the different OC subtypes. Here, we overview the main DNA repair pathways involved in the maintenance of genome stability and their deregulation in OC. We also recapitulate the preclinical and clinical data supporting the potential of targeting the DDR to fight the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ovejero-Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Herrero
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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14
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Targeting cancer through recently developed purine clubbed heterocyclic scaffolds: An overview. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2023.134967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Goldberg FW, Ting AKT, Beattie D, Lamont GM, Fallan C, Finlay MRV, Williamson B, Schimpl M, Harmer AR, Adeyemi OB, Nordell P, Cronin AS, Vazquez-Chantada M, Barratt D, Ramos-Montoya A, Cadogan EB, Davies BR. Optimization of hERG and Pharmacokinetic Properties for Basic Dihydro-8 H-purin-8-one Inhibitors of DNA-PK. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1295-1301. [PMID: 35978693 PMCID: PMC9377022 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA-PK complex is activated by double-strand DNA breaks and regulates the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway; thus, targeting DNA-PK by inhibiting the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is potentially a useful therapeutic approach for oncology. A previously reported series of neutral DNA-PKcs inhibitors were modified to incorporate a basic group, with the rationale that increasing the volume of distribution while maintaining good metabolic stability should increase the half-life. However, adding a basic group introduced hERG activity, and basic compounds with modest hERG activity (IC50 = 10-15 μM) prolonged QTc (time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave, corrected by heart rate) in an anaesthetized guinea pig cardiovascular model. Further optimization was necessary, including modulation of pK a, to identify compound 18, which combines low hERG activity (IC50 = 75 μM) with excellent kinome selectivity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexander R. Harmer
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Oladipupo B. Adeyemi
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Pär Nordell
- Biopharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna S. Cronin
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | | | - Derek Barratt
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
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16
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Matsumoto Y. Development and Evolution of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibitors toward Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084264. [PMID: 35457081 PMCID: PMC9032228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand break (DSB) is considered the most deleterious type of DNA damage, which is generated by ionizing radiation (IR) and a subset of anticancer drugs. DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), which is composed of a DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and Ku80-Ku70 heterodimer, acts as the molecular sensor for DSB and plays a pivotal role in DSB repair through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Cells deficient for DNA-PKcs show hypersensitivity to IR and several DNA-damaging agents. Cellular sensitivity to IR and DNA-damaging agents can be augmented by the inhibition of DNA-PK. A number of small molecules that inhibit DNA-PK have been developed. Here, the development and evolution of inhibitors targeting DNA-PK for cancer therapy is reviewed. Significant parts of the inhibitors were developed based on the structural similarity of DNA-PK to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and PI3K-related kinases (PIKKs), including Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Some of DNA-PK inhibitors, e.g., NU7026 and NU7441, have been used extensively in the studies for cellular function of DNA-PK. Recently developed inhibitors, e.g., M3814 and AZD7648, are in clinical trials and on the way to be utilized in cancer therapy in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Zero-Carbon Energy, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
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