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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. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1107-1117. [PMID: 38671548 PMCID: PMC11080051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00670] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ or POLQ) is primarily involved in repairing double-stranded breaks in DNA through an 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 POLQ gene variants from human melanoma tumors that experience altered DNA polymerase activity, including a propensity for incorrect nucleotide selection and reduced polymerization rates compared to WT Pol θ. 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. This suggests that aberrant Pol θ has reduced DNA repair capabilities and may also contribute to increased mutagenesis. Moreover, the variants were identified in established tumors, suggesting that cancer cells may use mutated polymerases to promote metastasis and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Thomas
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Lisbeth Avalos-Irving
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Jorge Victorino
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Sydney Green
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Morgan Andrews
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Naisha Rodrigues
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Sarah Ebirim
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Ayden Mudd
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
| | - Jamie B. Towle-Weicksel
- Department of Physical Sciences, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, United States
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He Y, Chen Y, Li Z, Wu C. The m 6A demethylase FTO targets POLQ to promote ccRCC cell proliferation and genome stability maintenance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:30. [PMID: 38270643 PMCID: PMC10810938 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05541-0] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM As the first identified m6A demethylase, FTO has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, the specific mechanism of FTO in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms influencing the progression of ccRCC. METHODS We initially assessed the expression of FTO in tumor and adjacent tissues using TCGA database, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. We then conducted CCK-8, cell cycle analysis, and colony formation assay to investigate the impact of FTO on ccRCC cell proliferation. MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq were employed to identify potential downstream targets of FTO in ccRCC, and these findings were further validated through dual-luciferase reporter assays and MeRIP-qPCR. Then, DNA damage and cell death were assessed separately through gammaH2AX immunofluorescence detection and the LIVE/DEAD Fixable Dead Cell Stain assay, respectively. Subsequently, we identified downstream pathways influenced by FTO's regulation of POLQ through TCGA database analysis and GSEA enrichment analysis. Validation was carried out through Western blot. RESULTS FTO is highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, ROC curve demonstrates that FTO contributes to the diagnosis of ccRCC. FTO modulates m6A modification, consequently influencing the expression of POLQ, thus facilitating cell proliferation and maintaining genome stability in ccRCC. CONCLUSION FTO could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker for ccRCC. FTO promotes the progression of ccRCC by regulating m6A modification, making the inhibition of FTO a potential novel therapeutic strategy in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen He
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Yimeng Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Zhengsheng Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Changping Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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Vekariya U, Toma M, Nieborowska-Skorska M, Le BV, Caron MC, Kukuyan AM, Sullivan-Reed K, Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Chitrala KN, Atkins J, Drzewiecka M, Feng W, Chan J, Chatla S, Golovine K, Jelinek J, Sliwinski T, Ghosh J, Matlawska-Wasowska K, Chandramouly G, Nejati R, Wasik M, Sykes SM, Piwocka K, Hadzijusufovic E, Valent P, Pomerantz RT, Morton G, Childers W, Zhao H, Paietta EM, Levine RL, Tallman MS, Fernandez HF, Litzow MR, Gupta GP, Masson JY, Skorski T. DNA polymerase θ protects leukemia cells from metabolically induced DNA damage. Blood 2023; 141:2372-2389. [PMID: 36580665 PMCID: PMC10273171 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells accumulate DNA damage, but altered DNA repair mechanisms protect them from apoptosis. We showed here that formaldehyde generated by serine/1-carbon cycle metabolism contributed to the accumulation of toxic DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) in leukemia cells, especially in driver clones harboring oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OTKs: FLT3(internal tandem duplication [ITD]), JAK2(V617F), BCR-ABL1). To counteract this effect, OTKs enhanced the expression of DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) via ERK1/2 serine/threonine kinase-dependent inhibition of c-CBL E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of POLθ and its proteasomal degradation. Overexpression of POLθ in OTK-positive cells resulted in the efficient repair of DPC-containing DNA double-strand breaks by POLθ-mediated end-joining. The transforming activities of OTKs and other leukemia-inducing oncogenes, especially of those causing the inhibition of BRCA1/2-mediated homologous recombination with and without concomitant inhibition of DNA-PK-dependent nonhomologous end-joining, was abrogated in Polq-/- murine bone marrow cells. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of POLθ polymerase and helicase activities revealed that both activities are promising targets in leukemia cells. Moreover, OTK inhibitors or DPC-inducing drug etoposide enhanced the antileukemia effect of POLθ inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that POLθ plays an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from metabolically induced toxic DNA lesions triggered by formaldehyde, and it can be targeted to achieve a therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Monika Toma
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bac Viet Le
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anna-Mariya Kukuyan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine Sullivan-Reed
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Kumaraswamy N. Chitrala
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jessica Atkins
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Malgorzata Drzewiecka
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wanjuan Feng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Joe Chan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Srinivas Chatla
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Golovine
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Tomasz Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Reza Nejati
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mariusz Wasik
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stephen M. Sykes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Companion Animals & Horses, Clinic for Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elisabeth M. Paietta
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Hugo F. Fernandez
- Moffitt Malignant Hematology & Cellular Therapy at Memorial Healthcare System, Pembroke Pines, FL
| | - Mark R. Litzow
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gaorav P. Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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Barszczewska-Pietraszek G, Drzewiecka M, Czarny P, Skorski T, Śliwiński T. Polθ Inhibition: An Anticancer Therapy for HR-Deficient Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010319. [PMID: 36613762 PMCID: PMC9820168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase theta (Polθ)-mediated end joining (TMEJ) is, along with homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), one of the most important mechanisms repairing potentially lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Polθ is becoming a new target in cancer research because it demonstrates numerous synthetically lethal interactions with other DNA repair mechanisms, e.g., those involving PARP1, BRCA1/2, DNA-PK, ATR. Inhibition of Polθ could be achieved with different methods, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9 technology, or using small molecule inhibitors. In the context of this topic, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 are still more often applied in the research itself rather than clinical usage, different than small molecule inhibitors. Several Polθ inhibitors have been already generated, and two of them, novobiocin (NVB) and ART812 derivative, are being tested in clinical trials against HR-deficient tumors. In this review, we describe the significance of Polθ and the Polθ-mediated TMEJ pathway. In addition, we summarize the current state of knowledge about Polθ inhibitors and emphasize the promising role of Polθ as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Drzewiecka
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Tomasz Śliwiński
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-42-635-44-86
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5
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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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [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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6
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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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Fugger K, Hewitt G, West SC, Boulton SJ. Tackling PARP inhibitor resistance. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1102-1118. [PMID: 34563478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Homologous recombination-deficient (HRD) tumours, including those harbouring mutations in the BRCA genes, are hypersensitive to treatment with inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARPis). Despite high response rates, most HRD cancers ultimately develop resistance to PARPi treatment through reversion mutations or genetic/epigenetic alterations to DNA repair pathways. Counteracting these resistance pathways, thereby increasing the potency of PARPi therapy, represents a potential strategy to improve the treatment of HRD cancers. In this review, we discuss recent insights derived from genetic screens that have identified a number of novel genes that can be targeted to improve PARPi treatment of HRD cancers and may provide a means to overcome PARPi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Fugger
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Graeme Hewitt
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Stephen C West
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Simon J Boulton
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Artios Pharma Ltd. B940, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3FH, UK.
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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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9
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Kovalak C, Donovan S, Bicknell AA, Metkar M, Moore MJ. Deep sequencing of pre-translational mRNPs reveals hidden flux through evolutionarily conserved alternative splicing nonsense-mediated decay pathways. Genome Biol 2021; 22:132. [PMID: 33941243 PMCID: PMC8091538 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing, which generates multiple mRNA isoforms from single genes, is crucial for the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. The flux through competing splicing pathways cannot be determined by traditional RNA-Seq, however, because different mRNA isoforms can have widely differing decay rates. Indeed, some mRNA isoforms with extremely short half-lives, such as those subject to translation-dependent nonsense-mediated decay (AS-NMD), may be completely overlooked in even the most extensive RNA-Seq analyses. RESULTS RNA immunoprecipitation in tandem (RIPiT) of exon junction complex components allows for purification of post-splicing mRNA-protein particles (mRNPs) not yet subject to translation (pre-translational mRNPs) and, therefore, translation-dependent mRNA decay. Here we compare exon junction complex RIPiT-Seq to whole cell RNA-Seq data from HEK293 cells. Consistent with expectation, the flux through known AS-NMD pathways is substantially higher than that captured by RNA-Seq. Our RIPiT-Seq also definitively demonstrates that the splicing machinery itself has no ability to detect reading frame. We identify thousands of previously unannotated splicing events; while many can be attributed to splicing noise, others are evolutionarily conserved events that produce new AS-NMD isoforms likely involved in maintenance of protein homeostasis. Several of these occur in genes whose overexpression has been linked to poor cancer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Deep sequencing of RNAs in post-splicing, pre-translational mRNPs provides a means to identify and quantify splicing events without the confounding influence of differential mRNA decay. For many known AS-NMD targets, the nonsense-mediated decay-linked alternative splicing pathway predominates. Exon junction complex RIPiT-Seq also revealed numerous conserved but previously unannotated AS-NMD events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Kovalak
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Scott Donovan
- Present Address: Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alicia A Bicknell
- Present Address: Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mihir Metkar
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Present Address: Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Melissa J Moore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Present Address: Moderna, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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10
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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: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [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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11
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Beyond Kinases: Targeting Replication Stress Proteins in Cancer Therapy. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:430-446. [PMID: 33203609 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA replication stress describes a state of impaired replication fork progress that triggers a cellular stress response to maintain genome stability and complete DNA synthesis. Replication stress is a common state that must be tolerated in many cancers. One promising therapeutic approach is targeting replication stress response factors such as the ataxia telangiectasia and rad 3-related kinase (ATR) or checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) kinases that some cancers depend upon to survive endogenous replication stress. However, research revealing the complexity of the replication stress response suggests new genetic interactions and candidate therapeutic targets. Many of these candidates regulate DNA transactions around reversed replication forks, including helicases, nucleases and alternative polymerases that promote fork stability and restart. Here we review emerging strategies to exploit replication stress for cancer therapy.
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12
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Gao A, Guo M. Epigenetic based synthetic lethal strategies in human cancers. Biomark Res 2020; 8:44. [PMID: 32974031 PMCID: PMC7493427 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, it is recognized that loss of DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways is an early and frequent event in tumorigenesis, occurring in 40-50% of many cancer types. The basis of synthetic lethality in cancer therapy is DDR deficient cancers dependent on backup DNA repair pathways. In cancer, the concept of synthetic lethality has been extended to pairs of genes, in which inactivation of one by deletion or mutation and pharmacological inhibition of the other leads to death of cancer cells whereas normal cells are spared the effect of the drug. The paradigm study is to induce cell death by inhibiting PARP in BRCA1/2 defective cells. Since the successful application of PARP inhibitor, a growing number of developed DDR inhibitors are ongoing in preclinical and clinical testing, including ATM, ATR, CHK1/2 and WEE1 inhibitors. Combination of PARP inhibitors and other DDR inhibitors, or combination of multiple components of the same pathway may have great potential synthetic lethality efficiency. As epigenetics joins Knudson’s two hit theory, silencing of DDR genes by aberrant epigenetic changes provide new opportunities for synthetic lethal therapy in cancer. Understanding the causative epigenetic changes of loss-of-function has led to the development of novel therapeutic agents in cancer. DDR and related genes were found frequently methylated in human cancers, including BRCA1/2, MGMT, WRN, MLH1, CHFR, P16 and APC. Both genetic and epigenetic alterations may serve as synthetic lethal therapeutic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiai Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, Zhengzhou University, 40 Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China.,State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
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13
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Silvestri R, Landi S. DNA polymerases in the risk and prognosis of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Mutagenesis 2020; 34:363-374. [PMID: 31647559 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gez031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cancers arise from the alteration of genes involved in important pathways that mainly affect cell growth and proliferation. DNA replication and DNA damages recognition and repair are among these pathways and DNA polymerases that take part in these processes are frequently involved in cancer onset and progression. For example, damaging alterations within the proofreading domain of replicative polymerases, often reported in patients affected by colorectal cancer (CRC), are considered risk factors and drivers of carcinogenesis as they can lead to the accumulation of several mutations throughout the genome. Thus, replicative polymerases can be involved in cancer when losses of their physiological functions occur. On the contrary, reparative polymerases are often involved in cancer precisely because of their physiological role. In fact, their ability to repair and bypass DNA damages, which confers genome stability, can also counteract the effect of most anticancer drugs. In addition, the altered expression can characterise some type of cancers, which exacerbates this aspect. For example, all of the DNA polymerases involved a damage bypass mechanism, known as translesion synthesis, with the only exception of polymerase theta, are downregulated in CRC. Conversely, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), most of these polymerase result upregulated. This suggests that different types of cancer can rely on different reparative polymerases to acquire drug resistance. Here we will examine all of the aspects that link DNA polymerases with CRC and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Bae W, Park JH, Lee MH, Park HW, Koo HS. Hypersensitivity to DNA double-strand breaks associated with PARG deficiency is suppressed by exo-1 and polq-1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. FEBS J 2020; 287:1101-1115. [PMID: 31593615 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of either of the two homologs of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), PARG-1 and PARG-2, in Caenorhabditis elegans leads to hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR). In the germ cells of parg-2 mutant worms, the dissipation of recombinase RAD-51 foci was slower than in wild-type (WT) cells, suggesting defects in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair via homologous recombination (HR). Nevertheless, RPA-1, the large subunit of replication protein A, accumulated faster in parg-2 worms and disappeared earlier than in WT worms. This accelerated RPA-1 accumulation may result from the enhanced expression of exonuclease-1 (EXO-1) after IR treatment. Accordingly, an exo-1 mutation reduced IR sensitivity and accumulation of RPA-1 in parg-2 worms. A mutation of polq-1, encoding for a key factor in the alternative end-joining (Alt-EJ) pathway, suppressed the IR hypersensitivity phenotype of parg-2 worms and normalized the kinetics of RAD-51 dissipation. This indicates that error-prone Alt-EJ may mediate DSB repair in parg-2 worms, causing hypersensitivity to IR. In summary, PARG-2 deficiency in C. elegans causes hyperactive DSB end resection likely through EXO-1 overproduction. DSBs with long single-stranded DNA ends in parg-2 worms are thought to be repaired by Alt-EJ instead of HR, causing genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woori Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myon-Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Sook Koo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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15
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White PA, Long AS, Johnson GE. Quantitative Interpretation of Genetic Toxicity Dose-Response Data for Risk Assessment and Regulatory Decision-Making: Current Status and Emerging Priorities. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:66-83. [PMID: 31794061 DOI: 10.1002/em.22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The screen-and-bin approach for interpretation of genotoxicity data is predicated on three false assumptions: that genotoxicants are rare, that genotoxicity dose-response functions do not contain a low-dose region mechanistically characterized by zero-order kinetics, and that genotoxicity is not a bona fide toxicological endpoint. Consequently, there is a need to develop and implement quantitative methods to interpret genotoxicity dose-response data for risk assessment and regulatory decision-making. Standardized methods to analyze dose-response data, and determine point-of-departure (PoD) metrics, have been established; the most robust PoD is the benchmark dose (BMD). However, there are no standards for regulatory interpretation of mutagenicity BMDs. Although 5-10% is often used as a critical effect size (CES) for BMD determination, values for genotoxicity endpoints have not been established. The use of BMDs to determine health-based guidance values (HBGVs) requires assessment factors (AFs) to account for interspecies differences and variability in human sensitivity. Default AFs used for other endpoints may not be appropriate for interpretation of in vivo mutagenicity BMDs. Analyses of published dose-response data showing the effects of compensatory pathway deficiency indicate that AFs for sensitivity differences should be in the range of 2-20. Additional analyses indicate that the AF to compensate for short treatment durations should be in the range of 5-15. Future work should use available data to empirically determine endpoint-specific CES values; similarly, to determine AF values for BMD adjustment. Future work should also evaluate the ability to use in vitro dose-response data for risk assessment, and the utility of probabilistic methods for determination of mutagenicity HBGVs. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:66-83, 2020. © 2019 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A White
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra S Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George E Johnson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
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16
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When RAD52 Allows Mitosis to Accept Unscheduled DNA Synthesis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010026. [PMID: 31861741 PMCID: PMC7017103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful duplication of the human genome during the S phase of cell cycle and accurate segregation of sister chromatids in mitosis are essential for the maintenance of chromosome stability from one generation of cells to the next. Cells that are copying their DNA in preparation for division can suffer from ‘replication stress’ (RS) due to various external or endogenous impediments that slow or stall replication forks. RS is a major cause of pathologies including cancer, premature ageing and other disorders associated with genomic instability. It particularly affects genomic loci where progression of replication forks is intrinsically slow or problematic, such as common fragile site (CFS), telomeres, and repetitive sequences. Although the eukaryotic cell cycle is conventionally thought of as several separate steps, each of which must be completed before the next one is initiated, it is now accepted that incompletely replicated chromosomal domains generated in S phase upon RS at these genomic loci can result in late DNA synthesis in G2/M. In 2013, during investigations into the mechanism by which the specialized DNA polymerase eta (Pol η) contributes to the replication and stability of CFS, we unveiled that indeed some DNA synthesis was still occurring in early mitosis at these loci. This surprising observation of mitotic DNA synthesis that differs fundamentally from canonical semi-conservative DNA replication in S-phase has been then confirmed, called “MiDAS”and believed to counteract potentially lethal chromosome mis-segregation and non-disjunction. While other contributions in this Special Issue of Cancers focus on the role of RAS52RAD52 during MiDAS, this review emphases on the discovery of MiDAS and its molecular effectors.
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17
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Wang Z, Song Y, Li S, Kurian S, Xiang R, Chiba T, Wu X. DNA polymerase θ (POLQ) is important for repair of DNA double-strand breaks caused by fork collapse. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3909-3919. [PMID: 30655289 PMCID: PMC6422074 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA polymerase θ (POLQ) plays an important role in alternative nonhomologous end joining or microhomology-mediated end joining (alt-NHEJ/MMEJ). Here, we show that POLQ is not only required for MMEJ to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated by endonucleases such as I-SceI or Cas9, but is also needed for repair of DSBs derived from DNA nicks generated by Cas9 nickase. Consistently, we found that POLQ deficiency leads to sensitivity to topoisomerase inhibitors that cause DNA single-strand break (SSB) accumulation at replication forks and to ATR inhibitors that induce replication fork collapse. These studies support the function of POLQ in coping with replication stress and repairing DSBs upon fork collapse. POLQ overexpression is present in many cancer types and is associated with poor prognosis, including breast cancer regardless of BRCA1 status. We provide proof-of-concept evidence to support a novel cancer treatment strategy that combines POLQ inhibition with administration of topoisomerase or ATR inhibitors, which induces replication stress and fork collapse. Given the prevalence of POLQ overexpression in tumors, such strategy may have a significant impact on developing targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
- the Biomedical Gerontology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa 359-1192, Japan
| | - Yadong Song
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
- the School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China, and
| | - Shibo Li
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Sunil Kurian
- the Division of Organ Transplant, Scripps Health, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Rong Xiang
- the School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China, and
| | - Takuya Chiba
- the Biomedical Gerontology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa 359-1192, Japan
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037,
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18
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Schoonen PM, Guerrero Llobet S, van Vugt MATM. Replication stress: Driver and therapeutic target in genomically instable cancers. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2018; 115:157-201. [PMID: 30798931 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genomically instable cancers are characterized by progressive loss and gain of chromosomal fragments, and the acquisition of complex genomic rearrangements. Such cancers, including triple-negative breast cancers and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, typically show aggressive behavior and lack actionable driver oncogenes. Increasingly, oncogene-induced replication stress or defective replication fork maintenance is considered an important driver of genomic instability. Paradoxically, while replication stress causes chromosomal instability and thereby promotes cancer development, it intrinsically poses a threat to cellular viability. Apparently, tumor cells harboring high levels of replication stress have evolved ways to cope with replication stress. As a consequence, therapeutic targeting of such compensatory mechanisms is likely to preferentially target cancers with high levels of replication stress and may prove useful in potentiating chemotherapeutic approaches that exert their effects by interfering with DNA replication. Here, we discuss how replication stress drives chromosomal instability, and the cell cycle-regulated mechanisms that cancer cells employ to deal with replication stress. Importantly, we discuss how mechanisms involving DNA structure-specific resolvases, cell cycle checkpoint kinases and mitotic processing of replication intermediates offer possibilities in developing treatments for difficult-to-treat genomically instable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn M Schoonen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sergi Guerrero Llobet
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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19
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Abstract
Targeting cancers dependent on DNA polymerase θ has considerable clinical potential
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff S Higgins
- Cancer Research UK-Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Simon J Boulton
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
- Artios Pharma Limited, Maia, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
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20
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Hadjadj D, Kim SJ, Denecker T, Driss LB, Cadoret JC, Maric C, Baldacci G, Fauchereau F. A hypothesis-driven approach identifies CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors as candidate drugs for treatments of adrenocortical carcinomas. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 9:2695-2716. [PMID: 29283884 PMCID: PMC5764399 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High proliferation rate and high mutation density are both indicators of poor prognosis in adrenocortical carcinomas. We performed a hypothesis-driven association study between clinical features in adrenocortical carcinomas and the expression levels of 136 genes involved in DNA metabolism and G1/S phase transition. In 79 samples downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal, high Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 (CDK6) mRNA levels gave the most significant association with shorter time to relapse and poorer survival of patients. A hierarchical clustering approach assembled most tumors with high levels of CDK6 mRNA into one group. These tumors tend to cumulate mutations activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and show reduced MIR506 expression. Actually, the level of MIR506 RNA is inversely correlated with the levels of both CDK6 and CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin). Together these results indicate that high CDK6 expression is found in aggressive tumors with activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus we tested the impact of Food and Drug Administration-approved CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors, namely palbociclib and ribociclib, on SW-13 and NCI-H295R cells. While both drugs reduced viability and induced senescence in SW-13 cells, only palbociclib was effective on the retinoblastoma protein (pRB)-negative NCI-H295R cells, by inducing apoptosis. In NCI-H295R cells, palbociclib induced an increase of the active form of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) responsible for the reduced amount of active β-catenin, and altered the amount of AXIN2 mRNA. Taken together, these data underline the impact of CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors in treating adrenocortical carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djihad Hadjadj
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Su-Jung Kim
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Thomas Denecker
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Laura Ben Driss
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Jean-Charles Cadoret
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Chrystelle Maric
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Giuseppe Baldacci
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Fabien Fauchereau
- Pathologies de la Réplication de l'ADN, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
- ePôle de Génoinformatique, Université Paris-Diderot – Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR7592, Institut Jacques-Monod, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
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21
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Mateos-Gomez PA, Kent T, Deng SK, McDevitt S, Kashkina E, Hoang TM, Pomerantz RT, Sfeir A. The helicase domain of Polθ counteracts RPA to promote alt-NHEJ. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2017; 24:1116-1123. [PMID: 29058711 PMCID: PMC6047744 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian polymerase theta (Polθ) is a multifunctional enzyme that promotes error-prone DNA repair by alternative nonhomologous end joining (alt-NHEJ). Here we present structure-function analyses that reveal that, in addition to the polymerase domain, Polθ-helicase activity plays a central role during double-strand break (DSB) repair. Our results show that the helicase domain promotes chromosomal translocations by alt-NHEJ in mouse embryonic stem cells and also suppresses CRISPR-Cas9- mediated gene targeting by homologous recombination (HR). In vitro assays demonstrate that Polθ-helicase activity facilitates the removal of RPA from resected DSBs to allow their annealing and subsequent joining by alt-NHEJ. Consistent with an antagonistic role for RPA during alt-NHEJ, inhibition of RPA1 enhances end joining and suppresses recombination. Taken together, our results reveal that the balance between HR and alt-NHEJ is controlled by opposing activities of Polθ and RPA, providing further insight into the regulation of repair-pathway choice in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Mateos-Gomez
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Tatiana Kent
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sarah K. Deng
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Shane McDevitt
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Trung M. Hoang
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Agnel Sfeir
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
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22
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Bournique E, Dall'Osto M, Hoffmann JS, Bergoglio V. Role of specialized DNA polymerases in the limitation of replicative stress and DNA damage transmission. Mutat Res 2017; 808:62-73. [PMID: 28843435 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Replication stress is a strong and early driving force for genomic instability and tumor development. Beside replicative DNA polymerases, an emerging group of specialized DNA polymerases is involved in the technical assistance of the replication machinery in order to prevent replicative stress and its deleterious consequences. During S-phase, altered progression of the replication fork by endogenous or exogenous impediments induces replicative stress, causing cells to reach mitosis with genomic regions not fully duplicated. Recently, specific mechanisms to resolve replication intermediates during mitosis with the aim of limiting DNA damage transmission to daughter cells have been identified. In this review, we detail the two major actions of specialized DNA polymerases that limit DNA damage transmission: the prevention of replicative stress by non-B DNA replication and the recovery of stalled replication forks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Bournique
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, UPS Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Marina Dall'Osto
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, UPS Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hoffmann
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, UPS Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie Bergoglio
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, CNRS, UPS Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer, 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31037, Toulouse, France.
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