1
|
Søgaard CK, Otterlei M. Targeting proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cancer therapy. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 100:209-246. [PMID: 39034053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential scaffold protein in many cellular processes. It is best known for its role as a DNA sliding clamp and processivity factor during DNA replication, which has been extensively reviewed by others. However, the importance of PCNA extends beyond its DNA-associated functions in DNA replication, chromatin remodelling, DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance (DDT), as new non-canonical roles of PCNA in the cytosol have recently been identified. These include roles in the regulation of immune evasion, apoptosis, metabolism, and cellular signalling. The diverse roles of PCNA are largely mediated by its myriad protein interactions, and its centrality to cellular processes makes PCNA a valid therapeutic anticancer target. PCNA is expressed in all cells and plays an essential role in normal cellular homeostasis; therefore, the main challenge in targeting PCNA is to selectively kill cancer cells while avoiding unacceptable toxicity to healthy cells. This chapter focuses on the stress-related roles of PCNA, and how targeting these PCNA roles can be exploited in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; APIM Therapeutics A/S, Trondheim, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Singleton AH, Bergum OET, Søgaard CK, Røst LM, Olsen CE, Blindheim FH, Ræder SB, Bjørnstad FA, Sundby E, Hoff BH, Bruheim P, Otterlei M. Activation of multiple stress responses in Staphylococcus aureus substantially lowers the minimal inhibitory concentration when combining two novel antibiotic drug candidates. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260120. [PMID: 37822747 PMCID: PMC10564113 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The past few decades have been plagued by an increasing number of infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. To mitigate the rise in untreatable infections, we need new antibiotics with novel targets and drug combinations that reduce resistance development. The novel β-clamp targeting antimicrobial peptide BTP-001 was recently shown to have a strong additive effect in combination with the halogenated pyrrolopyrimidine JK-274. In this study, the molecular basis for this effect was examined by a comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic study of the individual and combined effects on Staphylococcus aureus. We found that JK-274 reduced activation of several TCA cycle enzymes, likely via increasing the cellular nitric oxide stress, and BTP-001 induced oxidative stress in addition to inhibiting replication, translation, and DNA repair processes. Analysis indicated that several proteins linked to stress were only activated in the combination and not in the single treatments. These results suggest that the strong additive effect is due to the activation of multiple stress responses that can only be triggered by the combined effect of the individual mechanisms. Importantly, the combination dose required to eradicate S. aureus was well tolerated and did not affect cell viability of immortalized human keratinocyte cells, suggesting a species-specific response. Our findings demonstrate the potential of JK-274 and BTP-001 as antibiotic drug candidates and warrant further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Holstad Singleton
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Caroline Krogh Søgaard
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lisa Marie Røst
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Cecilie Elisabeth Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fredrik Heen Blindheim
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Synnøve Brandt Ræder
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Frithjof A. Bjørnstad
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eirik Sundby
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bård Helge Hoff
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Per Bruheim
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horsfall AJ, Chav T, Pederick JL, Kikhtyak Z, Vandborg BC, Kowalczyk W, Scanlon DB, Tilley WD, Hickey TE, Abell AD, Bruning JB. Designing Fluorescent Nuclear Permeable Peptidomimetics to Target Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10354-10363. [PMID: 37489955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a critical mediator of DNA replication and repair, acting as a docking platform for replication proteins. Disrupting these interactions with a peptidomimetic agent presents as a promising avenue to limit proliferation of cancerous cells. Here, a p21-derived peptide was employed as a starting scaffold to design a modular peptidomimetic that interacts with PCNA and is cellular and nuclear permeable. Ultimately, a peptidomimetic was produced which met these criteria, consisting of a fluorescein tag and SV40 nuclear localization signal conjugated to the N-terminus of a p21 macrocycle derivative. Attachment of the fluorescein tag was found to directly affect cellular uptake of the peptidomimetic, with fluorescein being requisite for nuclear permeability. This work provides an important step forward in the development of PCNA targeting peptidomimetics for use as anti-cancer agents or as cancer diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J Horsfall
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa Chav
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Jordan L Pederick
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Zoya Kikhtyak
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Bethiney C Vandborg
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | | | - Denis B Scanlon
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D Abell
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Physical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - John B Bruning
- Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
ATX-101, a cell-penetrating protein targeting PCNA, can be safely administered as intravenous infusion in patients and shows clinical activity in a Phase 1 study. Oncogene 2023; 42:541-544. [PMID: 36564469 PMCID: PMC9918429 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is a highly conserved protein essential for DNA replication, repair and scaffold functions in the cytosol. Specific inhibition of PCNA in cancer cells is an attractive anti-cancer strategy. ATX-101 is a first-in-class drug targeting PCNA, primarily in cellular stress regulation. Multiple in vivo and in vitro investigations demonstrated anti-cancer activity of ATX-101 in many tumor types and a potentiating effect on the activity of anti-cancer therapies. Healthy cells were less affected. Based on preclinical data, a clinical phase 1 study was initiated. Twenty-five patients with progressive, late-stage solid tumors were treated with weekly ATX-101 infusions at four dose levels (20, 30, 45, 60 mg/m2). ATX-101 showed a favorable safety profile supporting that vital cellular functions are not compromised in healthy cells. Mild and moderate infusion-related reactions were observed in 64% of patients. ATX-101 was quickly cleared from blood with elimination half-lives of less than 30 min at all dose levels, probably due to both, a quick cell penetration and peptide digestion in serum, as demonstrated in vivo. No tumor responses were observed but stable disease was seen in 70% of the efficacy population (n = 20). Further studies have been initiated to provide evidence of efficacy. Trial registration numbers: ANZCTR 375262 and ANZCTR 375319.
Collapse
|
5
|
PCNA regulates primary metabolism by scaffolding metabolic enzymes. Oncogene 2023; 42:613-624. [PMID: 36564470 PMCID: PMC9937922 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The essential roles of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a scaffold protein in DNA replication and repair are well established, while its cytosolic roles are less explored. Two metabolic enzymes, alpha-enolase (ENO1) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), both contain PCNA interacting motifs. Mutation of the PCNA interacting motif APIM in ENO1 (F423A) impaired its binding to PCNA and resulted in reduced cellular levels of ENO1 protein, reduced growth rate, reduced glucose consumption, and reduced activation of AKT. Metabolome and signalome analysis reveal large consequences of impairing the direct interaction between PCNA and ENO1. Metabolites above ENO1 in glycolysis accumulated while lower glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolite pools decreased in the APIM-mutated cells; however, their overall energetic status were similar to parental cells. Treating haematological cancer cells or activated primary monocytes with a PCNA targeting peptide drug containing APIM (ATX-101) also lead to a metabolic shift characterized by reduced glycolytic rate. In addition, we show that ATX-101 treatments reduced the ENO1 - PCNA interaction, the ENO1, GAPDH and 6PGD protein levels, as well as the 6PGD activity. Here we report for the first time that PCNA acts as a scaffold for metabolic enzymes, and thereby act as a direct regulator of primary metabolism.
Collapse
|
6
|
Su Z, Bao W, Yang G, Liu J, Zhao B. SOX12 Promotes Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating the Expression of POU2F1 and POU3F1. Yonsei Med J 2022; 63:591-600. [PMID: 35619584 PMCID: PMC9171662 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.63.6.591] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE SOX12 is overexpressed in many cancers, and we aimed to explore the biological function and mechanism of SOX12 in thyroid cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first analyzed the expression of SOX12 in thyroid cancer using data in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed to identify SOX12 expression in thyroid cancer tissue and cells. Thyroid cancer cells were transfected with small interfering RNA targeting SOX12, and cellular functional experiments, including CCK8, wound healing, and Transwell assays, were performed. Protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis. A xenograft model was developed to evaluate the effect of SOX12 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS SOX12 expression was increased in thyroid cancer tissue and cells. SOX12 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and accelerated tumor growth in vivo. The expression of PCNA, Cyclin D1, E-cadherin, Snail, MMP-2, and MMP-9 was affected by SOX12 knockdown. Bioinformatic analysis showed that SOX12 could interact with the POU family. SOX12 knockdown inhibited the expression of POU2F1, POU2F2, POU3F1 and POU3F2, and SOX12 expression showed a positive correlation with POU2F1, POU3F1, and POU3F2 expression in clinical data. POU2F1 and POU3F1 were able to reverse the effect of SOX12 knockdown on thyroid cancer cells. CONCLUSION SOX12 affects the progression of thyroid cancer by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and interacting with POU2F1 and POU3F1, which may be novel targets for thyroid cancer molecular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxi Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Bao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghua Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gravina GL, Colapietro A, Mancini A, Rossetti A, Martellucci S, Ventura L, Di Franco M, Marampon F, Mattei V, Biordi LA, Otterlei M, Festuccia C. ATX-101, a Peptide Targeting PCNA, Has Antitumor Efficacy Alone or in Combination with Radiotherapy in Murine Models of Human Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:289. [PMID: 35053455 PMCID: PMC8773508 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell proliferation requires the orchestrated actions of a myriad of proteins regulating DNA replication, DNA repair and damage tolerance, and cell cycle. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a master regulator which interacts with multiple proteins functioning in these processes, and this makes PCNA an attractive target in anticancer therapies. Here, we show that a cell-penetrating peptide containing the AlkB homolog 2 PCNA-interacting motif (APIM), ATX-101, has antitumor activity in a panel of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines and patient-derived glioma-initiating cells (GICs). Their sensitivity to ATX-101 was not related to cellular levels of PCNA, or p53, PTEN, or MGMT status. However, ATX-101 reduced Akt/mTOR and DNA-PKcs signaling, and a correlation between high Akt activation and sensitivity for ATX-101 was found. ATX-101 increased the levels of γH2AX, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis when combined with radiotherapy (RT). In line with the in vitro results, ATX-101 strongly reduced tumor growth in two subcutaneous xenografts and two orthotopic GBM models, both as a single agent and in combination with RT. The ability of ATX-101 to sensitize cells to RT is promising for further development of this compound for use in GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Colapietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessandra Rossetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular Pathology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy;
| | - Luca Ventura
- Division of Pathology, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Martina Di Franco
- Division of Pathology, San Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.V.); (M.D.F.)
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, Sabina Universitas, 02100 Rieti, Italy;
| | - Leda Assunta Biordi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Medical Oncology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Marit Otterlei
- APIM Therapeutics A/S, N-7100 Rissa, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7006 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Claudio Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Laboratory of Radiobiology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zorko M, Jones S, Langel Ü. Cell-penetrating peptides in protein mimicry and cancer therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114044. [PMID: 34774552 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has been undertaken in the pursuit of anticancer therapeutics. Many anticancer drugs require specificity of delivery to cancer cells, whilst sparing healthy tissue. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), now well established as facilitators of intracellular delivery, have in recent years advanced to incorporate target specificity and thus possess great potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer cargoes. Though none have yet been approved for clinical use, this novel technology has already entered clinical trials. In this review we present CPPs, discuss their classification, mechanisms of cargo internalization and highlight strategies for conjugation to anticancer moieties including their incorporation into therapeutic proteins. As the mainstay of this review, strategies to build specificity into tumor targeting CPP constructs through exploitation of the tumor microenvironment and the use of tumor homing peptides are discussed, whilst acknowledging the extensive contribution made by CPP constructs to target specific protein-protein interactions integral to intracellular signaling pathways associated with tumor cell survival and progression. Finally, antibody/antigen CPP conjugates and their potential roles in cancer immunotherapy and diagnostics are considered. In summary, this review aims to harness the potential of CPP-aided drug delivery for future cancer therapies and diagnostics whilst highlighting some of the most recent achievements in selective delivery of anticancer drugs, including cytostatic drugs, to a range of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Zorko
- University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Jones
- University of Wolverhampton, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Stockholm, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Svante Arrhenius väg 16, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, Tartu, Estonia 50411, Estonia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bermúdez-Guzmán L. Pan-cancer analysis of non-oncogene addiction to DNA repair. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23264. [PMID: 34853396 PMCID: PMC8636604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02773-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells usually depend on the aberrant function of one or few driver genes to initiate and promote their malignancy, an attribute known as oncogene addiction. However, cancer cells might become dependent on the normal cellular functions of certain genes that are not oncogenes but ensure cell survival (non-oncogene addiction). The downregulation or silencing of DNA repair genes and the consequent genetic and epigenetic instability is key to promote malignancy, but the activation of the DNA-damage response (DDR) has been shown to become a type of non-oncogene addiction that critically supports tumour survival. In the present study, a systematic evaluation of DNA repair addiction at the pan-cancer level was performed using data derived from The Cancer Dependency Map and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). From 241 DDR genes, 59 were identified as commonly essential in cancer cell lines. However, large differences were observed in terms of dependency scores in 423 cell lines and transcriptomic alterations across 18 cancer types. Among these 59 commonly essential genes, 14 genes were exclusively associated with better overall patient survival and 19 with worse overall survival. Notably, a specific molecular signature among the latter, characterized by DDR genes like UBE2T, RFC4, POLQ, BRIP1, and H2AFX showing the weakest dependency scores, but significant upregulation was strongly associated with worse survival. The present study supports the existence and importance of non-oncogenic addiction to DNA repair in cancer and may facilitate the identification of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bermúdez-Guzmán
- Robotic Radiosurgery Center, International Cancer Center, San José, Costa Rica. .,Section of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biology, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kurrikoff K, Vunk B, Langel Ü. Status update in the use of cell-penetrating peptides for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:361-370. [PMID: 32938243 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1823368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this review, recent developments and applications with cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are discussed. CPPs are widely used tools for the delivery of various macromolecular therapeutics, such as proteins and nucleic acids. AREAS COVERED The current review focuses on recent important advances and reports that demonstrate high clinical and translational potential. Most important clinical developments have occurred with the CPP-drug conjugate approaches that target various protein-protein interactions, and these have been highlighted subsequently. Most of the applications are targeting cancer, but recently, noteworthy advances have taken place in the field of antisense oligonucleotides and muscular dystrophies, lung targeting, and trans-BBB targeting. EXPERT OPINION Successful applications and clinical development with the drug conjugate approaches are discussed. On the other hand, the reasons of why the nanoparticle approaches are not as far in development are analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaido Kurrikoff
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Birgit Vunk
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülo Langel
- University of Tartu, Institute of Technology, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nedal A, Ræder SB, Dalhus B, Helgesen E, Forstrøm RJ, Lindland K, Sumabe BK, Martinsen JH, Kragelund BB, Skarstad K, Bjørås M, Otterlei M. Peptides containing the PCNA interacting motif APIM bind to the β-clamp and inhibit bacterial growth and mutagenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5540-5554. [PMID: 32347931 PMCID: PMC7261172 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the fight against antimicrobial resistance, the bacterial DNA sliding clamp, β-clamp, is a promising drug target for inhibition of DNA replication and translesion synthesis. The β-clamp and its eukaryotic homolog, PCNA, share a C-terminal hydrophobic pocket where all the DNA polymerases bind. Here we report that cell penetrating peptides containing the PCNA-interacting motif APIM (APIM-peptides) inhibit bacterial growth at low concentrations in vitro, and in vivo in a bacterial skin infection model in mice. Surface plasmon resonance analysis and computer modeling suggest that APIM bind to the hydrophobic pocket on the β-clamp, and accordingly, we find that APIM-peptides inhibit bacterial DNA replication. Interestingly, at sub-lethal concentrations, APIM-peptides have anti-mutagenic activities, and this activity is increased after SOS induction. Our results show that although the sequence homology between the β-clamp and PCNA are modest, the presence of similar polymerase binding pockets in the DNA clamps allows for binding of the eukaryotic binding motif APIM to the bacterial β-clamp. Importantly, because APIM-peptides display both anti-mutagenic and growth inhibitory properties, they may have clinical potential both in combination with other antibiotics and as single agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aina Nedal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Synnøve B Ræder
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn Dalhus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emily Helgesen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rune J Forstrøm
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kim Lindland
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Balagra K Sumabe
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jacob H Martinsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Skarstad
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnar Bjørås
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|