1
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Picco G, Rao Y, Al Saedi A, Lee Y, Vieira SF, Bhosle S, May K, Herranz-Ors C, Walker SJ, Shenje R, Dincer C, Gibson F, Banerjee R, Hewitson Z, Werner T, Cottom JE, Peng Y, Deng N, Zhang Y, Nartey EN, Nickels L, Landis P, Conticelli D, McCarten K, Bush J, Sharma M, Lightfoot H, House D, Milford E, Grant EK, Glogowski MP, Wagner CD, Bantscheff M, Rutkowska-Klute A, Zappacosta F, Pettinger J, Barthorpe S, Eberl HC, Jones BT, Schneck JL, Murphy DJ, Voest EE, Taygerly JP, DeMartino MP, Coelho MA, Houseley J, Sharma G, Schwartz B, Garnett MJ. Novel WRN Helicase Inhibitors Selectively Target Microsatellite-Unstable Cancer Cells. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1457-1475. [PMID: 38587317 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0052] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Microsatellite-unstable (MSI) cancers require WRN helicase to resolve replication stress due to expanded DNA (TA)n dinucleotide repeats. WRN is a promising synthetic lethal target for MSI tumors, and WRN inhibitors are in development. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 base editing to map WRN residues critical for MSI cells, validating the helicase domain as the primary drug target. Fragment-based screening led to the development of potent and highly selective WRN helicase covalent inhibitors. These compounds selectively suppressed MSI model growth in vitro and in vivo by mimicking WRN loss, inducing DNA double-strand breaks at expanded TA repeats and DNA damage. Assessment of biomarkers in preclinical models linked TA-repeat expansions and mismatch repair alterations to compound activity. Efficacy was confirmed in immunotherapy-resistant organoids and patient-derived xenograft models. The discovery of potent, selective covalent WRN inhibitors provides proof of concept for synthetic lethal targeting of WRN in MSI cancer and tools to dissect WRN biology. Significance: We report the discovery and characterization of potent, selective WRN helicase inhibitors for MSI cancer treatment, with biomarker analysis and evaluation of efficacy in vivo and in immunotherapy-refractory preclinical models. These findings pave the way to translate WRN inhibition into MSI cancer therapies and provide tools to investigate WRN biology. See related commentary by Wainberg, p. 1369.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yang Lee
- GSK, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Kieron May
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emile E Voest
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Herr LM, Schaffer ED, Fuchs KF, Datta A, Brosh RM. Replication stress as a driver of cellular senescence and aging. Commun Biol 2024; 7:616. [PMID: 38777831 PMCID: PMC11111458 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06263-w] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Replication stress refers to slowing or stalling of replication fork progression during DNA synthesis that disrupts faithful copying of the genome. While long considered a nexus for DNA damage, the role of replication stress in aging is under-appreciated. The consequential role of replication stress in promotion of organismal aging phenotypes is evidenced by an extensive list of hereditary accelerated aging disorders marked by molecular defects in factors that promote replication fork progression and operate uniquely in the replication stress response. Additionally, recent studies have revealed cellular pathways and phenotypes elicited by replication stress that align with designated hallmarks of aging. Here we review recent advances demonstrating the role of replication stress as an ultimate driver of cellular senescence and aging. We discuss clinical implications of the intriguing links between cellular senescence and aging including application of senotherapeutic approaches in the context of replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Herr
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ethan D Schaffer
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen F Fuchs
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Heuser A, Abdul Rahman W, Bechter E, Blank J, Buhr S, Erdmann D, Fontana P, Mermet-Meillon F, Meyerhofer M, Strang R, Schrapp M, Zimmermann C, Cortes-Cros M, Möbitz H, Hamon J. Challenges for the Discovery of Non-Covalent WRN Helicase Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300613. [PMID: 38334957 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The Werner Syndrome RecQ helicase (WRN) is a synthetic lethal target of interest for the treatment of cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). Different hit finding approaches were initially tested. The identification of WRN inhibitors proved challenging due to a high propensity for artefacts via protein interference, i. e., hits inhibiting WRN enzymatic activities through multiple, unspecific mechanisms. Previously published WRN Helicase inhibitors (ML216, NSC19630 or NSC617145) were characterized in an extensive set of biochemical and biophysical assays and could be ruled out as specific WRN helicase probes. More innovative screening strategies need to be developed for successful drug discovery of non-covalent WRN helicase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Heuser
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Elisabeth Bechter
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jutta Blank
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Buhr
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Erdmann
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Fontana
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Marco Meyerhofer
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ross Strang
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maxime Schrapp
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Marta Cortes-Cros
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henrik Möbitz
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Hamon
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
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4
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Maeda Y, Koshizaka M, Shoji M, Kaneko H, Kato H, Maezawa Y, Kawashima J, Yoshinaga K, Ishikawa M, Sekiguchi A, Motegi SI, Nakagami H, Yamada Y, Tsukamoto S, Taniguchi A, Sugimoto K, Takami Y, Shoda Y, Hashimoto K, Yoshimura T, Kogure A, Suzuki D, Okubo N, Yoshida T, Watanabe K, Kuzuya M, Takemoto M, Oshima J, Yokote K. Renal dysfunction, malignant neoplasms, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, and sarcopenia as key outcomes observed in a three-year follow-up study using the Werner Syndrome Registry. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3273-3294. [PMID: 37130431 PMCID: PMC10449280 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204681] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Werner syndrome is an adult-onset progeria syndrome that results in various complications. This study aimed to clarify the profile and secular variation of the disease. Fifty-one patients were enrolled and registered in the Werner Syndrome Registry. Their data were collected annually following registration. A cross-sectional analysis at registration and a longitudinal analysis between the baseline and each subsequent year was performed. Pearson's chi-squared and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used. Malignant neoplasms were observed from the fifth decade of life (mean onset: 49.7 years) and were observed in approximately 30% of patients during the 3-year survey period. Regarding renal function, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated from serum creatinine (eGFRcre) and eGFRcys, which were calculated from cystatin C in the first year, were 98.3 and 83.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, and differed depending on the index used. In longitudinal analysis, the average eGFRcre for the first and fourth years was 74.8 and 63.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, showing a rapid decline. Secular changes in Werner syndrome in multiple patients were identified. The prevalence of malignant neoplasms is high, and renal function may decline rapidly. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out active and detailed examinations and pay attention to the type and dose of the drugs used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Maeda
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaya Koshizaka
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mayumi Shoji
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiyori Kaneko
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hisaya Kato
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Maezawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junji Kawashima
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kayo Yoshinaga
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mai Ishikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akiko Sekiguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sei-Ichiro Motegi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Atami Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukamoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Akira Taniguchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ken Sugimoto
- General Geriatric Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoichi Takami
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yukiko Shoda
- Department of Dermatology, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hashimoto
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Yoshimura
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Saga-Ken Medical Centre Koseikan, Saga, Japan
| | - Asako Kogure
- Department of Dermatology, Showa General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Suzuki
- Department of Dermatology, Showa General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Okubo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, North Medical Center, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Watanabe
- Department of Community Healthcare and Geriatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Minoru Takemoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Junko Oshima
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Koutaro Yokote
- Department of Endocrinology, Hematology, and Gerontology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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5
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Research on Werner Syndrome: Trends from Past to Present and Future Prospects. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101802. [PMID: 36292687 PMCID: PMC9601476 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A rare and autosomal recessive premature aging disorder, Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the early onset of aging-associated diseases, including shortening stature, alopecia, bilateral cataracts, skin ulcers, diabetes, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chromosomal instability, as well as cancer predisposition. WRN, the gene responsible for WS, encodes DNA helicase with a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and numerous studies have revealed that WRN helicase is involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability through actions in DNA, e.g., DNA replication, repair, recombination, and epigenetic regulation via interaction with DNA repair factors, telomere-binding proteins, histone modification enzymes, and other DNA metabolic factors. However, although these efforts have elucidated the cellular functions of the helicase in cell lines, they have not been linked to the treatment of the disease. Life expectancy has improved for WS patients over the past three decades, and it is hoped that a fundamental treatment for the disease will be developed. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been established, and these are expected to be used in drug discovery and regenerative medicine for WS patients. In this article, we review trends in research to date and present some perspectives on WS research with regard to the application of pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the elucidation of disease mechanisms and drug discovery utilizing the vast amount of scientific data accumulated to date will be discussed.
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6
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Datta A, Brosh RM. WRN rescues replication forks compromised by a BRCA2 deficiency: Predictions for how inhibition of a helicase that suppresses premature aging tilts the balance to fork demise and chromosomal instability in cancer. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200057. [PMID: 35751457 PMCID: PMC9527950 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are frequently attributed to germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1/2 act to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) and suppress the demise of unstable replication forks. Our work elucidated a dynamic interplay between BRCA2 and the WRN DNA helicase/exonuclease defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome. WRN and BRCA2 participate in complementary pathways to stabilize replication forks in cancer cells, allowing them to proliferate. Whether the functional overlap of WRN and BRCA2 is relevant to replication at gaps between newly synthesized DNA fragments, protection of telomeres, and/or metabolism of secondary DNA structures remain to be determined. Advances in understanding the mechanisms elicited during replication stress have prompted the community to reconsider avenues for cancer therapy. Insights from studies of PARP or topoisomerase inhibitors provide working models for the investigation of WRN's mechanism of action. We discuss these topics, focusing on the implications of the WRN-BRCA2 genetic interaction under conditions of replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Helicases and Genomic Integrity Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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7
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Brosh RM, Wu Y. An emerging picture of FANCJ's role in G4 resolution to facilitate DNA replication. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab034. [PMID: 34873585 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A well-accepted hallmark of cancer is genomic instability, which drives tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular defects that destabilize chromosomal integrity is paramount to cancer diagnosis, treatment and cure. DNA repair and the replication stress response are overarching paradigms for maintenance of genomic stability, but the devil is in the details. ATP-dependent helicases serve to unwind DNA so it is replicated, transcribed, recombined and repaired efficiently through coordination with other nucleic acid binding and metabolizing proteins. Alternatively folded DNA structures deviating from the conventional anti-parallel double helix pose serious challenges to normal genomic transactions. Accumulating evidence suggests that G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is problematic for replication. Although there are multiple human DNA helicases that can resolve G4 in vitro, it is debated which helicases are truly important to resolve such structures in vivo. Recent advances have begun to elucidate the principal helicase actors, particularly in cellular DNA replication. FANCJ, a DNA helicase implicated in cancer and the chromosomal instability disorder Fanconi Anemia, takes center stage in G4 resolution to allow smooth DNA replication. We will discuss FANCJ's role with its protein partner RPA to remove G4 obstacles during DNA synthesis, highlighting very recent advances and implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brosh
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yuliang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada
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8
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Newman JA, Gavard AE, Lieb S, Ravichandran MC, Hauer K, Werni P, Geist L, Böttcher J, Engen JR, Rumpel K, Samwer M, Petronczki M, Gileadi O. Structure of the helicase core of Werner helicase, a key target in microsatellite instability cancers. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e202000795. [PMID: 33199508 PMCID: PMC7671478 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of WRN, a DNA repair helicase, was identified as a strong vulnerability of microsatellite instable (MSI) cancers, making WRN a promising drug target. We show that ATP binding and hydrolysis are required for genome integrity and viability of MSI cancer cells. We report a 2.2-Å crystal structure of the WRN helicase core (517-1,093), comprising the two helicase subdomains and winged helix domain but not the HRDC domain or nuclease domains. The structure highlights unusual features. First, an atypical mode of nucleotide binding that results in unusual relative positioning of the two helicase subdomains. Second, an additional β-hairpin in the second helicase subdomain and an unusual helical hairpin in the Zn2+ binding domain. Modelling of the WRN helicase in complex with DNA suggests roles for these features in the binding of alternative DNA structures. NMR analysis shows a weak interaction between the HRDC domain and the helicase core, indicating a possible biological role for this association. Together, this study will facilitate the structure-based development of inhibitors against WRN helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Newman
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Simone Lieb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Katja Hauer
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Werni
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jark Böttcher
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Klaus Rumpel
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Opher Gileadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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9
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Dhar S, Datta A, Brosh RM. DNA helicases and their roles in cancer. DNA Repair (Amst) 2020; 96:102994. [PMID: 33137625 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2020.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA helicases, known for their fundamentally important roles in genomic stability, are high profile players in cancer. Not only are there monogenic helicase disorders with a strong disposition to cancer, it is well appreciated that helicase variants are associated with specific cancers (e.g., breast cancer). Flipping the coin, DNA helicases are frequently overexpressed in cancerous tissues and reduction in helicase gene expression results in reduced proliferation and growth capacity, as well as DNA damage induction and apoptosis of cancer cells. The seminal roles of helicases in the DNA damage and replication stress responses, as well as DNA repair pathways, validate their vital importance in cancer biology and suggest their potential values as targets in anti-cancer therapy. In recent years, many laboratories have characterized the specialized roles of helicase to resolve transcription-replication conflicts, maintain telomeres, mediate cell cycle checkpoints, remodel stalled replication forks, and regulate transcription. In vivo models, particularly mice, have been used to interrogate helicase function and serve as a bridge for preclinical studies that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge of DNA helicases and their roles in cancer, emphasizing the latest developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Dhar
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Arindam Datta
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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10
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Datta A, Dhar S, Awate S, Brosh RM. Synthetic Lethal Interactions of RECQ Helicases. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:146-161. [PMID: 33041245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA helicases have risen to the forefront as genome caretakers. Their prominent roles in chromosomal stability are demonstrated by the linkage of mutations in helicase genes to hereditary disorders with defects in DNA repair, the replication stress response, and/or transcriptional activation. Conversely, accumulating evidence suggests that DNA helicases in cancer cells have a network of pathway interactions such that codeficiency of some helicases and their genetically interacting proteins results in synthetic lethality (SL). Such genetic interactions may potentially be exploited for cancer therapies. We discuss the roles of RECQ DNA helicases in cancer, emphasizing some of the more recent developments in SL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Srijita Dhar
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Sanket Awate
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Section on DNA Helicases, Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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11
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Gabellier L, Bret C, Bossis G, Cartron G, Moreaux J. DNA Repair Expression Profiling to Identify High-Risk Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Define New Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102874. [PMID: 33036275 PMCID: PMC7599826 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemias (CN-AML) represent about 50% of total adult AML. Despite the well-known prognosis role of gene mutations such as NPM1 mutations of FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), clinical outcomes remain heterogeneous in this subset of AML. Given the role of genomic instability in leukemogenesis, expression analysis of DNA repair genes might be relevant to sharpen prognosis evaluation in CN-AML. A publicly available gene expression profile dataset from two independent cohorts of patients with CN-AML were analyzed (GSE12417). We investigated the prognostic value of 175 genes involved in DNA repair. Among these genes, 23 were associated with a prognostic value. The prognostic information provided by these genes was summed in a DNA repair score, allowing to define a group of patients (n = 87; 53.7%) with poor median overall survival (OS) of 233 days (95% CI: 184-260). These results were confirmed in two validation cohorts. In multivariate Cox analysis, the DNA repair score, NPM1, and FLT3-ITD mutational status remained independent prognosis factors in CN-AML. Combining these parameters allowed the identification of three risk groups with different clinical outcomes in both training and validation cohorts. Combined with NPM1 and FLT3 mutational status, our GE-based DNA repair score might be used as a biomarker to predict outcomes for patients with CN-AML. DNA repair score has the potential to identify CN-AML patients whose tumor cells are dependent on specific DNA repair pathways to design new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Gabellier
- Département d’Hématologie Clinique, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (G.C.)
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Caroline Bret
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Biological Hematology, 34395 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- Département d’Hématologie Clinique, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (L.G.); (G.C.)
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), University of Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jérôme Moreaux
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Biological Hematology, 34395 Montpellier, France
- Institute of Human Genetics, IGH, CNRS, University of Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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12
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Lodovichi S, Cervelli T, Pellicioli A, Galli A. Inhibition of DNA Repair in Cancer Therapy: Toward a Multi-Target Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6684. [PMID: 32932697 PMCID: PMC7554826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in DNA repair pathways are one of the main drivers of cancer insurgence. Nevertheless, cancer cells are more susceptible to DNA damage than normal cells and they rely on specific functional repair pathways to survive. Thanks to advances in genome sequencing, we now have a better idea of which genes are mutated in specific cancers and this prompted the development of inhibitors targeting DNA repair players involved in pathways essential for cancer cells survival. Currently, the pivotal concept is that combining the inhibition of mechanisms on which cancer cells viability depends is the most promising way to treat tumorigenesis. Numerous inhibitors have been developed and for many of them, efficacy has been demonstrated either alone or in combination with chemo or radiotherapy. In this review, we will analyze the principal pathways involved in cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair focusing on how their alterations could predispose to cancer, then we will explore the inhibitors developed or in development specifically targeting different proteins involved in each pathway, underscoring the rationale behind their usage and how their combination and/or exploitation as adjuvants to classic therapies could help in patients clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Lodovichi
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Cervelli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Achille Pellicioli
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alvaro Galli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
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13
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Zimmer K, Puccini A, Xiu J, Baca Y, Spizzo G, Lenz HJ, Battaglin F, Goldberg RM, Grothey A, Shields AF, Salem ME, Marshall JL, Korn WM, Wolf D, Kocher F, Seeber A. WRN-Mutated Colorectal Cancer Is Characterized by a Distinct Genetic Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1319. [PMID: 32455893 PMCID: PMC7281075 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome gene (WRN) contributes to DNA repair. In cancer, WRN mutations (WRN-mut) lead to genomic instability. Thus, WRN is a promising target in cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). We assessed this study to investigate the molecular profile of WRN-mut in colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was calculated based on somatic nonsynonymous missense mutations. Determination of tumor mismatch repair (MMR) or microsatellite instability (MSI) status was conducted by fragment analysis. WRN-mut were detected in 80 of 6854 samples (1.2%). WRN-mut were more prevalent in right-sided compared to left-sided CRC (2.5% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.0001). TMB, PD-L1 and MSI-H/dMMR were significantly higher in WRN-mut than in WRN wild-type (WRN-wt). WRN-mut were associated with a higher TMB in the MSI-H/dMMR and in the MSS (microsatellite stable) subgroups. Several genetic differences between WRN-mut and WRN-wt CRC were observed, i.e., TP53 (47% vs. 71%), KRAS (34% vs. 49%) and APC (56% vs. 73%). This is the largest molecular profiling study investigating the genetic landscape of WRN-mut CRCs so far. A high prevalence of MSI-H/dMMR, higher TMB and PD-L1 in WRN-mut tumors were observed. Our data might serve as an additional selection tool for trials testing immune checkpoint antibodies in WRN-mut CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zimmer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.Z.); (G.S.); (D.W.); (F.K.)
| | - Alberto Puccini
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (A.P.); (H.-J.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Joanne Xiu
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA; (J.X.); (Y.B.); (W.M.K.)
| | - Yasmine Baca
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA; (J.X.); (Y.B.); (W.M.K.)
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.Z.); (G.S.); (D.W.); (F.K.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncologic Day Hospital, Bressanone Hospital (SABES-ASDAA), 39042 Bressanone-Brixen, Italy
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (A.P.); (H.-J.L.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesca Battaglin
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (A.P.); (H.-J.L.); (F.B.)
| | | | | | - Anthony F. Shields
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | | | - John L. Marshall
- Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - W. Michael Korn
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA; (J.X.); (Y.B.); (W.M.K.)
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.Z.); (G.S.); (D.W.); (F.K.)
| | - Florian Kocher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.Z.); (G.S.); (D.W.); (F.K.)
| | - Andreas Seeber
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.Z.); (G.S.); (D.W.); (F.K.)
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14
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Jain CK, Mukhopadhyay S, Ganguly A. RecQ Family Helicases in Replication Fork Remodeling and Repair: Opening New Avenues towards the Identification of Potential Targets for Cancer Chemotherapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 20:1311-1326. [PMID: 32418530 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200518082433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Replication fork reversal and restart has gained immense interest as a central response mechanism to replication stress following DNA damage. Although the exact mechanism of fork reversal has not been elucidated precisely, the involvement of diverse pathways and different factors has been demonstrated, which are central to this phenomenon. RecQ helicases known for their vital role in DNA repair and maintaining genome stability has recently been implicated in the restart of regressed replication forks. Through interaction with vital proteins like Poly (ADP) ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), these helicases participate in the replication fork reversal and restart phenomenon. Most therapeutic agents used for cancer chemotherapy act by causing DNA damage in replicating cells and subsequent cell death. These DNA damages can be repaired by mechanisms involving fork reversal as the key phenomenon eventually reducing the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. Hence the factors contributing to this repair process can be good selective targets for developing more efficient chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we have discussed in detail the role of various proteins in replication fork reversal and restart with special emphasis on RecQ helicases. Involvement of other proteins like PARP1, recombinase rad51, SWI/SNF complex has also been discussed. Since RecQ helicases play a central role in the DNA damage response following chemotherapeutic treatment, we propose that targeting these helicases can emerge as an alternative to available intervention strategies. We have also summarized the current research status of available RecQ inhibitors and siRNA based therapeutic approaches that targets RecQ helicases. In summary, our review gives an overview of the DNA damage responses involving replication fork reversal and provides new directions for the development of more efficient and sustainable chemotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan K Jain
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Swagata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Agneyo Ganguly
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
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15
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Lu L, Jin W, Wang LL. RECQ DNA Helicases and Osteosarcoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1258:37-54. [PMID: 32767233 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-43085-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RECQ family of DNA helicases is a conserved group of enzymes that plays an important role in maintaining genomic stability. Humans possess five RECQ helicase genes, and mutations in three of them - BLM, WRN, and RECQL4 - are associated with the genetic disorders Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), respectively. These syndromes share overlapping clinical features, and importantly they are all associated with an increased risk of cancer. Patients with RTS have the highest specific risk of developing osteosarcoma compared to all other cancer predisposition syndromes; therefore, RTS serves as a relevant model to study the pathogenesis and molecular genetics of osteosarcoma. The "tumor suppressor" function of the RECQ helicases continues to be an area of active investigation. This chapter will focus primarily on the known cellular functions of RECQL4 and how these may relate to tumorigenesis, as well as ongoing efforts to understand RECQL4's functions in vivo using animal models. Understanding the RECQ pathways will provide insight into avenues for novel cancer therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linchao Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Weidong Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lisa L Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Chan EM, Shibue T, McFarland JM, Gaeta B, Ghandi M, Dumont N, Gonzalez A, McPartlan JS, Li T, Zhang Y, Bin Liu J, Lazaro JB, Gu P, Piett CG, Apffel A, Ali SO, Deasy R, Keskula P, Ng RWS, Roberts EA, Reznichenko E, Leung L, Alimova M, Schenone M, Islam M, Maruvka YE, Liu Y, Roper J, Raghavan S, Giannakis M, Tseng YY, Nagel ZD, D'Andrea A, Root DE, Boehm JS, Getz G, Chang S, Golub TR, Tsherniak A, Vazquez F, Bass AJ. WRN helicase is a synthetic lethal target in microsatellite unstable cancers. Nature 2019; 568:551-556. [PMID: 30971823 PMCID: PMC6580861 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic lethality-an interaction between two genetic events through which the co-occurrence of these two genetic events leads to cell death, but each event alone does not-can be exploited for cancer therapeutics1. DNA repair processes represent attractive synthetic lethal targets, because many cancers exhibit an impairment of a DNA repair pathway, which can lead to dependence on specific repair proteins2. The success of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitors in cancers with deficiencies in homologous recombination highlights the potential of this approach3. Hypothesizing that other DNA repair defects would give rise to synthetic lethal relationships, we queried dependencies in cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI), which results from deficient DNA mismatch repair. Here we analysed data from large-scale silencing screens using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout and RNA interference, and found that the RecQ DNA helicase WRN was selectively essential in MSI models in vitro and in vivo, yet dispensable in models of cancers that are microsatellite stable. Depletion of WRN induced double-stranded DNA breaks and promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest selectively in MSI models. MSI cancer models required the helicase activity of WRN, but not its exonuclease activity. These findings show that WRN is a synthetic lethal vulnerability and promising drug target for MSI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond M Chan
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Dumont
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Tianxia Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanxi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jie Bin Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Bernard Lazaro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peili Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cortt G Piett
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annie Apffel
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Syed O Ali
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Deasy
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paula Keskula
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Raymond W S Ng
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emma A Roberts
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizaveta Reznichenko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Leung
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maria Alimova
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Mirazul Islam
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yosef E Maruvka
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jatin Roper
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marios Giannakis
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuen-Yi Tseng
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zachary D Nagel
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan D'Andrea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David E Root
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesse S Boehm
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandy Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Todd R Golub
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - Francisca Vazquez
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Adam J Bass
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Kategaya L, Perumal SK, Hager JH, Belmont LD. Werner Syndrome Helicase Is Required for the Survival of Cancer Cells with Microsatellite Instability. iScience 2019; 13:488-497. [PMID: 30898619 PMCID: PMC6441948 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome protein (WRN) is a RecQ enzyme involved in the maintenance of genome integrity. Germline loss-of-function mutations in WRN led to premature aging and predisposition to cancer. We evaluated synthetic lethal (SL) interactions between WRN and another human RecQ helicase, BLM, with DNA damage response genes in cancer cell lines. We found that WRN was SL with a DNA mismatch repair protein MutL homolog 1, loss of which is associated with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). MSI-H cells exhibited increased double-stranded DNA breaks, altered cell cycles, and decreased viability in response to WRN knockdown, in contrast to microsatellite stable (MSS) lines, which tolerated depletion of WRN. Although WRN is the only human RecQ enzyme with a distinct exonuclease domain, only loss of helicase activity drives the MSI SL interaction. This SL interaction in MSI cancer cells positions WRN as a relevant therapeutic target in patients with MSI-H tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorn Kategaya
- Biology Department, IDEAYA Biosciences, 7000 Sierra Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Senthil K Perumal
- Biology Department, IDEAYA Biosciences, 7000 Sierra Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Hager
- Biology Department, IDEAYA Biosciences, 3033 Science Park Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Lisa D Belmont
- Biology Department, IDEAYA Biosciences, 7000 Sierra Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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18
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Datta A, Brosh RM. Holding All the Cards-How Fanconi Anemia Proteins Deal with Replication Stress and Preserve Genomic Stability. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020170. [PMID: 30813363 PMCID: PMC6409899 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a hereditary chromosomal instability disorder often displaying congenital abnormalities and characterized by a predisposition to progressive bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer. Over the last 25 years since the discovery of the first linkage of genetic mutations to FA, its molecular genetic landscape has expanded tremendously as it became apparent that FA is a disease characterized by a defect in a specific DNA repair pathway responsible for the correction of covalent cross-links between the two complementary strands of the DNA double helix. This pathway has become increasingly complex, with the discovery of now over 20 FA-linked genes implicated in interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair. Moreover, gene products known to be involved in double-strand break (DSB) repair, mismatch repair (MMR), and nucleotide excision repair (NER) play roles in the ICL response and repair of associated DNA damage. While ICL repair is predominantly coupled with DNA replication, it also can occur in non-replicating cells. DNA damage accumulation and hematopoietic stem cell failure are thought to contribute to the increased inflammation and oxidative stress prevalent in FA. Adding to its confounding nature, certain FA gene products are also engaged in the response to replication stress, caused endogenously or by agents other than ICL-inducing drugs. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic aspects of the FA pathway and the molecular defects leading to elevated replication stress believed to underlie the cellular phenotypes and clinical features of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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19
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Sommers JA, Kulikowicz T, Croteau DL, Dexheimer T, Dorjsuren D, Jadhav A, Maloney DJ, Simeonov A, Bohr VA, Brosh RM. A high-throughput screen to identify novel small molecule inhibitors of the Werner Syndrome Helicase-Nuclease (WRN). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210525. [PMID: 30625228 PMCID: PMC6326523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS), an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, displays accelerated clinical symptoms of aging leading to a mean lifespan less than 50 years. The WS helicase-nuclease (WRN) is involved in many important pathways including DNA replication, recombination and repair. Replicating cells are dependent on helicase activity, leading to the pursuit of human helicases as potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Small molecule inhibitors of DNA helicases can be used to induce synthetic lethality, which attempts to target helicase-dependent compensatory DNA repair pathways in tumor cells that are already genetically deficient in a specific pathway of DNA repair. Alternatively, helicase inhibitors may be useful as tools to study the specialized roles of helicases in replication and DNA repair. In this study, approximately 350,000 small molecules were screened based on their ability to inhibit duplex DNA unwinding by a catalytically active WRN helicase domain fragment in a high-throughput fluorometric assay to discover new non-covalent small molecule inhibitors of the WRN helicase. Select compounds were screened to exclude ones that inhibited DNA unwinding by other helicases in the screen, bound non-specifically to DNA, acted as irreversible inhibitors, or possessed unfavorable chemical properties. Several compounds were tested for their ability to impair proliferation of cultured tumor cells. We observed that two of the newly identified WRN helicase inhibitors inhibited proliferation of cancer cells in a lineage-dependent manner. These studies represent the first high-throughput screen for WRN helicase inhibitors and the results have implications for anti-cancer strategies targeting WRN in different cancer cells and genetic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Sommers
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tomasz Kulikowicz
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deborah L. Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas Dexheimer
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dorjbal Dorjsuren
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ajit Jadhav
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David J. Maloney
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vilhelm A. Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Awate S, Dhar S, Sommers JA, Brosh RM. Cellular Assays to Study the Functional Importance of Human DNA Repair Helicases. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1999:185-207. [PMID: 31127577 PMCID: PMC9123881 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9500-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA helicases represent a specialized class of enzymes that play crucial roles in the DNA damage response. Using the energy of nucleoside triphosphate binding and hydrolysis, helicases behave as molecular motors capable of efficiently disrupting the many noncovalent hydrogen bonds that stabilize DNA molecules with secondary structure. In addition to their importance in DNA damage sensing and signaling, DNA helicases facilitate specific steps in DNA repair mechanisms that require polynucleotide tract unwinding or resolution. Because they play fundamental roles in the DNA damage response and DNA repair, defects in helicases disrupt cellular homeostasis. Thus, helicase deficiency or inhibition may result in reduced cell proliferation and survival, apoptosis, DNA damage induction, defective localization of repair proteins to sites of genomic DNA damage, chromosomal instability, and defective DNA repair pathways such as homologous recombination of double-strand breaks. In this chapter, we will describe step-by-step protocols to assay the functional importance of human DNA repair helicases in genome stability and cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket Awate
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Srijita Dhar
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua A Sommers
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, NIH, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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21
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Bhattacharjee S, Nandi S. Rare Genetic Diseases with Defects in DNA Repair: Opportunities and Challenges in Orphan Drug Development for Targeted Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E298. [PMID: 30200453 PMCID: PMC6162646 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of mechanistic insights into genes and enzymes implicated in rare diseases provide a unique opportunity for orphan drug development. Advances made in identification of synthetic lethal relationships between rare disorder genes with oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have brought in new anticancer therapeutic opportunities. Additionally, the rapid development of small molecule inhibitors against enzymes that participate in DNA damage response and repair has been a successful strategy for targeted cancer therapeutics. Here, we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how many rare disease genes participate in promoting genome stability. We also summarize the latest developments in exploiting rare diseases to uncover new biological mechanisms and identify new synthetic lethal interactions for anticancer drug discovery that are in various stages of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saikat Nandi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA.
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22
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Datta A, Brosh RM. New Insights Into DNA Helicases as Druggable Targets for Cancer Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:59. [PMID: 29998112 PMCID: PMC6028597 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules that deter the functions of DNA damage response machinery are postulated to be useful for enhancing the DNA damaging effects of chemotherapy or ionizing radiation treatments to combat cancer by impairing the proliferative capacity of rapidly dividing cells that accumulate replicative lesions. Chemically induced or genetic synthetic lethality is a promising area in personalized medicine, but it remains to be optimized. A new target in cancer therapy is DNA unwinding enzymes known as helicases. Helicases play critical roles in all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. We and others have investigated small molecule targeted inhibition of helicase function by compound screens using biochemical and cell-based approaches. Small molecule-induced trapping of DNA helicases may represent a generalized mechanism exemplified by certain topoisomerase and PARP inhibitors that exert poisonous consequences, especially in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Taking the lead from the broader field of DNA repair inhibitors and new information gleaned from structural and biochemical studies of DNA helicases, we predict that an emerging strategy to identify useful helicase-interacting compounds will be structure-based molecular docking interfaced with a computational approach. Potency, specificity, drug resistance, and bioavailability of helicase inhibitor drugs and targeting such compounds to subcellular compartments where the respective helicases operate must be addressed. Beyond cancer therapy, continued and new developments in this area may lead to the discovery of helicase-interacting compounds that chemically rescue clinically relevant helicase missense mutant proteins or activate the catalytic function of wild-type DNA helicases, which may have novel therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Datta
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
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23
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Prakash A, Garcia-Moreno JF, Brown JAL, Bourke E. Clinically Applicable Inhibitors Impacting Genome Stability. Molecules 2018; 23:E1166. [PMID: 29757235 PMCID: PMC6100577 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in technology have facilitated the molecular profiling (genomic and transcriptomic) of tumours, and has led to improved stratification of patients and the individualisation of treatment regimes. To fully realize the potential of truly personalised treatment options, we need targeted therapies that precisely disrupt the compensatory pathways identified by profiling which allow tumours to survive or gain resistance to treatments. Here, we discuss recent advances in novel therapies that impact the genome (chromosomes and chromatin), pathways targeted and the stage of the pathways targeted. The current state of research will be discussed, with a focus on compounds that have advanced into trials (clinical and pre-clinical). We will discuss inhibitors of specific DNA damage responses and other genome stability pathways, including those in development, which are likely to synergistically combine with current therapeutic options. Tumour profiling data, combined with the knowledge of new treatments that affect the regulation of essential tumour signalling pathways, is revealing fundamental insights into cancer progression and resistance mechanisms. This is the forefront of the next evolution of advanced oncology medicine that will ultimately lead to improved survival and may, one day, result in many cancers becoming chronic conditions, rather than fatal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Prakash
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland.
| | - Juan F Garcia-Moreno
- Discipline of Surgery, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland.
| | - James A L Brown
- Discipline of Surgery, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland.
| | - Emer Bourke
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland.
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24
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Gupta I, Ouhtit A, Al-Ajmi A, Rizvi SGA, Al-Riyami H, Al-Riyami M, Tamimi Y. BRIP1 overexpression is correlated with clinical features and survival outcome of luminal breast cancer subtypes. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:65-77. [PMID: 29138235 PMCID: PMC5744628 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In Oman, breast cancer is most common, representing approximately more than 25% of all cancers in women. Relatively younger populations of patients (25-40 years) present surprisingly with an aggressive phenotype and advanced tumor stages. In this study, we investigated differential gene expressions in Luminal A, Luminal B, triple-negative and Her2+ breast cancer subtypes and compared data to benign tumor samples. We identified a potential candidate gene BRIP1, showing differential expression in the four breast cancer subtypes examined, suggesting that BRIP1 has the profile of a useful diagnostic marker, suitable for targeted therapeutic intervention. RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis showed higher BRIP1 expression in luminal samples as compared to triple-negative subtype patient's samples. We further screened BRIP1 for eventual mutations/SNPs/deletions by sequencing the entire coding region. Four previously identified polymorphisms were detected, one within the 5'-UTR region (c.141-64G > A) and three in the BRCA-binding domain (c.2755T > C, c.2647G > A and c.3411T > C). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with overexpression of BRIP1 displayed a poor survival rate (P < 0.05). BRIP1 has a dual function of an oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene in addition to its role as a potential biomarker to predict survival and prognosis. Data obtained in this study suggest that BRIP1 can plausibly have an oncogenic role in sporadic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Gupta
- Department of GeneticsCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Allal Ouhtit
- Department of Biological and Environmental SciencesCollege of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adil Al-Ajmi
- Department of SurgeryCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Syed Gauhar A Rizvi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public HealthCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Hamad Al-Riyami
- Department of GeneticsCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Marwa Al-Riyami
- Department of PathologyCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Yahya Tamimi
- Department of BiochemistryCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkoudh, Sultanate of Oman
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Hengel SR, Spies MA, Spies M. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting DNA Repair and DNA Repair Deficiency in Research and Cancer Therapy. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:1101-1119. [PMID: 28938088 PMCID: PMC5679738 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
To maintain stable genomes and to avoid cancer and aging, cells need to repair a multitude of deleterious DNA lesions, which arise constantly in every cell. Processes that support genome integrity in normal cells, however, allow cancer cells to develop resistance to radiation and DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics. Chemical inhibition of the key DNA repair proteins and pharmacologically induced synthetic lethality have become instrumental in both dissecting the complex DNA repair networks and as promising anticancer agents. The difficulty in capitalizing on synthetically lethal interactions in cancer cells is that many potential targets do not possess well-defined small-molecule binding determinates. In this review, we discuss several successful campaigns to identify and leverage small-molecule inhibitors of the DNA repair proteins, from PARP1, a paradigm case for clinically successful small-molecule inhibitors, to coveted new targets, such as RAD51 recombinase, RAD52 DNA repair protein, MRE11 nuclease, and WRN DNA helicase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Hengel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - M Ashley Spies
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Maria Spies
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Interactive Roles of DNA Helicases and Translocases with the Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein RPA in Nucleic Acid Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061233. [PMID: 28594346 PMCID: PMC5486056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicases and translocases use the energy of nucleoside triphosphate binding and hydrolysis to unwind/resolve structured nucleic acids or move along a single-stranded or double-stranded polynucleotide chain, respectively. These molecular motors facilitate a variety of transactions including replication, DNA repair, recombination, and transcription. A key partner of eukaryotic DNA helicases/translocases is the single-stranded DNA binding protein Replication Protein A (RPA). Biochemical, genetic, and cell biological assays have demonstrated that RPA interacts with these human molecular motors physically and functionally, and their association is enriched in cells undergoing replication stress. The roles of DNA helicases/translocases are orchestrated with RPA in pathways of nucleic acid metabolism. RPA stimulates helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding, enlists translocases to sites of action, and modulates their activities in DNA repair, fork remodeling, checkpoint activation, and telomere maintenance. The dynamic interplay between DNA helicases/translocases and RPA is just beginning to be understood at the molecular and cellular levels, and there is still much to be learned, which may inform potential therapeutic strategies.
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Targeted inhibition of WRN helicase, replication stress and cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2016; 1867:42-48. [PMID: 27902925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
WRN helicase has several roles in genome maintenance, such as replication, base excision repair, recombination, DNA damage response and transcription. These processes are often found upregulated in human cancers, many of which display increased levels of WRN. Therefore, directed inhibition of this RecQ helicase could be beneficial to selective cancer therapy. Inhibition of WRN is feasible by the use of small-molecule inhibitors or application of RNA interference and EGS/RNase P targeting systems. Remarkably, helicase depletion leads to a severe reduction in cell viability due to mitotic catastrophe, which is triggered by replication stress induced by DNA repair failure and fork progression arrest. Moreover, we present new evidence that WRN depletion results in early changes of RNA polymerase III and RNase P activities, thereby implicating chromatin-associated tRNA enzymes in WRN-related stress response. Combined with the recently discovered roles of RecQ helicases in cancer, current data support the targeting prospect of these genome guardians, as a means of developing clinical phases aimed at diminishing adaptive resistance to present targeted therapies.
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28
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Moles R, Bai XT, Chaib-Mezrag H, Nicot C. WRN-targeted therapy using inhibitors NSC 19630 and NSC 617145 induce apoptosis in HTLV-1-transformed adult T-cell leukemia cells. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:121. [PMID: 27829440 PMCID: PMC5103433 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a lymphoproliferative malignancy with a dismal prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Recent evidence shows that HTLV-1-transformed cells present defects in both DNA replication and DNA repair, suggesting that these cells might be particularly sensitive to treatment with a small helicase inhibitor. Because the “Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase” encoded by the WRN gene plays important roles in both cellular proliferation and DNA repair, we hypothesized that inhibition of WRN activity could be used as a new strategy to target ATLL cells. Methods Our analysis demonstrates an apoptotic effect induced by the WRN helicase inhibitor in HTLV-1-transformed cells in vitro and ATL-derived cell lines. Inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis were demonstrated with cell cycle analysis, XTT proliferation assay, clonogenic assay, annexin V staining, and measurement of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Results Targeted inhibition of the WRN helicase induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HTLV-1-transformed leukemia cells. Treatment with NSC 19630 (WRN inhibitor) induces S-phase cell cycle arrest, disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. These events were associated with activation of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in ATL cells. We identified some ATL cells, ATL-55T and LMY1, less sensitive to NSC 19630 but sensitive to another WRN inhibitor, NSC 617145. Conclusions WRN is essential for survival of ATL cells. Our studies suggest that targeting the WRN helicase with small inhibitors is a novel promising strategy to target HTLV-1-transformed ATL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Moles
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Viral Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - X T Bai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Viral Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - H Chaib-Mezrag
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Viral Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - C Nicot
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Viral Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Viral Oncology, KU Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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29
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Xing M, Wang X, Palmai-Pallag T, Shen H, Helleday T, Hickson ID, Ying S. Acute MUS81 depletion leads to replication fork slowing and a constitutive DNA damage response. Oncotarget 2016; 6:37638-46. [PMID: 26415217 PMCID: PMC4741954 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The MUS81 protein belongs to a conserved family of DNA structure-specific nucleases that play important roles in DNA replication and repair. Inactivation of the Mus81 gene in mice has no major deleterious consequences for embryonic development, although cancer susceptibility has been reported. We have investigated the role of MUS81 in human cells by acutely depleting the protein using shRNAs. We found that MUS81 depletion from human fibroblasts leads to accumulation of ssDNA and a constitutive DNA damage response that ultimately activates cellular senescence. Moreover, we show that MUS81 is required for efficient replication fork progression during an unperturbed S-phase, and for recovery of productive replication following replication stalling. These results demonstrate essential roles for the MUS81 nuclease in maintenance of replication fork integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichun Xing
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Huahao Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory For Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Translational Medicine and Chemical Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian D Hickson
- Center for Chromosome Stability and Nordea Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Songmin Ying
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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30
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Shen Y, Lee YH, Panneerselvam J, Zhang J, Loo LWM, Fei P. Mutated Fanconi anemia pathway in non-Fanconi anemia cancers. Oncotarget 2016; 6:20396-403. [PMID: 26015400 PMCID: PMC4653013 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An extremely high cancer incidence and the hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents associated with Fanconi Anemia (FA) have marked it to be a unique genetic model system to study human cancer etiology and treatment, which has emerged an intense area of investigation in cancer research. However, there is limited information about the relationship between the mutated FA pathway and the cancer development or/and treatment in patients without FA. Here we analyzed the mutation rates of the seventeen FA genes in 68 DNA sequence datasets. We found that the FA pathway is frequently mutated across a variety of human cancers, with a rate mostly in the range of 15 to 35 % in human lung, brain, bladder, ovarian, breast cancers, or others. Furthermore, we found a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the mutated FA pathway and the development of human bladder cancer that we only further analyzed. Together, our study demonstrates a previously unknown fact that the mutated FA pathway frequently occurs during the development of non-FA human cancers, holding profound implications directly in advancing our understanding of human tumorigenesis as well as tumor sensitivity/resistance to crosslinking drug-relevant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Shen
- Program of Cancer Biology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yuan-Hao Lee
- Program of Cancer Biology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jayabal Panneerselvam
- Program of Cancer Biology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lenora W M Loo
- Program of Epidemiology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Peiwen Fei
- Program of Cancer Biology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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31
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Getting Ready for the Dance: FANCJ Irons Out DNA Wrinkles. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7070031. [PMID: 27376332 PMCID: PMC4962001 DOI: 10.3390/genes7070031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that alternate DNA structures, which deviate from normal double helical DNA, form in vivo and influence cellular processes such as replication and transcription. However, our understanding of how the cellular machinery deals with unusual DNA structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4), triplexes, or hairpins is only beginning to emerge. New advances in the field implicate a direct role of the Fanconi Anemia Group J (FANCJ) helicase, which is linked to a hereditary chromosomal instability disorder and important for cancer suppression, in replication past unusual DNA obstacles. This work sets the stage for significant progress in dissecting the molecular mechanisms whereby replication perturbation by abnormal DNA structures leads to genomic instability. In this review, we focus on FANCJ and its role to enable efficient DNA replication when the fork encounters vastly abundant naturally occurring DNA obstacles, which may have implications for targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells.
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Biochemical and cell biological assays to identify and characterize DNA helicase inhibitors. Methods 2016; 108:130-41. [PMID: 27064001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing number of DNA helicases implicated in hereditary disorders and cancer indicates that this particular class of enzymes plays key roles in genomic stability and cellular homeostasis. Indeed, a large body of work has provided molecular and cellular evidence that helicases act upon a variety of nucleic acid substrates and interact with numerous proteins to enact their functions in replication, DNA repair, recombination, and transcription. Understanding how helicases operate in unique and overlapping pathways is a great challenge to researchers. In this review, we describe a series of experimental approaches and methodologies to identify and characterize DNA helicase inhibitors which collectively provide an alternative and useful strategy to explore their biological significance in cell-based systems. These procedures were used in the discovery of biologically active compounds that inhibited the DNA unwinding function catalyzed by the human WRN helicase-nuclease defective in the premature aging disorder Werner syndrome. We describe in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches to characterize helicase inhibitors with WRN as the model, anticipating that these approaches may be extrapolated to other DNA helicases, particularly those implicated in DNA repair and/or the replication stress response.
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Viziteu E, Kassambara A, Pasero P, Klein B, Moreaux J. RECQ helicases are deregulated in hematological malignancies in association with a prognostic value. Biomark Res 2016; 4:3. [PMID: 26877874 PMCID: PMC4752763 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-016-0057-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RECQ helicase family members act as guardians of the genome to assure proper DNA metabolism in response to genotoxic stress. Hematological malignancies are characterized by genomic instability that is possibly related to underlying defects in DNA repair of genomic stability maintenance. METHODS We have investigated the expression of RECQ helicases in different hematological malignancies and in their normal counterparts using publicly available gene expression data. Furthermore, we explored whether RECQ helicases expression could be associated with tumor progression and prognosis. RESULTS Expression of at least one RECQ helicase family member was found significantly deregulated in all hematological malignancies investigated when compared to their normal counterparts. In addition, RECQ helicase expression was associated with a prognostic value in acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. CONCLUSION RECQ helicase expression is deregulated in hematological malignancies compared to their normal counterparts in association with a prognostic value. Deregulation of RECQ helicases appears to play a role in tumorigenesis and represent potent therapeutic targets for synthetic lethal approaches in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Viziteu
- />Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-UPR1142, Montpellier, F-34396 France
| | - Alboukadel Kassambara
- />Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, Hôpital Saint-Eloi - CHRU de Montpellier, 80, av. Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5 France
- />Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-UPR1142, Montpellier, F-34396 France
| | - Philippe Pasero
- />Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-UPR1142, Montpellier, F-34396 France
| | - Bernard Klein
- />Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, Hôpital Saint-Eloi - CHRU de Montpellier, 80, av. Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5 France
- />Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-UPR1142, Montpellier, F-34396 France
- />University of Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- />Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, Hôpital Saint-Eloi - CHRU de Montpellier, 80, av. Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, Cedex 5 France
- />Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS-UPR1142, Montpellier, F-34396 France
- />University of Montpellier 1, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
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Hitrik A, Abboud-Jarrous G, Orlovetskie N, Serruya R, Jarrous N. Targeted inhibition of WRN helicase by external guide sequence and RNase P RNA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:572-80. [PMID: 26808708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Human WRN, a RecQ helicase encoded by the Werner syndrome gene, is implicated in genome maintenance, including replication, recombination, excision repair and DNA damage response. These genetic processes and expression of WRN are concomitantly upregulated in many types of cancers. Therefore, targeted destruction of this helicase could be useful for elimination of cancer cells. Here, we provide a proof of concept for applying the external guide sequence (EGS) approach in directing an RNase P RNA to efficiently cleave the WRN mRNA in cultured human cell lines, thus abolishing translation and activity of this distinctive 3'-5' DNA helicase-nuclease. Remarkably, EGS-directed knockdown of WRN leads to severe inhibition of cell viability. Hence, further assessment of this targeting system could be beneficial for selective cancer therapies, particularly in the light of the recent improvements introduced into EGSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hitrik
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Ghada Abboud-Jarrous
- Institute for Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Natalie Orlovetskie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Raphael Serruya
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Nayef Jarrous
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; Institute for Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Zins K, Frech B, Taubenschuss E, Schneeberger C, Abraham D, Schreiber M. Association of the rs1346044 Polymorphism of the Werner Syndrome Gene RECQL2 with Increased Risk and Premature Onset of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:29643-53. [PMID: 26690424 PMCID: PMC4691135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Like other RECQ helicases, WRN/RECQL2 plays a crucial role in DNA replication and the maintenance of genome stability. Inactivating mutations in RECQL2 lead to Werner syndrome, a rare autosomal disease associated with premature aging and an increased susceptibility to multiple cancer types. We analyzed the association of two coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms in WRN, Cys1367Arg (rs1346044), and Arg834Cys (rs3087425), with the risk, age at onset, and clinical subclasses of breast cancer in a hospital-based case-control study of an Austrian population of 272 breast cancer patients and 254 controls. Here we report that the rare homozygous CC genotype of rs1346044 was associated with an approximately two-fold elevated breast cancer risk. Moreover, patients with the CC genotype exhibited a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer under the age of 55 in both recessive and log-additive genetic models. CC patients developed breast cancer at a mean age of 55.2 ± 13.3 years and TT patients at 60.2 ± 14.7 years. Consistently, the risk of breast cancer was increased in pre-menopausal patients in the recessive model. These findings suggest that the CC genotype of WRN rs1346044 may contribute to an increased risk and a premature onset of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zins
- Laboratory for Molecular Cellular Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Frech
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Eva Taubenschuss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christian Schneeberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dietmar Abraham
- Laboratory for Molecular Cellular Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Schreiber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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RecQ helicases and PARP1 team up in maintaining genome integrity. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 23:12-28. [PMID: 25555679 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Genome instability represents a primary hallmark of aging and cancer. RecQL helicases (i.e., RECQL1, WRN, BLM, RECQL4, RECQL5) as well as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs, in particular PARP1) represent two central quality control systems to preserve genome integrity in mammalian cells. Consistently, both enzymatic families have been linked to mechanisms of aging and carcinogenesis in mice and humans. This is in accordance with clinical and epidemiological findings demonstrating that defects in three RecQL helicases, i.e., WRN, BLM, RECQL4, are related to human progeroid and cancer predisposition syndromes, i.e., Werner, Bloom, and Rothmund Thomson syndrome, respectively. Moreover, PARP1 hypomorphy is associated with a higher risk for certain types of cancer. On a molecular level, RecQL helicases and PARP1 are involved in the control of DNA repair, telomere maintenance, and replicative stress. Notably, over the last decade, it became apparent that all five RecQL helicases physically or functionally interact with PARP1 and/or its enzymatic product poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). Furthermore, a profound body of evidence revealed that the cooperative function of RECQLs and PARP1 represents an important factor for maintaining genome integrity. In this review, we summarize the status quo of this molecular cooperation and discuss open questions that provide a basis for future studies to dissect the cooperative functions of RecQL helicases and PARP1 in aging and carcinogenesis.
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Sommers JA, Suhasini AN, Brosh RM. Protein degradation pathways regulate the functions of helicases in the DNA damage response and maintenance of genomic stability. Biomolecules 2015; 5:590-616. [PMID: 25906194 PMCID: PMC4496686 DOI: 10.3390/biom5020590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradation of helicases or helicase-like proteins, often mediated by ubiquitin-proteasomal pathways, plays important regulatory roles in cellular mechanisms that respond to DNA damage or replication stress. The Bloom’s syndrome helicase (BLM) provides an example of how helicase degradation pathways, regulated by post-translational modifications and protein interactions with components of the Fanconi Anemia (FA) interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair pathway, influence cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair, and replication restart. The FANCM DNA translocase can be targeted by checkpoint kinases that exert dramatic effects on FANCM stability and chromosomal integrity. Other work provides evidence that degradation of the F-box DNA helicase (FBH1) helps to balance translesion synthesis (TLS) and homologous recombination (HR) repair at blocked replication forks. Degradation of the helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF), a DNA translocase and ubiquitylating enzyme, influences the choice of post replication repair (PRR) pathway. Stability of the Werner syndrome helicase-nuclease (WRN) involved in the replication stress response is regulated by its acetylation. Turning to transcription, stability of the Cockayne Syndrome Group B DNA translocase (CSB) implicated in transcription-coupled repair (TCR) is regulated by a CSA ubiquitin ligase complex enabling recovery of RNA synthesis. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that helicases can be targeted for degradation to maintain genome homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Sommers
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Avvaru N Suhasini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, NIH Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Pearl LH, Schierz AC, Ward SE, Al-Lazikani B, Pearl FMG. Therapeutic opportunities within the DNA damage response. Nat Rev Cancer 2015; 15:166-80. [PMID: 25709118 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 384] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is essential for maintaining the genomic integrity of the cell, and its disruption is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Classically, defects in the DDR have been exploited therapeutically in the treatment of cancer with radiation therapies or genotoxic chemotherapies. More recently, protein components of the DDR systems have been identified as promising avenues for targeted cancer therapeutics. Here, we present an in-depth analysis of the function, role in cancer and therapeutic potential of 450 expert-curated human DDR genes. We discuss the DDR drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that are under clinical investigation. We examine large-scale genomic and expression data for 15 cancers to identify deregulated components of the DDR, and we apply systematic computational analysis to identify DDR proteins that are amenable to modulation by small molecules, highlighting potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence H Pearl
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - Amanda C Schierz
- 1] Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK. [2] Bluefool Innovations, 4 May Close, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 0UG, UK
| | - Simon E Ward
- Translational Drug Discovery Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK
| | - Bissan Al-Lazikani
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Frances M G Pearl
- 1] Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK. [2] Translational Drug Discovery Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK
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Futami K, Furuichi Y. RECQL1 and WRN DNA repair helicases: potential therapeutic targets and proliferative markers against cancers. Front Genet 2015; 5:441. [PMID: 25620975 PMCID: PMC4288340 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RECQL1 and WRN helicases in the human RecQ helicase family participate in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, replication, and recombination pathways in the cell cycle. They are expressed highly in rapidly proliferating cells and tumor cells, suggesting that they have important roles in the replication of a genome. Although mice deficient in these helicases are indistinguishable from wild-type mice, their embryonic fibroblasts are sensitive to DNA damage. In tumor cells, silencing the expression of RECQL1 or WRN helicase by RNA interference induces mitotic catastrophe that eventually kills tumor cells at the mitosis stage of the cell cycle. By contrast, the same gene silencing by cognate small RNA (siRNA) never kills normal cells, although cell growth is slightly delayed. These findings indicate that RECQL1 and WRN helicases are ideal molecular targets for cancer therapy. The molecular mechanisms underlying these events has been studied extensively, which may help development of anticancer drugs free from adverse effects by targeting DNA repair helicases RECQL1 and WRN. As expected, the anticancer activity of conventional genotoxic drugs is significantly augmented by combined treatment with RECQL1- or WRN-siRNAs that prevents DNA repair in cancer cells. In this review, we focus on studies that clarified the mechanisms that lead to the specific killing of cancer cells and introduce efforts to develop anticancer RecQ-siRNA drugs free from adverse effects.
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Ahmad M, Tarique M, Afrin F, Tuteja N, Tuteja R. Identification of inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum RuvB1 helicase using biochemical assays. PROTOPLASMA 2015; 252:117-125. [PMID: 24934654 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-014-0664-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Human malaria is a major parasitic infection, and the situation has worsened mainly due to the emergence of resistant malaria parasites to several anti-malarial drugs. Thus, an urgent need to find suitable drug targets has led to the development of newer classes of anti-malarial drugs. Helicases have been targeted to develop therapeutics for viral, bacterial, and other microorganism infections. Recently, Plasmodium falciparum RuvB ATPases/helicases have been characterized and proposed as a suitable antimalarial drug target. In the present study, the screening of various compounds was done and the results suggest that PfRuvB1 ATPase activity is inhibited considerably by the novobiocin and partially by cisplatin and ciprofloxacin. Helicase assay of PfRuvB1 in the presence of various compounds suggest novobiocin, actinomycin, and ethidium bromide as potent inhibitors. Novobiocin inhibits the helicase activity of PfRuvB1 possibly by blocking the ATPase activity of PfRuvB1. This study is unique in respect to the identification of novobiocin as inhibitor of PfRuvB1, partially by competing with ATP binding at its active site and provides evidence for PfRuvB1 as target of novobiocin after DNA gyrase-B and HSP90. These studies will certainly help the pharmacologist to design and develop some novel inhibitor specific to PfRuvB1, which may serve as suitable chemotherapeutics to target malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moaz Ahmad
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
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Brosh RM, Cantor SB. Molecular and cellular functions of the FANCJ DNA helicase defective in cancer and in Fanconi anemia. Front Genet 2014; 5:372. [PMID: 25374583 PMCID: PMC4204437 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The FANCJ DNA helicase is mutated in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer as well as the progressive bone marrow failure disorder Fanconi anemia (FA). FANCJ is linked to cancer suppression and DNA double strand break repair through its direct interaction with the hereditary breast cancer associated gene product, BRCA1. FANCJ also operates in the FA pathway of interstrand cross-link repair and contributes to homologous recombination. FANCJ collaborates with a number of DNA metabolizing proteins implicated in DNA damage detection and repair, and plays an important role in cell cycle checkpoint control. In addition to its role in the classical FA pathway, FANCJ is believed to have other functions that are centered on alleviating replication stress. FANCJ resolves G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures that are known to affect cellular replication and transcription, and potentially play a role in the preservation and functionality of chromosomal structures such as telomeres. Recent studies suggest that FANCJ helps to maintain chromatin structure and preserve epigenetic stability by facilitating smooth progression of the replication fork when it encounters DNA damage or an alternate DNA structure such as a G4. Ongoing studies suggest a prominent but still not well-understood role of FANCJ in transcriptional regulation, chromosomal structure and function, and DNA damage repair to maintain genomic stability. This review will synthesize our current understanding of the molecular and cellular functions of FANCJ that are critical for chromosomal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Brosh
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sharon B Cantor
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School - UMASS Memorial Cancer Center Worcester, MA, USA
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Huang F, Mazin AV. Targeting the homologous recombination pathway by small molecule modulators. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:3006-13. [PMID: 24856061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, the use of small molecule (MW <500 Da) compounds that modulate (inhibit or activate) important proteins of different biological pathways became widespread. Recently, the homologous recombination (HR) pathway emerged as a target for such modulators. Development of small molecule modulators pursues two distinct but not mutually exclusive purposes: to create a research tool to study the activities or functions of proteins of interest and to produce drugs targeting specific pathologies. Here, we review the progress of small molecule development in the area of HR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192, United States
| | - Alexander V Mazin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192, United States.
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Plasmodium falciparum UvrD activities are downregulated by DNA-interacting compounds and its dsRNA inhibits malaria parasite growth. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 15:9. [PMID: 24707807 PMCID: PMC4234510 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-15-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Human malaria parasite infection and its control is a global challenge which is responsible for ~0.65 million deaths every year globally. The emergence of drug resistant malaria parasite is another challenge to fight with malaria. Enormous efforts are being made to identify suitable drug targets in order to develop newer classes of drug. Helicases play crucial roles in DNA metabolism and have been proposed as therapeutic targets for cancer therapy as well as viral and parasitic infections. Genome wide analysis revealed that Plasmodium falciparum possesses UvrD helicase, which is absent in the human host. Results Recently the biochemical characterization of P. falciparum UvrD helicase revealed that N-terminal UvrD (PfUDN) hydrolyses ATP, translocates in 3’ to 5’ direction and interacts with MLH to modulate each other’s activity. In this follow up study, further characterization of P. falciparum UvrD helicase is presented. Here, we screened the effect of various DNA interacting compounds on the ATPase and helicase activity of PfUDN. This study resulted into the identification of daunorubicin (daunomycin), netropsin, nogalamycin, and ethidium bromide as the potential inhibitor molecules for the biochemical activities of PfUDN with IC50 values ranging from ~3.0 to ~5.0 μM. Interestingly etoposide did not inhibit the ATPase activity but considerable inhibition of unwinding activity was observed at 20 μM. Further study for analyzing the importance of PfUvrD enzyme in parasite growth revealed that PfUvrD is crucial/important for its growth ex-vivo. Conclusions As PfUvrD is absent in human hence on the basis of this study we propose PfUvrD as suitable drug target to control malaria. Some of the PfUvrD inhibitors identified in the present study can be utilized to further design novel and specific inhibitor molecules.
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Abstract
The RECQ family of DNA helicases is a conserved group of enzymes that are important for maintaining genomic integrity. In humans, there are five RECQ helicase genes, and mutations in three of them-BLM, WRN, and RECQL4-are associated with the genetic disorders Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), respectively. Importantly all three diseases are cancer predisposition syndromes. Patients with RTS are highly and uniquely susceptible to developing osteosarcoma; thus, RTS provides a good model to study the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. The "tumor suppressor" role of RECQL4 and the other RECQ helicases is an area of active investigation. This chapter reviews what is currently known about the cellular functions of RECQL4 and how these may relate to tumorigenesis, as well as ongoing efforts to understand RECQL4's functions in vivo using animal models. Understanding the RECQ pathways may provide insight into avenues for novel cancer therapies in the future.
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