Showing papers by "Yves Pommier published in 2009"

DNA Topoisomerase I Inhibitors: Chemistry, Biology and Interfacial Inhibition

Abstract: DNA topoisomerases I and II (Top1 and Top2) are established molecular targets of anticancer drugs.1–5 Mammalian somatic cells express six topoisomerase genes: two TOP1 (TOP1 and TOP1mt), two TOP2 (TOP2α and β), two topoisomerase III (TOP3α and β)6,7 (Figure 1A). The most recently discovered eukaryotic topoisomerase is mitochondrial Top1 (Top1mt), which we reported in 2001.8,9 Figure 1 Schematic architecture of the topoisomerase cleavage complexes A common feature of topoisomerases is their catalytic mechanism, which in all cases consists in a nucleophilic attack of a DNA phosphodiester bond by a catalytic tyrosyl residue from the topoisomerase. The resulting covalent attachment of the tyrosine to the DNA phosphate is either at the 3′-end of the broken DNA in the case of Top1 enzymes (Top1 and Top1mt) or at the 5′-end of the broken DNA for the other topoisomerases (Figure 1). Thus, Top1 enzymes are the only topoisomerases that form a covalent link with the 3′-end of the broken DNA while generating a 5′-hydroxyl end at the other end of the break. In that respect, the eukaryotic Top1 enzymes belong to the broader family of site-specific tyrosine recombinases of prokaryotes and yeast (e.g., XerCD of Escherichia coli, bacteriophage λ integrase and Cre recombinase, and Flp of Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Another unique feature of the Top1 enzymes is their DNA relaxation mechanism by “controlled rotation” rather than by “strand passage”.10–12 In other words, Top1 enzymes relax DNA by letting the 5′-hydroxyl end swivel around the intact strand. This processive reaction does not require ATP or divalent metal binding, which is different from Top2 enzymes, which require both ATP hydrolysis and Mg2+.5,13 Top3 enzymes, which, like other type IA topoisomerases require Mg2+ (but no ATP) for catalysis14 are not very active in relaxing DNA supercoiling. They can relax DNA when it is very negatively supercoiled (single-stranded) one turn at a time.15 Moreover, both Top2 and Top3 enzymes change DNA topology by a strand passage distributive mechanism rather than by the processive controlled rotation of the Top1 enzymes. In the case of the Top2 enzymes, a full DNA duplex [referred to as the T (transported) strand] goes through the double-strand break made by an enzyme homodimer5,16,17 (Figure 1A). In the case of the Top3 enzymes, a single strand goes through the single-stranded break,14 typically at double-Holliday junction crossovers.18 The remarkable efficiency of the nicking-closing activity of Top1 enables the enzyme to relax both negatively and positively supercoiled DNA (even at 0°C)19 with similar efficiency.12 This is in contrast with Top2α, which relaxes more efficiently positive supercoiling.20 Of note, Top2β, like Top1 relaxes both positive and negative supercoils similarly.20 Removing positive supercoils is required for replication and transcription progression. Otherwise their accumulation in advance of replication and transcription complexes hinders the melting of the DNA duplex (by helicases) and consequently polymerase translocation along the DNA template. The normal nicking-closing activity of Top1 can however be uncoupled when the 5′-hydroxyl end generated by the nicking reaction becomes misaligned; for instance at preexisting base lesions or DNA nicks.21,22 In such cases, the Top1 cleavage complex (Top1cc) remains without effective legitimate religation partner. Those Top1-DNA covalent complexes are commonly referred to as “suicide complexes”. Under such conditions, Top1 can nevertheless religate an illegitimate (“foreign”) 5-hydroxyl-DNA end and act as a recombinase.23 This property is routinely used for molecular cloning (TOPO® Cloning, Invitrogen) using vaccinia Top1.24

Topoisomerase I suppresses genomic instability by preventing interference between replication and transcription

Abstract: Topoisomerase I (Top1) is a key enzyme acting at the interface between DNA replication, transcription and mRNA maturation. Here, we show that Top1 suppresses genomic instability in mammalian cells by preventing conflicts between transcription and DNA replication. Using DNA combing and ChIP-on-chip, we found that Top1-deficient cells accumulate stalled replication forks and chromosome breaks in S phase and that breaks occur preferentially at gene-rich regions of the genome. Strikingly, these phenotypes were suppressed by preventing the formation of RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) during transcription. Moreover, these defects could be mimicked by depletion of the splicing factor ASF/SF2, which interacts functionally with Top1. Taken together, these data indicate that Top1 prevents replication fork collapse by suppressing the formation of R-loops in an ASF/SF2-dependent manner. We propose that interference between replication and transcription represents a major source of spontaneous replication stress, which could drive genomic instability during early stages of tumorigenesis.

CellMiner: a relational database and query tool for the NCI-60 cancer cell lines

Abstract: Advances in the high-throughput omic technologies have made it possible to profile cells in a large number of ways at the DNA, RNA, protein, chromosomal, functional, and pharmacological levels. A persistent problem is that some classes of molecular data are labeled with gene identifiers, others with transcript or protein identifiers, and still others with chromosomal locations. What has lagged behind is the ability to integrate the resulting data to uncover complex relationships and patterns. Those issues are reflected in full form by molecular profile data on the panel of 60 diverse human cancer cell lines (the NCI-60) used since 1990 by the U.S. National Cancer Institute to screen compounds for anticancer activity. To our knowledge, CellMiner is the first online database resource for integration of the diverse molecular types of NCI-60 and related meta data. CellMiner enables scientists to perform advanced querying of molecular information on NCI-60 (and additional types) through a single web interface. CellMiner is a freely available tool that organizes and stores raw and normalized data that represent multiple types of molecular characterizations at the DNA, RNA, protein, and pharmacological levels. Annotations for each project, along with associated metadata on the samples and datasets, are stored in a MySQL database and linked to the molecular profile data. Data can be queried and downloaded along with comprehensive information on experimental and analytic methods for each data set. A Data Intersection tool allows selection of a list of genes (proteins) in common between two or more data sets and outputs the data for those genes (proteins) in the respective sets. In addition to its role as an integrative resource for the NCI-60, the CellMiner package also serves as a shell for incorporation of molecular profile data on other cell or tissue sample types. CellMiner is a relational database tool for storing, querying, integrating, and downloading molecular profile data on the NCI-60 and other cancer cell types. More broadly, it provides a template to use in providing such functionality for other molecular profile data generated by academic institutions, public projects, or the private sector. CellMiner is available online at http://discover.nci.nih.gov/cellminer/ .

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated activation by transcription‐ and topoisomerase I‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks

Abstract: Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), the deficiency of which causes a severe neurodegenerative disease, is a crucial mediator for the DNA damage response (DDR). As neurons have high rates of transcription that require topoisomerase I (TOP1), we investigated whether TOP1 cleavage complexes (TOP1cc)—which are potent transcription-blocking lesions—also produce transcription-dependent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with ATM activation. We show the induction of DSBs and DDR activation in post-mitotic primary neurons and lymphocytes treated with camptothecin, with the induction of nuclear DDR foci containing activated ATM, γ-H2AX (phosphorylated histone H2AX), activated CHK2 (checkpoint kinase 2), MDC1 (mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1) and 53BP1 (p53 binding protein 1). The DSB–ATM–DDR pathway was suppressed by inhibiting transcription and γ-H2AX signals were reduced by RNase H1 transfection, which removes transcription-mediated R-loops. Thus, we propose that Top1cc produce transcription arrests with R-loop formation and generate DSBs that activate ATM in post-mitotic cells.

DNA Topoisomerase I Inhibitors: Chemistry, Biology, and Interfacial Inhibition

Abstract: DNA topoisomerases I and II (Top1 and Top2) are established molecular targets of anticancer drugs.1–5 Mammalian somatic cells express six topoisomerase genes: two TOP1 (TOP1 and TOP1mt), two TOP2 (TOP2α and β), two topoisomerase III (TOP3α and β)6,7 (Figure 1A). The most recently discovered eukaryotic topoisomerase is mitochondrial Top1 (Top1mt), which we reported in 2001.8,9 Figure 1 Schematic architecture of the topoisomerase cleavage complexes A common feature of topoisomerases is their catalytic mechanism, which in all cases consists in a nucleophilic attack of a DNA phosphodiester bond by a catalytic tyrosyl residue from the topoisomerase. The resulting covalent attachment of the tyrosine to the DNA phosphate is either at the 3′-end of the broken DNA in the case of Top1 enzymes (Top1 and Top1mt) or at the 5′-end of the broken DNA for the other topoisomerases (Figure 1). Thus, Top1 enzymes are the only topoisomerases that form a covalent link with the 3′-end of the broken DNA while generating a 5′-hydroxyl end at the other end of the break. In that respect, the eukaryotic Top1 enzymes belong to the broader family of site-specific tyrosine recombinases of prokaryotes and yeast (e.g., XerCD of Escherichia coli, bacteriophage λ integrase and Cre recombinase, and Flp of Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Another unique feature of the Top1 enzymes is their DNA relaxation mechanism by “controlled rotation” rather than by “strand passage”.10–12 In other words, Top1 enzymes relax DNA by letting the 5′-hydroxyl end swivel around the intact strand. This processive reaction does not require ATP or divalent metal binding, which is different from Top2 enzymes, which require both ATP hydrolysis and Mg2+.5,13 Top3 enzymes, which, like other type IA topoisomerases require Mg2+ (but no ATP) for catalysis14 are not very active in relaxing DNA supercoiling. They can relax DNA when it is very negatively supercoiled (single-stranded) one turn at a time.15 Moreover, both Top2 and Top3 enzymes change DNA topology by a strand passage distributive mechanism rather than by the processive controlled rotation of the Top1 enzymes. In the case of the Top2 enzymes, a full DNA duplex [referred to as the T (transported) strand] goes through the double-strand break made by an enzyme homodimer5,16,17 (Figure 1A). In the case of the Top3 enzymes, a single strand goes through the single-stranded break,14 typically at double-Holliday junction crossovers.18 The remarkable efficiency of the nicking-closing activity of Top1 enables the enzyme to relax both negatively and positively supercoiled DNA (even at 0°C)19 with similar efficiency.12 This is in contrast with Top2α, which relaxes more efficiently positive supercoiling.20 Of note, Top2β, like Top1 relaxes both positive and negative supercoils similarly.20 Removing positive supercoils is required for replication and transcription progression. Otherwise their accumulation in advance of replication and transcription complexes hinders the melting of the DNA duplex (by helicases) and consequently polymerase translocation along the DNA template. The normal nicking-closing activity of Top1 can however be uncoupled when the 5′-hydroxyl end generated by the nicking reaction becomes misaligned; for instance at preexisting base lesions or DNA nicks.21,22 In such cases, the Top1 cleavage complex (Top1cc) remains without effective legitimate religation partner. Those Top1-DNA covalent complexes are commonly referred to as “suicide complexes”. Under such conditions, Top1 can nevertheless religate an illegitimate (“foreign”) 5-hydroxyl-DNA end and act as a recombinase.23 This property is routinely used for molecular cloning (TOPO® Cloning, Invitrogen) using vaccinia Top1.24

The indenoisoquinoline noncamptothecin topoisomerase I inhibitors: update and perspectives.

Abstract: Because camptothecins are effective against previously resistant tumors and are the only class of topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors approved for cancer treatment, we developed the indenoisoquinolines. Like camptothecins, the indenoisoquinolines selectively trap Top1-DNA cleavage complexes and have been cocrystallized with the Top1-DNA cleavage complexes. Indenoisoquinolines show antitumor activity in animal models. They have several advantages over the camptothecins: ( a ) They are synthetic and chemically stable. ( b ) The Top1 cleavage sites trapped by the indenoisoquinolines have different genomic locations, implying differential targeting of cancer cell genomes. ( c ) The Top1 cleavage complexes trapped by indenoisoquinolines are more stable, indicative of prolonged drug action. ( d ) They are seldom or not used as substrates for the multidrug resistance efflux pumps (ABCG2 and MDR-1). Among the >400 indenoisoquinolines synthesized and evaluated, three have been retained as leads for clinical development by the National Cancer Institute: NSC 706744, NSC 725776 (Indimitecan), and NSC 724998 (Indotecan). The trapping of Top1 cleavage complexes by indenoisoquinolines in cells results in the rapid and sustained phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ-H2AX). We discuss the use of γ-H2AX as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for the clinical development of the indenoisoquinolines. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(5):1008–14]

DNA fingerprinting of the NCI-60 cell line panel.

Abstract: The National Cancer Institute's NCI-60 cell line panel, the most extensively characterized set of cells in existence and a public resource, is frequently used as a screening tool for drug discovery. Because many laboratories around the world rely on data from the NCI-60 cells, confirmation of their genetic identities represents an essential step in validating results from them. Given the consequences of cell line contamination or misidentification, quality control measures should routinely include DNA fingerprinting. We have, therefore, used standard DNA microsatellite short tandem repeats to profile the NCI-60, and the resulting DNA fingerprints are provided here as a reference. Consistent with previous reports, the fingerprints suggest that several NCI-60 lines have common origins: the melanoma lines MDA-MB-435, MDA-N, and M14; the central nervous system lines U251 and SNB-19; the ovarian lines OVCAR-8 and OVCAR-8/ADR (also called NCI/ADR); and the prostate lines DU-145, DU-145 (ATCC), and RC0.1. Those lines also show that the ability to connect two fingerprints to the same origin is not affected by stable transfection or by the development of multidrug resistance. As expected, DNA fingerprints were not able to distinguish different tissues-of-origin. The fingerprints serve principally as a barcodes.

Topoisomerase I levels in the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel determined by validated ELISA and microarray analysis and correlation with indenoisoquinoline sensitivity

Abstract: Topoisomerase I (Top1) is a proven target for cancer therapeutics, and the level of Top1 in tumors has been employed as a biomarker for chemotherapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report the development and validation of a two-site enzyme chemiluminescent immunoassay for Top1, which we used to measure Top1 levels in the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel. Top1 levels ranged from 0.9 to 9.8 ng/mL/μg protein extract in these cell lines. Levels varied both within and between cancer types but were generally highest in colon cancer and leukemia cell lines and lowest in central nervous system and renal cancer cell lines. Top1 mRNA levels in the NCI-60 cell lines were also measured by microarray; mRNA values generally demonstrated a good correlation with protein levels (Pearson correlation = 0.8). When these expression levels were compared with the activity of the indenoisoquinoline class of Top1 inhibitors across the NCI-60 cell panel, low levels of Top1 were associated with increased resistance to these drugs. The results of our studies indicate that our Top1 assay can be used to quantify Top1 levels in untreated cells as well as cells treated with Top1 inhibitors, and that the assay has the potential to be adapted for use in predicting clinical response to Top1-active antineoplastic agents.

Optimal function of the DNA repair enzyme TDP1 requires its phosphorylation by ATM and/or DNA-PK.

Abstract: Human tyrosyl–DNA phosphodiesterase (TDP1) hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond at a DNA 3′ end linked to a tyrosyl moiety. This type of linkage is found at stalled topoisomerase I (Top1)–DNA covalent complexes, and TDP1 has been implicated in the repair of such complexes. Here we show that Top1-associated DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) induce the phosphorylation of TDP1 at S81. This phosphorylation is mediated by the protein kinases: ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Phosphorylated TDP1 forms nuclear foci that co-localize with those of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX). Both Top1-induced replication- and transcription-mediated DNA damages induce TDP1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, we show that S81 phosphorylation stabilizes TDP1, induces the formation of XRCC1 (X-ray cross-complementing group 1)–TDP1 complexes and enhances the mobilization of TDP1 to DNA damage sites. Finally, we provide evidence that TDP1–S81 phosphorylation promotes cell survival and DNA repair in response to CPT-induced DSBs. Together; our findings provide a new mechanism for TDP1 post-translational regulation by ATM and DNA-PK.

The iron chelator Dp44mT causes DNA damage and selective inhibition of topoisomerase IIalpha in breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) is being developed as an iron chelator with selective anticancer activity. We investigated the mechanism whereby Dp44mT kills breast cancer cells, both as a single agent and in combination with doxorubicin. Dp44mT alone induced selective cell killing in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 when compared with healthy mammary epithelial cells (MCF-12A). It induces G(1) cell cycle arrest and reduces cancer cell clonogenic growth at nanomolar concentrations. Dp44mT, but not the iron chelator desferal, induces DNA double-strand breaks quantified as S139 phosphorylated histone foci (gamma-H2AX) and Comet tails induced in MDA-MB-231 cells. Doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage were both enhanced significantly in the presence of low concentrations of Dp44mT. The chelator caused selective poisoning of DNA topoisomerase IIalpha (top2alpha) as measured by an in vitro DNA cleavage assay and cellular topoisomerase-DNA complex formation. Heterozygous Nalm-6 top2alpha knockout cells (top2alpha(+/-)) were partially resistant to Dp44mT-induced cytotoxicity compared with isogenic top2alpha(+/+) or top2beta(-/-) cells. Specificity for top2alpha was confirmed using top2alpha and top2beta small interfering RNA knockdown in HeLa cells. The results show that Dp44mT is cytotoxic to breast cancer cells, at least in part, due to selective inhibition of top2alpha. Thus, Dp44mT may serve as a mechanistically unique treatment for cancer due to its dual ability to chelate iron and inhibit top2alpha activity.

The apoptotic ring: a novel entity with phosphorylated histones H2AX and H2B and activated DNA damage response kinases.

Abstract: We recently showed that histone H2AX phosphorylated on serine 139 (gamma-H2AX), a hallmark of DNA damage response (DDR), also forms early during apoptosis induced by death receptor activation. Here, we extend and discuss our findings on apoptotic gamma-H2AX, which differs from the well-established DDR with nuclear foci. During apoptosis induced by death receptors agonists (TRAIL and FasL) and staurosporine, gamma-H2AX is initiated in the nuclear periphery immediately inside the nuclear envelope while total H2AX remains distributed throughout the nucleus. This process is readily detectable by immunofluorescence microscopy and we refer to it as the "gamma-H2AX ring". It is conserved both in cancer and normal cells. The gamma-H2AX ring contains the activated checkpoints kinases, ATM, Chk2 and DNA-PK; the latter being the main effector for the apoptotic gamma-H2AX phosphorylation. Notably, we show here that the gamma-H2AX ring coincides with phosphorylated H2B on serine 14 (P(S14)-H2B), another histone modification associated with apoptosis. The coordinated phosphorylations of H2AX and H2B suggest a previously unrecognized histone phosphorylation signature for apoptosis consisting of gamma-H2AX together with P(S14)-H2B and possibly P(Y142)-H2AX. This signature ("phosphohistone 2 code") together with the gamma-H2AX ring provides a new feature to monitor and study apoptosis.

Death Receptor-Induced Activation of the Chk2- and Histone H2AX-Associated DNA Damage Response Pathways

Abstract: TRAIL is an endogenous death receptor ligand also used therapeutically because of its selective proapoptotic activity in cancer cells. In the present study, we examined chromatin alterations induced by TRAIL and show that TRAIL induces a rapid activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways with histone H2AX, Chk2, ATM, and DNA-PK phosphorylations. Within 1 h of TRAIL exposure, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy revealed γ-H2AX peripheral nuclear staining (γ-H2AX ring) colocalizing with phosphorylated/activated Chk2, ATM, and DNA-PK inside heterochromatin regions. The marginal distribution of DDR proteins in early apoptotic cells is remarkably different from the focal staining seen after DNA damage. TRAIL-induced DDR was suppressed upon caspase inhibition or Bax inactivation, demonstrating that the DDR activated by TRAIL is downstream from the mitochondrial death pathway. H2AX phosphorylation was dependent on DNA-PK, while Chk2 phosphorylation was dependent on both ATM and DNA-PK. Downregulation of Chk2 decreased TRAIL-induced cell detachment; delayed the activation of caspases 2, 3, 8, and 9; and reduced TRAIL-induced cell killing. Together, our findings suggest that nuclear activation of Chk2 by TRAIL acts as a positive feedback loop involving the mitochondrion-dependent activation of caspases, independently of p53.

HIV-1 IN inhibitors: 2010 update and perspectives.

Abstract: Integrase (IN) is the newest validated target against AIDS and retroviral infections. The remarkable activity of raltegravir (Isentress®) led to its rapid approval by the FDA in 2007 as the first IN inhibitor. Several other IN strand transfer inhibitors (STIs) are in development with the primary goal to overcome resistance due to the rapid occurrence of IN mutations in raltegravir-treated patients. Thus, many scientists and drug companies are actively pursuing clinically useful IN inhibitors. The objective of this review is to provide an update on the IN inhibitors reported in the last two years, including second generation STI, recently developed hydroxylated aromatics, natural products, peptide, antibody and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Additionally, the targeting of IN cofactors such as LEDGF and Vpr will be discussed as novel strategies for the treatment of AIDS.

Cellular Inhibition of Checkpoint Kinase 2 (Chk2) and Potentiation of Camptothecins and Radiation by the Novel Chk2 Inhibitor PV1019 [7-Nitro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid {4-[1-(guanidinohydrazone)-ethyl]-phenyl}-amide]

Abstract: Chk2 is a checkpoint kinase involved in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated pathway, which is activated by genomic instability and DNA damage, leading to either cell death (apoptosis) or cell cycle arrest. Chk2 provides an unexplored therapeutic target against cancer cells. We recently reported 4,4′-diacetyldiphenylurea-bis(guanylhydrazone) (NSC 109555) as a novel chemotype Chk2 inhibitor. We have now synthesized a derivative of NSC 109555, PV1019 (NSC 744039) [7-nitro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid {4-[1-(guanidinohydrazone)-ethyl]-phenyl}-amide], which is a selective submicromolar inhibitor of Chk2 in vitro. The cocrystal structure of PV1019 bound in the ATP binding pocket of Chk2 confirmed enzymatic/biochemical observations that PV1019 acts as a competitive inhibitor of Chk2 with respect to ATP. PV1019 was found to inhibit Chk2 in cells. It inhibits Chk2 autophosphorylation (which represents the cellular kinase activation of Chk2), Cdc25C phosphorylation, and HDMX degradation in response to DNA damage. PV1019 also protects normal mouse thymocytes against ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis, and it shows synergistic antiproliferative activity with topotecan, camptothecin, and radiation in human tumor cell lines. We also show that PV1019 and Chk2 small interfering RNAs can exert antiproliferative activity themselves in the cancer cells with high Chk2 expression in the NCI-60 screen. These data indicate that PV1019 is a potent and selective inhibitor of Chk2 with chemotherapeutic and radiosensitization potential.

Cellular Inhibition of Checkpoint Kinase 2 (Chk2) and Potentiation of Camptothecins and Radiation by the Novel Chk2 Inhibitor PV1019 (7-Nitro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid

Abstract: Chk2 is a checkpoint kinase involved in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated pathway, which is activated by genomic instability and DNA damage, leading to either cell death (apoptosis) or cell cycle arrest Chk2 provides an unexplored therapeutic target against cancer cells We recently reported 4,4-diacetyldiphenylurea-bis(guanylhydrazone) (NSC 109555) as a novel chemotype Chk2 inhibitor We have now synthesized a derivative of NSC 109555, PV1019 (NSC 744039) [7-nitro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid {4-[1-(guanidinohydrazone)-ethyl]-phenyl}-amide], which is a selective submicromolar inhibitor of Chk2 in vitro The cocrystal structure of PV1019 bound in the ATP binding pocket of Chk2 confirmed enzymatic/biochemical observations that PV1019 acts as a competitive inhibitor of Chk2 with re

Identification of phosphotyrosine mimetic inhibitors of human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I by a novel AlphaScreen high-throughput assay

Abstract: Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) resolves topoisomerase I (Top1)-DNA adducts accumulated from natural DNA damage as well as from the action of certain anticancer drugs. Tdp1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond between the catalytic tyrosine residue of topoisomerase I and the DNA 3'-phosphate. Only a limited number of weak inhibitors have been reported for Tdp1, and there is an unmet need to identify novel chemotypes through screening of chemical libraries. Herein, we present an easily configured, highly miniaturized, and robust Tdp1 assay using the AlphaScreen technology. Uninhibited enzyme reaction is associated with low signal, whereas inhibition leads to a gain of signal, making the present assay format especially attractive for automated large-collection high-throughput screening. We report the identification and initial characterization of four previously unreported inhibitors of Tdp1. Among them, suramin, NF449, and methyl-3,4-dephostatin are phosphotyrosine mimetics that may act as Tdp1 substrate decoys. We also report a novel biochemical assay using the SCAN1 Tdp1 mutant to study the mechanism of action of methyl-3,4-dephostatin.

4-Pregnen-21-ol-3,20-dione-21-(4-bromobenzenesulfonate) (NSC 88915) and related novel steroid derivatives as tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (Tdp1) inhibitors.

Abstract: Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 3′-phosphotyrosyl bonds. Such linkages form in vivo when topoisomerase I (Top1) processes DNA. For this reason, Tdp1 has been implicated in the repair of irreversible Top1−DNA covalent complexes. Tdp1 inhibitors have been regarded as potential therapeutics in combination with Top1 inhibitors, such as the camptothecin derivatives, topotecan, and irinotecan, which are used to treat human cancers. Using a novel high-throughput screening assay, we have identified the C21-substituted progesterone derivative, NSC 88915 (1), as a potential Tdp1 inhibitor. Secondary screening and cross-reactivity studies with related DNA processing enzymes confirmed that compound 1 possesses specific Tdp1 inhibitory activity. Deconstruction of compound 1 into discrete functional groups reveals that both components are required for inhibition of Tdp1 activity. Moreover, the synthesis of analogues of compound 1 has provided insight into the structu...

Evaluation of current methods used to analyze the expression profiles of ATP-binding cassette transporters yields an improved drug-discovery database

Abstract: The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy remains a major challenge in the treatment of cancer. Resistance exists against every effective anti-cancer drug and can develop by multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms can act individually or synergistically, leading to multidrug resistance (MDR), in which the cell becomes resistant to a variety of structurally and mechanistically unrelated drugs in addition to the drug initially administered. Although extensive work has been done to characterize MDR mechanisms in vitro, the translation of this knowledge to the clinic has not been successful. Therefore, identifying genes and mechanisms critical to the development of MDR in vivo and establishing a reliable method for analyzing highly homologous genes from small amounts of tissue is fundamental to achieving any significant enhancement in our understanding of multidrug resistance mechanisms and could lead to treatments designed to circumvent it. In this study, we use a previously established database that allows the identification of lead compounds in the early stages of drug discovery that are not ABC transporter substrates. We believe this can serve as a model for appraising the accuracy and sensitivity of current methods used to analyze the expression profiles of ABC transporters. We found two platforms to be superior methods for the analysis of expression profiles of highly homologous gene superfamilies. This study also led to an improved database by revealing previously unidentified substrates for ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2, transporters that contribute to multidrug resistance.

Zalypsis (PM00104) is a potent inducer of gamma-H2AX foci and reveals the importance of the C ring of trabectedin for transcription-coupled repair inhibition.

Abstract: Zalypsis (PM00104) is a novel tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid related to trabectedin [ecteinascidin 743 (Et743)]. Et743 and PM00104 have similar A and B rings but differ in their C rings. The present study shows that Et743 and PM00104 differ in at least two ways: in their DNA binding properties and nucleotide excision repair (NER) dependency for cellular targeting. DNase I footprinting shows that the two drugs bind DNA differentially. We also found that, in contrast to Et743, the antiproliferative activity of PM00104 does not depend on transcription-coupled NER. Accordingly, PM00104 induces gamma-H2AX foci with the same efficiency in NER-deficient or NER-proficient cells. Moreover, the formation of gamma-H2AX foci is replication dependent for PM00104, whereas it is both transcription and replication dependent in the case of Et743. These findings show the importance of the C ring structure of tetrahydroisoquinoline ecteinascidin derivatives for NER targeting. Finally, PM00104 exerts antiproliferative activity at nanomolar concentrations and induces gamma-H2AX response in two Ewing's sarcoma cell lines, suggesting that gamma-H2AX could serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for the clinical development of PM00104.

Adaptation of topoisomerase I paralogs to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA

Abstract: Topoisomerase I is essential for DNA metabolism in nuclei and mitochondria. In yeast, a single topoisomerase I gene provides for both organelles. In vertebrates, topoisomerase I is divided into nuclear and mitochondrial paralogs (Top1 and Top1mt). To assess the meaning of this gene duplication, we targeted Top1 to mitochondria or Top1mt to nuclei. Overexpression in the fitting organelle served as control. Targeting of Top1 to mitochondria blocked transcription and depleted mitochondrial DNA. This was also seen with catalytically inactive Top1 mutants, but not with Top1mt overexpressed in mitochondria. Targeting of Top1mt to the nucleus revealed that it was much less able to interact with mitotic chromosomes than Top1 overexpressed in the nucleus. Similar experiments with Top1/Top1mt hybrids assigned these functional differences to structural divergences in the DNA-binding core domains. We propose that adaptation of this domain to different chromatin environments in nuclei and mitochondria has driven evolutional development and conservation of organelle-restricted topoisomerase I paralogs in vertebrates.

Abstract A174: High‐throughput screening for natural product inhibitors of human tyrosyl‐DNA‐phosphodiesterase (Tdp‐1)

Abstract: Tyrosyl‐DNA‐phosphodiesterase I (Tdp‐1) is part of the DNA repair complex that resolves irreversible topoisomerase I (Top1)‐DNA cleavage complexes by catalyzing the hydrolysis of 3′‐phosphotyrosyl bonds. A point mutation in the Tdp1 gene causes a neurological disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1) (Takashima, 2002). SCAN1 cells display hypersensitivity to camptothecin (CPT), a potent Topoisomerase 1 inhibitor. Additionally, overexpression of a human Tdp1 fusion protein alleviates some of the effects of CPT treatment (Barthelmes, 2004). These observations suggest that inhibitors of Tdp1 could act synergistically with CPT in a combined therapeutic treatment for certain cancers. Despite attempts to identify synthetic small molecule inhibitors of Tdp‐1, there are few verified inhibitors of this enzyme activity and none currently in clinical trials. While previous screening efforts have focused mainly upon compounds of synthetic origin (Antony, 2007), little effort has been directed towards the discovery of natural product derived inhibitors. The Molecular Targets Development Program (MTDP) at NCI‐Frederick has developed a fluorescence‐based assay for the rapid identification and characterization of natural product derived inhibitors of Tdp1 enzyme activity. Initial high‐throughput screening work has identified several unique extracts showing potent inhibition of enzyme activity. Follow up work is currently underway to evaluate the molecular mechanism of isolated active natural compounds. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A174.

Network architecture of signaling from uncoupled helicase-polymerase to cell cycle checkpoints and trans-lesion DNA synthesis.

Abstract: When replication is blocked by a template lesion or polymerase inhibitor while helicase continues unwinding the DNA, single stranded DNA (ssDNA) accumulates and becomes coated with RPA, which then initiates signals via PCNA mono-ubiquitination to activate trans-lesion polymerases and via ATR and Chk1 to inhibit Cdk2-dependent cell cycle progression. The signals are conveyed by way of a complex network of molecular interactions. To clarify those complexities, we have constructed a molecular interaction map (MIM) using a novel hierarchical assembly procedure. Molecules were arranged on the map in hierarchical levels according to interaction step distance from the DNA region of stalled replication. The hierarchical MIM allows us to disentangle the network's interlocking pathways and loops and to suggest functionally significant features of network architecture. The MIM shows how parallel pathways and multiple feedback loops can provide failsafe and robust switch-like responses to replication stress. Within the central level of hierarchy ATR and Claspin together appear to function as a nexus that conveys signals from many sources to many destinations. We noted a division of labor between those two molecules, separating enzymatic and structural roles. In addition, the network architecture disclosed by the hierarchical map, suggested a speculative model for how molecular crowding and the granular localization of network components in the cell nucleus can facilitate function.

Induction of glutathione-dependent DNA double-strand breaks by the novel anticancer drug brostallicin

Abstract: Brostallicin is a DNA minor groove binder in phase II clinical trials. Here, we show that brostallicin induces gamma-H2AX nuclear foci that colocalize with 53BP1 and are dependent on glutathione, as shown by inhibition of those gamma-H2AX foci by l-buthionine sulfoximine. To differentiate brostallicin from the clinically approved minor groove binder trabectedin (ecteinascidin 743), we tested whether the brostallicin-induced gamma-H2AX and antiproliferative responses were dependent on nucleotide excision repair and found that, unlike trabectedin, they are not. Additionally, brostallicin retained activity in the trabectedin-resistant HCT116-ER5 cell line. Induction of gamma-H2AX foci by brostallicin was partially dependent on the repair nuclease Mre11. Pretreatment with aphidicolin partially reduced brostallicin-induced gamma-H2AX foci, suggesting that brostallicin induces both replication-associated and replication-independent DNA damage. Replication-associated DNA damage was further shown by the colocalization of gamma-H2AX foci with replication foci and by the rapid inhibition of DNA synthesis and accumulation of cells in S phase in response to brostallicin. In addition, brostallicin was able to induce lower intensity gamma-H2AX foci in human circulating lymphocytes. Together, our results indicate that brostallicin induces DNA double-strand breaks and suggest gamma-H2AX as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for brostallicin.

Interaction of DNA topoisomerase 1 with DNA intermediates and proteins of base excision repair.

Abstract: The interaction of human recombinant DNA topoisomerase 1 (Top1) with linear and circular DNA structures containing a nick or short gap but lacking a specific Top1 recognition site was studied. The effect of key excision repair proteins on formation of the Top1 covalent adduct with the DNA repair intermediates was shown. Partial inhibition of the Top1-DNA-adduct formation upon addition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in the absence of NAD+ was shown, whereas in the presence of NAD+ formation of a high molecular weight product, most likely corresponding to poly(ADP)-ribosylated Top1-DNA adduct, was observed. The data show that the key base excision repair proteins can influence formation of suicide Top1-DNA adducts. Top1 was identified by immunoprecipitation in the bovine testis nuclear extract as the protein forming the main modification product with nick-containing DNA.

Oxobenzindolizinoquinolines and uses thereof

Abstract: The synthesis of aromathecins, substituted 12H-5,l la-diazadibenzo[b,h]fluoren- 11 -ones is described Use of these cytotoxic compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them for the treatment of cancer is described Two novel processes for the synthesis of this system and a series of 14-substituted aromathecins as novel cytotoxic, topoisomerase I poisons are described

Abstract #4664: Implication of ATM-/ATR-Chk1-E2F1-dependent up-regulation of ribonucleotide reductase R2 (RRM2) in DNA damage response

Abstract: To investigate drug mechanisms of action and identify molecular targets for the development of rational drug combinations, we are conducting synthetic siRNA-based RNAi screens to identify genes whose silencing affects anti-cancer drug responses. One such screen indicated that the silencing of RRM1 and RRM2, which encode the large and small subunits of the human ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) complex respectively, markedly enhances the cytotoxicity of the Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibitor camptothecin (CPT). Silencing of RRM2 was also found to enhance DNA damage as measured by \#947;-H2AX. Further studies showed that CPT up-regulates both RRM1 and RRM2 mRNA and protein levels, and induces the nuclear translocation of RRM2. The Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) was also up-regulated and activated in response to CPT. CHEK1 down-regulation by siRNA and small molecule inhibition of Chk1 activity blocked induction of RRM2 by CPT. CHEK1 siRNA also suppressed E2F1 up-regulation by CPT, and silencing of E2F1 suppressed the up-regulation of RRM2. Silencing of ATR or ATM, and inhibition of ATM activity by KU-55933 blocked Chk1 activation and RRM2 up-regulation. This study links the function of known components of CPT-induced DNA damage response with proteins required for the synthesis of dNTPs, presumably in preparation for DNA repair. Specifically, we propose that, upon DNA damage, Chk1 activation, mediated by ATM and ATR, regulates RRM2 expression through the E2F1 transcription factor. Up-regulation in RRM2 levels, coupled with its nuclear recruitment suggests an active role for RNR in the cellular response to CPT-mediated DNA damage that could potentially be exploited as strategy for enhancing the efficacy of Top 1 inhibitors. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 4664.