Shar-yin N. Huang

Stereospecific PARP trapping by BMN 673 and comparison with olaparib and rucaparib.

Anti-PARP drugs were initially developed as catalytic inhibitors to block the repair of DNA single-strand breaks. We recently reported that several PARP inhibitors have an additional cytotoxic mechanism by trapping PARP–DNA complexes, and that both olaparib and niraparib act as PARP poisons at pharmacologic concentrations. Therefore, we have proposed that PARP inhibitors should be evaluated based both on catalytic PARP inhibition and PARP–DNA trapping. Here, we evaluated the novel PARP inhibitor, BMN 673, and compared its effects on PARP1 and PARP2 with two other clinical PARP inhibitors, olaparib and rucaparib, using biochemical and cellular assays in genetically modified chicken DT40 and human cancer cell lines. Although BMN 673, olaparib, and rucaparib are comparable at inhibiting PARP catalytic activity, BMN 673 is ∼100-fold more potent at trapping PARP–DNA complexes and more cytotoxic as single agent than olaparib, whereas olaparib and rucaparib show similar potencies in trapping PARP–DNA complexes. The high level of resistance of PARP1/2 knockout cells to BMN 673 demonstrates the selectivity of BMN 673 for PARP1/2. Moreover, we show that BMN 673 acts by stereospecific binding to PARP1 as its enantiomer, LT674, is several orders of magnitude less efficient. BMN 673 is also approximately 100-fold more cytotoxic than olaparib and rucaparib in combination with the DNA alkylating agents methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) and temozolomide. Our study demonstrates that BMN 673 is the most potent clinical PARP inhibitor tested to date with the highest efficiency at trapping PARP–DNA complexes. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(2); 433–43. ©2013 AACR.

PARP1–TDP1 coupling for the repair of topoisomerase I–induced DNA damage

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) attach poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains to various proteins including themselves and chromatin. Topoisomerase I (Top1) regulates DNA supercoiling and is the target of camptothecin and indenoisoquinoline anticancer drugs, as it forms Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by the drugs. Endogenous and carcinogenic DNA lesions can also trap Top1cc. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), a key repair enzyme for trapped Top1cc, hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between the DNA 3′-end and the Top1 tyrosyl moiety. Alternative repair pathways for Top1cc involve endonuclease cleavage. However, it is unknown what determines the choice between TDP1 and the endonuclease repair pathways. Here we show that PARP1 plays a critical role in this process. By generating TDP1 and PARP1 double-knockout lymphoma chicken DT40 cells, we demonstrate that TDP1 and PARP1 are epistatic for the repair of Top1cc. The N-terminal domain of TDP1 directly binds the C-terminal domain of PARP1, and TDP1 is PARylated by PARP1. PARylation stabilizes TDP1 together with SUMOylation of TDP1. TDP1 PARylation enhances its recruitment to DNA damage sites without interfering with TDP1 catalytic activity. TDP1–PARP1 complexes, in turn recruit X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1). This work identifies PARP1 as a key component driving the repair of trapped Top1cc by TDP1.

TDP1 repairs nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage induced by chain-terminating anticancer and antiviral nucleoside analogs

Chain-terminating nucleoside analogs (CTNAs) that cause stalling or premature termination of DNA replication forks are widely used as anticancer and antiviral drugs. However, it is not well understood how cells repair the DNA damage induced by these drugs. Here, we reveal the importance of tyrosyl–DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) in the repair of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage induced by CTNAs. On investigating the effects of four CTNAs—acyclovir (ACV), cytarabine (Ara-C), zidovudine (AZT) and zalcitabine (ddC)—we show that TDP1 is capable of removing the covalently linked corresponding CTNAs from DNA 3′-ends. We also show that Tdp1−/− cells are hypersensitive and accumulate more DNA damage when treated with ACV and Ara-C, implicating TDP1 in repairing CTNA-induced DNA damage. As AZT and ddC are known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction, we examined whether TDP1 repairs the mitochondrial DNA damage they induced. We find that AZT and ddC treatment leads to greater depletion of mitochondrial DNA in Tdp1−/− cells. Thus, TDP1 seems to be critical for repairing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage caused by CTNAs.

Topoisomerase I‐mediated cleavage at unrepaired ribonucleotides generates DNA double‐strand breaks

Ribonuclease activity of topoisomerase I (Top1) causes DNA nicks bearing 2′,3′‐cyclic phosphates at ribonucleotide sites. Here, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) can be directly generated by Top1 at sites of genomic ribonucleotides. We show that RNase H2‐deficient yeast cells displayed elevated frequency of Rad52 foci, inactivation of RNase H2 and RAD52 led to synthetic lethality, and combined loss of RNase H2 and RAD51 induced slow growth and replication stress. Importantly, these phenotypes were rescued upon additional deletion of TOP1, implicating homologous recombination for the repair of Top1‐induced damage at ribonuclelotide sites. We demonstrate biochemically that irreversible DSBs are generated by subsequent Top1 cleavage on the opposite strand from the Top1‐induced DNA nicks at ribonucleotide sites. Analysis of Top1‐linked DNA from pull‐down experiments revealed that Top1 is covalently linked to the end of DNA in RNase H2‐deficient yeast cells, supporting this model. Taken together, these results define Top1 as a source of DSBs and genome instability when ribonucleotides incorporated by the replicative polymerases are not removed by RNase H2.

Lack of mitochondrial topoisomerase I (TOP1mt) impairs liver regeneration

Significance The liver is rich in mitochondria and has an exceptional regenerative capacity after partial hepatectomy or transplantation, viral infections, or chemical injuries; however, relatively little is known about the genetic factors for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication during liver regeneration. Here, we show that liver regeneration is markedly reduced in mice lacking mitochondrial topoisomerase I (TOP1mt). This defect is linked with reduced production of mtDNA and defective mitochondrial functions during acute energy demand for liver regeneration. Additionally, TOP1mt KO primary hepatocytes from CCl4-treated mice showed reduced and damaged mitochondria, decreased O2 consumption, and ATP production. Together with mtDNA depletion and regeneration experiments with ethidium bromide, these results demonstrate that Top1mt is required for mtDNA synthesis and appropriate liver regeneration. The liver has an exceptional replicative capacity following partial hepatectomy or chemical injuries. Cellular proliferation requires increased production of energy and essential metabolites, which critically depend on the mitochondria. To determine whether Top1mt, the vertebrate mitochondrial topoisomerase, is involved in this process, we studied liver regeneration after carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. TOP1mt knockout (KO) mice showed a marked reduction in regeneration and hepatocyte proliferation. The hepatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) failed to increase during recovery from CCl4 exposure. Reduced glutathione was also depleted, indicating increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Steady-state levels of ATP, O2 consumption, mtDNA, and mitochondrial mass were also reduced in primary hepatocytes from CCl4-treated KO mice. To further test whether Top1mt acted by enabling mtDNA regeneration, we tested TOP1mt KO fibroblasts and human colon carcinoma HCT116 cells and measured mtDNA after 3-d treatment with ethidium bromide. Both types of TOP1mt knockout cells showed defective mtDNA regeneration following mtDNA depletion. Our study demonstrates that Top1mt is required for normal mtDNA homeostasis and for linking mtDNA expansion with hepatocyte proliferation.

Biochemical Assays for the Discovery of TDP1 Inhibitors

Drug screening against novel targets is warranted to generate biochemical probes and new therapeutic drug leads. TDP1 and TDP2 are two DNA repair enzymes that have yet to be successfully targeted. TDP1 repairs topoisomerase I–, alkylation-, and chain terminator–induced DNA damage, whereas TDP2 repairs topoisomerase II–induced DNA damage. Here, we report the quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) of the NIH Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository using recombinant human TDP1. We also developed a secondary screening method using a multiple loading gel-based assay where recombinant TDP1 is replaced by whole cell extract (WCE) from genetically engineered DT40 cells. While developing this assay, we determined the importance of buffer conditions for testing TDP1, and most notably the possible interference of phosphate-based buffers. The high specificity of endogenous TDP1 in WCE allowed the evaluation of a large number of hits with up to 600 samples analyzed per gel via multiple loadings. The increased stringency of the WCE assay eliminated a large fraction of the initial hits collected from the qHTS. Finally, inclusion of a TDP2 counter-screening assay allowed the identification of two novel series of selective TDP1 inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2116–26. ©2014 AACR.

Mapping Topoisomerase Sites in Mitochondrial DNA with a Poisonous Mitochondrial Topoisomerase I (Top1mt)

Background: Top1mt is the mtDNA untwisting enzyme. It is present and conserved in vertebrates. Results: Using a mutated toxic enzyme, we determined Top1mt sites and mtDNA damage. Conclusion: Top1mt accumulates in the regulatory region of mtDNA. Stable Top1mt cleavage complexes rapidly deplete mtDNA. Significance: This is the first map of Top1mt sites across the entire mitochondrial genome and a new setup to elicit mtDNA damage. Mitochondrial topoisomerase I (Top1mt) is a type IB topoisomerase present in vertebrates and exclusively targeted to mitochondria. Top1mt relaxes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) supercoiling by introducing transient cleavage complexes wherein the broken DNA strand swivels around the intact strand. Top1mt cleavage complexes (Top1mtcc) can be stabilized in vitro by camptothecin (CPT). However, CPT does not trap Top1mtcc efficiently in cells and is highly cytotoxic due to nuclear Top1 targeting. To map Top1mtcc on mtDNA in vivo and to overcome the limitations of CPT, we designed two substitutions (T546A and N550H) in Top1mt to stabilize Top1mtcc. We refer to the double-mutant enzyme as Top1mt*. Using retroviral transduction and ChIP-on-chip assays with Top1mt* in Top1mt knock-out murine embryonic fibroblasts, we demonstrate that Top1mt* forms high levels of cleavage complexes preferentially in the noncoding regulatory region of mtDNA, accumulating especially at the heavy strand replication origin OH, in the ribosomal genes (12S and 16S) and at the light strand replication origin OL. Expression of Top1mt* also caused rapid mtDNA depletion without affecting mitochondria mass, suggesting the existence of specific mitochondrial pathways for the removal of damaged mtDNA.

Parallel analysis of ribonucleotide-dependent deletions produced by yeast Top1 in vitro and in vivo

Ribonucleotides are the most abundant non-canonical component of yeast genomic DNA and their persistence is associated with a distinctive mutation signature characterized by deletion of a single repeat unit from a short tandem repeat. These deletion events are dependent on DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) and are initiated by Top1 incision at the relevant ribonucleotide 3′-phosphodiester. A requirement for the re-ligation activity of Top1 led us to propose a sequential cleavage model for Top1-dependent mutagenesis at ribonucleotides. Here, we test key features of this model via parallel in vitro and in vivo analyses. We find that the distance between two Top1 cleavage sites determines the deletion size and that this distance is inversely related to the deletion frequency. Following the creation of a gap by two Top1 cleavage events, the tandem repeat provides complementarity that promotes realignment to a nick and subsequent Top1-mediated ligation. Complementarity downstream of the gap promotes deletion formation more effectively than does complementarity upstream of the gap, consistent with constraints to realignment of the strand to which Top1 is covalently bound. Our data fortify sequential Top1 cleavage as the mechanism for ribonucleotide-dependent deletions and provide new insight into the component steps of this process.

Tyrosyl-DNA-Phosphodiesterase

The abortive activity of DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) can lead to DNA single-strand breaks with 3′-protein adducts termed Top1-DNA cleavage complexes. Repair of these DNA lesions in a prompt and accurate manner is essential for cell survival. One of the cellular pathways for repairing such DNA lesions involves tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1). Tdp1 hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between a tyrosine residue and a terminal 3′-phosphate of DNA, the type of linkage found in Top1-DNA cleavage complexes. A mutation in Tdp1 is found to cause a rare heredity neurodegenerative disease, spinocerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy (SCAN1). Efforts to elucidate the mechanism of Tdp1-depedent DNA repair pathway have identified several other proteins, which form a complex response network with Tdp1. Conversely, structural and biochemical studies suggest that Tdp1 can act on a broad spectrum of 3′-phosphodiester linkages, potentially implicating Tdp1 in other DNA repair pathways. In this chapter we summarize the recent advances in research concerning Tdp1, alternative repair pathways for repairing Top1-induced DNA damage, and the rational for targeting Tdp1 as a potential anticancer therapy.

Mitochondrial tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 2 and its TDP2S short isoform

Tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) repairs abortive topoisomerase II cleavage complexes. Here, we identify a novel short isoform of TDP2 (TDP2S) expressed from an alternative transcription start site. TDP2S contains a mitochondrial targeting sequence, contributing to its enrichment in the mitochondria and cytosol, while full‐length TDP2 contains a nuclear localization signal and the ubiquitin‐associated domain in the N‐terminus. Our study reveals that both TDP2 isoforms are present and active in the mitochondria. Comparison of isogenic wild‐type (WT) and TDP2 knockout (TDP2−/−/−) DT40 cells shows that TDP2−/−/− cells are hypersensitive to mitochondrial‐targeted doxorubicin (mtDox), and that complementing TDP2−/−/− cells with human TDP2 restores resistance to mtDox. Furthermore, mtDox selectively depletes mitochondrial DNA in TDP2−/−/− cells. Using CRISPR‐engineered human cells expressing only the TDP2S isoform, we show that TDP2S also protects human cells against mtDox. Finally, lack of TDP2 in the mitochondria reduces the mitochondria transcription levels in two different human cell lines. In addition to identifying a novel TDP2S isoform, our report demonstrates the presence and importance of both TDP2 isoforms in the mitochondria.