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Beyond DNA Repair: DNA-PKcs in Tumor Metastasis, Metabolism and Immunity

Haitang Yang1, Feng Yao1, Thomas M Marti2,3

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China.

Cancers
|November 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is crucial for DNA repair and often overexpressed in cancer. Emerging roles in metastasis, metabolism, and immune escape highlight its potential as a precision cancer therapy target.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is integral to DNA double-strand break repair via non-homologous end-joining.
  • Overexpression of DNA-PKcs is common in various cancers, correlating with tumor progression and poor patient prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding DNA-PKcs functions beyond its canonical DNA repair role.
  • To explore the novel roles of DNA-PKcs in tumor metastasis, metabolic dysregulation, and immune evasion.
  • To discuss the molecular mechanisms behind DNA-PKcs's diverse functions in cancer and identify predictive biomarkers for targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on DNA-PKcs.
  • Analysis of emerging roles in cancer progression.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms and biomarker identification.

Main Results:

  • DNA-PKcs exhibits novel functions in tumor metastasis, metabolic dysregulation, and immune escape.
  • The pleiotropic effects of DNA-PKcs in cancer are underpinned by complex molecular mechanisms.
  • Biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response to DNA-PKcs inhibitors are being identified.

Conclusions:

  • DNA-PKcs plays multifaceted roles in cancer, extending beyond DNA repair.
  • Targeting DNA-PKcs offers a promising avenue for precision cancer therapy.
  • Further understanding of DNA-PKcs's functional repertoire will refine targeted treatment strategies.
Keywords:
DNA damage responseDNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunitbiomarkerimmunityimmunotherapymetabolismmetastasistargeted therapy

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