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Role of PRKDC in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment

Yu Chen1,2,3, Yi Li4, Jiani Xiong1,2

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.

Cancer Cell International
|October 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The PRKDC gene

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • The PRKDC gene encodes DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs).
  • DNA-PKcs is crucial for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ).
  • It also influences immune tolerance and chromosome stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure and function of PRKDC and DNA-PKcs.
  • To explore the role of DNA-PKcs in cancer development and treatment outcomes.
  • To discuss its potential as a predictive biomarker for cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PRKDC and DNA-PKcs.
  • Analysis of DNA-PKcs's role in DNA repair pathways.
  • Examination of DNA-PKcs's involvement in tumorigenesis and therapeutic response.

Main Results:

  • DNA-PKcs is a key player in DNA DSB repair and genomic stability.
  • Dysregulation of DNA-PKcs is implicated in various cancers.
  • DNA-PKcs activity may predict patient response to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Conclusions:

  • PRKDC and its encoded protein DNA-PKcs are vital for DNA repair and cellular integrity.
  • DNA-PKcs represents a significant factor in cancer biology and a potential biomarker for treatment efficacy.
  • Further research into DNA-PKcs could lead to improved cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
Cancer progressionCancer treatmentDNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunitPRKDCTumorigenesis

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