β-Like DNA polymerases and prospects for their use as targets in chemotherapy of tumors

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V V Davydov1, A A Bukhvostov1, D A Kuznetsov1

  • 1Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.

Biomeditsinskaia Khimiia
|June 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

DNA polymerases β are crucial for DNA repair. Their altered activity in tumors promotes cancer cell survival, but targeted inhibition shows antitumor effects, suggesting new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • DNA polymerases β (beta) are key enzymes in DNA repair.
  • Dysregulation of DNA polymerases β is observed in malignant tumor cells, impacting cell viability and proliferation.
  • Overexpression of β-like DNA polymerases supports tumor cell survival and proliferative activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the role of DNA polymerases β in cancer cell growth and proliferation.
  • To investigate the potential of targeting DNA polymerases β for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of publications on DNA polymerases β structure, properties, and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of data from Russian and international databases (PubMed, Elsevier) over the past 20 years.

Main Results:

  • Overexpression of genes encoding β-like DNA polymerases is a common feature in many malignant tumors.
  • Targeted inhibition of β-like DNA polymerases demonstrates significant antiproliferative and antitumor effects.
  • Stable paramagnetic isotopes (e.g., 25Mg2+) and polydeoxyribonucleotides show promise as antitumor pharmacophores.

Conclusions:

  • Altered DNA polymerases β activity is linked to cancer cell viability and proliferation.
  • Targeting DNA polymerases β represents a viable strategy for developing novel anticancer therapies.
  • Specific isotopes and polynucleotides are potential candidates for antitumor drug development.
Keywords:
25Mg2+chemotherapy of malignant tumormagnetic isotope effectsingle-stranded polydeoxyribonucleotides

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