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Clinical Significance of NUDT1 (MTH1) Across Cancer Types

Radosław Misiak1, Karol Białkowski2, Ewelina Dondajewska1

  • 1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), 61-701 Poznan, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1) enzyme protects DNA from oxidative damage. MTH1 is often overexpressed in cancers, suggesting it supports tumor growth under high oxidative stress and may be a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1) is an enzyme crucial for sanitizing nucleotide pools, preventing incorporation of oxidized dNTPs into DNA.
  • MTH1 dysfunction can lead to mutations, making it a key player in cellular protection against reactive oxygen species.
  • MTH1 is frequently overexpressed in tumor tissues, unlike its downregulation in normal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize existing research on MTH1 mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity in clinical cancer samples.
  • To identify specific cancer types where MTH1 plays a significant role.
  • To evaluate MTH1 as a prognostic factor, biomarker, and potential therapeutic target in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating MTH1.
  • Analysis of MTH1 expression (mRNA, protein) and enzymatic activity in diverse cancer types.
  • Correlation of MTH1 levels with clinical data and cancer characteristics.

Main Results:

  • MTH1 is overexpressed in numerous cancer types, indicating its utilization by cancer cells to cope with oxidative stress.
  • MTH1 overexpression is particularly prominent in cancers with high metabolic activity and oxygen-rich environments.
  • Specific examples include hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

  • MTH1 is an important factor in cancer adaptation to metabolic reprogramming and oxidative stress.
  • MTH1's role is significant in specific high-metabolic cancers, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • Further research into MTH1 inhibition could offer novel cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
MTH1NUDT1ROS responsecanceroxidative stressprognostic factor

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