DNA Damage Signalling and Repair Inhibitors: The Long-Sought-After Achilles' Heel of Cancer

Biomolecules. 2015 Nov 20;5(4):3204-59. doi: 10.3390/biom5043204.

Abstract

For decades, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the two only approaches exploiting DNA repair processes to fight against cancer. Nowadays, cancer therapeutics can be a major challenge when it comes to seeking personalized targeted medicine that is both effective and selective to the malignancy. Over the last decade, the discovery of new targeted therapies against DNA damage signalling and repair has offered the possibility of therapeutic improvements in oncology. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of DNA damage signalling and repair inhibitors, their molecular and cellular effects, and future therapeutic use.

Keywords: ATM; ATR; CHK1; CHK2; DNA repair; MRE11; PARP; RAD51; inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / genetics
  • DNA Repair Enzymes / metabolism
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • DNA Repair Enzymes