Nucleoside analogs as a radiosensitizer modulating DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and apoptosis

Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids. 2020;39(1-3):439-452. doi: 10.1080/15257770.2019.1670839. Epub 2019 Sep 27.

Abstract

The combination of low dose of radiation and an anticancer drug is a potent strategy for cancer therapy. Nucleoside analogs are known to have a radiosensitizing effects via the inhibition of DNA damage repair after irradiation. Certain types of nucleoside analogs have the inhibitory effects on RNA synthesis, but not DNA synthesis, with multiple functions in cell cycle modulation and apoptosis. In this review, the most up-to-date findings regarding radiosensitizing nucleoside analogs will be discussed, focusing especially on the mechanisms of action.

Keywords: 3′-ethynylcytidine (ECyd); DNA damage repair; Radiosensitization; apoptosis; cell cycle checkpoint.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Repair / drug effects*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nucleosides / analogs & derivatives*
  • Nucleosides / pharmacology*
  • Purines / chemistry
  • Purines / pharmacology
  • Pyrimidines / chemistry
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Radiation, Ionizing
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Nucleosides
  • Purines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • pyrimidine
  • purine