Cancer cells use self-inflicted DNA breaks to evade growth limits imposed by genotoxic stress

Science. 2022 Apr 29;376(6592):476-483. doi: 10.1126/science.abi6378. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

Abstract

Genotoxic therapy such as radiation serves as a frontline cancer treatment, yet acquired resistance that leads to tumor reoccurrence is frequent. We found that cancer cells maintain viability during irradiation by reversibly increasing genome-wide DNA breaks, thereby limiting premature mitotic progression. We identify caspase-activated DNase (CAD) as the nuclease inflicting these de novo DNA lesions at defined loci, which are in proximity to chromatin-modifying CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) sites. CAD nuclease activity is governed through phosphorylation by DNA damage response kinases, independent of caspase activity. In turn, loss of CAD activity impairs cell fate decisions, rendering cancer cells vulnerable to radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Our observations highlight a cancer-selective survival adaptation, whereby tumor cells deploy regulated DNA breaks to delimit the detrimental effects of therapy-evoked DNA damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin
  • DNA / radiation effects
  • DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
  • DNA Damage*
  • DNA Repair
  • Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • DNA