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A system-level metastable model of cancer evolution: integrating replication stress, cell cycle deregulation and chromosomal instability.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer cell proliferation occurs within the context of persistent genomic instability. In this review, we propose the RS-CCD-CIN axis as a systems-level framework in which replication stress (RS), cell cycle deregulation (CCD) and chromosomal instability (CIN) form an interdependent triad that shapes tumour evolution. This axis represents a constrained metastable state in which genomic instability is tolerated and buffered. The objective of this review is to synthesize the current understanding of how the RS-CCD-CIN axis contributes to tumour heterogeneity, adaptability and therapy response. DISCUSSION: Evidence indicates that RS, CCD and CIN operate as a dynamic, interconnected network rather than as independent processes. Replication stress induces DNA damage and mutagenesis, while partial checkpoint disruption permits cells with unresolved lesions to proliferate. Chromosomal instability generates both structural and numerical alterations, contributing to intratumoural heterogeneity. Together, these processes facilitate adaptation to environmental and therapeutic pressures. Extrachromosomal DNA, micronuclei formation and cytosolic DNA signalling, including the cGAS-STING pathway, connect genomic instability to adaptive responses and immune modulation. Single-cell and spatial profiling reveal temporal and spatial variability in RS, CCD and CIN states, highlighting the limitations of static biomarkers. Therapeutically, targeting individual components often yields limited durability, whereas approaches that simultaneously perturb multiple aspects of the RS-CCD-CIN axis may improve clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the RS-CCD-CIN axis as a fragile and metastable architecture that supports cancer evolution, while also being susceptible to collapse. A deeper understanding of this interconnected framework may inform the development of therapeutic strategies and enhance the management of resistance.

Humans

Isolation and characterization of a DNA helicase from cytosolic extracts of calf thymus.

A DNA helicase has been isolated from calf thymus tissue. The enzyme was enriched from crude cytosolic extracts by batchwise chromatography on phosphocellulose, followed by 35% ammonium sulfate precipitation, and subsequent chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose, single-stranded DNA cellulose, and AcA 44 gel filtration. The DNA helicase had a Stokes' radius of about 45 A and a sedimentation coefficient of 4.3 S. The most purified fractions contained three polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 110, 65, and 34 kDa. UV crosslinking with radioactive dATP stained all three major polypeptides. The helicase catalyzed the unwinding of a DNA primer from a single-stranded DNA template in an ATP- or dATP-dependent manner. DNA unwinding was also observed with CTP or dCTP, but with reduced efficiency. The helicase translocated from 3' to 5' on the single-stranded template it was bound to. Relationships between this DNA helicase and other calf thymus helicases will be discussed.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Loss of XRCC1 promotes cGAS/STING mediated innate immune signaling in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: One of the most defining features of gastric cancer (GC) is harboring deficiency in DNA repair that subsequently contributes to carcinogenesis. The X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1) protein is a key molecular scaffold required for efficient repair of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) to maintain genomic stability. However, further investigation is needed to uncover the role of XRCC1 in innate immune signaling and inflammation in GC. METHODS: We evaluated how loss of XRCC1 leads to accumulation of cytosolic DNA using immunofluorescence localization assay and measuring DNA from cytosolic extract. We applied ON-TARGETplus™ SMARTpool siRNAs to knockdown XRCC1 in gastric cell lines and examined the innate immune siganling and inflammation with and without ATM inhibitor treatment. Further, we examined Type I interferon gene expression in various gastric cancer cell lines and assessed its role in cGAS-STING signaling using RT-qPCR, RNA-Seq, and immunoblot analysis. In addition, we generated conditional knockout XRCC1 mice and characterized the innate immune signaling from stomach tissue extract using RT-qPCR, western blot. Further, the DNA damage and histological analysis was done by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In this work, we examined the role of XRCC1 in modulating the innate immune signaling axis via cGAS/STING pathway. We find that XRCC1 deficient gastric cancer cell lines and mouse stomach tissue shows activation of cGAS/STING signaling. Further, ATM inhibition enhances robust cGAS/STING mediate innate immune signaling and PD-L1 expression in XRCC1 deficient gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this work demonstrate that XRCC1 is essential to maintain innate immune homeostasis. Further, this work suggest that ATM inhibitors may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance the PD-L1 expression that could increase the efficacy of an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in XRCC1 deficient or low expressing GC.

X-ray Repair Cross Complementing Protein 1

The relationship between two murine DNA-dependent DNA polymerases from the cytosol and the low molecular weight DNA polymerase.

After aqueous subcellular fractionation and partial purification by phosphocellulose chromatography, murine cells are found to contain a low molecular weight DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (beta) in the nuclear fraction and two distinguishable DNA-dependent DNA polymerases (C-I and C-II) in the cytosol. Both C-I and C-II are found in testis, liver, and regenerating liver; the amount of C-I being several fold increased in the regenerating liver and in immature testis. C-I and C-II are distinguishable by the criteria of salt sensitivity, inhibition by single-stranded DNA, elution from phosphocellulose, inhibition by 0.3 mM N-ethylmaleimide, template preference, and sedimentation coefficient. C-II is dissociated by 0.25 M KC1 to an active form of DNA polymerase of sedimentation coefficient 3.5 S while C-I is not dissociated, maintaining its sedimentation coefficient of 7.2 S. Many similar chemical and physical properties of C-II and the low molecular weight nuclear DNA polymerase (beta) suggest that C-II may represent an aggregate state of beta monomers, The size, reaction properties and the increase in enzyme activity under conditions of rapid cellular proliferation suggest C-I is analogous to the alpha DNA polymerase.

Animals

Opposite effects of ACTH and glucocorticoids on adrenal DNA synthesis in vivo.

Administration of ACTH to rapidly growing weanling rats results in an increase of DNA synthesis in adrenal and a decrease in liver. Dexamethasone administration decreases both adrenal and liver DNA synthesis. When both hormones were administered to the same animals, the liver DNA synthesis was similar to that observed with dexamethasone alone, but the DNA synthesis in adrenal was lower than that obtained with ACTH alone, yet higher than that observed with dexamethasone. The plasma levels of corticosterone were similar in animals treated with ACTH or with ACTH plus dexamethasone. Aminoglutethimide stimulated adrenal DNA synthesis, but less than ACTH. This substance overcame partially the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on liver DNA synthesis but did not in adrenal. When both ACTH and aminoglutethimide were given simultaneously, adrenal DNA synthesis was higher than that observed with each substance alone. In all experiments in which adrenal cytosol DNA polymerase was studied, the activity varied in the same direction as DNA synthesis. These results indicate opposing effects of ACTH and glucocorticoids on adrenal DNA synthesis. The finding of a glucocorticoid effect on the adrenal is supported by the demonstration of a glucocorticoid specific binding protein in adrenal cytosol. Cycloheximide blocks the stimulatory action of ACTH on both steroidogenesis and DNA synthesis. Actinomycin D, as well as dexamethasone, blocks only the DNA synthesis-promoting action of ACTH. This latter result suggests some differences in the metabolic pathways by which ACTH controls steroidogenesis and growth in the adrenal cell.

Adrenal Glands

Defective RNA Polymerase III sensing of mitochondrial DNA in pulmonary epithelial cells impairs type I IFN immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

The clinical spectrum of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection ranges from asymptomatic cases to critical COVID-19 pneumonia. To investigate the role of host genetics in susceptibility to critical COVID-19 and identify pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways, we analyzed whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing data from the COVID Human Genetic Effort. We identified 10 rare, monoallelic predicted loss-of-function variants in 18 patients in POLR3A and POLR3C encoding two subunits of RNA polymerase III (POL III), a nuclear multisubunit enzyme, which has been implicated in cytosolic DNA sensing. These variants were deleterious for expression of full-length POLR3A and POLR3C proteins. We demonstrate that human pulmonary A549-hACE2 cells with reduced POLR3A or POLR3C expression exhibit impaired type I IFN responses to transfected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or SARS-CoV-2 infection, together with increased viral replication. Mechanistically, we show that SARS-CoV-2 induces cellular mtDNA release via oligomerization of the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel under virus-induced oxidative stress, enabling POL III-mtDNA interaction. These findings establish POL III as a sensor of endogenous mtDNA released during viral infection and indicate that autosomal dominant POL III haploinsufficiency may predispose individuals to critical COVID-19.

Humans

Cell-type specific activation of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor immunotherapy: mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

BACKGROUND: The cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS–STING) pathway acts as a pivotal innate immune sensor that detects cytosolic DNA and links genomic instability to antitumor immune activation. Therapeutic activation of this pathway has garnered substantial interest as a strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy by promoting dendritic cell maturation, augmenting antigen presentation, and facilitating cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration. However, the functional outcomes of cGAS–STING signaling are highly context dependent and influenced by both cell type and tumor microenvironmental (TME) conditions. MAIN BODY: Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomic profiling have revealed profound heterogeneity in cGAS–STING activation across distinct cellular and regional compartments within tumors. Acute and spatially restricted activation of the pathway can elicit potent antitumor immune responses, whereas chronic or dysregulated signaling may promote immune tolerance and tumor progression. Moreover, metabolic stress, epigenetic silencing, and microenvironmental immunosuppressive factors such as TGF-β and IL-10 can further modulate STING activity, leading to resistance to immunotherapy. Current translational efforts focus on next-generation STING agonists, nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and rational combination strategies with immune checkpoint blockade and metabolic modulators to overcome tumor-intrinsic resistance and minimize systemic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the cell-type-specific and spatial dynamics of cGAS–STING signaling is crucial for the rational design of precision immunotherapies. Future research should emphasize context-dependent modulation of STING activity to maximize therapeutic benefit while limiting adverse effects. Integrating multi-omics technologies and spatially guided drug delivery may ultimately enable personalized modulation of the cGAS–STING axis, transforming it into a clinically effective and safe strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Humans

Second messenger signaling in the regulation of cytosolic pH and DNA synthesis by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide in osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells: role of Na+/H+ exchange.

The present study was performed to investigate the regulation of cytosolic pH (pHi) and DNA synthesis by parathyroid hormone(PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) in osteoblasts, using osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells, UMR-106 which possessed PTH-responsive dual signal transduction systems (cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/protein kinase C [Ca/PKC]) and amiloride-inhibitable Na+/H+ exchange system. Both human (h)PTH-(1-34) and hPTHrP-(1-34) caused a progressive decrease in pHi and the inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation (TdR) to the same degree in a dose-dependent manner with a minimal effective dose of 10(-10) M. Dibutyryl cAMP (10(-4) M and Sp-cAMPS (10(-4) M), a direct stimulator of PKA also caused a progressive decrease in pHi, and calcium ionophores (A23187 and ionomycin, 10(-6) M) caused a transient decrease in pHi. Pretreatment with amiloride (0.3 mM) mostly blocked dbcAMP- and Sp-cAMPS-induced decrease in pHi but did not affect calcium ionophore-induced decrease in pHi. In the presence of amiloride, PTH and PTHrP caused a transient decrease in pHi, which was similar to the pattern of calcium ionophore-induced change in pHi. Amiloride did not affect the inhibition of TdR by PTH or PTHrP as well as that by cAMP analogues or calcium ionophores. The present study indicated that PTH and PTHrP caused cytosolic acidification through PKA-inhibited Na+/H+ exchange and increased cytosolic calcium-induced pathway and that the regulation of DNA synthesis by PTH and PTHrP was not via Na+/H+ exchange system.

Amiloride

Formation of thymidine kinase and deoxycytidylate deaminase in synchronized cultures of chinese hamster cells temperature-sensitive for DNA synthesis.

Cytosol thymidine kinase (TK) and deoxycytidylate (dCMP) deaminase formation was investigated in synchronized cultures of K12 Chinese hamster cells which have a temperature-sensitive lesion affecting the initiation of DNA synthesis. Enzyme formation was found to be cycloheximide-sensitive and also temperature-dependent. Beginning at about six hours after addition of medium with 10% calf serum to serum-depleted K12 cultures, cytosol TK and dCMP deaminase activities increased when the cultures were incubated at 36.5 degrees but not at 40.5 degrees. When cultures were shifted from 36.5 degrees to 40.5 degrees at 4,6, or 8 hours after serum addition, TK activity continued to increase, though not to the level observed at ten hours in cultures maintained at 36.5 degrees. Actinomycin D addition at the time of serum reversal or four hours later blocked the TK increase normally observed at the permissive temperature at ten hours. However, when actinomycin D addition was delayed for six or eight hours after serum addition, the increase in TK measured at ten hours resembled that observed in the temperature shift-up experiments. The results provide evidence that the mutation in K12 Chinese hamster cells most likely blocks the progression through G1 into S and suggest that transcription or post-transcriptional processing required for TK formation is affected.

Blood

No Correlation Between Interferon Signaling and Cytosolic Mitochondrial DNA/RNA Leakage in Cultured Skin Fibroblasts of Patients With Mitochondrial Diseases.

Mitochondria have long been known to be involved in the regulation of innate immune response. We questioned whether cultured skin fibroblasts of patients suffering from mitochondrial diseases are valuable biological resources for the study of interferon signaling. Expression of interferon-stimulated genes was measured in control cells supplemented with interferon and in cultured fibroblasts of patients carrying pathogenic variants in mitochondrial disease-causing genes. Control fibroblasts showed a strong expression of interferon-stimulated genes in response to interferon, but only 43% of patients' fibroblasts displayed increased interferon stimulated genes scores. Cytosolic mitochondrial DNA and RNA were quantified by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. No correlation between elevated interferon response and cytosolic mitochondrial DNA or RNA release could be established. We found that cultured skin fibroblasts represent a valuable biological resource for the investigation of interferon signaling, but that abnormal interferon signaling is not always observed in patients with mitochondrial diseases. At variance to gene silencing in control fibroblasts, the lack of correlation between elevated interferon response and cytosolic mitochondrial DNA or RNA leakage in patients' fibroblasts questions the relevance of cellular models as illustrators of pathological situations in humans.

Humans

cGAS-STING signaling in aging and age-related diseases: therapeutic promise and precaution.

Endogenous cytoplasmic DNA (cytoDNA) is increasingly recognized as a mediator of tissue dysfunction and disease progression during aging. As a major cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway can translate aging-associated cytoDNA accumulation into innate immune and inflammatory programs. This review summarizes the evolutionary and signaling features of the cGAS-STING cascade and critically discusses its crosstalk with aging-associated intracellular molecular threats, including nuclear genomic and chromatin stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative-metabolic stress, and defective clearance of nucleic acids or damaged organelles. We further synthesize evidence linking dysregulated cGAS-STING activation to inflammatory remodeling, senescence-associated changes, cell injury, fibrosis, and tissue dysfunction, while highlighting the context-dependent roles of this pathway across physiological aging and ARDs. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of cGAS-STING modulation, emphasizing that successful translation will require context-defined therapeutic windows, tissue- and cell-specific targeting, subcellular compartmentalization, and long-term safety assessment.

Humans