Variations in Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 status and DNA damage-induced S-phase arrest in the cell lines of the NCI60 panel
2011

Identifying Defects in DNA Repair and Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Cells

Sample size: 60 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kristen M. Garner, Alan Eastman

Primary Institution: Dartmouth Medical School

Hypothesis

The Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (MRN) complex defects lead to sensitivity to certain drugs in cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

The study identified cancer cell lines with defects in the MRN complex and potential compounds that may selectively target these cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • HCT116 cells were identified as defective in MRN and S-phase arrest.
  • Transfection with Mre11 rescued the defective S-phase arrest in HCT116 cells.
  • A strong correlation existed between Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 protein levels.

Takeaway

Some cancer cells have problems fixing their DNA, which makes them easier to kill with certain drugs.

Methodology

The NCI60 panel was screened for MRN protein levels and S-phase arrest in response to the drug SN38.

Limitations

The COMPARE program may not accurately identify compounds that selectively inhibit only a few cell lines.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-206

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