posted on 2020-01-09, 16:43authored byCarlota Colomer, Pol Margalef, Alberto Villanueva, Anna Vert, Irene Pecharroman, Laura Solé, Mónica González-Farré, Josune Alonso, Clara Montagut, Maria Martinez-Iniesta, Joan Bertran, Eva Borràs, Mar Iglesias, Eduard Sabidó, Anna Bigas, Simon J Boulton, Lluís Espinosa
Phosphorylated IKKα(p45) is a nuclear active form of the IKKα kinase that is induced by the MAP kinases BRAF and TAK1 and promotes tumor growth independent of canonical NF-κB signaling. Insights into the sources of IKKα(p45) activation and its downstream substrates in the nucleus remain to be defined. Here, we discover that IKKα(p45) is rapidly activated by DNA damage independent of ATM-ATR, but dependent on BRAF-TAK1-p38-MAPK, and is required for robust ATM activation and efficient DNA repair. Abolishing BRAF or IKKα activity attenuates ATM, Chk1, MDC1, Kap1, and 53BP1 phosphorylation, compromises 53BP1 and RIF1 co-recruitment to sites of DNA lesions, and inhibits 53BP1-dependent fusion of dysfunctional telomeres. Furthermore, IKKα or BRAF inhibition synergistically enhances the therapeutic potential of 5-FU and irinotecan to eradicate chemotherapy-resistant metastatic human tumors in vivo. Our results implicate BRAF and IKKα kinases in the DDR and reveal a combination strategy for cancer treatment.
Funding
Crick (Grant ID: 10048, Grant title: Boulton FC001048)
European Research Council (Grant ID: 742437 - TelMetab, Grant title: ERC 742437 - TelMetab)