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Deoxycytidine Kinase Augments ATM-Mediated DNA Repair and Contributes to Radiation Resistance

7th August 2014 in /by

Abstract: Efficient and adequate generation of deoxyribonucleotides is critical to successful DNA repair. We show that ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) integrates the DNA damage response with DNA metabolism by regulating the salvage of deoxyribonucleosides. Specifically, ATM phosphorylates and activates deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) at serine 74 in response to ionizing radiation (IR). Activation of dCK shifts […]

Co-targeting of convergent nucleotide biosynthetic pathways for leukemia eradication

24th February 2014 in /by

Abstract: Pharmacological targeting of metabolic processes in cancer must overcome redundancy in biosynthetic pathways. Deoxycytidine (dC) triphosphate (dCTP) can be produced both by the de novo pathway (DNP) and by the nucleoside salvage pathway (NSP). However, the role of the NSP in dCTP production and DNA synthesis in cancer cells is currently not well understood. […]

Development of new deoxycytidine kinase inhibitors and non-invasive in vivo evaluation using Positron Emission Tomography

12th September 2013 in /by

Abstract: Combined inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) in multiple cancer cell lines depletes deoxycytidine triphosphate pools leading to DNA replication stress, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Evidence implicating dCK in cancer cell proliferation and survival stimulated our interest in developing small molecule dCK inhibitors. Following a high throughput screen of a diverse […]

Nucleoside salvage pathway kinases regulate hematopoiesis by linking nucleotide metabolism with replication stress

19th November 2012 in /by

Abstract: Nucleotide deficiency causes replication stress (RS) and DNA damage in dividing cells. How nucleotide metabolism is regulated in vivo to prevent these deleterious effects remains unknown. In this study, we investigate a functional link between nucleotide deficiency, RS, and the nucleoside salvage pathway (NSP) enzymes deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and thymidine kinase (TK1). We show […]

Novel Positron Emission Tomography Probes Specific for Deoxycytidine Kinase

22nd June 2011 in /by

Abstract: Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway and a critical determinant of therapeutic activity for several nucleoside analog pro-drugs. We have previously reported the development of 18F-FAC, (1-(2′-deoxy-2′-18F-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl) cytosine), a new probe for PET imaging of dCK activity in immune disorders and certain cancers. The objective of the current […]

Requirement for deoxycytidine kinase in T and B lymphocyte development

31st December 2009 in /by

Abstract: Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a rate-limiting enzyme in deoxyribonucleoside salvage, a metabolic pathway that recycles products of DNA degradation. dCK phosphorylates and therefore activates nucleoside analog prodrugs frequently used in cancer, autoimmunity, and viral infections. In contrast to its well established therapeutic relevance, the biological function of dCK remains enigmatic. Highest levels of dCK […]

Molecular imaging of lymphoid organs and immune activation using positron emission tomography with a new 18F-labeled 2′-deoxycytidine analog

3rd August 2009 in /by

Abstract: Monitoring immune function using molecular imaging could significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of immunological disorders and therapeutic immune responses. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging modality with applications in cancer and other diseases. PET studies of immune function have been limited by a lack of specialized probes. We identified [18F]FAC […]