Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) plays an important role in maintaining genome integrity during DNA replication through the phosphorylation and activation of Chk1 and regulation of the DNA damage response. Preclinical studies have shown that disruption of ATR pathway can exacerbate the levels of replication stress in oncogene-driven murine tumors to promote cell killing. Additionally, inhibition of ATR can sensitise tumor cells to radiation or chemotherapy. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting ATR can selectively sensitize cancer cells but not normal cells to DNA damage. Furthermore, in hypoxic conditions, ATR blockade results in overloading replication stress and DNA damage response causing cell death. Despite the attractiveness of ATR inhibition in the treatment of cancer, specific ATR inhibitors have remained elusive. In the last two years however, selective ATR inhibitors suitable for in vitro and - most recently - in vivo studies have been identified. In this article, we will review the literature on ATR function, its role in DDR and the potential of ATR inhibition to enhance the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.03.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cancer Treat Rev

Publication Date

02/2014

Volume

40

Pages

109 - 117

Keywords

ATR, Cancer, Chemotherapy, DNA damage, Radiation, Replication stress, Therapeutics, Animals, Antineoplastic Agents, Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins, Checkpoint Kinase 1, Clinical Trials as Topic, Combined Modality Therapy, DNA Damage, DNA Replication, Humans, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Neoplasms, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, Protein Kinases, Signal Transduction