# Discovery and development of Ku-targeted small molecule inhibitors: A novel mechanism of DNA-PK inhibition

> **NIH NIH R01** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2020 · $603,569

## Abstract

The DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a validated target for cancer therapeutics involved
in the DNA-damage response (DDR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) double strand break (DSB)
repair pathways. Various anti-cancer therapeutic strategies, including ionizing radiation (IR) impart their
efficacy by inducing DNA DSBs. Both genetic and pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that modulating
the DDR and DSB repair pathways has a profound impact on the efficacy of DNA damaging therapeutic agents
supporting the premise of targeting DNA-PK in cancer therapy. Development of DNA-PK inhibitors thus far has
focused entirely on targeting the DNA-PKcs active site, three of which are currently in early phase clinical trials.
We have exploited the requirement for DNA-PK activation of binding to DNA termini via the Ku 70/80
heterodimer to identify small molecule Ku inhibitors that inhibit DNA-PK via a novel mechanism. Preliminary
data show that Ku-inhibitors abrogate DNA-PK catalytic activity at nanomolar concentrations and potentiate
cellular sensitivity to DSB-inducing therapeutics. We have also proven that the observed cellular effects are a
function of direct on-target Ku inhibition. Based on the rigorous published and preliminary data we
hypothesize that DNA-PK inhibition mediated by targeting Ku-DNA binding, will inhibit the DDR and
NHEJ pathways resulting in sensitization of cancer cells to DNA damaging anti-cancer agents. To
address this hypothesis, we propose three specific aims. In Aim 1 we will develop highly potent and selective
DNA-PK inhibitors by targeting the Ku-DNA interaction. Having established nanomolar inhibitors, chemistry
efforts will focus on optimizing the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties to increase cellular uptake
and bioavailability while retaining excellent potency and selectivity. In Aim 2 we will determine the molecular
mechanism of action (MOA) of Ku inhibitors and elucidate how chemical inhibition of Ku impacts the cellular
DDR and repair pathways. In Aim 3 we will interrogate how modulation of DSB repair via HRR and DDR
signaling due to Ku inhibition impacts anticancer efficacy alone and in combination therapy in clinically relevant
models of lung and ovarian cancer. We will also assess the impact of common cancer genetic mutations in
genome stability and maintenance pathways (including BRCA1 and BRCA2) towards exploiting synthetic lethal
interactions to enhance drug and radiation efficacy. Completion of these studies will provide essential
information for the continued discovery and development of novel Ku-targeted DNA-PK inhibitors. The impact
of this research thus extends beyond the generation of new knowledge, reagents and models to provide new
molecularly targeted treatment options for a wide array of cancers that are currently difficult to treat effectively.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9997428
- **Project number:** 1R01CA247370-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Navnath S Gavande
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $603,569
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-13 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9997428

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9997428, Discovery and development of Ku-targeted small molecule inhibitors: A novel mechanism of DNA-PK inhibition (1R01CA247370-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9997428. Licensed CC0.

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