DNA-PK inhibitors

DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase) inhibitors are pharmaceutical compounds designed to target and inhibit the DNA-PK enzyme, a key component of the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway involved in DNA double-strand break repair. DNA-PK consists of a catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and a regulatory subunit (Ku), which together recognize and bind to DNA ends at sites of damage. Inhibition of DNA-PK activity disrupts the repair of DNA breaks, leading to accumulation of DNA damage and potentially inducing cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cancer cells that rely heavily on efficient DNA repair mechanisms for survival. DNA-PK inhibitors are actively studied for their potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment, where they may enhance the sensitivity of tumors to radiation therapy and certain chemotherapeutic agents.