cGAS/STING cross-talks with cell cycle and potentiates cancer immunotherapy

The correct duplication and transfer of genetic material to daughter cells is the major event of cell division. Dysfunction of DNA replication or chromosome segregation presents chal-lenges in cancer initiation and development as well as opportu-nities for cancer treatment. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) of the innate immune system detects cytoplasmic DNA and me-diates downstream immune responses through the molecule stimulator of interferon genes (STING). However, how cyto-solic DNA sensor cGAS participates in guaranteeing accurate cell division and preventing tumorigenesis is still unclear. Recent evidence indicates malfunction of cGAS/STING pathway in cancer progression. Cell cycle-targeted therapy syn-ergizes with immunotherapy via cGAS/STING activation, lead-ing to promising therapeutic benefit. Here, we review the inter-actions between cell cycle regulation and cGAS/STING signaling, thus enabling us to understand the role of cGAS/STING in cancer initiation, development, and treatment.

Automated summary

The accurate duplication and transfer of genetic material is crucial for cell division. The interaction between cell cycle regulation and cGAS/STING signaling plays a significant role in cancer initiation, development, and treatment.