Sequence-Selective Covalent CaaX-Box Receptors Prevent Farnesylation of Oncogenic Ras Proteins and Impact MAPK/PI3 K Signaling

Recent Advances in Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Wild-Type Ras Protein Interactions in Cancer Therapy

Ras proteins are pivotal in the regulation of cell proliferation signals, and their dysregulation is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of various malignancies. Peptide inhibitors hold distinct advantages in targeting Ras proteins, attributable to their extensive binding domains, which result from the smooth surfaces of the proteins. The array of specific strategies includes the employment of full hydrocarbon chains, cyclic peptides, linear peptides, and N-terminal nucleation polypeptides. These methods effectively suppress the Ras signaling pathway through distinct mechanisms, highlighting their potential as anti-neoplastic agents. Moreover, cutting-edge methodologies, including the N-terminal aspartate nucleation strategy and the utilization of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides, are transforming the landscape of therapeutics aimed at Ras proteins. These innovations highlight the promise of peptide libraries and combinatorial chemistry in augmenting binding affinity, specificity, and cellular permeability, which are pivotal for the development of potent anti-cancer agents. The incorporation of dual therapeutic strategies, such as the synergy between peptide inhibitors and conventional chemotherapy or the use of radiotherapy enhancers, emerges as a compelling strategy to bolster the efficacy of cancer treatments targeting the Ras-MAPK pathway. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that Ras-targeting stabilized peptides can amplify the radio-sensitivity of cancer cells, offering an innovative approach to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy within cancer management.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Binding Mode of a New Class of Oncogenic K-Ras4b Inhibitors

Ras proteins are implicated in some of the most common life-threatening cancers. Despite intense research during the past three decades, progress towards small-molecule inhibitors of mutant Ras proteins still has been limited. Only recently has significant progress been made, in particular with ligands for binding sites located in the switch II and between the switch I and switch II region of K-Ras4B. However, the structural diversity of inhibitors identified for those sites to date is narrow. Herein, we show that hydrazones and oxime ethers of specific bis(het)aryl ketones represent structurally variable chemotypes for new GDP/GTP-exchange inhibitors with significant cellular activity.

Stopping the beating heart of cancer: KRAS reviewed

It has taken four decades of research to see the first major breakthrough for KRAS-driven cancers. In particular, the last decade has seen a paradigm shift with the discovery of druggable pockets on KRAS and clinical efficacy with covalent KRAS^G12C inhibitors, culminating in the first approval of sotorasib monotherapy as second-line treatment in KRAS^G12C-driven non-small-cell lung cancer. Nevertheless, 85% of all KRAS-mutated cancers still lack novel agents. In this review, we will outline the structure, function, and post-translational modifications of KRAS and highlight the various approaches being adopted to drug KRAS, ranging from selective to pan concepts. The range of molecular modalities being explored, including PROTACs and glues, will also be described. Finally, an outlook toward the next wave of KRAS drugs and the challenges of resistance will be given.