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Wang J, Al-Majid D, Brenner JC, Smith JD. Mutant HRas Signaling and Rationale for Use of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2023; 18:643-655. [PMID: 37665491 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are often associated with poor outcomes, due at least in part to the limited number of treatment options available for those patients who develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease (R/M HNSCC). Even with the recent validation and approval of immunotherapies in the first-line setting for these patients, the need for the development of new and alternative precision medicine strategies with survival benefit is clear. Oncogenic alterations in the HRAS (Harvey rat sarcoma virus) proto-oncogene are seen in approximately 4-8% of R/M HNSCC tumors. Recently, several preclinical and clinical advancements have been made in the implementation of small-molecule inhibitors that block post-translational farnesylation of HRas, thereby abrogating its downstream oncogenic activity. In this review, we focus on the biology of wild-type and mutant HRas signaling in HNSCC, and rationale for use and outcomes of farnesyltransferase inhibitors in patients with HRAS-mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dana Al-Majid
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J Chad Brenner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Joshua D Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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2
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Ben Yahia H, Petit FM, Saada-Bouzid E. Targeting Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog in head and neck cancer: how to move forward? Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:178-185. [PMID: 36966498 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite recent advances, treatment personalization remains an issue for recurrent metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM HNSCC) patients. After human papilloma virus (HPV) and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1) expression, Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS) appears as an emerging target in this field. In this review, we summarize the features of HRAS -mutated HNSCC and its targeting by farnesyl transferase inhibitors. RECENT FINDINGS HRAS mutations define a small subgroup of RM HNSCC patients with a poor prognosis and often refractory to the standard treatments. Posttranslational processing of HRAS being dependent on farnesylation, farnesyl transferase inhibitors have been evaluated in HRAS -mutated tumors. Tipifarnib, a first in class farnesyl transferase inhibitor, has shown efficacy in phase 2 trials with HRAS -mutated tumors. Despite reported high response rates in selected population, the efficacy of Tipifarnib is inconsistent and always transient, probably because of limiting hematological toxicities leading to dose reduction and occurrence of secondary resistance mutations. SUMMARY Tipifarnib is the first in the class of farnesyl transferase inhibitors to show efficacy in HRAS -mutated RM HNSCC. The understanding of mechanisms of resistance will pave the way for the design of second-generation farnesyl transferases inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hédi Ben Yahia
- Translational Research in Oncology Laboratory, Cote d'Azur University
- Oncopharmacology Laboratory
| | - François M Petit
- Translational Research in Oncology Laboratory, Cote d'Azur University
- Oncopharmacology Laboratory
| | - Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Translational Research in Oncology Laboratory, Cote d'Azur University
- Medical Oncology Department, Antoine Lacassagne Cancer Center, Nice, France
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3
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Desilets A, Ho AL. Targeting HRAS in Head and Neck Cancer: Lessons From the Past and Future Promise. Cancer J 2022; 28:363-368. [PMID: 36165724 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT HRAS mutations define a unique biologic subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogenic HRAS is uniquely dependent on posttranslational farnesylation for membrane localization and activation of downstream signaling. Tipifarnib, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity for HRAS mutant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and modest activity for HRAS mutant salivary gland cancer. New combination strategies to circumvent intrinsic and acquired resistance to TFIs are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan L Ho
- From the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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4
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Hettmer S, Linardic CM, Kelsey A, Rudzinski ER, Vokuhl C, Selfe J, Ruhen O, Shern JF, Khan J, Kovach AR, Lupo PJ, Gatz SA, Schäfer BW, Volchenboum S, Minard-Colin V, Koscielniak E, Hawkins DS, Bisogno G, Sparber-Sauer M, Venkatramani R, Merks JHM, Shipley J. Molecular testing of rhabdomyosarcoma in clinical trials to improve risk stratification and outcome: A consensus view from European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group, Children's Oncology Group and Cooperative Weichteilsarkom-Studiengruppe. Eur J Cancer 2022; 172:367-386. [PMID: 35839732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) are the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children/adolescents less than 18 years of age with an annual incidence of 1-2/million. Inter/intra-tumour heterogeneity raise challenges in clinical, pathological and biological research studies. Risk stratification in European and North American clinical trials previously relied on clinico-pathological features, but now, incorporates PAX3/7-FOXO1-fusion gene status in the place of alveolar histology. International working groups propose a coordinated approach through the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium to evaluate the specific genetic abnormalities and generate and integrate molecular and clinical data related to patients with RMS across different trial settings. We review relevant data and present a consensus view on what molecular features should be assessed. In particular, we recommend the assessment of the MYOD1-LR122R mutation for risk escalation, as it has been associated with poor outcomes in spindle/sclerosing RMS and rare RMS with classic embryonal histopathology. The prospective analyses of rare fusion genes beyond PAX3/7-FOXO1 will generate new data linked to outcomes and assessment of TP53 mutations and CDK4 amplification may confirm their prognostic value. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants in TP53 and other cancer predisposition genes should also be assessed. DNA/RNA profiling of tumours at diagnosis/relapse and serial analyses of plasma samples is recommended where possible to validate potential molecular biomarkers, identify new biomarkers and assess how liquid biopsy analyses can have the greatest benefit. Together with the development of new molecularly-derived therapeutic strategies that we review, a synchronised international approach is expected to enhance progress towards improved treatment assignment, management and outcomes for patients with RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Corinne M Linardic
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology; Duke University of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Paediatric Histopathology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Erin R Rudzinski
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christian Vokuhl
- Section of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Olivia Ruhen
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jack F Shern
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Javed Khan
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander R Kovach
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology; Duke University of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susanne A Gatz
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ewa Koscielniak
- Klinikum der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart GKAöR, Olgahospital, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Pädiatrie 5 (Pädiatrische Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart, Germany; Medizinische Fakultät, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Hematology Oncology Division, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Monika Sparber-Sauer
- Klinikum der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart GKAöR, Olgahospital, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Pädiatrie 5 (Pädiatrische Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart, Germany; Medizinische Fakultät, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Janet Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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5
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Marret G, Bièche I, Dupain C, Borcoman E, du Rusquec P, Ricci F, Hescot S, Sablin MP, Tresca P, Bello D, Dubot C, Loirat D, Frelaut M, Lecerf C, Le Tourneau C, Kamal M. Genomic Alterations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Level of Evidence According to ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT). JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 5:215-226. [PMID: 34994597 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of high-throughput technologies helped to decipher tumor genomic landscapes revealing actionable molecular alterations. We aimed to rank the level of evidence of recurrent actionable molecular alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) on the basis of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT) to help the clinicians prioritize treatment. We identified actionable alterations in 33 genes. HRAS-activating mutations were ranked in tier IB because of the efficacy of tipifarnib (farnesyltransferase inhibitor) in HRAS-mutated patients with HNSCC (nonrandomized clinical trial). Microsatellite instability (MSI), high tumor mutational burden (TMB), and NTRK fusions were ranked in tier IC because of PD-1 and TRK tyrosine kinase inhibitors tissue-agnostic approvals. CDKN2A-inactivating alterations and EGFR amplification were ranked in tier IIA because of the efficacy of palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) and afatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) in these respective molecular subgroups in retrospective analyses of clinical trials. Molecular alterations in several genes, including PIK3CA gene, were ranked in tier IIIA because of clinical benefit in other tumor types, whereas molecular alterations in IGF1R and TP53 genes were ranked in tier IVA and tier V, respectively. The most compelling actionable molecular alterations in HNSCC according to ESCAT include HRAS-activating mutations, MSI, high TMB, NTRK fusions, CDKN2A-inactivating alterations, and EGFR amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.,INSERM U1016 Research Unit, Cochin Institute, Paris, France
| | - Célia Dupain
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Edith Borcoman
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Pauline du Rusquec
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Ségolène Hescot
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Marie-Paule Sablin
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Patricia Tresca
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Diana Bello
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Coraline Dubot
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Delphine Loirat
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Maxime Frelaut
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Charlotte Lecerf
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France.,INSERM U900, Institut Curie, Mines Paris Tech, Saint-Cloud, France.,Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Maud Kamal
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
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6
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Sheffels E, Kortum RL. The Role of Wild-Type RAS in Oncogenic RAS Transformation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050662. [PMID: 33924994 PMCID: PMC8146411 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS family of oncogenes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most frequently mutated protein families in cancers. RAS-mutated tumors were originally thought to proliferate independently of upstream signaling inputs, but we now know that non-mutated wild-type (WT) RAS proteins play an important role in modulating downstream effector signaling and driving therapeutic resistance in RAS-mutated cancers. This modulation is complex as different WT RAS family members have opposing functions. The protein product of the WT RAS allele of the same isoform as mutated RAS is often tumor-suppressive and lost during tumor progression. In contrast, RTK-dependent activation of the WT RAS proteins from the two non-mutated WT RAS family members is tumor-promoting. Further, rebound activation of RTK–WT RAS signaling underlies therapeutic resistance to targeted therapeutics in RAS-mutated cancers. The contributions of WT RAS to proliferation and transformation in RAS-mutated cancer cells places renewed interest in upstream signaling molecules, including the phosphatase/adaptor SHP2 and the RasGEFs SOS1 and SOS2, as potential therapeutic targets in RAS-mutated cancers.
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7
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Losada de la Lastra A, Hassan S, Tate EW. Deconvoluting the biology and druggability of protein lipidation using chemical proteomics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 60:97-112. [PMID: 33221680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipids are indispensable cellular building blocks, and their post-translational attachment to proteins makes them important regulators of many biological processes. Dysfunction of protein lipidation is also implicated in many pathological states, yet its systematic analysis presents significant challenges. Thanks to innovations in chemical proteomics, lipidation can now be readily studied by metabolic tagging using functionalized lipid analogs, enabling global profiling of lipidated substrates using mass spectrometry. This has spearheaded the first deconvolution of their full scope in a range of contexts, from cells to pathogens and multicellular organisms. Protein N-myristoylation, S-acylation, and S-prenylation are the most well-studied lipid post-translational modifications because of their extensive contribution to the regulation of diverse cellular processes. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the study of these post-translational modifications, with an emphasis on how novel mass spectrometry methods have elucidated their roles in fundamental biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Losada de la Lastra
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Sarah Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
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8
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Klochkov SG, Neganova ME, Aleksandrova YR. Promising Molecular Targets for Design of Antitumor Drugs Based on Ras Protein Signaling Cascades. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162020050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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9
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Marshall CB, KleinJan F, Gebregiworgis T, Lee KY, Fang Z, Eves BJ, Liu NF, Gasmi-Seabrook GMC, Enomoto M, Ikura M. NMR in integrated biophysical drug discovery for RAS: past, present, and future. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:531-554. [PMID: 32804298 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in RAS oncogenes occur in ~ 30% of human cancers, with KRAS being the most frequently altered isoform. RAS proteins comprise a conserved GTPase domain and a C-terminal lipid-modified tail that is unique to each isoform. The GTPase domain is a 'switch' that regulates multiple signaling cascades that drive cell growth and proliferation when activated by binding GTP, and the signal is terminated by GTP hydrolysis. Oncogenic RAS mutations disrupt the GTPase cycle, leading to accumulation of the activated GTP-bound state and promoting proliferation. RAS is a key target in oncology, however it lacks classic druggable pockets and has been extremely challenging to target. RAS signaling has thus been targeted indirectly, by harnessing key downstream effectors as well as upstream regulators, or disrupting the proper membrane localization required for signaling, by inhibiting either lipid modification or 'carrier' proteins. As a small (20 kDa) protein with multiple conformers in dynamic equilibrium, RAS is an excellent candidate for NMR-driven characterization and screening for direct inhibitors. Several molecules have been discovered that bind RAS and stabilize shallow pockets through conformational selection, and recent compounds have achieved substantial improvements in affinity. NMR-derived insight into targeting the RAS-membrane interface has revealed a new strategy to enhance the potency of small molecules, while another approach has been development of peptidyl inhibitors that bind through large interfaces rather than deep pockets. Remarkable progress has been made with mutation-specific covalent inhibitors that target the thiol of a G12C mutant, and these are now in clinical trials. Here we review the history of RAS inhibitor development and highlight the utility of NMR and integrated biophysical approaches in RAS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Fenneke KleinJan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ben J Eves
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ningdi F Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masahiro Enomoto
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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10
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Hanna GJ, Guenette JP, Chau NG, Sayehli CM, Wilhelm C, Metcalf R, Wong DJ, Brose M, Razaq M, Pérez-Ruiz E, Cohen EEW, Aggarwal R, Scholz C, Gualberto A, Ho AL. Tipifarnib in recurrent, metastatic HRAS-mutant salivary gland cancer. Cancer 2020; 126:3972-3981. [PMID: 32557577 PMCID: PMC8266417 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, there are no approved therapies for recurrent, metastatic (R/M) salivary gland carcinoma (SGC), but molecularly targeted therapies warrant ongoing investigation. In the current study, the authors have reported on the efficacy of tipifarnib in patients with aggressive HRAS-mutant, R/M SGC. METHODS The current prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, international cohort study involved 8 centers and was conducted from May 2015 to June 2019. The median follow-up was 22 months (range, 6-55 months). Subjects with HRAS-mutant R/M SGC (any histology) and disease progression within the last 6 months were enrolled. Tipifarnib was dosed orally twice daily. The authors determined the objective response rate using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1), duration of response, and molecular predictors of response. RESULTS A total of 13 patients with R/M SGC were enrolled; all had received prior systemic therapy (1-3 regimens). One objective response was observed; an additional 7 of 12 evaluable patients (58%) had stable disease as their best response with a median duration of 9 months (range, 3-14 months). Five of 7 patients had >10% tumor regression and 6 of 7 had stable disease lasting >6 months. Q61R was the most frequent activating HRAS mutation noted (7 of 13 patients; 54%), but gene variant and allele frequency did not correlate with outcomes. The median progression-free survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 5.9-10.1 months), and the median overall survival was 18 months (95% confidence interval, 9.6-22.4 months) with approximately 58.6% of patients alive at 1 year. Survival was similar regardless of HRAS mutant variant or co-occurring PIK3CA alterations. No participant discontinued treatment because of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Tipifarnib resulted in modest clinical activity with a promising disease control rate among patients with HRAS-mutant, R/M SGC who developed disease progression within the last 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn J. Hanna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey P. Guenette
- Division of Neuroradiology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cyrus M. Sayehli
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Early Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, Julius Maximilian University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Robert Metcalf
- Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah J. Wong
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Ronald Reagan University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marcia Brose
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mohammad Razaq
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Elisabeth Pérez-Ruiz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Malaga, Costa del Sol Health Agency, Marbella, Spain
| | - Ezra E. W. Cohen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | - Rahul Aggarwal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California at San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Alan L. Ho
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the genomic characterization of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and discusses how these abnormalities could be incorporated into a therapeutic approach. RECENT FINDINGS Tobacco and HPV infection, the two main risk factors of HNSCC, allow the definition of two groups with distinct anatomoclinical and genetic features. As tobacco and HPV infection are not exclusive, exposure to both risk factors is associated with an intermediate prognostic. HPV-positive, nontobacco-related HNSCCs are associated with a better prognosis, a rather more simple genomic profile, frequent activating mutations of genes involved in pi3kinase pathway, and the very low incidence of mutations of tumor suppressor genes. HPV-negative, tobacco-related HNSCC are genetically more complex. HPV-negative HNSCC are characterized by almost mandatory inactivating mutations/deletions of tumor suppressor genes (especially TP53 and CDKN2A) and the occurrence, though less frequent, of activating mutations or amplifications of some oncogenes that encode for cell cycle proteins or receptors with tyrosine kinase activity. Despite many efforts to improve therapeutic targeting in RM HNSCC, Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting REGF, remains the sole approved targeted treatment in RM HNSCC. SUMMARY Despite the increasingly precise genomic characterization of HNSCCs, precision medicine is struggling to find its place in the management of HNSCCs. Inclusion of enriched populations in dedicated trials is likely to help implement precision medicine in the management of HNSCCs.
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12
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Cholesterol and beyond - The role of the mevalonate pathway in cancer biology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188351. [PMID: 32007596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted global disease. Transformation of a normal to a malignant cell takes several steps, including somatic mutations, epigenetic alterations, metabolic reprogramming and loss of cell growth control. Recently, the mevalonate pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor biology and a potential therapeutic target. This pathway controls cholesterol production and posttranslational modifications of Rho-GTPases, both of which are linked to several key steps of tumor progression. Inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway induce pleiotropic antitumor-effects in several human malignancies, identifying the pathway as an attractive candidate for novel therapies. In this review, we will provide an overview about the role and regulation of the mevalonate pathway in certain aspects of cancer initiation and progression and its potential for therapeutic intervention in oncology.
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Gougis P, Moreau Bachelard C, Kamal M, Gan HK, Borcoman E, Torossian N, Bièche I, Le Tourneau C. Clinical Development of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2019; 3:pkz055. [PMID: 32337482 PMCID: PMC7049986 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkz055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of cancer biology has led to the development of molecular targeted therapy, which has dramatically improved the outcome of some cancer patients, especially when a biomarker of efficacy has been used for patients' selection. In head and neck oncology, cetuximab that targets epidermal growth factor receptor is the only targeted therapy that demonstrated a survival benefit, both in the recurrent and in the locally advanced settings, yet without prior patients' selection. We herein review the clinical development of targeted therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in light of the molecular landscape and give insights in on how innovative clinical trial designs may speed up biomarker discovery and deployment of new molecular targeted therapies. Given the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death-1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it remains to be determined how targeted therapy will be incorporated into a global drug development strategy that will inevitably incorporate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gougis
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
- AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, CIC-1421, CLIP Galilée, Paris, France
| | - Camille Moreau Bachelard
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Maud Kamal
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Hui K Gan
- Cancer Clinical Trial Centre, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Edith Borcoman
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Nouritza Torossian
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Pharmacogenomics Unit, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris & Saint-Cloud, France
- INSERM U900 Research Unit, Saint-Cloud, France
- Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
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14
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Scaranti M, Nava Rodrigues D, Banerji U. Deep and sustained radiological response after MEK-RAF inhibition in HRAS mutant apocrine carcinoma of the scalp. Eur J Cancer 2019; 122:9-11. [PMID: 31600639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Scaranti
- Drug Development Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, London, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Daniel Nava Rodrigues
- Drug Development Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, London, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Udai Banerji
- Drug Development Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, London, SM2 5PT, United Kingdom.
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15
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Ni D, Li X, He X, Zhang H, Zhang J, Lu S. Drugging K-Ras G12C through covalent inhibitors: Mission possible? Pharmacol Ther 2019; 202:1-17. [PMID: 31233765 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras, whose mutants are present in approximately 30% of human tumours, is one of the most important oncogenes. Drugging Ras is thus regarded as the quest for the Holy Grail in cancer therapeutics development. Despite more than three decades of efforts, drug discovery targeting Ras constantly fails, rendering Ras undruggable, due to its smooth surface and picomolar affinity towards guanosine substrates. The most frequently mutated isoform of Ras is K-Ras, accounting for >85% of Ras-driven cancers, and one majority of them is the G12C mutation. Recent advances in structural biology shed light on drugging Ras, and one of the cutting-edge breakthroughs is the design of covalent G12C-specific inhibitors targeting the mutated cysteine. This type of inhibitor can be classified into substrate-competitive orthosteric inhibitors and non-competitive allosteric inhibitors. They display improved selectivity and enhanced potency due to their G12-specific and irreversible covalent binding nature. Thus, they represent a new hope for revolutionizing the conventional characterization of Ras as "undruggable" and pave a promising avenue for further drug discovery. Here, we provide comprehensive structural and medicinal chemical insights into K-Ras covalent inhibitors specific for the G12C mutant. We first present an in-depth analysis of the conformations of the inhibitor binding pockets. Then, all the latest covalent ligands selectively inhibiting K-RasG12C are reviewed. Finally, we examine the current challenges faced by this new class of anti-Ras inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinheng He
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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16
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Savoia P, Fava P, Casoni F, Cremona O. Targeting the ERK Signaling Pathway in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061483. [PMID: 30934534 PMCID: PMC6472057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the role of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in melanomagenesis and its progression have opened a new era in the treatment of this tumor. Vemurafenib was the first specific kinase inhibitor approved for therapy of advanced melanomas harboring BRAF-activating mutations, followed by dabrafenib and encorafenib. However, despite the excellent results of first-generation kinase inhibitors in terms of response rate, the average duration of the response was short, due to the onset of genetic and epigenetic resistance mechanisms. The combination therapy with MEK inhibitors is an excellent strategy to circumvent drug resistance, with the additional advantage of reducing side effects due to the paradoxical reactivation of the MAPK pathway. The recent development of RAS and extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) inhibitors promises to add new players for the ultimate suppression of this signaling pathway and the control of pathway-related drug resistance. In this review, we analyze the pharmacological, preclinical, and clinical trial data of the various MAPK pathway inhibitors, with a keen interest for their clinical applicability in the management of advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Savoia
- Department of Health Science, University of Eastern Piedmont, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Paolo Fava
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy.
| | - Filippo Casoni
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
- Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ottavio Cremona
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
- Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
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17
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Saada-Bouzid E, Le Tourneau C. Beyond EGFR Targeting in SCCHN: Angiogenesis, PI3K, and Other Molecular Targets. Front Oncol 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 30815390 PMCID: PMC6381014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the molecular landscape of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has been largely deciphered, only one targeted therapy has been approved to date without any molecular selection, namely cetuximab. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR. It has been shown to improve overall survival in the locally advanced setting in combination with radiotherapy and the recurrent and/or metastatic setting in combination with a platinum compound and 5FU. Beside EGFR targeting agents, antiangiogenic agents have been shown to produce antitumor activity but were associated with substantial toxicity. Buparlisib that targets PI3K was also shown to improve survival in combination with paclitaxel in an unselected patient population. Several other targeted therapies have been developed in SCCHN, most of time in all comers, potentially explaining the limited efficacy reported with them. The recent emergence of clinical trials of targeted therapies in enriched patient populations and precision medicine trials such as umbrella trials might boost the clinical development of targeted therapy in SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Early Phase Unit, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Christophe Le Tourneau
- Department of Drug Development & Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris, France.,INSERM U900 Research Unit, Institut Curie, Saint-Cloud, France.,Paris-Saclay University, Saint-Aubin, France
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18
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Ras proteins as therapeutic targets. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1303-1311. [PMID: 30154091 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in RAS genes underlie the pathogenesis of many human tumours, and there has been intense effort for over 30 years to develop effective and tolerated targeted therapeutics for patients with Ras-driven cancers. This review summarises the progress made in Ras drug discovery, highlighting some of the recent developments in directly targeting Ras through advances in small molecule drug design and novel therapeutic strategies.
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19
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Saada-Bouzid E, Milano G, Thariat J. [Genomic characterization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Impact and challenges for therapeutic management]. Bull Cancer 2018; 105:820-829. [PMID: 29937334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas are the most frequent subgroup among head and neck malignant tumors (HNSCC). Tobacco (±alcohol) and HPV infection, the two main risk factors, define two entities with distinct anatomo-clinical and genetic features. HPV-positive, non-tobacco-related HNSCCs are associated with a better prognosis, a rather simple genomic profile, frequent activating mutations of genes involved in pi3kinase-pathway, and the scarcity of mutations of tumor suppressor genes. HPV-negative, tobacco-related HNSCC are genetically more complex, are characterized by almost mandatory inactivating mutations/deletions of tumor suppressor genes (TP53, CDKN2A) and the possible, but less frequent, activating mutations or amplifications of some oncogenes that encode for cell cycle proteins or receptors with tyrosine kinase activity. This review describes the genetic features of HNSCC and discusses how these abnormalities could be incorporated into a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, département d'oncologie médicale, 33, avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice, France; Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, laboratoire d'onco-pharmacologie, 33, avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice, France.
| | - Gérard Milano
- Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, laboratoire d'onco-pharmacologie, 33, avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice, France
| | - Juliette Thariat
- Centre François-Baclesse, département de radiothérapie, 3, avenue Général-Harris, 14076 Caen, France
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20
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Jeong A, Suazo KF, Wood WG, Distefano MD, Li L. Isoprenoids and protein prenylation: implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:279-310. [PMID: 29718780 PMCID: PMC6101676 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1458070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate-isoprenoid-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway plays a key role in human health and disease. The importance of this pathway is underscored by the discovery that two major isoprenoids, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, are required to modify an array of proteins through a process known as protein prenylation, catalyzed by prenyltransferases. The lipophilic prenyl group facilitates the anchoring of proteins in cell membranes, mediating protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. Numerous essential intracellular proteins undergo prenylation, including most members of the small GTPase superfamily as well as heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamins, and are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular processes and functions. Dysregulation of isoprenoids and protein prenylation is implicated in various disorders, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bone diseases, infectious diseases, progeria, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, isoprenoids and/or prenyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for developing therapeutic agents. Here, we provide a general overview of isoprenoid synthesis, the process of protein prenylation and the complexity of prenylated proteins, and pharmacological agents that regulate isoprenoids and protein prenylation. Recent findings that connect isoprenoids/protein prenylation with AD are summarized and potential applications of new prenylomic technologies for uncovering the role of prenylated proteins in the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - W. Gibson Wood
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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21
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Untch BR, Dos Anjos V, Garcia-Rendueles MER, Knauf JA, Krishnamoorthy GP, Saqcena M, Bhanot UK, Socci ND, Ho AL, Ghossein R, Fagin JA. Tipifarnib Inhibits HRAS-Driven Dedifferentiated Thyroid Cancers. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4642-4657. [PMID: 29760048 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Of the three RAS oncoproteins, only HRAS is delocalized and inactivated by farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTI), an approach yet to be exploited clinically. In this study, we treat mice bearing Hras-driven poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers (Tpo-Cre/HrasG12V/p53flox/flox ) with the FTI tipifarnib. Treatment caused sustained tumor regression and increased survival; however, early and late resistance was observed. Adaptive reactivation of RAS-MAPK signaling was abrogated in vitro by selective RTK (i.e., EGFR, FGFR) inhibitors, but responses were ineffective in vivo, whereas combination of tipifarnib with the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 improved outcomes. A subset of tumor-bearing mice treated with tipifarnib developed acquired resistance. Whole-exome sequencing of resistant tumors identified a Nf1 nonsense mutation and an activating mutation in Gnas at high allelic frequency, supporting the on-target effects of the drug. Cell lines modified with these genetic lesions recapitulated tipifarnib resistance in vivo This study demonstrates the feasibility of targeting Ras membrane association in cancers in vivo and predicts combination therapies that confer additional benefit.Significance: Tipifarnib effectively inhibits oncogenic HRAS-driven tumorigenesis and abrogating adaptive signaling improves responses. NF1 and GNAS mutations drive acquired resistance to Hras inhibition, supporting the on-target effects of the drug. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4642-57. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Untch
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Vanessa Dos Anjos
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Jeffrey A Knauf
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gnana P Krishnamoorthy
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mahesh Saqcena
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Umeshkumar K Bhanot
- Pathology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas D Socci
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology and Bioinformatics Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alan L Ho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Fagin
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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22
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Dard L, Bellance N, Lacombe D, Rossignol R. RAS signalling in energy metabolism and rare human diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2018; 1859:845-867. [PMID: 29750912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS pathway is a highly conserved cascade of protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation that is at the heart of signalling networks that govern proliferation, differentiation and cell survival. Recent findings indicate that the RAS pathway plays a role in the regulation of energy metabolism via the control of mitochondrial form and function but little is known on the participation of this effect in RAS-related rare human genetic diseases. Germline mutations that hyperactivate the RAS pathway have been discovered and linked to human developmental disorders that are known as RASopathies. Individuals with RASopathies, which are estimated to affect approximately 1/1000 human birth, share many overlapping characteristics, including cardiac malformations, short stature, neurocognitive impairment, craniofacial dysmorphy, cutaneous, musculoskeletal, and ocular abnormalities, hypotonia and a predisposition to developing cancer. Since the identification of the first RASopathy, type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1), which is caused by the inactivation of neurofibromin 1, several other syndromes have been associated with mutations in the core components of the RAS-MAPK pathway. These syndromes include Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML), which was formerly called LEOPARD syndrome, Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), Legius syndrome (LS) and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM). Here, we review current knowledge about the bioenergetics of the RASopathies and discuss the molecular control of energy homeostasis and mitochondrial physiology by the RAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dard
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - N Bellance
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - D Lacombe
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Génétique Médicale, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - R Rossignol
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CELLOMET, CGFB-146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France.
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23
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Marín-Ramos NI, Ortega-Gutiérrez S, López-Rodríguez ML. Blocking Ras inhibition as an antitumor strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:91-100. [PMID: 29409706 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ras proteins are among the most frequently mutated drivers in human cancer and remain an elusive pharmaceutical targeting. Previous studies have improved the understanding of Ras structure, processing, and signaling pathways in cancer cells and have opened new possibilities for inhibiting Ras function. In this review we discuss the most recent advances towards inhibiting Ras activity with small molecules, highlighting the two approaches: (i) compounds that bind directly to Ras protein and (ii) inhibitors of the enzymes involved in the post-translational modifications of Ras. In the former, we analyze the most recent contributions in each of the main classes of Ras direct binders, including the different types of nucleotide exchange inhibitors, allosteric compounds, and molecules that interfere with the interaction between Ras and its effectors. In the latter, we examine the compounds that inhibit Ras activation by blocking any of its post-translational modifications. Also, a special focus is made on those molecules that have progressed the farthest from medicinal chemistry and drug development points of view. Finally, the current scene regarding the clinical trials of Ras inhibitors, together with the future promising avenues for further development of the challenging Ras field are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagore I Marín-Ramos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Silvia Ortega-Gutiérrez
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Complutense s/n, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María L López-Rodríguez
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Complutense s/n, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Lau HY, Wang M. Small change, big effect: Taking RAS by the tail through suppression of post-prenylation carboxylmethylation. Small GTPases 2017; 11:271-279. [PMID: 29261009 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1415637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutant RAS isoforms are the most common oncogenes affecting human cancers. After decades of effort in developing drugs targeting oncogenic RAS-driven cancers, we are still charting an unclear path. Despite recent developments exemplified by KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, direct targeting of mutant RAS remains a difficult endeavor. Inhibiting RAS function by targeting its post-translational prenylation processing has remained an important approach, especially with recent progress on the study of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT), the unique enzyme for the last step of prenylation processing of RAS isoforms and other substrates. Inhibition of ICMT has shown efficacy both in vitro and in vivo in RAS-mutant cancer models. We will discuss the roles of RAS family of proteins in human cancers and the impact of post-prenylation carboxylmethylation on RAS driven tumorigenesis. In addition, we will review what is known of the molecular and cellular impact of ICMT inhibition on cancer cells that underlie its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Yeung Lau
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore
| | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore , Singapore
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25
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Concepts and advances in cancer therapeutic vulnerabilities in RAS membrane targeting. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 54:121-130. [PMID: 29203271 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
For decades oncogenic RAS proteins were considered undruggable due to a lack of accessible binding pockets on the protein surfaces. Seminal early research in RAS biology uncovered the basic paradigm of post-translational isoprenylation of RAS polypeptides, typically with covalent attachment of a farnesyl group, leading to isoprenyl-mediated RAS anchorage at the plasma membrane and signal initiation at those sites. However, the failure of farnesyltransferase inhibitors to translate to the clinic stymied anti-RAS therapy development. Over the past ten years, a more complete picture has emerged of RAS protein maturation, intracellular trafficking, and location, positioning and retention in subdomains at the plasma membrane, with a corresponding expansion in our understanding of how these properties of RAS contribute to signal outputs. Each of these aspects of RAS regulation presents a potential vulnerability in RAS function that may be exploited for therapeutic targeting, and inhibitors have been identified or developed that interfere with RAS for nearly all of them. This review will summarize current understanding of RAS membrane targeting with a focus on highlighting development and outcomes of inhibitors at each step.
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26
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Novotny CJ, Hamilton GL, McCormick F, Shokat KM. Farnesyltransferase-Mediated Delivery of a Covalent Inhibitor Overcomes Alternative Prenylation to Mislocalize K-Ras. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:1956-1962. [PMID: 28530791 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mutationally activated Ras is one of the most common oncogenic drivers found across all malignancies, and its selective inhibition has long been a goal in both pharma and academia. One of the oldest and most validated methods to inhibit overactive Ras signaling is by interfering with its post-translational processing and subsequent cellular localization. Previous attempts to target Ras processing led to the development of farnesyltransferase inhibitors, which can inhibit H-Ras localization but not K-Ras due to its ability to bypass farnesyltransterase inhibition through alternative prenylation by geranylgeranyltransferase. Here, we present the creation of a neo-substrate for farnesyltransferase that prevents the alternative prenlation by geranylgeranyltransferase and mislocalizes oncogenic K-Ras in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J. Novotny
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular
Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Gregory L. Hamilton
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular
Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI
RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
- Diller Family Comprehensive
Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Cellular and Molecular
Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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Hélias-Rodzewicz Z, Funck-Brentano E, Terrones N, Beauchet A, Zimmermann U, Marin C, Saiag P, Emile JF. Variation of mutant allele frequency in NRAS Q61 mutated melanomas. BMC DERMATOLOGY 2017; 17:9. [PMID: 28668077 PMCID: PMC5494128 DOI: 10.1186/s12895-017-0061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic mutations of BRAF or NRAS activating the MAP kinase cell signaling pathway are present in 70% of cutaneous melanomas. The mutant allele frequency of BRAF V600E (M%BRAF) was recently shown to be highly heterogeneous in melanomas. The present study focuses on the NRAS Q61 mutant allele frequency (M%NRAS). METHODS Retrospective quantitative analyze of 104 NRAS mutated melanomas was performed using pyrosequencing. Mechanisms of M%NRAS imbalance were studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microsatellite analysis. RESULTS M%NRAS was increased in 27.9% of cases. FISH revealed that chromosome 1 instability was the predominant mechanism of M%NRAS increase, with chromosome 1 polysomy observed in 28.6% of cases and intra-tumor cellular heterogeneity with copy number variations of chromosome 1/NRAS in 23.8%. Acquired copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was less frequent (19%). However, most samples with high M%NRAS had only one copy of NRAS locus surrounding regions suggesting a WT allele loss. Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with either <60% or ≥60% of M%NRAS were not different. CONCLUSION As recently shown for M%BRAF, M%NRAS is highly heterogeneous. The clinical impacts of high M%NRAS should be investigated in a larger series of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Hélias-Rodzewicz
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Pathology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Elisa Funck-Brentano
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Dermatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nathalie Terrones
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Alain Beauchet
- Department of Public Health, Ambroise Paré Hospital Ap-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Ute Zimmermann
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Pathology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Cristi Marin
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Pathology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe Saiag
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Dermatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Jean-François Emile
- Research Unit EA4340 Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato Oncology, Versailles SQY University, Paris-Saclay University, 9, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Pathology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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28
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Transposon mutagenesis identifies chromatin modifiers cooperating with Ras in thyroid tumorigenesis and detects ATXN7 as a cancer gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4951-E4960. [PMID: 28584132 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702723114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS mutations are present in 15-30% of thyroid carcinomas. Endogenous expression of mutant Ras is insufficient to initiate thyroid tumorigenesis in murine models, indicating that additional genetic alterations are required. We used Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon mutagenesis to identify events that cooperate with HrasG12V in thyroid tumor development. Random genomic integration of SB transposons primarily generated loss-of-function events that significantly increased thyroid tumor penetrance in Tpo-Cre/homozygous FR-HrasG12V mice. The thyroid tumors closely phenocopied the histological features of human RAS-driven, poorly differentiated thyroid cancers. Characterization of transposon insertion sites in the SB-induced tumors identified 45 recurrently mutated candidate cancer genes. These mutation profiles were remarkably concordant with mutated cancer genes identified in a large series of human poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers screened by next-generation sequencing using the MSK-IMPACT panel of cancer genes, which we modified to include all SB candidates. The disrupted genes primarily clustered in chromatin remodeling functional nodes and in the PI3K pathway. ATXN7, a component of a multiprotein complex with histone acetylase activity, scored as a significant SB hit. It was recurrently mutated in advanced human cancers and significantly co-occurred with RAS or NF1 mutations. Expression of ATXN7 mutants cooperated with oncogenic RAS to induce thyroid cell proliferation, pointing to ATXN7 as a previously unrecognized cancer gene.
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Wang J, Yao X, Huang J. New tricks for human farnesyltransferase inhibitor: cancer and beyond. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:841-854. [PMID: 30108801 PMCID: PMC6072492 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00030h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) catalyzes the addition of a C15-farnesyl lipid group to the cysteine residue located in the COOH-terminal tetrapeptide motif of a variety of important substrate proteins, including well-known Ras protein superfamily. The farnesylation of Ras protein is required both for its normal physiological function, and for the transforming capacity of its oncogenic mutants. Over the last several decades, FTase inhibitors (FTIs) were developed to disrupt the farnesylation of oncogenic Ras as anti-cancer agents, and some of them have entered cancer clinical investigation. On the other hand, some substrates of FTase were demonstrated to be related with other human diseases, including Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, chronic hepatitis D, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the roles of FTase in malignant transformation, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells, and the recently anticancer clinical research advances of FTIs. The therapeutic prospect of FTIs on several other human diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design , School of Pharmacy , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Mei Long Road , Shanghai 200237 , China . ; Tel: (+86)21 64253681
| | - Xue Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design , School of Pharmacy , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Mei Long Road , Shanghai 200237 , China . ; Tel: (+86)21 64253681
| | - Jin Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design , School of Pharmacy , East China University of Science and Technology , 130 Mei Long Road , Shanghai 200237 , China . ; Tel: (+86)21 64253681
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30
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Goldfinger LE, Michael JV. Regulation of Ras signaling and function by plasma membrane microdomains. Biosci Trends 2017; 11:23-40. [PMID: 28179601 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2016.01220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Together H-, N- and KRAS mutations are major contributors to ~30% of all human cancers. Thus, Ras inhibition remains an important anti-cancer strategy. The molecular mechanisms of isotypic Ras oncogenesis are still not completely understood. Monopharmacological therapeutics have not been successful in the clinic. These disappointing outcomes have led to attempts to target elements downstream of Ras, mainly targeting either the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) or Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. While several such approaches are moderately effective, recent efforts have focused on preclinical evaluation of combination therapies to improve efficacies. This review will detail current understanding of the contributions of plasma membrane microdomain targeting of Ras to mitogenic and tumorigenic signaling and tumor progression. Moreover, this review will outline novel approaches to target Ras in cancers, including targeting schemes for new drug development, as well as putative re-purposing of drugs in current use to take advantage of blunting Ras signaling by interfering with Ras plasma membrane microdomain targeting and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Goldfinger
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology and The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center
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31
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Abstract
The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway plays key roles in development, cell survival and proliferation, as well as in cancer pathogenesis. Molecular genetic studies have identified a group of developmental syndromes, the RASopathies, caused by germ line mutations in this pathway. The syndromes included within this classification are neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NS-ML, formerly known as LEOPARD syndrome), Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), Legius syndrome (LS, NF1-like syndrome), capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM), and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) type 1. Although these syndromes present specific molecular alterations, they are characterized by a large spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities, which include heart defects, short stature, neurocognitive impairment, craniofacial malformations, and, in some cases, cancer predisposition. The development of genetically modified animals, such as mice (Mus musculus), flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and zebrafish (Danio rerio), has been instrumental in elucidating the molecular and cellular bases of these syndromes. Moreover, these models can also be used to determine tumor predisposition, the impact of different genetic backgrounds on the variable phenotypes found among the patients and to evaluate preventative and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review a wide range of genetically modified mouse models used in the study of RASopathies and the potential application of novel technologies, which hopefully will help us resolve open questions in the field.
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32
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Jindal GA, Goyal Y, Burdine RD, Rauen KA, Shvartsman SY. RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models. Dis Model Mech 2016. [PMID: 26203125 PMCID: PMC4527292 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment. Summary: Developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway are called RASopathies. Studies with animal models, including mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, continue to enhance our understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Granton A Jindal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, MIND Institute, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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33
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Bible KC, Ryder M. Evolving molecularly targeted therapies for advanced-stage thyroid cancers. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2016; 13:403-16. [PMID: 26925962 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2016.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Increased understanding of disease-specific molecular targets of therapy has led to the regulatory approval of two drugs (vandetanib and cabozantinib) for the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and two agents (sorafenib and lenvatinib) for the treatment of radioactive- iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in both the USA and in the EU. The effects of these and other therapies on overall survival and quality of life among patients with thyroid cancer, however, remain to be more-clearly defined. When applied early in the disease course, intensive multimodality therapy seems to improve the survival outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), but salvage therapies for ATC are of uncertain benefit. Additional innovative, rationally designed therapeutic strategies are under active development both for patients with DTC and for patients with ATC, with multiple phase II and phase III randomized clinical trials currently ongoing. Continued effort is being made to identify further signalling pathways with potential therapeutic relevance in thyroid cancers, as well as to elaborate on the complex interactions between signalling pathways, with the intention of translating these discoveries into effective and personalized therapies. Herein, we summarize the progress made in molecular medicine for advanced-stage thyroid cancers of different histotypes, analyse how these developments have altered - and might further refine - patient care, and identify open questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C Bible
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, and Endocrine Malignancies Disease Oriented Group, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Mabel Ryder
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, and Endocrine Malignancies Disease Oriented Group, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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35
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Gripp KW, Robbins KM, Sheffield BS, Lee AF, Patel MS, Yip S, Doyle D, Stabley D, Sol-Church K. Paternal uniparental disomy 11p15.5 in the pancreatic nodule of an infant with Costello syndrome: Shared mechanism for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in neonates with Costello and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and somatic loss of heterozygosity in Costello syndrome driving clonal expansion. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 170:559-64. [PMID: 26572961 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Costello syndrome (CS) entails a cancer predisposition and is caused by activating HRAS mutations, typically arising de novo in the paternal germline. Hypoglycemia is common in CS neonates. A previously reported individual with the rare HRAS p.Gln22Lys had hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Autopsy showed a discrete pancreatic nodule. The morphologic and immunohistochemistry findings, including loss of p57(Kip2) protein, were identical to a focal lesion of congenital hyperinsulinism, however, no KCNJ11 or ABCC8 mutation was identified and germline derived DNA showed no alternation of the maternal or paternal 11p15 alleles. Here we report paternal uniparental disomy (pUPD) within the lesion, similar to the pUPD11p15.5 in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). The similar extent of the pUPD suggests a similar mechanism driving hyperinsulinemia in both conditions. After coincidental somatic LOH and pUPD, the growth promoting effects of the paternally derived HRAS mutation, in combination with the increased function of the adjacent paternally expressed IGF2, may together result in clonal expansion. Although this somatic LOH within pancreatic tissue resulted in hyperinsulinism, similar LOH in mesenchymal cells may drive embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). Interestingly, biallelic IGF2 expression has been linked to rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis and pUPD11 occurred in all 8 ERMS samples from CS individuals. Somatic KRAS and HRAS mutations occur with comparable frequency in isolated malignancies. Yet, the malignancy risk in CS is notably higher than in Noonan syndrome with a KRAS mutation. It is conceivable that HRAS co-localization with IGF2 and the combined effect of pUPD 11p15.5 on both genes contributes to the oncogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen W Gripp
- Division of Medical Genetics, A. I. du Pont Hospital for Children/Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Katherine M Robbins
- Biomedical Research, A. I. du Pont Hospital for Children/Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware
| | | | - Anna F Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Millan S Patel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Doyle
- Division of Endocrinology, A. I. du Pont Hospital for Children/Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Deborah Stabley
- Biomedical Research, A. I. du Pont Hospital for Children/Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Katia Sol-Church
- Biomedical Research, A. I. du Pont Hospital for Children/Nemours, Wilmington, Delaware
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36
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Abstract
Cancer, more than any other human disease, now has a surfeit of potential molecular targets poised for therapeutic exploitation. Currently, a number of attractive and validated cancer targets remain outside of the reach of pharmacological regulation. Some have been described as undruggable, at least by traditional strategies. In this article, we outline the basis for the undruggable moniker, propose a reclassification of these targets as undrugged, and highlight three general classes of this imposing group as exemplars with some attendant strategies currently being explored to reclassify them. Expanding the spectrum of disease-relevant targets to pharmacological manipulation is central to reducing cancer morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Lazo
- Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0735; ,
| | - Elizabeth R Sharlow
- Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0735; ,
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37
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Garcia-Rendueles MER, Ricarte-Filho JC, Untch BR, Landa I, Knauf JA, Voza F, Smith VE, Ganly I, Taylor BS, Persaud Y, Oler G, Fang Y, Jhanwar SC, Viale A, Heguy A, Huberman KH, Giancotti F, Ghossein R, Fagin JA. NF2 Loss Promotes Oncogenic RAS-Induced Thyroid Cancers via YAP-Dependent Transactivation of RAS Proteins and Sensitizes Them to MEK Inhibition. Cancer Discov 2015; 5:1178-93. [PMID: 26359368 PMCID: PMC4642441 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ch22q LOH is preferentially associated with RAS mutations in papillary and in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC). The 22q tumor suppressor NF2, encoding merlin, is implicated in this interaction because of its frequent loss of function in human thyroid cancer cell lines. Nf2 deletion or Hras mutation is insufficient for transformation, whereas their combined disruption leads to murine PDTC with increased MAPK signaling. Merlin loss induces RAS signaling in part through inactivation of Hippo, which activates a YAP-TEAD transcriptional program. We find that the three RAS genes are themselves YAP-TEAD1 transcriptional targets, providing a novel mechanism of promotion of RAS-induced tumorigenesis. Moreover, pharmacologic disruption of YAP-TEAD with verteporfin blocks RAS transcription and signaling and inhibits cell growth. The increased MAPK output generated by NF2 loss in RAS-mutant cancers may inform therapeutic strategies, as it generates greater dependency on the MAPK pathway for viability. SIGNIFICANCE Intensification of mutant RAS signaling through copy-number imbalances is commonly associated with transformation. We show that NF2/merlin inactivation augments mutant RAS signaling by promoting YAP/TEAD-driven transcription of oncogenic and wild-type RAS, resulting in greater MAPK output and increased sensitivity to MEK inhibitors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Binding Sites
- Cell Cycle Proteins
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Chromosome Deletion
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22
- DNA Copy Number Variations
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Gene Deletion
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Gene Order
- Gene Targeting
- Genes, ras
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Models, Biological
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neurofibromin 2/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- Nucleotide Motifs
- Position-Specific Scoring Matrices
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Thyroid Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcriptional Activation
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julio C Ricarte-Filho
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Brian R Untch
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Iňigo Landa
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey A Knauf
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Francesca Voza
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Vicki E Smith
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ian Ganly
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yogindra Persaud
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Gisele Oler
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yuqiang Fang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Suresh C Jhanwar
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Agnes Viale
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kety H Huberman
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Filippo Giancotti
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Fagin
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
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38
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Abstract
Despite more than three decades of intensive effort, no effective pharmacological inhibitors of the RAS oncoproteins have reached the clinic, prompting the widely held perception that RAS proteins are 'undruggable'. However, recent data from the laboratory and the clinic have renewed our hope for the development of RAS-inhibitory molecules. In this Review, we summarize the progress and the promise of five key approaches. Firstly, we focus on the prospects of using direct inhibitors of RAS. Secondly, we address the issue of whether blocking RAS membrane association is a viable approach. Thirdly, we assess the status of targeting RAS downstream effector signalling, which is arguably the most favourable current approach. Fourthly, we address whether the search for synthetic lethal interactors of mutant RAS still holds promise. Finally, RAS-mediated changes in cell metabolism have recently been described and we discuss whether these changes could be exploited for new therapeutic directions. We conclude with perspectives on how additional complexities, which are not yet fully understood, may affect each of these approaches.
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