1
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Wang J, Yao N, Hu Y, Lei M, Wang M, Yang L, Patel S, Li X, Liu K, Dong Z. PHLDA1 promotes glioblastoma cell growth via sustaining the activation state of Ras. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:520. [DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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2
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Brock EJ, Jackson RM, Boerner JL, Li Q, Tennis MA, Sloane BF, Mattingly RR. Sprouty4 negatively regulates ERK/MAPK signaling and the transition from in situ to invasive breast ductal carcinoma. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252314. [PMID: 34048471 PMCID: PMC8162601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It is still unclear which DCIS will become invasive and which will remain indolent. Patients often receive surgery and radiotherapy, but this early intervention has not produced substantial decreases in late-stage disease. Sprouty proteins are important regulators of ERK/MAPK signaling and have been studied in various cancers. We hypothesized that Sprouty4 is an endogenous inhibitor of ERK/MAPK signaling and that its loss/reduced expression is a mechanism by which DCIS lesions progress toward IDC, including triple-negative disease. Using immunohistochemistry, we found reduced Sprouty4 expression in IDC patient samples compared to DCIS, and that ERK/MAPK phosphorylation had an inverse relationship to Sprouty4 expression. These observations were reproduced using a 3D culture model of disease progression. Knockdown of Sprouty4 in MCF10.DCIS cells increased ERK/MAPK phosphorylation as well as their invasive capability, while overexpression of Sprouty4 in MCF10.CA1d IDC cells reduced ERK/MAPK phosphorylation, invasion, and the aggressive phenotype exhibited by these cells. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and relocation of E-cadherin back to the cell surface, consistent with the restoration of adherens junctions. To determine whether these effects were due to changes in ERK/MAPK signaling, MEK1/2 was pharmacologically inhibited in IDC cells. Nanomolar concentrations of MEK162/binimetinib restored an epithelial-like phenotype and reduced pericellular proteolysis, similar to Sprouty4 overexpression. From these data we conclude that Sprouty4 acts to control ERK/MAPK signaling in DCIS, thus limiting the progression of these premalignant breast lesions.
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MESH Headings
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/genetics
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Immunohistochemistry
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan J. Brock
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
| | - Ryan M. Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
| | - Julie L. Boerner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
| | - Quanwen Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
| | - Meredith A. Tennis
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United states of America
| | - Bonnie F. Sloane
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
| | - Raymond R. Mattingly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United states of America
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3
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Nussinov R, Jang H, Gursoy A, Keskin O, Gaponenko V. Inhibition of Nonfunctional Ras. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:121-133. [PMID: 33440168 PMCID: PMC7897307 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intuitively, functional states should be targeted; not nonfunctional ones. So why could drugging the inactive K-Ras4BG12Cwork-but drugging the inactive kinase will likely not? The reason is the distinct oncogenic mechanisms. Kinase driver mutations work by stabilizing the active state and/or destabilizing the inactive state. Either way, oncogenic kinases are mostly in the active state. Ras driver mutations work by quelling its deactivation mechanisms, GTP hydrolysis, and nucleotide exchange. Covalent inhibitors that bind to the inactive GDP-bound K-Ras4BG12C conformation can thus work. By contrast, in kinases, allosteric inhibitors work by altering the active-site conformation to favor orthosteric drugs. From the translational standpoint this distinction is vital: it expedites effective pharmaceutical development and extends the drug classification based on the mechanism of action. Collectively, here we postulate that drug action relates to blocking the mechanism of activation, not to whether the protein is in the active or inactive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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4
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Gray JL, von Delft F, Brennan PE. Targeting the Small GTPase Superfamily through Their Regulatory Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:6342-6366. [PMID: 30869179 PMCID: PMC7204875 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201900585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Ras superfamily of small GTPases are guanine-nucleotide-dependent switches essential for numerous cellular processes. Mutations or dysregulation of these proteins are associated with many diseases, but unsuccessful attempts to target the small GTPases directly have resulted in them being classed as "undruggable". The GTP-dependent signaling of these proteins is controlled by their regulators; guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), GTPase activating proteins (GAPs), and in the Rho and Rab subfamilies, guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs). This review covers the recent small molecule and biologics strategies to target the small GTPases through their regulators. It seeks to critically re-evaluate recent chemical biology practice, such as the presence of PAINs motifs and the cell-based readout using compounds that are weakly potent or of unknown specificity. It highlights the vast scope of potential approaches for targeting the small GTPases in the future through their regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine L. Gray
- Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of Oxford, NDMRBOld Road CampusOxfordOX3 7DQUK
- Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusOxfordOX3 7FZUK
- Diamond Light SourceHarwell Science and Innovation CampusDidcotOX11 0QXUK
| | - Frank von Delft
- Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of Oxford, NDMRBOld Road CampusOxfordOX3 7DQUK
- Diamond Light SourceHarwell Science and Innovation CampusDidcotOX11 0QXUK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of JohannesburgAuckland Park2006South Africa
| | - Paul E. Brennan
- Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of Oxford, NDMRBOld Road CampusOxfordOX3 7DQUK
- Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusOxfordOX3 7FZUK
- Alzheimer's Research (UK) Oxford Drug Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FZUK
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5
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Masso M, Bansal A, Prem P, Gajjala A, Vaisman II. Fitness of unregulated human Ras mutants modeled by implementing computational mutagenesis and machine learning techniques. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01884. [PMID: 31211262 PMCID: PMC6562371 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins play a pivotal role as oncogenes by participating in diverse signaling events, including those linked to cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation. Using experimental fitness data and implementing artificial intelligence and a computational mutagenesis technique, we developed models that reliably predict fitness for all single residue mutants of H-ras proto-oncogene protein p21. The computational mutagenesis generated a feature vector of protein structural changes for each variant, and these data correlated well with fitness. Random forest classification and tree regression machine learning algorithms were implemented for training predictive models. Cross-validations were used to evaluate model performance, and control experiments were performed to assess statistical significance. Classification models revealed a balanced accuracy rate as high as 82%, with a Matthew's correlation of 0.63, and an area under ROC curve of 0.90. Similarly, regression models displayed Pearson's correlation reaching 0.79. On the other hand, control data sets led to performance values consistent with random guessing. Comparisons with several related state-of-the-art methods reflected favorably on our trained models. This H-Ras proof-of-principle study suggests a complementary approach for understanding mechanisms with which other proteins are involved in oncogenesis, including related Ras isoforms, and for providing useful insights into designing future diagnostic and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Masso
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd. MS 5B3, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA
| | - Arnav Bansal
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd. MS 5B3, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA
| | - Preethi Prem
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd. MS 5B3, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA
| | - Akhil Gajjala
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd. MS 5B3, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA
| | - Iosif I Vaisman
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10900 University Blvd. MS 5B3, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, USA
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6
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Long MJC, Hnedzko D, Kim BK, Aye Y. Breaking the Fourth Wall: Modulating Quaternary Associations for Protein Regulation and Drug Discovery. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1091-1104. [PMID: 30589188 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are an effective means to orchestrate intricate biological processes required to sustain life. Approximately 650 000 PPIs underlie the human interactome; thus underscoring its complexity and the manifold signaling outputs altered in response to changes in specific PPIs. This minireview illustrates the growing arsenal of PPI assemblies and offers insights into how these varied PPI regulatory modalities are relevant to customized drug discovery, with a focus on cancer. First, known and emerging PPIs and PPI-targeted drugs of both natural and synthetic origin are categorized. Building on these discussions, the merits of PPI-guided therapeutics over traditional drug design are discussed. Finally, a compare-and-contrast section for different PPI blockers, with gain-of-function PPI interventions, such as PROTACS, is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J C Long
- 47 Pudding Gate, Bishop Burton, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 8QH, UK
| | - Dziyana Hnedzko
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Bo Kyoung Kim
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, SB ISIC LEAGO, Station 6, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, SB ISIC LEAGO, Station 6, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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7
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Shah S, Brock EJ, Ji K, Mattingly RR. Ras and Rap1: A tale of two GTPases. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:29-39. [PMID: 29621614 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras oncoproteins play pivotal roles in both the development and maintenance of many tumor types. Unfortunately, these proteins are difficult to directly target using traditional pharmacological strategies, in part due to their lack of obvious binding pockets or allosteric sites. This obstacle has driven a considerable amount of research into pursuing alternative ways to effectively inhibit Ras, examples of which include inducing mislocalization to prevent Ras maturation and inactivating downstream proteins in Ras-driven signaling pathways. Ras proteins are archetypes of a superfamily of small GTPases that play specific roles in the regulation of many cellular processes, including vesicle trafficking, nuclear transport, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and cell cycle progression. Several other superfamily members have also been linked to the control of normal and cancer cell growth and survival. For example, Rap1 has high sequence similarity to Ras, has overlapping binding partners, and has been demonstrated to both oppose and mimic Ras-driven cancer phenotypes. Rap1 plays an important role in cell adhesion and integrin function in a variety of cell types. Mechanistically, Ras and Rap1 cooperate to initiate and sustain ERK signaling, which is activated in many malignancies and is the target of successful therapeutics. Here we review the role activated Rap1 in ERK signaling and other downstream pathways to promote invasion and cell migration and metastasis in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Shah
- Program in Cancer Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ethan J Brock
- Program in Cancer Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Kyungmin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Raymond R Mattingly
- Program in Cancer Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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8
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Kraniak JM, Chalasani A, Wallace MR, Mattingly RR. Development of 3D culture models of plexiform neurofibroma and initial application for phenotypic characterization and drug screening. Exp Neurol 2018; 299:289-298. [PMID: 29055717 PMCID: PMC6863155 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Plexiform neurofibromas (PNs), which may be present at birth in up to half of children with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1), can cause serious loss of function, such as quadriparesis, and can undergo malignant transformation. Surgery is the first line treatment although the invasive nature of these tumors often prevents complete resection. Recent clinical trials have shown promising success for some drugs, notably selumetinib, an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase (MEK). We have developed three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models of immortalized cells from NF1 PNs and of control Schwann cells (SCs) that we believe mimic more closely the in vivo condition than conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. Our goal is to facilitate pre-clinical identification of potential targeted therapeutics for these tumors. Three drugs, selumetinib (a MEK inhibitor), picropodophyllin (an IGF-1R inhibitor) and LDN-193189 (a BMP2 inhibitor) were tested with dose-response design in both 2D and 3D cultures for their abilities to block net cell growth. Cell lines grown in 3D conditions showed varying degrees of resistance to the inhibitory actions of all three drugs. For example, control SCs became resistant to growth inhibition by selumetinib in 3D culture. LDN-193189 was the most effective drug in 3D cultures, with only slightly reduced potency compared to the 2D cultures. Characterization of these models also demonstrated increased proteolysis of collagen IV in the matrix by the PN driver cells as compared to wild-type SCs. The proteolytic capacity of the PN cells in the model may be a clinically significant property that can be used for testing the ability of drugs to inhibit their invasive phenotype.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Benzimidazoles/pharmacology
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor/methods
- Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1
- Genes, Reporter
- Humans
- Luminescent Proteins/analysis
- Luminescent Proteins/genetics
- MAP Kinase Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neurofibroma, Plexiform/drug therapy
- Neurofibroma, Plexiform/genetics
- Neurofibroma, Plexiform/pathology
- Neurofibromatosis 1/pathology
- Phenotype
- Podophyllotoxin/analogs & derivatives
- Podophyllotoxin/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Schwann Cells/cytology
- Transduction, Genetic
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Red Fluorescent Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice M Kraniak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Anita Chalasani
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Margaret R Wallace
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA; University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Raymond R Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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9
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Phosphorylation of the C-Raf N Region Promotes Raf Dimerization. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00132-17. [PMID: 28694330 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00132-17] [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: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of Raf kinases by the small GTPase Ras requires two major sets of phosphorylations. One set lies within the activation loop, and the other lies within the N-terminal acidic region (N region). In the most abundant isoform of Raf, C-Raf, N-region phosphorylations occur on serine 338 (S338) and tyrosine 341 (Y341) and are thought to provide allosteric activation of the Raf dimer. We show that the phosphorylations of these N-region sites does not require C-Raf dimerization, but rather, they precede dimerization. One of these phosphorylations (phospho-Y341) is required for C-Raf dimerization, and this action can be replicated by phosphomimetic mutants both in vivo and in vitro The role of the phosphorylation of Y341 in promoting Raf dimerization is distinct from its well-known function in facilitating S338 phosphorylation. In Ras mutant pancreatic cancer cell lines, the phosphorylation and dimerization of C-Raf are basally elevated. Dimerization is thought to contribute to their elevated growth rate through their activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK]) signaling cascade. Blocking the tyrosine phosphorylation of C-Raf with Src family inhibitors blocks growth, basal dimerization, and ERK activation in these cells. We suggest that the kinases mediating C-Raf Y341 phosphorylation are potential candidate drug targets in selected Ras-dependent cancers.
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10
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Brock EJ, Ji K, Reiners JJ, Mattingly RR. How to Target Activated Ras Proteins: Direct Inhibition vs. Induced Mislocalization. Mini Rev Med Chem 2016; 16:358-69. [PMID: 26423696 DOI: 10.2174/1389557515666151001154002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic Ras proteins are a driving force in a significant set of human cancers and wildtype, unmutated Ras proteins likely contribute to the malignant phenotype of many more. The overall challenge of targeting activated Ras proteins has great promise to treat cancer, but this goal has yet to be achieved. Significant efforts and resources have been committed to inhibiting Ras, but these energies have so far made little impact in the clinic. Direct attempts to target activated Ras proteins have faced many obstacles, including the fundamental nature of the gain-of-function oncogenic activity being produced by a loss-of-function at the biochemical level. Nevertheless, there has been very promising recent pre-clinical progress. The major strategy that has so far reached the clinic aimed to inhibit activated Ras indirectly through blocking its post-translational modification and inducing its mislocalization. While these efforts to indirectly target Ras through inhibition of farnesyl transferase (FTase) were rationally designed, this strategy suffered from insufficient attention to the distinctions between the isoforms of Ras. This led to subsequent failures in large-scale clinical trials targeting K-Ras driven lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Despite these setbacks, efforts to indirectly target activated Ras through inducing its mislocalization have persisted. It is plausible that FTase inhibitors may still have some utility in the clinic, perhaps in combination with statins or other agents. Alternative approaches for inducing mislocalization of Ras through disruption of its palmitoylation cycle or interaction with chaperone proteins are in early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Raymond R Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 East Canfield Ave, Detroit MI, USA.
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11
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Bunda S, Burrell K, Heir P, Zeng L, Alamsahebpour A, Kano Y, Raught B, Zhang ZY, Zadeh G, Ohh M. Inhibition of SHP2-mediated dephosphorylation of Ras suppresses oncogenesis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8859. [PMID: 26617336 PMCID: PMC4674766 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras is phosphorylated on a conserved tyrosine at position 32 within the switch I region via Src kinase. This phosphorylation inhibits the binding of effector Raf while promoting the engagement of GTPase-activating protein (GAP) and GTP hydrolysis. Here we identify SHP2 as the ubiquitously expressed tyrosine phosphatase that preferentially binds to and dephosphorylates Ras to increase its association with Raf and activate downstream proliferative Ras/ERK/MAPK signalling. In comparison to normal astrocytes, SHP2 activity is elevated in astrocytes isolated from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)-prone H-Ras(12V) knock-in mice as well as in glioma cell lines and patient-derived GBM specimens exhibiting hyperactive Ras. Pharmacologic inhibition of SHP2 activity attenuates cell proliferation, soft-agar colony formation and orthotopic GBM growth in NOD/SCID mice and decelerates the progression of low-grade astrocytoma to GBM in a spontaneous transgenic glioma mouse model. These results identify SHP2 as a direct activator of Ras and a potential therapeutic target for cancers driven by a previously ‘undruggable' oncogenic or hyperactive Ras. Aberrant Ras signalling resulting in downstream Mek/Erk pathway activation is found in many cancers. Here, the authors show that the phosphatase SHP2 dephosphorylates Ras resulting in increased Ras activity, and that increased SHP2 activity is found in glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severa Bunda
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Burrell
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 101 College Street, East Tower, Toronto, M5G1L7 Ontario, Canada
| | - Pardeep Heir
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Lifan Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Amir Alamsahebpour
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 101 College Street, East Tower, Toronto, M5G1L7 Ontario, Canada
| | - Yoshihito Kano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 9-701A, 101 College Street, Toronto, M5G1L7 Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Brain Tumour Research Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, 101 College Street, East Tower, Toronto, M5G1L7 Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, M5S1A8 Ontario, Canada
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12
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Grossmann TN, Waldmann H. Direkte Modulation von Aktivität und Funktion kleiner GTPasen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201504357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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13
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Grossmann TN, Waldmann H. Direct Modulation of Small GTPase Activity and Function. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:13516-37. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201504357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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14
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Sharma SB, Ruppert JM. MicroRNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Mutant and Wild Type RAS in Cancer. Drug Dev Res 2015; 76:328-42. [PMID: 26284568 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been causally implicated in the progression and development of a wide variety of cancers. miRs modulate the activity of key cell signaling networks by regulating the translation of pathway component proteins. Thus, the pharmacological targeting of miRs that regulate cancer cell signaling networks, either by promoting (using miR-supplementation) or by suppressing (using antisense oligonucleotide-based strategies) miR activity is an area of intense research. The RAS-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a major miR-regulated signaling network that endows cells with some of the classical hallmarks of cancer, and is often inappropriately activated in malignancies by somatic genetic alteration through point mutation or alteration of gene copy number. In addition, recent progress indicates that many tumors may be deficient in GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) due to the collaborative action of oncogenic miRs. Recent studies also suggest that in tumors harboring a mutant RAS allele there is a critical role for wild type RAS proteins in determining overall RAS-ERK pathway activity. Together, these two advances comprise a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate miR-based therapeutic strategies for modulating RAS-ERK signaling in cancers; in particular for more direct modulation of RAS-GTP levels, with the potential to complement current strategies to yield more durable treatment responses. To this end, we discuss the potential for miR-based therapies focused on three prominent miRs including the pan-RAS regulator let-7 and the GAP regulator comprised of miR-206 and miR-21 (miR-206/21).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriganesh B Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - John Michael Ruppert
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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15
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Leiser D, Medová M, Mikami K, Nisa L, Stroka D, Blaukat A, Bladt F, Aebersold DM, Zimmer Y. KRAS and HRAS mutations confer resistance to MET targeting in preclinical models of MET-expressing tumor cells. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1434-46. [PMID: 25933688 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The MET receptor tyrosine kinase is often deregulated in human cancers and several MET inhibitors are evaluated in clinical trials. Similarly to EGFR, MET signals through the RAS-RAF-ERK/MAPK pathway which plays key roles in cell proliferation and survival. Mutations of genes encoding for RAS proteins, particularly in KRAS, are commonly found in various tumors and are associated with constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway. It was shown for EGFR, that KRAS mutations render upstream EGFR inhibition ineffective in EGFR-positive colorectal cancers. Currently, there are no clinical studies evaluating MET inhibition impairment due to RAS mutations. To test the impact of RAS mutations on MET targeting, we generated tumor cells responsive to the MET inhibitor EMD1214063 that express KRAS G12V, G12D, G13D and HRAS G12V variants. We demonstrate that these MAPK-activating RAS mutations differentially interfere with MET-mediated biological effects of MET inhibition. We report increased residual ERK1/2 phosphorylation indicating that the downstream pathway remains active in presence of MET inhibition. Consequently, RAS variants counteracted MET inhibition-induced morphological changes as well as anti-proliferative and anchorage-independent growth effects. The effect of RAS mutants was reversed when MET inhibition was combined with MEK inhibitors AZD6244 and UO126. In an in vivo mouse xenograft model, MET-driven tumors harboring mutated RAS displayed resistance to MET inhibition. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time in details the role of KRAS and HRAS mutations in resistance to MET inhibition and suggest targeting both MET and MEK as an effective strategy when both oncogenic drivers are expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Leiser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kei Mikami
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lluís Nisa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Stroka
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andree Blaukat
- Merck Serono an Affiliate of Merck Serono Research & Development, Merck KGaA, 64271 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Bladt
- Merck Serono an Affiliate of Merck Serono Research & Development, Merck KGaA, 64271 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daniel M Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland.
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16
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Kabbout M, Dakhlallah D, Sharma S, Bronisz A, Srinivasan R, Piper M, Marsh CB, Ostrowski MC. MicroRNA 17-92 cluster mediates ETS1 and ETS2-dependent RAS-oncogenic transformation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100693. [PMID: 24968297 PMCID: PMC4072627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ETS-family transcription factors Ets1 and Ets2 are evolutionarily conserved effectors of the RAS/ERK signaling pathway, but their function in Ras cellular transformation and biology remains unclear. Taking advantage of Ets1 and Ets2 mouse models to generate Ets1/Ets2 double knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we demonstrate that deletion of both Ets1 and Ets2 was necessary to inhibit HrasG12V induced transformation both in vitro and in vivo. HrasG12V expression in mouse embryonic fibroblasts increased ETS1 and ETS2 expression and binding to cis-regulatory elements on the c-Myc proximal promoter, and consequently induced a robust increase in MYC expression. The expression of the oncogenic microRNA 17-92 cluster was increased in HrasG12V transformed cells, but was significantly reduced when ETS1 and ETS2 were absent. MYC and ETS1 or ETS2 collaborated to increase expression of the oncogenic microRNA 17-92 cluster in HrasG12V transformed cells. Enforced expression of exogenous MYC or microRNA 17-92 rescued HrasG12V transformation in Ets1/Ets2-null cells, revealing a direct function for MYC and microRNA 17-92 in ETS1/ETS2-dependent HrasG12V transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kabbout
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Solid Tumor Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Duaa Dakhlallah
- Graduate Program in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sudarshana Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Solid Tumor Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka Bronisz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Solid Tumor Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ruchika Srinivasan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Solid Tumor Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Melissa Piper
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Clay B. Marsh
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Ostrowski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Solid Tumor Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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