1
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Pagba CV, Gupta AK, Dilsha K, Sadrpour P, Jakubec J, Prakash P, van der Hoeven D, Cho KJ, Gilbertson S, Gorfe AA. Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization of Structurally Diverse Small Molecule Hits for KRAS Inhibition. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300827. [PMID: 38349283 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
We describe six compounds as early hits for the development of direct inhibitors of KRAS, an important anticancer drug target. We show that these compounds bind to KRAS with affinities in the low micromolar range and exert different effects on its interactions with binding partners. Some of the compounds exhibit selective binding to the activated form of KRAS and inhibit signal transduction through both the MAPK or the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase PI3K-protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in cells expressing mutant KRAS. Most inhibit intrinsic and/or SOS-mediated KRAS activation while others inhibit RAS-effector interaction. We propose these compounds as starting points for the development of non-covalent allosteric KRAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V Pagba
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Amit K Gupta
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kasuni Dilsha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Parisa Sadrpour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Jacob Jakubec
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Priyanka Prakash
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Dharini van der Hoeven
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7500 Cambridge St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Scott Gilbertson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 3585 Cullen Blvd., Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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2
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Smith MJ. Defining bone fide effectors of RAS GTPases. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300088. [PMID: 37401638 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
RAS GTPases play essential roles in normal development and are direct drivers of human cancers. Three decades of study have failed to wholly characterize pathways stimulated by activated RAS, driven by engagement with 'effector' proteins that have RAS binding domains (RBDs). Bone fide effectors must bind directly to RAS GTPases in a nucleotide-dependent manner, and this interaction must impart a clear change in effector activity. Despite this, for most proteins currently deemed effectors there is little mechanistic understanding of how binding to the GTPase alters protein function. There has also been limited effort to comprehensively resolve the specificity of effector binding to the full array of RAS superfamily GTPase proteins. This review will summarize what is known about RAS-driven activation for an array of potential effector proteins, focusing on structural and mechanistic effects and highlighting how little is still known regarding this key paradigm of cellular signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Smith
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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3
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Pagba CV, Gupta AK, Gorfe AA. Small-Molecule Inhibition of KRAS through Conformational Selection. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:31419-31426. [PMID: 37663463 PMCID: PMC10468774 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS account for about 20% of human cancers. Despite the major progress in recent years toward the development of KRAS inhibitors, including the discovery of covalent inhibitors of the G12C KRAS variant for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, much work remains to be done to discover broad-acting inhibitors to treat many other KRAS-driven cancers. In a previous report, we showed that a 308.4 Da small-molecule ligand [(2R)-2-(N'-(1H-indole-3-carbonyl)hydrazino)-2-phenyl-acetamide] binds to KRAS with low micro-molar affinity [Chem. Biol. Drug Des.2019; 94(2):1441-1456]. Binding of this ligand, which we call ACA22, to the p1 pocket of KRAS and its interactions with residues at beta-strand 1 and the switch loops have been supported by data from nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and microscale thermophoresis experiments. However, the inhibitory potential of the compound was not demonstrated. Here, we show that ACA22 inhibits KRAS-mediated signal transduction in cells expressing wild type (WT) and G12D mutant KRAS and reduces levels of guanosine triphosphate-loaded WT KRAS more effectively than G12D KRAS. We ruled out the direct effect on nucleotide exchange or effector binding as possible mechanisms of inhibition using a variety of biophysical assays. Combining these observations with binding data that show comparable affinities of the compound for the active and inactive forms of the mutant but not the WT, we propose conformational selection as a possible mechanism of action of ACA22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V Pagba
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Amit K Gupta
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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4
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Cuevas-Navarro A, Wagner M, Van R, Swain M, Mo S, Columbus J, Allison MR, Cheng A, Messing S, Turbyville TJ, Simanshu DK, Sale MJ, McCormick F, Stephen AG, Castel P. RAS-dependent RAF-MAPK hyperactivation by pathogenic RIT1 is a therapeutic target in Noonan syndrome-associated cardiac hypertrophy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf4766. [PMID: 37450595 PMCID: PMC10348673 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf4766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
RIT1 is a RAS guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) that regulates different aspects of signal transduction and is mutated in lung cancer, leukemia, and in the germline of individuals with Noonan syndrome. Pathogenic RIT1 proteins promote mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) hyperactivation; however, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we show that RAF kinases are direct effectors of membrane-bound mutant RIT1 necessary for MAPK activation. We identify critical residues in RIT1 that facilitate interaction with membrane lipids and show that these are necessary for association with RAF kinases and MAPK activation. Although mutant RIT1 binds to RAF kinases directly, it fails to activate MAPK signaling in the absence of classical RAS proteins. Consistent with aberrant RAF/MAPK activation as a driver of disease, we show that pathway inhibition alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model of RIT1 mutant Noonan syndrome. These data shed light on the function of pathogenic RIT1 and identify avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cuevas-Navarro
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Morgan Wagner
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Richard Van
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Monalisa Swain
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephanie Mo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - John Columbus
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Madeline R. Allison
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alice Cheng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Simon Messing
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Thomas J. Turbyville
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Dhirendra K. Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Matthew J. Sale
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Andrew G. Stephen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Pau Castel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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5
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Sran S, Bedrosian TA. RAS pathway: The new frontier of brain mosaicism in epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106074. [PMID: 36907520 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As cells divide during development, errors in DNA replication and repair lead to somatic mosaicism - a phenomenon in which different cell lineages harbor unique constellations of genetic variants. Over the past decade, somatic variants that disrupt mTOR signaling, protein glycosylation, and other functions during brain development have been linked to cortical malformations and focal epilepsy. More recently, emerging evidence points to a role for Ras pathway mosaicism in epilepsy. The Ras family of proteins is a critical driver of MAPK signaling. Disruption of the Ras pathway is most known for its association with tumorigenesis; however, developmental disorders known as RASopathies commonly have a neurological component that sometimes includes epilepsy, offering evidence for Ras involvement in brain development and epileptogenesis. Brain somatic variants affecting the Ras pathway (e.g., KRAS, PTPN11, BRAF) are now strongly associated with focal epilepsy through genotype-phenotype association studies as well as mechanistic evidence. This review summarizes the Ras pathway and its involvement in epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders, focusing on new evidence regarding Ras pathway mosaicism and the potential future clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahibjot Sran
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Tracy A Bedrosian
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
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6
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Nakhaei-Rad S, Janatifard F, Dvorsky R, Ahmadian MR, Housaindokht MR. Molecular analyses of the C-terminal CRAF variants associated with cardiomyopathy reveal their opposing impacts on the active conformation of the kinase domain. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:15328-15338. [PMID: 36927384 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2187221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The germline mutations in the C-terminus of CRAF kinase, particularly L603, and S612T/L613V, are associated with congenital heart disorders, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The experimental data suggest that genetic alternation at position 603 impairs, while those at positions 612/613 enhance the CRAF kinase activity. However, the underlying mechanistic details by which these mutations increase or decrease kinase activity remain elusive. Therefore, we applied molecular dynamic simulation to investigate the impacts of these point mutations on the conformation of the CRAF kinase domain. The results revealed that the substitution of Leucine 603 for proline transits the kinase domain to a state that exhibits the molecular hallmarks of an inactive kinase, for example, a closed activation loop, 'αC-helix out' conformation and a distorted regulatory hydrophobic spine. However, two HCM-associated variants (S612T and L613V) show features of an active conformation, such as an open activation loop conformation, 'αC-helix in', the assembly of the hydrophobic spine, and more surface-exposed catalytic residues of phosphoryl transfer reaction. Overall, our study provides a mechanistic basis for the contradictory effects of the CRAF variants associated with HCM and DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad
- Stem Cell Biology, and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Janatifard
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad R Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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7
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Testicular germ cell tumors: Genomic alternations and RAS-dependent signaling. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 183:103928. [PMID: 36717007 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a common malignancy occurring in young adult men. The various genetic risk factors have been suggested to contribute to TGCT pathogenesis, however, they have a distinct mutational profile with a low rate of somatic point mutations, more frequent chromosomal gains, and aneuploidy. The most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers are RAS oncogenes, while their impact on testicular carcinogenesis and refractory disease is still poorly understood. In this mini-review, we summarize current knowledge on genetic alternations of RAS signaling-associated genes (the single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations) in this particular cancer type and highlight their link to chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. We also mention the impact of epigenetic changes on TGCT progression. Lastly, we propose a model for RAS-dependent signaling networks, regulation, cross-talks, and outcomes in TGCTs.
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8
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Nakhaei-Rad S, Fejtova A. Editorial: Identifying the isoform-specific roles of RAS paralogs in health and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1199356. [PMID: 37123419 PMCID: PMC10133564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1199356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad, ; Anna Fejtova,
| | - Anna Fejtova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad, ; Anna Fejtova,
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9
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Pudewell S, Lissy J, Nakhaeizadeh H, Mosaddeghzadeh N, Nakhaei-Rad S, Dvorsky R, Ahmadian MR. New mechanistic insights into the RAS-SIN1 interaction at the membrane. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:987754. [PMID: 36274845 PMCID: PMC9583166 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.987754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress-activated MAP kinase-interacting protein 1 (SIN1) is a central member of the mTORC2 complex that contains an N-terminal domain (NTD), a conserved region in the middle (CRIM), a RAS-binding domain (RBD), and a pleckstrin homology domain. Recent studies provided valuable structural and functional insights into the interactions of SIN1 and the RAS-binding domain of RAS proteins. However, the mechanism for a reciprocal interaction of the RBD-PH tandem with RAS proteins and the membrane as an upstream event to spatiotemporal mTORC2 regulation is not clear. The biochemical assays in this study led to the following results: 1) all classical RAS paralogs, including HRAS, KRAS4A, KRAS4B, and NRAS, can bind to SIN1-RBD in biophysical and SIN1 full length (FL) in cell biology experiments; 2) the SIN1-PH domain modulates interactions with various types of membrane phosphoinositides and constantly maintains a pool of SIN1 at the membrane; and 3) a KRAS4A-dependent decrease in membrane binding of the SIN1-RBD-PH tandem was observed, suggesting for the first time a mechanistic influence of KRAS4A on SIN1 membrane association. Our study strengthens the current mechanistic understanding of SIN1-RAS interaction and suggests membrane interaction as a key event in the control of mTORC2-dependent and mTORC2-independent SIN1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Pudewell
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jana Lissy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hossein Nakhaeizadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niloufar Mosaddeghzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Radovan Dvorsky
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mohammad R. Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mohammad R. Ahmadian,
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10
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Pallara C, Cabot D, Rivas J, Brun S, Seco J, Abuasaker B, Tarragó T, Jaumot M, Prades R, Agell N. Peptidomimetics designed to bind to RAS effector domain are promising cancer therapeutic compounds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15810. [PMID: 36138080 PMCID: PMC9499927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS proteins are important for driving tumour formation, and for maintenance of the transformed phenotype, and thus their relevance as a cancer therapeutic target is undeniable. We focused here on obtaining peptidomimetics, which have good pharmacological properties, to block Ras–effector interaction. Computational analysis was used to identify hot spots of RAS relevant for these interactions and to screen a library of peptidomimetics. Nine compounds were synthesized and assayed for their activity as RAS inhibitors in cultured cells. Most of them induced a reduction in ERK and AKT activation by EGF, a marker of RAS activity. The most potent inhibitor disrupted Raf and PI3K interaction with oncogenic KRAS, corroborating its mechanism of action as an inhibitor of protein–protein interactions, and thus validating our computational methodology. Most interestingly, improvement of one of the compounds allowed us to obtain a peptidomimetic that decreased the survival of pancreatic cancer cell lines harbouring oncogenic KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pallara
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Debora Cabot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Rivas
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Brun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Seco
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Baraa Abuasaker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Tarragó
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Jaumot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Prades
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Neus Agell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Liau NPD, Johnson MC, Izadi S, Gerosa L, Hammel M, Bruning JM, Wendorff TJ, Phung W, Hymowitz SG, Sudhamsu J. Structural basis for SHOC2 modulation of RAS signalling. Nature 2022; 609:400-407. [PMID: 35768504 PMCID: PMC9452301 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RAS-RAF pathway is one of the most commonly dysregulated in human cancers1-3. Despite decades of study, understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying dimerization and activation4 of the kinase RAF remains limited. Recent structures of inactive RAF monomer5 and active RAF dimer5-8 bound to 14-3-39,10 have revealed the mechanisms by which 14-3-3 stabilizes both RAF conformations via specific phosphoserine residues. Prior to RAF dimerization, the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1C) must dephosphorylate the N-terminal phosphoserine (NTpS) of RAF11 to relieve inhibition by 14-3-3, although PP1C in isolation lacks intrinsic substrate selectivity. SHOC2 is as an essential scaffolding protein that engages both PP1C and RAS to dephosphorylate RAF NTpS11-13, but the structure of SHOC2 and the architecture of the presumptive SHOC2-PP1C-RAS complex remain unknown. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the SHOC2-PP1C-MRAS complex to an overall resolution of 3 Å, revealing a tripartite molecular architecture in which a crescent-shaped SHOC2 acts as a cradle and brings together PP1C and MRAS. Our work demonstrates the GTP dependence of multiple RAS isoforms for complex formation, delineates the RAS-isoform preference for complex assembly, and uncovers how the SHOC2 scaffold and RAS collectively drive specificity of PP1C for RAF NTpS. Our data indicate that disease-relevant mutations affect complex assembly, reveal the simultaneous requirement of two RAS molecules for RAF activation, and establish rational avenues for discovery of new classes of inhibitors to target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P D Liau
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew C Johnson
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Saeed Izadi
- Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luca Gerosa
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michal Hammel
- Physical Bioscience Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John M Bruning
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy J Wendorff
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wilson Phung
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah G Hymowitz
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
- The Column Group, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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12
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Caratti B, Fidan M, Caratti G, Breitenecker K, Engler M, Kazemitash N, Traut R, Wittig R, Casanova E, Ahmadian MR, Tuckermann JP, Moll HP, Cirstea IC. The glucocorticoid receptor associates with RAS complexes to inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabm4452. [PMID: 35316097 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abm4452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mutations that activate members of the RAS family of GTPases are associated with various cancers and drive tumor growth. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor family, has been proposed to interact with and inhibit the activation of components of the PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways downstream of RAS. In the absence of activating ligands, we found that GR was present in cytoplasmic KRAS-containing complexes and inhibited the activation of wild-type and oncogenic KRAS in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human lung cancer A549 cells. The DNA binding domain of GR was involved in the interaction with KRAS, but GR-dependent inhibition of RAS activation did not depend on the nuclear translocation of GR. The addition of ligand released GR-dependent inhibition of RAS, AKT, the MAPK p38, and the MAPKK MEK. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of GR in A549 cells enhanced tumor growth in xenografts in mice. Patient samples of non-small cell lung carcinomas showed lower expression of NR3C1, the gene encoding GR, compared to adjacent normal tissues and lower NR3C1 expression correlated with a worse disease outcome. These results suggest that glucocorticoids prevent the ability of GR to limit tumor growth by inhibiting RAS activation, which has potential implications for the use of glucocorticoids in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhena Caratti
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Miray Fidan
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Giorgio Caratti
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Kristina Breitenecker
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Melanie Engler
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Naser Kazemitash
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca Traut
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rainer Wittig
- Institute for Laser Technologies in Medicine and Metrology (ILM), University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 12, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstraße 1, Building 22.03.05, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan P Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Herwig P Moll
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Ion Cristian Cirstea
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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13
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Eves BJ, Gebregiworgis T, Gasmi-Seabrook GM, Kuntz DA, Privé GG, Marshall CB, Ikura M. Structures of RGL1 RAS-Association domain in complex with KRAS and the oncogenic G12V mutant. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Protease-controlled secretion and display of intercellular signals. Nat Commun 2022; 13:912. [PMID: 35177637 PMCID: PMC8854555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To program intercellular communication for biomedicine, it is crucial to regulate the secretion and surface display of signaling proteins. If such regulations are at the protein level, there are additional advantages, including compact delivery and direct interactions with endogenous signaling pathways. Here we create a modular, generalizable design called Retained Endoplasmic Cleavable Secretion (RELEASE), with engineered proteins retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and displayed/secreted in response to specific proteases. The design allows functional regulation of multiple synthetic and natural proteins by synthetic protease circuits to realize diverse signal processing capabilities, including logic operation and threshold tuning. By linking RELEASE to additional sensing and processing circuits, we can achieve elevated protein secretion in response to "undruggable" oncogene KRAS mutants. RELEASE should enable the local, programmable delivery of intercellular cues for a broad variety of fields such as neurobiology, cancer immunotherapy and cell transplantation.
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15
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Burge RA, Hobbs GA. Not all RAS mutations are equal: A detailed review of the functional diversity of RAS hot spot mutations. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 153:29-61. [PMID: 35101234 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The RAS family of small GTPases are among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer. Approximately 20% of cancers harbor a RAS mutation, and >150 different missense mutations have been detected. Many of these mutations have mutant-specific biochemical defects that alter nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, effector interactions and cell signaling, prompting renewed efforts in the development of anti-RAS therapies, including the mutation-specific strategies. Previously viewed as undruggable, the recent FDA approval of a KRASG12C-selective inhibitor has offered real promise to the development of allele-specific RAS therapies. A broader understanding of the mutational consequences on RAS function must be developed to exploit additional allele-specific vulnerabilities. Approximately 94% of RAS mutations occur at one of three mutational "hot spots" at Gly12, Gly13 and Gln61. Further, the single-nucleotide substitutions represent >99% of these mutations. Within this scope, we discuss the mutational frequencies of RAS isoforms in cancer, mutant-specific effector interactions and biochemical properties. By limiting our analysis to this mutational subset, we simplify the analysis while only excluding a small percentage of total mutations. Combined, these data suggest that the presence or absence of select RAS mutations in human cancers can be linked to their biochemical properties. Continuing to examine the biochemical differences in each RAS-mutant protein will continue to provide additional breakthroughs in allele-specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Burge
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - G Aaron Hobbs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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16
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Wang LT, Proulx MÈ, Kim AD, Lelarge V, McCaffrey L. A proximity proteomics screen in three-dimensional spheroid cultures identifies novel regulators of lumen formation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22807. [PMID: 34815476 PMCID: PMC8610992 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02178-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apical-basal cell polarity and lumen formation are essential features of many epithelial tissues, which are disrupted in diseases like cancer. Here, we describe a proteomics-based screen to identify proteins involved in lumen formation in three-dimensional spheroid cultures. We established a suspension-based culture method suitable for generating polarized cysts in sufficient quantities for proteomic analysis. Using this approach, we identified several known and unknown proteins proximally associated with PAR6B, an apical protein involved in lumen formation. Functional analyses of candidates identified PARD3B (a homolog of PARD3), RALB, and HRNR as regulators of lumen formation. We also identified PTPN14 as a component of the Par-complex that is required for fidelity of apical-basal polarity. Cells transformed with KRASG12V exhibit lumen collapse/filling concomitant with disruption of the Par-complex and down-regulation of PTPN14. Enforced expression of PTPN14 maintained the lumen and restricted the transformed phenotype in KRASG12V-expressing cells. This represents an applicable approach to explore protein–protein interactions in three-dimensional culture and to identify proteins important for lumen maintenance in normal and oncogene-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Wang
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Proulx
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Anne D Kim
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Virginie Lelarge
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Luke McCaffrey
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada. .,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada. .,Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3T2, Canada.
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17
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Saliani M, Mirzaiebadizi A, Mosaddeghzadeh N, Ahmadian MR. RHO GTPase-Related Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5386. [PMID: 34771549 PMCID: PMC8582479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RHO GTPases are critical signal transducers that regulate cell adhesion, polarity, and migration through multiple signaling pathways. While all these cellular processes are crucial for the maintenance of normal cell homeostasis, disturbances in RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways contribute to different human diseases, including many malignancies. Several members of the RHO GTPase family are frequently upregulated in human tumors. Abnormal gene regulation confirms the pivotal role of lncRNAs as critical gene regulators, and thus, they could potentially act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. lncRNAs most likely act as sponges for miRNAs, which are known to be dysregulated in various cancers. In this regard, the significant role of miRNAs targeting RHO GTPases supports the view that the aberrant expression of lncRNAs may reciprocally change the intensity of RHO GTPase-associated signaling pathways. In this review article, we summarize recent advances in lncRNA research, with a specific focus on their sponge effects on RHO GTPase-targeting miRNAs to crucially mediate gene expression in different cancer cell types and tissues. We will focus in particular on five members of the RHO GTPase family, including RHOA, RHOB, RHOC, RAC1, and CDC42, to illustrate the role of lncRNAs in cancer progression. A deeper understanding of the widespread dysregulation of lncRNAs is of fundamental importance for confirmation of their contribution to RHO GTPase-dependent carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Saliani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Amin Mirzaiebadizi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Niloufar Mosaddeghzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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18
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Engineered variants of the Ras effector protein RASSF5 (NORE1A) promote anticancer activities in lung adenocarcinoma. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101353. [PMID: 34717958 PMCID: PMC8605244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the superfamily of small GTPases, Ras appears to be the master regulator of such processes as cell cycle progression, cell division, and apoptosis. Several oncogenic Ras mutations at amino acid positions 12, 13, and 61 have been identified that lose their ability to hydrolyze GTP, giving rise to constitutive signaling and eventually development of cancer. While disruption of the Ras/effector interface is an attractive strategy for drug design to prevent this constitutive activity, inhibition of this interaction using small molecules is impractical due to the absence of a cavity to which such molecules could bind. However, proteins and especially natural Ras effectors that bind to the Ras/effector interface with high affinity could disrupt Ras/effector interactions and abolish procancer pathways initiated by Ras oncogene. Using a combination of computational design and in vitro evolution, we engineered high-affinity Ras-binding proteins starting from a natural Ras effector, RASSF5 (NORE1A), which is encoded by a tumor suppressor gene. Unlike previously reported Ras oncogene inhibitors, the proteins we designed not only inhibit Ras-regulated procancer pathways, but also stimulate anticancer pathways initiated by RASSF5. We show that upon introduction into A549 lung carcinoma cells, the engineered RASSF5 mutants decreased cell viability and mobility to a significantly greater extent than WT RASSF5. In addition, these mutant proteins induce cellular senescence by increasing acetylation and decreasing phosphorylation of p53. In conclusion, engineered RASSF5 variants provide an attractive therapeutic strategy able to oppose cancer development by means of inhibiting of procancer pathways and stimulating anticancer processes.
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19
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Jang H. Ras isoform-specific expression, chromatin accessibility, and signaling. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:489-505. [PMID: 34466166 PMCID: PMC8355297 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The anchorage of Ras isoforms in the membrane and their nanocluster formations have been studied extensively, including their detailed interactions, sizes, preferred membrane environments, chemistry, and geometry. However, the staggering challenge of their epigenetics and chromatin accessibility in distinct cell states and types, which we propose is a major factor determining their specific expression, still awaits unraveling. Ras isoforms are distinguished by their C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) which acts in intracellular transport, regulation, and membrane anchorage. Here, we review some isoform-specific activities at the plasma membrane from a structural dynamic standpoint. Inspired by physics and chemistry, we recognize that understanding functional specificity requires insight into how biomolecules can organize themselves in different cellular environments. Within this framework, we suggest that isoform-specific expression may largely be controlled by the chromatin density and physical compaction, which allow (or curb) access to "chromatinized DNA." Genes are preferentially expressed in tissues: proteins expressed in pancreatic cells may not be equally expressed in lung cells. It is the rule-not an exception, and it can be at least partly understood in terms of chromatin organization and accessibility state. Genes are expressed when they can be sufficiently exposed to the transcription machinery, and they are less so when they are persistently buried in dense chromatin. Notably, chromatin accessibility can similarly determine expression of drug resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism National Cancer Institute, 1050 Boyles St, Frederick, MD 21702 USA
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20
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Ras Variant Biology and Contributions to Human Disease. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2262:3-18. [PMID: 33977468 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1190-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of cancer and RASopathy genetic databases reveals that ~19% of all cancer cases and ~4% of developmental disorders contain Ras mutations. Ras isoform and mutation variants differentially contribute to these diseases and provide an opportunity for deeper understanding of Ras function. The putative mechanisms underpinning these differences, new approaches that are being applied, and some of the key questions and challenges that remain are discussed.
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21
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Bellio H, Fumet JD, Ghiringhelli F. Targeting BRAF and RAS in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092201. [PMID: 34063682 PMCID: PMC8124706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In colorectal cancer, mutations of the KRAS and BRAF genes are quite common and can contribute to the activation of cell signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation and differentiation. These processes promote cancer growth, and in some cases, they may cause cells to develop resistance to certain types of treatment, notably EGFR inhibitors. We summarize recent knowledge regarding the effects of KRAS and BRAF mutations in the setting of colorectal cancer and discuss the new therapies under development. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the most frequent forms of cancer in the world in terms of incidence. Around 40% of CRC patients carry a mutation of the Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene, while 10% have a mutation in the B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) gene. These mutations are responsible for dysregulation of the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, leading to the proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis of cells. Activation of the MAPK pathway results in adaptive therapeutic resistance, rendering EGFR inhibitors ineffective. This review aims to highlight the recent findings that have improved our understanding of KRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer and to describe new targeted therapies, used alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Bellio
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Jean David Fumet
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Francois Ghiringhelli
- University of Burgundy-Franche Comté, Maison de l’université Esplanade Erasme, 21000 Dijon, France; (H.B.); (J.D.F.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges François Leclerc Cancer Center—UNICANCER, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 21000 Dijon, France
- Genomic and Immunotherapy Medical Institute, Dijon University Hospital, 14 rue Paul Gaffarel, 21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence:
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22
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Rezaei Adariani S, Kazemein Jasemi NS, Bazgir F, Wittich C, Amin E, Seidel CAM, Dvorsky R, Ahmadian MR. A comprehensive analysis of RAS-effector interactions reveals interaction hotspots and new binding partners. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100626. [PMID: 33930461 PMCID: PMC8163975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS effectors specifically interact with GTP-bound RAS proteins to link extracellular signals to downstream signaling pathways. These interactions rely on two types of domains, called RAS-binding (RB) and RAS association (RA) domains, which share common structural characteristics. Although the molecular nature of RAS-effector interactions is well-studied for some proteins, most of the RA/RB-domain-containing proteins remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we searched through human proteome databases, extracting 41 RA domains in 39 proteins and 16 RB domains in 14 proteins, each of which can specifically select at least one of the 25 members in the RAS family. We next comprehensively investigated the sequence–structure–function relationship between different representatives of the RAS family, including HRAS, RRAS, RALA, RAP1B, RAP2A, RHEB1, and RIT1, with all members of RA domain family proteins (RASSFs) and the RB-domain-containing CRAF. The binding affinity for RAS-effector interactions, determined using fluorescence polarization, broadly ranged between high (0.3 μM) and very low (500 μM) affinities, raising interesting questions about the consequence of these variable binding affinities in the regulation of signaling events. Sequence and structural alignments pointed to two interaction hotspots in the RA/RB domains, consisting of an average of 19 RAS-binding residues. Moreover, we found novel interactions between RRAS1, RIT1, and RALA and RASSF7, RASSF9, and RASSF1, respectively, which were systematically explored in sequence–structure–property relationship analysis, and validated by mutational analysis. These data provide a set of distinct functional properties and putative biological roles that should now be investigated in the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Rezaei Adariani
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Neda S Kazemein Jasemi
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farhad Bazgir
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Wittich
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ehsan Amin
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Institute of Neural and Sensory Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claus A M Seidel
- Chair of Molecular Physical Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Radovan Dvorsky
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohammad R Ahmadian
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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23
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Martinez NG, Thieker DF, Carey LM, Rasquinha JA, Kistler SK, Kuhlman BA, Campbell SL. Biophysical and Structural Characterization of Novel RAS-Binding Domains (RBDs) of PI3Kα and PI3Kγ. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166838. [PMID: 33539876 PMCID: PMC8005443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3Ks) are lipid kinases that phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to generate a key lipid second messenger, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-bisphosphate. PI3Kα and PI3Kγ require activation by RAS proteins to stimulate signaling pathways that control cellular growth, differentiation, motility and survival. Intriguingly, RAS binding to PI3K isoforms likely differ, as RAS mutations have been identified that discriminate between PI3Kα and PI3Kγ, consistent with low sequence homology (23%) between their RAS binding domains (RBDs). As disruption of the RAS/PI3Kα interaction reduces tumor growth in mice with RAS- and epidermal growth factor receptor driven skin and lung cancers, compounds that interfere with this key interaction may prove useful as anti-cancer agents. However, a structure of PI3Kα bound to RAS is lacking, limiting drug discovery efforts. Expression of full-length PI3K isoforms in insect cells has resulted in low yield and variable activity, limiting biophysical and structural studies of RAS/PI3K interactions. This led us to generate the first RBDs from PI3Kα and PI3Kγ that can be expressed at high yield in bacteria and bind to RAS with similar affinity to full-length PI3K. We also solved a 2.31 Å X-ray crystal structure of the PI3Kα-RBD, which aligns well to full-length PI3Kα. Structural differences between the PI3Kα and PI3Kγ RBDs are consistent with differences in thermal stability and may underly differential RAS recognition and RAS-mediated PI3K activation. These high expression, functional PI3K RBDs will aid in interrogating RAS interactions and could aid in identifying inhibitors of this key interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - David F Thieker
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Leiah M Carey
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Juhi A Rasquinha
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Samantha K Kistler
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Brian A Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.
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24
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KRAS interaction with RAF1 RAS-binding domain and cysteine-rich domain provides insights into RAS-mediated RAF activation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1176. [PMID: 33608534 PMCID: PMC7895934 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step of RAF activation involves binding to active RAS, resulting in the recruitment of RAF to the plasma membrane. To understand the molecular details of RAS-RAF interaction, we present crystal structures of wild-type and oncogenic mutants of KRAS complexed with the RAS-binding domain (RBD) and the membrane-interacting cysteine-rich domain (CRD) from the N-terminal regulatory region of RAF1. Our structures reveal that RBD and CRD interact with each other to form one structural entity in which both RBD and CRD interact extensively with KRAS. Mutations at the KRAS-CRD interface result in a significant reduction in RAF1 activation despite only a modest decrease in binding affinity. Combining our structures and published data, we provide a model of RAS-RAF complexation at the membrane, and molecular insights into RAS-RAF interaction during the process of RAS-mediated RAF activation. The molecular details of the RAS-RAF interaction are still not fully understood. Here, the authors present crystal structures of wild-type and mutant KRAS in complex with the RAS-binding and membrane-interacting cysteine-rich domains of RAF1, and propose a model of the membrane-bound RAS-RAF complex.
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Kiel C, Matallanas D, Kolch W. The Ins and Outs of RAS Effector Complexes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:236. [PMID: 33562401 PMCID: PMC7915224 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS oncogenes are among the most commonly mutated proteins in human cancers. They regulate a wide range of effector pathways that control cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration and metabolic status. Including aberrations in these pathways, RAS-dependent signaling is altered in more than half of human cancers. Targeting mutant RAS proteins and their downstream oncogenic signaling pathways has been elusive. However, recent results comprising detailed molecular studies, large scale omics studies and computational modeling have painted a new and more comprehensive portrait of RAS signaling that helps us to understand the intricacies of RAS, how its physiological and pathophysiological functions are regulated, and how we can target them. Here, we review these efforts particularly trying to relate the detailed mechanistic studies with global functional studies. We highlight the importance of computational modeling and data integration to derive an actionable understanding of RAS signaling that will allow us to design new mechanism-based therapies for RAS mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kiel
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
- UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.K.); (D.M.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Choi BH, Kou Z, Colon TM, Chen CH, Chen Y, Dai W. Identification of Radil as a Ras binding partner and putative activator. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100314. [PMID: 33482197 PMCID: PMC7949112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras genes are among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human malignancies. To date, there are no successful anticancer drugs in the clinic that target Ras proteins or their pathways. Therefore, it is imperative to identify and characterize new components that regulate Ras activity or mediate its downstream signaling. To this end, we used a combination of affinity-pulldown and mass spectrometry to search for proteins that are physically associated with KRas. One of the top hits was Radil, a gene product with a Ras-association domain. Radil is known to be a downstream effector of Rap1, inhibiting RhoA signaling to regulate cell adhesion and migration. We demonstrate that Radil interacted with all three isoforms of Ras including HRas, NRas, and KRas, although it exhibited the strongest interaction with KRas. Moreover, Radil interacts with GTP-bound Ras more efficiently, suggesting a possibility that Radil may be involved in Ras activation. Supporting this, ectopic expression of Radil led to transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Radil knockdown resulted in weakened activation of Ras downstream signaling components, which was coupled with decreased cell proliferation and invasion, and reduced expression of mesenchymal cell markers. Moreover, Radil knockdown greatly reduced the number of adhesion foci and depolymerized actin filaments, molecular processes that facilitate cancer cell migration. Taken together, our present studies strongly suggest that Radil is an important player for regulating Ras signaling, cell adhesion, and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and may provide new directions for Ras-related anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong Hyeok Choi
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ziyue Kou
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tania Marlyn Colon
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chih-Hong Chen
- Department of Surgery and Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Surgery and Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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Natural Products Attenuating Biosynthesis, Processing, and Activity of Ras Oncoproteins: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111535. [PMID: 33182807 PMCID: PMC7698260 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes encode signaling proteins, which, in mammalian cells, act as molecular switches regulating critical cellular processes as proliferation, growth, differentiation, survival, motility, and metabolism in response to specific stimuli. Deregulation of Ras functions has a high impact on human health: gain-of-function point mutations in RAS genes are found in some developmental disorders and thirty percent of all human cancers, including the deadliest. For this reason, the pathogenic Ras variants represent important clinical targets against which to develop novel, effective, and possibly selective pharmacological inhibitors. Natural products represent a virtually unlimited resource of structurally different compounds from which one could draw on for this purpose, given the improvements in isolation and screening of active molecules from complex sources. After a summary of Ras proteins molecular and regulatory features and Ras-dependent pathways relevant for drug development, we point out the most promising inhibitory approaches, the known druggable sites of wild-type and oncogenic Ras mutants, and describe the known natural compounds capable of attenuating Ras signaling. Finally, we highlight critical issues and perspectives for the future selection of potential Ras inhibitors from natural sources.
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Abankwa D, Gorfe AA. Mechanisms of Ras Membrane Organization and Signaling: Ras Rocks Again. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1522. [PMID: 33172116 PMCID: PMC7694788 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene and recent drug development efforts have spurred significant new research interest. Here we review progress toward understanding how Ras functions in nanoscale, proteo-lipid signaling complexes on the plasma membrane, called nanoclusters. We discuss how G-domain reorientation is plausibly linked to Ras-nanoclustering and -dimerization. We then look at how these mechanistic features could cooperate in the engagement and activation of RAF by Ras. Moreover, we show how this structural information can be integrated with microscopy data that provide nanoscale resolution in cell biological experiments. Synthesizing the available data, we propose to distinguish between two types of Ras nanoclusters, an active, immobile RAF-dependent type and an inactive/neutral membrane anchor-dependent. We conclude that it is possible that Ras reorientation enables dynamic Ras dimerization while the whole Ras/RAF complex transits into an active state. These transient di/oligomer interfaces of Ras may be amenable to pharmacological intervention. We close by highlighting a number of open questions including whether all effectors form active nanoclusters and whether there is an isoform specific composition of Ras nanocluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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29
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Abstract
RAS was identified as a human oncogene in the early 1980s and subsequently found to be mutated in nearly 30% of all human cancers. More importantly, RAS plays a central role in driving tumor development and maintenance. Despite decades of effort, there remain no FDA approved drugs that directly inhibit RAS. The prevalence of RAS mutations in cancer and the lack of effective anti-RAS therapies stem from RAS' core role in growth factor signaling, unique structural features, and biochemistry. However, recent advances have brought promising new drugs to clinical trials and shone a ray of hope in the field. Here, we will exposit the details of RAS biology that illustrate its key role in cell signaling and shed light on the difficulties in therapeutically targeting RAS. Furthermore, past and current efforts to develop RAS inhibitors will be discussed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Matthew Rhett
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.
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Analysis of RAS protein interactions in living cells reveals a mechanism for pan-RAS depletion by membrane-targeted RAS binders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12121-12130. [PMID: 32424096 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000848117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS4A/KRAS4B comprise the RAS family of small GTPases that regulate signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. RAS pathway abnormalities cause developmental disorders and cancers. We found that KRAS4B colocalizes on the cell membrane with other RAS isoforms and a subset of prenylated small GTPase family members using a live-cell quantitative split luciferase complementation assay. RAS protein coclustering is mainly mediated by membrane association-facilitated interactions (MAFIs). Using the RAS-RBD (CRAF RAS binding domain) interaction as a model system, we showed that MAFI alone is not sufficient to induce RBD-mediated RAS inhibition. Surprisingly, we discovered that high-affinity membrane-targeted RAS binding proteins inhibit RAS activity and deplete RAS proteins through an autophagosome-lysosome-mediated degradation pathway. Our results provide a mechanism for regulating RAS activity and protein levels, a more detailed understanding of which should lead to therapeutic strategies for inhibiting and depleting oncogenic RAS proteins.
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Ghodsinia AA, Lego JAMT, Garcia RL. Mutation-Associated Phenotypic Heterogeneity in Novel and Canonical PIK3CA Helical and Kinase Domain Mutants. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051116. [PMID: 32365913 PMCID: PMC7290687 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) is an oncogene often mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC). The contribution of PIK3CA mutations in acquired resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy is well documented, but their prognostic and predictive value remain unclear. Domain- and exon-specific mutations are implicated in either favorable or poor prognoses, but there is paucity in the number of mutations characterized outside of the mutational hotspots. Here, two novel non-hotspot mutants-Q661K in exon 13 and C901R in exon 19-were characterized alongside the canonical exon 9 E545K and exon 20 H1047R mutants in NIH3T3 and HCT116 cells. Q661K and E545K both map to the helical domain, whereas C901R and H1047R map to the kinase domain. Results showed variable effects of Q661K and C901R on morphology, cellular proliferation, apoptosis resistance, and cytoskeletal reorganization, with both not having any effect on cellular migration. In comparison, E545K markedly promoted proliferation, survival, cytoskeletal reorganization, migration, and spheroid formation, whereas H1047R only enhanced the first three. In silico docking suggested these mutations negatively affect binding of the p85 alpha regulatory subunit to PIK3CA, thereby relieving PIK3CA inhibition. Altogether, these findings support intra-domain and mutation-specific variability in oncogenic readouts, with implications in degree of aggressiveness.
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Kopra K, Vuorinen E, Abreu-Blanco M, Wang Q, Eskonen V, Gillette W, Pulliainen AT, Holderfield M, Härmä H. Homogeneous Dual-Parametric-Coupled Assay for Simultaneous Nucleotide Exchange and KRAS/RAF-RBD Interaction Monitoring. Anal Chem 2020; 92:4971-4979. [PMID: 32106676 PMCID: PMC7143314 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a rapid and sensitive single-well dual-parametric method introduced in linked RAS nucleotide exchange and RAS/RAF-RBD interaction assays. RAS mutations are frequent drivers of multiple different human cancers, but the development of therapeutic strategies has been challenging. Traditionally, efforts to disrupt the RAS function have focused on nucleotide exchange inhibitors, GTP-RAS interaction inhibitors, and activators increasing GTPase activity of mutant RAS proteins. As the amount of biological knowledge grows, targeted biochemical assays enabling high-throughput screening have become increasingly interesting. We have previously introduced a homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer (QRET) assay for nucleotide binding studies with RAS and heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we introduce a novel homogeneous signaling technique called QTR-FRET, which combine QRET technology and time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET). The dual-parametric QTR-FRET technique enables the linking of guanine nucleotide exchange factor-induced Eu3+-GTP association to RAS, monitored at 615 nm, and subsequent Eu3+-GTP-loaded RAS interaction with RAF-RBD-Alexa680 monitored at 730 nm. Both reactions were monitored in a single-well assay applicable for inhibitor screening and real-time reaction monitoring. This homogeneous assay enables separable detection of both nucleotide exchange and RAS/RAF interaction inhibitors using low nanomolar protein concentrations. To demonstrate a wider applicability as a screening and real-time reaction monitoring method, the QTR-FRET technique was also applied for G(i)α GTP-loading and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of G(i)α, for which we synthesized a novel γ-GTP-Eu3+ molecule. The study indicates that the QTR-FRET detection technique presented here can be readily applied to dual-parametric assays for various targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Kopra
- Materials Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Emmiliisa Vuorinen
- Materials Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Abreu-Blanco
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Eskonen
- Materials Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - William Gillette
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Arto T Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew Holderfield
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Dr., Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Harri Härmä
- Materials Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
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Wiechmann S, Maisonneuve P, Grebbin BM, Hoffmeister M, Kaulich M, Clevers H, Rajalingam K, Kurinov I, Farin HF, Sicheri F, Ernst A. Conformation-specific inhibitors of activated Ras GTPases reveal limited Ras dependency of patient-derived cancer organoids. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4526-4540. [PMID: 32086379 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPases H, K, and NRAS are molecular switches indispensable for proper regulation of cellular proliferation and growth. Several mutations in the genes encoding members of this protein family are associated with cancer and result in aberrant activation of signaling processes caused by a deregulated recruitment of downstream effector proteins. In this study, we engineered variants of the Ras-binding domain (RBD) of the C-Raf proto-oncogene, Ser/Thr kinase (CRAF). These variants bound with high affinity with the effector-binding site of Ras in an active conformation. Structural characterization disclosed how the newly identified RBD mutations cooperate and thereby enhance affinity with the effector-binding site in Ras compared with WT RBD. The engineered RBD variants closely mimicked the interaction mode of naturally occurring Ras effectors and acted as dominant-negative affinity reagents that block Ras signal transduction. Experiments with cancer cells showed that expression of these RBD variants inhibits Ras signaling, reducing cell growth and inducing apoptosis. Using these optimized RBD variants, we stratified patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids with known Ras mutational status according to their response to Ras inhibition. These results revealed that the presence of Ras mutations was insufficient to predict sensitivity to Ras inhibition, suggesting that not all of these tumors required Ras signaling for proliferation. In summary, by engineering the Ras/Raf interface of the CRAF-RBD, we identified potent and selective inhibitors of Ras in its active conformation that outcompete binding of Ras-signaling effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wiechmann
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Frankfurt-Medical Faculty, University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pierre Maisonneuve
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Britta M Grebbin
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Meike Hoffmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Frankfurt-Medical Faculty, University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) Theodor Fontane, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuel Kaulich
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Frankfurt-Medical Faculty, University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Netherlands, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Igor Kurinov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, NE-CAT, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - Henner F Farin
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Sicheri
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University Frankfurt-Medical Faculty, University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany .,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Post JB, Roodhart JML, Snippert HJG. Colorectal Cancer Modeling with Organoids: Discriminating between Oncogenic RAS and BRAF Variants. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:111-129. [PMID: 32061302 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RAS and BRAF proteins are frequently mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and have been associated with therapy resistance in metastatic CRC patients. RAS isoforms are considered to act as redundant entities in physiological and pathological settings. However, there is compelling evidence that mutant variants of RAS and BRAF have different oncogenic potentials and therapeutic outcomes. In this review we describe similarities and differences between various RAS and BRAF oncogenes in CRC development, histology, and therapy resistance. In addition, we discuss the potential of patient-derived tumor organoids for personalized therapy, as well as CRC modeling using genome editing in preclinical model systems to study similarities and discrepancies between the effects of oncogenic MAPK pathway mutations on tumor growth and drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin B Post
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine M L Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Non-Redundant and Overlapping Oncogenic Readouts of Non-Canonical and Novel Colorectal Cancer KRAS and NRAS Mutants. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121557. [PMID: 31816869 PMCID: PMC6952822 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS oncogene family members are molecular switches of signaling pathways that control cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In colorectal cancer, Kirsten-RAS (KRAS) and neuroblastoma-RAS (NRAS) are the commonly mutated isoforms. Activating mutations in RAS result in cellular transformation independent of upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-initiated signaling. The present study characterized the functional consequences of non-canonical/novel KRAS and NRAS mutants identified in a targeted next-generation sequencing study of colorectal cancer specimens from Filipino patients. In vitro assays in NIH3T3 cells showed that similar to the canonical KRAS G12D mutant, overexpression of KRAS G12S, A59T, and Y137C, but not NRAS G12D and NRAS A11V, confer higher proliferation and migration rates. HCT116 cells transfected with the novel NRAS A11V and the canonical NRAS G12D, but not the KRAS mutants, display enhanced resistance to apoptosis. All four non-canonical/novel KRAS and NRAS mutants induce gross changes in F-actin cytoskeletal organization and cellular morphology of NIH3T3 cells. Only KRAS G12S and KRAS A59T appear to deregulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and its downstream target ETS transcription factor ELK1 (ELK1). Elucidation of differential effector engagement responsible for the variable phenotypic readouts of the mutants is warranted. If validated by mouse studies and clinical correlates, these can have wider implications in choosing treatment options.
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36
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Paduch DA, Hilz S, Grimson A, Schlegel PN, Jedlicka AE, Wright WW. Aberrant gene expression by Sertoli cells in infertile men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216586. [PMID: 31071133 PMCID: PMC6508736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome is a severe form of human male infertility seemingly characterized by the lack all spermatogenic cells. However, tubules of some SCO testes contain small patches of active spermatogenesis and thus spermatogonial stem cells. We hypothesized that these stem cells cannot replicate and seed spermatogenesis in barren areas of tubule because as-of-yet unrecognized deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression disable most stem cell niches. Performing the first thorough comparison of the transcriptomes of human testes exhibiting complete spermatogenesis with the transcriptomes of testes with SCO syndrome, we defined transcripts that are both predominantly expressed by Sertoli cells and expressed at aberrant levels in SCO testes. Some of these transcripts encode proteins required for the proper assembly of adherent and gap junctions at sites of contact with other cells, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Other transcripts encode GDNF, FGF8 and BMP4, known regulators of mouse SSCs. Thus, most SCO Sertoli cells can neither organize junctions at normal sites of cell-cell contact nor stimulate SSCs with adequate levels of growth factors. We propose that the critical deficits in Sertoli cell gene expression we have identified contribute to the inability of spermatogonial stem cells within small patches of spermatogenesis in some SCO testes to seed spermatogenesis to adjacent areas of tubule that are barren of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we predict that one or more of these deficits in gene expression are primary causes of human SCO syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius A. Paduch
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Hilz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Genomic Analysis and Sequencing Core Facility, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Peter N. Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Jedlicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William W. Wright
- Consulting Research Services, Inc, North Bergen, N.J., United States of America
- * E-mail:
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37
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McCarthy M, Pagba CV, Prakash P, Naji AK, van der Hoeven D, Liang H, Gupta AK, Zhou Y, Cho KJ, Hancock JF, Gorfe AA. Discovery of High-Affinity Noncovalent Allosteric KRAS Inhibitors That Disrupt Effector Binding. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:2921-2930. [PMID: 30842983 PMCID: PMC6396121 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b03308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15% of all human tumors harbor mutant KRAS, a membrane-associated small GTPase and notorious oncogene. Mutations that render KRAS constitutively active will lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. However, despite aggressive efforts in recent years, there are no drugs on the market that directly target KRAS and inhibit its aberrant functions. In the current work, we combined structure-based design with a battery of cell and biophysical assays to discover a novel pyrazolopyrimidine-based allosteric KRAS inhibitor that binds to activated KRAS with sub-micromolar affinity and disrupts effector binding, thereby inhibiting KRAS signaling and cancer cell growth. These results show that pyrazolopyrimidine-based compounds may represent a first-in-class allosteric noncovalent inhibitors of KRAS. Moreover, by studying two of its analogues, we identified key chemical features of the compound that interact with a set of specific residues at the switch regions of KRAS and play critical roles for its high-affinity binding and unique mode of action, thus providing a blueprint for future optimization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
J. McCarthy
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Cynthia V. Pagba
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Priyanka Prakash
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ali K. Naji
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 7500, United States
| | - Dharini van der Hoeven
- Department
of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 7500, United States
| | - Hong Liang
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Amit K. Gupta
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, United States
| | - John F. Hancock
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department
of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Biochemistry
and Cell Biology Program, UTHealth MD Anderson
Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- E-mail: (A.A.G.)
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38
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Nussinov R, Tsai CJ, Shehu A, Jang H. Computational Structural Biology: Successes, Future Directions, and Challenges. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030637. [PMID: 30759724 PMCID: PMC6384756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational biology has made powerful advances. Among these, trends in human health have been uncovered through heterogeneous 'big data' integration, and disease-associated genes were identified and classified. Along a different front, the dynamic organization of chromatin is being elucidated to gain insight into the fundamental question of genome regulation. Powerful conformational sampling methods have also been developed to yield a detailed molecular view of cellular processes. when combining these methods with the advancements in the modeling of supramolecular assemblies, including those at the membrane, we are finally able to get a glimpse into how cells' actions are regulated. Perhaps most intriguingly, a major thrust is on to decipher the mystery of how the brain is coded. Here, we aim to provide a broad, yet concise, sketch of modern aspects of computational biology, with a special focus on computational structural biology. We attempt to forecast the areas that computational structural biology will embrace in the future and the challenges that it may face. We skirt details, highlight successes, note failures, and map directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Amarda Shehu
- Departments of Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, and School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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39
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Structural snapshots of RAF kinase interactions. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1393-1406. [PMID: 30381334 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAF (rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma) Ser/Thr kinases (ARAF, BRAF, and CRAF) link the RAS (rat sarcoma) protein family with the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway and control cell growth, differentiation, development, aging, and tumorigenesis. Their activity is specifically modulated by protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and conformational changes in specific spatiotemporal patterns via various upstream regulators, including the kinases, phosphatase, GTPases, and scaffold and modulator proteins. Dephosphorylation of Ser-259 (CRAF numbering) and dissociation of 14-3-3 release the RAF regulatory domains RAS-binding domain and cysteine-rich domain for interaction with RAS-GTP and membrane lipids. This, in turn, results in RAF phosphorylation at Ser-621 and 14-3-3 reassociation, followed by its dimerization and ultimately substrate binding and phosphorylation. This review focuses on structural understanding of how distinct binding partners trigger a cascade of molecular events that induces RAF kinase activation.
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40
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Yen I, Shanahan F, Merchant M, Orr C, Hunsaker T, Durk M, La H, Zhang X, Martin SE, Lin E, Chan J, Yu Y, Amin D, Neve RM, Gustafson A, Venkatanarayan A, Foster SA, Rudolph J, Klijn C, Malek S. Pharmacological Induction of RAS-GTP Confers RAF Inhibitor Sensitivity in KRAS Mutant Tumors. Cancer Cell 2018; 34:611-625.e7. [PMID: 30300582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeting KRAS mutant tumors through inhibition of individual downstream pathways has had limited clinical success. Here we report that RAF inhibitors exhibit little efficacy in KRAS mutant tumors. In combination drug screens, MEK and PI3K inhibitors synergized with pan-RAF inhibitors through an RAS-GTP-dependent mechanism. Broad cell line profiling with RAF/MEK inhibitor combinations revealed synergistic efficacy in KRAS mutant and wild-type tumors, with KRASG13D mutants exhibiting greater synergy versus KRASG12 mutant tumors. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that MEK inhibition induced RAS-GTP levels, RAF dimerization and RAF kinase activity resulting in MEK phosphorylation in synergistic tumor lines regardless of KRAS status. Taken together, our studies uncover a strategy to rewire KRAS mutant tumors to confer sensitivity to RAF kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Yen
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Frances Shanahan
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christine Orr
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Thomas Hunsaker
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Matthew Durk
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hank La
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Scott E Martin
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Eva Lin
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - John Chan
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yihong Yu
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dhara Amin
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Richard M Neve
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Amy Gustafson
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Scott A Foster
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Joachim Rudolph
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christiaan Klijn
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Shiva Malek
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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41
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Autoinhibition in Ras effectors Raf, PI3Kα, and RASSF5: a comprehensive review underscoring the challenges in pharmacological intervention. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1263-1282. [PMID: 30269291 PMCID: PMC6233353 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0461-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoinhibition is an effective mechanism that guards proteins against spurious activation. Despite its ubiquity, the distinct organizations of the autoinhibited states and their release mechanisms differ. Signaling is most responsive to the cell environment only if a small shift in the equilibrium is required to switch the system from an inactive (occluded) to an active (exposed) state. Ras signaling follows this paradigm. This underscores the challenge in pharmacological intervention to exploit and enhance autoinhibited states. Here, we review autoinhibition and release mechanisms at the membrane focusing on three representative Ras effectors, Raf protein kinase, PI3Kα lipid kinase, and NORE1A (RASSF5) tumor suppressor, and point to the ramifications to drug discovery. We further touch on Ras upstream and downstream signaling, Ras activation, and the Ras superfamily in this light, altogether providing a broad outlook of the principles and complexities of autoinhibition.
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42
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Bery N, Cruz-Migoni A, Bataille CJ, Quevedo CE, Tulmin H, Miller A, Russell A, Phillips SE, Carr SB, Rabbitts TH. BRET-based RAS biosensors that show a novel small molecule is an inhibitor of RAS-effector protein-protein interactions. eLife 2018; 7:37122. [PMID: 29989546 PMCID: PMC6039175 DOI: 10.7554/elife.37122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS family of proteins is amongst the most highly mutated in human cancers and has so far eluded drug therapy. Currently, much effort is being made to discover mutant RAS inhibitors and in vitro screening for RAS-binding drugs must be followed by cell-based assays. Here, we have developed a robust set of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based RAS biosensors that enable monitoring of RAS-effector interaction inhibition in living cells. These include KRAS, HRAS and NRAS and a variety of different mutations that mirror those found in human cancers with the major RAS effectors such as CRAF, PI3K and RALGDS. We highlighted the utility of these RAS biosensors by showing a RAS-binding compound is a potent pan-RAS-effector interactions inhibitor in cells. The RAS biosensors represent a useful tool to investigate and characterize the potency of anti-RAS inhibitors in cells and more generally any RAS protein-protein interaction (PPI) in cells. A group of proteins known as the RAS family plays a critical role in controlling animal cell growth and division. RAS proteins are normally active only some of the time, but genetic mutations can create permanently active forms of the proteins. These constantly interact with other proteins called effectors. In response, cells multiply uncontrollably and give rise to cancers. In an attempt to find new cancer treatments, researchers across the globe are trying to develop inhibitor drugs that prevent RAS and effector proteins from interacting. New drugs are often tested in laboratory experiments that directly apply the drugs to the proteins that they are designed to work on. But in some cases a drug may work wellin the laboratory but fail to work when used in cells. Unfortunately, there are few ways to judge how well inhibitor drugs work inside living cells. Bery et al. have now developed RAS biosensors – a collection of proteins that bind to RAS and produce light more brightly when RAS interacts with effector proteins in living cells. Tests on cells treated with an antibody that works inside cells and is known to prevent interactions between RAS and effector proteins confirmed that the RAS biosensors work well. Bery et al. then used the RAS biosensors to show that a new RAS inhibitor works in human cancer cells. The RAS biosensors are available upon request to researchers across the globe. They should form an important tool for testing potential treatments for cancers that contain mutated RAS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Bery
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abimael Cruz-Migoni
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, United Kingdom
| | | | - Camilo E Quevedo
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hanna Tulmin
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ami Miller
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon Ev Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B Carr
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Terence H Rabbitts
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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43
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Erickson KE, Rukhlenko OS, Posner RG, Hlavacek WS, Kholodenko BN. New insights into RAS biology reinvigorate interest in mathematical modeling of RAS signaling. Semin Cancer Biol 2018. [PMID: 29518522 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RAS is the most frequently mutated gene across human cancers, but developing inhibitors of mutant RAS has proven to be challenging. Given the difficulties of targeting RAS directly, drugs that impact the other components of pathways where mutant RAS operates may potentially be effective. However, the system-level features, including different localizations of RAS isoforms, competition between downstream effectors, and interlocking feedback and feed-forward loops, must be understood to fully grasp the opportunities and limitations of inhibiting specific targets. Mathematical modeling can help us discern the system-level impacts of these features in normal and cancer cells. New technologies enable the acquisition of experimental data that will facilitate development of realistic models of oncogenic RAS behavior. In light of the wealth of empirical data accumulated over decades of study and the advancement of experimental methods for gathering new data, modelers now have the opportunity to advance progress toward realization of targeted treatment for mutant RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keesha E Erickson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Oleksii S Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Richard G Posner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - William S Hlavacek
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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44
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Nakhaei-Rad S, Haghighi F, Nouri P, Rezaei Adariani S, Lissy J, Kazemein Jasemi NS, Dvorsky R, Ahmadian MR. Structural fingerprints, interactions, and signaling networks of RAS family proteins beyond RAS isoforms. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:130-156. [PMID: 29457927 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1431605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Nakhaei-Rad
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Fereshteh Haghighi
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Parivash Nouri
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Soheila Rezaei Adariani
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Jana Lissy
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Neda S Kazemein Jasemi
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Radovan Dvorsky
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty , Heinrich-Heine University , Düsseldorf , Germany
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45
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Abstract
How do Ras isoforms attain oncogenic specificity at the membrane? Oncogenic KRas, HRas, and NRas (K-Ras, H-Ras, and N-Ras) differentially populate distinct cancers. How they selectively activate effectors and why is KRas4B the most prevalent are highly significant questions. Here, we consider determinants that may bias isoform-specific effector activation and signaling at the membrane. We merge functional data with a conformational view to provide mechanistic insight. Cell-specific expression levels, pathway cross-talk, and distinct interactions are the key, but conformational trends can modulate selectivity. There are two major pathways in oncogenic Ras-driven proliferation: MAPK (Raf/MEK/ERK) and PI3Kα/Akt/mTOR. All membrane-anchored, proximally located, oncogenic Ras isoforms can promote Raf dimerization and fully activate MAPK signaling. So why the differential statistics of oncogenic isoforms in distinct cancers and what makes KRas so highly oncogenic? Many cell-specific factors may be at play, including higher KRAS mRNA levels. As a key factor, we suggest that because only KRas4B binds calmodulin, only KRas can fully activate PI3Kα/Akt signaling. We propose that full activation of both MAPK and PI3Kα/Akt proliferative pathways by oncogenic KRas4B-but not by HRas or NRas-may help explain why the KRas4B isoform is especially highly populated in certain cancers. We further discuss pharmacologic implications. Cancer Res; 78(3); 593-602. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland. .,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
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46
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Nussinov R, Tsai CJ, Jang H. Oncogenic Ras Isoforms Signaling Specificity at the Membrane. Cancer Res 2017; 78:593-602. [PMID: 29273632 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
How do Ras isoforms attain oncogenic specificity at the membrane? Oncogenic KRas, HRas, and NRas (K-Ras, H-Ras, and N-Ras) differentially populate distinct cancers. How they selectively activate effectors and why is KRas4B the most prevalent are highly significant questions. Here, we consider determinants that may bias isoform-specific effector activation and signaling at the membrane. We merge functional data with a conformational view to provide mechanistic insight. Cell-specific expression levels, pathway cross-talk, and distinct interactions are the key, but conformational trends can modulate selectivity. There are two major pathways in oncogenic Ras-driven proliferation: MAPK (Raf/MEK/ERK) and PI3Kα/Akt/mTOR. All membrane-anchored, proximally located, oncogenic Ras isoforms can promote Raf dimerization and fully activate MAPK signaling. So why the differential statistics of oncogenic isoforms in distinct cancers and what makes KRas so highly oncogenic? Many cell-specific factors may be at play, including higher KRAS mRNA levels. As a key factor, we suggest that because only KRas4B binds calmodulin, only KRas can fully activate PI3Kα/Akt signaling. We propose that full activation of both MAPK and PI3Kα/Akt proliferative pathways by oncogenic KRas4B-but not by HRas or NRas-may help explain why the KRas4B isoform is especially highly populated in certain cancers. We further discuss pharmacologic implications. Cancer Res; 78(3); 593-602. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland. .,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
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47
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Thurman R, Siraliev-Perez E, Campbell SL. RAS ubiquitylation modulates effector interactions. Small GTPases 2017; 11:180-185. [PMID: 29185849 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1371267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins function as molecular switches that regulate cellular growth by cycling between active GTP- and inactive GDP bound states. While RAS activity is modulated by factors (guanine nucleotide exchange and GTPase activating proteins) that control levels of active Ras-GTP, RAS proteins also undergo a number of post-translational modifications that regulate their function. One such modification is ubiquitylation. Monoubiquitylation of KRAS at lysine 147 (mUbRAS) enhances Ras activation and promotes signaling through the RAF and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways. We have previously shown that mUbRAS leads to activation of RAS through a defect in GTPase activating protein (GAP) mediated downregulation, similar to the action of most oncogenic mutations. Consistent with these findings, we now show that mUbRASimpairsRAS binding to the p120 GAP catalytic domain. Mutations in activated G12V RAS that prevent ubiquitylaton at 147 show a decrease in tumorigenesis, suggesting that in addition to activating KRAS, monoubiquitylation at this site may promote downstream signaling and transformation. To investigate whether mUbRAS alters RAS effector interactions, we chemically ubiquitylated KRAS at residue 147 and characterized binding of mUbRAS to RAS binding domains (RBDs) from three distinct downstream effectors that play key roles in RAS-mediated transformation. Results from these studies show a decrease in binding of mUbRAS (7-10-fold) relative to the CRAF RAS Binding Domain (RBD), the catalytic subunit of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase catalytic gamma (PI3Kcγ) and RALGDS RBD. Intriguingly, we find that mUbRAS shows greatly enhanced (> 40-fold) binding to the CRAF RBD when bound to GDP. These findings, taken together, suggest that mUbRASmay promoteactivation of RAS through a GAP defect, and facilitate RAF association and MAPK signaling in a nucleotide independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Thurman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Edhriz Siraliev-Perez
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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